Gibraltar Insight™ September 2019

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Contents

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34

Business Insight 12

BUSINESS NEWS

Tech’ Insight 18

GALAXY NOTE10

20 DRONING ON POSITIVELY

Sports Insight 26

RED ROSE CHARIOT

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GOLF NEWS

Culture Insight 56

EAGLES AT WEMBLEY

History Insight 44 USS OPHIR – THE BURNING QUESTION BUILDINGS

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Features 15

THE VALUE OF DYSLEXIA

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FILM REVIEWS

30 BEHIND THE SCENES - GIBRALTAR HEALTH AUTHORITY 34

CATALAN BAY – ‘LA POMPA’ AND OTHER PLACES

40 BEHIND THE SCENES - GIBRALTAR FIRE & RESCUE 43

MOUNT SNOWDON – THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE

49 NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

Regular Features 6

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

46 MOTORING INSIGHT 55

VET COLUMN – DOES YOUR CAT HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

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ON THE SPOT: DAVINA BARBARA

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MUM ON THE ROCK

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HEALTH & WELLBEING INSIGHT

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HOROSCOPES

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MAMA LOTTIES RECIPE

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WEDDING INSIGHT

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SM SERUYA CROSSWORD

Gibraltar Insight Magazine July 2018. Editor: R Ford. Printed & published by GBZ Media Limited, Suite 1, 77 Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA. +350 200 40913. hello@gibraltarinsight.com Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. The names Gibraltar Insight, Bermuda Insight & GBZ Media are marks of GBZ Media Limited. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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 correspondents do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gibraltar Insight or GBZ Media Limited are not responsible for any claims made, or material used in advertisements. Deposito Legal CA-955/07

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

NATIONAL DAY BANNER THE SELF DETERMINATION FOR GIBRALTAR GROUP (SDGG) HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE NATIONAL DAY BANNER WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BE SIGNED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS.

Photo: Elliott Howe

The SDGG calls on all Gibraltarians to come down to Main Street and sign the banner that as customary will then be placed at the stage in Casemates for the National Day Festivities. The stand will be set up every day from Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th September at the Piazza.

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

THE RESULTS WERE

In its 11th year, the Annual Charity Cardboard Boat Race didn’t disappoint, both in the ingenuity of the vessels entered, and the amount raised for local charities.

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Senior Category eld Adults Race: Monster Energy Shi rrisons Supermarket Mo – pi sip 1st: Morris Haulage 2nd: Batmobile – JP mphries Hu u -Lo 3rd: Gracie t Fancy Dress: SCSI Shield for Bes e lag Hau Batman – JP at ll Shield for Best Bo The Bridge Bar & Gri n: Desig – AM Capurro Land Rover Defender

The event was held in Ocean Village, in partnership with The William Tilley Lodge of the RAOB. A total of £5208.06 was raised for Clubhouse Gibraltar & the GBC Open Day Fund.

Junior Category Junior Race; Ibex Insurance Shield ings Vik a’s nic Mo 1st: Jami – Overseas Sqn 2 No – o nad Tor : 2nd Air Cadets – Little Rock Cafe 3rd: Little Rockers best fancy dress: JP Haulage Shield for s ing Vik Jami – Monica’s t Boat Design: Bruno’s Shield for Bes Sqn Air Cadets eas ers Tornado - No2 Ov Overall: ic” Shield for Most Anglo Hispano “Titan Dramatic Sinking: 2B cial Prize “Tug of Bruno’s Buffalo’s Spe rrison Supermarket Mo – pi War”: Morrissip uld e part next year sho Those wishing to tak bgibraltar.org rao y@ tille liam wil t contac

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

COMMONWEALTH PLAQUE IN LONDON A new prestigious metallic plaque has been fixed at the entrance to Gibraltar House on the Strand in London, to celebrate the Rock’s place as part of the Commonwealth community of nations. The plaque is part of the London Commonwealth Walkway, launched by Her Majesty The Queen in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, last year.

The walkway consists of a 1.25 mile route that links Gibraltar House with the High Commissions of Canada, Cyprus, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia as well as the government offices of The Falklands. It begins at Australia House, followed by India House, both close to Gi-

braltar House, and ends at Marlborough Palace, the seat of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia commented, “Gibraltar’s relationship with the Commonwealth has always been important to us and becomes all the more so as Brexit unfolds. Recognition of our place in the Commonwealth of Nations with our inclusion in the London Commonwealth Walkway is a welcomed cultural gesture as we continue to work to find and build on the opportunities that the relationships with people and members of the Commonwealth can bring. It also reinforces our strong ties with the United Kingdom and London and with the wider British family.”

NEW MEMBERS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION L-R: Mr Mario Maurice Hook, Ms Nadine Marie Collado, Mrs Nyreen Marie Bossano-Llamas, with His Excellency the Governor

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

NO DEAL BREXIT ADVICE HIGHLIGHTED Despite a change in leadership in 10 Downing Street, the position of the UK, along with Gibraltar, in leaving the European Union remains unclarified, although at the time of going to press diplomatic manoeuvres were under way between the UK and primary EU players, Germany and France.

HMGoG’s message to citizens and businesses is that they should inform themselves and make the necessary preparations for a “no deal” Brexit. Businesses should contact suppliers and establish that there are no issues with the supply chain that could affect

getting anticipated goods to Gibraltar. The Brexit section of the Gibraltar Government website (gibraltar.gov.gi) contains copies of the Technical Notices which have already been published across a number of different areas.

Businesses who have a query should contact the relevant department for advice.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who is responsible for work related to Gibraltar’s departure from the European Union said, “The Government, over the next few weeks, will be

reminding the public to prepare for a ‘no deal’ Brexit. We intend to issue once again the advice we have given covering issues like passports, identity cards, driving licences and health cards. This is important to both the general public and to the business community.

An advertising campaign in the local press and on the Government’s social media platforms will be part of the strategy as we prepare to leave the European Union on 31 October.”

NATWEST Reorganisation NATWEST INTERNATIONAL HAS REORGANISED ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM IN GIBRALTAR AS WELL AS SIMPLIFYING ITS STRUCTURE.

Personal, Premier Banking, Business Banking, Corporate & Commercial and Local Real Estate Finance, have been combined under a new division called ‘Local Banking’. Funds Banking, services for Financial & Corporate Service providers, and Institutional Real Estate Finance, now form a new ‘Institutional Banking’ division.

Gordon Paterson has been appointed to the new role of Head of Local Banking, NatWest International, Gibraltar. Gordon, who has moved to Gibraltar to take on the post, has held various roles within the RBS Group. His most recent roles since joining RBS International in 2007 have been as Head of Corporate Credit and latterly leading the Real Estate Finance business for RBS International based in Jersey.

Ian Harcourt - who has been appointed Head of Institutional Banking in Luxembourg will continue to have responsibility for Financial & Corporate Service providers in Gibraltar, and the customer team that is already in place will remain and report to Ian. Commenting on the re-structure and the new roles that have been created, Andrew McLaughlin, CEO, said, “To truly become a bank that’s easy to deal with, both for our customers and our colleagues, we know we have to make changes to how our business is organised to support this. Congratulations to our new leaders, and those taking on new roles within our business.”

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GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD TURBOCHARGES UK TIES The Gibraltar Tourist Board has been busy strengthening ties with their counterparts in the UK. Part of this strategy involves hosting familiarisation trips for UK travel agents so that they can best match Gibraltar as a tourist destination with potential clients.

The first such group has already been to the Rock, and enjoyed some of Gibraltar’s highlights with a packed itinerary of activities, including getting up close with the Barbary apes, dolphin watching plus visits to many further attractions.

Minister for Tourism, Gilbert Licudi QC said, “The travel trade is a vital route to market for us, which is why we have formulated this strategy to further develop our bonds with UK agents. We have recently experienced extensive investments in our accommodation sector and it is increasingly becoming appealing to a broader demographic. The uniqueness of the warm British Gibraltarian welcome in the heart of the Mediterranean and a good value pound Sterling destination continues to be an important message in times of currency volatility”.

The plan includes trade advertising and an incentivised e-learning course where agents can win familiarisation trip places. Those interested should head to gibraltartraining.com to find out more.

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FEATURE Ten percent of the world’s population are believed to be dyslexic, but dyslexia is still often poorly understood. We all know the high profile entrepreneurs, business leaders and celebrities with dyslexia, such as Lord Sugar, Anita Roddick, Richard Branson, Jamie Oliver and Ikea founder Ingvar Kampradand, and there is no doubt that with the right support, the strengths and talents of dyslexic people can really shine. However, change is needed, especially by educators and in the workplace, so that dyslexics can reach their full potential.

To raise awareness of the problems surrounding those issues, The Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group (GDSG) in association with the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) will be hosting a Diversity & Inclusion Seminar in September to highlight the positive impact of dyslexia in the workplace.

Many of us may have preconceived ideas about what dyslexia is and how it can impact on someone’s life. As a result, people with dyslexia often have to overcome numerous barriers, despite the fact there are many positive differences and sometimes hidden talents. However, it is those perceived barriers that sometimes give people the strength to overcome them and to achieve success because of, and not despite of, dyslexia.

These guest speakers comprise Kate Griggs, Founder and CEO of Made By Dyslexia, Benjamin Cooke, Senior Strategy Consultant at EY London, and Edward Davis, His Excellency The Governor of Gibraltar and Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group Patron.

As a dyslexic himself and with two children with dyslexia as well, Stuart is passionate to raise awareness of dyslexia and realises that businesses, schools and people can all make small changes that can result in big differences.

“Dyslexia has always been fighting its case for reasonable adjustments to be made in the workplace, but with companies investing in diversity and inclusion programs at the moment surrounding gender, race, sexual orientation, disability etc., it seemed to be the perfect time to include dyslexia in that mix to heighten awareness and create an inclusive

THE VALUE OF

environment for dyslexics in the workplace, and I think it is about time the business community starts thinking about how better to serve their staff,” Stuart states.

Stuart Byrne, who works at the GFSB and is also Chairman of the GDSG, explains how the seminar came about. “This is something that the GDSG has been wanting to do with the business community for a number of years, but so far a lot of our efforts and work has been mainly focused on children, the education system and helping youngsters and parents, but it has always been our aim to open the scope a bit more and to try and help dyslexics in the workplace as well.”

An invitation to the Global Summit from Made

by Dyslexia in London, a global charity led by successful and famous dyslexics such as Richard Branson, with the purpose to help the world properly understand and support dyslexia, led Stuart to thinking that this was now the perfect opportunity to reach the local business community in Gibraltar. At the Summit a report was handed out to all delegates on The Value of Dyslexia, created in collaboration with EY, which showcased in depth how neurodiversity will become increasingly valuable within the working world, highlighting key facts and research into dyslexia and its unique thinking skills.

“I approached the GFSB and they thought a seminar was a great idea and were happy to support it,” Stuart explains, “and from there we branched out and got in contact with other organisations that we thought would be interested in supporting it, such as the CIPD, Women in Business and the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, amongst others, and together with our sponsors we are able to bring expert speakers over to participate in the seminar here in Gibraltar.”

So what reasonable adjustments could businesses think about to help support people overcome the challenges posed by dyslexia?

Stuart says that the list is endless! “The important thing is looking at people as individuals, and to recognise that if you have two dyslexic members of staff it does not mean that they need the same assistance.” Part of that is working towards their strengths and supporting their weaknesses.

“You have to be individualistic and holistic in your view of your staff, maybe putting a creative person alongside an academic person, maybe letting someone record things audibly, being a bit lenient on spelling on internal correspondence, or having someone to double check their work before an email gets sent out to a client.”

“There are lots of little easy simple things that can be done at either none or minimal cost to the business, it is just a mentality shift, and hopefully we can start building on that with this seminar,” Stuart states.

To register for the seminar you will need to email: events@.dyslexia.gi

Diversity & Inclusion The positive impact of dyslexia in the workplace John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Tuesday, 24 September 2019 from 09:00-12:00

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FEATURE It was only about a year and a half ago that The Governor found out about the GDSG at a family charity day on the Piazza. “It was a bit of a revelation when I came across Stuart and his team and after chatting with them for a bit I was instantly keen to get involved,” he says, “so I was delighted to become the Patron, especially as being associated with the group has given me an opportunity to better understand my own dyslexia at a fairly senior age, which in some ways, I wish I had the opportunity to do before, but I am glad I have done it now, so I want to express my thanks to Stuart.”

The way we talk about personal cognitive differences has changed over the past couple of years – from members of the Royal Family speaking out about their own personal challenges, to politicians and celebrities using their public platforms, and this has transformed the views that people have on personal cognitive differences and altered the way in which we are willing to engage with people with such differences, and that includes dyslexia.

familiar with what I was going to read beforehand; in doing so, I compensated for the short-comings in my ability to speak in sync with my reading.”

Agreeing that the upcoming seminar will help to heighten the profile of dyslexia, The Governor adds that he would describe diversity and inclusion as embracing the power of combinations. “I have lived my personal and professional life by harnessing the power of having the humility to realise that everybody has something to offer and that if you don’t include them then you are going to miss out,” going on to say that he thinks dyslexia will become an increasingly significant difference if utilised correctly. “I say that because the nature of the future workplace, and the business that the future workplace conducts in our increasingly digitally-driven world, will become more and more dependent on some of the inherent skills and attributes that dyslexics have: their curiosity, creativity, innovation and lateral thinking.”

“The community of Gibraltar is a lot better off because we have a better understanding of dyslexia, we are engaging with it and embracing it in a way which is very positive, and I think it has helped me in my own personal journey,” His Excellency states. “I was born in Hereford, made in the Royal Marines and defined in Gibraltar - part of my self-definition journey here in Gibraltar, which I suppose is a look-back over my life so far, is understanding the role dyslexia has played in my life.”

The Governor comments that this is particularly evident in Gibraltar’s context, where it is already a digitally-based economy, and one that will become increasingly more so. “The worldwide figures are quite striking. In the next ten years 60% of jobs and 30% of the activities within those jobs are going to be automated through artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The remaining activities are going to require employees who are able to engage with the digital business enterprise in a far more intuitive and dynamic way. And I believe dyslexics have the differences and the attributes to succeed in such an environment.”

As with many children, Edward Davis found his differences made him stand out at school. “My dyslexia was first recognised by my parents when I was at primary school, so I had some extra tuition, but in those days, the focus was on dealing with the symptoms as opposed to the causes of the difference,” he comments. “This meant that I was just made to read more, rather than addressing some of the fundamental

“Against this backdrop, we are, potentially, going to either have to reskill, or train from scratch, up to 4,500 members of Gibraltar’s workforce, to be able to give them meaningful, fulfilling, productive employment in the future and to also provide Gibraltar - the unified ju-

THE GOVERNOR OF GIBRALTAR, PATRON OF THE GIBRALTAR DYSLEXIA SUPPORT GROUP underlying issues, embracing personalised learning techniques or focusing on different educational disciplines so that you could contribute productively as part of your school along with your school mates, in a way which made you not stand out as being different in a negative way.”

Edward Davis, His Excellency The Governor of Gibraltar and Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group Patron, talks to Jo Ward about the upcoming seminar and about being dyslexic himself.

Keen to explain that the fact that being dyslexic means that you have different abilities, not limiting abilities, The Governor says that one of the things he has mastered is how he approaches learning. “I have got a very good memory and I can take lots of facts in and remember them - that was very much what got me through my ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels,” he tells me. After joining the Royal Marines, His Excellency says that dyslexia wasn’t a hindrance to his career path as, by then, he knew how to prepare himself for occasions, whether that was reading or speaking in public, where his dyslexia would particularly manifest itself. “It was muscle memory of the brain, so I wasn’t relying on seeing, computing and speaking in real time. I made myself

risdiction - with the workforce skills that it needs to maintain its socio-economic wellbeing,” he states. This can be helped by companies understanding the difference that is dyslexia. A difference that has a lot of the skills that will be needed in a digitally-driven economy. A difference that dyslexic employees already have within Gibraltar’s business community.

“Ultimately, understanding, engaging and embracing dyslexia within the Rock’s business community is all about increasing commercial outcomes in step with improving staff wellbeing. Resulting in greater good for everybody.”

The Governor contends that given the changing nature of the workplace it is a very timely, important and inspired seminar, because in Gibraltar, as in business-led jurisdictions everywhere else, the difference that is dyslexia has the potential to make a difference that matters.

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

The latest salvo in the smart device wars is from Samsung, who’ve just released the latest Galaxy “phablet” - the Note10. Available in two sizes, it once again ups the ante in terms of performance from a handheld device.

“From the very beginning, the Galaxy Note has stood for the best-of-the-best technologies and features. The Galaxy Note10 re-imagines this promise for the modern Note fan who uses their smartphone to take their productivity and creativity to the next level, and who effortlessly flows between ideas and endeavors at a moment’s notice,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “Every element of the Galaxy Note10 was designed to help users achieve more. Whether they’re finishing a big project for work, capturing and editing a video, or playing their favorite mobile game, the Galaxy Note10 will help them do it faster and better.”

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TECHNOLOGY

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Using a combination of cutting-edge technology, LG recently lent a hand to a reforestation programme across the Frontier.

The Alto Tajo Natural Park had been devastated by fire across a wide area, but this tragedy provided an opportunity to rethink traditional reforestation methods.

Using a combination of drones, LG smartphones and laptops, the affected area was mapped and the subsequent data was analysed in order to identify the optimum areas to disperse seeds. Complicated modelling of weather patterns including wind direction and precipitation formed an integral part of this process.

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The result was approximately 2 million seeds being deployed by drone throughout the park. It is anticipated that 1.5 million seeds will ‘take’ successfully.

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It is hoped the LG Smart Green project can be used more frequently elsewhere in the world, especially as critical areas of the Amazon have fallen victim to forest fires.

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

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD: 18

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT: 12A

It’s 1969 and the air is full of pot, hippies, and great music. This is a love letter to both Hollywood and Los Angeles and if it is Tarantino’s last film, his ninth, then it’s a beauty to go out with.

More nostalgia, this time from the 80s, and not in Hollywood but Luton.

Javed lives with his parents and two sisters and is bored out of his brains.

He is trapped between his father’s expectations of him as a good Muslim and his own friends around him at school who are listening to pop music and, more importantly, dating girls. When he gets to college, he befriends a Sikh called Roops who is a fanatical Bruce Springsteen fan; suddenly Javed here’s Bruce talking to him in his lyrics.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is everything you want from a Tarantino film if you are a fan of his film making.

Leonardo di Caprio plays a veteran movie star who believes his career is over and he’s a has been washed up no hoper. His stuntman is Brad Pitt who is now his PA but he is still in his corner cheering him on. The cast is huge and brilliant. Margot Robbie plays Sharon Tate, Al Pacino as a wonderfully greasy Hollywood agent.

It’s almost 3 hours long so take a cushion and don’t drink too much but there are enough surprises to keep you entertained. Plus, some lovely scenes with a pit bull called Brandy and Brad Pitt; and Damien Lewis as Steve McQueen.

As with all the best Tarantino movies there are multiple storylines, so the faded western star Di Caprio is just one. The Sharon Tate/Roman Polanski story and the emergence of Charles Manson and the Family – Lena Dunham pops up as a member and that maybe is one of the less believable aspects. A bit like Pulp Fiction we bounce around the one-off stories, but it isn’t as good as that movie. It’s a unique approach and will keep you on your toes but it is thrilling.

A killer soundtrack from the era including Neil Diamond, The Stones, Paul Revere and The Ravers, Mamas & The Papas. Lots of swearing and sexual references from what may seem a Jurassic age; and some drug references so not family viewing. One criticism of Tarantino of late, is his reliance on cartoon violence and bloodbaths and there are plenty here. He is brilliant with dialogue though and the closest cinema has to Elmore Leonard. There is a darkness in the background which is not brought to the front and you could say the Manson storyline is not properly explored and developed.

It is unapologetically nostalgic and, in its way, beautiful to look at with some sumptuous overhead crane shots.

The chemistry between Pitt and Di Caprio is brilliant and Robbie is superb with little to do. It’s muscular and masculine and if you like that stuff, you’ll love it.

The director is Gurinder Chadha from Bend It Like Beckham, based on the memoir of journalist and author Sarfraz Mansoor, called Greetings From Bury Park (as opposed to Asbury N.J).

It was a time of high tension with far-right marches and graffiti strewn all over the houses of Pakistani families, some being spat on and punched in the street. Some of this nostalgia is uncomfortable viewing but forms the authentic background to Javed’s desire to escape. The film is, in part, a musical with street scenes akin to west side story and even Rob Brydon pops up as Javed’s best friend’s dad who runs a market stall and is also a huge Bruce fan, and joins in the singing.

Javed is desperate to be a writer and his dad thinks he is doing economics at college, but his creative writing tutor, played by Hayley Atwell, encourages him to continue and use his voice through his writing. Blinded

By The Light is a wonderfully uplifting film that could easily be the feel-good movie of the summer. It helps if you’re a Springsteen fan, but there are plenty of 80s pop to keep your toes tapping. All performances are universally good with Viveik Kalra a standout as Javed.

A lovely, funny, clever uplifting movie perfect for summer.

Check listings at

.com

leisurecinemas

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) recently lifted the lid on its day-to-day operations for close friends and family of those serving.

The Squadron Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Kyle Walkley said: “We ask a lot of our people here, often working long hours in demanding conditions, but it can be easy to forget the partners and loved ones at home, so it is nice to be able to host them and talk to them about what we do”.

It has been a particularly busy patch for RNGS, which included an annual maintenance period for HMS Scimitar, the NatWest Island Games and a week of Operational Sea Training.

The afternoon included a gourmet BBQ and drinks alongside, children’s entertainment, a bouncy castle and rides in the adventurous training RHIBS. The day was funded in part from the annual grant the Squadron receives from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and a one off grant from SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity.

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Families Day

The event itself had been organised by Sgt John “Ronnie” Corbett and Leading Seaman (Supply Chain) James “DJ” Anderson. The Commanding Officer paid credit to them: “I would like to extend a huge thanks to Sgt Corbett and LSC Anderson for the work they have put in to today and over the past few weeks. Without them this event simply would not have taken place”.

It wasn’t all fun and games for some, however. The RNGS capability remained intact during the event with some squadron members maintaining operations on the water.

Oxford UOTC Training In Gibraltar Members of Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) recently visited Gibraltar to take part in Exercise Barbary Warrior 2.

It is an Army Reserve unit that recruits exclusively from Oxford, Oxford Brookes, Reading, Cirencester and Gloucestershire Universities.

One hundred and thirty members of the Unit participated in the exercise at Buffadero Training Camp and in the MOD tunnels within The Rock. They also undertook a range of challenging pursuits around the peninsular.

At the start of the exercise, Oxford UOTC’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Walters said, “We are delighted to be in Gibraltar and are very grateful for our warm reception. My team and I are looking forward to the opportunity to develop some of the British Army’s future leaders in this unique training location."

NEW COMMANDING OFFICER FOR HMS SCIMITAR Lieutenant James Young has assumed Command of HMS Scimitar, one of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron’s Lifespan Patrol Vessels (LPV). He relieves Lieutenant Commander Kyle Walkley who, after a year in Command of SCIMITAR, has taken the role of Commanding Officer of the Squadron.

Lieutenant Young commented, “This is an extremely exciting opportunity in a place steeped in the history of the Royal Navy. I am very much looking forward to my first Command and delivering on live operations on a daily basis in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.”

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Lt Young has recently arrived in Gibraltar having spent much of the last year navigating Type 23 Frigate HMS Montrose from the UK, across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans to her new home in Bahrain.

Lt Cdr Walkley said: “James arrives here having just completed a challenging but rewarding job navigating a frigate three quarters of the way around the world.

The challenges here will be different, but his superb performance in his career so far leaves me with no doubt that he will succeed in delivering on operations in this vital part of the world.”

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SPORTS INSIGHT

RED ROSE CHARIOT READY TO ROLL TO THWART THREE-IN-A-ROW ALL BLACK QUEST

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UGBY UNION is set to unleash the most spectacular sports show on Earth in Japan this month when the supremacy of the superpowers of the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa will be challenged

by Europe’s elite, Wales, England, Ireland and Scotland – each nation carrying the hopes and aspirations of their respective rugby-mad populaces, propelled by wild waves of public expectation as they set sail on an epic voyage of discovery to the Land of the Rising Sun, a fevered quest to claim the greatest prize in global sport, rugby’s World Cup, the Webb Ellis Trophy – so named, legend has it, after the schoolboy said to have inadvertently invented the game when he picked the ball up and ran with it during a football match.

Forget football’s World Cup, stuff Super Bowl, that risible stop-start bore-fest where the obscenely overpaid participants are kitted out better protected than wartime frontline troops, above all bin the boring, powder-puff, illegitimate offspring league version practised up North, the ridiculous ring-a-ring-a-rosy, chase me, catch me and I’ll fall down six times monotony of the 13-man nonevent. Instead, celebrate the thinking man’s sport, where the magic moves and thrilling strategies come straight from the grandmaster’s table, rugby union’s World Cup - fearless hand-tohand bone-crunching combat, no protective gear here, save for a flimsy jockstrap to keep meat and two veg intact, no doubt to quell the fears of girlfriends and wives waiting fretfully by the sideline, a game of chess with violence, the gladiators weaponised by both brain and brawn, no quarter asked, no quarter conceded, each side hell-bent on crossing the try-line, failure not an option, resistance heroic but futile – the spectacle irresistible to the mesmerised sell-out stadiums and global TV audiences of billions.

The ultra-exciting extravaganza kicks off on Friday 20th September when hosts Japan take on the dour Russians, a tie the home side will certainly win, although possessed of fleet of foot and fleet of hand, further progress for Japan will be inhibited by lack of height in that vital aerial area of the game – the Lineout, the playpen of the almost 7ft giants, and with

the male height of the average native being just a tad over 5ft 7ins the problem seems insurmountable, nevertheless, ball in hand, they are a very exciting team to watch.

Defending champions New Zealand approach this tournament looking for their fourth title and third in a row, but with recent defeats to Australia and Ireland twice, plus a very lucky win over England, the All Blacks at last look vulnerable, and I’ll be looking to one of the Six Nations sides, European leaders Wales, England or Ireland to slay the mighty Kiwis. I have dismissed Scotland’s chances, even though on a good day they are more than capable of beating any side, the trouble with the Jocks being that they are more adept at plumbing the depths far more often than scaling the heights. What must not be allowed to happen again though is a repeat of the fiasco of the 1915 event when the semi-finals were contested by all four Southern Hemisphere countries, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina, and this despite the fact the tournament was hosted in England – a truly shameful episode for European Rugby.

So, the burning question is, which of the three home nations will I be burdening with my pony (£25) to raise aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy in Yokohama on final day, Saturday 2nd November?

Reigning Six Nations grand slam champions Wales will fancy their chances of ruling the world, but the grievous loss of the talismanic Toby Faletau so soon after inspirational Lions skipper Sam Warburton was forced to retire probably is a bridge too far for the Men from the Valleys. Ireland, who have scalped the All Blacks twice recently, won’t be lacking in confidence, and I can see the Green Machine surge towards the final, but after hours burning the midnight oil, I’m entrusting England with my wager at odds of 11/2 to win the World Cup for the second time.

NOTE TO GIBRALTAR PUBS AND CLUBS: the action starts just after dawn each day and lasts for six weeks, and as the home nations race closer to their final date with destiny and the excitement mounts to frenzy level, stock up on the cider and the beer, open early, I and thousands of others will be there, to share in another celebrated chapter of the world’s greatest game.

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GROUP GAMES INVOLVING THE HOME NATIONS (TV Coverage: All Games ITV; All Kick Offs UK times)

POOL A Sun 22nd Sept

Ireland v Scotland

(8.45am)

Sat 28th Sept

Japan v Ireland

(8.15am)

Mon 30th Sept

Scotland v Samoa

(11.15am)

Thu 3rd Oct

Ireland v Russia

(11.15am)

Wed 9th Oct

Scotland v Russia

(8.15am)

Sat 12th Oct

Ireland v Samoa

(11.45am)

Sun 13th Oct

Japan v Scotland

(11.45am)

Sun 22nd Sept

England v Tonga

(11.15am)

Thu 26 Sept

England v USA

(11.45am)

Sat 5th Oct

England v Argentina

(9.00am)

Sat 12th Oct

England v France

(9.15am)

POOL C

POOL D Mon 23 Sept

Wales v Georgia

(11.15am)

Sun 29 Sept

Australia v Wales

(11.15am)

Wed 9th Oct

Wales v Fiji

(10.45am)

Sun 13th Oct

Wales v Uruguay

(9.15am)

FACTS AND STATS RUGBY UNION’S 2019 World Cup takes place in Japan, starting on 20th September with the final due to be played on 2nd November. It is the first time the finals have been staged in Asia.

The contest is held every four years, this being the ninth in the series since the tournament was introduced in 1987.

New Zealand won the inaugural World Cup that year and the All Blacks have dominated the competition, winning three of the eight trophies including the last two, with antipodean neighbours Australia sharing second place with South Africa on two apiece and with just one for England, the epic Red Rose victory of 2003, the sole occasion the Cup has been won by a Northern Hemisphere country.

Twenty nations contest the event this year with five in each of the four qualifying pools, the top two group teams advancing to the quarter finals and knockout stage.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup Final takes place in Yokohama on Saturday 2nd November (KO 9.00am)

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GOLF

NEWS

NEW SEASON & EXCITING NEW FORMAT! The key changes are aimed at opening up the Med Golf Masters to more players, making the final Masters day a much bigger & better event.

The category limits will be moved, handicaps reviewed and there will be a change in the way that scores affect handicaps We will be having 7 individual events starting at El Paraiso on 15th September. The full fixture list will be published on the Med Golf website medgolfmembers.com.

HANDICAPS: Over 40% of the players last year were in Category 2. To create a more balanced spread, handicap category limits will be changed as follows: Category 1: Category 2: Category 3:

up to 13 14 – 21 22 -30

Maximum handicaps: 30 for men and 36 for ladies.

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EVENT FORMAT Under the current system only 10 players can qualify for the Med Golf Masters, the new format will potentially allow 38 players to qualify. The winner of each event and the winners of each category will qualify for the Masters (28 players). Moreover, the current Order of Merit will be retained with the top ten also qualifying as in previous years

EVENT PRIZES Event Prizes Prizes for each of the 6 events: Overall winner: Trophy Exclusive ‘Masters qualifier’ shirt from Cohen & Massias & Gedime Motors Cohen & Massias sponsored Tag Heuer voucher valued at £150 Med Golf Masters invitation Category winners: Exclusive ‘Masters qualifier’ shirt from Cohen & Massias & Gedime Motors

Med Golf Masters invitation If a previous winner, the player receives a £40 vouchers

ADDITIONAL PRIZES • • • • • • •

Best gross trophy Longest drive Nearest the pin on par 3’s Best gross score on the par 3’s Top senior Best pairs Best dressed golfer, voted by Judith

SCORE CARD DRAW MONTHLY PRIZES END OF SEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR Trophy and one year’s free golf at Estepona Golf

MED GOLF MASTERS PRIZES Med Golf Masters Champion: Trophy and Tag Heuer Golf Watch valued at £1500 Med Golf Corporate Champion: Trophy

SEPTEMBER 2019

Invitation We look forward to seeing you at the first event of the season, The Famous Grouse Trophy held at El Paraiso on the 15th of September.

Designed in 1973 by Gary Player, El Paraiso is one of the most established courses on the Costa del Sol. Set out in the peaceful El Paraiso valley with the backdrop of the majestic ‘La Concha’ mountain to the north and the sparkling Mediterranean to the south, El Paraiso has the envious reputation of providing one of the best championship course layouts on the coast, which draws players back time and time again.

Sounds good? You can now enter your name with Ian medgolf.events@gmail.com Happy golfing

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FEATURE

WORDS BY JO WARD 30

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FEATURE

Behind THE SCENES AT

GIBRALTAR

HEALTH AUTHORITY

Empowering the Patient St. Bernard’s Hospital has seen a series of improvements over the last few years that have changed the face of healthcare in Gibraltar for the better, and under the recently launched formal constitution, the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) has set out its principles, values, and pledges to the community regarding the rights and obligations of patients, describing the constitution as: “Our commitment to your health, care and wellbeing.”

Sandra Gracia was appointed as the Director of Nursing and Ambulance Services for the GHA at St. Bernard’s Hospital in September 2018, having previously covered the post for two and a half years in an acting capacity.

“It is a very busy and challenging role, but I like challenges, but it is also an interesting one because of the fact that I feel empowered enough to make the changes that need to be implemented, not only for the patient which is the ultimate reason why we are all here, but also because there are so many exciting developments occurring,” Sandie says. “One of the greatest things happening at the moment is how we are changing nursing practice and at the same time taking pre-hospital care forward with the help of our Acting Chief Ambulance officer and seeing the difference and the impact that makes to patient outcomes.”

Sigurd Haveland is a paramedic and the Acting Chief Ambulance officer that Sandie is referring to and fortuitously he came into his role at the same time that Sandie became Director of Nursing. “This has enabled us to have discussions about the strategic direction of the Ambulance Service and I think that we have been successful in cementing that,” Sigurd tells me. “It is going to be a paramedic led ambulance service where technicians are the backbone of the pre-hospital care clinician.”

Calling the Ambulance Service ‘embryonic’ because it was only in 2000 when the service became professional and only 2013 when paramedics came in to fruition, Sigurd explains that it is a combination of technicians and paramedics delivering pre-hospital patient centered care.

Currently there are three operational ambulances supported at times with a paramedic vehicle. “We have two skill sets in the frontline ambulance clinicians; the technician and the paramedic who is a health care professional,” Sigurd states. “We also support pre-hospital opGIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE erations with transport drivers which help us keep three ambulances operational all the time and our objective is to have three paramedics in every shift by 2023/5.” Sigurd goes on to say that there should be a paramedic available for every call, not necessarily in an ambulance, but every call will have either a paramedic present or will be supported by a paramedic.

Sandie comments that it is about changing the concept of the emergency ambulance service from what it was in Gibraltar and where it is getting to going forward. “It is about providing the best clinical outcome from a pre-hospital setting because obviously that impacts on the community at large and the survival of anybody that is going to come in as an acute emergency.”

Sigurd points out that it is important for the public to recognise that the Gibraltar Ambulance Service is totally integrated with the health care system and with the GHA, but that when it comes to the emergency service they are a stand-alone operation.

The Ambulance Service in Gibraltar has a multi-faceted role and raising public awareness about what they do is an ongoing initiative. Maritime Attendance and Retrieval is one such speciality, where clinicians attend seamen or people out at sea and if necessary use their specialised skills to package, extricate and disembark patients before ferrying them to hospital. “Gibraltar Port is very important for maritime rescue and this is a service that the Port Authority and the Gibraltar Government provide to shipping,” Sigurd says.

on the floor, we know what we need and we know what we need for our patients.”

Sandie adds that they were lucky that there was an appetite from the Gibraltar Government to empower the clinicians to say “look this is what we need, this is what the patients want and we were able to deliver that.”

The Day Surgery unit is nurse-led so once patients come into the Main Reception, welcoming and well-lit and furnished with comfy chairs, they are admitted by a nurse who takes a brief medical and case history and that same nurse is assigned to the patient all the way through their surgery procedure. Specialised day surgery trolleys designed to minimise patient manual handling provide all the functions of a bed, trolley and operating table together and accompany the day surgery patient throughout the entire patient journey through to first stage recovery. Happy healthcare employees can lead to happier patients and the nursing staff that I met were all incredibly friendly, happy in their work, extremely knowledgeable and able to put their patients at ease.

The suite has been in operation for six years but looks brand spanking new, rather like a VIP unit, and Sandie is quick to praise Angie and her staff for keeping it that way. There are fifteen beds at the moment with a complement of eight staff nurses and two Enrolled Nurses.

Ward Manager Caron Fennelly explains that they can facilitate a turnover of up to 30 patients a day - depending on the number of surgeons operating on the same day, which can be up to four. “They have their surgery, maybe in the main hospital theatres or in our own theatre, so it is like a big circle, in, out and recover.”

They also work closely alongside the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service in the event of road traffic accidents, collisions, in fires and rescues.

Sigurd adds: “There is now an appetite for paramedics to be trained in rock rescue as well and we have to look forward as to how we are going to manage any incidents up the Rock.”

Sandie and Sigurd are keen to highlight a campaign directed at educating the public on how to best use the emergency ambulance services.

“The public should be aware that there are other routes to go down before an ambulance will come out to them,” Sandie comments. In that respect Sigurd has been active in integrating a telephone CPR assistance service and working alongside the Department of Education to launch CPR training in all the schools in Gibraltar, hopefully by October this year. “We want to increase and enhance bystander CPR in Gibraltar and we thought that the best way to do this was to go to the roots - the children.”

“We also have the Public Access Defibrillators Campaign – where we are looking at not only increasing but enhancing public defibrillation in pre-hospital care,” Sigurd confirms. “There are 14 operational defibrillators at the moment around Gibraltar, but we want to engage with companies who have defibrillators in their premises and are hoping that they can sign up with the GHA so their staff can be trained in defibrillator use, so that if there is an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest close to these business premises, the public will know where to access a defibrillator.”

Because of the geography of Gibraltar Sandie states that they have managed to extend the boundaries of day surgery. “When we have gone back to conferences in the UK they have been quite surprised at that not only is it the boundaries of day surgery that we have expanded beyond, it is the techniques that we have developed with our clinicians, our anaesthetists and our surgeons to be able to get the patients home within the same day,” Sandie confirms. This is due to a special type of analgesia and the take home medication that is prescribed, along with a follow-up call and somebody who they can call during the night for advice. The patient gets another follow-up call the next day and they can either come in or they can go straight to A & E if there is a problem. “We have been able to expand on the ‘basket of day surgery cases’ to include more complex, more invasive surgery,” she states.

This then takes the pressure off the reason for an in-patient stay and the patients actually now prefer to go home and rest, with research showing that they make a quicker recovery within their own home environment.

Both Sandie and Sigurd want to thank the Gibraltar Cardiac Association who has been working alongside them to raise public awareness.

“They have been bending over backwards to help with this,” Sigurd states. Sandie adds that the Gibraltar Government has given their commitment to expand the extra services and the clinical expertise within the ambulance service in the future.

Simple things could save a life and Gibraltar Insight is happy to publish a map of where the 14 defibrillators in Gibraltar can be found.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE DAY SURGERY UNIT Amongst others, one of the success stories at St. Bernard’s Hospital has been the Day Surgery Unit which has become one of the flagship projects of the GHA. “One of the things that surprised us was how we changed public perception from what was the norm before to what could be delivered,” Sandie says, continuing, “the other thing that we were quite astounded by was getting the public on-board and you can see that on social media where there is always somebody thanking Day Surgery and saying how wonderful it is, and that is a huge achievement and a drive for the staff themselves to keep delivering that little bit extra back to their patients.”

The unit was designed with the patient in mind by a team headed up

by Day Surgery Sister Angela Morgan and Sandie. “It was eight years in the making and we designed it the way we wanted it to be, and it works, so we are reaping the rewards now of what Day Surgery could have been and what has eventually been done,” Angie says. “We work

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Angie comments that they have now outgrown the unit. “This was the foundation and we opened up with our vision in mind,” Sandie says, “but that vision has now expanded to include a wider range of surgical activity, and making the unit bigger is something that we will be looking forward to doing in the next couple of years.”

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FEATURE

CATALAN BAY `L A POM PA’ AND OT HER PLACES !

PLACE NAMES AND LABELS ARE GENERALLY VERY WELCOME, AND CATALAN BAY’S CARETAKERS, `THE VILLAGE PEOPLE’ ARE FOREVER ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE THE VILLAGERS’ – AND THOSE ENTERING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD – SAFETY AND COMFORTS WHILST PRESERVING THE HAMLET’S LONG HELD TRADITIONS.

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FEATURE

If there’s a wedding, communion celebration or other big event, I’m led to understand the whole of the village is invited! As a rule, that’s the closeness of the Catalan Bay community. The chain of command is headed by the Catalan Bay Social Club Committee for any formal changes that require seeing to and other community matters. Meanwhile, the Village People take on board smaller issues that concern the residents and improve the environment. Spokesman for the group and former `Foreigner’ - he’s not an indigenous `Caleteño’ - Johnny Walker, sat waiting for my arrival on `El banco de la’ shalaura’. “Well this is one of our improvements right here. We now have this covering or shelter to shield us from the hot sun and rain in winter as we sit and chat away `shalaura’ sometimes, and have a good view of the beach!” Johnny used to drive down to the village on his motorbike with a group of friends and that’s when he met his wife Marina, who is a true Caleteña! “As an outsider it took me quite a while to be accepted and integrated into the community and when you get your name in the `fat book’ and pay an annual subscription at the club, then you become an adopted Caleteño.” Johnny is also referred to as the `Mayor’ or `El Alcalde’ and has always taken an interest in helping to spruce up the nooks and crannies around the village and in approaching government departments to seek their help and advice. Johnny, along with Aida Yome and an English lady called Lizzy, make up the `Village People’ trio or, `Los Caseros’ (Caretakers) which is another name they come under. So whenever there’s a little problem as in faulty lighting in one of the estate’s stairwells for example, it’s quickly seen to by Johnny’s self-appointed Village People. In summer he liaises with the beach life guards to keep things under control. Whilst there, the `cake man’ arrived blowing his whis-

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tle to attract beachgoers to partake of his goodies and his whistle produces the same sound as the one life guards use to attract the attention of misbehaving swimmers. Johnny hopes to get the cake man to swop his, same-tune-as-the-lifeguards-whistle, for a different one! “Oh yes, and that’s another issue which we hope to remedy. During heavy levanter days the red flag is taken down at 7pm at the beach and we think it should stay up till much later and also raise it during the winter months when the `Levante’ kicks-in. It’s warm and sticky and the sea might look welcoming and not particularly rough but when it’s heavy levanter or easterly the under currents are strong and very dangerous so visitors especially need to be warned. We’re next to the Caleta Hotel and many guests come down to the beach in winter too.” There are many village issues the team has worked on and had implemented.

The row of coloured lights all along above the beach wall are now allowed to stay lit all summer through to September after National Day. A wooden walkway was built at the instigation of `El Alcalde’ from the car park to the village entrance, allowing easier access for families and visitors to the beach. There’s Walkers Gym at the top of the hill and the latest job is giving street names to the little alleyways around the back of the estate’s blocks, bars and restaurants.

I’ve often wondered how postmen and other visitors have found their way to an address in the village! “Well those alleyways have never had street name plaques on the walls. They’ve always been known by some object, use or somebody’s name and everybody’s found their way to any address that way.” Johnny tells me that now, after approaching the elders of the committee who welcomed the idea, they’re having plaques made bearing those names by which

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they have always been known like, La Cochera, La Pompa (the water pump) – where you went in days gone by to rinse the sand off your feet - La Trocha, Conti, Patio del Pozo, La Cantina and there’s a `Conchita Street,’ named after a lady who with her handicraft efforts has mounted seashells on walls and plant pots along the alleyway!

And there’ll be more names on rocks and walls too. At the far end of the beach we have, Lo Scheggi (of dubious origin) and plaques or signage for the famous, La Mamela and La Maseta, are still to be mounted... and then there’s a `Don’t Worry’ sign that needs to be read! Male club members don’t escape the trendy names either. They’ve been given nick-names also. We have El Commando, El Kuki, El Chacarin, El Aver, El Nene, El Take It, El Caleta and so on.

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It’s clear the Village People have their work cut out especially during the busy summer months and Johnny was eager to rush off to see about another inquiry but not before we were attracted to a gentleman standing in the sea close to the shore making hand signals for the benefit of those Caleteños looking out to sea from their balconies wanting to know what the sea temperature was like. He apparently uses a thermometer and then passes on the information to potential village bathers by displaying, on this occasion, a full hand of five fingers four times meaning 20 then adding four individual fingers to his performance: Bingo 24%! Tony - a

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village regular albeit, a `foreigner’ was communicating the message to the community’s populace... at that temperature, perfect for a lovely dip!

Yes Catalan Bay’s customs and conventions are pleasantly quirky.

It’s the place which once again this summer has achieved `top spot’ for `ambiente’ (great atmosphere) and where it’s clearly evident, you come across the `in crowd’! In the meantime and on the lookout to assist as always, you’ll find...The Village People!

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FEATURE

Behind

THE SCENES AT THE

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FEATURE SAFETY IS THE MAIN CONCERN AT AIRPORTS AND IT’S DOWN TO THE GIBRALTAR AIRPORT FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE (AFRS) TO PROTECT THE LIFE OF PASSENGERS, WORKERS AND TOURISTS AT GIBRALTAR AIRPORT AND IN CERTAIN OTHER INSTANCES AROUND THE ROCK. AS WE ALREADY KNOW, GIBRALTAR AIRPORT HAS ITS OWN CHALLENGES WITH A SHORT RUNWAY AND WITH THE SEA AT BOTH ENDS. THERE IS ALSO THE ADDED COMPLICATION OF HAVING A MAIN ROAD CROSSING THE RUNWAY, WHICH BRINGS ITS OWN PROBLEMS, BUT THE AFRS IS ALWAYS PREPARED FOR ANY EVENTUALITY AND READY TO RESPOND. SENIOR FIRE OFFICER NICKY VIÑALES SHOWS INSIGHT’S JO WARD BEHIND THE SCENES AND LETS HER GET UP CLOSE TO THEIR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FLEET OF VEHICLES. Nicky Viñales has worked as a firefighter for the past twenty-seven years, but took on the role of Senior Fire Officer in 2015, at exactly the same time as the new fleet of firefighting vehicles arrived. He explains that the airport is MoD owned and operated but that the civilian side has its own Air Terminal. “In October 2015 the Defence Fire & Rescue Service was handed over to the Gibraltar Government, who now owns the organisation, but the MoD continues to co-fund the organisation as well as the procurement of the equipment.”

The Airport Fire Station situated near the North Barrier at the side of the airfield consists of the usual administration offices, a training room, rest room, gym and a kitchen that at the time of my visit was emitting some very pleasant cooking smells. “One of the firefighters is detailed every day to cook,” Nicky says. “Shifts start at 8 am and finish when the air field shuts which is usually around 9 pm at night, so the bulk of the work is undertaken in the morning and then in the afternoon it’s stand down time and when training takes place.”

There are a total of 28 firefighting personnel operating on a two-watch 13 hour shift system.

“It is a small organisation but we have lots of capabilities,” Nicky tells me, continuing: “We do pretty much everything that the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service (GFRS) does, except diving, as well as the aviation side of things, so we are nearly fully interchangeable.”

As well as providing support to the GFRS on request, the AFRS form part of the MoD Nuclear Emergency Response Organisation and were on hand for the blaze at the North Mole Bunkering Facility in 2011. They also carry out numerous skills and specialties including Aviation, Structural (working at height and in a confined space), as well as Maritime where they provide fire cover for naval vessel ammunitioning of ships and submarines and for road ammo. Nicky adds that the firefighters are First Responder First Aid trained and that they also have some hazardous materials advisors.

The award-winning modern firefighting vehicles have been designed specifically for the needs of Gibraltar’s AFRS. “Different airports have different requirements and one of the items we requested were, for instance, extendable hose reels on an arm that swings out,” Nicky says. The other thing that is noticeable is that everything is automated. “This is very much for the PlayStation generation,” Nicky laughs as he explains that his firefighters have no real issues with joysticks, screens and buttons. “However, it has involved a lot of retraining because the old vehicles had more conventional levers and switches.”

Everything about the vehicle is evocative of the sleek big cat with which it shares its name – the Panther, full of power and elegance. It is a high climb up into the cab of the 6x6 which offers a comfort previously unseen in older trucks. There is room for five or six personnel, and the automated system allows for one firefighter to control everything from inside whilst the rest of the team are deployed dealing with the incident. Nicky points out the electronically controlled high reach turrets which extend up to 16 metres high, but it is impossible not to notice the impressively huge tyres, which he points out have rear wheel drive steering making it easier to manouvre the vehicle.

The smaller 4x4 can carry similar equipment, but is more geared towards the rescue element, carrying the bulk of the cutting and hydraulic lifting gear. “We have got total flexibility within our fleet but they all have a specific role within the fire vehicle line-up,” Nicky comments.

Both the AFRS and the GFRS work to British procedures with training primarily done in the UK, other than for refresher courses.

“Next year we are all due a refresher and in the past we used to have to fly people over to the UK to different training establishments, but now we are able to bring out a couple of instructors and they can train the whole station over a week or two,” he states.

It goes without saying that firefighters are imbued with integrity and dedication, and that ongoing and daily training is an essential part of what they do. There is also no doubt that if any of them had a childhood dream to become a firefighter, they could not have envisaged the magnificent bespoke vehicles that they now operate.

The new fleet consists of three Rosenbauer PANTHER 6 6 trucks, one 4x4 Rosenbauer PANTHER, two command support utility vehicles and a light rescue unit. Rosenbauer is the world’s leading technology and service provider of fire fighting vehicles and it is not just the vehicles that are different to the ones they have replaced, it is also the firefighting tactics, as Nicky outlines. “The other vehicles carried a lot less water and foam on board and you had to be very measured in terms of how much water and foam you were using because it was expelled at 6,000 litres per minute and the water/foam was gone very quickly, so it entailed a lot more manual firefighting.” With the new roof monitor water can be deployed with a 90 metre jet throw.

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The three bigger vehicles have a water capacity of 11,500 litres and 1,500 litres of foam, whilst the smaller vehicle has a water capacity of 6,500 litres which is only slightly less than the old large vehicles at 6,800 litres.

Another specification asked for was a pump that could withstand corrosion. Nicky explains that the vehicles normally carry fresh water but the hydrant systems in Gibraltar contain sea water, so obviously they needed a pump that would be more resistant to the corrosive nature of salt water.

Back in his office, Nicky gives me a short history of the AFRS. “The origins stem from the Army Fire Service which used to exist at Europa, and when the Admiralty Fire Service at the Naval base closed in 1992, it amalgamated with the RAF Fire Service, replacing RAF personnel, he tells me, “which then became the Defence Fire & Rescue Service up until 30th September 2015.”

The airport is civilian owned and has its scheduled flights, but Nicky explains that the AFRS operates very much within an aviation compliance regime. “Everything that we do, all the training, the testing of equipment and the competencies of the firefighters, has to be recorded and for this we use the RedKite Management software system.” They are also subject to periodic UK Civll Aviation Authority and MoD audits.

Although hard work and training are an integral part of a firefighter’s job, they provide a vital public service that we rarely think about until they respond to an incident, and this is particularly true of the AFRS who work and train hard to keep our community safe, now with even better vehicles and equipment to enable them to do so.

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FEATURE

MOUNT SNOWDON

THE SECOND LEG OF THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE 41 Club to hike up Mount Snowdon in aid of Prostate Cancer and Cochlear Implant Support Groups.

hope to reach or even surpass this amount in donations.

Each 41 Club member taking part in the climb will pay for their own trip, with all fundraising proceeds going directly to the two support groups mentioned.

Following up on their ‘conquest’ of Ben Nevis a year ago, fifteen members of 41 Club will hike up Mount Snowdon in mid-September, in aid of the Prostate Cancer and Cochlear Implant Support Groups of Gibraltar. Both are causes that mean a lot to the Club members.

The Snowdon Challenge 2019 Team: Charlie Russo, Charles Menez, Pepe Codali, Paul Victor, Manoj Nagrani, Paul Origo Gino Matto, Francis Rodriguez, Ramesh Karnani, Derren Vincent, Claus Olsen, Selvan Soobiah, Colin Vaughan, Kristian Menez as well as Norbert from Round Table Airdrie (twinned with Round Table Gibraltar).

At 1085 metres, Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales. Some ‘41ers’ have been actively training for the climb by ascending our very own Rock on a regular basis.

Over £5,000 was collected for the PSCG last year. This year the members

Should you wish to make a contribution, 41 Clu b Gibraltar has set up a Just Giv ing page: www.justgiving.com / fundraising/ round-table-41-club

WORDS BY RAMESH KARNANI GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

USS OPHIR THE BURNING QUESTION MANY OF US REMEMBER THE DEVASTATING EXPLOSION WHICH ROCKED GIBRALTAR IN APRIL 1951 WHEN THE BRITISH AMMUNITION SHIP BEDENHAM EXPLODED ON THE GUN WHARF. A SIMILAR INCIDENT NEARLY OCCURRED IN 1918 WHEN US NAVY CARGO SHIP THE USS OPHIR RETURNED TO GIBRALTAR ON FIRE CARRYING A FLAMMABLE CARGO. The USS Ophir was built by the Dutch Kon. Masts de Schelde in Flushing in 1904. This 8905 ton cargo passenger ship was operated by the Rotterdamsche Lloyd Line on the Pacific run. The ship was seized in Hawaii by customs officials under a Presidential Proclamation of the 20th of March 1918 and was turned over to the US Navy on the 21st of March 1918 and commissioned on the 25th on that month as a NOTS (Navy Overseas Transportation Service) under the command of Lt. Cdr. M P Nash USNRF (US Navy Reserve Force).

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FEATURE The Ophir left port on the 2nd of April heading for New York where she arrived on May 14th. Leaving again in the company of four other ships on the 1st of June.

They carried sailors and tugboat men, 500 mail sacks and other cargo, heading for La Pallance in France, to supply the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) there. She arrived on June 7th (GHQ AEF France report dated June 9th) and set sail again for Verdun on the 27th and then returned to New York. The General Headquarters AEF shows the Ophir arriving in New York on July 30th. She continued to operate on this sector and on the 25th of October set out for Gibraltar and onward to the southern French ports. The Ophir arrived in Gibraltar on November 8th. Soon after sailing for Marseille she caught fire and turned back to Gibraltar. In the afternoon of the 10th a telephone call was received by the Senior Naval Officer (SNO) in the Gibraltar Dockyard which stated that the Ophir was on fire and would be arriving about 1500hrs. A berth was prepared on the North Mole. The question of tugs was raised but was informed that the HM Tug Crocodile, which had the necessary pumping equipment, was laid up and only the Marsden and Heroine were available with limited pumping capacity but that the Kings Harbour Master and Commander Remington had the matter in hand.

At 1930hrs the ship was reported to be rounding Europa Point. The SNO boarded the vessel on arrival and was informed by

the Captain that he thought the fire was in No2 lower hold which held some 500 tons of coal. The Ophir was anchored off North Mole. The fire was kept under control during the night using the ship’s firefighting equipment. At 1930 hrs on the 11th an explosion blew off the hatches of No2 hold and the ship continued burning furiously. The water from the fire hoses had passed from the hold into the boiler room and was in danger of extinguishing the furnaces. The SNO was on board when the Captain requested that the ship be beached. This was agreed and the Pilot, Pelizza, took the ship into the shallows and she was run aground in four and a half fathoms. The fire continued, the boilers were put out of action and the Ophir burned out with all the hold full of water.

The 11th of November 1818, being the day that the Armistice was signed which ended the First World War. Two sailors perished in the fire, they were Guy Alston Comstock, an Engineman, 2nd Class of the USNRF and Oscar Wilson, Engineman 1st Class USNRF. Both these sailors were buried at the North Front Cemetery on the 16th of November. The bodies were repatriated to the United States on the 3rd of June 1919.

Her cargo consisted of drums of Aviation Oil, which in those days was probably of castor oil base and highly flammable. Re-

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involved in the decision to raise the Ophir, which was reported to the Colonial Secretary on January 18th 1919. The US Navy survivors were repatriated and a team was sent to Gibraltar to refloat and repair the vessel.

No doubt the provisions were spoiled and probably dumped at sea under the sanitary inspector’s control. The vehicles had been under 16ft of water but the five Quad trucks were salvaged and sold to Alexander Ivison of Cadiz under the authority of US Base 9, the Patrol Squadron based in Gibraltar on the 22nd of May 1919. The US media reported that the vessel was under water for five months but this does not appear to be the case as she was pumped dry within weeks.

Only enough work was done to make her able to sail back to the United States. A skeleton crew of six officers and sixty eight men were sent out to bring the ship back

ports in the US media talk of shell holes but there is no evidence that she carried ammunition. She also carried a number of ambulances, coal and provisions, no doubt for the troops at her original destination.

The Crocodile, obviously now repaired, started to pump out the holds and in a report from the Captain of the Port, dated 18th January 1919, the fore hold was now dry and No 2 hold had three feet of water and the after hold was reduced to about the same level. Tests were being carried out to see if the ship could be pumped dry without damage. The hull seemed watertight but some concern was raised over the after bulkhead.

The iron deck aft of the dining saloon on the port side was split right across and it was hoped this was not a structural failure.

A US destroyer was anchored just north of the Ophir and keeping an eye on developments. For security reasons, the night patrol was ordered to make several tours around the ship while on patrol. An inventory had been taken of everything on the ship includ-

ing all brass and copper fittings and orders given that the correct night lights should be on during darkness. Nevertheless by the 4th of December the Captain of the Port reported that fittings had been stolen from the ship. Captain Nash was lodged with the American Consul while the ship was being raised. Captain Asserson USN was in Gibraltar as part of the diplomatic team and was

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On the 25th of November 1920, she set sail still full of holes and hardly seaworthy. Incredibly, despite her condition, eight wives of enlisted men were permitted to sail with the ship. Only three of her boilers were operational and two days out of the Azores, they broke down and she was given a tow by the USS Bob-O-Link off Bermuda. About 100 miles off Cape Henry, they hit a severe storm and the tow rope parted. For thirty six hours the Ophir drifted in 100 mile an hour wind and heavy seas but finally the storm abated and she was able to get under way on her own, arriving in Norfolk, Vir-

ginia on the 9th of January 1920. The Ophir was decommissioned and turned over to the War Department on the 16th of January 1920.

It is curious to note that there is no reference to this incident in the Gibraltar Chronicle, and were it not for the records of the North Front Cemetery and the official Government correspondence, there would be doubt as to whether it ever happened. The fact that it occurred on the 11th of November 1918, the day that the armistice was declared, which ended the First World War, might account for the lack of interest. Research is still going on to establish the details of how the vessel was raised by the US Navy.

WE WISH TO THANK THE DIRECTOR OF THE US NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER WASHINGTON FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THE RESEARCH INTO THIS INCIDENT AND THE USE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS. ALSO THE GIBRALTAR GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES FOR ACCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT PAPERS.

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

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MOTORING INSIGHT It was back in 1998, when I went on my first Suzuki Jimny launch. This was though the third generation of Jimny, as the original was launched eighteen years earlier in 1970. But the MK3 was the first to be called Jimny, previous ones were called different names around the world. In the UK we had SJ410 and SJ413, in Australia it was called the Sierra and all sorts of names. But in 1998 Suzuki decided to standardise the Jimny name, and so it still remains. The previous car hardly changed in 20 years, and has the longest production run of any modern car. Over 2.8 million Jimny’s have been sold worldwide, with more than 42,000 sold in the UK. The all-new Jimny is believe it or not 30mm shorter than the 20 year old car, but is 45mm wider and 20mm higher. The current car looks small, but the new one is even smaller, but looking at it, it does look much larger. The extra width is welcome, and you do feel that extra space for shoulders. There is enough room, just, in the rear for two adults, but the boot space is as expected, restricted, get three or four bags of supermarket in there, and its full. I doubt you would get a suitcase in it.

But boot room is not necessarily the reason why people buy the Jimny, it is the one-and-only, small, lightweight and 4WD vehicle. This new Jimny retains its traditional Ladder-frame chassis for optimum offroad performance. The body frame torsional is now 1.5-times higher than the current model which enhances on and off-road performance.

We started the testing of the Jimny near Daventry, Northamptonshire and went through some very pretty small villages, on country roads, dual-carriageways on a whole variety of road conditions and surfaces, and it proved to handle them all very well, went over the bumps well, and was generally a fairly comfortable place to be, considering it is so small and has rugged underpinnings.

The new Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the 1.3 that proved ultra-reliable, but no doubt this new one will be just as good. It is quiet, and has more than enough power. This engine produces 101ps, a top speed of 90mph, but no 0-62mph figures are available yet. Suzuki have

released the C02 figures for both NEDC and the new WLTP and show what big differences we can expect: NEDC 154g/km – WLTP 178g/km. The Jimny is available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

The Jimny is available in two trims: SZ4 and SZ5, the top model that we drove is packed full of goodies, including: Lane departure, hill hold and hill descent control, alarm, cruise control, drivers seat height adjuster, auto air-conditioning, auto-headlights, heated door mirrors, heated front seats, 15-inch alloy wheel, satellite navigation, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth integrated audio unit, and so the long list goes on.

After the on-road driving, we went to a very muddy offroad section, and after plenty of rain, the conditions were pretty awful. So wasn’t looking good for testing the AWD system, it did look a bit too much for this small car. But we put the selector into 4WD-Low, and off we went, nice and steady. The interesting thing about the Jimny’s AWD system is that you put it into 1st gear, and don’t touch the accelerator or brake, all you do is just steer it. It finds its own grip, and speed, and goes up and down any hill, at its own speed.

Quite scary to begin with but you soon get used to not touching any pedal. It was amazing just how well it did in very precarious conditions, whether going up or down steep, slippery hills covered in thick mud. It has Unimog capabilities for the price of a small hatch.

The exterior is very bold, and from a distance you could mistake it for the larger Mercedes G-Wagon, or a JEEP. The designers have certainly taken some styling cues from other well-known off-roaders. But it does look good, purposeful and looks ready for action in any conditions.

The only problem I can see with the new Jimny, is the simple fact Suzuki GB will not be able to get enough vehicles to supply customer demands, as it will be very popular and very much in demand.

mArtin Ward

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MOTORING INSIGHT NOT CONTENT WITH MERELY EVOLVING PORSCHE’S SIGNATURE EXTERIOR DESIGN CUES AND SHAPE, THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC TAYCAN ALSO PROMPTED A RETHINK OF THE “STANDARD” PORSCHE INTERIOR. “Less is more applies here too,” explains Ivo van Hulten, Director Interior Design Style Porsche at Porsche AG. “The Taycan interior combines design elements typical for the brand with a new type of user experience, and impresses with its simple elegance.” Porsche will present the Taycan to a worldwide audience in September 2019.

Inspired by the original 911’s cleanly styled dashboard from 1963, van Hulten reaffirms his belief that the cockpit of this new vehicle signals the start of a new era in interior automotive design, by pushing the boundaries of where analogue, organic and digital instrumentation meet.

The Taycan is the first fully electric production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts.

This technology enables consistently high performance, reduces the charging time and decreases the weight and the packaging space of the cabling. During recent endurance test drive at the Nardò Technical Center in Italy, 800-volt high-power charging stations by Porsche Engineering Group GmbH were used.

Six courageous walkers have tackled the 470 miles from Windsor Castle to Edinburgh Castle last month to raise funds for two deserving army charities, aided ably by two Land Rover Discovery support vehicles.

The vehicles were essential to the smooth running of the ten-day trek, from the departure at Windsor Castle to their triumphant arrival on Castle Esplanade in Edinburgh as part of the pre-show entertainment that proceeds the Royal Military Tattoo on August 7th 2019.

The Castle Trek is a fund-raising walk for two charities, the Household Cavalry Foundation and Royal British Legion.

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Four of the six walkers are either current or ex Household Cavalry servicemen, and all six feel a close personal connection with the causes the two charities support. Both the Household Cavalry Foundation and Royal British Legion support the rehabilitation of injured soldiers - whether their injuries are mental or physical.

Sue King, Jaguar Land Rover Diplomatic & Military Sales Manager commented, ‚ “Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to have the opportunity to support this initiative that aims to deliver awareness and funding for such a worthwhile causes. We look forward to congratulating the team on this incredible achievement when they arrive in Edinburgh.”

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NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

IT’S TRUE WE HAVE CHRISTMAS, EASTER, CALENTITA AND ANY NUMBER OF COMMUNAL CELEBRATIONS WE PARTICIPATE IN AND ENJOY, BUT ITS NATIONAL DAY THAT BRINGS THE WHOLE OF THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN A BIG, BIG WAY! Red and white is the order of the day on the 10th of September. At Casemates and in Main Street it’s a sea of cherry, crimson or even scarlet (it’s all red) and white - whiter than the proverbial ghost we often refer to when someone’s had a fright. Yes, you’ve got it, RED and WHITE everywhere. Even at the beaches, you now have to get up close to see if there’s sand under the two-tone blanket. In a way, it could be described as Gibraltar’s continued emancipation as more and more red-and-white-castleand-key flags appear!

It’s 1992 and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister at the time, Joe Bossano, popped along to the United Nations to argue for the right to self-determination. That got the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group going. That same year, the SDGG generated the support of the community by holding our first National Day at the Piazza (John Mackintosh Square) a few months later on the 10th September 1992: the date chosen commemorated Gibraltar’s first Sovereignty referendum of 1967. The populace overwhelmingly voted to `remain’ - quite the word these days - under British sovereignty and there has since been another unsuccessful attempt on co-sovereignty with Spain. The 10th of September also coincides with the Rock’s Legislative Council becoming representative and responsible for its internal affairs way back in 1964, and things have moved on since. Gibraltar had actually been calling for self-determination since 1963 at the UN. So the 10th of September became a holiday and John Mackintosh Square proved to be far too small as the event became more and more popular. Next stop was Casemates Square and later, as it became even bigger, moved to the Naval Ground in 1999, where the Mid Town development now stands.

Gibraltar meanwhile was pressing for de-colonisation as per the UN Charter to eradicate colonialism by the year 2000: to this day, we remain as is! Joint sovereignty with Spain was then proposed for the Rock and our sense of national identity deepened, reinforced and promoted annually at our ever popular September the 10th National Day. As administrations change, as dictated by democratic wishes, formats for the event changed from one government to another. There have been sometimes more, or fewer, political rallies over time. They’ve been quieter in terms of political input in recent times having fewer invited UK politicians delivering shorter speeches. During the Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD’s) reign, the political bits were done away with making it more of a civic celebration leaving politics for all the other days of the year during which, you might say, we live and breath it! Celebrations then returned to John Mackintosh Square with the Mayor of Gibraltar running the main event as opposed to any politician. By this time the SDGG was not organis-

ing the special day as it was handed over to the incumbent GSD Government. The Self Determination for Gibraltar Group took umbrage and returned to Casemates Square organising a political rally inviting all opposition parties – GSLP, the Liberal Party and the Progressive Democratic Party – to give short speeches as well as that given by the leader of the SDGG who were the organisers. The affair lasted just 30 or 40 minutes and was not to overlap with the celebrations at John Mackintosh Square so as to allow everyone to attend and enjoy both.

The rally was deemed a success. By then, in 2008, Britain had recognised Gibraltar’s right to self-determination as declared in our new constitution which is read by the Mayor, outside the City Hall on National Day. And we’ve also had the City of Gibraltar Flag flying over the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on September 10th.

Nowadays, the 30,000 balloons (representing Gib’s population), are no longer released in keeping with wild and marine life protection, but the celebrations continue in full swing with the children’s fancy dress outside the Gibraltar Parliament building, which is always well attended with many innovative ideas coming to the fore, starting the day. In John Mackintosh Square, you’ll find food and drink stalls doing their bit to help along the celebrations and a Fun Day for the children with bouncy castles and other joy rides are set up, either there in the square or by then moving down to Casemates Square where things are revving-up, including the weather getting hotter and stuffier. Dance groups, and singers perform on either side of the political speeches which the attendees enjoy with all the pro Gibraltar references made by the visiting UK politicians, going down a bomb. The 35 minute rally ends with the Chief Minister giving his speech followed by the release of red and white confetti which apparently is harmless – for now, as we all sing the Gibraltar Anthem then, or at some other juncture. Meanwhile, a Rock concert usually follows in the evening after the 30 minute firework display from the Detached Mole and that’s the end... for some. No doubt celebrations continue somewhere on the Rock – at home or at some other venue, because fun and games, food and drink and happy times are not restricted to Casemates and Main Street.

Apart from the beaches where much activity goes on and on till late in the evening, BBQs and other food combinations are prepared in many homes, patios and terraces everywhere.

Governor’s Parade (by the O’Callaghan Hotel) comes to mind as another fun place to be. The Rock on the Rock Club tends to be rocking all evening round the back, at the end of Town Range. `Verbenas’ - food, drink and dancing at a more sedate pace - tend to be held for the not so young where you’re bound to hear `Llevame Donde Naci’ being sung by all present.

So whatever your plans are for this auspicious event, at the end of the day there’s no doubt you will have noted that on National Day, Gibraltar has celebrated a highly enjoyable occasion. At the time of writing you see, National Day has not quite arrived, it’s just shy of three weeks away, so if you read this by the time it’s over... I’m sure it’s been a good one!

WORDS BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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DOES YOUR CAT HAVE

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? Article by Mark Pizarro

High blood pressure/ hypertension is a condition that is often undiagnosed in cats, unfortunately if not diagnosed early it can have devastating effects on the afflicted feline.

H

ypertension in cats can be primary hypertension, where the cause is not known or secondary hypertension; in cats the most common ailments implicated in secondary hypertension are renal failure and hyperthyroidism. However this might be an oversimplication as hypertension can result in renal damage, often when the cat is presented for examination the cat has renal insufficiency and hypertension, so what came first, the chicken or the egg?

In my experience the most common presenting sign is sudden onset blindness or reduced vision. So generally a client will bring in a geriatric cat that has gone blind over a short period of time. On examination these cats will have acute ocular changes, generally retinal haemorrhages and/or retinal detachment.

These patients respond well to treatment, so if you have an old cat that has gone blind, don’t attribute it to old age, get it to your veterinary surgeon fast( make sure they have the equipment to measure blood pressure). The sooner your pet is treated the better the prognosis and the greater the chance of it recovering its vision.

However these are not the only presenting signs, in summary if your cat presents with any of the following symptoms make sure you get its blood pressure checked:

150/95 – at this reading or below, there is minimal risk and treatment is not recommended 150/99 to 159/95 — intervention is routinely not recommended at these readings 160/119 to 179/100 — treatment should be sought to limit the risk of organ damage 180/120 — immediate treatment should be sought to limit the degree of other more severe complications Another very useful tool frequently used is the measuring of urine protein, when blood pressure is high proteins are ‘pushed through’ the kidney filter system , so high protein in the urine can be a great aid in the diagnosis of hypertension and also useful as a prognostic indicator.

Early diagnosis is ideal, if caught early before any further organ damage then simply dosing your cat once a day with medication can be enough to prevent any further deterioration and will extend your cat’s life substantially.

High blood pressure is not a condition to be ignored, if you have an aging cat, from the age of 10 + then ask your vet to take its blood pressure and ideally provide the vet with a urine sample. Managed well hypertension is easily controlled and your cat will lead a normal life, left untreated and it will eventually cause irreversible organ damage and will shorten your pet’s life.

• Weight loss • Increased drinking/urination • lameness(hind limbs) • Blood in urine • Protein in urine • Heart murmurs • Blindness • Circling • Seizure • Haemorrhage in eye • Dilated pupils • Disorientation • Enlarged thyroid glands.

One of the most common ailments of the geriatric feline is renal disease, if your cat is suffering from this or is diagnosed with this then it is important that its blood pressure is measured too to make sure that this is not a complicating factor.

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Measuring your cat’s blood pressure is a non-invasive procedure normally done during a standard consultation.

However if your cat is very agitated or nervous you must take this into account when taking a reading and take this into consideration.

If you feel your pet is suffering from the above please phone the clinic on 20077334 and make an appointment to discuss your case.

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CULTURE INSIGHT

EAG L E S AT W E M B L E Y

I’ve had this band on my bucket list for so long that sadly one of them passed on. The legendary Country rock band that wrote ‘Hotel California’, perhaps the most well-known song in the world, are still around albeit in the autumn of their years. They’re still filling stadiums across the world.

bum of all time and they are still one of the best-selling concert bands in the world. They are now off my bucket list and I need to spread the joy about these musical dinosaurs in London this summer.

After a very good set from opening act Cheryl Crow and her band who said she had past help from ‘The Eagles’ in her early career (25 years ago), the legends took to the stage at 7.45pm and after a staggeringly impressive ‘Seven Bridges Road’ opening, promised a two and a half hour concert “because we can” casually said drummer and main vocalist Don Henley to a huge roar from the stadium now in full voice.

Thankfully I was helped by my son to secure a top seat fifteen rows away from stage front at Wembley Stadium on 23rd June. This after the concert had been sold out months previously.

My stars had aligned for this to happen and I was beyond excited.

It was probably the finest concert that I have witnessed over many years and like their fans around me I was held spellbound by the sheer quality of their vocals and the impeccable renditions of their well-known song catalogue.

‘The Eagles Greatest Hits’ album of the seventies was the US biggest selling al-

Appropriately ‘Take It Easy’ was led vocally by Deacon Frey, son of Glenn Frey who passed. His father was co- founder of the Eagles and has been replaced by Vince Gill, a Country music giant who is a superb vocalist, a gifted guitarist and

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CULTURE INSIGHT a hit songwriter to boot. This double replacement has enhanced the band’s line up by two guitarists and they now have a keyboard player too. In between song announcements Don Henley said “We opened for the ‘Beach Boys’ in the old Wembley stadium forty five years ago. We are proud to be dinosaurs. Dinosaurs may be old but they leave big footprints.”

‘One of These Nights’ followed on and then he gave a hero’s welcome to

Deacon Frey “who stepped up to the plate” and to Vince Gill who had the biggest boots to fill. He did, with ‘Take it to the Limit’ and we all approved the new signing. Vince also sang ‘Tequila Sunrise’ which typifies the laid back melodic Country Rock sound of The Eagles and the giant colourful desert backdrop completed the illusion.

This was another spellbinding moment for me, which as I looked around at the sea of faces with expressions of awe at the majesty of the sound coming from that stage, confirmed that it doesn’t get better than this at concert level.

Many times during their concert, gui-

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tarist Joe Walsh traded solos with 2nd guitar Stuart Smith whose tasteful guitar mastery got all eyes riveted on the giant side screens. Later they would trade iconic solos again in ‘Hotel California’ perhaps the most anticipated encore of all time from any band.

One hour into their set the famous song catalogue kept on unfolding.

Each song marked a moment in the lives (or the concert t-shirts) of the many thousands of fans singing along

or lost in the Wembley moment. Vince Gill has a beautiful melodic voice with which he kissed ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Lying Eyes.’ The latter song was perhaps his finest vocal and one which would have seen Glenn Frey proudly smiling down. Each band member got their showcase, which saw bassist Timothy Schmit revisit some of his ballads and main man Joe Walsh belt out his quirky songs and blazing guitar solos.

Nowadays the band uses two drummers so that Don Henley can move to stage front and play a bit of rhythm guitar now and again. It was Don who raised the roof with ‘Heartache Tonight’ and had everyone up on their

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feet and dancing in the aisles. At 10.15pm they left the stage to wait for the crowd roar that would bring them back again. The intro to the most famous song in the world ‘Hotel California’ had all the mobile flashlights coming on and the crowd jubilation factor was off the scale! Security had long given up telling fans not to film and I’m sure that no one left the stadium that night without at least having filmed a minute of this iconic anthem crowning a perfect concert. They were called back again but I was hearing their roars from outside Wembley, now hurrying back to walk to my hotel avoiding the throngs.

This dinosaur went to Wembley to see ‘The Eagles’ and was simply overjoyed speechless and spellbound when a bunch of fellow dinosaurs (by their own admission) held the stage for over two and a half hours and left a full house Wembley Stadium asking for more. More of what may I ask?

You couldn’t have extracted one more ounce of musical energy from this band! They gave it their all and this after a long and illustrious career that even saw them split up for eight years and then reform again, proving that the sum of its parts is not greater than the whole ‘Eagles’.

If you were around in the mid-seventies and have not yet seen them, put them on your bucket list now because I guarantee that there are not too many concerts left in The Eagles’ tank. They were certainly not running on empty but there is a limit to the reserve a dinosaur tank can hold. Till next time, remember to breathe music, it’s better than air and good for the soul.

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ON THE SPOT

DAVINA BARBARA GIBRALTAR CULTURAL SERVICES DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Where did you first start your employment?

“I recently changed jobs joining Gibraltar Cultural Services as their Cultural Development Officer, this after a seventeen and a half year career in Broadcasting working for GBC. It’s been a busy ten months where I’ve been involved in varied and exciting projects and initiatives.

I am enjoying the challenges, missing my former colleagues, but embracing all the opportunities that the job allows for.”

How would you describe yourself?

“Depends on the day lol but generally sociable, determined, hardworking and impatient.”

Which person has been the biggest influence in your life?

“My granny Hilda, I think she nurtured my love of performing and I inherited her passion for life and storytelling. I miss her, she will always be a big part of my life.”

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

Do you have any regrets?

“Always know what you’re getting into before committing to something.”

destinations, and it still stands out for its charm and beauty and rawness. The World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, is truly an awe-inspiring place, really special.”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

What keeps you awake at night?

“I go to my sensible friends for this, seeing things from a different perspective is always important, their advice has always been sound although I haven’t always wanted to hear what they have to say!”

“Happiness is a state of being, you need to be at peace with yourself to be truly happy. I struggle with my demons, but generally I try to appreciate all I have, wear a smile, be kind and just enjoy life, this way I keep the demons at bay, or try to at least.”

“Mosquitos, and a good Netflix series!”

What makes you laugh?

“Silly jokes, reminiscing with my life-long friends, and children’s rationale; youngsters come up with the best comments and theories.”

What’s the best country you’ve ever visited and why?

“I love travelling and I believe every place you visit has something special to offer. Cambodia was one of our honeymoon

Have you had any embarrassing moments?

“Let’s just say I’m glad social media wasn’t around when I was a teenager.”

Which word or phrases do you most overuse?

“Actually and obviously, as my dad constantly reminds me.”

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

“Too hard to choose just one, but I’ve just finished reading the Salt Path, by Raynor Winn, which I’ve found inspiring and moving.”

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

“I have brilliant memories from school and growing up, having being blessed in this way. Neverthless, I am a person who works hard and perseveres, and always try to make the most of the opportunities that come my way.

Having my son is probably one of the most special experience that stands out, from pregnancy to child-birth and taking on the role of mother, your life changes forever, the journey is continuous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

If you didn’t live where you are currently located where would you like to Live (Money no object)?

“I visited Florence a few years ago, and it felt very much like home, the food the people the culture I was convinced I could speak Italian too. But if I had to choose a specific location, it would have to be somewhere where I am surrounded by nature and the sea.”

What’s your favourite music track?

“Again depends on my mood I will easily navigate form Coldplay to Alanis to Queen.”

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

What’s your biggest fear?

“I don’t dwell on fears, but not having time to do all there is to do, that makes me very nervous!!!”

“Less traffic, I hate the congestion and the noise and the construction there’s just too much.

Oops that’s two!”

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

What is your favourite hobby or interest?

“I am my own worst enemy, too self-critical at times. I wish I were a little more laidback and carefree but I’m a natural worrier.”

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“Don’t believe in them really, but I suppose I always wanted to do the travelling thing before settling down… might do it when I retire though.”

“I love nature and being active so I try to combine the two as much as possible. Walks on the beach, kayaking at sea, cycle rides etc. And a good read, you can always escape into a book.”

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MUM ON THE ROCK

RAISING

Body Confident

CHILDREN

RAISING OUR CHILDREN TO BE HEALTHY, HAPPY AND CONFIDENT IS SOMETHING THAT MOST PARENTS ASPIRE TO, BUT NOWADAYS THAT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY HARD TO DO AS THEY ARE BOMBARDED WITH NEGATIVE MESSAGES ABOUT BODY IMAGE IN THE MEDIA WHERE BEAUTIFUL AND THIN PEOPLE ARE PORTRAYED AS IDEAL. Kath Temple, the Psychologist at the heart of Gibraltar Charity The A healthy body image in childhood can lay the foundations for good physical and mental health later in life. An unhealthy body image in childhood can have long-lasting consequences.

Unfortunately, Photoshopped images of perfection are everywhere and their effect can be seen in children even from a young age, with body image concerns beginning as early as preschool, and kids don’t understand the powers of airbrushing or self-editing images.

Self-esteem is all about how much we value, love and accept ourselves. Children with high self-esteem and who are body confident feel good about their physical image, take pride in their abilities and appreciate their own worth.

Signs of bad self-esteem about body image can include a child that is self-critical, comparing their body to others and obsessing about weight loss.

It’s not just girls that are affected either.

Boys can be influenced by superheroes and action figures depicting unrealistic body types. Teen boys may strive for the perfect body through dieting or compulsive exercise and children with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder that can lead to anorexia.

NHS UK advice for parents of a child who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder include talking to your child about it: ‘Although they might come across as angry or aggressive, deep down they could be feeling scared or insecure. It might be difficult for them to express their feelings, so be patient and listen to what they’re trying to say.’

A child’s body image is influenced by many factors including family environment, ability or disability, the attitudes of their peers, social media and their

BECOME A POSITIVE BODY IMAGE ROLE MODEL How you feel about your body can have a powerful influence on your children. Take time to think about ways you might be telling them about your body image. If you talk about your huge stomach, your latest weight loss diet or your gruelling workouts, your children will pick up on these negative messages. They will begin to worry about their own size and think they should be dieting.

cultural background. As they get older, puberty can also be a big influence.

During puberty your child’s body is going through lots of changes, at the same time as they are trying to fit in and look the same as other people.

There’s a lot you can do to help your child develop a positive body image, including: •

Talking and listening with your child.

Discuss the severe realities that underweight models and overly-muscular celebrities experience. Talk about the drastic and unhealthy measures many people take to obtain these body types, despite what it does to their

•

Have regular conversations about stereotypes, prejudice and using words like “ugly” or “fat” as insults and how that can change someone’s body image.

•

Watch TV together, pause shows and adverts to talk about the messages that are being sent. Look at magazines together and discuss the unrealistic images

•

Discuss the tactics advertisers use to sell products. Help your child spot underlying messages about how a product will make them more attractive.

•

Explain that personality is more important than physical appearance.

FOCUS ON HEALTH, NOT WEIGHT Shift your focus from weight to health. Stop obsessing about numbers on the scales. Instead, concentrate on delicious foods and fun physical activities. Children shouldn’t be counting calories or restricting their intake. They should be enjoying regular meals and learning how to make smart, healthy choices. Try cooking healthy meals together.

Nutrition and fitness are great goals because they give us energy to do all the things that we want to do. We all feel better when we take care of our bodies so teach your children about how to get the energy they need to live an active life.

HELP THEM TO GET FIT Feeling fit, strong and capable is one aspect of positive body image. Children who undertake regular physical activity enjoy good social skills and develop a more positive body image. All children need regular physical activity they enjoy. It doesn’t matter what they do for physical fitness, it just matters that they do something.

Be active together; go for a walk, to the park to play ball games, or take them swimming.

If your children see that you are active every day, that you eat healthily and that you talk about your own body in positive ways, they will pick up on this and do the same. You can make your children feel comfortable in their own bodies by helping them to realise that their shape and size doesn’t matter to anyone else, and it certainly doesn’t matter to you!

At every stage of your child’s life you can do positive things to support a healthy body image and develop their self-esteem.

If you think that your child has an eating disorder, you can ask to be referred by your GP to the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) to get professional help or counselling.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

It is often said that our hair is our crowning glory and there is no doubt that having a healthy looking head of hair can boost our confidence. But what about those of us who have noticed that our hair is thinning or find that it is now fine and wispy when it was once full and luscious? This doesn’t just apply to women, but men as well, who are often equally as vain when it comes to their hair.

The hair on your head goes through a life cycle that involves growth, resting, and shedding. Each hair is attached to the scalp via a follicle. There are between 100,000 and 350,000 hair follicles on the human scalp and normal hair loss in an adult is about 50-100 hairs a day, but there are many people who suffer with more severe hair loss caused by stressful situations, pregnancy, chronic illness, injury or poor diet. Other factors such as age, genetics and hormones can also affect hair growth.

In those situations and when hair loss is persistent, it is advisable to seek medical assistance, but if you want to give your locks a boost, it is worth investing in vitamins or supplements that may help your hair follicles function to the best of their ability.

Having a healthy diet full of nutrients can have an impact on the growth, strength and volume of our hair. Certain proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are especially significant for strong, healthy hair. Research has determined that vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, selenium, and zinc are all important to the hair growth and retention processes, specifically with cell turnover.

Vitamin A

Your hair needs vitamin A to stay moisturised and to grow and it also strengthens hair to reduce breakage. Good food sources include sweet potatoes, carrots (especially carrot juice), spinach, kale and some animal foods.

Protein

Hair is made almost entirely of protein.

Consuming enough is important for hair growth. If your diet is low in protein, you’re likely to have hair loss or dry and brittle hair. Eat the right proteins and keep your hair strong. What to eat: Chicken, fish, turkey, eggs and dairy products.

For vegans or vegetarians, legumes and nuts are an excellent source of protein.

Vitamin Supplements Vitamin E

Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can prevent oxidative stress and can boost hair growth. Good dietary sources include sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and avocados.

IRON

If your iron levels are too low (anaemia), less iron is supplied to your hair follicles disrupting your hair growth cycle and causing hair loss in some people. Iron is an important mineral for many bodily functions, including hair growth. The best sources of iron include clams, oysters, eggs, red meat, spinach and lentils.

Zinc and Selenium

Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair and a lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and a dry, flaky scalp. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. The mineral zinc can improve hair growth in people who are deficient in it. Good sources include fortified cereals, wholegrains, eggs, oysters, beef and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin B

A nutritious, balanced diet is the best source of vitamins for hair growth but it is often difficult to get sufficient, so vitamin supplements can be helpful.

Holland & Barrett have a wide range of natural products, high quality vitamins and nutritional supplements, including their own brand, which can help to encourage hair growth from within our body.

Holland & Barrett Vitamin B-Complex and Vitamin B12 food supplement New Nordic Hair Volume tablets contain micronutrients and herbal extracts including apple extract, procyanidin B12, biotin, zinc and copper.

Viviscal Hair Growth Maximum Strength supplements are for people who want to maintain normal healthy hair growth.

Nourkrin is a nutritional supplement that contains the fish extract known as marilex. Taken regularly for a period of at least 6 months, Nourkrin promotes hair growth by maintaining the health of your hair follicles.

Vitabiotics are multivitamins and supplements for both men and women that can boost hair growth.

ADVISORY INFORMATION:

One of the best known vitamins for hair growth is a B-vitamin called biotin. B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Wholegrains, meat, seafood and dark, leafy greens are all good sources of B-vitamins.

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.

Vitamin C

Free radical damage can block growth and cause your hair to age. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen and can help prevent hair from aging. Good sources include peppers, citrus fruits and strawberries.

Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alopecia. You can increase vitamin D levels through sun exposure or by eating certain foods such as eggs, berries, oily fish such as salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds.

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FEATURE& HEALTH WELLBEING

Count on me!!

DYSCALCULIA: HOW TO SPOT IT AND FACTOR IT IN YOUR DAILY LIFE BACK TO SCHOOL! BOOKS AT THE READY! HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND MATHS… YES MATHS: THE SPOOK OF DILIGENT PUPILS SINCE ARITHMETIC, CALCULUS AND GEOMETRY WERE INVENTED. Back to school! Books at the ready! History, geography and maths… yes maths: the spook of diligent pupils since arithmetic, calculus and geometry were invented.

But what if the venially convoluted paths in the maths labyrinth, that the national syllabus claims to be essentially educational towards problem-solving for pre-teens, tweens and teens, become an indecipherable code nightmare of cryptic symbols and senseless spatial directions?

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder which is generally regarded as the mathematical equivalent of dyslexia, because it impairs a child’s ability to recognise, understand and use numbers and their signs, akin, but not scientifically comparable, to the dyslexic’s difficulty in dealing with letters.

Unlike dyslexics who may be disappointed in their reading and writing efforts, but usually excel in art, music, and sports, dyscalculics find music notation or choreographies challenging, which frustrates their bid to play an instrument or take up dance, limits their team work in collective sports, and hinders their sense of composition in drawing and photography.

Dyslexia and dyscalculia rarely occur together, but over 10% of children with dyscalculia are also diagnosed with ADHD; dyscalculia is common in people with Turner Syndrome and spina bifida. It has no connection to, or implications on, IQ. It is estimated that 3-6% of the population suffers from this condition since birth and has to come to terms with it in everyday usage of numbers, time, measurement and orientation.

There is a sizeable risk of over- or under-diagnosing it, because it isn’t easy to draw the line between conscious disinterest in the world of maths and its abstract problems and the cerebral impediment to count, in order to spot dyscalculia as early as possible and commence treatment. Often, it isn’t until a child struggles disproportionately with simple additions and subtractions that teachers start sussing out the problem and advise parents to seek medical attention.

with simple alphanumeric problems to gauge their literacy and numeracy and compare progress in each.

Sometimes, affected children do just fine in pre-school, and symptoms become more apparent as long as their maths studies progress: they may in fact be comfortable with naming numbers or telling the time, but their brains get mumbled when confronted with multiplication, division, fractions, no matter the amount of visual aids; almost paradoxically however, their struggle mellows with algebra, just because it uses alphabetical symbols instead of numerical.

The good news is that almost a third of children diagnosed with dyscalculia improve over the first four or five school years, but it isn’t clear whether this is due to early misdiagnosis, or just to the overcoming of physiologic delays in matching developmental milestones.

Academically, dyscalculics are inclined to pursue careers in humanities, as they excel in reading, writing and storytelling, but college students affected by dyscalculia, even mild, must be supervised in their financial planning, as they often fail to comprehend budgeting, balancing, and estimating whether they’re carrying enough money to pay for the items they’ve slipped in their shopping basket.

Research in dyscalculia is still in its infancy, because it carries some practical problems in consistent and continuous experimenting on large groups of subjects, so consensus on correct diagnosis is loose, and often it is too conservative.

Causes are unknown, and bids to prove them as environmental, hereditary or congenital have all returned inconclusive, although, as mentioned earlier, this disorder is associated, and perhaps caused, by other conditions.

Treatment is usually tailored to each patient, and greatly helped by technology, with specifically designed software.

Dyscalculia and acalculia (total loss of the concept of numbers) can strike in adult age as the result of brain injury, like trauma or stroke: often their effects can be reversed through rehabilitation.

The opposite, called hypercalculia, exists too, and it seems to be linked to autism spectrum disorders and associated with hyper-perfusion of the parietal areas and overdeveloped right temporal lobe.

Red flags are: fiddling with telling the time from analogue clocks; difficulties speaking the name of a single-digit number, for example if a 4-shaped candle is placed on the cake and the child is asked “What is it?”, the answer will come as “candle!” even when prompted that it is indeed a candle, but fashioned like a specific concept they are invited to name; inability to accurately guess the number of objects in a small group, or compare the distance of two or more landmarks; confusing 6 with 9, 2 with 5, 1 with 7, and 3 with 8 (not necessarily all at once!); failure to identify geometrical shapes without a practical aid, for example triangles are pizza slices, spheres are balls and polygonal figures are pound sterling coins.

Dyscalculics are highly sociable, real party animals – their lucky number is ‘the more the merrier’ – despite having trouble in telling apart new acquaintances whose names begin with the same letter.

And of course, they shilly-shally at acknowledging the number of drinks that amounts to ‘one too many’.

Also known as 45,X and 45.X0, this is a rare genetic condition that affects only girls who are born with swollen feet and hands and grow up with webbed neck, low-set ears and require hormone treatment to develop breasts and produce their menarche, albeit often remaining infertile.

One quick test is ‘subitizing’, i.e. estimating a number of items without counting them one by one. It is proven that a five-year old child can correctly estimate up to six at a glance, particularly when playing board games with dice. Failure to do so isn’t of course enough for a dyscalculia diagnosis, but the child should be encouraged to try again and stimulated

This article is aimed at being informative only with no medical or diagnostic pretenses. Consult your GP if you suspect someone is suffering from the condition described.

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Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 21) The time to act is now, Aries. Whatever it is that you have been turning a blind eye to will not wait any longer. Take a deep breath and address it.

Taurus TAKEAWAYS

(Apr 21 – May 21)

VEHICLE REPAIRS

You will feel slightly fatigued this month, Taurus. And it’s no surprise as you are shouldering responsibilities that others are shirking. So, take a step back and delegate.

Gemini (May 22 – June 22) It takes a certain determination to step up to the plate and realise your dreams and goals, Gemini. Well done you for doing so … you are about to be vindicated.

Cancer June 23 – July 22) You have made great strides over the summer, Cancer, and are feeling so much clearer in your mind and your body! You know things work out best when you feel your way rather than think it. Now enjoy.

Leo July 23 – Aug 23) This month, Leo, you need to be making good decisions by looking back to past successes. You have the skills to move forward but need to remind yourself of your capabilities.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 23)

BARS / PUBS

You have been going around in circles about something, Virgo, and the reason you are still doing so is simply because you don’t believe in yourself enough! Need I say more?

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23) Although you don’t naturally occupy centre stage, Libra, it is important that you share your knowledge. Just bear in mind that you are doing this for someone else and you’ll be fine.

Scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22) It is perfectly possible to juggle several plates at once, Scorpio, but not always advisable. So, decide which ones can go on the back boiler for now and move on with the others.

Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21) Alone time is important for everyone, Sagittarius, including you. Not loneliness but aloneness. Time to think… to heal... to plan. This is your time so give yourself the best.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

INDUSTRIAL

Do as you would be done by this month, Capricorn.

Tempting though it is to seek revenge… it just wouldn’t be appropriate. The satisfaction would be very short lived!

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19) Don’t be drawn into a situation where you feel like piggy in the middle, Aquarius. They won’t listen and the messenger so often gets shot. Hold fire for now… they’ll listen when they are ready.

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20) If you feel trapped by circumstances this month, Pisces, then take a good hard look at where you can open even one tiny little door. That’s all it takes for the energy to transform and for you to feel back in control.

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Ribs in Calimocho

Ingredients • 750g spare ribs (separated). • 4 slices bacon diced • 2 chopped leeks. • 2 chopped spring onions • 2 sliced garlic cloves. • Dash of flour • 4 cloves. • Calimocho. • 250ml Red Wine • 250ml coke. • 1 quartered lemon Cover with warm water

Method 1. In a big stewing pan fry the spare ribs until golden brown.

Add leeks, onions, bacon and garlic.

2. Stir and fry for a while. Add a dash of flour, the cloves and stir in the Calimocho.

3. Cover with water and cook for about 1hr or until meat is tender.

Can be accompanied with diced potatoes fried in butter.

Recipe by Rosemarie Mañasco

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit: GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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Just Married on the Rock

Lavina & Neel, married on 25th June 2019.

Photo by Radka Horvath.

Mary & Fabio married on 22nd July 2019.

Photo by Radka Horvath.

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FEATURE

Her composure on stage, while her peers were mobbed by relatives and friends for the customary selfies, didn’t go unperceived within the rest of the spectators who wished an extra Beauty Queen of Hearts crown was crafted for her blonde hairdo, and cheered her wholeheartedly.

The show opened on the empty stage dominated by a cinema screen that streamed a sepia montage of the eight delegates embroiled in a G.I. Jane-style rescue mission: we watched the reigning Mrs Gibraltar Kathleen Victory being parachuted over the Rock, and her two princesses diving from a police launch to swim across, shed their wetsuits, and free their successors from the dungeons, to finally have them strut up the Alameda Gardens George Don’s Gate steps in glam fatigues and stilettos.

As soon as the film, written and filmed by Ideal Productions’ crew, faded on screen, the contestants stormed the stage, sashayed all over the place in the very same boiler suits, with not one hair out of place after their mission impossible.

More cinematic prowess (with a purpose!) for the delegates to flaunt their acting skills followed. It raised awareness about domestic violence, the main aim of Mrs Gibraltar on the Rock, and Mrs Universe worldwide.

They re-enacted some of the true stories of domestic abuse that still plague our society, and advised to seek help through the local 8018 hotline: the short film was surely a chilling eye-opener that will hopefully inspire victims to break the code of silence.

MISS

2019 MICHELLE HARRISON WINS THE AUDIENCE’S HEARTS There was a baffled buzz in the audience when the spotlights dimmed on the fifth edition of the Mrs Gibraltar beauty pageant at the Alameda Open Theatre, as delegate n.2 Michelle Harrison stood on stage sheathed in her starry-night sequinned gown, the only one of eight contestants not to be awarded any of the ten sashes in play.

The first has proved in previous occasions how her understated, sophisticated, petite beauty can indeed go hand in hand with a powerful, warm, intense voice and innate performer’s qualities: and in fact she owned the stage with her harrowing melodies, flouncing about in black mock-leather pants, rock-star style.

Faith’s gig was poppy, dance-y, and freshly in-your-face, as is almost mandatory from a Millennial music graduate, and it broadcast cheeky energy vibes through the balmy night. Definitely a budding talent to watch out for.

A touch of eerie fairytale atmosphere was provided by Mexican violinist Cristina Ortiz who pranced around, gripped in her interpretation of some Hispapop classics, for the length of time that the jury was out.

The jury was presided by local model and businessman Luisandro Moreno, and included a former beauty queen and an international male model, and other personalities of the world of showbiz and cosmetic industry.

An emotional Mrs Gibraltar 2018 Kathleen Victory, in silvery sequins and winey ruches, saluted the delegates before the prizes and their paraphernalia were handed by Rossanna Ressa, breath-taking in a Monarch butterfly-inspired outfit, and former minister Edwin Reyes in white tuxedo.

Carla Fonseca’s emerald green frilled frock was draped with the Mrs Friendship sash; Christina Mendez, pixie-like in her powder-pink gown, received the ‘Ideal Productions award’; Chanel Walker, wearing an azure dress, the ‘Ana Lisa Ressa award’ for best achievement in her charity work; and Kathryne Borge got Miss Elegance in her shimmering forest-green garb.

After the high-impact prologue, the production was the usual pastiche of glitz and fizz that has become a household name for the Ressa ensemble, spread over two hours of catwalk and entertainment, sprinkled with the few hiccups and bloopers that, according to one of the presenters and former winner, is what makes live shows alive.

All previous winners were featured in the show, from the one who started it all, and is pretty much spearheading the beauty-with-purpose project, Serika Garcia, to her successors Rachel Martinez, Megan Danino and Kathleen Victory.

A couple of dance routines under their (tight) belt, the delegates faced the most dreaded moment for all aspiring beauty queens: the interview. This was replaced by individual presentations on historical women who, according to them, made the difference in the world, and why they inspired each delegate to pick them. So we heard about scientists, computer programmers, suffragettes and politicians, while their pictures scrolled on screen – and for many of them, and their discoveries or achievements, we wondered why we hadn’t heard of them before, in this all man’s world.

As widely expected, brunette Grace Baker, and her slashed ruby-red frock, stole the show. She was awarded Mrs Best Interview and Mrs Photogenic, and of course took the crown – and white cape - of Mrs Gibraltar 2019 and was invited to sit on the enchanted throne, with her first princess blonde Claire Rodgers in a white evening dress – also Mrs Catwalk – and second princess, brunette Karina Ortiz in her blush gown, at her sides.

During the intervals, highlights were the vocal performances of Mrs Gibraltar 2017 Megan Danino and rising star Faith Scruton White.

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Just Married on the Rock

Mobile: 58897000 Email: nicholas64@gibtelecom.net

Helen & Paul Neil Casey, married on 24th July 2019.

Photo by Nicky Sanchez.

Kayleigh & Oscar Sanchez, married on 3rd August 2019.

Photo by Nicky Sanchez.

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