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S EPTE M B E R ISSUE 65

Contents

40

24

Community Insight

54

Features

8 CULTURAL AWARDS 2021

13

A MESSI AFFAIR

9 #ROCKTHRIFTERS

24 CHRISTIAN SANTOS: THE MAKING OF A MAYOR 26 VIOLET SCHEMBRI

Business Insight 11

CROWDCUBE FIRST

Forces Insight

28 GIBRALTAR FA ACADEMY 30 GIBRALTAR RUGBY 34 TIMES OF CLOSURE 37

TONIC TEAM POPPY RUN

40 NATIONAL DAY ORIGINS & MEMORIES 47 ENGINEERING GBC’S MOVE

22 CERTIFICATES PRESENTATION

Football Insight 32 LYNX FC: FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE

49 EXPLORING ESTEPONA 64 GHITA

Regular Features 18

Sports Insight 33 RYDER CUP

Police Insight

HISTORY: OPERATION PEDESTAL

48 GIANA SPITERI: PIECES OF ADVICE FOR YOUR EARLY TWENTIES 54 MOTORING INSIGHT: THE LUCK OF THE ALFAS 52 ADOPT DON’T SHOP 53 A VET’S INSIGHT: BRACHYCEPHALIC SYNDROME 57

PACS

56 HEALTH: SUMMER ALLERGIES 45 PROFILE: DCI TOM TUNBRIDGE

65 JUST MARRIED ON THE ROCK 66 HOROSCOPES 70 LIGHT & POWER CROSSWORD

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

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

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

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Photo: Elliott Howe

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2021 Cultural Awards. The Awards are aimed at celebrating the best of Gibraltar’s arts and culture to recognise potential, ability, talent, and achievement supporting the community’s cultural development.

As part of the process, the public is encouraged to vote for their preferred nominees. The public lines will be launched in September with the support of Gibtelecom, who will be providing the telephone numbers. Proceeds from the calls will be donated to the GBC Open Day.

JUNIOR (Under 15’s)

4. Stephane Dominicy

1. Gino Ochello ‘Best Youth Actor’ Drama Festival, involved in GAMPA online programming and other Academy performances.

Composed music for ‘Times of Closure’ documentary. Collaborated in video that won category in Spring Visual Arts Competition. Created several musical pieces during lockdown available on Spotify.

2. Louis Pitto

5. Zulaika Vallance

Short Story Competition winner, year group 6/7 (Spring Festival), Poetry Competition Highly Commended, year group 7/10 (Autumn Festival).

3. Mia Hook Overall winner of Bookmark Competition & school years 7/10. 1st Place Jazz Duet & 2nd Place Commercial Solo at online Global Dance Open.

YOUTH (Under 25’s) 1. Carmen Anderson ‘Best Supporting Actress’ at Drama Festival, & jointly directed additional play. Online blog, ‘Into the Industry’ series of interviews with professionals working in the Arts. Regular contributor to local papers & magazines.

2. Darius Oliva Young Musician of the Year (top prize) Gibraltar Festival of Young Musicians, Parasol Foundation Scholarship recipient, involved in GAMPA online programming.

3. Louis Emmitt Stern Directed and performed play ‘Lungs’ post lockdown. Ran series of workshops to promote access to drama courses for young people receiving free school meals in the UK. Delivered drama and writing workshops in Gibraltar working with various organisations.

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‘Young Artist prize’ at International Art Exhibition 2020, 1st Prize at the Young Art Exhibition 2021 and received a Highly Commended Award at the Spring Visual Arts Exhibition 2021.

SENIOR (Over 25’s) 1. Ian Serra Production of full-length horror film with Gibraltar as the setting using a local cast, the first feature film produced entirely in Gibraltar by Gibraltarians.

2. Karl Ullger 1st Prize in Heritage Trust’s 2020 online competition. Shortlisted for UK’s Jackson painting prize out of 8674 entries.

Highly Commended in 2020 International Art Competition. ‘Best Gibraltar Theme’ at Spring Visual Arts Competition 2021.

Strong online presence.

3. Kitchen Studios Organised two exhibitions at GEMA with interactive material and collaborations.

Provided online content throughout lockdown, with artist takeovers. Ran workshop for Youth Arts Jamboree 2021.

4. Richard Garcia

Journal. Contributed to Literature Week 2020, and published series of articles on Loreto Convent 175th Anniversary.

BEST EDUCATIONAL PROJECT 1. Geraldine Martinez Street Art Mural selected for Department of Education Façade as urban renewal programme, raises awareness of the environment and nature.

2. Gibraltar Heritage Trust Painting Competition In its 32nd edition the competition promotes awareness of Heritage sites whilst producing an artistic record of Gibraltar. It attracts participant of all ages and abilities.

The 2020 lockdown edition went ahead with the theme ‘A View from my Window’, the 2021 version attracted around 60 artists.

3. Westside School Writer of the Week English Department’s ‘Writer of the Week’, an anthology of creative writing as part of the school’s ‘Writer of the Week’ initiative.

The project was promoted online with a video produced by students. Additionally, Westside produced a thoughtful and intrinsic display to mark Armistice Day.

The Awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at the Sunborn Hotel.

Published two volumes on Gibraltar’s social history ‘Forging a Civilian Population’ and ‘Ordinary Life in Peace and War, 1749-1783’.

Current editor of Gibraltar Heritage Trust

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COMMUNITY

Rock INSIGHT

THRIFTers

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

Charlene Figueras, Senior Youth Worker said, “The aim is to deliver a programme that educates young people around the issues of fabric waste. This

initiative allows them to understand budgeting skills, encourage them to buy smarter and inspire them to be more creative in how they present themselves and dress by reusing what they have and to be unique.

“We encourage the public to support this project and buy from the Clubhouse charity shop and post their outfits with the @rockthrifters handle and #rockthrifters hashtag to social media."

Ëvëñt Gûïdåñçë Ûpdåtëd

Public Health Gibraltar has revised the guidance for small, seated, ticketed events. This means that ticket holders need to be either fully vaccinated with two doses or have had a negative COVID test within the previous 24 hours in order to attend the event.

The revised guidance supersedes earlier information whereby ticket holders attending small, seated, events were required to be double vaccinated and have a negative COVID test within the previous 24 hours.

Event organisers are reminded that if they wish to hold an event they are to complete an event notification form Appendix_B_ Event_Notification_Form from www.culture.gi and submit it to entertainment.licence@gibraltar.gov.gi

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

ICONIC LOCAL LANDMARK, THE CALETA HOTEL, IS TO BE DEMOLISHED. In its place, a new Hilton Hotel is to be built, subject to planning permission and finalisation of contracts with the Hilton Corporation. This would mark a second branding foray into the Gibraltar market by a large overseas hotel chain.

It is envisaged that the Caleta will close its doors for the final time at the start of January 2022, with the build timeline for the new structure estimated to be three years.

The Callaghan family, who own and operate the Caleta, has called the moment “bitter-sweet”. There are currently around 70 staff employed at the hotel.

The replacement hotel will seek to double capacity to 120 rooms.

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR MEETING The local Moroccan community was able to meet with His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, Governor of Gibraltar, to discuss issues of concern. Top of the list was the humanitarian crisis arising from the lack of direct sea and air links between Morocco and Gibraltar.

Representing the community was Clive Reed, President of Gibraltar Morocco Association, Steven Marin, Secretary of Gibraltar Morocco Business Association, and Henry Sacramento Patron of Strait of Gibraltar Association.

His Excellency assured his guests that this is now an issue that he intends to pursue.

CROWDCUBEFIRST IN A FIRST FOR A GIBRALTAR BUSINESS, LOCAL CRYPTO FIRM DIGITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT (DAM) SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED A CAPITAL FUNDRAISER ON THE INDUSTRY-LEADING CROWDCUBE PLATFORM. This formed part of its Pre-Series A investment round.

DAM was established in 2017 to effectively assist in buying, managing, sending and storing cryptocurrencies and tokens in a regulated environment. The firm is one of 12 DLT licensed and regulated companies in Gibraltar that benefit from the regulatory certainty offered by the DLT regulatory framework. DAM is licensed and regulated to offer crypto OTC (Over-The-Counter) brokerage and custodial services by the GFSC. DAM is also registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK as an EMI (Electronic Money Institution) agency company under Modulr Finance Ltd.

which will act as an example to other pioneering Gibraltar start up businesses that access to capital through crowdfunding platforms may also be available to them.”

With Gibraltar’s core values of regulation, reputation, and speed to market at the foundation of its efforts within the blockchain industry, Gibraltar is globally renowned for its commitment to creating a sustainable and secure regulatory frame-

work for blockchain, as well as being one of the leading proponents in the advancement of the technology.

Commenting on the announcement, DAM’s CEO, Sam Buxton, said, ‘‘Our first four years have been a successful grind and we are now well positioned for the next four years to be game changing for the company. We would like to thank Gibraltar and the GFSC for their continued support, and look forward to further establishing our collaborative relationship with them in the future.”

In January 2018, Gibraltar became the very first jurisdiction across the globe to introduce legislation around Distributed-Ledger-Technology (DLT), and has since asserted its position as a leading blockchain and cryptocurrency hub.

Commenting on the milestone, the Hon Albert Isola, Minister for Digital and Financial Services, said, “I would like to congratulate Digital Asset Management on the innovative nature they have displayed by reaching this notable milestone. In Gibraltar, we believe innovation and collaboration go hand in hand. DAM’s move to become the first ever Gibraltar-licensed company to raise capital on Crowdcube is representative of this spirit of innovation. I congratulate them on this remarkable achievement

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PARASOL_ADVERTS_26.11.2020_.pdf

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FEATURE

For some F.C. Barcelona fans (myself included, and I suspect the vast majority), Friday 6 August 2021 is a day After 21 years at the club, F.C. Barcelona announced that due to the Catalan giant’s dire financial situation, Lionel Messi would be unable to sign a new contract which would have seen him remain at the Camp Nou until 2026. Although the various peculiarities behind Messi’s departure go beyond the scope of this commentary, F.C. Barcelona’s inability to sign Messi does shed light on the ongoing conversation of the ownership models of professional football clubs, particularly the foibles and idiosyncrasies of clubs which are entirely owned by club members.

Summarily, F.C. Barcelona is ultimately owned by the circa 141,000 club members, also known as the ‘socios’. In light of F.C. Barcelona’s phenomenal historical footballing record (specifically, the last 15 years, which have seen this juggernaut conquer, amongst other things, numerous Spanish league titles and UEFA Champions Leagues), you may be forgiven for thinking the Club's ownership structure is without its shortcomings. Nevertheless, and despite being the first football club in history to report an annual revenue of USD 1 billion, the Club’s structure and financial position is concerning, notably: (i) last year’s reported operational losses of EUR 100 million; (ii) the fact that the Club’s salary bill currently represents 110% of its annual revenue; and (iii) currently projected losses of EUR 487 million (which may well be exacerbated by a foreseeable loss of earnings following Messi's departure).

A contributing factor for this may be the Club’s ‘socio’ ownership model. This is clearer comparing this model with other European teams which are privately owned, and who notwithstanding the current pandemic and negative financial implications experienced by all, remain financially stable and successful at the highest sporting levels, specifically current European champions Chelsea F.C., champions of England, Manchester City F.C., and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (financially poised and positioned to pounce on the market opportunity to sign Messi).

Through the commercialisation of football, teams have inevitably evolved from being simple football clubs to perennial business corporations.

Traditionally, through its ‘socio’ model, F.C. Barcelona has operated on slim margins, with any annual surplus simply being reinvested into the team. A formula largely dependent on, inter alia, lucrative sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and consistent sport-

ing achievements. Save for being held accountable to its ‘socios’ (typically in times of trophyless seasons), who under the Club’s constitution have limited powers, the managerial board of F.C. Barcelona have arguably never been held financially accountable to the same standard of their privately owned counterparts, who for example are expected to deliver profits to their shareholders.

On further reflection, having a privately owned club model can ultimately also assist further with: (i) securing the financial viability of the club; (ii) enhancing the extent of corporate oversight given the role and function of shareholders holding corporate management accountable for their actions and decisions; (iii) assuming the club is a listed entity (as is Manchester United F.C.), ensuring a stable and increasing share price, indicating public confidence and backing, while ultimately being held accountable by the operation of equity market mechanics; and (iv) enjoying access to new private capital, and assistance in encouraging future investment for the club (such as Lebron James’ initial 2011 USD 6.5 million minor investment in exchange for a 2% stake in Liverpool F.C., which was last reportedly worth in excesses of USD 44 million).

Arguably, while fans (following the backlash of the European Super League) did not want the complete commercialisation and privatisation of competitive European football, it doesn’t however necessarily follow that the ‘socio’ own-

ership model may, in today’s current market, be necessarily in the best interests of a club. It appears that a balance, or more hybrid approach, may however be the legitimate way forward as can be seen with numerous clubs in the German Bundesliga and the 50+1 rule (whereby football clubs may convert into private limited companies, but the constitution and structure of which must ensure that more than 50% of the voting shares are to remain in the possession of the parent club, and by default, its members). Ultimately, while the future of the 'socios' ownership model remains uncertain, the only guarantee in this discussion, is that as football fans, we only ever want to see our team win and lift as many trophies as possible. How the club gets there is up to the managerial board which must assemble a competitive squad, yet equally balance the books to safeguard the club’s financial status. Ownership structures of professional football clubs.

A continuous conversation without a firm solution in sight. Simply put, now more so than ever, a rather ‘Messi’ affair.

ABOUT JAMES NOGUERA James is an Associate within Hassans’ Corporate & Commercial Department.

James enjoys and continues to develop his corporate and commercial practice, largely advising US and European multi-nationals, family-offices and private equity firms. Since joining Hassans in 2015, James regularly advises on a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial instructions, including group corporate structuring and maintenance, M&A, cross-border leveraged, equity and debt financing transactions, liquidations, joint-venture projects, and corporate governance matters.

A Messi Affair

A graduate from the University of Surrey, James subsequently completed a specialist LLM Master’s Degree in Corporate Law at University College London (Distinction). During his studies, James spent a year working at the New York City Council as a legislative and policy analyst.

James is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, and was Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2014, and subsequently in Gibraltar in 2015.

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FEATURE

WS21S

OPERATION PEDESTAL PART 2

This article is a tribute to all seamen that sailed the seas during the war to keep us supplied. Whenever Poppy Day is mentioned, people immediately think of the soldiers that died. Only afterwards do the Merchant Seamen and Navy get a mention. Without the heroic action of these men, neither the Army nor the Airforce would have been able to continue the battle and we civilians would have starved. It must be remembered that there were seamen of many nations both from the Commonwealth, the United States and occupied Europe fighting under the Red and White Ensigns and flags of many other nations. This is also a tribute to the people of Gibraltar who played no small part in keeping the ships repaired and supplied.

BRITAIN NEVER STOOD ALONE. To most of us, the title means nothing. It was, however, one of the most important events in the battle for the Mediterranean in World War II. Italy entered the conflict on June 10th 1940 declaring war on Great Britain.

Mussolini had a very strong naval capability in the Mediterranean which posed a problem for the Allies fighting in North Africa. Rommel depended on supplies from Italy to enable the Axis forces to continue the fight in North Africa. Unfortunately for him, Malta was in the middle of their supply route and was a thorn in his side.

The Allies likewise had the problem that Malta had to be kept supplied in order to maintain the attacks on Rommel’s supply route. With Sicily only about 200 miles from Malta, both German and Italian aircraft were able to attack Malta with impunity, less than two hours away.

On 12th the convoy entered the dreaded “Canale di Sicilia” where HMS Kenya was hit by a torpedo from the Italian submarine Alagi. A torpedo hit the bow and blew off a large section around the waterline. She returned to Gibraltar.

control and attempts made to scuttle her were in vain, so she was finally torpedoed by HMS

Manchester and then made for Gibraltar, arriving on afternoon of 15th.

The destroyer HMS Ithurie attacked the Italian submarine Cobalto with depth charges and after a gun battle rammed and sunk her, but the Ithurie received damage to the bow and had to return to Gibraltar for repairs.

HMS KENYA

As the ships passed Pantellaria, the island in the middle of the Straits of Sicilia, HMS Manchester was attacked by motor torpedo boats MS16 and MS22 of the Italian navy. Two torpedoes struck the ship amidships on the starboard side flooding the boiler room and magazine also damaging three of the propeller shafts and causing a 12° list. The ship was soon out of

HMS KENYA IN DRY DOCK GIBRALTAR

Pathfinder. The destroyers HMS Eskimo and Somali were sent back to help Manchester but arrived after she had sunk so they picked up survivors from

TOP: HMS ITHURIE. ABOVE: COBALTO

WORDS BY WORDS BYPAUL PAULFOSTER BAKER TOP: HMS EAGLE. ABOVE: HMS EAGLE SINKING 18

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FEATURE The cruiser HMS Charybdis was screening the carrier force when two bombs landed on the unarmoured part of the flight deck of HMS Indomitable forcing her to leave the convoy and head for Gibraltar. All the aircraft that were airborne at the time landed on HMS Victorious, however her deck was also damaged by a dud aerial torpedo.

doed by the Italian submarine Alagi on evening of 12th and hit several times before being towed into Malta on 13th.

Rochester Castle hit in No3 hold by two torpedoes from German E boats but was able to continue. Arrived on 13th Brisbane Star, cargo ship, with a cargo similar to Melbourne, was hit by a torpedo from the Italian submarine Alagi, which badly damaged the bow. Later attacked by torpedo bombers but the torpedoes were dud.

The ship was able to reach Malta on 14th with her cargo intact.

TOP: INDOMITABLE UNDER ATTACK ABOVE: DAMAGE TO INDOMITABLE

Wairangi torpedoed by E boat.

Engine room and No3 hold flooded. Sank on 13th The destroyers HMS Penn, Bingham and Ledbury were used to rescue survivors from the various ships. HMS Ledbury steamed into a burning sea of fuel on one occasion to rescue survivors from Waimarama.

Of the fourteen ships, only five reached Malta with 29,000tons of cargo, fuel, and ammunition.

Enough for ten weeks was delivered to the embattled island but at what cost? The royal Navy suffered 426 dead, the Merchant Navy, 120 men. This figure was obtained by adding the list of casualties for each ship, found on the internet and may not be accurate.

TOP: DORSET UNDER ATTACK ABOVE: WAIMARAMA EXPLODES

Melbourne Star, cargo ship carried aviation fuel, kerosene, shells and fuel oil. Set on fire by flying wreckage from the exploding Waimarama. Arrived in Malta on 13th with cargo intact.

ation fuel in drums, hit by torpedo from MTBs, set on fire, abandoned. Attacked again and another fire started. Sank on 13th

TOP: THE TORPEDO CAUGHT IN THE PARAVANE ABOVE: PORT CHARMERS

This article has concentrated on actions by Italian and Ger-

The destroyer HMS Foresight was torpedoed by motor torpedo boats, she flooded aft and was unable to steer and taken in tow heading for Gibraltar but became unmanageable so was later sunk by HMS Tarter.

The Axis losses were relatively light, consisting of two submarines, two motor torpedo boats two cruisers damaged. The latter was part of the action off the north of Sicily, referred to above.

Up to now only the naval actions have been covered, the merchant ships were the object of the exercise. This consisted of fourteen ships.

The convoy entered Gibraltar on august 10th in heavy fog.

Spies in Algeciras, Spain and Ceuta across the Strait in North Africa failed to spot the passage of the convoy through the Strait of Gibraltar in the fog, but were spotted by German reconnaissance aircraft in the morning and not long after the attacks commenced.

Dorset disabled by bombs from Stuka attack, engine room flooded cargo on fire, abandoned and again bombed. Sank on 13th.

Waimarama, cargo ship with aviation fuel, and ammunition was hit by attacks by MTBs, blew up and sank in seconds on 13th.

Port Charmers was saved by a torpedo being caught in a paravane cable and safely released, arrived on 13th Almeria Lykes torpedoed by German E boat S36 and then again by Italian MAS554. She was abandoned and scuttled on 13th Clan Ferguson hit by bombs and then by torpedo from Italian submarine Alagi which explodes the cargo of ammunition and she sinks on 12th Deucalion hit by aerial torpedo, set on fire and blew up following a torpedo attack by the Italian submarine Bronzo. Sinks on 12th Empire Hope set on fire by bombs and abandoned sunk

by HMS Penn. The Italian submarine Alagi also claimed this sinking on 12th

TOP: ATTACK ON THE TANKER OHIO ABOVE: OHIO ENTERING MALTA

Glenorchy torpedoed by Italian

MTB MS31 sank on 13th Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar. Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

Ohio, a US tanker carrying diesel and kerosene, was torpe-

TOP: ROCHESTER CASTLE ABOVE: BRISBANE STARa

Santa Eliza with a cargo of avi-

TOP: THE ITALIAN TORPEDO BOMBER SM84 ABOVE: A GERMAN E BOAT

man naval forces, but much of the damage to the convoy was done by Italian torpedo carrying aircraft and German Stuka dive bombers. Use was made of radio controlled aircraft, parachute released bombs and torpedoes that circled in an increasing spiral. The effective-

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FEATURE ness of these weapons is in doubt.

There was also an action at the same time, as mentioned above, between British submarines and Italian cruisers along the north coast of Sicily.

There is some confusion about attacks by the motor torpe-

tion other than the tug Jaunty.

The four sloops Jonquil, Spiraea, Coltsfoot and Geranium were escort to the two RFA tankers, Brown Ranger and Dingledale and presumable continued with them after the final fuelling on 10th August to Gibraltar, otherwise the RFA tankers would have been prime targets as was the Ohio. The only other vessel in the list was the salvage ship Salvonia. What part she played is unknown.

There is reference above to a paravane. This was a torpedo shaped float with a stabilising fin which was streamed out from a warship during mine sweeping operations to snag the tethering wires of mines.

The following is a list of the destroyers attached to the convoy.

HMS Westcotte

HMS Coltsfoot

HMS Wrestler,

HMS Geranium

HMS Eskimo

HMS Jonquil

HMS Ithuriel,

HMS Spirea

HMS Laforey

HMT Jaunty

HMS Wilton,

HMS Salvonia (Salvage)

HMS Wishart,

RFA Dingledale

HMS Bicester,

RFA Brown Ranger

HMS Bramham,

The story of the US tanker Ohio is an epic in its own right and may be covered at some future date.

HMS Derwent, HMS Foresight, HMS Fury,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

HMS Icarus,

I have used the internet and Wikipedia extensively as well as books from my own library to cross check the information as much as possible. I have found many glaring errors in many reports and inconsistencies in others, even by eye witnesses, which I hope I have managed to correct, I would welcome any comments on the subject.

HMS Intrepid, HMS Keppel HMS Lookout, HMS Amazon, HMS Zetland HMS Quentin,

TOP: ITALIAN NAVY MAS TORPEDO BOAT ABOVE: GERMAN STUKA DIVE BOMBER

do boats, some references claim all to be Italian, others say, some German E boats, no doubt it was a combination of the two.

Apart from the main naval force, there were a number of other ships referred to in various reports as taking part in Operation Berzerk but do not get a mention in the actual ac-

HMS Ledbury, HMS Pathfinder, HMS Penn,

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

HMS Malcolm HMS FURIOUS

HMS Venomous

Including those escorting HMS Furious:-

HMS Wolverine HMS Lightning

HMS Ashanti, Other ships (the four Flower Class Corvettes were escorts to the RFA Tankers during Operation Berzerk)

HMS Tartar HMS Antelope, HMS Vansittart,

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Have you been allocated a new home at Hassan Centenary Terraces, Bob Peliza Mews or Chatham Views?

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Our new Affordable Housing Bridging Loan will help you meet your deposit requirements to buy your new home.

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

HMS Protector had a recent stop off at HMNB Gibraltar. The ship, known affectionately as the Royal Navy's "Swiss Army knife", arrived for a programmed logistics visit.

The vessel is deployed for 330 days a year, and recently underwent a major refit in preparation for her first visit to Antartica since 2019.

COMMENDATION FOR KIAN The Commander British Forces, Commodore Steve Dainton, had a special commendation to hand over.

8 year-old Kian Roche managed to raise over £1000 for the Great Tommy Sleepover initiative. The event challenges families to sleep outside for one night to raise funds for The Royal British Legion Industries. However, the initiative is not just to raise money but also to increase awareness of homeless ex- servicemen and women as it is estimated there are 6,000 veterans currently homeless in and around the UK.

WELL DONE KIAN!

Certificates Presentation Earlier this year Commodore Steve Dainton, Commander British Forces Gibraltar (CBF), presented certificates to some of the students who have successfully attained further educational qualifications through the Joint Education and Training Services (JETS). Congratulations to all.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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23

FEATURE

CHRISTIAN SANTOS The Making of a Mayor CHRISTIAN SANTOS WAS INVESTED AS GIBRALTAR'S 19TH MAYOR, TAKING OVER FROM JOHN GONÇALVES, ON THE 1ST JUNE. IN THE CHIEF MINISTER’S ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE INVESTITURE, HE SAID: “AS EQUALITY FLAGS FLY FROM SOME OF GIBRALTAR’S MAIN FLAGPOLES IN CELEBRATION OF THE START OF PRIDE MONTH, WE CELEBRATE OUR OWN DIVERSITY BY WELCOMING TO THIS CIVIC OFFICE OUR FIRST OPENLY GAY MAYOR.”

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FEATURE Still only 44 years of age, Christian Santos states that he always wanted to get to a point in his life where he could be considered to be the Mayor of Gibraltar. “I just didn't expect it to come my way so soon to be honest,” he says, going on to say that he thinks people can achieve whatever they set their minds to if they have realistic aims and objectives. “I didn’t ever want to be a famous footballer because I knew that was not in my skill set, but being the Mayor of Gibraltar is something that I thought that with time I could achieve.”

does transform you and makes you realise that you are truly a representative of the people.”

As the youngest of three brothers growing up in Gibraltar, Christian says that he was a very independent child with a lot of freedom. “My parents are part of the older generation but they are open minded and have always accepted all my life choices,” he says. “I was very academic as a boy and whilst my Dad was one hundred perfect behind me becoming a performer, my Mum did keep asking whether I wanted to go down the route of having a safe and stable career such as a lawyer or accountant, but of course she was perfectly happy when I decided on performing arts and now that I am Mayor it is her proudest moment.”

His Worship has a clear vision of what it is that he wants to achieve during his tenure. “All my work has been focused on how proud I am of being Gibraltarian, promoting our culture, community and our people, no matter what your social economic background, gender, sexuality, religion or faith,” he comments, continuing, “and we are all very special and despite our differences we all live together in peace in a very small space of land.” It is with this in mind that Christian has created his ‘We Are One’ campaign to celebrate the diversity of the community. “The hardest job one has in life is truly being your authentic self and you don't necessarily need to achieve something to be celebrated - because I think achievement is very relative to who you are - so what is an achievement for me may not be an achievement for someone else,” he says.

Standing on the balcony of City Hall where he was presenting Kaiane Aldorino (latterly to become Mayor in 2019) on her homecoming as Miss World, looking out on the crowds below and taking into account the diverse political and religious differences, was when Christian realised that he would love to represent the united community of Gibraltar as Mayor, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t shocked and delighted when he was asked to do so

by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

“I received a phone call telling me that I had to go to No. 6 urgently,” His Worship recalls. “I thought I had done something wrong but when the Chief Minister calls you just go, and I remember being totally overwhelmed when he asked me if I would like to be the next Mayor of Gibraltar.”

Because it was a role that Christian had always wanted to take on, he didn’t have to think twice about accepting the offer and said ‘yes’ immediately. “I should of course have consulted my husband Samuel, whom I married in June 2019, and who was the person who would be by my side on this new journey, and also my family, but they were all immensely supportive.”

With a varied career that has taking him from singing and performing around the world, including working with the prestigious Disney Entertainment conglomerate, it is evident that Christian Santos is a driven person and someone who relishes starting new projects. “I enjoyed my early career in the performing arts and then when, after a four year stint in Tokyo, I got to a point where I was working regularly I thought I needed to do something else - so I came back home and started Santos Productions, where I helped produce many of the major local entertainment performances including some of the Miss Gibraltar Pageants.” In 2008 Christian founded Santos Productions Academy and then GAMPA in 2015. “Becoming Mayor is another start-up for me, and although it is only early into my tenure, I am really enjoying it at this point in my life where I have got the energy that I can expend on it.”

As a performer, putting on the ceremonial robes must be a bit like donning a costume for a theatrical performance, but His Worship admits that it was only when he put the robes on for the first time that he understood the gravitas of the role he was taking on. “The traditional style of the mayoral garments and wearing the chain of office really

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Christian has it very clear in his mind that the role of Mayor is bigger than he is as a person. “Everything I do is not for myself but for the office of the Mayor and for Gibraltar and I am honoured to be able to slip in to this role that will always exist beyond me as it existed before me - add my little pinch of salt and little grain of sand to it – so I am just acting as a caretaker until I am a past Mayor.”

One of the initiatives of the campaign has been the Pride of Gibraltar Awards, celebrating the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly and selflessly during the Covid Pandemic in Gibraltar, making a real difference to the community by volunteering or helping family and friends. Something else that His Worship Christian Santos wants to celebrate is social awareness of the LGBTQ+ community. “We have achieved equal rights in everything, so I now want to use my sexuality in a positive way to show people that I am living a very mainstream life and that members of the gay, transgender and LGBTQ+ community can live mainstream lives too in whatever career or job they have.”

Working with young people is what really drives Christian Santos and he is immensely proud of his many past students who have gone on to further their careers in the performing arts, whether that is in London in the West End or working elsewhere in the industry. “The one thing that also makes me extremely proud is how those students who didn’t go into the performing arts and who are now accountants or lawyers have used the transferrable skills we taught them, such as discipline, working as a team, being responsible and having high self-esteem, in other aspects of their lives,” he explains.

Asked what His Worship wants his legacy to be as Mayor, he replies that he thinks how you are remembered is decided upon by others. “I just want to be remembered for having done this in a positive way and for making people feel special and for them to look back and say ‘Christian Santos was a really good Mayor’, and whatever their experience of it will be my legacy.”

What about the future? “Right now I am just at the beginning of a two year plan and goodness knows what is going to happen or how things are going to develop. One day I was the Principal of GAMPA and that same afternoon I was the Deputy Mayor of Gibraltar - so that is how fast life goes.” Whatever else he achieves, there is no doubt that His Worship Christian Santos will spread the message of equality and diversity throughout the Gibraltar community.

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FEATURE

Violet Schembri THE STORY OF VIOLET BUCHANAN ONE OF THE FIRST FOUR POLICEWOMEN WHO PATROLLED OUR STREETS IN THE MID SIXTIES HAS DONE THE ROUNDS IN THE LOCAL PRESS LATELY BUT WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT SHE HAS BEEN A LIFELONG FRIEND FROM WITHAM’S ROAD AND THAT BEING AN EX WPC DOES NOT REALLY DEFINE HER? PRECISELY BECAUSE SHE IS A FRIEND I HAD INTENDED TO BOW OUT FROM THE MEDIA FRENZY BUT MY DEAR COLLEAGUE JEAN KING AT ‘INSIGHT MAGAZINE’ SHUNTED THE PROPOSED ARTICLE ABOUT HER ON ME AFTER A FEW PHONE CALLS THUS SAVING ME HAVING TO ASK VIOLET FOR THIS INTERVIEW. IT FELL ON MY LAP-AND SO WE MET FOR AN EXTENDED COFFEE AND CHAT WHICH HAD TO START WITH HOW SHE APPLIED TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER. IT TURNS OUT THAT SHE WAS ALMOST PUSHED INTO IT BY A MUTUAL FRIEND. “We were strolling past the old Police Station and my friend Janet told me that applications had been invited for Police women (something new for Gibraltar then) and since I had just come back from UK and was job hunting I should apply, so I was nudged into the office and filled in the form. I was nineteen at the time and that very afternoon the phone rang inviting me for a test, a written exam almost like a general knowledge test. Anyway two days later after a quick interview with the Commissioner I was in. There were only four of us but you have to remember that in those days it was an all male force so local girls were very shy coming forward.”

“After leaving school I had gone to live in England with my sister and after three years there I came back and I had suddenly found myself landing a uniformed job. Just imagine that-but it was no career move though, they just wanted a body and I was it. I don’t think they even did a background check on me as they would do nowadays. I spoke good English as I was fresh back from UK so I fitted in with what they were looking for. They said that after training our duties would be the same as the policemen except that we would not be doing night shifts. It would be a day job but we would have the same status as our male counterparts.”

Four women and two male recruits completed the eight week training course throughout which the girls were still considered a novelty. They got measured for police uniforms which were made by Ellicott the English tailors by the Church of Scotland. The hats and shoes were UK issue and

the girls had to learn marching and drill just like the men. “I used to hate marching but I loved the uniform, although at first walking down to town along ‘La Bateria’ (Rosia Road) I felt self-conscious and also proud to be a police woman. At first we girls felt that the men had been told to be on their best behaviour and indeed they were on their toes. We were highly respected and can only praise them for it.”

“We were quite protected and almost handled with kid gloves but we each got assigned to different departments. I went to the Traffic section and I immediately loved it there.

Every month we were rotated and probably assessed too, but it was great fun and always a new challenge. I loved Traffic so I was a Traffic girl and remember that in those days there were no traffic lights. You had to be on point duty directing traffic by hand signals. The bigger the intersection the more I liked it as a challenge, so the Trafalgar intersection was my favourite as it was the busiest.”

“Memories of those days still come back and I remember that the ‘cats eyes’ road reflectors had just come on stream at the time. I also remember the Traffic section chief inspector Mr. Ellis who used to live at the bottom of Witham’s Road at the old Jumper’s Building police quarters. To me he was a man ahead of his time. I don’t think people realized how smart he was. He was well read and on the ball and I remember that I used to get lifts from him going down to the station. I was only in the police force for four years but they were very happy times for me. I was the last woman to

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FEATURE leave from our group as the three others had moved on by the time that I had left for the States. On reflection I would probably have made a career of it had I not met my husband who was posted with the US Navy here, working at ‘The Tower’ where the US Naval Liaison office was also situated.”

“Had I not been in the Police force I might never have met him, because I didn’t mix in his circle, but as we girls regularly got invited to mess functions our paths crossed. He used to drive a big grey Dodge transporter which he said hardly fitted through the old ‘Southport Gates’ (now Referendum Gates) and as I remember it, one day I was on point duty and signalled him to stop but he drove on and ignored me. I was livid and perhaps I should have arrested him. That incident was always a running joke throughout our married life.”

Violet’s late husband was Ritchie Buchanan who later had a basket ball trophy named in his honour and which is still played for annually. Those involved in early local basket ball will remember that he was a top class player in the original ‘Blue Stars,’ he loved Gibraltar but his orders came and he was posted back to the States, taking with him the young Violet Schembri to live in Brownsburg Indiana, a small town in the mid west just ten miles from the state capital Indianapolis.

“I married Ritchie after courting for nine months and it was during my third year in the police force so by that time more women were joining up and I was already an old hand by then. We never got the opportunity to march on parade but we were always on show at the changing of the guard or the ceremony of the keys. I think that they were quite proud of us and I was still in love with my job but my husband to be was soon to be posted back, so we got married and I was gone. I always stayed in touch with Elyeen Byrne, she was in the immigration section but she died a few years ago.”

“We had great times and we never had to arrest anyone. On a few occasions we were called to do body searches on women (mostly prostitutes) but only rarely. Apart from traffic point duty my job was mostly clerical and when the home fleet was in port we were kept discreetly out of sight and not ever on foot patrol. There were fewer private vehicles around at the time, mostly military transport and against that background various fellow police officers from Traffic took turns to teach me driving. I really struggled with clutch control on steep hills and when I started dating Richard, the chief inspector thought it would be prudent to discontinue my driving lessons since I had indicated that I would be leaving soon. We married in December of 1968.”

Before he was posted to Gibraltar Ritchie Buchanan had volunteered for Vietnam and when his orders came up he asked Violet whether she wanted to stay in Gibraltar after their wedding or go back and be a naval wife in his hometown of Brownsburg, Indiana. Violet made a brave choice (I think) and opted for the latter, thinking that like in the days of old, sailors always left their girls in port and never came back! As soon as he left for Vietnam on a fifteen month posting she got a clerical job in the state capital Indianapolis and she soon got used to commuting daily.

A friend had offered her the chance to share petrol costs for the daily commute and she took it, so time passed quicker with no time for moping at home. In those days letter writing was the norm with few ( short) trunk telephone calls (‘conferencias’) to mum only tempered with the hope of coming back to the Rock for holidays which kept her spirits up. Her mother only went twice to visit her in the States and only after she was widowed, but Violet had to face her father’s passing alone and was unable to come to his funeral. Life was good but it was tough too, so she had vowed always to come back here for holidays as frequently as she could afford to. That’s why she has stayed in touch with her childhood circle of friends to this day.

“We were fortunate to be adopted by Mgr. Carmelo Grech who put St. Joseph’s church crypt at our disposal for a youth club in the late fifties. Because of that facility we learned to

live with boys and vice versa because there was no co-education then. We grew our teen years there, a small group of well adjusted teenagers none of whom has yet gone off the rails thankfully and some who still keep in touch to this day. We are thankful for that steadying influence and the platform to life that it provided.”

“In America I went into the child day care business from home and it was my business for forty years. My over riding memories are of a very happy childhood here and it never entered my head to be a police woman in America because in the States they carry guns .”

With her husband away on long overseas postings after the war in Vietnam, Violet threw all her energy into giving the best child day care service that she could, having adapted their large house to cater for up to sixteen children, from 7.30 am to 5.30pm when she had help, otherwise she would only take twelve children but always juggling the business and bringing up her young family. She told me that she never considered herself brave in doing that, giving the example of the many Vietnamese who immigrated to America after the war and settled there without the advantage of speaking English or an education. “They were the brave ones and they did so well to go into education and get to medical school, law school, engineering school and other vocations. I was fortunate and privileged to have been a naval wife with a good education and language skills. I look back on those days now and always come to the conclusion that somehow growing up in Gibraltar prepared me well for the life I had chosen.”

Violet’s children Monica and Keith are now 50 and 46 and she remembers well that when Keith was born her husband was at sea in the Mediterranean, so it wasn’t always easy juggling family life and a day care business- however she has no regrets. Her daughter Monica was born after Ritchie came back from Vietnam and at the time they were stationed in Chicago for five years. It was a shore posting for him at the US Navy recruiting office. “My day care business initially started out in Virginia while we were still living in navy quarters actually, but it continued and flourished in our own adapted family home in Brownsburg, Indiana after he had completed his twenty year service and retired at 38.”

Violet takes holidays here every two years and tries to keep in touch with her old fellow police officers, like Peter Mc Guinness who rose through the ranks. She remembers giving Peter his application form all that time ago. He retired as Chief Superintendent. She also remembers the late Horace Zammitt of the CID and that the old Magistrates courts were housed at the police HQ in Irish town. “I still keep in touch with my old Sergeant Ernesto Lima who is a wonderful man, the father of former Mayor of Gibraltar Tony Lima. There are others, too many to mention and some no longer here with us unfortunately. My mother was a great letter writer and I also kept in touch that way. I suppose that there’s something to be said for the old days and the old ways of keeping in touch.”

“You know Joe I would do it all again, especially being a policewoman. They were happy times. I was single and living at home with my parents, my mum was doing the cooking and the ironing, what was not to like? I feel very fortunate to have lived in these times. I have a large circle of friends in the States, larger than here but you guys are my childhood friends who will always have a special place in my heart because we grew up together in the 50’s.”

Nothing can change that special bond of friendship. We are all in our mid seventies now but the years melt away when every couple of years Violet Schembri comes here for a holiday with every intention of reminding whoever one of us she meets up with, that we were the ‘kids from St. Joseph’s’ and we still have a special place in her heart as indeed does she in our hearts too. In that aspect I’m sure that I speak for all of us.

INSIGHT'S ONLINE REACH 2020-21 WAS OVER 520,000 - EMAIL HELLO@GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM FOR ADVERTISING OPTIONS

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FEATURE

The Gibraltar FA Academy is officially launched

WORDS BY STEVEN GONZALEZ GFA 28

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FEATURE THE GIBRALTAR FA IS DELIGHTED TO HAVE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ITS LATEST INITIATIVE AIMED AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE GENERATIONS OF LOCAL FOOTBALLERS – THE GIBRALTAR FA ACADEMY. For the first time ever, all youngsters who want to play football, whatever their skill levels and abilities, will register with the Gibraltar FA Academy, instead of the Associations club members, which has been the case up until now.

The first Gibraltar FA Academy cohort will begin in September 2021 for all children who are entering Reception and Year 1 this academic year.

All other young footballers will remain with their clubs as per last year.

All of this will be carried out in a safe and inclusive environment in which all children will learn the basics of our game.

An integral part of the Gibraltar FA’s commitment to youth development, the Academy is the product of a year-long collaborative process between the Association, Gibraltar’s football clubs and other stakeholders within the football community.

The Gibraltar FA’s General Secretary, Ivan Robba, is thrilled to have been able to launch the project: “The establishment and launch of the all-new Gibraltar FA Academy is a hugely important step forward for youth football in on the Rock. It represents a shift in focus and a whole new approach towards the way in which our youngsters will begin their footballing journey. Young footballers will now enjoy learning and playing football, regardless of their ability, and their skill levels and this is something all of us involved in Gibraltarian football have been striving to achieve for many years.

The Academy, which is open for all children, (boys and girls), will run in conjunction with school years, so the children attending will be enjoying their football with their friends, as opposed to potentially being split up into the more traditional footballing age groups. Sessions, which will will run in line with the school calendar, will take place on Wednesday evenings and Sunday Mornings, at the Victoria Stadium.

A key part of groundwork that has been done, prior to launching the Academy, has been an in-depth recruitment process, overseen by the Gibraltar FA’s Technical and HR Departments, to ensure all the new Academy coaches are trained in basic first aid and safeguarding as well as have passed all the relevant local authority (Royal Gibraltar Police) vetting procedure. This is over and above the standard coaching badges and qualifications that each Academy Coach is required to have.

The Gibraltar FA and its Club Members believe that every child should have the right to participate and play football, regardless of their individual skill level and ability, free from pressure of any kind placed upon them.

Therefore, the new Academy will begin the process of setting each youngster off on their footballing journey, where they can hopefully progress and develop their talent and one day fulfil their footballing dream whilst simultaneously and simply allowing each child to have fun whilst playing football.

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I am particularly pleased that the Academy brings together the sterling work that has been carried out over the past year by ourselves at the Association in close co-operation with our Clubs, who have always been instrumental and hugely important in youth football in Gibraltar. This project shows everyone that the football community, as one, is pulling in the same direction, and the right direction, to ensure our children and our children’s children can have the best possible opportunities to learn and enjoy the beautiful game that we all love in a safe, comfortable and fun filled environment.”

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILD FOR THE GIBRALTAR FA ACADEMY CAN DO SO ONLINE AT WWW.GIBRALTARFA.COM OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 200 42941.

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29

FEATURE

All sports have a stereotypical image and Rugby has many to choose from, but the overriding narrative is that it’s a tough sport played by tough people. At our domestic competitive level and above, that is superficially true – I’ll explain that statement later... But what does “tough” mean?

the GRFU is putting into place a support network of trained mental health first aiders (Cauliflower Ears) to support its members, officers and the wider rugby family’s mental health, by recognising those that need help and offering information and sign posting to relevant services if required.

Historically clubs and unions have focused on providing services that help promote and care for players physical health. We know that Rugby is a tough physical sport and at this point I’ll thank our hard-working physiotherapist, Joyce, for her sterling work in patching us all up, but for this up-and-coming season,

So, what does tough mean? In a rugby context, we generally talk about the physical demands of the game and the contact that is made when one player tackles another player, or two packs scrum down, however physical toughness does not au-

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FEATURE tomatically translate into a well-balanced, healthy mental frame of mind. In fact, frequently physical toughness is often a façade used to hide behind or compensate for poor mental health. We all have mental health (as we do physical) – some good some poor but we all have it.

Society is as a whole becoming more open in discussing our mental health, however the stark reality is that one of the highest causes of death in young men (our core membership) is still suicide. Recognising this and its link to poor mental health, the Cauliflower Ears were formed and are a group of friendly, non-judgemental faces, that are there to listen and start a conversation, hopefully reducing the stigma of admitting you’re not well and need help. It really is OK not to be OK – our Cauliflower Ears understand that and are happy to listen, whether that happens in the clubhouse over a pint, or by the side of the training pitch or through a phone call, they are there to listen.

The Cauliflower Ear project was born after watching a programme on the TV that highlighted Prince’s Harry and William efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young men and implementation of support provided to football players. This got me thinking and wondering what is being done for rugby players.

Within the sport of Rugby in the UK there are several existing charities and initiatives across clubs and unions that provide players with help with their mental health (Looseheadz , Rugby Players Association – Restart and Lift the Weight Campaigns). Once such initiative which offered a potentially transferable solution was the Cauliflower Ear Programme run by the Lancashire Rugby Union (LRU). The LRU were providing a free professional counselling service to all members of constituent clubs within their union offering mental health and emotional well-being support.

Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, this was not an option for the GRFU, what was required was a low cost, low risk, reliable and resilient solution that could offer members information on mental health and well-being support. Having considered various options and gained the support of Lancashire RFU to keep the Cauliflower Ears name as well as supporting artwork the GRFU settled on the option of providing a network of trained mental health first aiders (MHFA’s) across the union to support its membership.

The UK mental health charity Mind have designed mental health aid first training that equips first aiders with the knowledge and skills to recognise those that may be struggling with their mental health and offer information and sign post to relevant mental health services if required, in Gibraltar this training is delivered by Clubhouse Gibraltar using the Mind framework.

The Cauliflower Ear project brief was submitted for approval to the GRFU, outlining the costs, commitments and outcomes, which was unanimously approved. It was clear

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from the outset that we would need help to establish how the project was going to be delivered and a steering group was formed consisting of representatives from GibSams, Clubhouse Gibraltar and ChildLine. This group met on various occasions acting as a sounding board, advisor and critical friend in helping us establish strengths, weaknesses, personal and organisational risk contained within delivery of such a project. We will be forever grateful for these organisations historical and ongoing support in our delivery of the Cauliflower Ear project and it is true to say that we wouldn’t be in a position to deliver it without their help.

We now have six “Cauliflower Ears” trained by Clubhouse Gibraltar that will operate across the GRFU. We have also implemented supporting procedures and processes to help us manage and mitigate any potential personal and organisational risk in the delivery of the project. As a small (personnel wise) and volunteer led organisation it is important

to have safety nets and support networks to use if required by Cauliflower ears as we are acutely aware that it is essential to look after the people that are looking after our people. Again our steering group partners have been instrumental in helping us to understand and plan for this as well as offering invaluable help and resources should our Cauliflower ears need help, advice or a knowledgeable and confidential second opinion.

We will be publicising the Cauliflower Ears across all normal platforms and hope to have an event highlighting mental health in the early part of the 2021-22 season, which we hope out steering group partners will attend.

Artwork from the Lancashire Rugby Union campaign will be regularly used to encourage everyone in the rugby family that’s its ok not to be OK and it’s important to talk about mental health.

The GRFU would like to say a BIG thank you to Gary Morgan – Rugby Safe Lead at the Lancashire RFU for supporting our use of the Cauliflower Ears name and artwork and our hugely supportive steering group partners Gibsams, Clubhouse Gibraltar and Childline for all their advice and support in getting this initiative off the ground. We would also like to extend our thanks to the local company who has generously provided financial support to get this project off the ground.

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FOOTBALL INSIGHT

first line of defence In football, the danger of injury or health issues is not just confined to match day. Problems could occur at training too. Which is why we committed to having First Response Unit, not only at matches, but also every training session. This doesn’t only apply to the adults, we also have them present at youth training sessions and matches. Having first responders present certainly brings peace of mind to the parents and guardians, and recently, were present at the Gibraltar Football Association summer camp.

The team of around 25 have a multitude of important equipment at their disposal; trauma bags, first aid bags, stretchers and crucially, a defibrillator.

While it is hoped the latter is never needed, it is an incredibly important piece of life saving kit to have present at any level of football. It’s importance being seen recently in the Euro 2020 championship with Christian Eriksen in Denmark’s opening fixture against Finland. Everyone should have access to these facilities regardless of what level they play at.

Committee member and first aider for First Response Unit Deidre Copello said “I feel

very satisfied with the responsibility, but above all I feel that the players themselves feel more protected with the fact that there is first aid service”. And for sure, every player does feel safe in the knowledge that such professional help is at hand. While such cases may be rare, it is better to have provision in place than not at all.

It goes without saying that we are proud to have First Response Unit working alongside us, safeguarding the health and fitness of all members of the Lynx family.

In this issue we would also like to recognise the efforts of committee member Kathy Noble, wife of our president , Jack Noble. You know what they say, behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes…. hang on that’s not right is it, although it maybe true in this case…. winky face emoji. We love you really Jack. But in all seriousness, Kathy has been an incredible asset to the club over the years, helping out behind the scenes and always supporting the club in whatever way possible. Kathy has always been there to help Jack and the club, and without her, the club would be a lesser place, and for that, we thank her!

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

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SPORTS INSIGHT As the planet slowly recovers from the ravages of the terrifying Covid-19 pandemic, sport once again leads the way on the rocky road back to normality as, immediately after the successful and entertaining but spectatorless Tokyo Olympic Games, golf takes centre stage when the War of the World – United States vs Europe – tees off in the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, with the home side thirsting to avenge the 17.5-10.5 mauling suffered in the Paris debacle of 2018.

The Ryder Cup, named after English entrepreneur and golf enthusiast Samuel Ryder who hailed from Preston, proved to be an insurmountable task for the home nations in the initial years as the Americans, powered by immortals Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino etc, routinely and relentlessly brushed the opposition aside, often by embarrassing margins. I’m old enough to recall those dark days and how jarring were the patronising words of consolation and pats on the head proffered to outclassed opponents by successive Yankee captains at post-match victory celebrations, but in 1979 all that was about to change.

RYDER CUP TO THE FORE AS SPORT LIGHTS UP ROAD TO RECOVERY

Golf was becoming very popular in continental Europe with the emergence of Spanish superstars, swashbuckling Seve Ballesteros, gritty Antonio Garrido, ‘El Niño’ Sergio Garcia, Captain Fantastic José Maria Olazabal, plus cigar-chomping Miguel Ángel Jiménez and German prodigy Bernhard Langer. With Europeans regularly scaling the summit of golf's order of merit, and with Uncle Sam at last tiring of the cat-torturing-the-mouse routine that the competition had become, combined with TV stations’ complaints about the one-sidedness of it all, the call went up... the Ryder Cup must be opened up to the rest of Europe.

And so it came to pass – from 1979 stars from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden strode to the aid of their beleaguered British and Irish colleagues and the effect was immediate, the Ryder Cup became a proper contest and the unthinkable happened - the Americans were being put to the sword, and for Uncle Sam, having grown fat gorging on the carcasses of inferior opponents, this was a hard pill to swallow. Of the 20 tournaments played since the change, Europe have won 11 to eight, with one tied.

Postponed for a year because of the plague, the 43rd Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place at Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisconsin, with the action set to detonate on Friday 24th September and ending two days later on the Sunday. At the time of writing, barring any more nasty pandemic setbacks, the threeday extravaganza is set to be played in front of a full hostile house of fanatical and very noisy golf enthusiasts. Memories of the spanking the Yanks suffered last time in Paris are still raw in the States – the then president and golf nut Donald Trump was reported to be incandescent at the result, it didn’t sit well with the Ginger Don’s moronic MAGA chant of Make America Great

Again – and Team USA are desperate to avenge what they consider to be that shameful collapse.

The Americans, led by non-playing captain Steve Stricker, are odds-on favourites with the bookies to wrest the Cup back, and with eight Yanks in the top ten of golf's official world rankings it's not difficult to see why Uncle Sam's Boys are confident that America is on the road to redemption, with victory assured in what is sure to be an ultra intimidating Whistling Straits battleground. The team is made up of the top six in the points table who qualify by right, the remaining six places are ‘captain's picks' where Stricker has the option to include players based on current form or previous Cup experience, like class act Phil Mickelson, who boasts an astonishing 12 Cup appearances.

I fervently hope that old ‘Lefty’ makes it 13.

Team Europe consists of the top nine in the order of merit, with non-playing captain Padraig Harrington having just three picks, an unenviable dilemma for the popular Irishman - who to pick, who to leave out? Just as with Mickelson for the USA, my earnest hope is that Ian Poulter be one of Harrington's choices should he not qualify by right. The mercurial Englishman comes alive when donning Team Europe colours – not a hint of Brexit negativity here – a fantastic fanatical team player who has never lost a Cup singles match, won five with one tied is the proud record of Hitchin's favourite son.

Who will emerge triumphant on Sunday, 26th September? My heart says Europe but my head whispers USA. Spaniard Jon Rahm, who tops the world rankings, is head and shoulders Team Europe's finest, Rory McIlroy occasionally shows signs that he might be about to rediscover some of his past zest, Tommy Fleetwood is flying and Tyrell Hatton has been a revelation this term, all signs that Team Europe have realistic hopes of hitting the 14-point target that, as holders, would see the Ryder Cup retained. It’s going to be an exhilarating three days, with every stroke live on TV. Don’t miss it!

Current odds: Team USA 4/7, Team Europe 2/1, Tie 12/1 TV Schedule of The Ryder Cup Action (Tee-off times to be announced) Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf Also excellent coverage BBC Radio 5 Live Friday 24th – Morning 4 Foursomes – Afternoon 4 Fourballs Saturday 25th – Morning 4 Foursomes – Afternoon 4 Fourballs Sunday 26th – 12 Singles

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FEATURE

Ti m es of clo sure a new film about our recent history

As Stephen delved deeper into political research for ‘Times of Closure’ he discovered other angles that he explored through interviews with key political players of the era and also at a human level, the La Linea workers who were the hardest hit by General Franco’s draconian policy to close the frontier, in a what turned out to be a failed attempt to bring Gibraltar to its knees. The original storyboard grew exponentially with every new historical thread uncovered and as new material was filmed, the scope of the film’s original remit was widened to accommodate new footage and the ever changing political dimension that is the perennial ‘Gibraltar Problem.’

ence in Gibraltar had to be secured by a mandate from the inhabitants of the Rock who voted overwhelmingly to remain British. At present Stephen is involved trying to edit down the film to an hour for TV consumption in the UK the US and in Spain. This involves redoing the narrative in Spanish. He believes that due to its length perhaps only Canal Sur would be interested in screening the full two hour version of the film.

Among significant discoveries made by researchers stands out the fact that the 1967 referendum idea for Gibraltar was first promoted by the Americans and not the British as is widely thought. Their wider strategic interests included control of the strait and their base at Rota against the backdrop of the Cold War, so the continued British pres-

make the film what it is, a well researched historical document for which Stephen Cumming does not want full credit for but fully deserves it. The film succeeds on many levels and deserves to be widely seen and acclaimed as a high water mark in documenting an important part of our fascinating history.

“There may also be an option to do a limited run of 1000 Blu-ray copies for local consumption in the run up to Christmas, that would be ideal but again licensing is complicated. What that format would inWe spoke with Stephen Cumming to learn further about his crusade clude would be the full interviews and some of those interviews are to bring the closed border story to the silver screen. “The final script a joy to watch for history buffs.” I remarked on how well the former evolved from one that I had started writing Spanish Vice President Alfonso Guerra in 2000. I was hoping to produce something comes across... “You have no idea just how A quite significant historical documentary for 2004 and the anniversary of the capture good that interview was. We discovered as called ‘Times of Closure’ of our border with soon as we started it that here was a top of Gibraltar in 1704. It covered the whole story in less detail than this film. It was not Spain has recently been shown at Leisure level politician who is also a very learned to be, so when the frontier closure anniverCinemas. The two hour film brilliantly put to- man and a key player in the PSOE policy sary arrived, I literally extracted that part of that eventually unlocked the border and gether by former GBC TV producer and free- saw improved relations between the Rock the script and expanded it. I drew on sourclance cameraman Stephen Cumming over a es like the public archives, historians and and Spain.” academics. People like Dr. Jenifer Ballantine period of twenty years, first started life as a “The Pandemic and the subsequent lockPerera of the Gibraltar Garrison Library and documentary highlighting 300 years of Brit- down helped tremendously in that long UK based researcher Tommy Norton at Uniish rule here. Budgetary constraints through- hours of editing were done at home, where versity of Nottingham. Both of whom had out the early production schedule resulted in I first had to learn to use my new camera carried out a great deal of work on this aldelays and storyboard adjustments so that that filmed everything in 4K. I soon discovready. In true TV style the script was still being developed right up to the last few weeks the intended 2004 screening was never met. ered that 4K files are massive and I quickly run out of storage space and had to acquire as more information was found.”

Other projected screening dates were missed a great deal more. That was a huge learntoo but perhaps this has been fortuitous for ing curve. I am hugely indebted to Beatriz “The public response to the film has been generously positive. I’m not sure if it’s bethe film’s relevance as we now sit at the door- Galeano a Spanish TV reporter friend who cause I know most of the audience personstep of a ‘new treaty’ which will supersede helped me set up the Spanish interviews inally, but seriously, I think people have been Alfonso Guerra and with academthe scope of the Treaty of Utrecht. With the cluding suitably impressed and interestingly, for ics and former diplomats in Spain” United Kingdom and Gibraltar now out of different reasons. Some were impressed by By a wonderful coincidence, as the film Europe, a new treaty with our neighbours to the nostalgia that the archive images bring, starts with the Treaty of Utrecht, the EU others by the beautiful imagery that the cinthe north seems the only way forward. commission, Spain and the British are now ema screen affords and others by the sheer at the point of drawing up a new treaty on volume of information that the documentaGibraltar three hundred and eight years latry delivers.” er. This could be a major treaty that will impact on our future and that When I saw the film at its premiere my first thoughts were that such an of the hinterland and it remains to be seen how that will unfold, as the admirable effort to bring together the story of the closed border years interests of the players are bound to present great difficulties to those through the eyes of politicians, historians and other key players cannot tasked with drafting a complex and forward looking agreement which be limited by reasons of copyright constraints to a cinema viewing will shape our lives for generations to come. public only. This is a historical document that has to be shared with the “People might expect the story of the film to be Gibraltar centred wider local public and perhaps even included in our school curriculum. and only about how bad things got here but because La Linea got That raises the problem of licensing the archive film clips, which bring the worst deal out of the closed border, we had to look at how work to life the narrative illustrating and also punctuating the interviews as suddenly dried up there. Don’t forget that La Linea was born out of the film unfolds. We touched on the complex licensing arrangements Gibraltar’s labour requirements and it survives because of Gibraltar’s that still lie ahead for Stephen Cumming as he now tries to find a way work and when the Spanish government creates a choke point at the to exploit the film outside of our shores, through Blu-ray for home border they deny their own people in La Linea the right to a peaceful ownership and importantly for local educational purposes. and prosperous relationship with Gibraltar.”

“My growing concern was to get the film finished this year and after I If you have not yet seen ‘Times of Closure’ and have a keen interest had edited the footage I set about securing the licensing agreements in our recent political history, especially in the period of the closed for cinema only. It was a nightmare to get the licensing agreed. The frontier days, you will enjoy learning about the background of the archive and library footage probably takes the biggest bite out of the geo-strategic considerations of the Americans and the British in keepoverall budget. I found them from over thirty sources worldwide. Each ing the Rock British in the face of a pressing Spanish claim which resource has its own licensing agreement and coverage restrictions. This mains firm to this date. If the film eventually makes its way to our teleturns the whole exercise into a veritable nightmare. The result though vision screens and our schools it will be a triumph to the tenacity if its has been worth it. It’s such a joy to see Gibraltar as it was at the time. creator who has spent the last three years editing a wealth of material It also brings a sense of reality and sadness when you watch the claswhich should not be confined to gather dust in the editing room floor. sic ‘closed frontier’ scenes. For this and for all the other costs I think The regular screening will soon move to ‘The Queens Picturehouse and Gibraltar owes a debt of gratitude to our partners in this project, the Eatery’ at Casemates Square.

Government of Gibraltar, Hassans, Imperial Group, MH Bland, Parasol Foundation and Bassadone Motors. Also my business partner, Odette I for one look forward to the prospect of owning a Blu-ray version of Benatar’s efforts in securing this support has been absolutely crucial.” it and watching the full interviews of some of the players who helped

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HAPPY

NATIONAL

IONA Thinking of Letting, Renting, Selling or Buying?

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Tonic Team Poppy Run raise over

THE FUNDRAISING FEAT WAS THE IDEA OF LEE COPELAND, WHO ALONGSIDE HIS RIDING BUDDY GEOFF COXON HAVE RAISED OVER £3,000 FOR THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (RBL) BY RIDING FROM LONDON TO GIBRALTAR. Ex-serviceman Lee joined the army in 1990, undertaking nine years' regular service and then in 1999 joined the Territorial Army serving for twenty-one years alongside his civilian job as a telecoms engineer. “Geoff has a son who has just left the army as a Warrant Officer and a daughter who is still serving, so when I suggested the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal he thought it was a great charity to raise money for,” Lee says.

The RBL have suffered with poor funding over the last eighteen months as a direct result of the pandemic. “Not many poppies were sold last year and that directly affects the help the RBL can give our struggling brothers and sisters, those who continue to suffer as a result of their service.”

“We normally go to the Isle of Man every year for two weeks to watch the racing but obviously we couldn’t do that this year - and I still wanted a motorcycling holiday but with a difference, so that is how we came up with the thought of making it a charity fundraiser at the same time,” Lee explains. Having considered riding a moped around the UK, they realised that they couldn’t take a moped on a motorway, but that they could take a 125cc bike. “I hadn’t been to Gibraltar for a long time and suggested this to Geoff who told me that I must be out of my mind,” Lee laughs.

The fundraising pair came up with the name Tonic Team because a tonic is something that might not be good for you, but gives a sense of health and well-being. “The same can be said of riding motorcycles… it’s also the preferred mixer with our evening refreshments!”

Working out that they could get to Gibraltar within five to eight days, Lee set up a Facebook page to see if anybody fancied joining them on the trip. “Everybody thought it was

€3000

a great idea but then as time got closer to departure people started dropping out, but it suited me that it was just the two of us because on a long distance trip sometimes people want to do their own thing.”

Part of the challenge was having a small 125cc bike. “I could jump on a big motorcycle and come into Santander and probably do it in one day,” Lee comments. “Bigger machines will average 85/90 miles an hour very easily and modern machines over 1000cc have got capabilities in excess of 180 miles an hour, so to roll along at 90 miles an hour is very easy.” Lee says that on the 125cc bikes they were averaging 30 miles plus an hour, and on good days 40 miles plus an hour. “Sometimes we were riding for six or seven hours a day and then at other times it was up to eight or nine hours and we covered between 180 and 280 miles each day.”

The Tonic Team left from Stockton-On-Tees on Friday 6th August and made their way down to Gosforth, before taking a ferry over to Portsmouth. “As we waited for the ferry a couple turned up on the same bikes as ours and said that they had been following our story and wanted to come and see us off,” Lee says. “They were envious that we were going on such a mammoth trip on our little bikes with such a small engine and wished us the best of luck.”

Arriving in Caen about 9 pm on Saturday, the Tonic Team pair started their European journey, stopping off each night and occasionally going via places of interest, including the village of Oradour-sur-Glane outside the town of Limoges which marks the worst Nazi massacre of civilians in France. “We went in and had a look at the buildings which we found very moving and sobering and a poignant stop-off point that was pertinent to our trip.”

They carried on and crossed into Spain near Pamplona because Lee wanted to show Geoff the place where the famous Running of the Bulls was held. On to Burgos and then over to Salamanca, the pair headed down to Cadiz. Lee tells how it was along that part of their route that the Gibraltar Motorcycle Club (GMC) got in touch. “Twelve guys on motorbikes turned up to escort us on the last

leg of our trip, and said that to their knowledge nobody had ever done this journey on a tiny bike.”

As they emerged from their hostel, it was evident that Geoff’s bike had a puncture.

“One of the guys from Gibraltar MC took us to a garage where they repaired the wheel, but when Geoff came to pay, the garage said the MC guys had already paid and they said that we were their guests now as we had come a long way and this was just a little token from them.”

“Considering that these were not new bikes mine is 15 years old and Geoff's is 13 years old – they did us proud, and although there were a couple of times that I thought they weren't going to make it, thankfully they did.”

The GMC took the Tonic Team on a scenic route around the coast until they could see the Rock appearing in the distance. “Nigel from the MC club is part of the Borders security team and he must have briefed the Spanish who were expecting us with a warm welcome, stamping our passports and shaking our hands as we went over the frontier.”

Lee and Geoff arrived on Friday afternoon about 2 pm and left on Monday 16th August just before the sun came up to make their return journey home. Lee says he was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people on the Rock. “The guys from the MC took us to the Club House for a few beers and a BBQ on the Friday evening and then let us use their workshops to do a few service jobs on the bikes.”

“I would like to thank all the people that helped us along the way, all the people that made donations to the charity and to those who may make further donations - it is a great cause and the RBL really need the funding at this time because of the pandemic,” Lee says.

There is still time to boost Lee and Geoff’s fundraising total.

Go to 'Just Giving: Lee Copeland' – Lee’s Tonic Team 125cc London to Gibraltar page

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NATIONAL DAY 2021

National

Day ORIGINS AND

MEMORIES Sir Joe Bossano who was Chief Minister in 1992 travelled to the United Nations forum in New York to advocate for the right to self determination for the people of Gibraltar to decide their own future. It is against that backdrop that the idea of our ‘National Day’ was born. September 10th commemorates the first referendum held here, when the people of Gibraltar in 1967 voted overwhelmingly to remain British. In September 1992 at the Piazza, John Mackintosh Square, the first National Day was held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of that landmark referendum.

I was there and the overriding memory of that first rally is the emotion I felt then as in subsequent years when those balloons went up to tell the world who we are.

No one at the time thought that we needed a National Day in order to celebrate our unique status of British birthright. A Mediterranean people who had endured countless sieges were about to be emancipated by acquiring their own voice and demanding the right to their homeland, which was and still is under threat as the historical Spanish claim on the sovereignty of the Rock gathered momentum. In the new dawn of a Gibraltar outside of the EU, the Spanish claim is still a potential threat to our future

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WORDS BY JOE ADAMBERRY SEPTEMBER 2021

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NATIONAL DAY 2021

prosperity and well being. It is right that we have to continue to uphold those values that make us who we are and we still have a duty to stand up and be counted as we proudly wear our Red and Whites on our National day.

Joe Bossano is the father of our National Day celebrations as he is also the father of our parliament. It was he who obviously thought that we should celebrate our being ‘LLanito and British’ in equal measure and that the message needed to be shouted from our rooftops, so together with the ‘Self Determination for Gibraltar Group’ the Gibraltar Government fostered the consolidation of a festive political rally which has grown exponentially over the years and is now firmly established as our red and white day as well as our red white and blue day.

This year the same as last year due to the ongoing pandemic, the celebrations will again be somewhat muted with the absence of the traditional Casemates political rally and associated entertainment programme which starts early in the morning and ends with the Rock concert in the early hours. However the growing tradition of family BBQs on the beach will surely fill the void left by these crowd led events. I remember that from many years ago people would throng onto Main Street from early in the morning and await the parade that used to march all the way down from the cable car station at Alameda Grand Parade where the children’s National Day fancy dress parade and prize giving had already taken place.

Whole families many with pets festooned in our national colours, would have already secured tables al fresco for English breakfast and await the parade, the passing of which was the queue to up sticks and follow them down to Casemates Square and stand shoulder to shoulder by the thousands to await the start of the political rally at 12.30pm. The rousing speeches by visiting UK politicians and our own chief ministers would then give way to the release of the 30,000 balloons (alas no more) to the strains of our own national anthem and the adopted ‘Llanito’ anthem by Pepe Roman ‘Llevame Donde Naci! The thunder of fireworks and confetti bombs was the backdrop to crowd hugs and kisses, when thousands of emotionally happy compatriots struggled with ‘frogs in their throats’ and happy tears as they tried to out-sing each other in the colourful cacophony that is now firmly established in the DNA of National Days to remember.

For that unique invention of ‘our own day to celebrate ourselves’ we owe a debt of gratitude to Sir Joe Bossano and to the chief ministers who have followed him into the spotlight to make us feel very good about ourselves as a very small nation with high aspirations of staying Red, WHITE and FREE. Long may it be so and my best wishes that you may all have a happy and peaceful National Day 2021.

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NATIONAL DAY 2021

Wishing you all a safe & happy

NATIONAL DAY From all of us at

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POLICE INSIGHT

PROFILE: DCI TOM TUNBRIDGE "Fairness, Respect and Discipline are the three qualities that are common to both policing and rugby," insists Detective Chief Inspector Tom Tunbridge who has spent much of his life involved in both activities.

"But Fun is important too - and I enjoy my job as much as I enjoy my rugby."

Tom spent his early life flitting between the UK and Gibraltar. He was born in Gibraltar but, when just a baby, his family moved to London and then Essex. Then, when he was 14, the family moved back to the Rock and Tom completed his school education at Bayside School before moving back to UK again to study for a degree in Geography with Business Studies.

Having once again returned to Gibraltar, Tom tried a couple of jobs before deciding that he "wanted to do something to help people in the community" and, as his older brother, Wayne, was enjoying life in the RGP, he decided that he would also join up. In the 23 years since he made that decision, he has spent more than 16 years working in Economic Crime.

mania, Bulgaria, France and Ireland – and I have also been able to assist police forces from the Netherlands, Finland, France, and, of course, Spain and UK." Revealingly, DCI Tunbridge insists that his other career highlights come "whenever anyone who works for me gets promoted."

Away from his police career, much of Tom’s life has revolved around rugby, the game he first started to play when he was at school in Essex. Aged 47, he still plays regularly in the local league and for the GRFU Veterans as well as being head coach of Gibraltar’s under 16 rugby team. When he’s not doing that, he even manages to find time to help coach Gibraltar’s Under 16s basketball team!

After he moved to Gibraltar aged 14, he and his brother Wayne, established a youth rugby team where none existed before. "We pulled together enough kids to allow us to enter a team in the Andalusian league. It meant huge amounts of travelling and even our home games had to be played at Sotogrande because we didn’t have a pitch of our own."

The highlight of his career was probably the Marrache case, a four year investigation which, in 2014, ended, with the longest trial in Gibraltar’s history and culminated in the jailing of three brothers who committed a multi-million pound fraud. Modestly, Tom fails to mention that he was Highly Commended for his ‘outstanding dedication, commitment and professionalism in the investigation’.

In the opinion of a member of the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, Tom had successfully done the work of 15 specialist fraud officers.

Another of Tom’s career highlights was his successful work on behalf of the RGP, which led to Gibraltar’s acceptance, in 2015, into Moneyval, the Council of Europe’s mutual evaluation of anti-money laundering processes and procedures.

"I have also been fortunate that my career in Economic Crime has given me the opportunity to travel to such places as the British Virgin Islands, Israel, Ro-

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AHOY!

PD STITCH

Police Dog Stitch was out with officers from the Royal Gibraltar Police’s Marine Section, as part of his ongoing training.

His day at sea will help the four-legged crime fighter get used to searching vessels once he’s fully qualified.

PD Stitch, a 10-month old Springer Spaniel, who joined the RGP’s K9 Unit earlier this year, is currently training to become a Drugs Detection Dog. An RGP spokesman, said, “We are pleased to confirm that Stitch enjoyed his day at sea, and, there was no need for any doggy-paddling.”

ANIMAL SWIM A charity swim organised by a Royal Gibraltar Police officer has raised over £5,000 for the Animals In Need Foundation (AINF).

The event saw 25 police officers and 15 members of the public join forces at the Gasa Indoor Swimming Pool to swim laps of the pool.

"About 11 years ago, I saw there was no rugby for younger children. I wanted my 5 year old son to be able to learn the values that rugby teaches so I started a minis’ rugby club with a few nephews and nieces."

Armed with swimming caps and goggles, the fundraisers swam from 9am to 6pm to raise the funds.

“Kids’ Rugby”, as it is usually known, has since grown massively and now, over 200 youngsters enjoy the training sessions at Europa every Saturday morning.

Event organiser and police officer Tania Moreno, who works in the RGP’s Resource Management department, said, “I am so grateful to my colleagues and those members of the public who took the plunge on Saturday to help support us in this event.

"The game-changer was getting our own rugby pitch and facilities," says Tom. "As well as all the youngsters, we now have dozens of adults involved. They help with the coaching and carry out lots of admin jobs. There is a great atmosphere down there on Saturday mornings – it’s a joy to see the speed with which the sport is growing."

And as he rushes off to another Economic Crime investigation, Tom calls back over his shoulder, "And tell people I’m always looking for new players for my Under 16s rugby team! No experience is necessary! Tell them to call me if they’re interested!"

In total, the swimmers covered a combined distance of 27km –the equivalent of going from Tarifa to Morocco and back.

“The incredible sum of money will pay for vets, kennels and medication for a number of needy animals and will help sustain us for a month.”

Tania, who has been volunteering at the Gibraltar-based charity for the past four years, explained that it currently looks after more than 60 abandoned dogs.

AINF works with shelters, pounds and other charities, both local and international, to help save abandoned and unwanted animals.

For more information visit www.ainfgib. com and check out our Adopt Don't Shop page elsewhere in this issue.

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FEATURE

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD Are you an Award Holder based in Gibraltar or who undertook the Award with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar?

In the 50th anniversary year of the Award in Gibraltar, the organisation would like to create an Award Alumni with whom to celebrate the anniversary.

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To register visit the link below and complete the form. All data will be kept in the strictest confidence and shall not be circulated to third parties. https://gbz.media/DoE50th

SEPTEMBER 2021

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FEATURE Principal Engineer at Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) John Balestrino is one of the many people involved in having facilitated the move from their old premises into new, purpose-built accommodation at South Jumpers Bastion. GBC is the Rock’s public service and national broadcaster and after 41 years on the old site it was evident that the building at South Barrack Road was no longer fit for purpose.

of GBC that I am a young/old person because I got the tail end of the analogue era which for some was the golden era.”

“We had to be inventive and would sometimes have to play around with gadgets to put something together to make it work,” he says. “The workshop then was a hive of energy in the sense that we would have VT players open and people were changing boards and components. One

John proudly takes me on a tour of the new facility. Spread over five floors and designed around a central open plan atrium it comprises two television studios, vision and audio control rooms, four radio studios as well as the production and technical rooms and administration offices. “What we have here is leaps and bounds over what we had before,” John comments. “The remit was that we had to move as much as possible from the old building to here, with a financing package put in place by the Government and the Corporation to cover the new equipment and other items that were needed.”

eight technical people, it has required a huge effort, that has worked perfectly alongside the teams of specialist systems integrators who have designed, built and fitted out the television and radio backbone infrastructure, studios, edit suites and control rooms, after GBC’s management team supported by a renowned media centre construction consultant designed the layout of the new Broadcasting House.

Once the infrastructure was built, John had to procure some extra antennas, cabling, connectors and clamps and would go up on to the roof of the new building to install them, weather permitting. “The only outage we had was for about twenty minutes one evening in July when I tested the whole chain and ran some tests on the transmitters,” he states.

On the night of the relaunch, John says there was some downtime for about five minutes whilst the system was powered off at the old building and then powered on again at the new building. “I was very nervous because I built it and, although I had planned and tested it, you always have in the back of your mind - 'what if it doesn't work' – and you never know with electronics, they have got this thing that when you really need them to perform,

John and his colleague, Principal Technologist Mario Torres, were among a small number of staff who were mostly on site for the nine months before GBC finally moved into its new home on the

ENGINEERING GBC’S MOVE TO NEW PREMISES they don’t.” Fortunately all went well and John says that it was fist pumps all round as they went live on air.

7th August. “We have built this from the bottom up under the guidance of the then Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, Michael Corcoran. It was a shell before that and I used to come and go on an ad hoc basis, but now it is finished I still find it difficult to find my way around and have to think where I am going,” he laughs.

It was a stroke of fate that John ended up working for GBC for the past eighteen years. “My ambition was to work in power generation,” he explains. “It was whilst I was in my final year at Manchester Metropolitan University when my mum rang me up early on a Saturday morning and told me she had just heard there was a vacancy for a job at GBC that would be perfect for me.” Because he had been looking for jobs in the UK, John dismissed her call but when he flew back to Gibraltar for the Christmas break, his mum had the application forms ready for him to fill in. “My family were very keen for me to work at GBC, with my granny even paying for my flights to come back for the interview.”

After a successful interview, John was offered the position with GBC who were happy to wait for him until he had finished his course at University. “I started as a Trainee Engineer and then I became Assistant Engineer, which gave me time to learn on the job,” he states. The technology in those days was very different and John has had to adapt as it changed.

“I have a joke with some of the members

So where would he prefer to be now?

Working in the power generation industry somewhere around the world or here as Principal Engineer at GBC? “To be honest this job suits me like a glove because I like all aspects of it and every day is different,” he comments. “One second I might be in the Racks room downstairs - changing equipment, looking at equipment, patching, routing, scratching my head because I don't know what is going on – and then five minutes later I could be up on a tower on the top of the Rock, seeing the wonderful views that we have got here and changing antennas, or I could be laying cables in an outside broadcast or working on the technical operational side.” director came up with the idea of having a buzzer with a flashing light, and I remember using an old fire alarm beacon to solve his dilemma – we were very old school in those days.”

As Principal Engineer, John has been responsible for rolling out the relocation of the main transmission systems, studio lighting and overseeing the transfer of satellite dishes. “I was involved with Michael Corcoran who led the technical design of the broadcast infrastructure,” he confirms. Considering the size of the task at hand, and with a small team of

If somebody is needed at short notice, John with his long standing experience often has to step in to help out in operational roles, sometimes performing tasks out of his technical scope. “Regardless of who is here, one of the mantras we all have at GBC is that ‘the show must go on’!"

“The public are the first people that will judge and blame if something goes wrong, so you always try and do the best you can, but if it is seamless they don't realise all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”

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FEATURE

PIECES OF ADVICE FOR YOUR EARLY TWENTIES YOUR TWENTIES CAN BE THE MOST DEFINING DECADE IN YOUR LIFE, BECAUSE ITS A TIME WHERE WE USUALLY HAVE TO MAKE THE BIGGEST LIFE CHOICES, BUT CAN ALSO AFFORD TO MAKE THE MOST MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM THEM. ITS USUALLY WHEN WE HAVE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES THROWN AT US, BUT ALSO THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES. I WANTED TO REFLECT BACK ON MY TWENTIES SO FAR AND SHARE THE BEST LIFE LESSONS IVE LEARNT UP TO NOW. 1. DEFINE YOUR OWN MEANING OF SUCCESS Society has conditioned a lot of us to think success means being in your dream job by 25, and having a family and a property by the time you are 30. The reality of it is that we are all on unique journeys.

Some people want all of the above and that’s okay. If you’d rather focus on seeing the world or pursuing your passion in your twenties and then starting a family later, know that that is also okay. These are the years you have to think what path you want to set for yourself, instead of looking back and thinking ‘I wish I would have done this differently’.

2. ADOPT GOOD MONEY HABITS This might be an obvious one, but I’ve met quite a few people who had not even opened a savings account until recently!

My best advice is to always put a bit of money aside as soon as your monthly paycheck comes in and pay your expenses first. Once you see what you have left you can choose how to spend your disposable income. I’d even suggest opening two savings accounts, one for ‘adult’ expenses like trips to the dentist and one for the fun stuff like holidays. So there won’t be any unexpected surprises!

3. PAY ATTENTION TO WHO YOU GIVE YOUR TIME TO As you get older, you realise that how long you’ve been friends with someone doesn’t always correlate with how good of a friend they are. Pay attention to people who are actually happy for your little or big successes, and who bring out your best parts. At the end of the day your time is precious, so you don’t want to give it away to people who bring you negative energy and do not add any joy to your life.

4. LIVE ABROAD, EVEN IF ITS JUST FOR 6 MONTHS When you’re in your early twenties you are more likely to have the least baggage and things ‘tying you down’ to where you live. If living abroad is something you want to pursue, then I recommend taking a bar or temp job at home whilst you save up for your trip, as this way you

won’t feel guilty leaving your ‘career’ behind. I think if you spend your whole life living in one place you’ll only be exposed to certain ways of thinking, living and cultures. So go out and expand your horizons!

5. REMEMBER THAT..

THIS TOO SHALL PASS I had this tattooed on my shoulder when I was 20, so it’s been something I think about quite often! There’s two ways to look at this, when you’re going through a rough patch in life and feel like it’s the end of the world just know that you won’t be feeling this way forever. I actually remember a teacher once saying ‘the worst day of your life is only 24 hours’ and I often think of that too. On the other hand, it’s a reminder to stay present and enjoy good things when they’re happening.

6.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN

As lovely as a tan is, you really don’t see the damage the sun can do to your skin (especially your face) so it’s important to wear a daily SPF. Even if that means using a tinted moisturiser or fake tan to match your pale face to your body in the summer!

7. KNOW THAT GOOD RELATIONSHIPS ARE WORTH WAITING FOR A lot of people meet their partners at school or university, but if that hasn’t been your story don’t think you have to couple up with the first eligible bachelor that slides into your DMs just because everyone else around you is taken. At the end of the day love is meant to be rare, so don’t assume that you’re going to end up alone with 5 cats just because you haven’t met your future husband/wife yet.

It’s better to enjoy your own company and eventually meet someone who’s going to add to your life, than settling for someone in hopes of them ‘completing’ you.

8. THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO TRY AND FAIL If I have one regret in life, it’s not trying my Fro-Yo business venture in Gibraltar.

They say your twenties is the best time to ‘try and pursue your passion’ because if

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you fail, you still have time to try again or start something new. The same goes for your place of work. If you’re thinking of changing your career path or want to go back to university and study something different, you still have time to make that change.

9. LEARN TO PRIORITISE YOUR HAPPINESS AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Self-love and self-care doesn’t have to look like having a 10 step skincare routine and a bubble bath every night. It’s reflecting on yourself as a person and external factors and asking yourself ‘what are the things that make me happy?’ For me little things like trips to the cinema, having a gym workout with a friend or going out for a drink and a dance are things that I enjoy. I know a lot of people find apps like Instagram triggering because they compare themselves to the people they see on there. So choose to follow people who are going to inspire you instead of making you feel insecure.

Growing up means being able to let go of things and people that are not good for your mental health, and prioritising your happiness.

10. REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN! Even at my age, I still feel like sometimes I spend time worrying about my future or if I’m going out too much or at what stage in my life I should be in by now.

It’s important to remember these are the years where you can afford to be a bit more selfish. If you’re not hurting anyone who cares if you go out every weekend because you enjoy letting your hair down after a 45 hour work week. Or if you’d rather be at home with a book on a Friday night. Or if you want to spend all your disposable income on festivals. No one looks back at their life and thinks ‘I wish I would have had less fun’.

Giana Spiteri is a local writer, specialising in lifestyle, beauty & travel. instagram.com/ teawithgi GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

FEATURE HOW MANY OF US HAVE PASSED THROUGH ESTEPONA, MAYBE GONE DOWN TO THE SUNDAY MARKET IN THE PORT OR STOPPED OFF AT ONE OF THE MANY CHIRINGUITOS DOTTED ALONG THE BEACH, BUT HAVE NEVER REALLY EXPLORED THE TOWN? Estepona is one of the largest coastal towns on Spain's Costa del Sol, with a varied history that takes it back to the Phoenicians, then the Romans and on to the Moors. There is a small archaeological museum in Plaza Blas Infante situated in the old Town Hall (the building is a restored 18th century house) that is worth a visit but be aware that the descriptions are all in Spanish.

If you want to find out more about the history, take a trip to the Museum of Ethnography where you can see more than 2000 objects that will tell you more about the life, customs and economy of the inhabitants of the Estepona region in recent centuries. Children will enjoy a tour around the Paleontological Museum which features displays of dinosaurs, marine-life fossils and flora. Both these museums can be found at the Plaza de Toros which also houses the “Antonio Ordóñez” Bullfighting Museum.

Drive through the town or stroll around the narrow labyrinth of streets festooned with thousands of different coloured flower pots and you will understand why Estepona is known as the Garden City of the Costa del Sol. Flowers and colourful shrubs abound everywhere, in fact over 250,000 are planted in the autumn and winter seasons. The plants come from the municipal nursery and are part of the beautification and rejuvenation of the town that started over a decade ago. If you want yet more stunning displays of flowers, the Orchidarium, otherwise known as the Orchid House, is a one of a kind in Spain, with over 5000 plants. The spectacular state of the art building with its three glass domes has more than 1300 different species of Orchids from Asia and South America, with an average of 125 species in bloom at any time. Follow a winding path past beautiful displays of orchids, wander behind the 30 metre high artificial waterfall (kids will love this) and then continue to a small bridge set over pools of water. Truly a must-see sight.

Luis’. From 6 pm until after midnight you can enjoy the alluring ambiance and a range of high quality international food from one of the many different stalls or partake of a drink from a choice of bars.

The bustling streets are full of independent boutiques, which makes a change from the large retail stores, where you can buy clothes, shoes, accessories and jewellery items that are just that little bit different. Something that Estepona has become famous for are the magnificent giant murals painted by artists from all over Spain on the side of some of the high-rise apartment blocks.

They are scattered throughout the town and at the last count there were over sixty of them. The best thing to do is to get a Murals Route map from the Tourist Office (in the Plaza de las Flores) that will tell you where the murals are located, some of which are totally spectacular and one of which, ‘Fishing Day’ by Jose Fernandez, covers five apartment blocks. Another by Fernandez, ‘Watering the Garden’ covers a wall measuring 240m and depicts a child watering a tree, but look closely because it is an optical illusion and if looks as though she is watering the real tree that has been planted in the street. Also look out for the sculptures of human figures and animals, 47 of them, situated on street corners dotted throughout the town, as well as the 17 poems that grace the walls of various buildings by well-known Spanish poets together with other bards such as Victor Hugo and Shakespeare.

Estepona Port is just five minutes from the centre of the town where you will find the Sunday market, popular with tourists, that runs from 10.00am and continues until around 2.30, with stalls selling a wide range of goods including handbags, belts, shoes, clothes, and many other items. For a more local experience, try the bustling big open-air Wednesday morning market in the area by the Parque de Los Niños (children’s park), which also sells fresh fruit and vegetables.

EXPLORING

ESTEPONA

Over the years, Estepona has established itself as a place for food lovers with a profusion of tapas bars, bistros and eateries, including some of the finest seafood restaurants in Andalusia. The old town’s main square is the iconic Plaza de las Flores, and a recently opened new addition to the historic centre is the imposing El Pilar Andalucía Hotel Boutique, managed by the Silken chain who invested 10 million euros in the renovation of the original building. For a bird’s eye view of the Plaza, head up to the roof terrace (open for food and drink after 5 pm) and sit and relax with a cocktail in the evening sun, or go back down to the bodega to sample some regional wines.

The remodelling and beautification of Estepona and its transformation into a cultural and artistic hub has ensured that it is a truly special destination full of various attractions and it deserves a visit, even if only for a day.

The old covered food market situated in Calle Villa next to the San Luis Castle, closed down and re-opened in 2018 as a Gourmet Food Market, the ‘Mercado de San

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You Order.

We Shop.

We Deliver.

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THERAPY

MA I N

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FEATURE

A Animal assisted therapy is an alternative or complementary type of therapy that includes the use of animals in a treatment.

It falls under the realm of Animal Assisted Intervention, which encompasses any intervention that includes an animal in a therapeutic context such as emotional support animals, service animals trained to assist with daily activities, and animal assisted activity.

Being around animals can help lower our blood pressure and heart rate and reduce our anxiety and tensions. Of course, animals make people feel less isolated and alone. More generally, even patting a dog can lower your risk of heart attack, seizure and stroke.

Animal-assisted therapy can be classified by the type of animal, the targeted population, and how the animal is incorporated into the therapeutic plan. The most commonly used types of animal-assisted therapy are canine-assisted therapy and equine-assisted therapy. The goal of animal-assisted therapy is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning and literature reviews state that animals can be useful for educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. Studies have documented the positive effects of the therapy as reported on subjective self-rating scales and on objective physiological measures such as blood pressure and hormone levels.

Pets in Hospital is a scheme funded and coordinated by University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Charity whereby volunteers bring their dogs in to visit patients and staff around our hospitals. The scheme has been running since July 2018 and has been incredibly successful.

UHB Charity started Pets in Hospital, as research has shown that animals can help reduce anxiety, stress and perceived pain levels through distraction therapy, and overall can have a positive impact on improving patient wellbeing. They can also help enhance patient interaction and communication and create a friendly and positive working environment for the staff on the wards. Overall, pets can be a comfort to patients, families and staff and we have definitely seen this through our scheme.

Pets in Hospital currently have 12 dogs which, prior to Covid-19, visited patients around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on a regular basis. Monty, Isla, Coco, Ozzy, Basil, Bailey, Stella, Bella, Bonnie, Tommy, Bella and Tilly are all our dogs are who well groomed, wear official Pets in Hospital uniform and are badged. They have all been specially assessed by are up to date with vaccinations and are microchipped. They carried out regular visits to patients on wards such as Radiotherapy and the Cancer Centre, Young Persons Cancer unit, Critical Care and the older person’s wards.

Senior Fundraising and Communications Officer and Pets in Hospital Coordinator, Ellie Pocock said: ‘Coordinating this scheme has been a pleasure. Not only has the feedback from staff, patients and families been remarkable, but I have been able to see the benefits of these visits first hand. I have seen the extremely positive effects the dogs have on patients, putting a big smile on their face, improving their communication and interaction, which in turn improves their hospital experience.’

For those of us who love dogs, we know that being around a calm and loving animal can help to lift spirits and reduce anxiety. For many people, the companionship of a four-legged friend has been source of comfort throughout their life, and research has proven that patients can benefit from interacting with a dog whilst in hospital.

Not only can the presence of a friendly and calm dog bring joy to a patient, it can aid interaction with staff and family members, and improve their wellbeing.

Manuela Castello is a volunteer. Here are her thoughts on what volunteering means to her ‘Stella started as Pets as Therapy dog and when I heard there was the possibility of volunteering at the QE, I jumped at this chance as I was a patient myself at QE and I wanted to give something back.

Stella is a Maremma Sheepdog, an ancient Italian breed of dog, traditionally used to protect the sheep while they are up in the mountains in Italy.

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH

Stella is a special dog. She is so sweet and happy, and even if she is a big dog, somehow she is very gentle and you would not realize that she is actually there! I used to visit Critical care and the Cancer Centre (a department very dear to me), and my role was just to introduce Stella to anyone who was looking to cuddle a big soft bear. Being able to see the change of expression in patients is priceless; the ability to give a few minutes of comfort, happiness and put a smile on someone, even if in very difficult moments, makes you realize how fragile and unpredictable life is, and how much we should cherish every moment. I remember once we were up in a ward on the seventh floor, this patient had not talked for some time, but when she saw Stella, she spoke! It was a very humbling moment for everyone present. You would need many pages to explain the benefits of a dog in hospital, putting a smile on someone's face, give hope even for a brief moment, and hoping that if one day you are in the same situation, a big dog would come to see you and will bright up your day.’

Animal therapy builds on a concept called the human-animal bond which describes people’s desire to interact with and relate to animals. For many people, by interacting with a friendly animal, they can form a bond with them. This bond can produce a calming state in the person.

This bond itself may help the person in several ways: • reducing boredom • increasing movement and activity through walks and play • providing companionship and decreasing loneliness • increasing social interactions • improving mood and general well-being The positive interactions with an animal may If you wou ld lead to benefits in the like to find out more mind and body, such about Pets in Ho spital as reduced stress and Univer si Birmingham ty Hospitals and an overall Ch ar ity , plea visit www.h more balanced ospitalcharit se y.org petsinhosp mental and emoital. The sc heme is currently tional state. on pause due Covid-19 re to stric Charity is ho tions, but UHB ping to re-s tart the scheme as soon as possible.

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ADOPT

DON'T

SHOP

NEGRITA

Negrita arrived at the pound in June 2021 and was about 4 years old. She is a gorgeous cross bree. Negrita is very playful. She loves to run around with her new friendsSpanish and play with a tennis ball.

Dogs More info: www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

THOR

GIGGY

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

More info: www.ainf.gi

TIMI

Thor is a playful 2 year old boy who was rescued from a killing station. He gets on well with children and other dogs. He's looking for a family to give him lots of love and fun.

More info: www.ainf.gi

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Giggly is a lovely 2 year old girl who is looking for a forever home after being saved from a killing station. She gets on well with children and male dogs of all shapes and sizes. She walks well on a lead and enjoys car rides.

Timi arrived at the pound in May 2021 and was about 5 years old. He is cross breed that was handed in by his owner. He is a funny little guy, who loves to go out on walks and is walking well on the lead. He is a curios dog and loves Spanish to explore everything. But he also loves a quiet moment with some good cuddles. Dogs

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

SEPTEMBER 2021

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A VET'S INSIGHT

BRACHYCEPHALIC SYNDROME As a direct result of this increase in these breeds we are seeing a rise in cases of animals suffering from Brachycephalic Syndrome.

What effectively this means is that there is an airway obstruction in these pets that results in these animals having to make more of an inspiratory effort when they breathe.

There are four main anatomical deformities that cause this constriction: • Stenotic nares • Elongated soft palate

Consequences of these issues be catastrophic for the animal. The increased respiratory effort over a long period of time has knock on effects on the cardiovascular system, and long term will cause heart failure and chronic respiratory problems.

Signs/ Synptoms to look out for: • Loud inspiratory noise

• Everted laryngeal saccules

• Mouth breathing

• Narrow(hypoplastic) trachea

THIS IS A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT AFFECTS SHORT SNOUTED DOGS AND CATS. BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS ARE PARTICULARLY COMMON NOWADAYS WITH A MASSIVE INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF FRENCH BULLDOGS, PUGS AND STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS.

• Very little exercise tolerance/collapse

• Stenotic nares This problem is visually obvious and can be seen in a normal consult. Looking at the nose the nasal folds are collapsed inwards, as a direct result of this the animals have a constricted airway, it would be like trying to breathe through your nose whilst pinching your nostrils.

• Narrow nares

Elongated Soft Palate

• Cyanosis(blue tongue)

At the back of the mouth on the dorsal aspect behind the hard palate lies the soft palate, a tissue that acts like a valve preventing food going up the back of the nasal cavity. In these problematic breeds there is often a problem where the soft palate is too long and fleshy and this results in a restriction of air flow through the pharyngeal area.

Everted laryngeal saccules At the entrance to the trachea in the larynx there are laryngeal saccules. Due to negative inspiratory pressure in animals suffering with stenotic nares and the elongated soft palates this often results in eversion of the saccules , this in turn further compounds the narrow airway. This element of the condition can be prevented in many cases if surgical correction of the nares and palate are tackled early.

Narrow hypoplatic tracheas.

This is pretty much self explanatory and there is nothing much that can be done with these cases. These animals will also always have a respiratory problem.

• Sleep apnoea • Snoring • Regurgitation /choking/vomiting

Treatment With advances in veterinary medicine and equipment surgery of the nares and the elongated soft palate can be done with very little risk to the pet. It is very important that this is done early when the dogs are still young as this will mitigate long term damage to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. THIS IS NOT A CONDITION TO IGNORE UNTIL ANIMAL GETS OLDER. Surgery is not 100% curative due to the major anatomical problems but they will alleviate symptoms and will extend the life of your pet.

At the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic we have invested heavily on a laser machine to undertake laser surgery , this means that soft palate surgery is as safe as spaying your pet, this is practically no bleeding and there is very little damage to the surrounding tissue. Therefore there is hardly any post operative swelling; this was often the problem with the older more primitive techniques.

In summary Brachycephalic Syndrome is a common ailment of brachycephalic breeds that if left will substantially decrease the lifespan of your pet. If you feel your pet is suffering from the above please phone the clinic on 20077334 and make an appointment to discuss your case, don’t ignore it, surgical correction could extend your life’s pets.

For more information please phone Gibraltar Vetinary Clinic on 200 77334

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MOTORING INSIGHT

s a f l A e h t of k c u l e h T WORDS BY MARTIN WARD 54

SEPTEMBER 2021

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MOTORING INSIGHT I RECENTLY HAD ON TEST, NOT ONE BUT TWO QUADRIFOGLIOS FROM ALFA ROMEO'S UK PRESS OFFICE. I WAS CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT QUADRIFOGLIO MEANT, SIMPLE REALLY, AND YOU ONLY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE BADGE ON THE FRONT WINGS, AND IT ALL BECOMES APPARENT...

FOUR LEAF CLOVER. The Giulia arrived in a nice shiny metallic white, with yellow brake mechanism, and with this car it doesn’t matter what colour they are, but they need to be better than good.

The Giulia is a four-door saloon, similar in size to an Audi A4, or BMW 3-Series. It is powered by a whopping 2,891cc V6 petrol engine that produces 510hp, and goes from 0-62mph (100kph) in 3.9 seconds and a ridiculous top speed of 191mph (307kph) where you can actually do this is an unknown, certainly not around the United Kingdom's motorway network and certainly not anywhere in Gibraltar!

The 2021 model has put right a lot of things that was wrong with the previous car, not much, but does benefit it, such as the infotainment system and the way you control has been improved.

put as the Giulia, but despite it being a larger vehicle, it is slightly quicker to 0-62mph, and does this in 3.8 seconds, this must be because the Stelvio has a fourwheel drive system, so more power can be put onto the tarmac. It has the same V6 engine with 510hp, coupled to a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox; and very smooth it is too.

The Giulia felt a bit cramped in the rear, with little legroom if the driver or passenger were above average height. But the Stelvio had much more, and rear passengers could not complain. The boot was also large enough for plenty of shopping or luggage, so was a very useable SUV. Around town, and local journeys the fuel consumption wasn’t brilliant, and I had to go to Ascot for an event in the Stelvio, and I was worried I had to stop at every fuel

Driving the Giulia Quadrifoglio is great fun, and although it has massive amounts of power, and when you put your foot down on the accelerator it really pushes you back in your seat, and you feel your face cheeks and your lips altering shape, a bit like a Disney cartoon when a character is going at massive speeds and the whole face is distorted.

station on the way there, and on the way back. But driving over 400 miles it achieved nearly 30mpg (7.84 l/100 km) which I though was pretty good for a large 4x4 SUV with a powerful petrol engine. I got out of it, after sitting in it for over six-hours, feeling as fresh as the moment I had just sat down to embark on my journey. The price of the Stelvio in the UK is £79,275.

The Giulia, despite its power is comfortable and is such an easy car to drive at low speeds, it doesn’t ever feel as though it wants to run away with you. The cost of the test car is £74,555 in the UK.

I did enjoy using both Quadrifoglios. Both are quick, fun to drive and very comfortable, but I think, purely for practicality and usefulness, it would have to be the Stelvio that I'd recommend.

The second Quadrifoglio that I tried was a bright Misano blue Stelvio, and has the same engine and power out-

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

SUMMER ALLERGIES The summer season is associated with sun and fun. However, summer also brings with it a variety of allergy offenders; and summer allergies can be just as bad as those experienced during the spring and autumn. Common allergies during the summer include: Insect Bites and Stings

Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables

The warm weather welcomes insects such as bees, hornets, wasps…

Melons, peaches, nectarines, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots are just some of the fresh produce we love to enjoy during the summer months. However, for some allergy sufferers, these fruits contain similar proteins to some grass and tree pollen they are allergic to, causing the body to react the same way it would to the pollen. This condition is referred to as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Common symptoms of OAS include itching or burning of the lips, mouth, and throat and in some cases, hives. An allergy test can help determine what a person is allergic to; it is best to seek advice from a qualified allergy specialist.

Most of us steer away from these buzzing creatures to avoid bites/stings. Some common symptoms that come along with an insect sting allergy are pain, swelling, redness, itching and itching at the site itself. Those who suffer from a severe reaction or anaphylaxis can also experience symptoms such as tummy upsets, tongue or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness or unconsciousness. Severe allergic reactions can occur within minutes after the sting and require immediate medical attention. Taking precautionary measures can lessen your chances of getting stung – it is best to avoid: • walking barefoot outdoors and wearing sweet smelling colognes, perfumes, and lotions • eating food that has been exposed food • exposure to open bins where insects thrive.

To avoid having a reaction, try opting for a cooked version of the fruit or vegetable, which will degrade the protein causing the allergy.

Mould Outdoor mould spores make their way through the air just as pollen does. Mould spores are ubiquitous (present every-

where) and often outnumber pollen grains in the air even when the pollen count is at its highest. Mould allergy symptoms are similar to those of pollen allergy and include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes. To reduce your exposure to outside moulds, keep doors and windows closed and remain indoors on days with high mould counts.

Grass Warm, dry, and windy days are often when pollen counts tend to be the highest. Grass allergy symptoms present themselves in several ways: runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itchy and watery eyes and asthma are the most common.

Skin rashes such as hives and welts may be present in people with more severe allergies or when in direct contact with the offending grass. Staying indoors on high pollen count days, showering and changing clothes after outside activities as well as keeping doors and windows shut are all ways you can avoid grass pollen.

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PACS

ACTIVITIES AT HOME! During the Summer months, daily trips to the beach and swimming pool are firm favourites.

But those with babies and toddlers will know that without the usual playgroups, baby clubs etc summer can be long! We’re hoping that by the time you read this article, PACS will be close to returning for the new term. However, if you need some days out of the sun before we are back, there is plenty you can do at home to keep your little one entertained.

FUN AT HOME….

Sensory boxes / trays are a firm favourite at Playgroup and quite simple to do. One of our most popular trays has been “down at the farm.” All you need is some farm animals from your toy box, some Weetabix or Shredded Wheat for the hay bales and some chocolate cheerios for mud. Hours of fun can be had and your child can eat too! Another favourite is looking for toys in spaghetti! Buy some food colouring and dye some spaghetti and then hide some toys within it.

Messy play but not a messy home.

Games are always fun and burn off energy. At Cooking Club we always play “Helen said”…how about “Mummy said” just like “Simon said!” Always produces lots of giggles. “What’s the Time Mr Wolf” is always fun too and they can practice their number skills!

Grab a book and role play! We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a brilliant book for this activity. If you are feeling creative, you could make some paper grass, use the cherios from your farm for mud and a fan to create wind!

Toys always need a clean, we at PACS know that. Grab a bowl of soapy water and some toys and let them scrub away to their hearts content. Water play and the toys get a clean! We’ve found that the children love to wash their babies so it can be like giving them a bath.

Arts & Crafts are often two words that feel a parent with dread. But it can be fun and the warm weather makes it easier to do outside in a shady area so less mess at home! Painting doesn’t always have to include brushes. Try finger painting or sponges to make different shapes. Don’t throw out your recycling, keep it for junk modelling. Toddlers love boxes!

And of course the age old favourite, Cooking! Pizza faces are fun to make. Buy some pre made pizza bases to make it easier. Give the children a selection of toppings such as tomatoes, sweetcorn, peppers etc and let them create a masterpiece for their lunch.

Of course there are some activities outside you can do without too much sun. A picnic in Commonwealth Park, a trip to Alameda Gardens with a visit to the Zoo whilst there and an afternoon at the library are always fun things to do.

Whilst you’ve been busy making fun at home, we’ve been busy planning next term. We can’t wait to see you all! x

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

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Good

Did you know that there are about 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are in your intestines. Most of these bacteria are good for you, especially the ones found in your gut which not only help you digest food, but which can also be good for your physical and mental health.

HEALTH

Did you know that there are about 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are in your intestines. Most of these bacteria are good for you, especially the ones found in your gut which not only help you digest food, but which can also be good for your physical and mental health.

excellent natural source of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) which is an Omega-3 fatty acid. As the body is unable to produce them on its own, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential dietary additions. Take one or two Holland & Barrett Vegetarian Flaxseed Oil capsules daily or get into the habit of stirring two heaped dessert spoons of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed & Goji Berries into your morning bowl of porridge, cereal or muesli.

The signs of an unhealthy gut can often show up as problematic digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, stomach-ache, heartburn or indigestion.

Unsalted seeds, including sunflower seeds, are also excellent sources of fibre, which aids digestion. Sunflower seeds also contain antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E to help protect cells and prevent chronic disease. Grab a bag of Holland & Barrett Stunning Sunflower Seeds and enjoy a daily handful.

So just what should and shouldn’t you eat to keep your gut healthy?

Eating a wide variety of whole, unprocessed foods, including fibre, probiotics and a range of fruit and vegetables, is an important baseline for good gut health. The three worst foods for your gut include alcohol, sugar and artificial sweeteners and emulsifiers.

The good news is that eating certain fruits, nuts and seeds can offer health benefits for your gut.

Some of these gut-friendly food products can even be eaten as snacks, which is great for when you’re feeling a little hungry between meals and want to munch on something tasty. Most of the fruits, nuts and seeds mentioned below supply healthy oils such as Omega 3 (walnuts) and are also high in protein plus essential minerals.

Walnuts are packed full of good fats, minerals and vitamins thought to support your mood and give you a glow and evidence also suggests these brain-shaped kernels are also good for your mental performance. One study found that eating a small number of walnuts every day can improve gut health. Holland & Barrett Organic Walnuts are noted for their soft, sweet, nutty taste and are a source of Biotin, Manganese and Copper. The light amber walnut pieces can be used in all kinds of cooking and baking recipes. Why not add some to salads and pasta dishes for a little crunch or put some ground walnuts in to your mincemeat when you are cooking chilli or Bolognese.

Good HEALTH

Holland & Barrett Roasted Pistachio Nuts are high in dietary fibre and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Eating pistachios may help the overall health of your gut health by keeping digestion moving. Dietary fibre usually moves through the digestive system undigested. However, some fibres work as prebiotics in the system as they’re digested by the good bacteria in your system.

Macadamia Nuts are rich in soluble fibre, which acts as a prebiotic in the gut, encouraging good bacteria to blossom there. Enjoy macadamia nuts on top of salads, sprinkled on soups or served with roast veggies, or if you want a healthy snack, try a pack of Holland & Barrett Almonds, Macadamia Nuts & Cranberry.

Flaxseed is rich in fibre which can help prevent constipation and other digestive issues. Another bonus of flaxseed is that it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, stopping you from reaching for those unhealthy snacks. Flaxseed oil, also known as Linseed oil, is an

Dates have many nutritional benefits and they are high in fibre which may help prevent constipation and improve your digestive health. They are also a versatile ingredient that you can enjoy in both sweet and savoury dishes.

For a refreshing dessert, peel 4 oranges and remove the white pith. Place the orange segments in a bowl along with any juices, then add some Holland & Barrett Chopped Dates, some rose syrup or rosewater and toss gently.

Divide between 4 dessert bowls, scatter on mint leaves and serve – delicious!

Prunes have been part of our grandparents’ folklore where they were known as a good remedy to help with constipation. They are a source of both insoluble and soluble fibre: insoluble fibre helps keep your bowel movements regular, while soluble fibre helps to moderate digestion and absorb nutrients from your food. Aim to eat 5-6 Holland & Barrett Pitted Californian Prunes daily to boost your digestive health.

Vegetarians and vegans sometimes experience digestive issues whey they start eating plants, but over time a new balance will become established. Cashews, pine nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are all good for gut health but are also great sources of iron for vegetarADVISORY ians. To add more iron into your INFORMAT ION: Food supp diet, take 10ml of Floradix Forlements m ust not be us ed as a su mula Herbal Iron available from bs tit ute for a varied and Holland & Barrett twice a day, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If approximately 30 minutes bepregnant, you are breastfeed fore morning and evening meals. ing, ta any king medicatio medical su ns or are under pervision, consult a pl ea se doct professiona or or healthcare l and the label be always read fore use.

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FEATURE

The Life of William Once there was a boy called William, who looked pretty ordinary, except for a cool scar on his forehead.

William told us about a time when he was practicing a play at school. He was meant to play a solo part the following day for the parents. That afternoon, William went to his grandparents’ house for tea. Well, poor little William did not see what was coming. Do you want to know what happened next? I'll tell you.

He left his shoes lying around and he accidently tripped over one and then tripped over the other one. He fell and cracked his head open. There was blood everywhere.

William’s grandfather called the ambulance to take him to the hospital. In the ambulance, William passed out and woke up at the entrance to the hospital. The doctors stitched his head up and he now has a permanent scar.

Now that you know what he looks like on the outside, let me tell you about his inside, which is super and will blow your mind.

One thing to tell you quickly, is that William is dyslexic. This means he finds school hard, but he knows it’s a huge advantage in proper life. There are seven types of dyslexics that he told us about. There are storytellers, makers, entertainers, movers, imaginers, questioners and ‘people’ people. Surprisingly, William is all of these, which makes him very special. Very few people are dyslexic and not many people are all these things in one.

He loves to invent stories. William can create worlds in his mind in the blink of an eye.

His imagination can run wild. He loves to build and he’s very good at creating. He makes people laugh and they enjoy being around him. He is always on the move and he loves making up games. He loves to ask questions like ‘Why not?’ and he is amazing at understanding how other people are feeling.

William has left you some advice.

“Do not be afraid, dyslexics. I know how you feel and I know how you think. Don't be scared of the world”.

WORDS BY XXX

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COSMETIC SURGERY QUESTION & ANSWER

WITH DR. MARCO VRICELLA | ARIA MEDICAL GROUP

Breast Augmentation

Q: I am interested in breast augmentation but am confused as there are so many types of implants available – can you help me please?

A:

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly requested Cosmetic Surgery procedures: and yes, you’re right – there are many sizes and shapes of implants available. This gives the surgeon the ability to choose the style which will give you the effect you are hoping to achieve.

SHAPE: In general, there are two shapes of implant – round and anatomical (or teardrop). Modern implants, filled with cohesive silicone gel, give excellent results and the highest standards of safety. Aria Medical Group only use CE and/or FDA approved implants for maximum safety.

Anatomical implants are used when the patient is looking for a very natural-looking result.

We use Mentor MemoryGel® for patients wanting the anatomical implants, as they give a soft, natural feel and natural look.

However, those people who want a full and rounded look with a good proportion of upper fullness will usually need round implants. Motiva is our popular choice for round implants, giving that younger, firmer result. In addition, their Ergonomix range is for those that want the look, feel and movement of a natural breast.

POSITIONING: As your surgeon, I can also choose, in discussion with you, the type of projection the implant will have. Projection is the distance between the chest side and the outer-facing side of the implant. “High profile” indicates more projection from the chest, while “low profile” indicates less projection.

Your surgeon can also suggest where the incisions should be made – the three choices are i) in the sub-mammary fold, beneath the breast ii) around the nipple or iii) in the armpit. The choice is based on your implant, body type and the final result you hope to achieve.

I can also explain whether the implants should be placed in front or behind of the muscle, again depending on your shape before surgery and what you are hoping to achieve.

PRIVATE CONSULTATION As always, the best possible advice will be given to you at your consultation. I offer private consultations in Marbella, Gibraltar and Madrid, where I will examine you and talk to you about the look you want to have after surgery and will then explain what type of implant I believe is best. info@ariamedicalgroup.com / www.ariamedicalgroup.com Tel: +34 671 639 353

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HEALTH & WELLBEING DOULAS PROVIDE EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT DURING PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND THE POSTNATAL PERIOD. ACCORDING TO DOULA UK. WHILE DOULAS ARE NOT THERE TO CHANGE OUTCOMES, THERE IS GROWING EVIDENCE THAT HAVING A BIRTH OR POSTNATAL DOULA BRINGS A NUMBER OF TANGIBLE BENEFITS, FROM REDUCING INTERVENTION RATES TO SHORTENING LABOUR AND IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF BABIES AT BIRTH. OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE AN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING AND LOWER RATES OF POSTNATAL DEPRESSION. Doula support, or ‘mothering the mother’, can be vital in today’s society. Women have supported women having babies since the beginning of time. The community surrounding a woman, their “village”, would come together to give hands-on help and emotional support. Today, we are living differently; often working longer hours, having children later and with more opportunity to live in different places. A result may be a loss of that “village”. The doula community helps women find it again.

Throughout history, women have been supported by other women during childbearing. Yet, as families begin living farther apart and as birth becomes increasingly medicalized, fewer women receive this kind of support. Because they have many other responsibilities and are usually attending more than one woman, doctors, maternity nurses — and sometimes even midwives can rarely be with a woman continuously. Fathers and partners offer support, but they too are experiencing the birth of their baby and coping with their new and evolving identities. serves.

A doula should have no judgement, their role is simply to nurture unconditionally, through care, support and love, so that birthing people can focus their energies on loving and caring for their babies and themselves.

Labor and postpartum doulas have stepped into this vacuum a space traditionally filled by the mothers, aunts, sisters, grandparents and neighbors in our communities and their use is becoming more popular in the United States and around the world.

(lighting candles, playing music in the delivery room) • Assisting you with negotiation of your birth choices • Photography and/or video of the labor, birth, and golden hour • Breastfeeding help when the baby is born.

A doctor is focused on keeping the baby safe and sound, but a doula is focused only on the mother. The biggest benefit of having a doula is that you have a woman trained and experienced with labour and birth, whose sole job is to support you.

A doula doesn't also have to do anything medical or check on other patients like a doctor might. She is there for you and your needs. You might be thinking, my partner will be by my side; he'll tend to me but keep in mind that the birth experience can be extremely emotional and surreal for him, too.

He might not even know how to help you.

That's where the doula steps in. The doula provides reassurance to the partner when everything is going smoothly, and helps facilitate communication between the mother and her partner when it's not. Doulas can also tag team with the partner to provide labor support to the mum so that the partner gets to rest when he needs to. A doula understands the importance of the birth experience, so she aims to help make sure those memories are as positive as possible.

Here, Alison outlines what a doula does.

Alison Ogier has been a Birth and Post Natal Doula since 2011.

What I get from it is knowing that each family I support is more educated, empowered and in tune with each other to facilitate a healthy parenting journey. They will know their choices and have the conviction to follow their instincts regardless of race, religion or socio economic circumstance.’

There is, however, a lack of understanding of the doula role and a shortage of doula support available to disadvantaged families.

‘Doulas work with families throughout their pregnancy journey, birth and immediate post natal period. They provide a non judgemental, evidenced based approach to the specific needs and wants of that family which includes sign posting to information on birthing choices and all the options open to them along with an unbiased collection of stats for each family to decide for themselves what is applicable to them. They provide emotional and practical support during birth by bringing a calm presence, reminding each family of their options along the way as well as hands on support such as massage, pool filling and initiating breastfeeding.

Post natally Doulas are there to provide support as the family adjusts to the new dynamic so this might include breastfeeding support, cooking, light house work and listening as we are there in a debriefing capacity too.’

I became a Doula due to the lack of continuity of care in maternity services and wanting to provide families with an unbiased approach to their journey as the health care professionals do not always present things as a choice. My goal is simply for people to not regret any choices made as well as feel heard and positive about their birthing experience.

There can be huge benefits to having a doula. First, because they will be with you all the way through your pregnancy and labour. That means you get to know them well, which can be very reassuring – especially if your maternity service can’t provide the same continuity.

There should definitely be more community-based doulas or doula programmes.

The services doulas offer depend on their training and skills, but include:

Doulas can also provide continuous support during labour and birth. Research has found that continuous support during labour and birth is beneficial for women and for their babies.

• Birth education • Creating a birth plan • Discussing and healing from previous births • Continuous labour support • Partner support • What to do if you go past your due date • Massage and other comfort measures, such as pressure points • Suggesting positions to help ease pain • Discussing options for pain relief • Emotional support for the pregnancy and birth • Assisting with your birth environment

Doulas have also been shown to yield good results for vulnerable women or women who need more culturally sensitive support.

So if that’s relevant to you, it might be worth seriously considering a doula as an option.

Doula UK - www.doula.org.uk Alison Ogier - Birth and Post Natal Doula www.dinkydoula.co.uk

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FEATURE GIBRALTAR DYSLEXIA SUPPORT GROUP Dyslexia Awareness Week - 4th to 10th October 2021 We know that Dyslexia is still often misunderstood and can go unrecognised for many years. That’s why, during Dyslexia Awareness Week, Dyslexia Gibraltar will continue to promote a greater understanding of dyslexia. We are asking you to join and support us to create a dyslexia friendly society where everyone is enabled to succeed.

Dyslexia Gibraltar hoped and plans for the week will include;

Monday 4th October - Visiting schools

During the week we hope to visit as many schools as possible and give a short talk about dyslexia to the students and staff present.

Wednesday 6th October - SENCO’s Evening

Our support extends to all those working with people with dyslexia and on Wednesday we will invite those who deal with them on a daily basis to an exciting evening on dyslexia.

Thursday 7th October - Parents Evening

Tuesday 5th October - Open Coffee Morning

For those who couldn’t make the Coffee Morning or just want to come and find out more, we will hold a Parents Evening with specific specialists giving advice parents so desperately need.

Teachers Evening

Friday 8th October - DYSLEXIA DAY

Our Coffee Morning will be an informal opportunity for the parents to meet with our team and learn more about dyslexia whilst relaxing over a cup and some biscuits.

We are here to not only support parents and children but the teachers too. So we hope to have as many as possible join us for a fun evening where they will find out first-hand what dyslexia is all about.

#GoRedForDyslexia is a global community of passionate individuals, companies, schools and organisations. We want schools and businesses to encourage everyone to go red to raise awareness of dyslexia. Whether you’re GoRed in class, at home, or out and about in the world, we want to see. Please tag us on social media at our different handles.

Get your very own Dyslexia t-shirt

To help you support us we have designed a special red and white t-shirt which you can use for Gibraltar National Day on Sept 10th or/and on World Dyslexia Awareness Day on the Friday 8th of October 2021. The t-shirt can be purchased at Cotton Leisure.

Bookmark Competition

Friday the 8th is the closing date for entries, with this year’s theme being; “Teachers are Superheroes”. The Annual Bookmark Competition is organised on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by Gibraltar Cultural Services and Gibraltar Dyslexia.

Saturday 9th October

We will join forces with Gibraltar Rugby Mini and Youth at their pitch during the morning/ afternoon so that we can promote the inspiring work that we do in the local community.

More details on all our plans for the week will be emailed to our members and posted on our social media platform closer to the date. If you want to be kept informed please become a member and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For further details please contact the Dyslexia Gibraltar on the details M: +350 5400 7924 / E: info@dyslexia.gi / W: dyslexia.GI GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

The Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association is a small fully volunteer driven organisation financed by private donations and fundraising initiatives. Since 2008 they have provided guidance and support to the community and HMGoG, plus act as a pressure group.

Its mission is to raise awareness on the needs and defend the rights for the Deaf and the Hard or Hearing (Deaf Community) in Gibraltar. It has been a true challenge because, surprisingly, Gibraltar legislation does not fully protect the rights of the local Deaf Community. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has not been fully transposed in Gibraltar law, unlike in the United Kingdom. This situation already raised eyebrows internationally when the UK was actually reprimanded by the United Nations in 2017 for not doing enough amongst other things to “strengthen its efforts to extend the Convention and support its implementation in the Overseas Territories”.

made even more challenging by a lack of subtitles.

During that period the Deaf Community found it very hard to glean the latest public health advice in real time.

GHITA’s perception has always been that the Deaf Community size has been larger than local services plan and cater for. This year the World Health Organisation released The Hearing Report where it stated that globally 5% of the world population suffers from deafness. HMGoG’s own Lifestyle (Pandemic) Survey confirmed that 7% of the Gibraltar population suffers from deafness. Gibraltar is 2% higher than global figures which is concerning given the current lack of resources for prompt diagnosis and treatment e.g., no Tinnitus Clinic in the Gibraltar Health Authority.

Gibraltar Governments past and present have introduced improvements in legislation and policy, but these remain limited and continue to allow for institutional discrimination against the Deaf Community to exist. For example, during the COVID pandemic there was no British Sign Language Interpreter used during the broadcast press conferences. This is

The 20th of September is the International Day for the Deaf and marks the start of Gibraltar’s Hearing Loss Week. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up to date with their news. www.ghita.gi

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Just Married on the Rock

Mobile: 58897000 Email: nicholas64@gibtelecom.net

Amie & Niall Francis Married 21 July 2021 Photographer Nicky Sanchez

Gema & Jonathan Fernandez Married 7 May 2021 Photographer Nicky Sanchez

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HOROSCOPES

YOUR FUTURE IN THE STARS

SEPTEMBER WITH KATE MCHARDY

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 23)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 21)

This is a good time for you to look closely at the structures of your family life and other relationships, Aries. Are you comfortable with the levels of loyalty, respect and mutual support or do you feel that things could be better balanced.

Frustrating though it may be, Leo, you are being called upon this month to be patient and forbearing with others.

You seem to be operating on a higher energy than those around you and this can be tricky. But your light is strong.

It seems you have been feeling fettered and even controlled of late, Sagittarius, and this does not sit easily with you! If you feel misunderstood then simply recognize that your inner light and power are not always recognized by others. Be patient.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21)

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 20)

If you feel inclined to spread messages of peace and love this month, Taurus, then do so. Strip away any feelings of vulnerability or concerns that others may judge you… the world needs this energy and you are connecting powerfully.

Time to be clear about your heart’s desire Virgo. So, set your vision clearly and ask that it comes to you in a manner that brings a positive outcome for everyone. Then be calm and patient and know that all is well.

You are feeling out of sorts this month, Capricorn, and maybe downright unlovable! Please be aware that the world is going through an upheaval of energies and styles of communication are changing. Recognise your inner strength and lovableness and do not be afraid to give.

It changes everything.

.

LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23)

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19)

GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 22)

You seem to be learning more about your inner power, Libra, and maybe not entirely comfortable with the feelings this generates. Trust that you have the inner wisdom to establish your power and to use it correctly and with humility and it will be done.

You must relax a little this month, Aquarius, and allow yourself to have more fun and silliness. Aquarians need this so much... do some chakra balancing and particularly breathe into your third eye thus developing a solid spiritual foundation and honouring your spiritual wisdom.

You are being called to honour yourself this month, Gemini, and to maintain your sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Remember that you are special and take some ten minutes or so each day to meditate on your special gifts. Your soul is rich.

CANCER (Jun 23 - Jul 22)

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)

Dare to be different this month, Cancer!

Spread your vings and prepare to fly…. we are all different and right now your guidance is to celebrate your uniqueness. Be ready to be the one to bring about change in your environment.

Time to prepare for change, Scorpio.

To be honest it is not a surprise but maybe something you have been putting off. Fear no more… the time is right and you have all the resources necessary to lead the way and to deal with anything unexpected.

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20) Some of you Pisceans have been going through a very testing time recently… to the point of feeling like it has been an initiation. Maybe it has. This has challenged you to develop patience, courage and inner stillness. It’ll ll be worth it!

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FEATURE

Productivity

anDPreSEnCe

DON’T WE ALL LOVE TO FEEL PRODUCTIVE? SOMEHOW MANY OTHER THINGS ARE LESS FRUSTRATING IF WE HAVE HAD A PRODUCTIVE DAY. IT GIVES US A FEELING OF BEING IN CONTROL… THE DEMANDING EVENTS OF DAILY LIFE ARE NOT IN CHARGE - AT LEAST NOT TOTALLY. WHEN LIFE THROWS US A CURVEBALL AND WE DON’T KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN THERE ARE MANY THINGS WE CAN CONCENTRATE ON… LIKE IRONING OR SCRUBBING THE FLOOR OR WASHING THE CAR… THAT TELLS US QUITE CLEARLY THAT WE ARE ON TOP OF THINGS. PRODUCTIVITY is a very important aspect of life... I’d say essential to the successful functioning of daily life. What we need to be careful of is that productivity does not become an escape from the ‘being’ aspect of life. We are human beings and not human doings and it is crucial to remember this and to act upon it.

PRESENCE is equally important but it is easier to be productive than it is to be present to ourselves.

To be present with and for ourselves. The ego loves to be stroked and to feel important and successful so being productive is joy indeed for the ego. Great feelings of achievement! Now, the ego is not all bad. A healthy ego is essential for our sense of self-worth.

Without a healthy ego nothing of any value would be achieved. But the ego is a hard and greedy task master and is forever striving to be in charge and to ignore the call for us to be ‘present’ in our lives.

Without presence and awareness of what we are dealing with and experiencing... how can we have any clue of how to be productively productive? It may sound like an oxymoron but if you just stop and appraise your daily activities … how many things felt productive at the time but didn’t really achieve much in the greater scheme of things? Kept us busy but at the expense of what? Just maybe at the expense of being present to the emotions and strengths involved in dealing with the realities of daily life.

Being present means checking in with ourselves on the four pillars of PIES. Rather than avoiding issues (and we are all expert at doing this) … we need to ask ourselves where we are being touched, what type of response is being called for - is it the phys-

ical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual pillar which is being affected or maybe a combination?

Simply, take a deep breath and still your mind. Take stock of your feelings at a time when that sense of productivity was strong.

Let it blossom... and enjoy those feelings.

And then just allow yourself to be aware of any area of your life that you have not really been fully present to... Physically, Intellectually Emotionally or Spiritually. How many times do you catch yourself saying you’ll do it later... listen later... call later... play later... message later... I’m busy just now...

And so on.

Think of an issue that niggles you or needs attending to... be present to it fully... be aware of any changes that take place in your feelings towards it or how you thought you would deal with it.

Play around with these ideas... not judging yourself but evaluating with interest how it plays out in your daily life. Remember that being present can mean suspending productivity and the ego does not like that!! Productivity is ego led and presence is being led. The more we can become present to the moment and the energy around us the more productive we can be. The reason being that as soon as we identify which of the four pillars is being called upon then the faster and more efficiently, we can focus on and achieve resolution without being distracted by a million other insignificant things.

A client recently as working through this process with me and was able to identify that when she had been working through a difficult divorce a few years ago she kept herself super busy in order to distract herself from the pain and sadness involved in her situation. Subsequently, she avoided

being present with these emotions and so they appeared back in her life in different guises until she addressed them, acknowledged and let them go.

Look at children... children are so in the moment... so present and this actually develops their productivity because the very act of being present means that they are paying attention to their being-ness and in turn can immediately relate it to whatever they move on to make or do. Balance.

As spiritual beings having a material experience in the physical body, it’s always tempting for the ego to keep pulling us back into the physical realm. It seems easier to deal with the things that we can see and touch. However, just because we can’t see and touch emotions doesn’t mean that they are not just as, if not more, powerful at weighing us don and holding us back from standing in our truth and light. And loving ourselves fully.

878 Animals too are such great teachers. Dogs in particular know how to just be in the moment.

If we listen to them our dogs are desperate to teach us exactly how to be present to and with ourselves. They are envoys of unconditional love and their loyalty and perception of our perfection is truly awesome.

We are human beings not human doings.

Presence is being and productivity is doing.

Strive for the balance and live your life to the full.

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

WORDS BY KATE MCHARDY

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MEDIA LIMITED

GRAPHIC DESIGN | PODCASTS | SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIO | VIDEO | MUSIC RECORDING & PUBLISHING GBZ Media is headquartered right here in the Rock, with global reach to a team of best-in-class experts in media and the creative arts. We can provide you with a one-stop media portfolio management solution for your business, whether it’s strategic & co-ordinated social media management, a rebrand, producing podcasts or a corporate video.

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+350 540 63880 / ross@gbzmedia.com GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

National Day Red n' White Cheesecake in a Jar Preparation Time: 10 Minutes | Serves: 2 Our lives are always on the go and it seems we struggle to find 5 minutes to ourselves, let alone sit and enjoy some cake. Red n' white and GIB all over so why not place them in a jar and you can take them to school or work this National Day.

INGREDIENTS 200G Cream Cheese

2 Tsp Brown Sugar

200G Raspberries

100ML Double Cream

50G Muesli

METHOD In a small pan, (leaving a few whole raspberries to one side) place the raspberries and sugar over a medium heat and cover the base of the pan with hot water. Heat and stir until everything dissolves and reduces into a thick-ish puree.

Whip together the cream cheese and the double cream, until it thickens.

In a jar, layer the ingredients; muesli first, cream-cheese mixture, a layer of the raspberry reduction, a thin layer of the cream-cheese mix and finally topped with fresh raspberries.

Cover and place in the fridge to cool and set a little for an hour or so and enjoy.

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit:

www.mamalotties.com

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CROSSWORD

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WIN!!! WIN!!!

WIN!!!

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ACROSS 1. Eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success, power wealth, a specific goal, etc. (9)

A FABULOUS HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP

DOWN 1. Hard working insects. (4) 2. _ _ _ _ s, something given or paidover and above what is due. (4)

5. Large game fish. (4) 3. Excessive, especially extremely so. (9) 7. Not definite; ambiguous. (7) 9. B_ _ s. a person who employs or superintends workers. (2)

4. The violation or profanation of anything sacred. (9) 6. Attached, appended. (7)

11. Fluid from the eyes. (5) 8. A titled nobleman or peer. (4) 12. A vital, basic decisive, or pivitol point.

(4) 13. A cupronickel-clad coin of the U.S and Canada, the 10th part of a dollar, equal to 10 cents. (4) 14. To make a wager. (3)

Fill in the details below and send it, with the completed crossword, to GBZ Media Ltd, WorkLab, Eurotowers Complex, WestOne, Europort Road, GX11 1AA (Tel: 22251308). Entries to be received before 24th of the month. A winner will be drawn from all correct entries and will receive a Himalayan Salt Lamp from The Light & Power Shop.

10. To glance at or over or read hastily. (4)

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

11. A long hollow and typically cylindrical object. (4)

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

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

15. A requirement, necessary duty, or obligation. (4)

LAST MONTH’S LUCKY WINNER WAS: W MORGAN

16. At one time in past; formerly. (4)

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GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

The GLB SUV. £1,000 Cash Back Offer.

In the GLB, you choose the shape your comfort takes.

The second seat row with optional sliding adjustment lets you use the interior space in the way that best suits your lifestyle.

And, with optional third-row seating (suitable for people up to 1.68m tall), the GLB provides room for up to seven occupants.

GEDIME MOTORS LTD

Equipment: • • • • • •

Automatic Gearbox Active Lane Change Detector Rear View Parking Camera Active Brake Assist Light & Sight Package Available in a Seven Seat Configuration

General Distributors of Mercedes-Benz 70-72, Devils Tower Road, GIBRALTAR. Tel: +350 20045888. Email: sales@gedime.com. www.gedime.com

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T H E

H A R G R AV E

THE ART OF TOWN CENTRE LIVING

It’s not all just about a sea view.

Our cityscape is full of character and beauty.

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

Over the years developments like The Arches, Prince Edwards Gate and Tarik Views, to name a few are restoring the beauty of our Old Town.

The Hargrave aims to continue with the restoration of decaying yet stunning buildings into their natural glory with that contemporary touch.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

BMI GROUP ESTATE AGENTS C o n t a c t : + 3 5WORDS 0 2 0 0BY5RICHARD 1 0 1 0 o rCARTWRIGHT email info@bmigroup.gi 72

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