Gibraltar Insight™ November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019

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THE ROCK’S LONGEST RUNNING MAGAZINE

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Contents

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Business Insight 13

BUSINESS NEWS

Sports Insight 28 EURO – 2020 OPENS UP FRIENDLY NEW FRONTIERS FOR GIBRALTAR

Football Insight 30 LYNX FOOTBALL CLUB

Technology Insight 35

LATEST TECH NEWS

History Insight 46 GIBRALTAR TANK REGIMENT

Forces Insight 49 ARMED FORCES NEWS

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Features 16

THE GIBUNCO INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL:

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GAVIN ESLER

20 TIMOTHY BENTINCK 23

DIANA MORAN

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NICK HIGHAM

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YOUSEFF EL HANA

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GIB CHEFS ACCLAIMED BY AA UK RESTAURANT GUIDE

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THREE KINGS 2020

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JOHN VICTOR – STILL BLOWING SWEETLY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

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THE 10TH GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL SONG FESTIVAL

Regular Features 8

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

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AT THE MOVIES

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MOTORING INSIGHT

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VET COLUMN – THE RETURN OF PAROVIRUS!!!

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ON THE SPOT: GILL WELLAND

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SINGLE PARENTING

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HEALTH & WELLBEING INSIGHT

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HOROSCOPES

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MAMA LOTTIES RECIPE

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WEDDING INSIGHT

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COHEN & MASSIAS CROSSWORD

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

Production: Billy Couper

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

Accounts & Administration: Rosemary Salah-El-Din Advertising & Marketing: Emma Wood

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

Production Assistant: Steven King Superyacht Owners’ Guide Managing Editor: Sophie Blake

Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

Creative Director: Ben Lewis

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.

Executive Editor: Ross Ford For advertising & general queries, contact: +350 200 40913 Email:

hello@gibraltarinsight.com

Web:

www.gibraltarinsight.com

Socials:

@GBZinsight @MumOnTheRockGBZ @BermudaInsight @SYOGuide @GBZmedia

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

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

Photo: Elliott Howe

MEDIA LIMITED

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

BLUE ISLANDS CHARTER In a landmark moment, the Blue Islands Charter - an idea born in Gibraltar - was signed by Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies present at a recent meeting in Alderney.

Gibraltar, Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey, Sark, Montserrat and Tristan da Cunha signed the document, and the Charter will make its way to collect the remaining signatures, before returning to the Rock for a future Blue Islands Summit.

The Charter commits the governments of these territories to protect the seas around them, and commit to environmental protection on land and sea.

Gibraltar continues to play an important role in environmental protection among the British family of Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, with John Cortes being co-Chair of the UK Overseas Territories’ Environment Ministers’ Council.

New online service FOR INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS HMGoG has announced that it will soon be easier to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

A new online service will become available via gibraltar.gov.gi to simplify and speed up the process, as the Rock gears up for life outside the EU. The IDP has subtle differences, depending on the country required as there are two conventions that differing countries have signed up to. The new portal aims to navigate users to the correct permit variant.

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia commented, “This online service will make it much easier for drivers to apply for an International Driving Permit without the need for them to queue at the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Centre. It will also be a useful way of providing the appropriate advice so that drivers apply for the correct IDP. I am grateful to the staff of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department and the IT and Logistics Department for all the work they have put into this project.”

LITTLE SMILES’ Gibraltar Defence Police’s Chief Police Officer Chief Superintendent Rob Allen presenting a cheque to Ms Tamara Colton from Little Smiles Charity. The donation was part of the funds raised from the recent inaugural GDP Bikeathlon that took place at HMNB Gibraltar.

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT RANDOM ACTS OF

Kindness After a recent survey and questionnaire carried out by the Voice of Young People (VYP), the organisation has urged locals to get involved in a new campaign that promotes “Acts of Random Kindness” (ARK).

The most pressing issue to be revealed from the questionnaire was bullying, and the campaign has been dreamt up as a means to promote friendship, community spirit, positivity and good behaviour.

VYP, in partnership with the charity “I’m Against Bullying Gibraltar”, will roll out a community wide appeal throughout the anti-bullying week 11th – 15th November.

Schools, businesses, charities, government departments can all get involved and an ARK bucket will be delivered to all signed-up organisations. Within the bucket there will be cards with acts of kindness for people to choose and carry out during the week such as “Put a smile on someone’s face,” “Spend time with someone you haven’t seen for a while”, and so on.

More details can be found at facebook.com/arkgib

Wedding Pins FOR CANCER RELIEF Local charity Cancer Relief has teamed up with an artisan design and illustration specialist to create fund-raising wedding favours.

They are individually available for mix and match, come supplied with a table placecard with space to write names and a thank you from Cancer Relief for your donation.

The sale of these beautiful pins goes directly towards continuing to provide all the services the charity currently offers.

The project was piloted by Janieve and Ben Hawkins (photographed), who were keen to include Cancer Relief in some way as part of their own wedding, and the pins themselves are designed by Caithness-based volunteer Elisa Mackenzie (elimac.co.uk).

For more details call 20042392 or email fundraising@cancerrelief.gi

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BUSINESS INSIGHT l ir in the loca Causing a st space, is s es sin bu r provision fo aims to , WorkLab. It new entrant eative and cr e, bl xi fle provide a r people vironment fo inspiring en business. do to e us to INSIGHT GIBRALTAR MORE… UT O D UN FO

Who owns the WorkLab, and what was the reasoning for setting it up?

The WorkLab was created by the team at Bentley Investments, one of Gibraltar’s leading property developers. We jumped on the co-working bandwagon having taken a look at what was happening across the commercial market – advances in technology have completely disrupted the traditional office model – most employees nowadays just want flexibility and a good WiFi connection in order to be productive. We decided that since the market was moving towards co-working, we’d like to take the opportunity to open a space of our own, that would blend together all the elements we believed a good co-working space should have.

Somewhere professional with world class facilities, but that simultaneously has an atmosphere that clients would find cosy and welcoming, and where they could be part of a community. Best of both worlds.

Is Gibraltar the only Worklab owned by the company?

Yes, so far it’s our only location, however we’re hopeful to potentially expand with the completion of EuroCity, our new residential-commercial development.

How do small businesses benefit from the WorkLab? The benefits are twofold: • We provide a plug and play solution.

We take care of absolutely everything so that businesses can have the office of their dreams at a fraction of the cost, and minus the headache. For a set price a month you get a totally furnished workstation, ultra fast wifi, a fully stocked kitchen, business class printers, a receptionist and access to world class conference rooms. And the business doesn’t have to worry about a thing – nor the rates, utilities, connections. If anything happens they simply call the receptionist and we solve everything for you. Before services like this could only

be afforded by massive corporations for thousands a month – The WorkLab gives small business, freelancers and entrepreneurs the same perks minus the costs. It’s honestly a win-win.

• No matter what your profession, working from home can not only get lonely, but it can also be unmotivating because the distinction between professional and personal gets blurred. The WorkLab helps promote the most critical aspects of human life – interaction and growth!

Co-working spaces create dynamic workplace environments, promoting creativity, inspiration and collaboration between members. They allow employees to feel like they’re part of a community. And knowing that you have a support network as a small business is an invaluable asset.

holding regular events in partnership with local businesses: skill share evenings, cocktail making classes, art workshops, you name it.

Something that would help promote the local entrepreneurs whilst at the same time developing this feeling of camaraderie within the WorkLab, as members get to know each-other in a more relaxed setting outside of work hours.

Haven’t you won an award for WorkLab?

What has the response been locally?

Honestly we’ve been blown away by the positive feedback. The main compliment we’ve heard again and again when people walk through the door is “Wow, I feel like I’m back in London/Madrid/ New York”, which is amazing because we really we’re trying to bring the big city buzz to Gibraltar. When designing the space we wanted to make it stand out –make it the kind of space where people would feel simultaneously cosy and at home, yet energised and productive. I hope we’ve been able to find that perfect balance.

What are your aims and ambitions for the WorkLab in the future?

Developing our community, both within the WorkLab and with local businesses.

We’d like to get to the point where we’re

We were voted Gibraltar’s No.1 Coworking Space in the Coworker Members Choice Awards 2019 (Coworker is one of the worlds largest platforms for finding co-working spaces around the world, used by over 3 million people annually, including Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Uber, Tesla and Spotify). Established in 2018, the CMCAs are the highest honour Coworker can bestow.

You must be pleased?

We’re very chuffed. We absolutely love the space we’ve created and we try and go the extra mile with everything we do to make sure our clients feel loved, appreciated and supported. To be honest we see the space as this nurturing mother for the entrepreneurs within, so we value their success and happiness of each company as though it were our own. So to have this recognised is very heart warming.

GIB MAKES AN IMPRESSION AT LONDON CONVENTION Minister Isola at the 15th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in London, espousing the message of using Gibraltar as a gateway to wider UK markets.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

New direct mail

Postal deliveries from the UK will now enter Gibraltar directly on a flight from London. The breakthrough agreement was reached between the Royal Gibraltar Post Office and the Royal Mail. This new arrangement will also help expedite delivery times for items sent to Gib from the UK.

Gibraltar took pride-of-place as one of the 600 exhibitors at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The Gibraltar Port Authority and the Gibraltar Maritime Administration’s Yacht Registry hosted a stand with the intention of showcasing the Rock.

Minister for the Port and Maritime Affairs, the Hon Gilbert Licudi QC MP, added that “HM Government of Gibraltar is working hand in hand with the private sector to promote superyacht and megayacht calls to Gibraltar and to further grow our services in this industry. We continue to see the fruits of this hard work with some of the world’s best known luxury yachts continuously visiting the Rock over the last couple of years.”

The yacht show is iconic and is the benchmark that other events in the marine industry aspire to. It brings together superyacht builders, award-winning yacht designers, luxury suppliers, and influential brokerage houses. It also acts as a showcase for the most sought-after water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers.

Also present at the show were representatives from GBZ Media Limited, publisher of Gibraltar Insight and the Superyacht Owners’ Guide (SYOG).

CEO and Captain of the Port, Manuel Tirado, commented that “this event is the perfect platform to showcase Gibraltar’s growing profile within the superyacht industry.”

CHAMBER SUPPORTS CIVIL SERVICE REBOOT The major reform programme of Gibraltar’s civil service won plaudits from the Chamber Of Commerce. Darren Grech, Chief Secretary to HMGoG, set out plans that include a restructuring of existing departmental management systems and of officers’ areas of responsibility, plus a review of existing government premises and a digital transformation of public services.

It includes a major training component, formulated by the University of Gibraltar in conjunction with King’s College, London.

The Chief Secretary said, “The Future Leaders programme is a critical component in this new phase for Gibraltar’s Public Service, as we can potentially remove some of the bureaucratic barriers that have held back some of the best candidates. The course has been designed in partnership with the University of Gibraltar and King’s College London so as to open it up to the widest possible spectrum of staff. It will bring modern best practice to the fore, and in delivering this programme we will be working closely with the unions that represent public sector workers to ensure that we bring out the very best in our service. This is just the beginning.”

The Chamber was equally optimistic, saying, “By partnering with King’s College, one of the world’s leading academic institutions through the University of Gibraltar, the programme looks to be both innovative and best in class. In short, it represents an unmatched opportunity for civil service employees.”

DOUBLE TAXATION TREATY WITH UK

GIBRALTAR AND THE UK HAVE COMPLETED A DOUBLE TAX AGREEMENT. IT FORMS THE RESULT OF SEVERAL YEARS’ WORK AND WAS AGREED IN SEPTEMBER. Commenting on the signing of the Agreement, the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo QC, stated, “I am very pleased that the outcome of close working with UK ministers and officials has come to fruition in time for our exit from the European Union with the United Kingdom. This is an important part of the architecture of our planning for “no deal” but equally important going forward in any scenario. I want to thank the team of officials from the Income Tax Office, in particular the Commissioner of Income Tax John Lester, his Legal Counsel Terence Rocca and Financial Secretary Albert Mena for their hard work and diligence in delivering this great result for Gibraltar.”

The Exchequer Secretary to Her Majesty’s Treasury, Simon Clarke MP, said, “Gibraltar is an important part of the UK family and I am pleased to take this opportunity to make our relationship stronger, as we look forward to the opportunities ahead as we leave the EU. “Today’s exchange of letters on a double tax agreement between us will promote trade and investment, and help tackle tax avoidance.”

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This year will see the seventh edition of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival taking place on the Rock. Jo Ward talks to Chief Executive of the Tourist Board and Festival Director Nicky Guerrero who together with teams from the Tourist Board, Gibraltar Cultural Services, The Gibraltar Garrison Library, The Convent and the University of Gibraltar are pleased to be welcoming a diverse and vibrant mix of speakers to take part once again in what has become a mainstay on the Gibraltar cultural calendar.

“We are all set,” Nicky tells me. “We continue to build on the success of previous years and have now achieved a tried and tested formula, so why change a recipe that is working really well?”

Literary festivals are an opportunity for people to listen to established authors and speakers from many different spheres and to discover new ones who will educate, inspire and open minds. One of the things that Nicky wants to stress is that although you may not have heard of some of the authors, it doesn’t mean that they are not well known in their own right.

“This year we have decided to categorise talks by subject, with themes including Contemporary Society, Philosophy, Politics and History to name a few, and that has drawn in people to sign up for events where they may not necessarily have known the name of the speaker.”

Amongst 2019’s excellent line-up are two life peers, Lord Chris Patten and Lord Mark Price, talking about two very different subjects.

As the last British Governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten is ideally suited to give his views about the current political crisis and the demonstrations taking place there, and as a former European Commissioner for external affairs it will be interesting to hear his views on Brexit. Lord Patten is also the Chancellor of Oxford University. “It is an exciting prospect to think that the Chancellor of one of the greatest universities on the planet will be going to visit the University of Gibraltar as part of his stay,” Nicky comments.

After more than three decades working for the John Lewis Partnership; lastly as Managing Director of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman before joining the U.K. Government as Trade Minister, Lord Price is convinced that there has to be a better and fairer way of running a business. Something to note is that for people who have bought tickets for this event, buses will be available from The Garrison Library to the Gibraltar University where Lord Price will be speaking.

With a good contingent of women speakers this year, one iconic female guest, remembered by many of us as the ‘Green Goddess’ from the 80s, is fitness guru Diana Moran. Now in her eightieth year, Diana is still fit and active and an inspiration to many. “Unfortunately, Diana couldn’t make it last year so we are very happy to welcome her this time,” Nicky remarks.

Entrepreneur, author and equality campaigner Paola Diana will be giving The Gibraltar Lecture ‘Saving the World. Women: the XXI’s Century Factor for Change’. “I saw her in Oxford and she is incredibly professional and very engaging. She talks about her life story alongside her philanthropy and anybody who is interested in women’s rights should go along to see her speak,” Nicky states.

“We also have two entrepreneurial women: business coach, former dancer and choreographer Claire Dale, and performance improvement consultant Patricia Peyton, coming to talk to us about Physical Intelligence and how to improve your performance and wellbeing using techniques employed by top performers in the arts and sport.”

NOVELISTS Author of many highly acclaimed novels including The Librarian, Salley Vickers will be discussing her new novel Grandmothers. Telling the story of three very different women and their relationship with the younger generation, Nicky says that this is one that will appeal to all generations - from grandmothers to grandchildren.

International bestselling author of Ice Trap, Kitty Sewell will be launching her latest thriller The Fault at the Festival. “For those who enjoy fiction set in Gibraltar, The Fault features St. Michael’s Caves,” Nicky comments.

Music will feature when novelist Alba Arikha, in conversation with Suzi Feay, will be discussing her book Where to Find Me and singing a song she wrote about one of the two main characters, Flora Dobbs.

THE GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 14TH – 17TH NOVEMBER “WHAT WE HAVE GOT THIS YEAR ARE VERY STRONG THEMES, A GREAT RANGE OF SUBJECTS, WITH PEOPLE WHO IN THEIR OWN RIGHT ARE VERY PROFICIENT. WE HAVE REALLY FOUND OUR FEET AND IT WILL BE A SOLID AND MATURE LITERARY FESTIVAL.”

NICKY GUERRERO Bart van Es, author of the Costa Book of the Year winning biography The Cut Out Girl, which traces the life of a Jewish Girl who lived in hiding with his family in the Netherlands during World War II, will be in conversation with Suzi Feay.

GIBRALTAR AUTHORS Gibraltar authors and celebrated members of the community make up an important part of the Literary Festival. Nicky outlines just some of those who will be appearing. “Clive Finlayson is coming back to talk to us about his book The Smart Neanderthal, and in relation to that two people with whom he has researched the Neanderthals – biological anthropologists Dr. Larry Sawchuk and Dr. Lianne Tripp from Canada – will be talking about tracing the origins of the Gibraltar macaques and launching their book Monkey Tales.”

Someone whom Nicky has been trying to get involved in the Literary Festival for a while now is playwright Julian Felice, who is also Head of Drama at Westside and Bayside. “Julian’s plays are published internationally and he will be talking about the Imposter Syndrome – and his attempts to overcome his initial insecurities with being labelled a ‘playwright’.

SCHOOLS PROGRAMME As in previous years, guests have been invited to take part in the Schools Programme and Nicky has been very pleased with the positive reaction, with some of them agreeing to go along to talk in the schools. There are several events that will delight children who enjoy reading. Star of children’s contemporary fiction and author of more than 160 works for children, Geraldine McCaughrean will be talking about her Carnegie Medal winning novel Where the World Ends (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).

Ann Bryant, author of about 125 books, mostly children’s fiction but also some primary music resources, has been to Gibraltar before when she was brought out by the Department of Education. “As well as taking part in the Schools Programme, Ann will also be holding an interactive musical workshop which should be fun,” Nicky states.

Gibraltarian author Sam Benady has recently launched a book with illustrations by Sarah Devincenzi - A Pictorial History of Gibraltar – a fascinating overview of Gibraltar history that will appeal to both children and adults alike.

LITERARY TRIBUTE TO MARY CHIAPPE At 5 pm on Thursday afternoon at the Garrison Library there will be a Literary Tribute to Mary Chiappe, celebrating her life and work as a writer, teacher, and - at only twenty five years of age - Gibraltar’s Minster of Education. “Mary participated in the Literary Festival several times since it began,” Nicky informs me. “There will be readings and poems from her work by Mary’s husband and daughter Gaby, and her great friend poet Ruth O’Callaghan.

GUEST CHEFS Always a highpoint are the popular lunches and dinners with food prepared by top chefs. “Jeremy Lee is very entertaining,” Nicky says. “He is a man with a lot of experience and a wonderful sense of humour Jeremy will be preparing the opening dinner alongside the team at the Caleta Hotel as well as a lunch with the team from Bistro Point restaurant at the University of Gibraltar the next day.

Ching He Huang, known to many from the series she did with Ken Hom ‘Exploring China: A Culinary Adventure’, and a frequent guest on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, will prepare a lunch with the team at the O’Callaghan Elliot Hotel on Saturday 16th November at 1.00pm as well as the closing dinner at the Sunborn. Both chefs will speak to Donald Sloan of the Oxford Cultural Collective about their work during the two lunch events.

A final word from Nicky Guerrero: “We think we have achieved a good balance of entertainers, politicians, journalists and writers from different genres, all incredibly nice people with a lot of life experience who are all really pleased to be coming to Gibraltar.”

GIBRALTAR INSIGHT MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on the website. Once tickets are purchased, it is always worth checking emails to ensure there are no changes to events due to unavoidable cancellations by speakers or regarding change of venue. www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

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GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL

GAVIN ESLER 14 NOVEMBER, 2PM THE CONVENT

WORDS BY JO WARD 18

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Coming to the Gibraltar Literary Festival to talk about his latest book, Brexit Without the Bullshit, Gavin Esler is an award winning television and radio broadcaster, journalist and also the author of five novels and two non-fiction books. His familiar face will be known to many who tuned into BBC 2’s Newsnight programme between 2003 and 2014.

What was it in his early life that shaped the man who went on to interview heads of state and government? “I was born on the outskirts of Glasgow in Clydebank, which was a big ship building community, and the first few years of my life were spent in a council house with my grandmother, parents and two aunties,” Gavin tells me. In search of a better job once it was clear that the ship building industry was in economic difficulty, his father moved the family to Edinburgh. “He was a typical aspiring working class man who eventually became a manager and did much better for himself and for us, but he was one of those who benefited from the post-war boom by getting on his bike and actually going to do something else.”

Gaining a scholarship to George Heriot’s School at the age of seven, Gavin went on to become the first member of his family to go to University, and credits one of his grandmothers in giving him the determination to do well in his academic career. “Stick to your books,” he recalls her saying.

“Whilst writing Brexit Without the Bullshit, I thought it was hilarious being described by old Etonians as a member of the elite - given my background,” he laughs.

BBC gave him a chance because he said that he thought he could tell stories. “Fortunately it turned out to be alright and it was very good fun, and in fact the guy who became my boss is better known to people as Bernard Cornwell, the author of the Sharpe series of books, and we remain good friends.”

The subject of telling stories brings us nicely to his book Lessons from the Top, described as a mixture of anecdotes and ‘how to’ advice on story-telling based on leaders that Gavin has met over the years including Angela Merkel, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton and cultural leaders such as Dolly Parton, who when asked by Gavin if the dumb blonde jokes ever got her down, said ‘Nope. Because I’m not really dumb and I’m not really blonde.’”

Gavin gives the example of Mrs. Thatcher who brilliantly described herself as ‘just a grocer’s daughter from Grantham’.

“Whether you liked her or not, every bit of those five words strikes a chord with us - she was many other things as well, but that was basically the story that she told and she did it relentlessly.”

“WHILST WRITING BREXIT WITHOUT THE BULLSHIT, I THOUGHT IT WAS HILARIOUS BEING DESCRIBED BY OLD ETONIANS AS A MEMBER OF THE ELITE - GIVEN MY BACKGROUND,” HE LAUGHS.

A career in journalism wasn’t always on the cards though. When he was just three weeks old Gavin nearly died. A life-saving operation on their first born meant that he grew up in a household where his parents regarded doctors and medicine as the highest possible profession. “I thought that too and had made up my mind to go to Edinburgh Medical School”, Gavin explains, going on to say that at 17 he suddenly changed his mind and told his family that instead of pursuing that childhood dream of medicine, he realised he’d rather write.

“I did modern English and American literature at Kent University and then did a post-grad in Irish Literature, “he says. When he was offered a job on The Scotsman in Edinburgh, Gavin turned it down as likely to be a bit dull, preferring instead The Belfast Telegraph. “In the room with people from Thomson Newspapers, who owned The Times as well as The Scotsman, there was a bit of an intake of breath that some idiot actually wanted to go to Belfast, but I love Belfast and it’s like a second home to me.”

After working in the press, I asked Gavin how easy was it to move to broadcast journalism. “It was a quick transition,” he explains, “because I left the Belfast Telegraph after about eighteen months when the BBC in Northern Ireland were looking for a reporter to replace Jeremy Paxman and I managed to somehow get the job without knowing anything whatsoever about television.” Gavin continues by saying that he thinks the

“One of the problems that leaders have is that if they can’t communicate who they are then people don’t really believe the next bit, which is who are we as a group, a political party or a country, and if you don’t actually buy in to those first two things then you’re not going to listen to ‘where is my leadership going to take us’ which is the third part of leader’s stories.”

After four weeks campaigning in the European elections as an anti-Brexit candidate for Change UK in London (he didn’t win), Gavin began writing Brexit Without the Bullshit, outlining what Brexit will actually mean for our daily lives. “What really motivated me was not Brexit itself but the fact that lying - public lies - has become normalised on both sides of the Atlantic,” he explains.

Having left the BBC in 2018, Gavin is now a freelance journalist and tours the UK and abroad giving talks and lecturing. When he’s not writing what does he do to relax? “The simplest thing that I do is take the dog for a walk along the beach here on the Kent coast - I divide my time between Kent and London because I am Chancellor of the University of Kent – and a walk along the beach usually makes me feel a lot better. I play tennis and I also swim in the sea – usually from April until the end of October, if it’s not too cold!”

Never having been to Gibraltar before, Gavin say that he is still a reporter at heart and is looking forward to hearing local points of view regarding Brexit. He will be appearing on Thursday, 14th November at 2.00 pm at The Convent.

GIBRALTAR INSIGHT MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

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Fans of BBC Radio 4’s drama The Archers, one of the longest running soaps in the world, will be thrilled to know that David Archer will be making an appearance at the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival.

Well, it is in fact Timothy Bentinck, the actor behind his fictional alter-ego who has played the part of David Archer since 1982 and who will be in conversation with Nick Higham talking about his autobiography ‘Being David Archer – And Other Unusual Ways of Earning a Living’.

Unlike the everyday stories of farming folk, Tim’s life has been extraordinary, although there is one similarity in that he was born on a sheep farm, albeit in Tasmania.

Truth can be stranger than fiction and it turns out that Tim is actually the 12th Earl of Portland, a peerage inherited by his father from distant cousin. Tim tells me that it came without any estate or income, but his father wanted to be able to stand up in the House of Lords and get his ecological views across. “When my father died I took my seat in the House of Lords in 1997, and it was great when it happened, but a title doesn’t define me.”

Last year, the man behind the ‘Mind the Gap’ announcement on London Underground’s Piccadilly line was also made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to drama.

TIMOTHY BENTINCK

Wondering why he decided to write his memoirs, Tim replies that it was simply that he was asked to by a literary agent.

“He came out of the blue and said have you ever thought of writing an autobiography and funnily enough I’d already written about 23,000 words,” he explains. One of the reasons Tim was inspired to start writing about his life was “WHEN MY FIRST SON WAS A because of his father, Henry Bentinck TODDLER, I CAME UP WITH THE who spent the last seven years of his IDEA OF A ‘LEDGE’ TO SUPPORT life writing his autobiography and unHIM ON MY HIP. IN 1986 I FILED A fortunately died before it was complete. “I didn’t want to let that happen PATENT FOR THE BABY CARRYto me, and the second thing was that ING DEVICE CALLED ‘THE HIPPO’, if you Google me on IMDb, the interIT VERY NEARLY MADE ME RICH, national movie database, the top listing BUT IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!” says that I provided the voice for the Conjoined Gnome Left in the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet – because it was the highest-grossing thing I’d ever done and that’s how they determine your listing, so I decided I wanted to put the record straight.”

16 NOVEMBER, 10AM THE CONVENT

His autobiography is a rollercoaster ride through an acting career that has encompassed West End musicals (he was the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance), thousands of TV and radio commercials, corporate voice work, talking books and computer games as well as several TV and film roles. Tim has also written a biography about his father and is the author of Colin the Campervan, a book for children that he wrote as a bedtime story when his two boys, William and Jasper, were small. “It sat on my computer for about 25 years and then I put it on Kindle where it was found by a small publisher.” The story follows the fortunes of a VW camper van, much like the one the family spent their holidays in, brought to life with delightful illustrations by Owen Claxton. “I’ve written the sequel which is a full length book and I’m currently looking for a publisher,” Tim mentions.

Ever resourceful, Tim has turned his hand to many skills over the years, from travel journalism to website construction, and in response to what his favourite job has been along the way he replies that he loves making and inventing things. “When my first son was a toddler, I came up with the idea of a ‘ledge’ to support him on my hip. In 1986 I filed a patent for the baby carrying device called ‘The Hippo’, it very nearly made me rich, but it didn’t happen!” Tim is also a bit of a computer whiz and wrote some software when he was younger that at one point was the highest selling piece of shareware on the internet. “In one way or another I’ve been very close to huge success in my life,” he laughs.

“I also love writing music and playing the guitar. Before I decided I wanted to be an actor, I used to really enjoy driving trucks and drove tourists round America, sold Mercedes cars in Morocco, got an HGV licence and a job delivering lorry loads of chocolate to South Wales.”

With so many accomplishments under his belt, does Tim have any unfulfilled ambitions?

“I’ve always said that I would like to play James Bond - I’m fit, I’m willing and ready to go - but at the age of 67 I think I may be too old!”

There’s much more to find out about Timothy Bentinck that can’t be fitted in here, so book your tickets and make a date in your diaries to see him on Saturday 16th November at 10.00 in The Convent.

GIBRALTAR INSIGHT MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

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BY JOCARTWRIGHT WARD 20

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GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL An iconic figure from the 80s known for her popular exercise routines on BBC’s Breakfast Time, Diana Moran, otherwise known to many as the Green Goddess, is coming to the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival.

The fitness guru is now in her 80th year, having celebrated her birthday in June, but shows no signs of stopping her campaign to help people stay active and mobile, whatever their age. She was due to appear at the Literary Festival last year talking about the book she co-wrote called Sod Sitting, Get Moving, but unfortunately couldn’t make it. This time she is speaking about Beating Osteoporosis, published in association with the Royal Osteoporosis Society of which she has been an ambassador for several years.

“When I was in my early 50s I took a bit of a tumble whilst ice-skating and landed heavily on my wrist resulting in a Colles’ fracture – a type of break common in people with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break,” she tells me. “However at the time I had no idea this was typical of an osteoporotic fracture.” It wasn’t until 2013 that she was diagnosed with osteopenia, the term applied to those whose bone density is slightly below the average.

“It was during a routine check-up that I heard the nurse call out that my height was five eight and a half and I said that she had got that wrong, I’m five ten and a half and could she check it again. Of course she was right and I had shrunk a couple of inches, and that was the first indication that I had osteopenia.”

So what can we do to tackle osteoporosis? Diana is a strong advocate for exercise, early diagnosis, weight bearing exercise, and Vitamin D. “We need Vitamin D to keep us healthy but too much sun, as I know, is bad for us. 15 minutes a day is adequate, but in the northern hemisphere we don’t get enough sun, so taking supplements such as Vitamin D and calcium is the way to do it. They are the bone builders.”

DIANA MORAN 17 NOVEMBER, 2PM THE CONVENT

“IT WAS DURING A ROUTINE CHECK-UP THAT I HEARD THE NURSE CALL OUT THAT MY HEIGHT WAS FIVE EIGHT AND A HALF AND I SAID THAT SHE HAD GOT THAT WRONG, I’M FIVE TEN AND A HALF AND COULD SHE CHECK IT AGAIN. OF COURSE SHE WAS RIGHT AND I HAD SHRUNK A COUPLE OF INCHES, AND THAT WAS THE FIRST INDICATION THAT I HAD OSTEOPENIA.”

“I have had a few ups and downs with my health over the years but, most recently, I’ve been concerned about my bones,” she explains. Those few ups and downs include two bouts of cancer: firstly breast cancer in 1987which led to her having a double mastectomy, and then skin cancer 10 years later.

“I was working on Pebble Mill at the time and I didn’t tell anybody about my cancer diagnosis at the beginning. Nobody talked about The Big C back then,” she says. Does she think there’s still a taboo about talking about cancer, or has it changed for the better changed? “Absolutely changed for the better,” Diana exclaims, “and I work with cancer charities and know it’s openly talked about now, perhaps not quite so much with the men, but we’re getting there. Now the interesting thing is that osteoporosis isn’t talked about very much nowadays, so we need to change that.”

There are no signs of Diana slowing down as she gets older. One thing that emanates from chatting with her is her positivity. “One of my mantras is that age is mind over matter - if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter,” she says. Where does that positive attitude come from? “My father was very strict and I had to abide by his rules, but when I came home from school one day at the age of sixteen, I found my mother, whom I adored, dead from a cerebral haemorrhage and I grew up overnight,” she states.

Diana became a model in her early 20s but life changed when she was asked to do a regular fitness segment for breakfast television in the 1980s, going on to become a household name and recognised everywhere because of the vivid green leotard she wore.

Married twice, the first time at nineteen, she has two sons and four grandchildren who affectionately call her GG, short for Granny Goddess. As we speak the doorbell rings. “Someone’s just brought me some pansies from the market,” Diana says, going on to explain that it’s Robin, a widower who lives nearby. “I’ve been on my own for 25 years and although I’m very independent, it’s also nice to have a companion who’s on the same wavelength.”

Keeping the brain active is all part of keeping fit and Diana’s hobbies including painting. “I got a scholarship to the West of England College of Art, but my father didn’t allow me to follow art as a career.” Now she likes to paint landscapes, seascapes, animals and flowers. “I’ve told my agent that I would love to take part in one of those painting programmes on TV.” With Diana’s determination there is a huge probability that her wish will come to fruition.

Diana will be appearing at The Convent on Sunday, 17th November at 2.00 pm.

GIBRALTAR INSIGHT MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

WORDSWORDS

BY RICHARD

BY JOCARTWRIGHT WARD GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL Returning to Gibraltar for the second year running in the role of interviewer, this year Nick Higham will be in conversation with four authors: Lord Patten, Timothy Bentinck, Ed Gorman and Violet Moller. We thought we would turn things around and focus the spotlight on Nick and find out a little more about his background, his career as a journalist and as the BBC’s arts and media correspondent.

Nick was born in Pinner, Middlesex but spent his childhood travelling around the UK because his father worked for a manufacturing company and moved from one factory to another. “I spent my childhood in Carlisle, South Wales, Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, Harrogate and then back to Beaconsfield which is where we stayed until I had grown up,” he explains.

“I was nearly born in Northern Ireland where my mother was living with my father, but she didn’t want me to be born over there so she came home to have the baby - taking her first ever flight from Belfast to do so,” he tells me, “and I mildly resent that because it means I am not eligible for an Irish passport, which in the present circumstances could be quite useful.”

Describing himself as a ‘well brought up publicly educated member of the privileged classes’, Nick went to Cambridge university where he worked on the student newspaper. “I began my career as a freelance journalist via a slightly circuitous route, accidentally specialising in the media, and then after about 10 years of that in 1988 the BBC decided to appoint its first media correspondent for television news. I applied for the job and got it, principally because the only other credible candidate was a man called Delwyn Swingewood and I don’t think they thought they could get his name on the caption at the bottom of the screen!”

As media correspondent he must have met a myriad of different people. Who were the most memorable, I ask? “The trouble with being an arts and media correspondent, which I did for about fifteen years, is that I didn’t really meet that many famous people and a lot of my time was spent talking to movers and shakers in the industry behind the scenes,” he replies. Despite this Nick does conjure up the names of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as two actors that he did interview. “The most interesting people I met came in the last five or six years of my time at the BBC when I used to do a weekly books interview called Meet the Author on the BBC News channel,” he says. “I interviewed an author every week, some of whom were very famous, including Salman Rushdie

NICK HIGHAM THURSDAY, 14 NOVEMBER SATURDAY, 16 NOVEMBER

BACK IN 2003 NICK MADE HEADLINES HIMSELF WHEN HE CRITICISED THE BBC BY SAYING THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY “INSIGNIFICANT AND TRIVIAL” ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS STORIES IN NEWS BULLETINS.

and the former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. There was always something really interesting to talk about and it was a real privilege to meet those people.”

Back in 2003 Nick made headlines himself when he criticised the BBC by saying that there are too many “insignificant and trivial” entertainment and sports stories in news bulletins. “That was a rather controversial thing to say at the time because covering entertainment had been part of my brief,” he tells me, going on to say that there is nothing wrong with entertainment or celebrity journalism in principle. “I had two objections to it then, and I suppose I still have now, one is that for serious news organisations it is a distraction and the other is that, for the BBC in particular, it took up airtime and the time of journalists which could have been better devoted to news of significance.”

His years of experience make Nick the perfect person to answer the question ‘what is the art of being a good interviewer’. He tells me that if you are interviewing a writer or author, it may sound obvious, but the most useful thing you can do is read the book. “Knowing what your interviewee wants to say or is going to say, and if they need challenging - how you might challenge them, in advance is really important, so preparation is key. “ David Dimbleby used to say ‘you should never ask a question to which you don’t already know the answer’, and that is a very good principle.”

THURSDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 10.00 AM Death of a Translator with Ed Gorman and Nick Higham - The Garrison Library

2.00 PM The Map of Knowledge with Violet Moller and Nick Higham – The Garrison Library

SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 10.00 AM Being David Archer and Other Unusual Ways of Earning a Living with Timothy Bentinck and Nick Higham – The Convent

4.00 PM An audience with Lord Patten - with Nick Higham – The Convent

Having talked to so many authors, did he ever have any ambitions to write novels himself? “No, largely because I don’t think I can and I haven’t got the imagination - how does one even begin to create characters and believable dialogue,” he comments.

However, he is currently researching and writing a book about the history of London’s water supply. Nick explain how his interest was sparked in the niche topic because he lives in north London, near the course of the New River, which isn’t new and which isn’t a river. “It was in fact a man-made aqueduct which was completed in 1613 to bring fresh water from springs in Hertfordshire down to the city of London and it still exists,” he states.

“What I’m discovering is that writing history books is a lot more difficult than it looks – not so much the writing as the research. I’m metaphorically drowning in information and wrestling it into shape is going to be a real challenge.”

GIBRALTAR INSIGHT MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

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

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JUDY : 12A

As with Hamlet in the theatre, the role of The Joker on screen is fast becoming the defining role for male actors. It is all Heath Ledger’s fault for setting the bar so high and even with a gargantuan talent and presence such as Joaquin Phoenix that bar remains just out of reach. Todd Phillips is the director and gave us The Hangover, if you’re expecting laughs there’s nothing to be seen here. Arthur Fleck is just out of hospital clutching a veritable jamboree bag of medication. He has the Tourettic affliction of involuntary unstoppable laughter.

Arthur works as a clown by day and as the worst stand up you’ve ever seen or heard at night. He has dreams of dating Sophie who lives in his block and cares for his sick mother.

One day he gets beaten up and acquires a gun. He’s fired by the clown boss for taking the gun into a children’s ward at a hospital. Arthur becomes more unhinged and reliant on the Joker persona eventually killing some boys on a train.

He is lured into the Gotham underworld and kills repeatedly.

Phoenix is brilliant at playing unhinged and his ability as a physical actor is underrated.

However, without Batman to rail against, be the nemesis of and seek to destroy, Joker lacks bite. It is an adequate study of the psychopathic tendencies of a truly disturbed character and the seductive nature of the underworld in a city such as Gotham, but it is no superhero movie. Phoenix is genuinely jaw-droppingly brilliant at times and Robert De Niro superb as chat show guy Murray Franklin. But yes, Heath Ledger is looking over your shoulder.

Renée Zellweger tends to do extraordinary in most of her performances and in her role as icon Judy Garland she does it again.

The movie centres mainly on Garland’s attempted comeback at ‘The Talk of the Town’ nightclub in London. In so doing it relies on flashbacks to establish her childhood struggles during the filming of The Wizard Of Oz; which included being fed a cocktail of pills to help her sleep and keep her from gaining weight (Ahh, the glory days of the studio system eh?)

So, begins a journey of bad habits and child custody battles, temporary homelessness and demeaning work for money way below her worth. Hence the offer snapped up to appear in London, complete with a minder (Jesse Buckley) to try and keep her in order. A barnstorming performance from Zellweger is Oscar worthy, and if anything, it feels as if that was the reason for the whole thing. Garland’s life is well documented, the drugs and booze battles alongside the incredible talent; hats off to Zellweger for studying for a year with a vocal coach although she could already sing. She’s funny, oozes personality and just about captures the essence of Garland. Judy has an excellent supporting cast with Rufus Sewell as ex-husband Sid Luft. Directed by top notch theatre guy Rupert Goold, the movie is all about Zellweger and worth the admission fee alone for that joyous performance.

C’mon Get Happy!

Download and subscribe to th e Gibraltar Insigh t: At The Movies – availab le on both Apple Po dcasts and Spotify, an d smart speakers.

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SPORTS INSIGHT

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EURO-2020

OPENS UP FRIENDLY NEW FRONTIERS FOR GIBRALTAR QUALIFICATION for the finals of Euro 2020 was always going be reappearing in less enlightened lands. Not a single incident, to be an impossible dream for Gibraltar, the early promise disnot a single discordant note, and the fun was repeated in the played in narrow defeats home and away in the opening fixtures Europa League when Stevie Gerrard’s mighty Glasgow Rangers to the Republic of Ireland failed to come to fruition and bruising flew in to meet and beat St Joseph’s, no howls of protest from defeats from group heavyweights Denmark and Switzerland visiting Gers fans even when republican songs so rapturously followed, with Georgia piling on the punishment twice, firstly received for the Ireland game were innocently replayed to the with a 3-0 win in Tbilisi, followed by a much improved perforperplexed and very non-receptive unionist contingent. Undermance from Julio’s boys in losing a thriller by the odd goal in standable it was that local Sports Arena staff could scarcely five against the Georgians at a frenzied Victoria Stadium last be expected to immediately grasp the intricacies of centuries month. That magnificent second-half recovery saw Gibraltar of tribal conflict and ritual, but it all ended well, no blood was roar back from a two-goal halftime deficit to parity, with goals spilled, the hand of friendship rather than the fist of fury trifrom evergreen stalwarts Lee Casciaro and Roy Chipolina – the umphed. stadium was rocking, Georgia was rocking, victory was within The looming spectre of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit threatens roadblocks grasp, surely at least the first group point or, savour it, finally the to current ease of travel throughout Europe and, according to first glorious victory was about to come to pass, the dream was the excellent government booklet worst case scenario on becoming a reality, and then.... disaster, against the run the vexatious issue, would see delays of up to eight of play the visitors scored, the dream was crushed hours at the frontier, new visa requirements, reand cold cruel reality was restored. Joe Chipoliplacement passports and driving licences, new na’s heroic Lions of the Rock deserved better. medical insurance required as the existing FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER Played 6, lost 6, goals for 2, goals conceded EHIC medical card would no longer be valDenmark v Gibraltar 19 is the stark summary of Gibraltar’s camid. Quite why anyone would consider that (KO 20:45 CET) paign so far, unfortunately those figures nightmare prospect preferable to the curcan be expected to significantly worsen, rent seamless travel arrangements is a bit MONDAY 18TH NOVEMBER as the Rock’s last two games are away of a puzzler, and I have yet to speak to a Gibraltar v Switzerland to Denmark and at home to Switzerland Gibraltarian who disagrees with me. How(KO 20:45 CET) three days later, two countries engaged ever, it is a different story among the UK TV COVERAGE BOTH GAMES in a fierce three-way battle with Ireland for expat community, some of whom vocif(GBC and Sky Sports) the coveted two tickets to travel to the Euro erously champion a no-deal exit, citing the 2020 finals. Goal difference could be crucial in usual piffle about sovereignty and taking back deciding which nations prevail, so it will be time control etc, etc... Name me one positive outto don tin hats and strategy will, of necessity, concome, I challenge, and back came a rather hesisist of mass defence, with much demanded of ‘keeper tant response - ‘the return of full duty-free at airports’.

Kyle Goldwin, ideally ensconced on the goal line inside a big Pardon...? Have you forgotten that we all live in Gibraltar, the red No.5 double-decker bus!

Land of the Duty Free? Bizarre!

So, it is with a certain amount of trepidation we look forward to Group D’s final two games, but however welcome world headline-grabbing events like last year’s sensational double over Liechtenstein and Armenia, Gibraltar’s increasing role in international sport means far more than success on the playing field. Entry to UEFA and FIFA competitions, so long denied by a big bully neighbour, has opened up a magical wonderland of travel to and from exotic, exciting places. Gibraltar is a picture postcard destination, I doubt there is a single person on the planet who isn’t familiar with the iconic outline of The Rock, that ghostly form, like a great grey ship that has run aground, an image better known universally than any of the seven wonders of the world, a sun-kissed Shangri La, just waiting to be explored.

This year Euro 2020 qualification ties have seen fun-filled visits by football fans from Ireland, Denmark and Georgia, the Irish clash last spring especially will live long in the memory – the sight of hundreds of red and green clad rival footy fans, drinking, dancing and singing together in uninhibited harmony at a bemused Ocean Heights still evoke a warm glow in these dark days for sport, when populism, racism and xenophobia seem to

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Next up on the Euro itinerary is a visit to Copenhagen for the return fixture against Denmark, long regarded as one of the happiest places on Earth to live, free medical care, free education, very generous maternity and paternity leave, fantastic social care benefits, all of which the Danes are happy to pay for with taxation rates of up to an eye-watering 60 percent. There is, however, one problem that is causing their government some angst, to the extent an initiative has been announced called “Do It For Denmark”... it’s the nation’s low birth rate! Yes, it appears that the Vikings, the scourge of the Atlantic island communities for centuries, raping and pillaging, wanton behaviour that gave rise to the cry on those stricken islands of ‘Lock up your daughters, lock up your wives, the Vikings are coming’, are now firing blanks or not firing at all in the bedroom! Odin and Thor must be spinning in their graves.

Three days later Gibraltar conclude the campaign when Switzerland, another of Europe’s top sides are welcomed to Victoria Stadium – don’t be late, the cuckoo-clock men know a thing or two about timekeeping!

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FOOTBALL INSIGHT THIS MONTH, THE SPOTLIGHT TURNS TO LYNX FC CAPTAIN, MOHAMED BADR. HIS STATS ARE IMPRESSIVE, HAVING PLAYED 91% OF FIRST TEAM GAMES FOR LYNX, AND THIS YEAR ACHIEVED THE MILESTONE OF MAKING IT TO THE GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL TEAM, APPEARING IN THE MATCHES AGAINST KOSOVO AND GEORGIA.

WE STARTED BY ASKING HIM, WHAT MADE HIM TICK… “Football is my passion and I haven’t stopped playing since I was 6 years old. I played in Egypt until I was about 21 years old. Playing in Egypt is different to Gibraltar. It’s a different kind of football in my opinion. Many Egyptian players still think of football as a pastime, unlike European players, who live and breathe football and change their whole life to adapt to their jobs as professional players. Egypt has many great talents, but that on its own is not enough. Mindset is an important part of a player’s career. I learned a lot from Egypt, but in Gibraltar I became more mature and professional. I really like Gibraltar, and am at my most comfortable here.

Six years ago my agent offered me the opportunity to play in Gibraltar or the Maldives and I chose Gibraltar. I have been at Lynx F.C. all of this time. It was great to become captain of my team and I really feel happy here. Albert Parody (owner, chairman and manager of Lynx F.C.) treats me very well and I look forward to the team’s continued success.

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I love life in Gibraltar and having lived in different countries, I can tell you Gibraltar is an amazing country to live in. The peace, the education, the people. There is no racism. Everything is good here to have a good life.

In order to get to where you want to be, you will always meet some struggles and these only makes you stronger. Receiving my Gibraltar citizenship was a wonderful moment. Then the same week, I got selected for the Gibraltar national team which was the best news I received in my life. To be in the starting XI in my first game was a crazy feeling, I don’t know how to describe it. Unbelievable. Being in the stadium singing the national anthem was very emotional. I feel like it was the reward for all the hard work and sacrifice in my life. I am excited for the future with the squad and developing and getting better all of the time. Gibraltar is my country.”

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SYOG

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SUPERYACHT OWNERS’ GUIDE

SUPERYACHT OWNERS’ GUIDE

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

Selfies

IN SPACE Boldly going where no selfie has gone before, Samsung recently enlisted the help of actor, model and philanthropist Cara Delevingne.

At an event hosted by Radio 1’s Clara Amfo, Cara revealed the initiative to give everyone the opportunity to get their face in space.

Cara’s contribution was holding up a peace sign and wearing an astronaut helmet. The moment was also commemorated with a group selfie, taken by Cara, and featured A-list event attendees including; Italian rapper, singer and songwriter Fedez, best known as a judge on the Italian X Factor and his 2019 hit ‘Holding Out For You’ featuring Zara Larsson.

Cara Delevingne said, “I’m honored to be Samsung’s SpaceSelfie pioneer!

To celebrate, I wanted to take the first group selfie to go to space. I can’t wait for my fans to join us in space and get their hands on a SpaceSelfie of their own.”

SpaceSelfie gives consumers the chance to join Cara in space by uploading a photo to Samsung’s ‘Mission Control’ website: www. samsung.com/spaceselfie.

Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Europe said, “Tonight, we made history by unveiling the first selfie sent into space. Our relentless pioneering spirit continues to show that amazing things happen on a Samsung screens – even from the stratosphere.”

“Our ethos is Do What You Can’t and the Samsung SpaceSelfie is just that. We continually break the boundaries of what is possible with innovation and tonight’s SpaceSelfie launch is no different.”

Images will then be selected at random, displayed on Galaxy S10 5G’s 6.7-inch screen and captured using a unique view of planet earth as the backdrop. This photo will be sent back down to earth for its owner to share on social media.

SONY 360 REALITY AUDIO HITS THE MARKET First there was mono, then stereo with all its flavours... from quadrophonic to Q Sound. Now, Sony has announced that 360 Reality Audio has partnered with some of the world’s leading audio providers and music entertainment companies to commercially launch 360 Reality Audio.

This new way of encoding audio at source and decoding at playback, makes it possible for artists and music creators to produce a music experience, by mapping sound sources such as vocals, chorus and instruments with positional information, and placing them within a spherical space. When listeners hear content produced in the 360 Reality Audio music format, they experience an immersion into sound that closely mimics the omni-directional soundscape of a live musical performance.

an entirely new world of music entertainment.

“360 Reality Audio is a proof point that innovation never stops,” said Mike Fasulo, president and chief operating officer, Sony Electronics (North America). “The confluence of deep technical roots, tireless artists and forward-thinking hardware and semiconductor partners illustrates the tremendous draw of this radical new way to make music even more moving. Together with valued industry partners, Sony has architected the most powerful, realistic music experience for listeners and a new medium for artists to create.”

Sony is working with major music labels (Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group), Live Nation, music distribution services and other music organisations to provide the technology for building a musical ecosystem around 360 Reality Audio, which will include the creation, distribution and playing of music content. Sony will also provide specifications for the 360 Reality Audio music format with the cooperation of Fraunhofer IIS, part of Europe’s largest organisation for applied research. Through these efforts, Sony is working to promote this new music experience to music creators, artists and music fans, with the aim of creating GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

Beginning in Autumn 2019, listeners in Europe, the United States and beyond can access approximately 1,000 songs in this brand-new format from artists such as Billy Joel, Bob Dylan and Pharrell Williams through streaming services Amazon Music HD, Deezer, nugs.net and TIDAL. Compatible decoding equipment will be required to fully benefit from the new audio format, with hardware partners due to be announced in the coming months.

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FEATURE

YOUSEFF

El Hana

WITH A POPULATION OF AROUND 30,000 LIVING IN A CONFINED SPACE OF JUST TWO AND A HALF SQUARE MILES IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN THAT WHICH THE ROCK’S OFTEN PRAISED FOR... `PRESENTING A MODEL OF TOLERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE’ WITHIN THE COMMUNITY... NOT VERY EVIDENT ELSEWHERE OUTSIDE OUR BORDERS! We have Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, members of other religions or groupings, nonbelievers and whoever is in between, living in harmony on a very limited stretch of soil!

Today, many other nationalities are resident on the Rock: individuals who also have a set of beliefs as a religion or other form of conviction. Youssef El Hana is pretty determined to progress on the free-thinking, open-minded, tolerant Gibraltar community even further with everyone’s indulgence. `Understanding Gibraltar’ - a Think Tank - set up a few years ago supports efforts to bring the community closer together. Apart from the communities mentioned above, Baha’is, Humanists and Atheists have taken part in this positive endeavour and Youssef takes part in that consultative grouping too. Hence, keeping the peace and living in harmony is good enough reason to keep the status quo which needs to be nurtured and encouraged at every stage. It has to be said that by and large

some of our sub-communities keep to themselves and that’s OK whilst respecting the customs and traditions of others, and that has been the way on the Rock always.

Moroccans began arriving on the Rock in considerable numbers in the late 60s and 70s during the closure of our land border when the Spanish workforce had to leave Gibraltar, but there were some who arrived much earlier in the early 60s.

“That’s right. My family began to settle here then. I was born in Morocco and was brought over when I was three years old,” 25 year old Youssef tells me, “so I consider myself a Gibraltarian Muslim of Moroccan ethnicity.” Because Youssef’s family has made the Rock their home, he is of the strong belief more members of his and other communities should integrate more fully in the country they’ve chosen to make their home. That’s why Gibraltarian Youssef has been busy over a few years organising events aiming to bring all of our minority communities

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and Christians closer together. “At the end of every day during Ramadan we have IFTAR or the breaking of the fast, where Muslims have abstained from food and drink all through the day!” Whilst living in the UK, Youssef and other Muslim friends noticed Iftar being offered to the rest of the community - all and sundry Muslim or otherwise - and thought it a good idea to introduce it on the Rock so as to partake in food and beverages and enjoy a casual chat with the person next to them and learn more about each other’s way of life. Non-Muslims are also asked to take on the challenge and take part in a fast for a day `Unity Fast’ and offer a donation which would go to a worthy cause on the Just Giving charity website. “Gibraltarians and friends away from the Rock have taken part in the event offering videos and pictures of their efforts. “In 2017 we raised £500, £1,000 in 2018 and we’re hoping to reach our target of £1,500 this year. I have a number of young Muslims helping me to set up these special days and thanks also go to the Gibraltar Government and other commercial entities like Marble Arc, Saccone & Speed, GibMaroc and others for their support.

On a larger scale I’ve helped to organise this Ramadan idea in Kingston University (where I studied) which brought many members of the much wider community together, a key to improving the world we live in.”

Youssef, who has his PGCE and teaches science in a Croydon school, clearly has a yearning and constant craving for research. He studied Bio-Medicine Science in Kingston, has a Masters in Cancer Biology, and is now going for a Masters in International Relations. But it doesn’t end there: he also aims to attain a PhD in Cancer Research, and he’ll probably go for more! So when not studying, Youssef says he’s an advocate for more integration. He’s happy with the way `come together’ events have gone so far at the Europa Mosque, the Boulevard and on Wellington Front, but claims he wants to see 110% more as regards integration. “I can only speak about my community and think many British Moroccans have been on the Rock for 30, 40 and more years and can hardly speak a word of English, but there are many others who have integrated fully.” Youssef says the majority of the early Moroccan settlers on the Rock were illiterate. They came to work and provide for their families. However, today, Gibraltarian Moroccans can be found in the medical field, accountancy and legal professions, the RGP and Prison Service, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment... and the list goes on.

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There are of course memories of how the Moroccan community was treated on the Rock by some in the past, hurtful memories and some of the younger elements of the community may hold a certain amount of resentment towards the authorities and others, memories which Youssef considers should not be forgotten but not used to hold back progress. “We should learn from the past and not dwell on it but learn from it and move on. Today the majority are like minded individuals who I work with in the Muslim Youth of Gibraltar group and we each do our bit. We are the in-roads towards achieving a better understanding of each other by having an informed opinion of each other’s background and in that way breaking the ignorance that in some instances still exists. Yes, we hear a lot about the living conditions of some Moroccans but the fact is, some of them prefer to pay a lower rent for an inferior dwelling so as to save up for their wives and kids in Morocco.”

Clearly if those families were brought over they would invest in a place they’d call home. Some years ago Moroccans were offered inducements to return to North Africa at the end of their un-renewed contracts on the Rock... gently booted out, in other words! There have also been complications re access to Government housing, medical care and some other issues too. “It’s also true to say, many more Moroccans are being made British Citizens these days with many achieving better employment. There are currently about 1,700 in the Moroccan community living on the Rock. Personally, I have to thank former Minister for Health - the late Bernard Linares - and others for being instrumental in sending me to the UK for a serious eye operation. I was three years old and diagnosed with cancer. Not being Gibraltarian at the time, my mum and I used to visit my dad who worked, and still does, in Marble Arc on visas.

So my family is eternally grateful and things have improved.”

Youssef lives with his mum, dad and brothers in the Waterport area and are happy there.

Thus Youssef, the young Gibraltarian with a passion for research - he, who wants to speak out and showcase his community - is for now, a-political, whilst holding an interest from afar. Maybe one day he will go for it and become a politician building on inclusivity for all, but in the meantime he’ll concentrate on helping to build his homeland Gibraltar, an even better place for all and truly make the Rock unmatched... anywhere in the world!

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GIB CHEFS ACCLAIMED BY

AA UK RESTAURANT GUIDE The world-renowned AA Restaurant Guide 2020 has been unveiled, and Gibraltar has scored three mentions in the acclaimed book.

Known as the food lover’s guide to the best cuisine in Britain, it contains over 2,000 restaurants that have been awarded Rosettes for culinary excellence by the AA’s professional inspectors.

We caught up with those who’ve been commended...

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FEATURE

MIRKO

Alfred Rodriguez Executive Chef - Rock Hotel

SCARABELLO Executive Chef: The Sunborn

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CHEF?

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CHEF?

Always new from the age of 5!

I was raised in a family involved hospitality business and cooking became my passion when I went to school.

WHERE AND HOW WERE YOU TRAINED?

WHERE AND HOW WERE YOU TRAINED?

Gibraltar Technical College, Lancaster and Morecombe College of Art and Technology, and Queens Hotel Leeds.

Later on, at Le Gavroche in London which had 3 Michelin Stars and Le Mazarin which had 1 Michelin Star, the Halcyon Hotel and the London Ritz.

I started with few internships and moved on working side by side with Michelin star chefs in Italy and England.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CHEF IN GIBRALTAR? 4 years.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CHEF IN GIBRALTAR? I have worked in the industry for nearly 50 years and all of this in the same establishment.

WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE, WHAT SORT OF HOURS ARE REQUIRED?

My days are never the same. I could be doing my normal 10-hour day or 16 hours if there is a banquet.

I oversee all the culinary operation here in Sunborn with 2 restaurants and the banqueting team, all this involve a lot of planning, research and management of 40 team’s member. I work an average of 10 hours per day.

WHICH CHEFS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST AND WHY?

WHICH CHEFS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST AND WHY?’

WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE, WHAT SORT OF HOURS ARE REQUIRED?

The biggest human influence on my career is my mother, who is a fantastic cook, and Jimmy Bossino my first General Manager. The Gaggero family who own the Rock Hotel for their great support and encouragement throughout the years and last, but not least, the great Albert Roux.

My mentor, Pino Lavarra, 2 Michelin stars chef at the moment in Doha. From the first time I met him in 1998, I often reflect on him as my guide in sense of tasting, quality, passion and calmness.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CUISINE TO COOK?

Mediterranean.

I like cooking fish for its delicate flavours and fresh pasta for some of our signature dishes.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CUISINE TO COOK? WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? Smoked risotto with seabass carpaccio and lime emulsion.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? My saffron prawns with forbidden rice, and our wild mushroom ravioli are just a few signature dishes but there are many more.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WINE?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WINE?

WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CURRENT ON NEW TRENDS? WHAT ARE TRENDS FOR THIS SEASON?

I am not a wine buff, but I enjoy light German wines.

WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST AT WORK? I am happiest at work when we are at our busiest there is a special buzz about the place fantastic.

WHAT FOODS DO YOU LIKE TO PAIR TOGETHER AND WHY? When we pair food, we always look at trends and see whether they suit our style. At the moment there is a lot of influence Coming from Peru and other south American countries.

Wildbacher of Collalto, autochthonous from my region in Italy.

I do research online, I travel to taste and see new things, I read culinary books. The trends for this and next season are mainly plant based menu, healthy option and sustainability.

WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST AT WORK? When I receive good feedback from our clients, that makes me proud of our work and my team.

WHAT FOODS DO YOU LIKE TO PAIR TOGETHER AND WHY? At the moment, vegetables and vegan dishes, because it is challenging for me and I like the challenge.

WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL MENU LOOK LIKE AT THIS RESTAURANT? My ideal menu is a short one with fresh produce.

HOW DOES YOUR WINTER MENU DIFFER FROM YOUR SPRING MENU?

HOW OFTEN DO YOU LIKE TO CHANGE YOUR LUNCH AND DINNER MENU? Our À La Carte menus change summer and winter and our house menus change daily.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DEVELOPING A MENU? WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER WHEN CREATING A NEW MENU?

I follow the seasonality of products availability even though now we can have most the things all year around however not with the same taste and this is the key for me.

WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL MENU LOOK LIKE AT THIS RESTAURANT? As it is.

When developing a menu, one must consider the clientele you are serving, your staff capabilities, and the budget. The number of people you are catering for and how easy it is to serve; all this must apply and then it’s just about creativity.

Here in Gibraltar where the seasons are long, I am changing twice a year.

ARE YOU A HANDS-ON CHEF WHERE YOU WORK THE LINE OR MORE OF A MANAGERIAL EXECUTIVE CHEF AND STAY IN THE BACKGROUND? (TO EXPLAIN HIS ROLE)

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DEVELOPING A MENU? WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER WHEN CREATING A NEW MENU?

I am very much a hands-on chef but in my latter years I have started delegating to the supervisors.

WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL KITCHEN TEAM LOOK LIKE? I feel privileged to form part of the wonderful brigade we have at the moment and I consult constantly with my both my Head Chef’s Andres and Rachid, also with Abdeslam our Head Pastry Chef for whom I have the greatest professional respect.

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HOW OFTEN DO YOU LIKE TO CHANGE YOUR LUNCH AND DINNER MENU?

For me everything start with 3 main question: Where? Which Location and type of restaurant When? Season, lunch or dinner Who? Clientele target Then the research of products, the food trends and consideration of the potential available in terms of equipment, people and budget.

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FEATURE

JAVIER VILLERO

Head Chef - Nuno’s Caleta Hotel WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CHEF?

WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CURRENT ON NEW TRENDS? WHAT ARE TRENDS FOR THIS SEASON?

Really it was purely by chance. When I was 16 years old and studying at high school, I started working in a tapas bar in Barcelona. As I really enjoyed the job, I decided I wanted to make a career out of it, so I went to study at the Escola Superior d’Hostaleria de Barcelona (ESHOB).

I am from Barcelona where there is a lot of competition, so you have to know the latest trends. I attend fairs like the San Sebastian Gastronómica or Madrid Fusion, I also go to great restaurants. It is true that cuisine has evolved a lot over these last years. Currently it involves changes of texture, foams, airs, sprays, low temperature cooking, etc.

WHERE AND HOW WERE YOU TRAINED? As I said, I was trained at the Escola Superior d’Hostaleria de Barcelona (ESHOB).

The restaurant where I began my career was that of the late Santi Santamaria,”El Raco de Can Fabes’. I started working there as soon as I finished my studies. At that time the restaurant had two Michelin Guide stars. The following year we were awarded three stars. I spent seven years at this restaurant and ended up becoming the second chef. I then went to work in the restaurant of Alain Ducasse in Monaco, which also had 3 Michelin stars. I have also worked in Pedro Subijana’s “Akelarre” restaurant in San Sebastian.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CHEF IN GIBRALTAR? I was first a chef in Gibraltar 10 years ago at the Caleta Hotel. Before I left Gibraltar, I had been the Head Chef at Nuno’s Restaurant for two years. I decided I really wanted to come back to Gibraltar - as both my grandfather and great-grandfather were from Gibraltar - so I have now been the Head Chef at Nuno’s again for three months.

WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE, WHAT SORT OF HOURS ARE REQUIRED? You have to be dedicated when you work in the hospitality sector.

My working days vary, but they are usually around 10 to 12 hours sometimes more.

WHICH CHEFS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST AND WHY?

WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST AT WORK? When I ask a diner how the food was and get a positive response … when you fill the restaurant and all the diners are satisfied. In the end our greatest gratification is the thanks from our patrons.

WHAT FOODS DO YOU LIKE TO PAIR TOGETHER AND WHY? There is a dish that I have been making for a long time and will feature on Nuno’s next menu. It is scallop with sweet potato, they are two products that are now in season and I think that no flavour overlaps with the other in this way and I like that.

HOW DOES YOUR WINTER MENU DIFFER FROM YOUR SPRING MENU? More than anything it’s the ingredients I use. I always try to use seasonal produce and, as you know, all vegetables have their seasons, as with the truffle, mushrooms etc …

In winter I like to use chestnuts, quince, truffle and mushrooms for example whereas in spring more vegetables, fruits, fresher dishes, more salads.

WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL MENU LOOK LIKE AT THIS RESTAURANT? The tasting menu, because it comprises different dishes and gives more of a global idea of the type of cuisine we prepare.

The chef I admire the most is Santi Santamaria because I shared a lot with him, he was a very important person in my life. I admire many chefs such as Paul Bocusse, Alain Ducasse, Michel Bras Juan Mari Arzak, Ferran Adria... But above all, I admire all the professionals who work in kitchens and love their profession.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU LIKE TO CHANGE YOUR LUNCH AND DINNER MENU?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CUISINE TO COOK?

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DEVELOPING A MENU? WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER WHEN CREATING A NEW MENU?

I like cooking everything, but above all I focus on the produce . If the produce is good, I love to cook it in different ways until I find the perfect way to prepare it.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? To me all my dishes are signature dishes, so this question should really be put to the diners. In the end, my signature dish is the one diners will order frequently.

For me, I like to change the menu when the seasons change as this affects the choice of produce available and people’s dining preferences.

The first thing I do is look for the quality and availability of the main ingredients because in Gibraltar it can sometimes be difficult to obtain certain produce. After getting the main ingredients, I study the dishes to ensure they do not look alike, and look for seasonal garnishes. I also ensure that my gastronomic offering is varied and able to please as many diners as possible.

Note: translated from Spanish

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WINE? Actually, I do not have one. Now that I in Gibraltar I opt more for regional wines such as port or sherry. Today we are fortunate as almost all the wineries make great wines.

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MOTORING INSIGHT The XCeed is all-new, and is partially based on the Ceed 5-door hatch platform. However, it only shares the front doors - every other panel is new, and different. It stands 42mm taller than the hatch, has more muscular lines, black plastic wheel-arch mouldings, and black trim to make it look more like a rugged SUV/ Off-roader.

Many will think that the XCeed is just a pumped-up version of the hatch, that Kia have done this just to keep up with the demand of this type of vehicle. This is not the first time in history that a manufacturer has taken a car, stuck on some wheel-arch mouldings, added some other bits and pieces, and tried to make something a bit different. Remember the Rover 25 Streetwise? That actually sold quite well, and it was only a Rover 25.aBut the XCeed is much more than that, although it has the underpinnings of the Ceed. When you look past this, it is very different.

Three engines are available at launch, and I tried all three while on the launch event in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. First to try was the 1.4 T-GDI petrol, coupled to a very smooth 7-speed DCT auto (a 6-speed manual is also available). This engine produces 138 bhp goes from 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. The car I drove was a bright metallic yellow ‘First-Edition’ UK-priced at £29,195 OTR. This car with this engine (and fully loaded with standard spec) drove really well. It was quick enough, quiet, and had a very clear 10.2-inch TFT LCD widescreen - standard on the ‘3’ and First Edition models. The system uses Kia’s Live Services using an eSIM card to retrieve and update live data that includes weather forecasts, points of interest, details of on and off-street parking availability and so on.

The second car to drive was the 1.0 3-cylinder petrol in the base car, the ‘2’ but to describe it as a base car, is strictly not true, since it does have plenty of standard specification, but doesn’t have the larger screen or satellite navigation. I drove a car with the 6-speed manual, with a UK list price of £20,795 OTR. The engine is small, but it had plenty of power, and at no stage did it feel underpowered.

This engine produces 118bhp, and although you have to work it a bit more than the 1.4, it would be a good choice especially if it was in the higher spec’d ‘3’

ProCeed at Kia’s plant in Zilina in Slovakia, and built to a very high standard, in an ultra-modern factory.

Last car to test was the 1.6 CRDi diesel, and the engine will probably be the least successful due to the continuing backlash against diesel powered cars. However, it does have a low CO2 figure of 116g/ km NEDC 2.0, and this is bound to rise with WLTP. Surprisingly, the engine is fairly quiet, although slightly noisy on initial start-up, but soon settles down after a short distance. It is not an unpleasant car to drive, it does everything it is supposed to, but after driving the two petrol engines, you can’t stop thinking that those are the ones to have, especially the 1.4 and it costs £1,200 less than the diesel in the ‘3’ model. A Plug-In Hybrid powertrain is planned range, but the exact timing of this is yet to be confirmed by Kia. The XCeed does look good, and has some great lines, and is very coupé-like. This is a sporty alternative to the traditional SUV, and Kia refer to it as a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) The XCeed does offer the practicality of a SUV, the sporty handling of a hatch, and the handsome looks of a coupé, so it does offer something a bit more distinctive and dynamic.

The XCeed addition to the Kia range might seem a bit confusing: another SUV in the range that is bound to compete with the ever-popular Sportage, and latest additions such as the Niro, Stonic, ProCeed, Soul and the larger Sorento, and the Ceed Sportswagon. Some come with self-charging Hybrid, and others are pure-electric. Long gone are the days when Kia just offered just a handful of cars, and long gone are the days when dealers just needed a small showroom to display them all. Kia now has a great range of well-built and good-looking vehicles, and the XCeed is testament to this.

The XCeed stands out in a crowded market, it is priced sensibly and a good choice of engines. All models have a good level of standard specification, and are full of high-tech equipment. And like all Kias has a 7-Year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The XCeed is built alongside the Ceed Hatch and estate and the

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FEATURE

G i b r a lGtIMa rENT

TA N K R E

Although the above photograph may be well known to most of us due to its appearance in the Gibraltar issue of the noted publication, After the Battle, few people may know that a squadron of as many as 12 tanks were stationed here during WWII. This unit was attached to 2nd Gibraltar Brigade for operational purposes and was aptly named The Gibraltar Tank Squadron R.A.C (Royal Armoured Corps). Even though the operational life span of this squadron was short and thankfully uneventful it nevertheless provides an interesting addition to Gibraltar’s wartime history.

Though the unit was officially formed on the 12th March 1943, its origins date back to well before this time as apparently the Governor, General Sir Clive Liddell, sent a request to the War Office in London on the 13th June 1941 to supply an unknown number of infantry tanks for use in Gibraltar. This is, as far as I know, the first time a need for these weapons was required by the Garrison. The War Office in turn turned down the request stating none were available for some months and instead dispatched six Ironsides (wheeled armoured cars) plus spares though without any trained drivers. Britain was indeed in dire straits at this stage of the war.

The next time we find a mention for Tanks in War Office Records is on 13th June 1942 as part of a Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting held in London with General Mason McFarlane. At this meeting he requests for the provision of ten to twelve Churchill Infantry Tanks for the Gibraltar Garrison. This request was thankfully denied by the War Office as these machines weighing over 39 tonnes and with a long chassis would have been virtually inoperable on the Rock.

The Garrison had to wait until September 1942 for ten Valentine MKIII infantry tanks to arrive. These tanks comprised of a crew of four, weighed over 16 tonnes, were armed with a puny two pounder main gun and were already becoming obsolete in the face of German tank developments. The reason for them to reach Gibraltar at this particular time was no coincidence, the invasion of North Africa, Operation Torch, was about start and the military authorities wanted to reinforce the Garrison in case there were any retal-

iatory attacks from Spain. These tanks along with four Officers and seven Other Ranks disembarked from the S.S. ITTERSUM on the 27th September and were taken over by No.71 Section RAOC (Royal Army Ordnance Corps) in order to be mechanically overhauled. Selected members of the 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, also part of 2nd Gibraltar Brigade, had already been attending Driver & Maintenance courses preparatory to taking command of the tanks as soon as they arrived. An interesting entry in the 2nd Gibraltar Brigade War Diary for 10th October 1942 reads “ trials with one Valentine MKIII at Napier Railway Tunnel to discover whether tunnel would allow passage of tanks through it or whether any R.E. work was required”. No further indication is given whether the tank went through or not.

On its formation the Squadron’s initial strength was Officers 4, NCOs 10 and Troopers 28. The unit was divided into four troops; each one consisted of three tanks and was divided as follows; • HQ Troop Captain J.L. Adams, Commanding Officer.

• No. 1 Troop. Lieutenant H.G. Wilkes, Unit Fire Fighting and Arms and Ammunition Officer.

• No. 2 Troop. Lieutenant L.W. Sanders, Unit Transport and Weapon Training Officer.

• No. 3 Troop. Lieutenant O.A. Ellis, 2nd in Command and Technical Adjutant

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FEATURE Three of the above officers, Capt. Adams, Lieut. Wilkes and Sanders were transferred along with twenty four other ranks from the Somerset Light Infantry Regiment which were based at Buena Vista Barracks. The initial accommodation area for the Squadron is unknown although later in August they were located at Kingsway in the Alameda. (now beneath Alameda and Kingsway House) ‘Squadron Standing Orders’ were issued to all officers and were displayed in the Squadron Office. These orders stated the various directives for the unit and covered diverse subjects.

These ranged from discipline to the speed limit set for the tanks. I find these instructions very interesting as they convey a glimpse of how the soldiers lived and how the tanks were operated.

Here are some examples;

Dress ‘On all parades with tanks overalls or denims will be worn.’

‘The R.A.C. black beret with badge will be worn.’

Tanks ‘Smoking is not permitted when working on or travelling in tanks. Riding outside is forbidden unless intercom system has broken down. Passengers will not be carried on or inside tanks.’

‘If roads or paths are damaged tank crews will do their best to make good the damage by using shovels on tanks before proceeding.’

Bounds ‘Unless otherwise ordered by the Squadron Leader all roads on the UPPER ROCK (that is, roads leading from EUROPA RD to WINDMILL HILL, to area of GOVERNOR’S COTTAGE, to QUEENS RD, to MOORISH CASTLE) are definitely out of bounds for all tanks.

Other areas out of bounds.

SCUD HILL. All playing fields.

All barrack squares.

ALAMEDA SQUARE.

As can be seen above, the restrictions imposed on the movement of the Squadrons Tanks due to Gibraltar’s geography limited their usefulness in any combat situation.

For reasons unknown, the unit’s war establishment was increased during July and August 1943 with the formation of No. 4 and 5 Troop. This establishment only lasted till the end of August of that same year when No. 4 and 5 Troop were dissolved and the squadron reverted to four Troops: HQ, 1, 2 and 3. Each Troop was now equipped with Valentine MKIX. These tanks were an improved version with the larger 6 pounder quick firing gun in the same turret. As a consequence the crew was reduced to three adding the responsibility of loading the gun, to the commander. I have not been able to find any exact dates as to when they were exchanged but what is known is that the Squadron carried out a first shoot seaward with the new models on 4th Aug. 1943 and that on the 6th Sep. 1943 the twelve 2pdr armed Valentines were loaded onto cargo ships here on the Rock and transported to Portugal. The main role for the new up gunned versions was now as mobile anti tank artillery and in support of infantry involved in any counter attack against an enemy invasion.

In September 1943 a cadre for training infantry to man the tanks was commenced. This was primarily in the event the squadron was ever re-armed in the future.

At this point it is wise to mention that the War Office had decided, following a report by the Defence of Bases Committee, to reduce the Garrison strength by half. This was as a result of the need for troops for the Italian campaign and the reduced threat of a German attack through Spain. Indeed so great was need for equipment and personnel for this new theatre of operations that the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) had the intention of transferring all tanks to form a reconnaissance squadron as part of the 4th Infantry Division. This idea was rejected by the War Office on the recommendation of the Governor, General Sir Mason McFarlane, who stated that the Gibraltar Tank Squadron was unsuitable for this role either because of the lack of combat experience of its personnel or the obsoleteness of its equipment. The Governor reluctantly agreed to the reduction of the Garrison including the Tank Squadron but in turn requested that “since I wish in occasions to be able to man and drive up to 1 section of 3 tanks in order to demonstrate both to the Garrison and neighbours that they remain in commission I retain:-

CASEMATES SQUARE.

• 1 Officer (subaltern)

AERODROME.

• 1 Sergeant (Mechanist)

ROAD TO SPAIN across AERODROME.

• 2 Corporals

EASTERN BEACH (only allowed with permission from F.H.Q.

• 7 Troopers (including 3 Gun Operators).

All dock areas.

This “Care & Maintenance” party or cadre was finally agreed by the War Office in a report dated December 1943.

MAIN STREET from WATERPORT to CASEMATES.

The Squadron reached a peak in October 1943 when its strength was;

R.A.F. RECLAMATION area.

EUROPA POINT and BREWERY BARRACKS area (the latter may be used when tanks are firing only).

In Bounds.

Training runs will be confined to main roads in EUROPA, ROSIA, TOC.H, ALAMEDA, RECLAMATION RD, CASEMATES and CATALAN BAY areas.’

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• 6 Officers • 1 WO2 • 8 NCO • 27 Troopers Plus Attached • 1 NCO • 22 Privates The Squadron took part in various exercises in conjunction with other units of 2nd

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Gibraltar Brigade including the 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment and 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. There were also some manoeuvres under 1st Gibraltar Brigade orders which involved No.1, 2 and 3 Troop in landing beach exercises disembarking from L.C.T.s (Landing Craft Tank).

This was undoubtedly in preparation for the involvement of the squadron in a locally devised special operation against the Spanish defences on the Neutral Ground. An interesting exercise called Ajax carried out in conjunction with 1st Hertfordshire Regiment and involving two Troops (six tanks ) reveals a curious objective for the manoeuvres, “to ensure Tanks can move through AROW STREET without damaging RE or Sig Equipment located in tunnels” Sometime between December 1943 and April 1944 we find information in other War Office records that the squadron was now equipped with twelve Sherman Tanks of an unspecified model. These were more modern American made Medium Tanks of 30 Tonnes in weight and a 75mm gun as main armament and a crew of 5. At this stage in the war they formed the mainstay of the British Armoured formations. It begs the question, why were the tanks exchanged with Shermans at this late date when the risk of attack was minimal and the priority for new equipment and shipping was for the forthcoming invasion of France?

This lead me initially to theorise that the Shermans must have come from North Africa, veterans of the desert campaigns and most probably nearly worn out. The recent discovery of an entry dated 30th Dec 1944 in a Gibraltar Garrison Quartermaster file contradicts this theory as it states that War Office authority had been granted to ship nine Sherman Tanks to another theatre of operations. This theatre is not mentioned but the likely candidate is Italy. This provides evidence that these machines must have been in nearly new condition in order to justify their costly transportation.

Nevertheless the Tank Squadron carried on its existence albeit on a caretaker role until at least September 1945 as the Order of Battle for Gibraltar Garrison still includes the Tank Squadron, Detachment only. This RAC contingent also took part in the VE (Victory in Europe) parade held locally on the 12th of May. The fate of the three remaining tanks is clouded in mystery after the end of hostilities apart from two examples that survived at Europa Point. This fact has been confirmed by many eyewitness accounts .One of these accounts confirms that they were pushed over the cliffs into the sea, certainly before 1961, where they remained until the’ Fedra disaster’ either relocated them to deeper waters or squashed them beyond recognition. Photos of these tanks whilst on dry land have not yet been found but the search continues.

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR

This year marked the 214th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the traditional Act of Remembrance was once again held within the Trafalgar Cemetery.

Commander Michael Maher Royal Navy, Commanding Officer Royal Navy and Commander Stuart Lawrence Royal Navy, Commanding Officer Joint Support Unit placed wreaths on the graves of those who died as a result of the iconic Battle.

During the service, His Excellency The Governor of Gibraltar, Lieutenant General Edward Davis CB CBE KStJ read the despatch from Admiral Collingwood to the then Lieutenant Governor which informed Gibraltar that Commander-in-Chief’ had died: ‘Yesterday a Battle was fought by His Majesty’s Fleet, and a Victory gained, which will stand recorded as one of the most brilliant and decisive, that ever distinguished the British Navy… Our loss has been great in Men; but what is irreparable, and the cause of Universal Lamentation, is the death of the Noble Commander-in-Chief who died in the arms of Victory; I have not yet any reports from the ships…”

GDP OFFICERS AWARDED MEMBERS OF THE GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE WERE AMONG RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS AT THE CONVENT. Members of the Gibraltar Defence Police were among recipients of awards at the Convent.

A total of twenty-one Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Clasps were presented by His Excellency the Governor Lieutenant General Edward Davis and caretaker Chief Minister, Mr Fabian Picardo QC MP at the ceremony. Also attending the ceremony was Commodore Tim Henry, Commander British Forces Gibraltar.

GDP Inspector Xavi Buhagiar received his second Clasp, awarded for 30 years of service to the Force.

Sergeant Christian Hermida was presented with his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for 18 years service.

GDP Police Constable Stacey Rowbottom received her Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for 18 years service.

Speaking after the ceremony, GDP Chief Police Officer, Chief Superintendent Rob Allen said, “It is good to see GDP officers receiving recognition for their service, alongside their colleagues from Gibraltar’s First Responder and Prison Service community. These officers provide a valuable service to the MOD and wider Gibraltar community and I congratulate the three GDP officers on achieving these awards. I would also like to commend their families for the support they have provided over many years to help the officers in their career.”

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THE ROYAL NAVY GIBRALTAR SQUADRON HOSTED A CHARITY COFFEE MORNING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SOLDIERS’, SAILORS’ AND AIRMEN’S FAMILIES ASSOCIATION (SSAFA).

Leading Seaman (LS) Nick Hickman, one of the Squadron’s RHIB Coxswains, was responsible for organising the event, ensuring that cakes were baked, bacon was fried and tea was brewed and put on a superb spread for those serving with British Forces Gibraltar and their families. LS Hickman said, “This is the third time I have organised a “Big Brew Up” in support of SSAFA. The event has brought people together from across The Rock and raised money for a very worthy cause in the process.”

The Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Lieutenant Commander Kyle Walkley was full of praise for LS Hickman and the team and added, “It is great to see the hard work of members of the Squadron translated into real tangible benefits for a Service charity. SSAFA is a great cause, and the money we have been able to raise will go towards helping to improve the lives of personnel serving, their families, and veterans.”

The event ended up raising £260 for SSAFA.

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FEATURE

THREE KINGS 2020

The night of the Epiphany is but a handful of weeks away. It’s one the community certainly looks forward to at the beginning of every year. The last trace of Christmas and the first celebration with more to come - of 2020!

It’s called `The Feast of the Epiphany’ and every year on the 5th January we celebrate it with a cavalcade of floats, bands and the Three Kings – Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – slowly travelling along Main Street all the way up to John Mackintosh Hall. The pavements of our main thoroughfare packed with not just kids and their parents but with other adults and visitors too, eager to witness the spectacle and, as is the norm, comment on the quality of the floats rolling past in front of them in a tight fit between trailer and spectator! Whatever the view of those onlookers it must be said many hours of hard work goes into the construction of the floats, and the Cavalcade committee says whatever the contrasting standards of the decorated entries, the more the merrier. “We always aim to encourage as many firms, associations, essential services and even families and friends to get their thinking caps on as early in the year as possible and get working on an idea and how to go about it, culminating in the building of their float in the autumn or December and we’re always at hand to give advice and help where we can, including financially,” long standing President of the Cavalcade Committee, Eric Abudarham tells me. The boss-man informs me up to £1,000 can be granted to assist in the construction of floats, which is not a bad sum! Where to build your ideas has always been a headache, consequently limiting the amount of entries appearing on the night, but for the past two or three years Government has allowed the building of floats at the Midtown Coach Park which has turned out to be a fantastic space to build where quite a few trailers can be accommodated. “That’s been a great advantage. Also some firms and essential services have their own premises so that’s another great help, leaving more space for others. The issue that gives us a little bit of a headache is the lack of trailers and their `heads.’ There are some groups willing to participate who can’t acquire the required transport for their float. It would be good if there were more low trailers which would allow a 4x4 Land Rover type of vehicle to tow them along, but you know, we can’t complain.

Thanks to donations coming from the GBC Open Day and others we were able to have custom built trailers for the Three Kings at a cost of £36,000!”

Work for the committee starts shortly after the Cavalcade celebration is over. A post mortem, if you like, is undertaken by those attending over a coffee, with the aim to iron out any difficulties experienced or issues that can be done better next time. The handing out of sweets has now, for the past few years, been done ahead of the parade and that has worked well. “Also,” Eric says, “visits to the hospital and two Cathedrals -including a pop-in-invite by the management of the Piccadilly Gardens Cafe for a quick beverage - are now carried out prior to the parade which helps to run things more smoothly with fewer stops and less waiting time for the crowds later in the evening. Thanks must also go to the two taxis provided to ferry our kings around.” So the next big meeting for the committee comes just after National Day when things go up a few notches as responsibilities for members are sorted and other matters are organised and ironed out, like who to approach for the all important judging that needs to take place at Casemates ahead of the word go. “Another issue that always comes to the fore these days is Health and Safety which is so important. That’s one of the reasons why sweet throwing from the floats was put to a stop as children were running out in front of the floats to grab the sweets.” And here’s another extremely touchy issue which has been highlighted by the fact Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been reprimanded for wearing black paint on his face a couple of times many years ago - on one occasion in character as Aladdin! The Three Kings came instantly to mind so I had to ask Eric how that affected our 2020 event. “We’ve given it much thought and we have engaged a Gibraltarian lad of Moroccan ethnicity to represent `Wise Man of the East,’ Balthazar.” Phew!!! Good news. We already have enough concerns with the never ending Brexit saga!!

THE `PRIZES: £1,000 goes towards the 1st prize floats in both the Senior and Junior sections with £500 for the 2nd prize senior float and £250 for the Junior runner-up entry. We’re just into November so there’s still time for you, a firm or association, a family or bunch of friends, to get started building your float for the next edition.

2018 and 2019 were a great improvement on events of the recent past with some excellent entries. You can ring President Eric for more info on 57586000 or at email, ericabudarham@gibtelecom. net Therefore, let’s make this one even better. In fact make it the best...

So who’s in charge of the paint, brush, hammer and nails?

WORDS BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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This Month’s

Dogs Of The Month

Teddy

Teddy is a beautiful male Akita who was abandoned to the shelter. The distress he went through at the loss of his home and family caused a deterioration in his physical well-being. Seeing his decline the AINF team of Gibraltar took him to private kennels where he received medical treatment, love and care and his transformation is amazing.

You can see the beginnings of the amazing dog he once was and will be again. Teddy walks great on the lead and is a very special loving boy. Can you offer him a home?

Arthur Arthur was found abandoned, he had been sleeping alone outside in the woods for days waiting for his owners to come back. He is so friendly and trusting and let us take him to the vets straight away. He is a handsome 1 year old Maneto with a super chilled out, sweet and loving nature. He is great with all other dogs and cats and just loves life, he is super easy going and would make the perfect companion for any family.

Can you offer Arthur a home?

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

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

STILL BLOWING SWEETLY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS THIS IS A FEATURE ON SOMEBODY WHO IS STILL HIGHLY REGARDED IN LOCAL MUSIC CIRCLES YET IS AN EXPAT GIBRALTARIAN WHO HAS BEEN LIVING IN CANADA FOR TWENTY YEARS. JOHN VICTOR IS A CONSUMMATE FLAUTIST WHO, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, WAS VOTED THE FIRST ‘YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR’ MANY YEARS AGO. HE PLAYS FLUTE, SAXOPHONE AND IS ALSO A GIFTED VOCALIST.

Championed by the late greats Hector Cortes and William Gomez, over the years he has played in many bands three of which have been Gibby, Jade and Vibrations which saw some success outside of Gibraltar and helped to anchor this gifted musician to our musical landscape of the last forty years. In the great scheme of things he is trying to repatriate back to the Rock to enjoy retirement here and play occasionally of course.

“When I was three I already had musical leanings and picked up the harmonica and graduated to recorder at age seven and was greatly helped by my old music teacher

Vals’ (it placed 9th). The band continued but their fate was sealed.

“The producers were told to keep away from ‘Gibby’ and all that remains of a great album is a bad sounding cassette copy of the English version. I still have the copy. We had done a few dates touring in Spain but it fizzled out because we were unsupported and there was no other way it could end in those early post Franco days.”

By January 1979 John Victor was unemployed and he had lost the chance to take up a teaching scholarship in the UK. He ended up as an over qualified bill collector in the old Algemene Bank Gibraltar Ltd. However, he bounced back.

“10 years later I was an internal auditor of the bank then went to join Spanish bank Banesto as assistant manager.

That was my strayed career path.”

“I joined ‘Jade’ in 1979 till 1985 and we went from strength to strength till we had our hits in Spain. When the border opened two Spanish talent scouts came over to Gibraltar and although we had already recorded our songs we went to Malaga to re-record them and our Ska inspired arrangement of ‘No me comas el Coco’ eventually broke into the Spanish Charts.

I remember signing records outside the door of my bank and it was a magical time. We recorded ‘Dale marcha a tu Cuerpo’ and songs for an album. During all this time ‘Vibrations’ was always a side project.”

Part 1 Charlie Adamberry and later Hector Cortes. When I went to the Grammar school Hector had already started the Youth Orchestra and the old Music Centre was where I first played the flute which I picked up quickly, that was around late ’69. I think by 1972 I had won the young Musician of the Year twice.”

In those days the promising musician had the benefits of a summer course at Newbury in the UK where he was exposed to international players and symphony orchestras, one of which he enrolled into for a whole month (he was 14 then). Importantly he had one-on-one tuition from the late great Sebastian Bell of the London Symphonia. “Up to that point I was largely self-taught and only had a few lessons under my belt, but an hour with Bell put my flute fingering and my overall body posture on the right track.”

Back in Gibraltar as a side project from the Youth Orchestra, John and Albert Vallejo together with Derek Diaz and a young Brian Torres (13) formed ‘The Triads’ who later developed into ‘Glass War Creation.’ “The late great Francis Caruana helped me with sax and I became good enough to play Rock with it. I also became a vocalist with GWC and we went pro for about nine months playing Spain and the South of France and after that another Hector Cortes project, a band called ‘Gibby’ who could have done great things in Spain.”

“Hector had the youth choir which he whittled down to sixteen girls which he called ‘Tone Cluster’ and then to four whose band name Gibby was coined in Madrid. We made a demo in the UK and we stopped over in Madrid and got noticed by the record label Polydor and the two producers who were behind ‘Mocedades’ promised to come to Gib to speak to the parents as some of the girls were still under age and they wanted to sign us up.”

Intense negotiations here followed and the band Gibby signed a record contract. They recorded an album (twice - English and Spanish versions) and were anointed to be contenders to sing the Spanish Eurovision song entry. In those heady days boy and girl bands were all the rage. Politics intervened and Gibby came second to Jose Velez who was chosen to represent Spain in 1978 with ‘Bailemos un

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Some years later in my other life as a dance band musician with ‘Horizon’ I recall playing at a villa in Sotogrande and the main entertainment after dinner was ‘Vibrations in Concert.’ I was impressed at the neat arrangements of light classics played by three classical guitars and the flute interludes were part of a music formula which was noticed by local musician producer resident in the UK Brian Wade who took them on a UK tour with West End theatre star Michael Ball.

John continues his story: “What happened was that after six years with ‘Jade’ I was so tired and was looking for a change of direction in life. The Vibrations project was still alive and by early ‘91 Brian Wade heard our home recording and decided that it should be recorded professionally for the easy listening market in the UK.” At the time there was a band called ‘Sky’ who were having UK success with popped up classics. They were led by John Williams the famous Australian classical guitarist and composer. Vibrations decided that they would not copy ‘Sky’ and put their own Mediterranean spin on the classics.

“When we first heard the new recording of our ‘Death of a Whale’ we were all in Willie Gomez’s flat and I distinctly remember that he cried with emotion. It sounded so good and sincere - to our ears anyway. Some time passed before our album was launched and it went out titled ‘Mediterranean Moods’ instead of ‘Vibrations.’ Our take on Rodrigo’s famous ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ had to be pulled out of the album at the last minute because the late composer’s daughter simply opposed it. It was around 1995 when we started to get noticed and did TV spots on UK television, but although the rest of the band were more or less free to play there I had just started a new job in insurance here and could not meet the ‘Vibrations’ UK commitments. I was a nervous wreck.”

As with many music career stories and musicians’ lives, reality and domestic life take a toll on them and it would be quite some time before things smoothed out for John Victor to carry on his musical journey. The second part of this story which is still unfolding in another continent will be told next time.

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FEATURE

IT FINALLY ARRIVED, THE TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF OUR MUSIC INSTITUTION SONG FESTIVAL. I HAVE SAID BEFORE THAT WE SHOULD PRESERVE AND CONTINUE TO NURTURE THIS FESTIVAL BECAUSE IT SERVES AS AN IMPORTANT DATE IN OUR SOCIAL CALENDAR AND IT GIVES OUR SONGWRITERS A CHANCE TO COMPETE ON HOME GROUND AGAINST INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. I CAN’T QUANTIFY WHAT IT ACHIEVES IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY FOR ‘BRAND GIBRALTAR’ BUT IT DOES COME IN AT A VERY SMALL FRACTION OF THE COST OF ‘GIBRALTAR CALLING’ AND WE ARE GETTING A BETTER SONG FESTIVAL EACH PASSING YEAR. THIS YEAR IT WAS POSTPONED IN THE SPRING AND MOVED TO THIS AUTUMN DATE WHICH UNFORTUNATELY COMES AFTER SO MANY RECENT MUSIC SHOWS THAT IT MAY HAVE CAUSED ATTENDANCE TO FALL. This year’s show was technically superb and it was sad to see that many punters stayed away from the show because the Tercentenary Hall needs to be full to pack a punch and create the vibe that helps make these occasions memorable. Twelve songs competed for a cash prize of £6000 and a handsome trophy and among the twelve were two local songs. The show opened with last year’s winning song reprised by Morea from Italy who was denied her reprise moment last year due to a technical stand off by the Rosario Flores management. She gave a rousing performance this time and then as further reward went to join the panel of judges. The panel this year was chaired by musician, producer and past winner Denis Valerga and also included Jetstream guitarist and past winner Stuart Whitwell, Enna from Spain and her fellow countryman Juan Carlos Arauzo, and the Italian Maria Penino (stage name Morea).

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FEATURE

Andy Coumbe gamely did the presenting honours without a female co-host, which would have made the prize giving ceremony a little bit easier for him as he had to park his script and handle opening envelopes and keep a cool head while smiling too. He came through as he always does, but next year’s show should benefit from two presenters, that’s my suggestion. There were song entries from Spain, UK, Mexico, Venezuela and Gibraltar. There was well designed electronic information text on the backdrop to make the stage presentation smart, current and a joy to behold with the excellent lighting and themed electronic backdrops for each song. Sound was impressive and maybe just a tad loud at first but of course a less than half full sports hall which is not a concert venue has to be taken into account.

The twelve songs were performed without a break and my notes remind me that the winning song ‘Si no estas aqui’ by Ruben Cardenas Castillo and Sara Familiar Ruiz (Spain) sung by Sara Varela crept up on me from nowhere. As many in the hall also thought, a UK entry called ‘Life’ sung by its composer Tony O’ Malley came in second place when it might have come in a clear first. Third placed song was by Monica Gomila and Latvian co composer Kaspars Ansons. ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’ was given a very good reaction when it was announced as third placed.

The best interpreter trophy went to Argel Campos from Spain who sang ‘Es por Ti’ which I had placed in my notes as a candidate. The dark horse song for me was ‘El Ritual’ (Mexico) sung

by Paulina Pargas. I also have to say that the Venezuelan entry ‘Devuelveme mi libertad’ sung by Jennifer Leon, who delivered a powerhouse vocal, was for me also a contender for a placing.

After the prize giving ceremony and interval we were entertained by TVE ‘Operecion Triunfo’ star ‘Chenoa’ who had an excellent band but was not really the big draw ‘universal’ kind of artist who might have sold more tickets. She gave it all without holding back, accounting for her various hits and engaged in chat with the audience, among which were various contingents of her Spanish fans, who clearly enjoyed her more than we did as they were more familiar with her catalogue. She gave us a short acoustic set with her guitarist Alfonso Sanz and showed a ‘Rockier’ side to her otherwise poppy pedigree. A pretty stunning performer who might benefit from being less ‘Rocky’ and more powerhouse vocalist to which she is eminently suited.

Wrapping it up - it was a good show overall and definately a notch up technically from last year. There were some continuity issues outside the control of Director Joe Cortes and his team who work hard to bring this iconic show home every year. Chairman of GISF Joe Carseni promised exciting changes for 2020 and as a music writer I welcome the drive and optimism that his team brings to the song festival each year. We can’t win them all but we have to keep trying to please and improve all the time.

Those two boxes were happily ticked in my book this time.

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ON THE SPOT

GILL WELLAND DIRECTOR AT DIAMOND OCCASION Where did you first start your employment?

a high bridge or I look down from a tall building.”

“My first Job was as working as a freelance Illustrator in Camden Town. It was when London was buzzing with new creative designers and bands breaking out.

The band, Soul II Soul used to practice over the road from my studio and designer Vivien Westwood used to cycle round with her dog in the basket. They were great times!”

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

How would you describe yourself?

“I try and look at life with a glass half full (rather than half empty) attitude. I like to stay positive & optimistic. I like being around upbeat people and focus on encouraging my children to be the same.”

Which person has been the biggest influence in your life?

“That is a difficult question as so many people have influenced me from parents through to work mentors, artists and friends young to old. I always try & listen and learn from people I meet along life’s paths.”

“Over thinking lol….”

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

What makes you laugh?

“The good old comedy hero’s like Only Fools and Horses, silly observational humor like Lee Evans.

I laughed so much I fell off the seat the first time I saw him.”

“Painting in my studio then a long lazy lunch in the sun with tapas and a good red wine, Perfect!”

What’s your greatest ambition?

Have you had any embarrassing moments?

“I wish I had taken the opportunity to travel more when I was in my twenties. I wasn’t so confident and it wasn’t so easy to do back then also very expensive but I look at the youngsters today and think Wow what opportunities they have now for visiting different countries and cultures.”

“I have 2 really I would love to see our Business Diamond Occasion in the ICC become more successful as we are the only Bridal, suit hire business in Gibraltar and love to cater for the local community. Also, to sell my artwork (@gillwpaintings) and paint professionally, I love to work in my studio and feel it’s my Karma to escape from everything.”

“Many Omg, too many to mention!”

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

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

“Years ago I advised a colleague to try a romantic evening with his wife in a lovely hotel with Strawberries and Champagne and unbeknown to him he was allergic to Strawberries and ended up seeking medical attention, ruining the whole night for him OOOPS!”

“I was blown away by the beauty of Madeira, wow the Island is so gorgeous in the flower festival time clean and fresh but so tropical.”

What keeps you awake at night?

“Nothing I sleep like a log.”

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

Which word or phrases do you most overuse?

“Do you know what I mean!”

Do you have any regrets?

“Not travelling enough but I am slowly making up for it!”

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

“Having my Children love watching them grow all through their different stages and now in their twenties all their adventures in life.”

If you didn’t live where you are currently located where would you like to Live? (Money no object) “If money was no object I would have many homes in lots of countries…

Seychelles, New York, Spain, Italy, London.”

“One of my Favourite books I read a long time ago and I remember making me laugh out loudly on a train to London was THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP by John Grisham. I actually named my cat T.S. Garp after that book.”

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

“Probably my favourite London Painter who sadly is not here anymore, Lucian Freud I would have loved to watch him paint in his London studio. Also David Attenborough.”

What’s your favourite music track?

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

“That really is a difficult question to answer as I have such an eclectic taste… One of my favourite all time songs is performed

by Air the band “All I need” I love listening to this so chilled.”

“It’s changing all the time lets hope its all for the better and we see business flourish on the Rock.”

What’s your biggest fear?

What is your favourite hobby or interest?

“Heights. I never had an issue when I was younger but I now find my tummy goes a little strange everytime we drive over

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Painting, without a doubt.”

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MUM ON THE ROCK BEING A SINGLE PARENT CAN BE A VERY REWARDING JOB, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE CHALLENGING AND STRESSFUL. RAISING A CHILD CAN BE DIFFICULT NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT AS A SINGLE PARENT YOU HAVE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EVERY ASPECT OF CHILD CARE AND WITHOUT A PARTNER THIS CAN ADD PRESSURE, LEAVING YOU EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTED. There are many reasons why someone is a single parent. They may have decided to have a family knowing that there would only be one adult in the household, they may have chosen to have a child by artificial insemination or through adoption… or maybe they have split up with their partner who is now no longer a part of the child’s life. Unplanned life events such as divorce or the death of a spouse may also have changed a two parent household into one.

One of the most common issues of being a single parent is the feeling of loneliness, and although you may not think of this as a high priority, it can manifest itself in ways that affect your health and this can have a knock-on effect on your child’s health.

Worrying about financial matters can also put a strain on your emotional wellbeing. These worries can be heightened by keeping them secret, and not sharing or confiding in anyone can make the burden seem worse. Make sure that you find out exactly what you are entitled to in respect of benefits, tax credits and child maintenance.

Alleviate the stress by writing out a budget every month so that you know exactly what you are spending your money on and what you need to prioritise.

SINGLE PARENTING

Every single parent has a unique story and some people may feel lonelier than others. Conquering loneliness, however you manage to do it, will go a long way to banishing feelings of self-doubt. It can be difficult to know whether you are doing a good job at being a single parent and having someone to talk to can help to alleviate those worries. There is, of course, no such thing as a perfect parent, so try not to measure yourself against others. However, meeting other single parents can be beneficial and provide a useful support system during those times when you need reassurance. Try getting in touch with others via online forums, blogs or social media accounts.

Don’t compare yourself to other people. We all do it, but remember that some of those parents that you encounter at the nursery or school gates may seem to be in control and have it all worked out, but they could be struggling as much as you are. There are plenty of people who put on a brave face so reaching out to someone in the same situation could be the start of a mutual selfhelp group from which closer friendships could develop.

Above all, don’t lose your sense of self-esteem and take care of your physical and mental well-being. How do you find yourself again amongst the daily routine of looking after the kids? There is no doubt that you can get consumed by their lives and just trying to make ends meet also takes a toll. Don’t feel guilty taking time out, it is a necessary part of surviving on your own.

Maintaining discipline in the home can be hard with no other adult reinforcing your views but children raised by single parents can be just as happy as those living with two parents. Acknowledge your child’s feelings, especially if you are going through a separation or divorce, and don’t take your anger out on your child. The circumstances surrounding the fact that you are a single parent are less important than your ability to be there for them. Above all, don’t feel stigmatised as a single parent. Families come in all different shapes and sizes. Asking for help can be one of the hardest things but also one of the most important things that you can do. Children learn by example and if they see your determination and endurance they will hopefully follow in your footsteps in their attitudes and choices as they grow up.

There are plenty of positive aspects to single parenting and this includes spending quality one-onone time with your kids, allowing you to develop a unique bond that may actually be stronger than it would have been if you were not bringing them up on your own.

Single parenting can seem like an uphill climb but however down you get, just look at your kids, think about their smiles and the hugs, and it will be a reminder of why you carry one.

Find like-minded people by joining the Mum on the Rock Community on Facebook: @MumOnTheRockGBZ

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HEALTH & WELLBEING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, THE FERMENTED JUICE FROM CRUSHED APPLES, IS OFTEN CLASSIFIED AS A ‘WONDER FOOD’ ALONGSIDE THINGS SUCH AS GARLIC, TOMATOES, AVOCADOS AND OILY FISH. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A HEALTHY DIET, BUT ‘WONDER FOODS’ CAN GIVE THAT ADDED BOOST AND HELP IN A VARIETY OF WAYS THAT WILL AID HEALTH ISSUES AND HELP TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IS FULL OF NUTRIENTS. IT CONTAINS TRACE AMOUNTS OF POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, IRON, PHOSPHORUS, MANGANESE, AMINO ACIDS AND ANTIOXIDANTS AND IS ONLY 3 CALORIES PER TABLESPOON.

A MYRIAD OF USES Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural remedy for years; in ancient times for its health benefits and it is known that the Greeks treated wounds with it. In recent years, people have explored apple cider vinegar as a way to lose weight, improve heart health, and even treat dandruff. Recent evidence based research suggests that it may also be effective in improving cholesterol and in blood sugar control for people with Diabetes 2. An article in Medical News Today stated that a study on eight people found that those who consumed apple cider vinegar before eating a meal had lower insulin and triglyceride levels after the meal than those who had a placebo. It may also have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is mostly attributed to its main ingredient, acetic acid.

Use apple cider vinegar as a detox for your body. It can help promote circulation and detoxify the liver. The acid can also bind to toxins which can assist in removing them from the body. Apple cider vinegar’s potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clear the lymph nodes.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN INCORPORATE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR INTO YOUR DIET: A great way to kick-start your day is by including apple cider vinegar into your morning routine. Dilute it into your morning tea or glass of lemon water. If you don’t like the taste, add spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper which will boost your metabolism.

THE BENEFITS OF

Vinegar

your system. You may want to dilute it with water to protect your tooth enamel by mixing eight ounces of water with every 1-2 tablespoons.

Holland & Barrett have a range of apple cider vinegar products in liquid and supplement form. It is worth pointing out that not all vinegars are made in the same way. Apple cider vinegar is made through a two-step process. First, yeast is added to apple juice to break down the sugars and turn them into alcohol. Then, bacteria are added, which converts the alcohol into acetic acid. This bacterium is what is known as the ‘Mother’, because it is the catalyst that gives rise to the vinegar.

Raw, unfiltered organic Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar with ‘The Mother’ is high-quality, unfiltered vinegar made from organically grown apples. Some vinegar products remove ‘The Mother’, a cobweb-like substance that gives the vinegar a cloudy appearance, that forms naturally as the raw organic vinegar ferments but which is, in fact, the healthiest part of the vinegar.

‘The Mother’ consists of dozens of strains of good bacteria, which are also referred to as probiotics, which help keep your digestive system running smoothly and are good for your immune system. It also has enzymes which are essential for breaking down foods so that your body can make use of the nutrients you consume.

If you don’t like the idea of drinking apple cider vinegar then consider taking it in tablet form. Try the easy to take chewable New Nordic Apple Cider Gummies with ‘The Mother’ or Holland & Barrett’s Apple Cider Vinegar 300 mg tablets.

Apple cider vinegar won’t replace a balanced diet and exercise and it isn’t a miracle ‘cure-all’, but it can promote health and help you maintain it.

ADVISORY

INFORMAT

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

How about blending some apple cider vinegar into a smoothie? Add your favourite fruits or vegetables to give you all the nutrients and vitamins you need before you set off for work or start your daily routine. Another way to include the vinegar into your daily food is by adding it to salad dressings, mayonnaise or mixing it into soups.

Because of its strong flavour, some people prefer to mix apple cider vinegar with something else to disguise the taste.

However, taking a shot or a tablespoonful is a fast and effective way to get it into

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FEATURE& HEALTH WELLBEING

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PHOTOS Commercial Photographer Finest collection of old photographs on the Rock

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Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 21) Try not to bite off more than you can chew this month Aries.

True, you have great focus and energy but steps at a time will pay off.

Taurus TAKEAWAYS

(Apr 21 – May 21)

VEHICLE REPAIRS

When you find yourself wakening in the wee hours with worries on your mind, Taurus, just take a deep breath and know that all is well. These fears will pass as daylight shines brightly!

Gemini (May 22 – June 22) Have the confidence to establish new boundaries this month, Gemini. People must know where their space stops and yours begins and it is up to you to make it clear.

Cancer June 23 – July 22) You find yourself spinning too many plates this month, Cancer.

Not unusual, you may say. But you can’t please all of the people all of the time so concentrate on pleasing yourself!!

Leo July 23 – Aug 23) Feeling a bit left out in the cold, Leo? Well, remember that a problem shared is a problem halved and as long as you take care who you share with then you will soon feel all warm and happy again.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 23)

BARS / PUBS

An in-depth chat or even a bit of counselling will help you get to the root of an issue, Virgo. You are an excellent listener but now it is your turn to be listened to.

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23) You can expect acknowledgement for your efforts this month, Libra, and for some of you this will take the form of a rise in salary. Well done!

Scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22) You will be taking steps towards future security this month, Scorpio. This may take the form of checking that insurance policies are up to date or maybe starting a new savings plan.

Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21) The free spirit in you needs some adventure this month, Sagittarius, so spread your wings and take off somewhere new.

Needn’t be far – you just need some space to declutter your mind.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

INDUSTRIAL

You don’t like to admit it, Capricorn, but now and again you need some TLC. Well, this month, this is exactly what you need so welcome it with open arms and an open heart.

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19) This month promises lots of love and happiness surrounding you, Aquarius. Whether that is in the company of family or friends, you will feel so grateful for those who fill your heart.

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20) This month finds you swithering and swaying about something, Pisces. Look deep into your heart, believe in yourself and then do what feels right in your bones.

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Cooking Time: 20 Minutes Serves: 4 Bread is delicious so when you make it sweet and add some nuts it just gets even better.

Ingredients • 450 g self raising Flour • 280 ml milk •. 150 g seedless raisins • 150 g walnuts •. 150 g caster sugar •. 2 eggs • 2 tbsp Butter • 1 tsp Baking Powder • Dash of cinnamon

Method Place raisins and walnuts in a dish and cover with milk. Leave for at least one to two hours to soak.

Beat eggs, sugar, butter and cream together then slowly add in the sifted self raising flour and baking powder and mix everything together.

Add the mixture of nuts and stir all together until you have a thick and creamy texture, add a dash of cinnamon to your mix.

Transfer your batter into a buttered loaf tin and place in the oven for 40 – 45 minutes at 180°C. Recipe By Maria Luisa (Mawisa)

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit: GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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Just Married on the Rock

Mary & Fabio married on 22nd July 2019.

Photo by Radka Horvath.

Kate & Thiago married on 20th August 2019.

Photo by Radka Horvath.

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Mobile: 58897000 Email: nicholas64@gibtelecom.net

Erica & Clive Parker, married on 26th September 2019.

Photo by Nicky Sanchez.

Cheryl Jeffries & Alex Iglesias, married on 21st October 2019.

Photo by Nicky Sanchez.

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