Gibraltar Insight™ March 2021

THE ROCK’S LONGEST RUNNING MAGAZINE

I’M YOURS FREE COPY

£2 mainland UK where sold.

Take Me

MARCH 2021

LYNX FC Rock & Rollin'

Photograph © Mario Garcia

With The Punches

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MA R CH ISSUE 59

Contents

26

34

Community Insight

40

Features

8

SUPPORT FOR ERS

13

#HARDTOHACK

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IT’S HONOURS TIME

19

THE INNOVATION HUB OF SOUTHERN EUROPE

22

LEADERS & LEGENDS

33

NERYS PEARCE - RACER

34

FLAMENCO: ROOTS IN ISLAM?

35

LOVE AT FIRST TYPE

Business Insight 11

MILESTONE VEHICLE CONVERSION

Football Insight 26

LYNX FC: A FUTSAL DIARY

Forces Insight 24

PROMOTIONS AT RGR

Regular Features 16 TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT: TIME TO GO ULTRAWIDE? 28 SPORTS INSIGHT: CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 30 TAGORE GROUP COMPETITION 38 MOTORING INSIGHT: ZOOM ZOOM 40 HISTORY: BARRACK LIFE 1797 42 ADOPT DON’T SHOP 43 A VET’S INSIGHT: FISHING HOOKS & YOUR DOGS 44 GIBRALTAR STREET CATS 45 PACS 48 HEALTH: NO SMOKING DAY 53 JUST MARRIED ON THE ROCK 54 HOROSCOPES 58 LIGHT & POWER CROSSWORD

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+44 (0) 203 733 2345 info@montanasgroup.com montanasgroup.com

WITH IT & COMPLIANCE SERVICES FROM THE MONTANAS GROUP We are a specialist IT and compliance services provider.

We work with clients all over the world delivering market leading services and consultancy. Our goal is a simple one; assist our clients in achieving and maintaining market leadership through the intelligent application of technology and associated services.

HOW SECURE IS YOUR NETWORK? Claim your free security and vulnerability assesment today.

Delivered via Microsoft Teams or Zoom

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

Accounts & Administration: Rosemary Salah-El-Din

Published by GBZ Media Ltd, WorkLab, Eurotowers Complex, Westone, Europort Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA

Creative Director: Ben Lewis Executive Editor: Ross Ford For advertising & general queries, contact: +350 22251308

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

Email:

hello@gibraltarinsight.com

Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

Web:

www.gibraltarinsight.com

Socials:

@GBZinsight

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.

@MumOnTheRockGBZ @BermudaInsight @SYOGuide @GBZmedia

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

ELDERLY RESIDENTIAL SERVICES A TEAM OF SIX MILITARY MEDICS FROM BRITISH FORCES GIBRALTAR HAS BEEN WORKING ALONGSIDE STAFF FROM THE ELDERLY RESIDENTIAL SERVICES (ERS) AT THE MOUNT ALVERNIA SITE IN RESPONSE TO THE WIDER COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Lieutenant Commander Mark Chambers Royal Navy, HQBF Gibratar’s Medical Staff Officer commented,“This military aid to civil authorities (MACA) task was well planned and delivered here in Gibraltar. Our team members, who were fresh, enthusiastic, capable and cheerful, were very well received and enormously valued by the residents and staff alike.

Hopefully we have made a genuine difference and it’s good to know the team has been able to play a small part in the amazing efforts in the ERS which has seen the numbers of residents with COVID 19 drop significantly.”

NATIONAL TRAILS ACT THE GIBRALTAR HERITAGE TRUST HAS WELCOMED THE NEWLY PUBLISHED NATIONAL TRAILS ACT. The Gibraltar Heritage Trust has welcomed the newly published National Trails Act. Many paths in and around Upper Rock are protected already, but the scope of the new Act allows for many more areas that were formally under Ministry of Defence control to be listed.

are protected into the future. It has been particularly poignant that this Act has been passed at a time in our history when open areas and walking routes are such an important part of our lockdown routines and recreational space."

A spokesperson added, "The protection of these footpaths and throughways under this legislation means that these open spaces will be protected as such for the future ensuring that the wildlife, heritage assets, views and landscapes

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

COVID Vaccine Update By close to the end of February, a total of 34,600 COVID-19 vaccines had been administered in Gibraltar.

specific medical circumstances has meant they're more suited to this version of the vaccine.

This is a phenomenal achievement and everyone at Insight applauds all involved in #OperationFreedom. Thank you.

Minister for Health, the Hon Samantha Sacramento, said, “Our incredibly successful vaccination programme has delivered first doses of the Pfizer vaccine to almost two thirds of the population of Gibraltar with little side effects and an impressive level of protection.

The great progress now allows the GHA to encourage those over 40 to get in touch.

Anyone over this age who has not yet been invited for vaccination and who has not previously registered with the GHA online database, is encouraged to do so using the online form: www.gha.gi/registration-for-over-40s/ or call 20066966.

I feel very optimistic that we can now slowly but safely unlock our community and our health services due to the programme and the level of uptake from the community. We will continue to offer the Pfizer vaccine only, except in very select clinically assessed individuals.”

In terms of the deployment itself, Gibraltar remains committed to rolling out predominately the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. A small number of the Oxford- AstraZeneca doses have been received by the GHA, but these have been allocated to individuals whose

“I am extremely pleased at the pace of our extremely successful the vaccine programme against COVID-19 and I’d like to thank everyone who continue to work extremely hard every day to inoculate as many people in our community as quickly as possible."

THE GIBRALTAR HONOURS BOARD (GHB), UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE GOVERNOR, WILL MEET IN THE COMING MONTHS TO CONSIDER NOMINATIONS FOR THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 2022; AND THE GIBRALTAR AWARD, WHICH IS AWARDED BY THE GHB AND ANNOUNCED COINCIDENT WITH THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS 2022.

Nominations should be submitted to recognise those people, from any section of the Gibraltarian Community, which 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 on a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nomination Proforma for the attention of: The GHB Secretary Office of the Governor The Convent Main Street Gibraltar GX11 1AA. Nominations can be submitted by anyone.

A copy of the FCDO Nomination Proforma, along with detailed guidance on its completion, is available from The Convent entrance in Main Street or from the GHB Secretary at enquiry.gibraltar@fco.gov.uk Up to two letters of endorsement from those with a personal knowledge of the nominee’s contribution or service should support nominations.

Nominations will be considered by the GHB for the following Honours – albeit nominations should not recommend someone for a specific award as this is decided by the GHB: GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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

Awarded for having made a most prominent, distinguished and decisive contribution/service up to international level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian community up to international level.

IT'S

URS O N O H

TIME

Officer of the British Empire (OBE).

Awarded for having made a most prominent, distinguished and decisive contribution/service at national level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to an all-encompassing enhancement of life/ outcomes for the Gibraltarian community.

Member of the British Empire (MBE).

Awarded for having made a most distinguished and decisive contribution/service at local level within a certain field or for discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian community.

British Empire Medal (BEM).

Awarded for a most distinguished and decisive hands-on contribution/service at a local level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian community.

Gibraltar Award (GA).

Awarded for a most distinguished and decisive hands-on contribution/service at a local level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian community.

NOM NOMINAT INATIONS IONS MUS MUST T BE BE REC RECEIVE EIVED D NO NO LATE LATER R THA THAN N

Monday 6th April 2021.

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SOVEREIGN CORPORATE SERVICES Establish and Support your Business Market Entry Insurance business packages SOVEREIGN PRIVATE CLIENT Wealth management Asset protection Insurance SOVEREIGN RETIREMENT PLANNING Global Personal and Occupational Pensions Founded in Gibraltar in 1987 Sovereign has since grown into one of the world’s largest independent corporate and trust service providers currently managing over 20,000 clients with assets under administration in excess of US$10 billion.

To contact us email: gib@SovereignGroup.com or call +350 200 76173 Bahamas Bahrain China – Beijing, Shanghai Cyprus Gibraltar Guernsey Hong Kong Isle of Man Malta Mauritius Portugal Saudi Arabia Singapore South Africa Switzerland United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai United Kingdom – London, Wirral

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MARCH 2021

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BUSINESS INSIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOVEREIGN GROUP

Milestone Vehicle

Conversion Some 335 Jeeps have been converted and shipped from Gibraltar as part of a contract with the US Department of Defense.

It marks a milestone as it is the first time local firm AADS has done the conversion work in its own facilities in the Rock. In this instance, the work morphed the Jeeps into personnel and cargo cargo carriers.

The J8 Jeeps tend to be used all around the world for the likes of peacekeeping, border patrols, and in the fight against drugs.

It's the latest in line of a decade's worth of orders from the US agency and sits alongside conversions and distribution of vehicles for other NATO countries such as Italy

In advance of the Climate Change Summit - COP26 - to be held in Glasgow later in the year, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Climate Change John Cortes participated in a virtual meeting on this hot topic.

The meeting coincided with the 16th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, the first global agreement on climate change Dr Cortes attended both as Gibraltar Environment Minister and in his role as Chair of the UK Overseas Territories’ Environment Ministers’ Council, having been nominated to represent the OTs by UKOTA, the UK Overseas Territories’ Association.

The meeting aimed at preparing the groundwork in achieving some of the main aims of COP26, those of encouraging greater action to preserve ecosystems and keep countries, communities and people safe from the impacts of climate change.

Dr Cortes’ contribution centred on the need for the international community in a post-Covid eco-

nomic crisis to guard against any action which will be detrimental to the environment and to the climate crisis, and that restoring the world’s economy cannot take precedence over dealing with the climate and biodiversity crises.

John Cortes commented, “Nations around the world will be coming together once again trying to address the global climate and biodiversity crises.

Gibraltar has a contribution to make, and I have the honour to be able to make the case also for island communities in the Caribbean and elsewhere which are particularly exposed to severe weather events and sea level rise provoked by humanity’s failure to address the crisis. I sincerely hope that we will get positive outcomes from COP 26 and all these preparatory events.”

OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING COUNTERS OPEN The Ministry for Business has announced that counters at the Office of Fair Trading will reopen on Wednesday 3rd March 2021.

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Opening hours will be from 8:30am to 3:00pm at Suite 975, Europort.

The counters have been closed during the recent COVID-19 lockdown and the Ministry hopes that the reopening will be bring back some normality to businesses and our aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Minister for Business, the Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, said, “Businesses have

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been through extremely difficult times during the Covid lockdown. I hope the reopening of counters will make life easier for our entrepreneurs and will expedite applications. I want to stress that I am always available to assist on any business matters, including licensing, as I think that the creation of new small businesses is essential to our economic development."

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FEATURE

3 MORE STEPS TO ENSURE YOU ARE

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CHRISTMAS IS A DISTANT MEMORY. CORONA VIRUS IS STILL AROUND, BUT WITH HOPEFULLY AN END IN SIGHT, AND EASTER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. IN THE PRE-CHRISTMAS ISSUE OF GIBRALTAR INSIGHTS, WE OUTLINED THREE SIMPLE STEPS THAT YOU CAN TAKE TO MAKE YOU, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BUSINESS AND GIBRALTAR MORE SECURE AND #HARDTOHACK. IN THIS ISSUE WE WILL INTRODUCE THREE MORE STEPS TO CONTINUE BUILDING YOUR CYBER RESILIENCE.

CHANGE YOUR ONLINE BANKING PASSWORD. While banking security continues to become more secure, as we have already discussed changing passwords breaks the chain if your personal data has been breached. So, as an additional precaution change your online banking password regularly. Yes it’s a faff. Yes, it’s easy to find something else to do. Yes, you are going to have to choose and then remember a new password. However, ask yourself this. Are you absolutely, 100% confident that your bank password is not compromised? Is there a chance that you may have used the same password for another login elsewhere? Could that service have been breached and the data compromised and made available to cyber-criminals? How concerned would you be if a criminal could access your bank account and take money from you? If your answer is, I am not 100% sure that I have not used the password elsewhere, and that they have not been breached, and/ or I would be devasted if a criminal could access my bank account, then change your password!!! It should take you no more than five minutes, and by doing so will mitigate that gut wrenching, vomit inducing risk of discovering your bank account or savings have been cleared out. Invest time in your security. Be #hardtohack.

CHANGE YOUR WI-FI ROUTER ADMIN PASSWORD. Does your Wi-Fi router have a password for you to access your Wi-Fi? I suspect so; however, what you may not know is that your Wi-Fi router also has an admin password to enable you to manage settings within your router, including the ability to change your WiFi access password. While not true of all routers, often the admin password to access your router is a standard factory password. So what? Well consider it this way. How many times have you gone to access a Wi-Fi network and you have been given the option to join the network of the house or business next door? If a device can pick up a Wi-Fi network next door, this also means that a cyber-criminal could access your Wi-Fi network from outside/nearby your home or business. Most Wi-Fi providers identify themselves by their brand names in order for you to recognise and join them. This means that a cyber-criminal can identify what internet service provider you are using, Google what web address is required to access

the web-based admin portal and also Google the factory standard password. Ok, but so what…? Well, if you have not changed the admin password, a cyber-criminal can gain access to your router, change the router password so you cannot access the admin area, identify all the devices on the network for further exploitation and, if they wanted to, change your Wi-Fi access password – just to be annoying. To prevent this, change your Wi-Fi router password! And make note of it! To do this find the instructions for your router and the process to login into the admin area. Alternatively do as the

CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING QUAD9 SETTINGS. cyber-criminal would do and google the IP address for your router’s admin portal, and while you are at it the factory standard password.

What on Earth do you mean? What are they, and why would I? Setting Quad9 as your DNS server is a web navigation setting on your device. It protects you, your family or members of your business from inadvertently navigating to and landing on bogus sites and infecting devices with malware as a result of a mis-typed website URL. We all do this from time to time, and cyber criminals know this. They hedge their bets and replicate the site you wanted to go to on the mis-spelt domain. You land on the page knowing no difference because it looks almost identical. You then click on a menu item or link and without realising you have executed malware and/or ransomware on to your device – cue potential issues. Quad9 is run by a non-profit entity called the Global Cyber Alliance. It is founded by various law enforcement and research organizations to help reduce cyber-crime. The service warns you when you might be navigating to a commonly mistyped or spoofed sites. Google “Quad9 Set Up” or search Quad9 on YouTube for a super simple explanation about what their service provides and how to implement it on Windows or a Mac in six simple steps.

For the first 3 steps in the #HARDTOHACK series check out the December edition at www.gibraltarinsight.com or Issuu.com

Michael Wills is co-founder and chief data officer for CSS Platinum.

For further information on the company and the services it provides to Gibraltar businesses and the international yachting industry, please visit https://cssplatinum. com and/or email support@cssplatinum.com.

WORDS BY MIKE WILLS GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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Company Registration Number 10967915 GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM Gibraltar International Bank Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

Apart from the clear and present pressure that COVID-19 has given rise to in terms of daily life, it has also unleashed some anxieties regarding careers.

eos. Noise cancelling for the multitude of Zoom/Teams calls as well as thunderous bass to be totally immersed in a favourite movie are both equally important sides of the same coin.

Given the environment the world now finds itself in, devices and gadgets that offer better at-home productivity and entertainment solutions loomed large at this year’s CES. The biggest names in consumer tech offered up a multitude of innovations in their virtual showrooms geared toward making life better for the millions who now work and play primarily within the confines of their homes.

As usual, it was LG, Samsung and Sony who led the way with their offerings. And as previously niche innovations become more mainstream, this only benefits the consumer as prices fall in keeping with demand and economies of scale.

As such, the things on offer tended to have definition at their heart. But it's not just for work purposes that the shift is happening in the home. The even greater spread of the MMORPG phenomenon during the pandemic was perhaps boosted by the interactivity and interaction it relies on through the course of playing.

And treaming services bought and shifted home streaming/video experiences for the latest TV and movie releases.

Wonder Woman and Eddie Murphy's latest outings made their debuts in the home as a direct result of the COVID pandemic.

But don't get too excited just yet. The net big thing around the corner will be the wholesaled adoption of augmented and virtual reality. Perhaps the pandemic was training us never to have to leave the home ever again all along?

There is one aspect, however, that was underplayed. The need for a decent audio setup wasn't quite as prominent in all the glossy brochures and demo vid-

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PARASOL_ADVERTS_26.11.2020_.pdf

1

26/11/2020

09:24

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT | VENTURE CAPITAL | PHILANTHROPY ESTABLISHED 2004

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FEATURE

GIB RAL TAR

THE INNOVATION HUB OF SOUTHERN EUROPE.

GIBRALTAR, THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY THAT IS KNOWN FOR ITS BARBARY APES, FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND NICE WEATHER IS ALSO AT THE CENTER OF SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN TECHNOLOGY. PEOPLE OFTEN CONSIDER THE KEYSTONES OF THE ROCKS ECONOMY AS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LEGAL AND ACCOUNTANCY, FINANCIAL SERVICES, INSURANCE AND OF COURSE OUR GAMING AND PAYMENTS INDUSTRIES. HOWEVER, WHILST WE PROUDLY ANNOUNCE ALL THESE SERVICES TO THE WORLD, THERE IS ONE THING THAT WE DO NOT SEEM TO FOCUS ON: GIBRALTAR HAS BECOME A TRUE INNOVATION HUB. OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS WE HAVE SEEN A RECORD GROWTH OF NEW COMPANIES AND NEW IDEAS COMING OUT OF GIBRALTAR AND ITS RESIDENTS HAVE NEVER SHOUTED FROM THE ROOF TOPS ABOUT IT.

Gibraltar is the birthplace of many new ideas, companies, and technology with a lot these being linked to the traditional businesses we have already mentioned. These industries attract a global talent base who bring fresh ideas, skills and funding which drive the Innovation Hub. This Hub is not a place like Silicon Valley, but it is alive and well in the myriad of small offices, coffee shops and bars across the rock.

In these places people meet, socialize, discuss problems, create ideas, and then innovate solutions. This takes place in the midst of daily life, often unseen and unrecognized.

The successive Gibraltar Governments over the last 25 years have encouraged new and emerging industries to move and thrive within Gibraltar. Although online Gaming is commonplace today on the rock, there was a time when the Government saw an opportunity to develop a regulated jurisdiction which led to the Gold standard jurisdiction which it is today. What followed was the set up or move to Gibraltar of many leading companies which brought investment, talent, and innovation onto the Rock. This support extends to all cornerstone industries such as Insurance, Professional services, Financial Services, gaming and now Fintech and DLT.

WORDS BY PAUL FOSTER GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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HE INNOVATION HUB FEATURE F SOUTHERN EUROPE. When the Gibraltar Government actively support new and developing industries it gives confidence to investors and talent that Gibraltar is a great place to set up and operate. The recent drive into Fintech, giving new ideas and creativity the opportunity to expand is such an example of this success. This approach has seen an incredible growth of the Fintech industry and the creation of the first cryptocurrency exchange backed by a government by Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (now bought by Mine Digital) plus many new and evolving companies. To support these companies a secondary support industry has sprung up consulting in cutting edge ways which traditional consultants have so far been unable to embrace.

There are a lot of good stories coming out of Gibraltar. Not only have we provided a solid platform to build businesses like Lottoland, Lottomart, Pokerstrategy, Digital Asset Management Limited, and Etruvian but we keep seeing new software being developed in Gibraltar as well. For example, the App Queue Wisely and the app from Cobovec – SYNERGISE, which is a new app aimed at young people aged 15 to 30 with Special Educational Needs, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, behavioural difficulties, health issues, and those who are generally disengaged from education. There are also plenty of other companies that innovated and although not active anymore, their technology, talent and products live on in other companies.

What all these companies have in common, is that they have attracted specialized skilled workers to Gibraltar who have been able to thrive in the unique business environment on the Rock where Global CEOs rub shoulders with people of every level and experience. The pool of expertise of high-quality employees in Gibraltar is ever growing because it is linked to the welcoming multicultural environment we have. This means that with a lot of creative people settling here and a social environment that encourages

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Interaction between the different industries, problems and challenges are openly discussed and innovative solutions are developed.

The support network has also continued to evolve from traditional Industry bodies such as the GFSB and GBGA to Social platforms like Startup Grind and Girls in Tech which have developed successful chapters in Gibraltar – creating more opportunities for people to get together, share & create ideas. It is this ability, in such a limited space, to bring bright minds together which creates a breeding ground for innovation. The gathering of a large percentage of HighNet-Worth Individuals means that there is a constant ‘Dragons Den’ of informal pitching going on behind the doors to offices and homes. These pitches develop ideas and concepts into real life companies, technologies, and products.

This technology is often picked up by the companies based in Gibraltar and absorbed into major organizations, which could be one reason that innovation is not seen outside of those organizations and companies.

Today, the Innovative hub is continuing to grow and thrive and although the toll of COVID-19 on the Rock has been high, it has allowed innovation to thrive in the homes and terraces across Gibraltar. As the Innovation Hub gets stronger, we need to start celebrating this unique aspect of Gibraltar and its people and tell everyone. There has always been lots of opportunity here in Gibraltar, we often just need to open our eyes, embrace it and innovate to take advantage of it, which is what we do very well.

Paul Foster is the Managing Director of Crucial Compliance, an Innovative compliance consultancy built and operating from Gibraltar *Fintech start-ups in Gib: https://tracxn.com/explore/FinTech-Startups-in-Gibraltar

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FEATURE

The Return of the

LEADERS &

LEGENDS Six of the iGaming industry's most successful leaders took part in ‘The Return of the Leaders and Legends’ webinar on 2nd February.

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The event was organised by Continent 8 Technologies, a managed hosting, security and global network solutions provider for online gaming, sports betting and eSports. Chief Revenue Officer Roberta Castle explains that the company started over 20 years ago in North America. “As European countries started to regulate we moved into Europe and our service then spread across the globe in response to their requirements, and we now have around 80% of the online gaming sector working with us and our network.”

right now is just how to stay compliant across multiple regulated markets. “As we look at new and emerging regulated markets – and even changes within existing regulated markets – the more changes there are in terms of diversification creates a real technological challenge.” He went on to say that “it would be nice if there was more co-ordination amongst jurisdictions – it would certainly make our lives easier and I think it would protect the players even more than they are now.”

“Following the hugely successful Leaders and Legends panel discussion at ICE London last year, we were determined to bring it back, but due to Covid and as we are unable to meet at the expo, we went digital with a webinar powered by EGR which attracted the biggest ever audience for one of their virtual events with more than 1,000 registered to watch,” Roberta states.

Micky Swindale says that from her point of view it was fantastic to be asked to moderate for a second year. “There aren't many other panels that have such levels of executives from such a wide group of firms and it is testament to Continent 8 that they can get that group of leaders to want to come together at all - that is the real power of that panel and they were able to give some real insights as to what’s happening in the gaming world.”

The event was moderated once again by Micky Swindale (Partner, KPMG Global Gaming Team) who people will know as Managing Director of their Gibraltar practice from 2013 to 2015. “Huge thanks go to Micky who was an amazing moderator and someone who was known by all the panellists,” Roberta says. “Our job was to pull it all together and coordinate the webinar behind the scenes.”

The expert panel of speakers was increased from four the previous year to six and consisted of Matt King, CEO FanDuel Group, John Coleman, CEO Microgaming, Shimon Akad, COO Playtech, Jordan Levin, CEO Scientific Games Digital, Yaniv Sherman, Senior VP, US, 888 holdings PLC and Matt Kalish, Co-founder and President of North America, DraftKings.

There are plans to make the panel discussion an ongoing event. “We hope to continue to build on the success of the last two events; although the digital event is very good because it widens the audience, we hope to do this annually at ICE in some form - maybe a physical event again next year,” Roberta remarks. The iGaming industry is a competitive one and Continent 8 acts as a neutral party able to bring together a group of experts and their peers. “Our panellists are keen to support the event and in fact we have already been approached by other Operators seeking to take part in next year’s panel.”

There were several key takeaways from the panel discussion, with the impact of the pandemic something that was acknowledged by the panellists as having been a challenge. However, it was agreed that 2020 had also been a valuable learning experience from a business and industry perspective, driving businesses in the industry to find new ways of working and to think even more creatively about how to engage with customers.

“It was a year of learning from a team perspective. No one had all the answers, and there was a lot of improvisation.”… Jordan Levin, CEO Scientific Games Digital.

A strong focus on the US sports betting market again produced agreement among the leaders and legends that the pandemic had accelerated trends which were already emerging before it began, and that 2020 was a significant year for sports betting in the US in terms of it becoming more widely accepted by sports fans, leagues, teams, media and regulators and that the industry is moving towards being part of the mainstream.

“Playtech see the US as the biggest opportunity for online, anywhere in the world – and they expect the market to be worth tens of billions in the next five years or so. A key factor behind the rapid growth of the market was the fact that US players are already accustomed to eCommerce.”… Shimon Akad, COO, Playtech.

Commenting on security and compliance risks, CEO of Microgaming John Coleman said that their single biggest compliance risk GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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Micky states that the focus on the US was because it is an area that’s expanding rapidly. “We talked about a number of other emerging markets but if we look at the speed of change and the potential of the US market, particularly when you compare it to Europe, then it is inevitable that given a lot of the online expertise and talent is perceived to be in Europe that a lot of that focus falls on the US because that is the area that's expanding in online gaming.”

As leader of KPMG's Inclusion and Diversity Initiative for the sector Micky comments the fact can’t be ignored that in what is seen as a rather male dominated industry, it was an all-male panel. “It was the same last year and I teased them about that then, but one of the

people that was on last year's panel and unfortunately was unable to participate this year was Shay Segev from Entain (now Co-CEO at DAZN Group) - and of course Shay's successor at Entain as CEO is a woman - Jette Nygaard-Anderson who becomes one of six female chief executives in the FTSE 100, so that is a really positive thing for the gaming industry and it would be great if Jette was on the panel next year.”

KPMG usually run face-to-face leadership events as part of their eGaming summits held annually in the Isle of Man, Malta and Gibraltar. “Last May should have been our 10th anniversary summit in Gibraltar which of course had to be cancelled, but we are currently in discussions about whether we can run an event much later this year,” she states. “Because of that we have had a lot of focus about what is of interest in Gibraltar and obviously we have still got the ramifications of Brexit and what will unfold from that.”

Gibraltar has long been the blue chip gaming jurisdiction, it positioned itself as that from the outset and as a result the vast majority of UK operators had big bricks and mortar operations in Gibraltar.

“That has changed somewhat over recent years, and Malta in particular has been a beneficiary of Brexit and the uncertainties that came with it, but the enduring legacy of Gibraltar is that everybody that lives and spends time there wants to stay there and views it with enormous love.” Micky says that is why Gibraltar has been able to maintain such a significant footprint despite the uncertainties, but it is also having a Government and a Regulator who understand and support the industry - and can balance regulation with commerciality.

Although the outlook for the gaming sector in Gibraltar is a hot topic, Continent 8 is keen to stress that it is heavily invested in Gibraltar and will soon be launching a new cloud service there. “Whilst a lot of our customers are in the gaming industry, we are looking to diversify and have some very interesting projects that will hopefully widen the reach of what can be served from Gibraltar and connect it to others outside of Europe as well,” Roberta says.

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

PROMOTIONS AT RGR Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) Jeffries-Mor promoted from Colour Sergeant to Warrant Officer Class 2. WO2 Jeffries-Mor joined the Army in 1997 as an Infantry soldier and was promoted to LCpl in 2004 having completed his JNCO cadre. In 2011 he completed his ammunition NCO course resulting in his promotion to Cpl and took up his new role as unit ammunition NCO. In 2013 he was attached to JPDU Gibraltar where he took over the role of pool manager.

Colour Sergeant Gonzalez (Volunteer Reserve) promoted from Sergeant to Colour Sergeant and has been serving with the RG since March 2005. During this time he has successfully undertaken a host of different appointments within the Rifle platoon, from Private Soldier to Section 2IC, Section Commander, Platoon Sgt and finally Platoon Commander. CSgt Gonzalez has also been attached to the Recruit Training Team as Recruit training instructor for 2 years.

His most recent role is Company Quarter Master Sergeant (CQMS).

Corporal Rogers promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal and has been serving with the RG since early 2013. During this time, he has taken on a host of different roles from Unit Admin Support and EOD to his current role working within the QM’s department. Cpl Rogers is also one of several physical training instructors responsible for delivering unit fitness training.

Cpl Bentley promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal. He joined the RG in April 2005 where he was initially employed as an LMG gunner within the Rifle Company. During his time within the Regiment he has taken on a host of different roles, ranging from Company store-man within the CQMS department through to his current role as a unit armourer..

LCpl Rodgers (Volunteer Reserve) promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. LCpl Rodgers joined the Regiment as a Regular soldier in

March 2008 and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 2013 after successfully passing his Fire Team Commanders course. During his time as a Lance Corporal he took on several different appointments from Regimental Signaller to serving with the Provost staff.

LCpl S Borge (Volunteer Reserve) promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. LCpl Borge joined the Regiment in March 2005, in 2008 he promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and in 2009 took on the role of section commander.

During this time, he also qualified as a Skill at Arms instructor.

LCpl Mcguffie promoted from Private to Lance Corporal and has served in the Regiment since 2015. He has predominantly worked within I Company as a rifleman and has deployed on numerous overseas exercises.

LCpl Abbasciano promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. LCpl Abbasciano joined the Regiment in December 2014 where he was initially employed as a rifleman within I Company.LCpl Abbasciano was selected to attend the Fire Team Commanders course and, upon successful completion of the course, deployed as a section 2IC to Bahrain as part of the Force Protection platoon.

LCpl Soithongsuk promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. Having successfully been awarded Best in Fieldcraft and Best Shot during his training at ITC, LCpl Soithongsuk arrived at the RG in early 2019. Initially he was deployed as a rifleman within I Company which saw him deploy on several exercises both locally and overseas. During this time, he quickly impressed his commanders and in late 2019 was selected to attend the Fire Team Commanders course.

Upon the successful completion of the course he moved into his current role as a section 2IC within I Company.

LCpl Bannatyne promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. LCpl Bannatyne joined the RG mid-2014 where he was employed as a rifleman within I Company and this saw him deploy on several local and overseas exercises. LCpl Bannatyne also deployed as part of a Force Protection platoon in Bahrain, providing security protection to UK naval assets.

LCpl Meakin promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. LCpl Meakin has been serving with the RG since mid-2018 and has been deployed on a host of overseas exercises. LCpl Meakin has also been deployed on operations in Bahrain as part of a Force Protection platoon. Upon his return from Bahrain LCpl Meakin completed the Assault Pioneers course providing a rare asset to the Company. Impressing his commanders in his role, LCpl Meakin was selected to attend his Fire Team Commanders course. Following completion of the course he has been employed in his current role as a section 2IC in I Company.

LCpl Mercieca promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. LCpl Mercieca joined the RG mid 2018 where he was initially placed as a rifleman within I Company and deployed on numerous overseas exercises to the UK and Morocco. In 2018 he deployed to Bahrain as part of a Force Protection platoon. Having excelled in these roles, LCpl Mercieca was selected to attend his Fire Team Commanders course and was awarded top student on the course. LCpl Mercieca is now employed as a section 2IC within I Company.

LCpl Webster-Valero promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. Having been awarded Best Recruit during his training at ITC, LCpl Webster arrived at the RG in early 2019. Upon arrival he was placed as a rifleman within I Company and deployed on several exercises both locally and in the UK.

HMS DASHER RETURNS

After a brief hiatus, HMS Dasher has returned to operational duty after a successful annual support period, overcoming the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 and maintaining strict restrictions throughout.

A key part of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, both HMS Dasher and HMS Pursuer, with the support of the Royal Navy rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), continue to provide force protection and security within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) and uphold UK sovereignty.

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FOOTBALL INSIGHT

This is my second season with Lynx Futsal.

I joined the club in the summer of 2019 in preparation for UEFA Futsal Champions League preliminary round which was held in Amsterdam. I came to this club knowing the high standards and expectations, after having won a Futsal Rock Cup and two Futsal 1st Division Runners up medals with St Joseph Futsal. Plus two Futsal 1st Division Runners up medals with Gib Phoenix.

Life at Lynx has started great. I feel our performance in the Champions League was very good against decent sides, the highlight been pushing Helvécia Futsal (England) all the way, even leading the match on four occasions.

More success followed, as we won the Luisito Bonavia Futsal Super Cup. When we reached February finishing the regular league on top, without losing a match, everything was falling into the place. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Nothing prepares you for the year we had to deal with, no managerial experience, no courses or rule book. Thinking back all I have is praise for the players, the committee, the president, and the whole Lynx family for coming together and fighting through these difficult times, it has shown me this club has a lot of character in dealing with adversity.

Preparations for this season’s UEFA Champions participation were less than adequate. On a “normal” season we would be training all year round, play competitive league matches till June, then train from mid-June till August when Futsal Champions league would be played. In-between there would be availability for friendlies and summer tournaments in Spain to get match fitness up to top form. To put into perspective what we needed to come through, our last league match was February 2020. After that came the COVID-19 lockdown meaning players didn’t optimise any form of training regime for months. Finally, we started doing elementary training in August.

It was a massive struggle to get players fit. There were restrictions on gathering, on use of sports halls, on availability of allocations for the sports halls. The sports halls in Spain were closed plus we had to contend with restrictions to travel and curfews.

Simply put, planning even only a week became impossible.

The most significant issue I had to deal with was the mental health challenge of everyone involved, including my own.

WORDS BY SHAWN RAMOS HEAD COACH 26

MARCH 2021

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Everyone in the squad is unique and each individual was dealing with this supernatural world crisis in their own way.

Some were more worried about the spread and concerned about putting themselves or their families at risk, others had family members fighting the infection, others dealing with isolation after been close contact with someone with the virus. The stress of just trying to make it to training overwhelmed others.

For me personally it was the not knowing … not knowing in March if there was going be playoffs or who would take the Champions league spot, should it even go ahead.

Once in August there were other challenges. When would we get to the sports hall? Will there be new restrictions? New protocols? Can I even train the whole team?

Then you had the phone calls …“I’m waiting for my test result”, “I’m self-isolating “, “a colleague at work has tested positive, ”I’m getting tested tomorrow” … and so on …

In the end as a result of the enormous support of Futsal Director Karl Zarb, we managed to achieve 20-25 training sessions and worked around restrictions to play some friends in Portugal, Andorra and Spain. Even these trips posed mental challenges since traveling meant more (country-specific) restrictions.

The Portugal visit was the perfect trip for what was supposed to be the UEFA Futsal Champions League format at the time.

It simulated what we would normally encounter, three high level matches in four days, one of these being Braga - one of the top 3 teams in the Portuguese 1st Division. We competed very well in all three matches.

We then played two matches in Spain against Spanish 3rd Division teams Benalup and Alchoyanno, where we came back with a 5-2 victory and 1-1 draw respectfully. Our team showed its quality through both matches.

Finally, we made the trip to Andorra. This helped the players get accustomed to traveling as a team, traveling and playing under very strict COVID-19 restrictions, as well as getting more game time. We played two matches in less than 24 hours against Javier Saviola’s (ex-Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Argentina) Encamp Futsal. Again, we were very good in both

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matches wining 9-7 and losing the 2nd match 4-2, despite sustaining a number of injuries on the first day.

For the UEFA Futsal Champions League we were drawn against Belguim side Charleroi, Futsal Champions League winners in 2004/05. We ended up playing the match at the end of November.

During the match itself I felt that the boys gave everything, and the performance did not merit the final result of 13-1.

Individual errors cost us dearly, for me a more accurate score based on game play would have been 9-4, 7-3 or something along those lines.

We do need to put into perspective the quality of the team that we faced, no club in Gibraltar either in futsal or 11-a-side has faced a club within the top 20 UEFA rankings. Having said this, we will try to prepare ourselves to compete better at this level next season.

At present I am hopeful local futsal league will start soon and it will be able to be completed before UEFA’s June deadline.

At the moment the reality is that under current restrictions the league has been unable to start nor any training has been able to take place. We are pretty much in Groundhog Day … exactly like we were after our last league match in February 2020, without been able to train and not knowing when or if the league will take place.

I haven’t been able to meet up with my players since before Christmas and I know no one has been able to maintain their fitness level with the scenario we are living with, RTHER FOR FU TION, so my hope is that if the league is to A M R INFO CT take place we can get a good number of CONTA PLEASE UB ON training sessions in before it starts.

L THE C OM MAIL.C However, our focus and aim is still the NXFC@ 9695.

Y L 6 same, winning a 7th League and particiOR 200 pating again next season in UEFA Champions League.

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SPORTS INSIGHT

BREXIT AND COVID COMBINE TO THREATEN

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL CHELTENHAM NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL 2021 COMMENCES ON TUESDAY, 16TH MARCH AND ENDS 28 RACES AND FOUR DAYS LATER ON THE FRIDAY, WHEN THE BLUE RIBAND OF STEEPLECHASING, THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP, TAKES CENTRE STAGE. UNFORTUNATELY, AT THE TIME OF WRITING IT APPEARS ODDS ON THAT PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS MEAN THE FESTIVAL WILL PROCEED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, NO FULL-THROATED ROAR FROM THE PACKED STANDS AS THE HORSES JOSTLE FOR POSITION PRE-RACE, NO HATS AND RACECARDS TOSSED TRIUMPHANTLY IN THE AIR AS HORSE AND JOCKEY STRAIN EVERY SINEW ON THE TORTUOUS UPHILL FINISH TO BE FIRST TO THE WINNING POST...SAD TO RELATE ...YES, BUT AT LEAST THE ICONIC EVENT IS GOING AHEAD, ALBEIT UNDER HEAVY RESTRAINT. The festival, the jewel in the crown of the National Hunt season, is once again set to enchant the racing public as, midway through March, it opens up its treasure chest of exciting equine stars to the global sporting spotlight that every spring illuminates the Cotswolds town’s glorious centuries-old salute to the Sport of Kings.

But this year, my beloved festival is under a cloud, accusatory fingers are pointing, the charge being levelled is that last year’s event, attended by crowds totalling north of a quarter of a million over the four days, racing fans from all corners of the British Isles and beyond, had converged cheek to jowl, to make the annual pilgrimage to celebrate the crème de la crème of steeplechasing and, indulged, sated and by then allegedly stricken with the deadly virus, had returned home as Covid-19 super-carriers, unleashing death and desolation on family, friends and neighbours.

WORDS BY LIAM BEGLAN, SPORTS WRITER 28

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That’s the damning verdict tapped out by social media keyboard warriors and an army of self-appointed, ill-qualified renta-quote experts - last year’s Cheltenham Festival, one of the most exciting and enjoyable ever, has been condemned as a major contributor to the spread of the deadly disease. Whatever the truth of that charge, it has to be remembered that the global reaction, both medical and political at the time, was one of profound ignorance and utter confusion – Commander-in-Chief Donald trumpeted that the virus was ‘a hoax' and, in the Ginger Don's opinion, could be cured just by swigging a couple of glasses of bleach! Thank you for that diagnosis Dr Trump, now please disappear quietly into the sunset.

Alas, it’s not just the pandemic that threatens the festival – Brexit looms large as another dark cloud hovering over the meeting, throwing up miles and kilometres of new bureaucratic red tape, including extra veterinary checks, travel restrictions and prohibitive VAT increases, that calls into question the very participation of the Irish contingent. Cheltenham without the Irish, equine and human, would be akin to a Shakespearean tragedy – a modern day Romeo Without Juliet and must not be allowed to happen. The unintended consequences of divorce from the EU become more apparent daily, an indisputable fact surely, even to the most blinkered Brexiteer, harsh reality replacing fevered fantasy, as Morrison’s empty supermarket shelves and rising prices bear testimony.

Enough of the darkness and doom, come with me as we launch Operation Cotswolds, another shot-in-the-arm attempt in our quest to lift the gloom and hopefully in the process, lighten bookmakers' satchels. Ever the optimist despite repeated reversals, my cunning roadmap to riches revolves round a modest wager on each of the following five races – my favourite festival five, enough for a Super Yankee.

For the uninitiated that’s the name of a combination bet and most definitely not a compliment to the unlamented and lately departed Trump. The alternate name for the bet is a Canadian!

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The Arkle (Tuesday 16th, 3.10pm CET) THIS is the race that launches talented juveniles on the trail to greatness, and whilst it would be tilting at windmills to suggest that today’s cast contains a candidate that could be remotely compared to the immortal steed the race commemorates, it has produced stellar winners in the recent past who have gone on to hit the heights, like Altior, Sprinter Sacre and Moscow Flyer. Top of this year’s class come the exciting pair, SHISHKJN, trained in England by Nicky Henderson and Irish raider Energumene, trained by Willie Mullins. Henderson and Mullins have each won the race four times and I’m siding with SHISHKIN to give Hendo outright bragging rights to this event. Current odds are a bit skinny at Evens, but it does look home and hosed.

Champion Hurdle (Tuesday 16th, 4,30pm CET) MY DREAM since boyhood is that one day I would own the winner of my favourite race, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, unlikely to be realised of course, barring Lady Luck changing her habit of a lifetime and for once, smiling rather than scowling on me. The runner in this year's race I would most like to call my own is defending champion EPATANTE, owned by legendary Irish gambler JP McManus, whose billionaire financial status is a tad dissimilar to mine. No private plane to the racecourse for Liam, just flights of fantasy and a stroll on Shanks's pony to the pub and Arena in Casemates or to watch the drama unfold on the Big Screen at Ocean Village. The dream this time is that EPATANTE retains her title and repays my ten pounds vote of confidence. Current odds are 3/1.

Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday 17th, 4.30 CET) THE Queen Mother, the two-mile speed chase involving the fastest jumpers in the world, where fences need to be negotiated at up to 40mph and a mistake could catapult the jockey clean out of the Cots-

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wolds, is the highlight of the second day of the festival. This year’s renewal sees the short-priced favourite Chacun Pour Soi, another graduate from the Mullins academy, travel from County Carlow seemingly with victory already assured. However, I will be looking to dual winner of the race ALTIOR, trained by Henderson, to rediscover his imperious form of a season ago and regain the crown. Current odds are 8/1.

Stayers’ Long Distance Hurdle (Thursday 18th, 4.30 CET) THE STAYERS’ is one of the most popular races of the festival, mainly because of the numerous times it has been won by the same horse – Big Buck's won it four times, Inglis Drever was a triple victor, Baracouda and many others were multiple winners.

A simple and profitable betting strategy proved to be backing a previous winner to repeat the feat, and it's one I’ll be following this time around when lumping 2019 winner PAISLEY PARK with my tenner.

Current odds are 3/1.

Cheltenham Gold Cup (Friday 19th, 4.30 CET) CHAMPION festival trainer Willie Mullins had never won the great race until Al Boum Photo triumphed in 2019, and having retained the Cup last year the classy Al Boum is the pick of many form experts to make it three in a row, replicating a feat that the incomparable Arkle accomplished 55 years ago. However, I’m looking elsewhere for the winner and my tenner each way will be entrusted on last year's unlucky runner-up SANTINI to avenge that narrow defeat and keep the prize at home.

Current odds are 14/1, a must-have each way price, provided trainer Nicky Henderson can get him to the post fit and well and the talented beast cuts out the jumping errors. 14/1 .... what a Friday finale that would be.

SEE YOU AT THE ARENA (PANDEMIC PERMITTING) – THE CIDER'S ON THE BOOKIES. CHEERS!

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Photo: Darren Cook, Scruffy Bear Pictures

FEATURE Darren Cook, Scruffy Bear Pictures

NERYS PEARCE MOTORSPORT IS INCREDIBLY EXCITING AND FOR THOSE WHO COMPETE IT IS AN AMAZING, ADRENALINE FUELLED EXPERIENCE. One such individual is former frontline army medic, Nerys Pearce. Nerys, 39, lives in Ascot, Berkshire. She volunteers across a range of charities including a vaccination centre in Salisbury.

What makes Nerys participation in motorsports inspirational is she is paralysed from the chest down.

In 2008, Nerys was involved in an accident when she was riding what she describes as her ‘sensible’ motorbike. A car positioned behind a bus stop reversed off the kerb, taking Nerys and her bike underneath.

Nerys suffered a dislocated shoulder and her legs were crushed as well as severe nerve damage and pain. Two years after the accident, Nerys underwent surgery with the natural hope that her mobility and pain level would improve. Unfortunately, Nerys did not react well to the surgery and the outcome was Nerys is paralysed from the chest down.

‘To be honest, I found it incredibly difficult just to put a sentence together’, explains Nerys. ‘I found it so challenging to get up, continue my day - the simplest of tasks were an uphill battle’. Nerys spent months in and out of hospital due to, kidney, bladder and bowel infections.

This period was particularly gruelling both physically and mentally.

The pivotal moment for Nerys was when the charity Blesma contacted her in 2014. ‘A family member had contacted them and the day they arrived at my house, my life changed.

They supported me practically, emotionally and advised me regarding financial matters’.

Significantly, within a year of their first visit, Blesma introduced Nerys to adaptive sports like sit skiing and hand cycling. For someone who had always been into adventure sports, this new avenue of sporting opportunities was hugely important. It led to an important introduction.

‘Dave from Team Brit (an all disabled racing team) noticed my crazy achievements on Facebook. We arranged to meet and talk’.

This started an amazing journey. She felt her life had been given back. For Nerys, being the only female driver in the team is personally

significant but as far as the team goes, she emphatically wants to be seen and treated exactly the same. ‘We are all very different yet all the same’, says Nerys. ‘Our motto is Believe and Achieve which really encapsulates our ideals and goals’. She confirms that the team are all ‘insanely competitive’. Nerys has experience of unique and challenging personal situations. Her mother was born blind and has lived her life to the full and is currently working for the prison service.

Dr Victor Thompson, Clinical Sports Psychologist states that ‘Following a life-changing injury, such as a spinal injury, life is going to become full of different challenges. Sport might be the last thing on people’s minds in the months and first few years after injury, but it can offer much to the individual. Sport offers us all an opportunity to get out the front door, to meet likeminded people, to train for a goal, to get the endorphin high of engaging in intense exercise, and more. It gives us more reason to look after our body, to eat better, drink less, and sleep better. It takes us away from life’s stresses and challenges.

Following a paralysing accident, these features and benefits of sport are perhaps even more valuable and important for the person.

If the person was active and sporty before such an accident, then by engaging in sport once more helps them to experience what was good for them before. It helps them to feel like their usual self, being active and competitive like before. For these sporty types, if they drop sport post-injury, they will also lose all the things that sport previously gave them and with it one important part of their identity. Without their sport, there is a risk that they will have more time to ruminate on their injury and their limitations, which won’t help their mental health.

someone else who was crashed into. I certainly know my life and actions have not all been perfect - just human like everybody else’.

This enlightened, measured way of looking at this life threatening accident is a mark of how Nerys approaches her life. She is determined and self motivated - qualities that have proved vital in her recovery and her ambitions as a motorsport competitor.

Another aspect of her participation is Nerys believes women are definitely underrepresented in competitive sports in general and motorsports in particular.

For those who have had their lives significantly changed by an accident or an injury, the love and support of family is immeasurably important. All lives are impacted differently but the one aspect of recovery is the strength given by those closest to them.

Nerys has absolutely no doubt that her younger sister, mum and dad were pivotal in helping her to the point she has now reached.

‘My family has been phenomenal since my accident both practically and mentally. Always there for me even during really dark times.

They also get behind all my crazy plans, number one amazing cheering squad’.

In short, sport is a great enabler, and this is probably most true and helpful for those with disabilities’.

Throughout this whole experience, Nerys never had feelings of anger. For many, this seems not only incredibly admirable but astonishing given the circumstances of the accident but as Nerys states ‘nobody is perfect. Although it happened to me, it could easily have been

Information about Team BRIT: Team BRIT aims to be the first British all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 Hour. Through its racing academy, it supports people with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport. Its world-leading hand control technology enables disabled drivers to race on equal terms with able-bodied competitors.

Nerys Pearce fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ nerys-pearce13

For more information visit: www.teambrit.co.uk Dr Victor Thompson: www.sportspsychologist.com

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

MAY HAVE ROOTS IN ISLAMIC MUSIC

WORDS BY JOE ADAMBERY 34

MARCH 2021

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FEATURE

Gibraltarian Dr. Stefan Williamson Fa is an anthropologist and ethnomusicologist currently working as a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and has been responsible for researching and promoting the story of a talented young Sindhi singer and Sufi devotee in the 1930’s who dedicated his life to the exploration of deep connections which he found between Andalucian Flamenco music and an Islamic past.

Aziz Balouch moved to Gibraltar in the 1930’s and worked here in an Indian shop until he exposed himself to Flamenco music by listening to and meeting the legendary Pepe Marchena in La Linea. He later toured Spain with Marchena in what must have seemed like a novelty act if you can imagine a fusion of the Sindhi religious laments accompanied by Flamenco guitar.

It has been a few years now that I have been researching his life and the connection to Gibraltar has made it quite a personal journey. I have managed to gather most of his publications and recordings and spoken to the few people left who knew him. So far I have written about this in a few articles and papers which I have presented at public events and conferences, including in Karachi, Pakistan. Last year I collaborated with a record label in the UK to reissue his music for the first time. It has been great seeing him receive attention and admiration again after being almost forgotten entirely.”

DID YOU MANAGE TO TRACE ANY OTHER LOCAL CONNECTION TO BALOUCH WHILST HE WAS HERE....WHERE HE WORKED, WHO FOR, AND IF ANY OF THE PEPE MARCHENA SHOWS THAT MAY HAVE FEATURED BALOUCH AS AN ARTIST EVER CAME TO PLAY AT THE THEATRE ROYAL?

It’s this fascinating theory uncovered by Dr Fa, about the origins of Flamenco and the discovering of books and recordings by Aziz Balouch which has caught the imagination of scholars and brought Dr. Williamson Fa to the attention of the Ajam Media Collective in London, who dedicated a forty minute podcast featuring Stefan and his research only few weeks ago. We reached out to Dr Williamson Fa to explore his take on the local connection in this fascinating story:

I ASKED HIM FIRST WHETHER FLAMENCO SCHOLARS ACCEPTED THE THEORY PUT FORWARD BY AZIZ BALUCH. “His own theory remains relatively unknown as he provided little evidence for his claims. However, I think few would argue against at least some influence from the Islamic period or the East/Islamic world. The origins of flamenco are still quite contested. Like everything, people will emphasise different features and come up with theories to fit their agendas. Nationalists have tended to downplay non-European influences in an attempt to ‘purify’ flamenco from ‘foreign’ influence. Others, such as Blas Infante, have emphasised the Arabic origins to reclaim the Islamic past of Anadalucia. Luckily today I think most scholars recognise the multiple origins of the genre, and include the possible Islamic roots alongside many other influences.”

ARE YOU CONSIDERING PUBLISHING A BOOK ABOUT YOUR OWN RESEARCH (AND CRUSADE) TO BRING THE WORK OF BALOUCH TO THE ATTENTION OF OTHER ETHNOMUSICOLOGISTS? “I don’t have a plan to publish a book for now, although I am considering other ways of promoting his work and music. This has been a bit of a side project to my other work (I had been busy working on my PhD in Anthropology at UCL which was on a totally different topic and now have a job as a researcher at University of Birmingham).

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“Aziz Balouch had first come to Gibraltar to work at Hotu Mahtani’s shop. They had been friends in Hyderabad in Sindh (now present-day Pakistan) because of their shared interest in theosophy and spirituality. I managed to contact Monica Mahtani Bhojwani, Hotu’s daughter (who had also been my mum’s neighbour in Irish Town as a child) and she told me that Aziz Balouch and her father had lived together in Hyderabad, Karachi and Gibraltar and were such close friends that her grandfather Khemchand Mahtani had considered him an adopted son- a beautiful friendship considering Balouch was Muslim and Mahtani was Hindu.”

“While he was living in Gibraltar he became good friends with the singer Imperio Argentina, and her father Antonio Nile (who was from Gibraltar and also a musician). There is not too much more information on his time in Gibraltar. He worked in the shop for a couple of years before he started to focus on his music.

I have found reports of his performances in La Linea in the local newspaper ‘El Anunciador’ but nothing relating to any concerts at Theatre Royal. I still need to look into this more and see if there is anything in the local archives”.

Having listened to the podcast and read the recent articles by Dr Stefan Williamson Fa, I would venture that this is not the last time that we shall read about his research as he may yet uncover even more local connections to the cultural bridge that he helped establish here nearly 90 years ago. Aziz Balouch and his passion for Flamenco music was fired by his Sindhi musical roots going back to Islam. It’s certainly worth listening to Balouch singing flamenco in his native language as well as in Spanish using the link below.

HTTPS://AJAMMC.COM/2021/01/11/ SUFI-FLAMENCO-AZIZ-BALOUCH/.

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FEATURE

Love at

first type Our working lives are hugely important to us. We spend a significant amount of time working, so what career path we follow is pivotal to our emotional and mental wellbeing. Therefore, deciding to change our working life requires careful and measured consideration.

During a pandemic, the reasons and motivation behind the change are put into even more of a sharp focus.

ty-matching concept was when they applied the unique algorithm to their friends and Lou's own successful relationship.

‘She had been in a long-term relationship with her perfect So Syncd personality match without realising’, says Jessica.

During Jessica’s time in banking, she spent a lot of time analyzing companies in great detail. This would include meeting with senior management teams to discuss their long-term strategy. Understanding why they made certain decisions has definitely been beneficial for running So Syncd. Jessica used to forecast companies' earnings, as well as work out how much they were worth and she has been able to apply these skills to their company.

The desire to find another position or possibly work for yourself is a positive step but in these uncertain times, both financially and health wise, why do some people have the committed belief that this really is the right time and opportunity for them to create a new working phase in their life.

Two such people are Jessica Alderson, 30, and her sister Louella, 27. They both live in London.

Lou has amazing experience at scaling a company. She joined a startup as an early employee and worked directly with the CEO to scale the company from a valuation of £80m to over £1bn. There are few companies that have grown at that rate and it was a unique experience to be part of that. Lou has taken these learnings and applied them to the growth strategy at So Syncd.

Jessica worked in investment banking at Morgan Stanley for five years and then at a startup. Louella worked in real estate. The sisters decided to create a dating app during a time when social interaction is extremely difficult yet conversely, we have never needed human connection as much. Jessica states ‘We created So Syncd because we wanted to make dating more fun, meaningful and successful. It just didn't make sense to us that most dating apps were still based solely on looks when personality is so important for long-term compatibility’.

The app works by asking you to take a five-minute online test to work out your personality type. Then the algorithm will match compatible partners based on many different elements and gives a percentage chance of a great connection.

‘We match people who have just the right amount of similarities to form a strong connection’, explains Jessica ‘and just the right amount of differences to create that spark. We've been studying personality type compatibility for three years now and that’s what we’ve found works best’.

The idea for So Syncd was born when Jessica broke up with a long-term partner and wanted to understand what went wrong. After working at Morgan Stanley for five years, she decided to take a year out to travel and learn about personality type compatibility.

The sisters believe that dating apps are more important now than ever before.

They have helped people connect with others during lockdown when people have been feeling lonely and in need of support. There is nothing they love more than talking to the couples they meet on their app and sharing their joy, especially during this challenging time.

As Jessica explains, ‘After I returned from my trip, I was explaining the idea of finding love through personality matching over a few drinks in a London bar with my sister. We realized that there was undoubtedly a better way to find love online’.

Jessica’s sister Lou was sceptical at first, but she became convinced of how accurate and successful the personali-

Dating during the pandemic has its challenges but there are clear benefits too.

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH 36

MARCH 2021

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FEATURE

Covid-19 has encouraged slower dating. People are taking the time to get to know each other on a deeper level.

There is more of a focus on long-term compatibility rather than physical attraction.

For Jessica and Lou, launching So Syncd during a global pandemic was a bit of a shock. ‘We were initially apprehensive but it has been an amazing experience to help people connect during this challenging time’, states Jessica ‘We've had hundreds of couples find love through our app.

The desire for connection is a core human need and the pandemic hasn't changed that. It has been quite emotional for us - we talk to people who use our app every day and it has been

incredible to share their happiness.

We had a couple who met on So Syncd get married just before Christmas and we've had many people move countries to be together. We have loved working together as sisters - we laugh a lot! We spent the first UK lockdown living together which was helpful in terms of work’.

They both loved their previous jobs and had amazing bosses but it was clear that for Jessica and Lou, it was the right moment to focus on So Syncd full-time. The business was really taking off and they felt it just wasn't sustainable doing both anymore.

Their bosses were extremely understanding and supportive, which made a huge difference to them.

The sisters are delighted that the business is progressing ‘better than we could have ever imagined, particularly given the pandemic. Working for ourselves has definitely been different to working for someone else but we're both enjoying it’.

There has been such strong demand for their app during lockdown, it has meant Jessica and Lou have been even more focussed on improving their product and making it an even better experience for their members.

‘We have spent the past few months building a new version from scratch’, confirms Jessica ‘and it was released on 6th February (2021) which we are all very excited about’.

Find out more: www.sosyncd.com

Valentine’s Alex Martin from The Cellar presented Fiona Grech with a presentation box of a bottle of Prosecco ice and chocolate treats. Fiona won the competition with her answer of roses to the question What flowers are given to symbolise love.

Liesl Lane is the lucky winner of a fabulous night stay on the Sunborn Yacht hotel, answering the question to last months Valentine competition with the correct answer Pauline Collins.

Liesl was presented with her prize from Marketing Director Britta Weiser

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MOTORING INSIGHT

WORDS BY MARTIN WARD 38

MARCH 2021

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MOTORING INSIGHT I RECENTLY HAD ON TEST FROM MAZDA UK PRESS DEPT A CX-30 100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION, AND EVEN HAD 100 YEARS 1920-2020 EMBOSSED ON THE HEAD RESTS, SO YOU COULDN’T FORGET THIS WAS A COMMEMORATIVE VEHICLE. Now I must admit, I didn’t know Mazda had been in business for all that time, and so I thought I would check out its history. Mazda didn’t actually start life as a car manufacturer, but as a cork manufacturer called Toyo Kogyo Co Ltd based in Hiroshima. But in the late 1920’s the cork company had to be saved from bankruptcy. How they made the leap from cork to cars is another story.

The CX-30 is powered by 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 180ps, and although the engine does look big for the size of car, it was relatively economical and just as good on fuel as other competitors with much smaller engines.

Mazda have spent much time, effort and money developing their Skyactive engines, which are designed to be efficient, quiet and economical.

In 1931 the cork company developed its first vehicle called the “Mazda-Go” which was a tricycle-truck, basically a 3-wheel motorbike with a box on the back.

The interior of the 100th Edition is very special indeed, with lovely red and beige leather upholstery and some very nice standard equipment. There is plenty of room for five adults, and the boot is very spacious.

The first car Mazda produced was in 1940, a four-seater family saloon, but production was put on hold thanks to WWII. In 1945 Mazda started making a threewheel truck the K360, and made a remarkable recovery despite the fact there was very little left in Hiroshima.

Mazda started producing small mini-vans and 1-ton pick-ups and did very well with these and sold many to other countries.

The CX-30 is in a very popular yet competitive sector of the market, the SUV is now in demand from many people, both young and old, as they do offer a practical and flexible vehicle, but are generally sensibly priced, loads of room, but not too big, and easy to park.

The Mazda CX-30 is certainly a good looking car, a pleasure to drive and has more than enough power, and interior space.

It has been interesting looking at Mazda's history. Not is all that it appears to be on first inspection from this car company celebrating its centenary.

In 1967 Mazda launched the Cosmo Sport 110, and was the first production car to have the innovative two-rotor Rotary engine. Over two million Mazdas have been sold with a Rotary engine to date.

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FEATURE

BARRACK LIFE ON THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, 1797

WORDS BY ANON (PROVIDED BY TITO VALLEJO) 40

MARCH 2021

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FEATURE

There was a Society of Methodists in Gibraltar, chiefly composed of men, belonging to the different regiments in the garrison. They had a small place, where they had started meetings for prayer and exhortation; there were a few of these Methodists in our regiment.

Shortly after I joined it the commanding officer gave out an order, for none of the regiment to attend any of their meetings. What effect this order had, in deterring any from attending at the time it was issued, I know not: it had not at least a permanent effect, for I know that several did attend afterwards, and no notice was taken of it. I went to this place only once. all the time I was in Gibraltar, and I was nearly a twelve month in the place. This shows what a careless state of mind I was in; for I may say it was the only religious exercise I was at, in all the time. There were indeed prayers read to the garrison, every Sunday morning on the Grand Parade, when the weather was dry: but the Chaplain was always at such a distance, that I never heard a word he said. There was a chapel at the governor’s residence, where service was performed through the day, but I never was in it.

I began to fall into company which led me frequently to get intoxicated; I did not indeed fall into a habit, nor acquire an inclination for intoxicating liquors for their own sake; but had some circumstances continued, I have great reason to fear that an appetite for them would have been formed, and that I might have turned out a habitual drunkard. Gibraltar was indeed, to produce a habit of drunkenness. The wine was cheap; and the place is warm; and in time of war with Spain, there are very little fresh provisions, and what is fresh, is frequently indifferent. There is a great deal of hard labour for the soldiers, for part of which they get extra pay; by the evening, many of them are fatigued, and actually need a refreshment beyond their ordinary provisions; but those who need the refreshment are not content to go and get what is required for themselves; they often take one or two of their comrades with them, and having once sat down in the wine house, they generally sit until either their money is exhausted, or their time has run out. The moment the evening gun fires, for the men to be in their barracks, the wine houses must be emptied and shut, until after the new guards are marched away to relieve the old ones next morning, that no soldier may have it in his power to get drunk

before guard mounting. Those who are treated one night, treat in their turn who treated them, when they get pay for work.

Many of the barrack rooms are uncomfortable, on account of their size, containing sixty or more men.

This greatly destroys social comfort; for one or two individuals can molest all the rest; so that select retired conversation cannot be enjoyed. Anything of that kind is always ready to be interrupted by the viscous and ignorant, who do not fail to scoff and gibe, at what they do not understand or relish themselves.

Among so many men, too, there will always be found some, who take a malicious pleasure in making their neighbours unhappy. This renders the barrack room quite uncomfortable during the evening, which, as a greater part, are employed at work, or otherwise occupied during the day, is the principle time when they can be together. This, along with other things, induces those who have a little money, to spend the evening in the wine house with their more select companions. Different sorts of vermin are plenty in the barracks; and it is the common excuse for drinking, that they cannot get a sound sleep unless they are drunk. It was customary at the time to settle the men’s accounts once in two months; and as very little pay was given to the soldiers over their rations during the intervals; the greater part had a considerable sum to receive; and then drinking was so very common, that to prevent a multiplicity of punishment, it was found necessary to have no parade, except in those for guard, in order that the money might be the sooner done; and the different regiments in the garrison had to take different days to settle their men’s account, that the garrison might not be involved in one general state of intoxication at the same time. But I hear that matters are differently managed now; the men are oftener settled with, and get a larger proportion of their pay weekly, which prevents them having so much money to receive at once. The most comfortable time I had, was when I was upon guard. There are many very retired stations, some of them in elevated situations, on the very summit of the Rock, 1300feet above the level of the sea, from which the view is surely grand, and where a fine opportunity is afforded for meditation. I sometimes took my bible to guard with me, but I never read it Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

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ADOPT

DON'T

SHOP

FROSEN Frosen arrived in January 2020, about 10 months old on arrival. She is a lovely, affectionate girl that just adores company, whether it be with humans or her 4-legged friends. She is sociable, active and playful just like a young dog should be.

Spanish Dogs

SOPHIE

MILAN

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

Milan is around 6 years old and was rescued from a killing shelter in northern Spain. He has had a hard life so far and now just wants a peaceful home to enjoy the rest of his life. He is very good with people, gentle and affectionate, He’s good with female dogs.

More info: www.ainf.gi

MANSO

Sophie is 3 or 4 years old She arrived in very poor health but has recovered really well, although she still moves slowly. She’s lovely with children and adults, but is best as a sole dog as she now wants rest and peace in a loving family home.

Manso arrived in August 2018 and was about 1,5 years old on arrival. He's a sweet young boy that loves people, cuddles & walks. He is great on the lead. He gets on well with other dogs and shares a pen with both males and females.

Spanish Dogs

More info: www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

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MARCH 2021

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A VET'S INSIGHT

AND YOUR DOGS THIS YEAR WE HAVE HAD QUITE A FEW CASES OF DOGS SWALLOWING FISH HOOKS. MY ARTICLE THIS WEEK WILL BE QUICK GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THIS PROBLEM. Obviously prevention is better than cure. With lockdown and our travel and movement restrictions there have been many instances where people walk their dogs in areas where people are fishing. Personally I would avoid walking my dog off the leash when passing fishermen, the risk of your dog picking up a bit of bait with a hook attached are quite high.

95% of swallowed hooks pass through the intestine and out naturally without causing any problems whatsoever. It is important to follow the passage of the hook through the GI tract with x-rays daily in the off chance that you are you unlucky and the hook gets caught up in the intestine. I strongly advise that if you take your pet to your vet and there is a fish hook in the stomach or intestine, DO NOT ELECT FOR SURGERY until you have monitored the hook for at least 48 hours, if it hasn’t moved by then, then you will have to go to surgery. Abdominal surgery is quite routine and any experienced vet should be able to find and remove the hook.

Problems arise when dog owners pull on the fishing line or it gets caught and the dog pulls back on the hook. If the hook gets caught in the oesophagus especially in the thorax then the plot thickens and its removal can prove problematic. Locating the hook with an endoscope is simple enough but if it is lodged in the thoracic oesophagus and it can’t be removed then the dog will require thoracic surgery where its chest is cut open to try and remove the hook, this is evidently surgery that is fraught with potential pitfalls.

So the takeaway from all this is First thing you must never do if your dog picks up some bait is pull the fishing line and try and retrieve the hook this way. The hook is designed to travel in one direction only, you will not be doing any favours by trying to hold onto a fishing line, just cut it and let the dog swallow the fishing line.

DON’T PULL ON A FISHING LINE!!!

For more information please phone Gibraltar Vetinary Clinic on 200 77334

WORDS BY MARK PIZARRO GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

SIX YEARS ON FROM THE FOUNDING OF SAVE GIBRALTAR STREET CATS (SGSC), THE CHARITY HAS MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF THE STREET CATS ON THE ROCK. Susan Wink Sampere and Julie Watson have worked tirelessly to manage the care of the cats through the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method. With the back-up of a committee, Susan deals with all the trapping and the colonies and Julie handles the adoptions and fosters.

Although the number of colonies are decreasing with only a few remaining, Susan says that some members of the public want them to stop the TNR programme because they fear that the population of cats in Gibraltar will die out.

“There will always be stray cats in Gibraltar because people will always abandon cats,” Julie remarks.

They explain that trapping and neutering the cats was the principal aim of the charity when they started and that they have dealt with about 850 cats over the years. However, trapping the cats can be a never ending story as there are locations such as the port where they come in on the ships from other places.

The most important people in the lives of stray cats are their feeders and Susan says that they are already waiting for her when she does her nightly feeds. “They recognise my truck, but it’s funny how when I am going to trap a new one in a colony, everybody leaves except the one that is unneutered because it doesn't know what is coming!”

“I would say 95% of the whole cat population in Gibraltar is now neutered, which is brilliant,” Julie says. “Last year we didn’t have any new born kittens, whereas in the years before we were having litter after litter, so it is working, but it has taken this long to see the fruits of our labours.”

“What we are finding recently is all the old cats that we trap because they are becoming ill are the ones we need to find funds for.” Over a couple of weeks in February they managed to trap six or seven elderly cats which were taken to the Cat Welfare Sanctuary. “They are just too poorly to go back to the streets and obviously we don't have a place ourselves, so we liaise with the sanctuary and fortunately they are more than happy to help.” Many of the cats need blood tests and special food or they could have kidney problems. “They are at a stage where they are not ill enough that they would need to be put to sleep, so it is just getting them off the streets and giving them a bit of TLC in their last remaining months.”

Julie explains that due to the coronavirus pandemic they weren’t able to hold their Flag Day last year, and the same will apply to this year’s Flag Day. “There was an initial panic of wondering how we were going to have enough food to feed the cats, but we put out an appeal and the public were amazingly generous.”

Susan comments that the public engage with the stories about the cats that they post on Facebook. “It gives them a look into what the life of a cat is really about,” she states, “and it has opened their eyes to the situation of the street cats in Gibraltar.”

SGSC is working with the government to set up feeding stations, but Julie says that it is a work in progress. “It is difficult because we put them somewhere and then they are moved by other entities - people that are not aware what is going on - so it is a slow process but eventually we will get there and we will keep persisting.”

Julie and Susan explain that the cats frequently get the blame for making a mess in the streets, but it is not really their fault. “It could be that a certain feeder isn't clearing up or keeping things tidy which is why we specifically want the feeding stations, and we want to stress that if people still want to continue to put food outside the feeding stations, they should be fined for creating a mess that attracts the seagulls, rats and flies.” SGSC recommend that if you want to feed the strays, don’t put food on the floor but on a paper plate or some other receptacle, stay with the cats while they are eating and then remove the plate. “It’s all about education and we are starting to put signs up to tell people not to feed on the floor,” Susan states.

The ultimate goal is for every colony to have their own feeding station. During the first lockdown Susan and Julie had a meeting with Minister Cortes regarding a feeding station that had been removed from Casemates. “We really appreciated that the Minister took time out to sit down with us and solve the problem,” Julie says. “He welcomes the idea of the feeding stations and he is working with us on this.”

Something else that SGSC would like addressed is compulsory microchipping of cats.

“We have talked to Minister Cortes about this and he agreed to look into it to see if legislation surrounding this issue can be changed.” Julie says that if you don’t want to neuter your cat then don’t let it go out, but if people abandon their cats it then falls on the charity to care for them. “These cats aren’t street wise, they get attacked by the colonies so they end up injured, and people need to be held accountable for this - there is a failing there.”

Funding is always an issue and it is rare that the monthly vet bills for SGSC are under £1,000.

“The elderly cats are costing us a few hundred pounds for each cat, so money has to keep coming in and it is a worry not knowing if we will have enough to pay the bills.”

If you would like to support SGSC, a regular standing order or direct debit would give the charity the peace of mind to know that they can continue to look after Gibraltar’s stray cats. If you feel that you can help make a difference, please get in touch with SGSC via their Facebook page @savegibcats or via their website.

CODY

Cody and his older siblings were trapped at the port. “When he came in to foster we took him to the vets and he was found to have a dent in his sternum,” Susan says. Cody had a congenital defect called pectus excavatum which meant that his sternum was sticking inwards, squashing his heart and lungs, resulting in laboured breathing. “The problem was that as he gets bigger and his organs grow there would be less room for his lungs to work and he would end up having a heart attack and dying,” Susan explains. The wonderful vets at the Gib Vet Clinic performed surgery which they had never done before where they created a mesh round his torso and threaded the sternum, pulling it out and attaching it to the mesh. Susan nursed him at home for a few weeks in the hope that the sternum would stay in place and thankfully the surgery proved to be a great success. “We did an appeal for funds and everybody donated for Cody and eventually after five months he was adopted and is healthy so he was a big success story.”

WORDS BY JO WARD 44

MARCH 2021

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PACS

We have everything crossed that by the time this article is published, we will be up and running again.

As you can imagine, we are keen to return to normal as soon as possible. But history tells us that going back to “normal” is a huge adjustment for babies and toddlers. Playgroups can be overwhelming especially if you have been in lockdown. Our Playgroups are a great way to slowly introduce your child to a social situation in a safe environment with you, as their carer, being available. When we returned after the last lockdown, we found that many of the children found being in a social situation quite stressful having spent weeks on end at home with no interaction with other babies / children. We were able to cater our sessions to ensure that the process of attending these groups

WHAT WE OFFER!

eased them in slowly to social interaction again. Time to play leisurely alongside one another, some sensory play, story time and song time, which always proves to be a firm favourite. All of these activities are of course optional and time spent sitting on their carers laps whilst soaking it all in also helped. By the end of term we found that all of the children were happy to socialise with their peers again and playgroup was a very positive experience. When we return, we will once again ensure that we provide the same environment to ensure that the children have another happy experience with us.

Before March 2020 we were operating four groups per week these were.....

health providers, such as health visitors, will come in and talk to the mum’s and offer help and advice where needed.

MONDAYS

FRIDAYS

– Monday playgroup has always been a firm favourite. On arrival at The Children’s Centre in Mid Harbour the children are read a story which is a great way to start the week. After some free play we offer a craft which is normally themed with the book we are reading. We then provide a healthy snack and song time! The children leave happy which in turn makes us happy! *This session takes place from 10.00am – 11.30am.

WEDNESDAYS

- Wednesdays at PACS are a little bit quieter. From 9.30am until the last baby leaves we take a corner of The Living Room Cafe at The Methodist Church and run Bumps & Babies.

This group is aimed at new and expectant mothers to give them an opportunity to meet other mothers in a safe environment whilst their baby happily plays.

Our volunteers are mothers themselves and are on hand to offer an ear / support whenever it’s needed. Once allowed, we will also be offering sessions where local

– Fridays have always been our busiest day of the week. From 9.45 – 11.45am we offer a playgroup session.

Upon arrival the children are able to play to their hearts content. We’ve found that the children and carers prefer a less structured session on a Friday. Half way through the session we offer the children a chance to participate in some sensory play. These vary from activities such as a “jelly flood” or a chance to plant some flowers in some mud...which usually means chocolate cheerios! We then offer a healthy snack before finishing with song time. Tired but happy the children head home unless they plan to attend our next session of the day...

From 12.30 on a Friday we offer the very popular Cooking Club. During this session the children, with help from their carers, are taught to cook something which they can eventually take home. We try to ensure that what we cook is always healthy...but of course we make sure that some weeks it includes chocolate! Once

the Cooking is finished, the children have some time to play before some much loved games such as “What’s the Time Mr Wolf”. This session is aimed at slightly older children, many of whom will have been at pre school / school before they come. It’s always a great way to end the week!

In the autumn term in 2020 we continued to offer two smaller Playgroup sessions back to back on a Friday and Bumps & Babies all of which complied with the Covid regulations.

With Gibraltar on track to start reopening soon, we hope that PACS will be able to follow suit. Despite being in lockdown, we have continued to work behind the scenes creating new ideas for our sessions and coming with ideas for some new sessions. We hope to be back bigger and better sometime soon. Watch this space! *Please note that all of our sessions are run purely by volunteers. Apart from Cooking Club which costs £2.50 per session we only ask for a donation to assist with our running costs during the other sessions.

WORDS BY THE PARENT AND CHILD SOCIETY GIBRALTAR (PACS) GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

GET YOUR WELLNESS ON TRACK Do you need to get your wellness back on track? We all want to be healthy and happy and wellness and health go together to help you thrive, not just survive. This is particularly true during the unprecedented times that we have been living through during lockdown and it is vital to look after your mental health as well as your physical health during this time. We have all had to adjust to spending more time at home, and that probably includes sitting down for long periods of time whether that is in front of your laptop when you are working or even home schooling at the dining table. It is so important to take time out for a break, even if that means standing up and walking around the house.

Your physical health can have a big impact on how you’re feeling so practising healthy habits on a daily basis will lead to both better physical and mental health outcomes and will make you feel good about the world around you.

There are lots of things that we can do to look after our wellbeing including trying to eat a healthy balanced diet, drinking enough water and getting active. Don’t think that you have to go to the gym to achieve physical fitness. Going for a walk can really lift your mood and it is amazing how just five minutes of physical activity will release endorphins that can trigger a positive feeling in your body.

Set short term goals rather than attempting to run a marathon straight away. Challenge yourself to walk a certain distance over the course of a week, then a month. Whatever activity you choose to do, you will improve your chances of sticking with it if you give yourself something to work towards.

Don’t forget to look into activities like yoga, cycling or dancing. Join an online class and feel the sense of community that you may be craving after having been in isolation for a while. Get the family involved and build stronger and close relationships as you share experiences.

Focusing on the four pillars of good health is key to enhancing your body’s natural defence mechanism. These pillars include making sure that you sleep well, that you look after your nutrition, your fitness and mindfulness. A healthy immune system is essential for your body to fight off infection and although boosting your immunity is a myth, you can support your immune system with various vitamins, minerals and foods.

Vitamin C Evidence has shown that individuals lacking in vitamin C can help restore their natural immunity by making sure they supply their body with enough vitamin C. You can get more vitamin C by eating red

and green peppers, Brussel sprouts, berries, melons, cauliflower, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables and from oranges and orange juice, or try Holland & Barrett Gentle Non-Acidic Vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin and can help to support your immune system function. Get more vitamin D in your life by spending time outside in the sun or eating eggs, meat, fortified plant milks, fortified cereals, mushrooms or oily fish like salmon. Taking one tablet daily of Holland & Barrett Vitamin D3 25Ug Lemon and Lime Flavour Effervescent Tablets dissolved in water could improve bone health and immunity.

Vitamin B12 is another of the popular ‘immune-boosting supplements’. While that may not be true, vitamin B12 is pretty important when it comes to supporting our immune system. Get more vitamin B12 in your life by eating meat, fish, milk and dairy products, eggs, yeast extracts enriched with vitamin B12, vitamin B12 fortified plant milks, and soya ‘mock-meats’ fortified with vitamin B12. Though it is important to get most of your nutrients through the food you eat, many people who follow a meat-free diet may find they need to boost their levels of these essential nutrients. Try Solgar Vitamin B-Complex "50" High Potency 50 Vegi Capsules.

Vitamin A is the collective term for a group of fat-soluble nutrients that the body stores in the liver. It can be found in milk and other dairy products, eggs, liver, carrots, squash, mangoes, spinach and sweet potato.

Folate aka folic acid or vitamin B9, is very important for expecting mothers and their babies, but it also helps to support your immune system. Spinach is especially rich in folate and can also be found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables and chickpeas, or take one tablet daily of Holland & Barrett Folic Acid.

IRON is one of the most important essential minerals for our bodies. From making haemoglobin in the blood to supporting our energy levels, iron is certainly a ‘key worker’ in our body. When it comes to our immune system, iron works hard there too. Get more iron in your diet from red meat, fish and shellfish, leafy green vegetables, beans, chickpeas, fortified breakfast cereals or from a liquid food supplement such as Holland Barrett Liquid Iron Formula.

Advisory Information: Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional and always read the label before use.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

The second Wednesday in March marks No Smoking Day, an annual campaign that raises awareness about the health dangers associated with smoking, and the benefits of quitting smoking for good.

Smoking is a leading factor in many causes of death and chronic disease, including cancer, respiratory and heart diseases. The World Health Organisation highlight that tobacco use will kill up to half of its users, and is responsible for around 8 million deaths a year.

The Covid-19 pandemic presents a good reason to take advantage of this global campaign.

Smokers are more predisposed to getting lung and chest infections compared with non-smokers, which puts them at

a greater risk of severe illness due to Covid-19. Smoking also affects the entire immune system, delaying healing and making it harder to fight infection. In addition, the handto-mouth action of smoking and e-cigarette use increases the number of times you may touch your face and mouth, further increasing susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.

Stopping smoking is the best decision you can make for improving the health of your own body, and for those who passively smoke around you. It may not be easy, but you are up to 4 times more likely to successfully quit with support.

The GHA offers a free ‘Stop Smoking Service’ - Call 200 52441 to make an appointment.

1. Pick a quit date - Choose a day that will be stress-free,

7. Start moving - Scientific studies have proven that exer-

and stick to it.

cising for even for short periods cuts the urge to smoke and may even help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals (Get inspiration for getting active; watch an animation about what happens in your body when you exercise).

2. Make a list - Write down all the reasons you want

The British Heart Foundation recommends these ten top tips:

to quit; keep the list handy and read it when the cravings start (Learn more about how to set goals that work).

3. Build a support network - Pair up with someone else who is looking to give up smoking and support each other.

4. Remove any reminders - Before your quit date, get rid of ashtrays, lighters and matches, and any remaining cigarettes.

5. Use stop smoking services – Contact your local Stop Smoking Service for support from trained specialists.

6. Try nicotine replacement therapy - Consider using nic-

8. Avoid trigger situations - Anticipate stressful or trigger situations (e.g. if you tend to smoke after a meal, go for a short walk instead).

9. Practise saying “no” - Don’t be tempted by just one cigarette; it often leads to another.

10. Treat yourself - Put away some, or all, of the money you would have spent on cigarettes and buy something special.

For more information on smoking visit: https://healthygibraltar.org/quit-smoking/

otine replacement therapy, which can more than double your chances of stopping smoking (Read about e-cigarettes and whether they can help quit smoking).

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BREAST REDUCTION Cosmetic Surgery with Complete Peace of Mind

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL CARA FROM SOTOGRANDE HAS A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE

BY DR. MARCO VRICELLA OF ARIA MEDICAL GROUP. She tells us, “I’m so happy with my breast reduction! I am so happy with it. By back pain has gone, and I no longer have to disguise my body in baggy clothes!

I’ve retained complete sensitivity in my breasts and nipples. The lines from soon after surgery, they are hardly noticeable.

I can’t wait for summer!’

For Cara, each day was marked by pain and discomfort, yet not from a chronic disease. Cara had very full breasts, causing back and neck pain, as well as frequent migraines, whilst her bra straps cut into her shoulders.

Since being a teenager, Cara had a cup size of 30FF. Her breasts were out of proportion with her petite frame; making her not only fort. “Each day I couldn’t wait until the moment when I could take “I used to wear baggy clothes to try a disguise the size of my Cara enjoys running, golf and other sports, but having large breasts “I was referred to an NHS surgeon some years ago, when I lived bust, but after the Breast Reduction consultation and learning more

Dr. Marco Vricella

Book a FREE Consultation

FREE Aftercare (+34) 671 639 353 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Español

info@ariamedicalgroup.com

now, surgical techniques have clearly advanced greatly over the last 15 years, and now I’m in my mid-40s, I felt ready to proceed So, Cara had a private consultation with Specialist Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Marco Vricella and later went ahead with the surgery at Aria Medical Group.

“I am so happy with the results. I would say to any woman that is considering this procedure not to delay the decision!”

‘Dr. Vricella is clearly more than just a talented surgeon, he really values aesthetics. The skill and care with which he performed my procedure is something better, and I am able to truly enjoy sport. What’s more the scars and grooves in my shoulders from years of

College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar

www.

.com

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FEATURE

Celebrate Mother’s Day IN A DIFFERENT WAY MOTHERING SUNDAY THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD ON THE 14TH MARCH AND, FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING, MOTHER’S DAY WILL BE A VERY DIFFERENT AFFAIR TO THOSE OF OLD WITH SOME FAMILIES UNABLE TO GET-TOGETHER AND SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THEIR MOTHERS. FOR THOSE WHOSE MUM IS IN HOSPITAL OR A CARE HOME, THIS DAY WILL BE EVEN HARDER. THERE WILL BE NO VISITS, LUNCHES OR AFTERNOON TEAS, SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE SURE YOU CELEBRATE THEIR DAY IN A SPECIAL WAY? Thinking out of the box is the answer. Come up with some creative ideas about how to make sure your loved one knows that she is still in your thoughts, no matter where you are and taking lockdown restrictions in your areas into account. Here are some unique ways to show your love for the mothers in our lives.

Say Hello If you are allowed out and live in the same area, a socially distanced visit to chat through the window and to speak with them on your mobiles whilst looking at each other is a nice thing to do. Get the grandkids to make some colourful Mother’s Day signs and hold them in the air.

Breakfast in Bed For families who are living together, making breakfast and allowing Mum to have a relaxing morning and enjoy her breakfast in bed is a lovely gesture to show how much you care. This is something that the kids can get involved with, but keep it simple so that they feel they have contributed to this special treat.

Household Chores Working mothers are not only having to deal with the pressures of working from home but also with home schooling and keeping on top of the household chores, although this is of course not just the domain of the females in the house. However, one way to show how much you appreciate your multi-tasker is to take charge of the cleaning, mopping and cooking for the day.

Virtual Party Organise a virtual party. Plan it with your siblings and extended family members and as well as expressing sentiments of love through poems and anecdotes, play some games and raise a toast to the family matriarch.

Video Collage Make a video collage of family photographs and videos and accompany it with your Mum’s favourite song. This will be something that she can keep and cherish and is something that can be easily sent online.

Share a Meal If we can’t get out to enjoy dining in a restaurant, we can still share a meal with our mothers. If you are living together, order their favourite food from a local takeaway.

Alternatively, order a meal to be delivered to their home and set up a video call so that you can eat as though you are together.

Home Spa A visit to your favourite spa is probably no longer possible, so if Mum is in your bubble spoil her by creating the ultimate spa experience in your bedroom and bathroom. How about buying a plush robe and some spa slippers to really get in the mood and pretend that you are checking into a luxurious spa?

Run a soothing bath, light a scented candle and create the perfect relaxing spa playlist to accompany the pampering session. Start off by unwinding with a calming cup of herbal tea, or even a glass of bubbly. Confiscate the mobile phones and give other family members instructions that you shouldn’t be disturbed. Let Mum relax with a long, hot soak in the bath to which you have added some Epsom salts (great for soothing sore muscles), some bubble bath and a few drops of your favourite essential oils. Add a suction pillow for her to rest her head on, or roll up a small towel to put under her neck.

Ensure she is comfortable and let her rest and relax. If you have applied a face mask, let it sit for 10 minutes, or however long the instructions recommend, then wash it off with a flannel. After about 15 minutes, tell Mum to put on some exfoliating gloves and to give her skin a good scrub with either a shop bought product or one made at home to ensure her skin feels smooth and supple. Have a soft fluffy towel on standby so that she can wrap herself up before applying moisturiser or body oil to help replenish her skin.

If you can’t see your Mum, how about sending or dropping off a package full of indulgent spa treats such as moisturisers, bath oils, facial products and conditioning treatments with a list of instructions about how to spend her special spa day.

A"ernoon Tea Indulge your Mum with the best afternoon tea ever! If you aren’t able to order one to be delivered, have a go at making a feast as good as any you would find in a high end hotel, with delicious cakes and pastries, maybe some scones, jams and cream and perfectly cut finger sandwiches. Don’t forget to add in a pot of her favourite tea (maybe with an added shot of her preferred tipple) and either a cocktail or a bottle of fizz.

Set the scene with some personalised decorations and a few extra special touches such as treasured photographs of the family. Hang some bunting and lay the table with a pretty tablecloth and napkins, and decorate it with some fresh flowers and an assortment of beautiful chinaware.

Happy Mother’s Day! Give your Mum a Mother’s Day that she will never forget. Honour and celebrate everything our mothers do and give thanks to all the amazing women whether they are step-mothers, foster mothers, god mothers, birth mothers or someone who has been an influential woman in your life.

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Just Married on the Rock

Mobile: 58897000 Email: nicholas64@gibtelecom.net

Ihar & Inese Married 9th October 2020 Photographer Nicky Sanchez

Ellen & Sean Married 21st November 2020 Photographer Nicky Sanchez

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HOROSCOPES

YOUR FUTURE IN THE STARS

MARCH

WITH KATE MCHARDY

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 23)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 21)

You’ll find yourself moving on from a certain situation in your life, Aries. There will be a bittersweet feeling about this, for sure, but in your heart, you know that the time is right. The trick is to hold the memories and the good energy in your heart while creating space for new ones.

The energies on the planet are very, very powerful this year, Leo, and this month you will be called on to support and guide one or more people through some soul searching and formative times. You can do it and, indeed, it is like you were born for the purpose.

Well done!

You will benefit from some TLC this month, Sagittarius, but you need to be willing to receive it. Put your ego to one side and allow your vulnerable side to step forth … and give others the chance to show how much they care

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21)

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 20)

March is such a powerful month for you, Taurus. The sun is shining on all your endeavours, so don’t judge yourself or procrastinate. Go forward with confidence and allow others to also benefit from your golden aura. Success is assured.

Your sensitive soul has been put to the test during these last months, Virgo, and no you are not crazy – just very sensitive. You may have been feeling like you are in a dark tunnel with no end in sight. Well, fear not – you are indeed in a tunnel but there is light at the end of it. The light of Christ consciousness and love.

Your inner child wants to spread its wings this month, Capricorn. So, listen to it and indulge it!! In other words, loosen up and stop feeling as thought the entire world depends on you to fix it!! We all have our part to play and it safe to be responsible and have fun!

GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 22) A big opportunity will present itself to you this month, Gemini, but it is up to you to be out there energetically to recognize and receive it! This is about more than monetary reward… it is about valuing yourself and being willing to speak your truth. Not always easy but always worth it!

CANCER (Jun 23 - Jul 22) Gather your inner strength this month this – the strength that is in your heart!

Your inner power can be formidable when it has to be and when the situation calls for this there is no holding you back. Keep the channels of communication open – they will thank you.

LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23) You will experience a profound change this month, Libra. A change which will shock you but over the coming weeks will fill you with a lightness and a joy.

You will see things quite differently and with more optimism and feelings of being held down will simply vanish.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19) We are now officially in the Age of Aquarius, and it is time for your soul to sing! Sing from your heart and the rest will follow. Listen to your soul... your higher wisdom... the world so needs this and the simple gentle energy that will flow forth.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)

You can look forward to a great success this month, Scorpio. Something you have worked hard for and strived to achieve will become yours. So, pat yourself on the back and celebrate. You very much deserve to few

If you have been having thoughts of opening your own business then this is the prime time to do so. Pisces. You do have a tendency to over think and to procrastinate or get tangled up in other peoples’ dreams. This month put your own dreams to the fore and do not hold back!

For Private Readings Tel: (0034) 666 966 502 Email: katemch@gmail.com Facebook Group: Horoscopes Gibraltar 54

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FEATURE

SETTING CLEAR Boundaries

DURING THIS PERIOD OF UPHEAVAL AND TRANSITION IT IS VERY EASY TO BE PULLED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AND TO BE DRAWN INTO THE DEBATES AND OPINIONS OF OTHERS. With confusion around and daily life in a state of flux it is essential to have strong boundaries in place in order to feel secure and indeed in charge of your own life.

What are boundaries? Basically, boundaries are the invisible area where your space stops and another person’s space begins. Boundaries are essential on four levels - Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally and Spiritually.

On a physical level you must be aware of people who literally step too close. We call it invading space. Now, at this time in history, we are all aware that our personal contact with others is being severely limited and so it may seem that this area may not be so important. But nothing could be further from the truth. While we are in the situation of keeping physical distance from others there are those who are cooped up in too close proximity and those who are seriously isolated.

While going through the transition, the frequencies of the planet are going through turbulent times whilst ascending to a much higher level.

So, we are in a period, an era, where our levels of awareness are becoming much more acute on every level. Intuition, reading between the lines, hearing the unspoken and seeing the unseen and connecting deeply on a sixth sense level are now becoming the norm. While this is exciting it can also be confusing as there are no clear guidelines on how to move with the transition in a comfortable way. One minute you have amazing clarity and the next minute that clarity is challenged by a family member, friend or co worker. Just when you think you have a solid boundary - it collapses.

Healthy boundaries come from the soul and the ego is profoundly threatened by the soul. Ego resides in the 3rd dimension and will struggle bitterly to remain there while the soul is moving upwards into the 5th dimension and beyond.

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Once you understand this, the dynamics themselves don’t change, but the way you handle them does. Your wounded ego is afraid. It doesn’t want to lose you or be left behind and so your soul needs to step forward and allow ego to relax and settle back into its healthy role of protecting you on your forward journey. So, talk to your soul.

How do you do this?

Mentally and spiritually, it is essential at this time to have very clear boundaries regarding what you want to discuss or even think about. Our senses are being bombarded with information and opinions on all sides and you owe it yourself to protect your mind and your emotions from overstimulation. Cut back on what you listen to and what you read. Spend less time online and on social media.

Avoid being drawn into discussions that get heated or where you feel uncomfortable. Just exit.

People will often step too close emotionally as well. Even good friends and family whose intentions are coming from love can be oblivious to our times of fragility and it is up to us to have a clear message that we are not up for sharing our feelings at this time. You can simply say thankyou for caring but that you are feeling OK just not ready to share and then change the subject.

Sometimes we allow our emotional space to be encroached upon because we know that the person is only showing us that they care but it is OK for you to be clear, gentle but clear, and they will understand. And let them know that you are grateful for their loving gesture. In fact, they will probably be grateful to you for this because so often when we want people to know that we care but we don’t want to intrude, it is a mark of respect to let them know that you are not ready to share.

WORDS BY KATE MCHARDY

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This is a wonderful time to develop your spiritual awareness. As I’ve said I believe we are going through a period of immense transition, raising our own vibration and the vibration of the planet.

And so, it is an awesome time to be alive. Not easy but awesome. We are spiritual beings inhabiting physical bodies and these two energies are now being brought into balance. So, take the opportunity to tune in with your higher energies.

It is not difficult… in fact it takes more energy to block them out, especially now when the energy is vibrating higher and higher every day. Have you experienced any unusual physical sensations of giddiness or toppling over? Maybe ringing or buzzing in your ears? Some people are reporting feelings of nausea, brain fog, headaches. And more. Now think about it…. We never question that we experience similar sensations when we are on a flight or what is known as ‘sea legs’ when have been on a boat. But we know that these, while unpleasant, are due to the change in movement, the change in the way your body reacts to a different vibration. And it is similar with this planetary change.

Spend time in stillness, develop a meditation or yoga practice and surround yourself with like minded people. Drink lots of water, preferably slightly warmed with fresh lemon squeezed in.

Eat lots of fruit, veg and other light, easily digested foods.

These practices will help you to overcome fear and to navigate this period safely and confidently. All will be well. See you on the other side. Much love.

Kate Mchardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer. katemch@gmail.com / Tel: +44 7712889534. Facebook: The University of Light Group / Readings at The University of Light (@tarotangelspiritreadings).

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Mama's Carbonara I adore the smooth texture of Carbonara. The recipe is so simple with only a few ingredients involved however the real skill comes in when the egg gets involved. Preparing the sauce so that it’s cheesy, smooth and creamy without scrambling the egg could be a challenge, however following this recipe should keep it swift.

In true Italian style this recipe contains no cream. Although traditionally pancetta and parmesan are the main components, we’ve iberianised this recipe using ingredients know in Gibraltar and traditional to our neighbours, Serrano ham and Queso Curado (Cured Cheese)

INGREDIENTS 200G Vegetable Spaghetti

3 Large Egg Yolks

Olive Oil

2 Large tbsp Butter

6 Slices Serrano Ham

Black Pepper

195G Queso Curado (Cured Cheese)

METHOD 1. Place your pasta in a large pot with boiling water, season with salt and a splash of oil to avoid them sticking together and cook until al dente.

2, Whilst that’s cooking away, slice the ham into small chunks and leave to one side. Using a fork or small whisk, beat your egg yolks, make sure to separate the egg whites as we wont need this.

3. Splash a pan with a little olive oil and fry your ham over a medium heat. Cook until you see it change colour.

4, Remove your pasta from the pot using tongs and add it directly to the pan without draining. Stir with your ham and add the dollop of butter. Mix everything together until the butter melts and the ingredients mix together well.

5. Turn your heat to the lowest setting and pour in the grated cheese, stir together whilst slowly adding in the beaten egg yolks.

6. Continue to stir whilst adding the eggs and add some water from your pasta pot until creamy and smooth as you stir together, to avoid it scrambling. After a minute or two this should be ready for serving. Season with a crushing of black pepper on top.

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit:

www.mamalotties.com

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CROSSWORD

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WIN!!! WIN!!!

WIN!!!

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ACROSS

DOWN

1. A person who is adept at planning tactics (9)

1. A stylishly dresses, fashionable person. (4)

5. To move lightly and swiftly, fly dart or skim along. (4)

2. Stylishness; modishness. (4)

7. An instument for determining directions. (7)

3. The striking of one thing against another. (9)

9. Bl_ _, a group of persons, businesses etc.

United for a particular purpose. (2)

4. A publication commonly containing news, comment, features etc. (9)

11. To go swiftly or hastily; dart. (5)

6. Slightly crazy; unbalanced. (7)

12. Nonsense; rubbish. (4)

8. A small body of standing water.

(4)

13. To walk with a labored jerky movement, as when lame. (4)

10. _ _ _ _e, very fat or overweight. (4)

Fill in the details below and send it, with the completed crossword, to Insight Magazine, First Floor, 77 Main Street, Gibraltar (Tel: 200 40913).

Entries to be received before 24th of the month. A winner will be drawn from all correct entries and will receive a Himalayan Salt Lamp from The Light & Power Shop.

Name:....................................................................................

Address:................................................................................

Tel: ............................................

14. Colour resembling blood. (3) 15. To slide along. (4)

A FABULOUS HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP

11. A garment worn by Hindu women.

(4)

16. Russian male forename. (4)

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Last month’s lucky winner was: PEDRO GOMEZ

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T H E

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THE ART OF TOWN CENTRE LIVING

It’s not all just about a sea view.

Our cityscape is full of character and beauty.

Gibraltar’s town centre is vibrant and charming and it’s only getting better.

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