Gibraltar Insight™ December 2020

THE ROCK’S LONGEST RUNNING MAGAZINE

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2020. WHAT A YEAR - AND FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS. IT STARTED OFF FAIR ENOUGH, BUT THEN “THE THING” IN MID-MARCH LANDED AND IT REALLY HURT - AND ALTERED - ALL OF OUR LIVES. We are very fortunate in Gibraltar to have such a sense of community and kinship that is rare to find elsewhere in the world. Perhaps it’s our spirit, with a large helping of dogged-determination.

Here at Insight, our hearts go out to all the families, friends - and even passing acquaintances - who have been affected by COVID. Words can never adequately express the loss experienced by some families from this deadly invisible virus.

The toll on business has been immense. Rules have had to change in a reactionary manner as governments, both here and abroad, learned more about the ways it could spread. The authorities were working with the best information they had at the time. At all times, the lives of Gibraltarians was first and foremost.

We are exceptionally lucky to have such wonderful advertisers. Without them, you wouldn’t be holding this edition in your hands right now, be it physical or on an electronic device. We don’t take you for granted and are very much grateful for your continued support. We exist to inform and entertain, but an important part of this is our central role in enabling local businesses to advertise their latest innovations, products or services to as wide an audience as possible.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank Jean, Rose, Ben, Elliott and Billy for all that they’ve accomplished in the most trying of circumstances. Once again, thank you very much.

And to our readers, we don’t take you for granted either. Being immersed in the community for almost 30 years is at the heart of everything we do. 2021 will present existing and new challenges and we will do our upmost to present you with a view of what’s going on in Gibraltar, and beyond.

Have a wonderful Festive period. Keep safe, and stay well.

Warmest regards

Ross

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D E CM B E R ISSUE 56

Contents

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48

Community Insight 8 9

UNECE YOUTH DELEGATE GREEN BUSES

Business Insight 11

INSURANCE POST-BREXIT

12

SISTER CITIES MEETING

Features 3

INTERVIEW WITH ATTIAS & LEVY

19

CYBER SECURITY: HARD TO HACK THIS CHRISTMAS

21

A CHARITABLE MAN: HENRY SACRAMENTO GA

27

SPORTS INSIGHT: 2020 LOOK-BACK

34

TAGORE GROUP’S CHRISTMAS STUNNERS

38

FOOD FROM CHRISTMAS PAST WW2

41

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS

45

GAME ON

46 SHOP LOCAL WINNERS

Football Insight 26

48

LYNX FC: GRASSROOT YOUTH FOOTBALL

Forces Insight

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT: 2020 CHRISTMAS TECH GUIDE

30 PROTECTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT 50 MOTORING INSIGHT: VW TRANSPORTER KOMBI

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Environmental Insight 30

ALBERT HAMMOND

Regular Features 16

24

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PROTECTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT

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HISTORY: OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE CAPTURE OF GIBRALTAR

54

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

55

A VET’S INSIGHT: CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS

56

THE PARENT & CHILD SOCIETY

58

F ESTIVE OVERINDULGENCE

65

JUST MARRIED ON THE ROCK

66

SURVIVING DIVORCE

68

HOROSCOPES

69

MAMA LOTTIES RECIPE

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LIGHT & POWER CROSSWORD

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

Accounts & Administration: Rosemary Salah-El-Din

Published by GBZ Media Limited, 5/1 Governors Lane, Gibraltar GX11 1AA.

Creative Director: Ben Lewis Executive Editor: Ross Ford For advertising & general queries, contact: +350 200 40913

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

Email:

hello@gibraltarinsight.com

Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

Web:

www.gibraltarinsight.com

Socials:

@GBZinsight

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

@MumOnTheRockGBZ @BermudaInsight @SYOGuide @GBZmedia

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

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

Photo: Elliott Howe

MEDIA LIMITED

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

NEW "HOSTILE VEHICLE MITIGATION DEVICES" - KNOWN COLLOQUIALLY AS BOLLARDS - HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT CASEMATES GATES. THEY MARK A FIRST DEPLOYMENT OF SUCH TECHNOLOGY IN GIBRALTAR. They employ a speed calming measure whereby the aperture between the fixed bollards and the sliding one is adjustable, meaning that vehicles must reduce speed to transit past.

BRITANNICA VIRTUAL QUIZ RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER LLOYD WILL BE TEAMING UP WITH GIBRALTAR CULTURAL SERVICES, AS PART OF A NEW DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE THAT WILL BE DELIVERED IN THE FORTHCOMING YOUTH ARTS JAMBOREE PROGRAMME, IN FEBRUARY 2021.

He has just launched his new book "First Britannica Kids Encyclopaedia" and owing to the current COVID pandemic, the author has developed a virtual quiz show.

GCS will reach out to educational establishments to take part in due course, in what promises to be a fun and immersive way to learn about the world.

For more info contact GCS Development Unit on 20049161 or info@ culture.gi

UNECE YOUTH DELEGATE TAMMY RANDALL HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (UNECE) YOUTH DELEGATE FOR 2020/21, FOLLOWING THE CALL FOR QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES. The UK government focal point at UNECE on matters of environment and education, Professor Daniella Tilbury said, “It is essential that we create spaces for young people to actively engage in the dialogues and decisions which will most affect them. Over the next year, Tammy will form part of UNECE Working Group on youth, drafting proposals for the UNECE 8

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE TEAM AT INSIGHT!

Strategy for 2030. She will be looking at ways of bringing younger voices into policy-making and creating opportunities for youth engagement on key sustainability issues.”

In response to her appointment, Tammy added, “I am thrilled to have been appointed as this year’s youth delegate and look forward to working closely with Professor Tilbury on initiatives at UNECE level and locally. I hope that through my role I can bring a younger perspective to decision-making which is often lacking.”

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS The GHA has marked World Pancreatic Cancer Day with a view to increase public awareness of the disease, its symptoms and ways to reduce the risk of developing it.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most fatal cancer in both men and women, and the death rate due to this disease is increasing across Europe. It usually arises in elderly patients with a mean age at onset of 71 years for men and 75 years for women. One of the main reasons for its high fatality rate is that the majority of patients’ progress to the advanced stages of the disease without showing any symptoms.

The Minister for Health Hon Minister Samantha Sacramento MP said, “Early diagnosis is the key to survival. Raising awareness of Pancreatic Cancer is crucial and can make all the difference to somebody’s life. It is the GHA’s mission to improve the rate of early detection by having the knowledge, understanding and awareness to be able to combat this fatal disease. Raising awareness is not exclusive to the GHA and I would like to wholeheartedly thank the Gibraltar Pancreatic Cancer Gibraltar for their awareness campaigns and for their continued support of the GHA as well as to all cancer charities.”

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED A NEW TYPE OF BUS DRIVING AROUND GIBRALTAR IN A DIFFERENT COLOUR SCHEME THAN THE FAMILIAR RED ONES. These were electric buses on trial to ascertain whether such transport would be feasible in Gibraltar, given the technical and geographical quirks of life on the Rock.

The Minister for Business, Tourism, Transport and The Port, the Hon Vijay Daryanani said, “It is exciting to see these environmentally-friendly vehicles on our roads in line with the Government’s commitment to provide a Greener Gibraltar."

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

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

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BUSINESS INSIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOVEREIGN GROUP

The Government has introduced new legislation to permit EEA insurers to continue to provide specified insurance policies to the Gibraltar market after the end of the EU transition period.

Albert Isola MP, Gibraltar’s Minister for Digital and Financial Services stated “The new regulations will enable EEA insurers to continue to provide insurance services to Gibraltar businesses and indi- viduals in 2021.

We have agreed that whilst EEA insurers can continue to provide insurance cover they must work with a Gibraltar insurance intermediary. The regulations have been introduced to ensure we main- tain competition and consumer choice in Gibraltar. During 2021 a long-term legal framework for EEA insurers will replace these temporary arrangements.”

UK insurance companies and intermediaries do, of course, have the right to continue business on the Rock.

UK PARLIAMENT FINANCIAL SERVICES BILL European Union Committee

The UK Financial Services Bill had its Second Reading debate in the UK House of Commons on 9th November, and is being scrutinised in a Public Bill Committee.

As part of that level of scrutiny, the Minister for Financial Services for HM Government of Gibraltar, the Hon Albert Isola gave evidence to the Committee.

Questions focused on the Gibraltar Authorisation Regime which is contained within the Bill. As the United Kingdom and Gibraltar will no longer be subject to EU arrangements from 31 December 2020, the Bill establishes a new Gibraltar Authorisation Regime to allow financial services firms based in Gibraltar to continue to offer regulated activities in the UK. The Bill sets out arrangements for implementing and running the new regime, which is based on compliance with the objectives of the Bill, alignment of law and regulatory oversight in both jurisdictions, and cooperation between parties on both sides.

Sovereign Guarantee Announced The UK Government has agreed to provide HM Government of Gibraltar with a loan guarantee for lending up to £500m.

Gibraltar is the first such Overseas Territory to take this course of action, in light of the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic.

The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP said, "I warmly welcome the support for Gibraltar that this sovereign guarantee represents.

"I want to specifically thank the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the Foreign Secretary for their understanding and support in these difficult times.

"This guarantee is the result of the work which started when I spoke at length to Financial Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, late in the evening of the 19th March this year. At that very early stage, pre-lockdown, he understood how the COVID pandemic was likely to affect our finances and was quickly running with the need for support that Gibraltar was going to need.

"This is excellent news and I am delighted to be able to inform the community of this massive show of support from the United Kingdom at this difficult time."

SISTER CITIES MEETING

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Cabinet Office 70 Whitehall London SW1A 2AS

House of Lords London SW1A 0PW

Tel: 020 7219 5864 Fax: 020 7219 6715 euclords@parliament.uk www.parliament.uk/lords 19 November 2020

Dear Michael, In July 2017 the European Union Select Committee heard evidence from Premiers, Chief Ministers and other representatives of the Overseas Territories, on the impact of Brexit upon their Territories. Each of the Overseas Territories, other than Gibraltar (whose position we examined in a separate report on , published in March 2017) was invited to participate, and we were pleased to have the opportunity to hear from representatives of Anguilla, Bermuda , the British Virgin Islands, the Falkland Islands, Montserrat, the Pitcairn Islands, Tristan da Cunha and the Turks and Caicos Islands. We also received written evidence from a number of Overseas Territories, including the Government of St Helena.

In September 2017, we wrote to the then Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Rt Hon David Davis MP, summaris ing the comments and concerns that were put to us by the Overseas Territories. Mr Davis replied in February 2018, stressing that, given that negotiations with the EU were at an early stage, it was not possible to provide a definitive response to many of the Committee’s questions.

As the UK-EU negotiations draw to a conclusion and the end of the transition period approaches, I am writing to you to revisit the issues set out in our September 2017 letter, and to ask for an update on the implicatio ns of UK withdrawal for the Overseas Territories.

We do so in the context of the forthcom ing JMC OTs meeting, from 23–26 Novembe r, at which we understand that issues relating to EU exit will be discussed. We will write to you separately regarding the specific issues affecting Gibraltar.

We summarise our questions under the following headings.

Access to EU funding 1. EU funding is a significant contribut or to the annual budgets of several Overseas Territories, including Anguilla, Ascension Island, the British Virgin Islands, Montserr the Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Tristan at, da Cunha, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. How does the UK Government plan to cover any financial gap resulting from the loss of EU funding, including European Developm ent Fund and BEST (Voluntary Scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of the European Overseas ) funding?

2. What are the implications for the funding of the new 687,000 square kilometre marine protection zone in the waters around Tristan da Cunha?

HOUSE OF LORDS BREXIT QUESTIONS Lord Kinnoull, Chair of the European Union Committee, has recently written to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP regarding the provisions made available to the British Overseas Territories regarding Brexit. Gibraltar has an additional, specific special report, but the reply to this particular letter should be available around the time of going to press.

After celebrating the start of their Sister City relationship in September 2020, Raleigh and Gibraltar elected officials connected via Zoom, discussing pandemic-related legislative challenges, transportation needs, and a mutual lifelong desire to serve the communities they represent.

The Minister for Business, Tourism, Transport and the Port in Gibraltar, the Hon Vijay Daryanani expressed that he was optimistic that 2021 will see Gibraltar return to a bustling city center, full of pedestrians and cyclists, along with cruise ship visitors making their stop at the Port. Prior to the COVID pandemic the cruise ship traffic in the Port of Gibraltar averaged 230+ visits annually and the Minister is positive that when the pandemic ends, Gibraltar will be able to adapt very quickly to a different situation.

James Lasry, President of Amcham Gibraltar commented “Sister Cities Gibraltar strives to build meaningful partnerships with Raleigh and its citizens, highlighting each location's commitment to education, innovation, sustainability, and diversity. In the coming months, events will include Gibraltar Week, virtual events with local stakeholders.

Minister for Tourism and Transport, the Hon Vijay Daryanani MP said: “I was delighted to be able to participate in a virtual meeting, organised by AmCham Gibraltar through its affiliate Sister Cities Gibraltar, with Council Member Jonathan Melton from Raleigh City Council. We exchanged views on tourism, transport and related matters and I look forward to future collaborations with the city of Raleigh, post COVID.”

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FEATURE

INTERVIEW WITH

Attias & Levy May 1985: The opening of the frontier, a turning point for Gibraltar and a liberating upheaval in which our British peninsula became the Mecca for professional transactions. As I delve into the story of how Attias & Levy law firm came to fruition, I am taken down a path of history, humour and personal introspection.

Having met each other in 1975, Abraham and Levi, the founding partners of our local Gibraltar law firm,began their professional careers in London. Having successfully completed their independent degrees in Political Science & Education and International Relations & African Studies, they jointly decided to study a twelve-month diploma in law at City University.

With hard work, perseverance, and comically revising their one thousand file cards for every single case study covering all core subjects of the law while sitting on the London underground tube, “you really are stumbling in the dark the moment you transition from qualification to practice”.

Originating from different legal practices, they decided to build their own law firm and form a strapping union characterized by an ethos of “hard work and good efficient service”.

With shrewd intellect, determined perpetuation and a wealth of support from fellow local practitioners, the two young lawyers became notorious for their bravery, tenacity and perseverance in 1985.

With many law firms reaching out and offering work, assistance and support both administratively and also within the wider profession, “Gibraltar became the glamour boy of the Costa del Sol. The business community suddenly saw a certain standard of life that had not been experienced earlier”.

With the Doña Lola building complexes being advertised at the time, the opening of the frontier and the influx of international clients generating a financial boom, Abraham and Levi “were ready to take it on. The first few years [they] worked together were the best years. There was so much creativity, and they were exciting times for Gibraltar’s finance sector.

With travel and attending international commercial fairs, this opened up a new vista for [them], and there were certain products Gibraltar was offering that made it very attractive to do business. [They] had an expat community right on [their] doorstep. From Sotogrande to Torremolinos, [they] tapped into it, developed [their] connections and that’s how the busi-

ness started growing. As Gibraltar’s community became more affluent, [they] as a business grew with it”.

From hard work and perseverance, to laughter and humorous anecdotes, Abraham and Levi strived to build up their successful law firm as it stands today. From an intern’s accidental shredding of legal documents and destructive office building floods, to a lack of hope by their very first employee who lasted half a day and saw “no future for the firm”, the pair progressedfrom summer jobs selling Amar Bakery’s rolls, to diligent studies and finally setting up the business. Gaining the courage to make their hopes and dreams turn into a reality, and with a vibrant fervor of tenacious determinism, our local law firm is a product of enthusiastic endurance.

With time, social modernisation and the new digital era, business development vastly changed throughout the years. According to our partners “the best form of public relations is word of mouth. Understandably, the new generation taps into the world of social media, but it has introduced an uncanny speed by which the respectability of practice has been lost because of accessibility to emails”. From telex to telephones, “doing a good job for someone and having them recommend you is the best way of developing a business”.

Having transitioned from being “jacks of all trades” with a tremendous ability to embellish legal diversity in day to day practice, as it stands today the firm is more departmentalised. Offering a wide range of legal services, its traditional strengths have been in the areas of property, financial services, trusts, private client work, corporate structuring, civil & commercial litigation, conveyancing and shipping.

With a deep-seated interest in every aspect of their practice, beneath “the theatrics, civic glamour and pomp of the law” there lies a stringent sense of humility and hard-working aesthetic at Attias & Levy law firm. Priding themselves on this ethos, their positive sense of sedulous creativity is an inspirational force to be reckoned with.

WORDS BY TAMMY LEVY GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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The Management and Staff wish you a

HAPPY CHRISTMAS & a prosperous

NEW YEAR

The Management and Staff wish you a

HAPPY CHRISTMAS & a prosperous

NEW YEAR banking with a gibintbank

feel

@gibintbank

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www.gibintbank.gi | +350 (200) 13900 | Gibraltar International Bank Ltd, PO Box 1375, Ince’s House, 310 Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA www.gibintbank.gi | +350 (200) 13900 | Gibraltar International Bank Ltd, PO Box 1375, Ince’s House, 310 Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA Gibraltar International Bank Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Company Registration Number 109679 Gibraltar International Bank Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Company Registration Number 109679

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

ATARI VCS A bit of a dark horse in the console game, this bit of kit harks back to the early-80s. The thing is, it's also a PC which enables other OSs to be installed via USB as well has having all your Atari favourites. Anyone for Pong?

PLAYSTATION 5 These are being sold on eBay for four times (!) the RRP. Sony's up-to-8K console has wowed the critics and comes with or without a physical drive as an option. Better upgrade the Gibtelecom broadband!

RRP £399

RRP £350 16

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT XBOX SERIES X Power your dreams, they say. A bazillion munkleflops of power. Not really - it's 12 teraflops of grunt, so that will more than suffice in Microsoft's latest Xbox offering. It also features incredible 3D sound.

RRP £440

BEATS FLEX Available in four stylish colours: Beats Black, Yuzu Yellow, Smoke Gray and Flame Blue. It features USB-C charging and the Apple W1 Bluetooth enhancing chip and up to 12 hours of listening time.

RRP £49

POLAR M430 GPS WATCH Equipped with Polar’s wrist-based heart rate technology, integrated GPS, and personalized, adaptive training guidance, Polar M430 is the ideal tool for runners aiming to reach their personal best.

RRP £200

DYSON PURE Beat the humidity blues in Gibraltar with this special Dyson fan. Designed with air purity in mind, it aims to capture up to 99.97% of air pollutants, as small as 0.3 microns, in your home. And with everyone spending more time in their cribs these days this cannot be a bad thing.

RRP £800 GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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BUY & SHIP FROM ANYWHERE TO GIBRALTAR

SAVE UP TO 80% ON RETAIL SHIPPING COSTS. DAILY & WEEKLY SHIPMENTS

www.o2o-logistics.co.uk / +350 54014999 "CANNOT RATE HIGHLY ENOUGH EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION ON POINT WITH DELIVERY AND VERY GOOD PRICES. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING FROM THE UK USE THESE GUYS, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” DEBORAH HUXLEY

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FEATURE

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO ENSURE YOU ARE

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THIS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST US UPON US! UNFORTUNATELY, AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THERE IS A HEIGHTENED RISK OF CYBER-ATTACKS DUE TO AMONG OTHER THINGS AN INCREASE IN EMAIL TRAFFIC MARKETING CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS AND THEN POST-CHRISTMAS SALES. THIS PRESENTS AN INCREASED RISK OF PHISHING ATTACK. IN THE LAST ISSUE OF GIBRALTAR INSIGHTS, WE DESCRIBED ONE OF THE WAYS THAT CYBER CRIMINALS TARGET INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS. IN THIS EDITION, WE HAVE OUTLINED 3 SIMPLE STEPS THAT YOU CAN TAKE TO MAKE YOU, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BUSINESS AND GIBRALTAR MORE SECURE AND #HARDTOHACK.

PASSWORD MANAGEMENT: Change your password. Now, right now. Please. Yes, it’s a faff; yes, you will need to think of a new password and then remember it. Yes, you could do it tomorrow, but you won’t. Do it right now. NOW! As we described in our last article, there are millions of emails and passwords for sale on the Dark Web that have been breached by companies that have not protected your personal data sufficiently.

Cyber criminals can buy this data for pence/cents and use a computer algorithm to test the email / password combination against web facing email portals - think: Hotmail, Gmail, Microsoft 365 etc - to gain access to your emails. They will look for social media accounts and online high-street accounts and then test your email password combination to gain access. From this they can gather more personal data until they may have enough to take out credit in your name or use your saved payment cards to make online purchases.

already safer. What we now need to understand is whether you have been entered into any spambots. Spambots as the name suggests are bots that send spam to you. Some spam is laughable, other spam is highly credible. The problem is that if you are tired, rushing, distracted and/or hungover and unthinkingly click a link in a spam email, you could have executed malware or ransomware on your device. Remember, the cyber-criminal only needs to be lucky once, you have to be lucky every time.

So, what to do about it, unfortunately the only way to rectify and avoid your exposure to spam and thus the chances of clicking on a malicious link is by changing your email address. This is best done by transitioning emails address information on websites over a period of time.

Cue you: “What!!! You are kidding right? I have had this email for a gazillion years. My world will cease to function if I have to change it.

You have no idea. No, frankly it’s impossible, inconceivable. I won’t do it... That’s final.”

Don’t be a victim, do the right thing and protect yourself.

Changing your password associated with each of your email addresses is the single greatest defence you can make to protect yourself against a cyber-attack and will instantly make yourself, your family and your business safer.

CHECK YOUR ANTI-VIRUS

PERSONAL DATA BREACH IDENTIFICATION: Next it is a good idea to understand whether your data has actually been breached so you can put in place other measures to protect yourself. First let’s understand the problem. To do this you can use a free service provided by haveibeenpwned.com (HIBP). To put your mind at ease, the site is run by ethical hackers. What is that? Think of hackers in terms of angels and demons. Demon hackers are criminals and naught boys and girls. They are not on Santa’s list. Angel hackers are those with the same skill set as demon hackers, but with decency, morals and integrity and are good boys and girls. They are on Santa’s list. Angel hackers use their skills to protect mankind.

Legends!

Anyway, enter all your email addresses one at a time into the search function. HIBP will then tell you whether the email is associated with a breach and if so, what other data has been breached.

Make sure your Anti-Virus is installed, activated with a valid licence and updated. Remember, in life you get what you pay for. While there is free anti-virus available it will not protect you sufficiently.

Competition to provide the best anti-virus changes year on year between the main vendors, as they achieve technology breakthroughs in response to the evolution in cyber threats. The best thing to do is check a site like www.techradar.com or www.pcmag.com for reviews of the best current anti-virus. There are always new customer deals.

We recommend buying a one-year licence, and then when it comes to renew assess which company has moved to the forefront of anti-malware protection. There will always be new customer deals to be had.

Have a very Merry Christmas from all at CSS Platinum.

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

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

Oh no, you been breached. What now? Well because you have already changed your password you have broken the chain and are

WORDS BY MIKE WILLS GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

CHARITABLE

MAN

Henry Sacramento GA

“I don’t have any regrets, I either won or I learnt“ There can’t be many people in Gibraltar who don’t know Henry Sacramento, even if not personally then they will surely have heard of him.

WORDS BY JO WARD GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE Henry describes himself as ‘a cocktail of all kinds of blood’.

“My father's family has been in Gibraltar since 1840 when the first Sacramento came over from a little fishing village in Portugal called Tavira,” he explains, “and my son has recently given me a new grandson who is now the eleventh generation of our family born here.”

a long career with the Royal Gibraltar Police Force.

“I did three years of shift work, but by the time I was 21 a vacancy came up for a community officer and I took on that role for the Glacis and Laguna Estates, and through that I became very involved with the schools, lecturing on road safety and first aid, and teaching cycling proficiency in St. Anne's School.”

Dance and drama has always been a passion, something that Henry was involved with during his school years having been a pioneer of the youth theatre. ”The first production I took part in as a policeman was in September 1981 when The Gibraltar Youth Theatre produced The Rite Of Spring directed by Mario Arroyo which was the largest cast of male dancers that Gibraltar had ever seen,” he states, continuing to say that as he was on night shift duty he was given permission to perform but that after showering he had to put on his uniform and walk the beat until 7 am!

In 1982 Henry was asked to go to the International Festival of Music and Performing Arts in Aberdeen by the late Lionel Perez, founder of the Alpha Dance Group. “Most of the other community officers were involved with youth football teams, but my way of getting in touch with the young people was through dance and drama, and it gave them a chance to be able to see a policeman as a person and not just a uniform” he says. “I asked permission from Commissioner Williams at the time and he agreed that I should go.”

Notwithstanding his incredible work as a Police Officer for over 37 years, Henry is renowned for his charity work and it was his involvement in a fundraising project for St. Martin’s School that led him to his first meeting with the Head Teacher, Priscilla, who would later go on to become his wife.

It was while working as a plumber for the MOD that Henry’s father first met his mother. “She was born in Jerez del la Frontera in Spain and came to Gibraltar at the age of 27 to work as a nanny for Dr Henry Triay, the local paediatrician at that time, after whom I was named.” As the youngest of three brothers, Henry remembers his mother taking him along in the evenings when she cleaned offices for the Isola family. “Although I was well behaved, I was also very boisterous and she felt that she couldn’t leave me with my brothers, so I would empty the ashtrays and collect the wastepaper baskets for her.”

Always a hard worker, Henry would do odd jobs to earn money and at the age of 11 he had saved enough money to buy a second hand bicycle so that his parents didn’t have to find the money to pay for his bus fare to school. “When I was studying for my GCSEs I worked part-time at Napoleon’s Menswear in Main Street, leaving school at 4.15 pm and working from 4.30 – 7.30 pm Monday to Friday and a half day on Saturday.”

At the age of 17 Henry decided he didn’t want to go on and do his ‘A’ levels and he applied to become a police cadet. “I started on the 3rd October 1977 and became a fully-fledged police officer when I became 18, on the 16th June 1978, which was the start of

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In the two years that Henry was the community police officer in Glacis and Laguna, he made such an impact that when the Commissioner wanted to move him elsewhere the community protested and demonstrated to have him kept on. “I had no idea how much of a difference I was going to make and because I had achieved so much in so little time, when the Commissioner decided to take me away the community wouldn't have it.” Ultimately, Henry was made community officer for Upper Town. “I went on to police there for the next 15 years which is possibly the longest period of time that a community officer has ever served in one place,” he states. That was where Henry found his vocation for helping Moroccan families. “I have always been a lover of Morocco, so for me it was a way of helping in any way that I could, and I would visit the Plater Youth Club where they took in kids from the streets with nothing to do.”

In 1974 Henry first visited Morocco when he was an altar boy at St. Joseph’s School and he was asked to assist with a trip laid on by a club for underprivileged children. “I was only 14 but I loved it so much that I went back at every opportunity.” It was in Morocco ten years later that Henry learnt to belly dance, which added another aspect to his dance performances.

Later on, when Henry and Priscilla became a couple he realised she already had a passion for Morocco and its architecture, and five years ago when he retired from the Royal

Gibraltar Police they bought a house in the Kasba in Tangier where they have become involved with an association called 100% Mamans which helps mothers who become pregnant out of wedlock and their children.

“The charity has been running for over eighteen years and we were very impressed with how organised they were and how much good they were doing,” Henry explains. “For the past five years when we go over there our suitcases are full of baby clothes and things that they need, and I was able to get two knitting clubs in Gibraltar to make blankets for us to donate.” Henry says that they also take a cake every time they visit as that is the only occasion when the children have one. “We spend time with them and show them that there are people that care and that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that has become a very important part of what we do. It is not just about providing the physical needs but giving them psychological support in the best way that we can.”

When the Straits of Gibraltar Association was formed in Tangier they asked Henry and Priscilla to become Patrons. “We felt humbled and honoured to have been asked because it was like the crowning glory of all our work with Moroccan people,” Henry says.

Both Henry and Priscilla have been bestowed with the Gibraltar Award, one year after each other, making them the first couple to receive it on their own merit and not as a couple. Asked if he has a motto or ethos by which he lives his life he says: “I give unconditionally never expecting anything in return, it is a win-win situation because the moment anyone gives me something back it is a bonus - the moment you expect something when you don't get it you are disappointed.”

Among Henry’s other charitable commitments is acting as a Trustee for the Happiness Foundation which was set up by Success & Happiness Psychologist Kath Temple.

“As Chairman of the National Association of Police Welfare Advisors I had the responsibility of organising an annual conference and a bi-annual workshop and Kath was the person that gave the final workshop before I retired.”

One of the proudest of Henry’s achievements is sponsoring an orphan through the children’s charity AKIN. “We put Barnabas through university and he then went on to have a little girl whom he named Priscilla and then a little boy whom he named Henry in appreciation of everything that we did for them,” Henry states. Two years ago we accompanied the Director of AKIN Les Roberts to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and met Barnabas, Glory his wife, and our ‘grandchildren’, and we are now in touch with them every day.”

As if all that wasn’t enough, the Sacramentos were on the organising committee of the first Gibraltar Pride. Henry explains that they have always been defenders of all minorities and that creed, colour of skin and sexual orientation has got nothing to do with how people should be treated. Their latest project was to become the faces of the Gibraltar Movember movement against prostate cancer.

“Looking back,” Henry says, “I probably had the most colourful career any police officer could have had, and the biggest box that I could tick was to make a difference in people's lives.”

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

November witnessed vi sits from tw o Royal Navy vessels, HMS Kent and HMS Dr agon. Both pu lled into harbour for routine logistics supp ort.

37 YEARS ON Thirty-seven years of loyal service to the Royal Air Force came to an end recently, when Warrant Officer (WO) Phillip ‘Phil’ Armitage left the service.

Mr Armitage joined the RAF in 1983 where he completed his Phase 1 training at RAF Swinderby. Phil then went on to serve at a number of RAF bases in the UK and overseas, including Northolt, Aldergrove, Akrotirti and Brize Norton.

Phil has been the Officer in Charge of RAF Movements in Gibraltar since 2013 and has been pivotal in ensuring all Air Transport aircraft operating from the airfield are handled safely and efficiently.

RAF Station Commander, Wing Commander Nel Doherty said: “It is true to say that Mr Armitage is loved and respected and will be truly missed by his RAF family, both here in Gibraltar and back in the UK.” Gibraltar Insight wishes him all the very best.

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment has launched its new athletics team. Led

by Officer in Charge Colour Sergeant Joshua Whitaker and team captain Lance Corporal Arnold Rogers, the team ran its debut race at the Gibraltar Amateur Athletic Association (GAAA)’s 5 km road race on Sunday 8 November.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

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FOOTBALL INSIGHT Today we catch up with Tracey Baglietto, Lynx U6 Coach. Tracey has always possessed a passion for sports generally and has always been involved in most sports activities; her main true passion, however, has always been Football.

She played for a very successful Victoria Stars ladies team for 5 years, winning five consecutive league titles amongst many other trophies and also played for the Gibraltar National Side.

In November 2012, she was appointed to the Gibraltar Football Association Executive Board and was a member of the GFA delegation, which was ultimately triumphant in securing Gibraltar’s UEFA Membership, becoming the 54th Football Nation to join the UEFA Family. During this time she also undertook the role of Head of Women’s Football, she went on to pass UEFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme and travelled abroad representing Gibraltar at all UEFA Women’s Conferences.

After her departure from the Gibraltar FA in August 2015, she decided to have a break from football. During the summer of 2016 she was offered the role of becoming the Lynx FC Youth Development Officer and Lynx U13 coach for the club for one season, which she took on board with great enthusiasm.

At present, Tracey is now coaching the Under 6 Lynx FC team. As she has noted this is indeed quite a big challenge as she believes that in order for a child to become a successful football player or be part of the football world, players do not only need to have the skills but the discipline to flourish within this challenging sport.

She has discovered that being a coach for a youth team does take quite a vast time of your personal life as a lot of pre-planning and effort in organising that all does run smoothly within the team is imperative. She does think that anyone taking up this role must have a vocation and a passion for this sport. As with all other sports coaches need to be at all times up to date with all the new rules which are implemented and this in itself at times is time consuming when trying to pass on to players as old habits are tough to shy away from. She does believe that team bounding has to be a main factor within the team and she does try her best for all players to get on which each other and at times organises a get together outside the sports facilities perimeters.

She states, that within Lynx FC Grassroots Football is taken on board very seriously, thank you mainly to Mr Albert Parody who is the club owner and who he himself is a strong believer and is a top football lover himself. Lynx FC do currently have teams within all age groups and this in itself does involve a lot of hard and dedication from our now Youth Development Officer Mr Joaquin Buhagiar, who spends most of his free time at the club, organising and ensuring that all teams are adequately equipped with all football equipment, kits and above all that all age groups do comply with all the rules & regulations set upon by the Gibraltar Football Association. Tracey is both grateful to Mr Parody and Mr Buhagiar.

Grassroots Football in Gibraltar is one of the most popular sports, that’s why she feels that all clubs and indeed the Gibraltar Football Association do have a day to day challenge in trying to work together as one in promoting and placing all the mechanisms so that this sport does progress to the high standards which is expected.

She senses and appreciates the great work carried out behind the scenes by all i.e. GFA, clubs, coaches and most importantly the players & supporters. However, during these current difficult times which has hit all aspects of our lifes, football has also been hit badly and it has only been because of the great effort from the GFA Youth Committee and all clubs in working together and trying tirelessly to bring back grassroots football these past few months that this has now been achieved.

The kick-start of the youth season she says has been a great triumph; friendly matches have now started to be played albeit behind closed doors as for now this she says will no doubt become the “New Normal” for the time being. She has expressed that the look on all the children, coaches and all those involved is just priceless so that in itself is the greatest reward this sport can take back.

However, she is a firm believer that there is enough quality and scope with the youth sections for Gibraltar football to not now but in the near future give the opportunity to our now youngsters to progress professionally abroad within the Elite teams.

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SPORTS INSIGHT Blithely unaware of the horror to come, the year started off in usual fashion, with Darts supplying the first world champion, Scotland's colourful Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, becoming the oldest first-time winner of the PDC World Darts Championship when, just three months shy of his 50th birthday, he surprised defending champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at London's Ally Pally on new year's day. Hairdresser Fallon Sherlock caused something of a stir in this beer-bellied alpha-male dominated sport when the girl from Milton Keynes, not just female but blonde as well, became the most successful member of the gentler sex in history by reaching the third round of the tournament.

The ailing BDO version held at the 02 London a fortnight later, saw the emergence of an even more ancient first-time champ, when 58-year-old Wayne Warren beat Jim Williams 7-4 in an allWelsh final.

Tragedy rocked the world of sport to its core when basketball superstar Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in California on January 26th, the 41-year-old legend perishing along with his teenage daughter Gianna and seven others.

In February, no surprise to see Novak Djokovic successfully retain his Australian Men's Tennis Open title, the super Serb eventually emerging victorious over Austria's Dominic Thiem after a five-set thriller, while in the Ladies event America once again provided the winner, but on this occasion it was not Queen Serena who reigned supreme, but Sofia Kenin who claimed the prize for the Yanks, the 21-yearold from Florida, via Moscow, fighting back from a set down to floor France's Garbine Muguruza.

The lockdown and later restrictions continue to have a massive impact across all sport – Golf saw the cancellation of The Open and the remaining majors were rearranged to be played behind closed doors, with all three being won by Americans, Colin Morikawa won the USPGA, Bryson DeChambeau the US Open and Dustin Johnson, golf's number one player by some distance, running away with the Masters. The Ryder Cup between the United States and defending champions Europe has been postponed and rescheduled to September next year.

Rugby union saw England narrowly win the Six Nations Championship, pipping France on points difference, while little Exeter Chiefs stunned the sport when taking Europe's Heineken Champions Cup, triumphing in a contest containing the continent's heavyweights, Saracens, Racing Club, Clermont and Irish giants, Leinster and Munster.

Football saw Liverpool eventually crowned Premier League champions for the first time, a prize richly deserved, as the Reds under charismatic coach Jurgen Klopp, played fast, free-flowing football, evocative of the Dalglish and Keegan eras. It may be 30 years since Liverpool last won the league, but judging by the way the Scousers have opened their defence of the championship, they have no intention of relinquishing the title cheaply.

Earlier, the 2020 Super Bowl for once justified the hype, with Kansas City Chiefs ending a 50year hiatus when they outpointed San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in an all-too-rare entertaining final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. An estimated TV audience north of 100m witnessed the extravaganza, where a 30-second commercial cost an astonishing $5.5m.

My abiding football memory of 2020, however, is the astonishing achievement of tiny Gibraltar, unbeaten and comfortably topping their group of the UEFA Nations League, victory and a draw over both their opponents, San Marino and Liechtenstein elevating inspiring coach Julio Cesar Ribas’s “Gibraltarian Warriors" to Group C, where they can look forward to crossing swords with higher class international competitors, and possible opponents could include Turkey, Northern Ireland and Bulgaria. Exciting times await!

On a sombre note, death came calling, claiming stellar sport stars: Motor Racing lost Stirling Moss, Football bade farewell to England and Leeds United legendary duo Jackie Charlton and Norman “Bite Yer Legs" Hunter, while there will be intense competition to be chosen as custodian of the sticks in Team Paradise with the arrival of England master ‘keepers Peter Bonetti and Ray Clemence, along with Northern Ireland's Harry Gregg, the hero of the Manchester United Munich air disaster. Giants all, on and off the pitch, the world is now a poorer place.

So then enters March, yes, roaring in like a lion, but in this desperate year most definitely not departing like a lamb – Covid's heavy black clouds were hovering, the chatter was of impending lockdown and, sadly, When historians sit down to put pen to paper to document lacking the vision the year 2020 Sport 2020, the focus will certainly not be to celebrate hercushould suggest, I prayed that lean triumph on the playing field, nor to laud David vs Goliath my beloved Cheltenham Na- derring-do or die epics, but, sadly, to chart how the calendar tional Hunt Festival would be has been cruelly decimated by Covid-19, a fearsome unseen allowed to proceed unimpeded. plague that leaves death and desolation in its wake as it conMy prayers were answered, and tinues to rage throughout the globe, with all human beings - Regular readers will be aware of 278,000 horseracing fans from all over the British Isles and be- every single one of us included - a target, caught clearly in the my agony and ecstasy love affair with the King George VI Chase crosshairs of this terrifying stealthy virus! yond, mingled cheek to jowl, at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, enjoyed four sumptuous days a race where, astonishingly, I’ve of equestrian excellence, then tipped the winner on more than one occasion, and this year I’m sated, and infected, some returned home to friends and neighentrusting my tenner with the Alex Ferguson partially owned bours, blighting towns and villages and spreading the virus far CLAN DES OBEAUX to succeed once again – sorry Fergie! Get and wide. It hardly seems important now that Irish wonder trainer on, and if my flights to the UK and Ireland for the festive season Willie Mullins' Al Boum Photo retained the Cheltenham Gold Cup, don’t materialise, as now seems likely, I’ll be delighted to meet while Nicky Henderson won the Champion Hurdle with Epatante, any of you guys in front of the Big Screen at the Sports Arena in owned by legendary punter JP McManus.

Ocean Village on the day to watch the great race.

Sanity slowly trickled through however and lockdown was evenFinally, may I warmly wish you all a very Happy Christmas, a prostually decreed – the nation's favourite race, the Grand National, perous and, above all else, a safe 2021. was cancelled, and later the Derby was run behind closed doors.

Epsom's iconic race was won in runaway fashion by Serpentine at 25/1 and the blue riband prize crossed the Irish Sea to the stable of eight-time winning trainer Aidan O'Brien in County Tipperary.

A YEAR OF TEARS, FEARS AND GLORY

WORDS BY LIAM BEGLAN, SPORTS WRITER GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHT

PROTECTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT THE ESG (ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY GROUP) Janet Howitt, co-founder and Chairperson of the Environmental Safety Group (ESG) explains how in In May 2000 a damaged nuclear submarine, HMS Tireless, limped into Gibraltar and caused great concern among the community and that became the catalyst for the formation of the ESG. “At the time I had been back in Gibraltar for 6 months having been based in Tanzania, East Africa, for the preceding 10 years,” she says.

“A few of us started meeting up to discuss this issue and to organise and lend support to the Voice of Gibraltar that had already started campaigning on this,” Janet states. “Our small but active group called ourselves Concerned Parents, then Concerned Citizens and soon after, formalised as the ‘Environmental Safety Group’ of which Tom Scott and I became co-founders and spokespersons.”

Significant protests took place in Gibraltar and in nearby Algeciras where approximately 70,000 people are thought to have attended, including the ESG with a banner showing support for a protest against a regional threat posed by Tireless. “The submarine eventually left having stirred up issues of constitutional importance locally. It also helped forge alliances between NGOs across the border, and gave birth to the ESG Committee, made up of dedicated environmental activists,” she explains.

“The Committee had to prioritise its work from the start as it was clear that Gibraltar faced many environmental problems. Overwhelmingly, however, the large and highly polluting Oil Refinery in the Campo area was considered our biggest threat and so became not the only, but the main target of our energy and time.”

With the strong links forged through the intensive submarine campaigns, the ESG and a number of Spanish Environmental NGOs initiated and ran several campaigns and protests against the heavily polluting Oil Refinery. “In 2002 with the support of Hassan’s International Law Firm, we lodged our first official complaint with the European Commission against the Refinery and general poor standards operated by the industrial base in the Campo area,” Janet states. “Our complaint was also signed by the GONHS, and contained evidence and reports from Spanish NGOs of examples of various breaches of environmental regulation by industries in the Campo.”

Thus started what became 8 years of solid lobbying and campaigning at EC level, supported by multiple and substantive cross border protests, the collection of scientific data to support concerns of air quality via the Bay Bucket Brigade, and the creation of a high level team of internationally respected experts and advisers to support ESG’s actions in Brussels. This included Professor Joan Benach, a public health specialist whose work exposed cancer clusters within the triangle of higher mortality in 3 provinces including Se-

villa, Huelva and Cadiz, the worst cases being found in the bay itself.

“We also discovered and worked closely with Denny Larson from the USA whose work as the Global Community Monitor involved the training up and equipping of affected communities, living near toxic industries, into setting up Bucket Brigades, to test air quality in their neighbourhoods. This led Denny to India, South Africa, Europe, the UK and then to our Bay where he trained and helped us form a cross border Bay Bucket Brigade made up of 3 NGOs from both Spain and Gibraltar,” Janet reports. This joint approach further depoliticised the nature of the campaign and complaints in Brussels.

“We continued to lobby the European Commission directly until the emergence of MEP representation for Gibraltar in Brussels began. We worked steadfastly with a number of interested MEPs namely Neil Parish and Sir Graham Watson, among several others, who supported our case of environmental degradation and threat to public health in the Bay from industry, and eventually saw enforcement measures against the polluting giant. Janet adds that they were also ably supported by industry specialist Stephen Salter from Canada, David Dumas QC from Hassan’s, Moses Benrimoj Environmental Chemist, Tom Scott Marine Engineer, Henry Pinna, James Machin Climate adviser and Sandra Kloff Marine Biologist. Juan Jose Uceda, a well known Bay activist also worked closely with us during these years.”

Turning their sights closer to home it was clear that issues of power generation, traffic, pollution, lack of renewable energy programmes, waste management, planning and development were highly significant. During this time bunkering (refuelling of vessels) had also grown exponentially, without parallel oversight, creating growing levels of air and noise pollution in our coastal areas, neighbourhoods and schools.

Janet goes on to say that additionally, Gibraltar saw two maritime accidents of consequence also highlighting the need for VTS and cross-port coordination, among their aims and objectives.

“In 2005 we held the first of what have been 16 major Clean Up events locally. Gibraltar had major issues regarding litter and fly tipping, historic dumping grounds, lack of facilities and recycling, and a general disregard about these problems.” Each year the ESG, together with multiple partners across the community, strove to clean up, raise awareness and push for environmental protection and maintenance of Gibraltar’s green and open spaces, cliffs, coastal and underwater sites. “We have seen significant change take place over time showing the value of this sustained community campaign that will no doubt continue for some time to come,” Janet confirms.

“We learnt very quickly of the need to lobby on a non-party political basis and set about producing a Wish List, or List

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of Objectives, the first of which was published for the 2003 Elections and has been updated regularly ever since. Our 2019 List contains 15 separate areas summarising key issues and recommendations for action.”

Asked what progress had been made on the 15 points on the list handed to political parties in Gibraltar for consideration, Janet replies that the 2019 list is currently being updated.

“There have been a number of improvements and goals met in some areas while others are caught up in the uncertainty of Brexit and now Covid setbacks. Two projects of interest here are the Sewage Treatment and Solid Waste Plant.”

Addressing the issue of Brexit and Covid and the implications of those for the environment, Janet says that the ESG understand that Government is facing a most challenging time in keeping our community safe from the Covid Pandemic while keeping every sector stable. “Public health is a major priority for any community and understandably resources are being ploughed in to ensure the best outcome for us all.”

“Meanwhile Gibraltar faces Brexit also and this will have implications for our environment as we will no longer have the umbrella cover provided by the European Commission for the enforcement of environmental legislation. This is a serious issue for us. Especially regarding cross border environmental threats etc., but we will continue to monitor and research these issues and keep these in focus. The next few months and year will be very significant for us and our environment.”

carbon loads and it’s clear where the major changes need to come from if meaningful emissions are to be eliminated.

While a small community we nevertheless have a sizeable comparative carbon footprint due to our desalination for potable water, imports of food, sale of fossil fuels and more.”

“The drive we are seeing to harness the widely available renewable and free energy around us is encouraging and we are glad to see projects being rolled out at an increasing pace. A plan to reduce all carbon impacts via the climate strategy and longer term plans we hope will soon be released and form part of our future to ensure we address this ultimately toughest challenge facing humanity today,” Janet states.

The impact of polluting transport and the implementation of a safe and sustainable transport network for Gibraltar is a hot topic at the moment. What are the views of the ESG in this respect?

“The ESG concurs with the view that people should walk and cycle more and park up their motorised vehicles and motorbikes. We have pushed for a holistic transport plan, which was finally achieved with the very comprehensive STTPP, and agree with its aims but would like to see all the recommendations implemented. This would involve a lot of change – a great public transport service using clean fuels; controls in number of car and bike ownership; phasing out of fossil fuelled vehicles among others. Gibraltar is like the rest of the world that is being overtaken by motorised and

polluting vehicles and it is in all our interests to manage this directly together, for all our sakes.”

Is the Government being successful in its mission to achieve a low carbon economy and to make Gibraltar as environmentally sustainable as possible?

“As years go by we are all feeling the growing pressure and concern about Climate Change. Awareness of the issues globally is growing, but the speed of necessary action moving less fast. Locally we know that reports produced on Gibraltar’s Climate Strategy and long-term plans were due to be published at the beginning of the year but these have been delayed due to the necessary focus on addressing the immediacy of Covid and secondly the upcoming upheavals we face due to Brexit.”

What can the public do by making changes in their everyday lives to reduce the impact of environmental issues?

Janet explains that every citizen has a role to play to help protect our environment. “From reducing your waste to recycling, to the way you travel, from informing yourself about environmental issues and how you can help, to not littering and encouraging others to do the same. By using water and energy sensibly, to thinking about your diet and how you can change this by eating more plant based food, to support a more equitable and sustainable planet.”

For those interested in more details please refer to www.esggib.net.

“Nevertheless Gibraltar has made progress in the last few years in recording and understanding the true weight of our

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Here is an interesting one The Christmas card's origins are hard to pin-down exactly, but the first recorded ones can be traced to being sent to King James VI & I, and was found in the National Records of Scotland. The message inside was: "A greeting on the birthday of the Sacred King, to the most worshipful and energetic lord and most eminent James, King of Great Britain and Ireland, and Defender of the true faith, with a gesture of joyful celebration of the Birthday of the Lord, in most joyand fortune, we enter into the new auspicious year 1612".

MISTLETOE: The funny little green plant, that nobody outside their COVID bubble should be utilising this year, echoes the romance and tingly feel good feeling at this time of year. However, be warned as the two weeks in the run up to Christmas is sadly one of the most common times of the year that couples break up.

Outer Space On Christmas Eve 1948, the United States Air Force issued a statement saying that an "early warning radar net to the north" had detected "one unidentified sleigh, powered by eight reindeer, at 14,000 feet, heading 180 degrees." This was the genesis of the idea to track Santa all around the world using the resources of US military satellites. The website noradsanta .org is live from 1st December.

In 1965 two astronauts reported an unidentified craft.

They contacted Mission Control describing it as having one main command module and eight smaller modules in front. They went on to mention that the pilot appeared to be wearing a red suit. After control room scratched their heads for a minute or two, the pair then burst into song, singing Jingle Bells.

SANTA! In Russia, Santa is called Father Frost. He is also prevalent in other Slavic countries. He delivers his presents on New Year's Eve to well-behaved children. Depending on the country, he is often helped by his granddaughter, known as the Snow Maiden.

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CHRISTMAS

FROM WORLD WAR 2 CHRISTMAS IS USUALLY A TIME FOR INDULGENCE, A TIME WHEN ‘HEALTHY EATING’ TAKES A BACK SEAT AND SOME OF US ENJOY TUCKING INTO A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FEAST; TURKEY, HAM, MINCE PIES, PUDDING AND CAKE. So what was Christmas food like 1940s style? It is hard to imagine in this day and age exactly how people managed to provide food for their Christmas lunch during World War II when luxuries were hard to come by and even basic foods were scarce.

Wartime rationing brought out the best in cooks and in Christmas 1941 rationing was at its peak. Weekly rations consisted of four ounces of bacon and/or ham, six ounces of butter and/or margarine, two ounces of tea, eight ounces of sugar, two ounces of cooking fats and meat to the value of 1/10d (9p).

In the week before Christmas, tea and sugar rations were increased which helped families to create a festive meal. As dried fruit became more difficult to come by, the traditional Christmas pudding would consist of spice, prunes, apples, grated carrots, and potatoes bulked out with breadcrumbs.

In November 1939, the Minister of Food announced to the UK that butter and bacon would be rationed from January 1940 onwards. Rationing meant that inventive and resourceful ways had to be found to make sure that a festive meal was put on the table which included hoarding ingredients for months in advance.

As the war progressed, the word ‘mock’ was often used to describe Christmas fare and a leaflet published in December 1945 by the Ministry of Food included recipes for ‘Mock Marzipan’ and ‘Mock Cream’.

In fact, carrots were the heroes of many a wartime Christmas lunch, with a typical menu consisting of a starter of carrot soup followed by rabbit with parsley and celery stuffing served with boiled carrots, parsley and potato cakes, gravy and bread sauce, then carrot cake with cream for pudding and sweet treats that might have included “carrot fudge” or “candied carrots.” (Menu courtesy of BBC Two Wartime Farm)

Turkey was not available and many families had to make do with “Mock Turkey” (also known as Murkey) which was really made from cheap mutton, or failing that they would make ‘Mock Goose’ which was actually a type of potato casserole, in some recipes it is also made with a combination of red lentils and breadcrumbs, with no meat at all in it. Apparently the dish originated from Yorkshire, and gained its name from the fact that “wasn't it better to have goose in some form or other, than to not have goose at all?” Yorkshire humour at its best!

Many families kept livestock such as rabbits and chickens in their gardens or on their smallholdings and these were popular alternatives to turkey, always accompanied by servings of homegrown vegetables. The ‘Dig for Victory’ propaganda campaign encouraged civilians to grow their own produce, reduce waste and help the war effort. Potato Pete and Doctor Carrot were characters created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to promote vegetable eating. Both these ingredients featured in ‘Lord Woolton Pie’, a root vegetable pie blended with oats and topped with a potato crust.

Who remembers SPAM? "Supply Processed American Meat" – known as SPAM for short was a meaty luncheon meat containing a high percentage of pork that became a staple food for soldiers in the trenches. During the war, foods such as SPAM and powdered eggs were shipped from America to Britain, as well as the USSR, through the Lend-Lease Agreement. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who called SPAM a ‘“war time delicacy”, recalled enjoying Spam on Boxing Day in 1943: "I can quite vividly remember we opened a tin of Spam luncheon meat. We had some lettuce and tomatoes and peaches, so it was Spam and salad."

Whatever you are eating this Christmas, while you enjoy sitting round the table with your family give a thought to those living with rations during World War II who found ingenious ways to create a marvellous feast, and don’t forget the humble carrot – it just might come in useful!

“This is a food war. Every extra row of vegetables in allotments saves shipping… the battle on the kitchen front cannot be won without help from the kitchen garden. Isn’t an hour in the garden better than an hour in the queue?” – Lord Woolton, Minister of Food, 1941.

WORDS BY JO WARD 38

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CHRISTMAS What we love about Christmas is the socialising, the clinking of glasses, wearing silly hats and usually balancing various canapés. It brings out our fun side, the chance to talk, catch up and mingle. With this years restrictions, how can we adhere to what’s asked of us without missing out on this pivotal aspect of Christmas? A new approach could be creating mini Christmases before the big day. Arrange to meet up with one or two friends at a time in the run up. Wrap up warm, arm yourself with some portable treats and find somewhere to create your own slice of festive fun. Larger groups meeting may not be possible but emotionally you can knit together all your experiences - it doesn’t make them any less special.

There are special activities that we look forward to all year that now seem impossible to engage in such as carol singing, attending Christmas shows and carol concerts. For me, Christmas is heralded by booking a ticket for the Nutcracker ballet. I love how this particular show conjures up that warm Christmas glow - a glow we all want to bask in during the season.

Rather than concentrating on what we are missing out on, it will feel positive to focus on what activities we can enjoy. When at home with friends and family this Yuletide, create ways of connecting and having fun with each other. As tempting as it maybe to stare at our phones and computers, it is much more rewarding to spend the time enjoying each other’s company. Whether it’s board games, a game of cards or my personal favourite, Trivial Pursuit, it’s fascinating how we become so ridiculously competitive which adds to the fun. If some fresh air is in order, wrap up snuggly, grab a flask of hot chocolate and venture out with your Christmas posse. Walking and talking can be amazingly therapeutic, often more so than sitting in the same room as somebody. Take an appreciative look at what’s around us and soak up what is so important about Christmas - and every day: friends, family, companionships and the nature that surrounds us.

In challenging, unusual times, familiarity is comforting and gives us strength for the situations that lie ahead of us. For those who cannot be with us this Christmas, whatever the reason, it is emotionally important to still include them in the celebrations. Talk about them. Reminisce about past Christmases you shared together and ones you will share in the future.

too much of what makes it such a nostalgic and magical time for us?

The most important part of any Christmas are the people - or person - you spend it with. The number of people you can share the season with might be limited, which can have a big impact on you feel but it is vital to enjoy the company of those you are with.

One pivotal moment on Christmas Day is the lunch. Even those often avoided vegetables like Brussel sprouts are given a warm welcome especially if some pancetta and chest have been cooked with them.

Who can deny the nostalgia joy of a snowball or babycham, in fact, they are becoming de rigueur at many fashionable soirées so clink and revel in Christmases past. A beautifully adorned Christmas table is a wonderful central focus for those who are sharing lunch.

Whatever is happening (or not) in the outside world, there is a certain kind of convivial connection that can only be enjoyed around a dining table. It isn’t just the eating that creates the memories, it starts from the moment we wake up. Whether a full English is your preferred Christmas breakfast or a lighter option is opted for, how we begin our celebrations is as important as the rest of the day. It sets a mood, a tone. I have experienced the full range range of breakfast choices Christmas this year will feel different for all of us. The and each one brings its own depresence of Covid has cast a shadow on how we can light. Full English when I was a celebrate the season. This is particularly poignant child - scrumptious. As an adult, when we are living through such a challenging time a favourite choice is Smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and absolutely need to experience as much joy and with a glass of fizz - delicious emotional warmth as we can. and just a tad decadent.

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS

The most positive way to approach this festive season is to learn how to adapt in order to get the most out of a difficult time. Getting creative is something many of us usually do at Christmas but this year it has never been so important. Make your home not only a warm, cosy sanctuary but a place of glitz and glamour, somewhere you actively want to spend time over the season.

As an avid theatre goer, the loss of live productions is felt particularly at Christmas. Pantomimes in particular are hugely popular with all the family. In their absence, there is an emergence of online productions where live music, comedy and small scale productions can be viewed. It brings entertainment into your home and provides a much missed audience for the performers.

Those festive joys of watching a favourite Christmas film or enjoying fun games like charades cannot be diminished even if numbers are limited. Creating special memories is more important than ever. Modern technology will never replace actually being with loved ones but using them at such a difficult time at least allows us to see family and friends and raise a toast together. We can connect, albeit virtually.

For those who work, the annual Christmas shindig is always a well deserved highlight. It is a thank you from the company but more importantly it is an opportunity to colleagues to enjoy non work time together. It is a time to remove our professional exterior and have fun with those we work closely with all year. Occasions like this will be sorely missed, not only for the dinner but the memories they create.

Christmas will always be a wonderful, nostalgic and poignant time of the year. It envelopes us in a sentimental glow and even if we have to approach Christmas differently this year,

So having acknowledged the challenges we all face this Christmas, how can we successfully navigate through this season without feeling we are not losing

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS is a time of year CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF YEAR THAT CONJURES UP NUMEROUS IMAGES AND EMOTIONS. THE FESTIVE SEASON BOMBARDS ALL OF OUR SENSES, BE IT GLORIOUS DECORATIONS, SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD OR THE FUN OF WRAPPING UP GIFTS.

However, the most poignant aspect of Christmas are the relationships that are at the very heart of it. Our emotions are heightened because of the expectation and the nostalgia associated with Christmas. It is often the emotional moments that stay with us, no matter how insignificant they might appear to others.

As a first time mother, Ann Dignan, 38, from Hertfordshire, was excited and overwhelmed at sharing her first Christmas with her partner and three month old daughter Lily. She brought huge joy to the couple, especially as Ann had been told she was sub fertile several years earlier. ‘When I discovered I was expecting a baby I was truly happy, if a little shocked. There was a part of me that had accepted I would never be a mother. A feeling that made me feel not only incredibly sad but somehow empty, hollow. The discovery of my pregnancy felt literally miraculous.

I was a little frightened, hoping everything would go well and desperate that nothing would happen to my unborn baby’. For Ann, the safe arrival of her daughter was incredible and a huge relief. Being a September baby meant that Christmas was not too far away, adding to the wonder of the season.

‘Although my daughter was only three months, she was absolutely integral to everything that Christmas. All the silliness and fun that can easily be forgotten as adults, rushed back and I felt like a little girl again. We bought her a special Christmas dress and a sparkly clip for her hair - of which she had lots! No doubt she didn’t notice any of it but let’s be honest - it’s more for the parents benefit and seeing their child look gorgeous!’ The first Christmas was magical for Ann, as it is for all first time mums and dads. The usual routines and

rituals are honoured but having a baby to share this special season adds some fairy dust onto all of the proceedings.

As adults we are lucky enough to enjoy Christmas through the eyes of a child.

‘With Lily, I felt a sense of completion.

Christmas was a whole experience again, having a gurgling, inquisitive baby amongst us gave us so much joy and definitely provided an extra loving bond between us. I can’t wait until Lily is old enough to help decorate the tree!’

When we think of Christmas, we often - if not always - picture a family scene with family members of all ages gathered together. However, for some individuals, their Christmas looks significantly different. For them, Christmas is just as enjoyable and equalling fulfilling but in a way that works for them.

Tony James, 54, from Brighton, grew up in a tight knit family with parents, a brother and sister. His brother and sister eventually left the family home when they met their partners but Tony, remained in the family home. In time, his role as son was replaced as one of their carer. ‘I adored my parents’, says Tony, ‘my personal situation was different to my siblings and to be honest I was content to stay with my parents.

They were happy to give me the privacy and space to live with them whilst living my own life. When their health started to decline, I didn’t feel obliged to stay and care for them, I wanted to be there. It was challenging at times, no question. Mum became ill first but dad followed quite soon after. With mum her illness was impacted by dementia so this was another difficult aspect to her health and my caring for her’. Sadly, Tony had lost both of his parents by 2017. The first Christmas without them created a lot of mixed feelings for him.

Tony felt lost, rudderless and to some extent, emotionally redundant. He had dedicated so much of his emotional and physical time and energy to them, he felt on shaky ground. ‘Christmas is a hugely emotional time and this was the first one I had experienced without mum and dad. I developed this odd sense of guilt that I did not have to cook or buy gifts on their behalf. To be honest, I was unsure how I should approach the festive season’. Tony’s siblings invited him to join their families and although warmly appreciated, Tony felt it would be cathartic to spend Christmas by himself. ‘In one way, I wanted to prove I could do it. The thought of being on my own during such an important time of the year felt strange but like a challenge in some ways.

I made arrangements to see friends during the run up to Christmas. It was important to fuel myself with good cheer and a sense of support. By Christmas Eve I had bought and distributed presents already so I had the luxury of a leisurely visit to a favourite local cafe followed by a walk through nearby woods. Usually, I would be conscious to return home if I had already been out for several hours’. Although this felt like a very different kind of Christmas for Tony, he realised he rather enjoyed not only the freedom but his own company.

‘It is interesting that previously, my idea of a miserable Christmas would be to spend the day alone, watching television and bolting down Christmas dinner on a tray. Now, as that person, I can see there are real positives to spending the day exactly how you want to. Having spent some wonderful festive seasons with my parents and family, I can equally appreciate there is another version of Christmas that is very different but feels just as precious’.

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH 42

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CHRISTMAS

It’s that time of year again, you know; the time where you have to come up with gift ideas for your partner or friends and really; what do you get the person who has everything ?

This year I’m going to be your gift guru and we’re going retro for some low cost and fun....

I’ve delved through the memory banks and come up with a few old faves that I think I would enjoy playing as a slightly older kid.

Realising that we can actually categorise them in to groups I’m starting with one of my absolute favourites in the “strategy” group:

inly worthy of a mention in Another game which is certa urite: this group is the old family favo

Cluedo

MONOPOLY

Originally created as an educational tool in 1906 there were two versions; one, the “anti- monopolist” where everyone benefited from the creation of wealth and the other the “monopolist” where you created your own wealth, kept it and crushed everyone else.

It wasn’t until 1935 when Parker Brothers in the USA bought the the patent for $500 and in turn sent a copy to Waddingtons in the UK to test, that we got the version we know today.

Now dads everywhere attempt to deprive the rest of their family of property and cash and indeed crush them to prove they are indeed a true Capitalist.

Now; if either of those two games is way too much exercise your grey matter then we’ll move on to the next group of games. I’m not sure what this category should be called but I’m going for the “suspense” group.

Games that are designed to make you jump when something kind of unexpected happens and my first one in this group is:

BUCKAROO

Dating back to 1970 this game very simply consists of a spring loaded mule which you take turns to load up with items like a crate, pan, shovel and the like. If the mule “bucks” when you put your piece on then you’re knocked out, the mule is reset and the remaining players start to load the mule again, the last player remaining is the winner. No matter how many time us kids played we all squealed when the mule BUCKAROO’D....!

although it’s had several Dating way back to 1949 and, ins basically the same re-launches over the years, rema to six players must up murder mystery game where to name the murderer, use their powers of deduction to win. murder weapon and location hidden in an envelope Cards are secretly drawn and details. Players move which determine the crime use secret passages to around the mansion and can e a suggestion of the get to a room where they mak ibilities and it’s up to poss 324 are e crime details. Ther opponents theories their rove disp to ers the other play to one other player. have they s card ing by secretly show

The next in this group is

A large clear plastic tube with rods crisscrossing through the holes in the middle of it was loaded with marbles which sat amongst and on top of the plastic rods.

The idea of this game, which dates back to 1967, was to remove the plastic rods without any marbles falling in to your tray at the bottom of the tube. The player with the fewest number of marbles was the winner. You touch a rod you have to remove it - that was about the only rule....!

Simple uncomplicated fun.

Other great family games to try are: Jenga, Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, Risk, Yahztee, and The Game of Life and unlike the PS5 you’ll probably be able to buy them on Main Street...

Have a game filled Merry Christmas

WORDS BY NATHAN GREEN GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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WINNERS

INSIGHT INUNDATED WITH COMPETITION ENTRIES Thanks to everyone who entered and commiserations to those who didn't win. Stay tuned for more competitions and ways to win top prizes in the coming months.

Remember you can win each month with our Light & Power Crossword and a £150 voucher quarterly courtesy of Tagore.

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FEATURE

The

Air That I Breathe IN THE UK ALBUM CHARTS AGAIN

WORDS BY JOE ADAMBERY 48

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FEATURE

Over the last weekend one of Albert Hammond’s greatest songs charted in the UK album charts.

This would make it the third time lucky for the composer. I ponder on some special musical memories as I write this. First I am reminded by my phone that it’s exactly six years ago (Nov 7) since Albert Hammond came to play two live concerts here at the now disappeared Queen’s Cinema.

I remember going with my daughter Vanessa who has just texted me...”What a night that was”. It came up on her FB memories too.

Indeed, those two shows were a long time coming and it took a shrewd and brave James Neish, then of GBC and now an established UK journalist and a colleague Chronicle feature writer, a giant leap of faith to have staged the ‘Hammond’ concerts. They were a resounding success.

Albert’s ‘homecoming’ concerts had been long overdue and they were what everyone expected and more because we had never seen the man sing his legendary songs made famous by many other great artists. His melodic and bilingual songs are in fact the soundtrack of our lives. His earliest hit ‘Little Arrows,’ which was sung by Leapy Lee, is now fifty two years old! Yes it was released in 1968 and time flies like a thieving crow! Let’s take a moment to assimilate the hugely successful catalogue of hits written and sometimes produced for major artists by Albert Hammond.

Last weekend the prestigious UK paper ‘The Guardian’ wrote that Sir Cliff Richard, now 80 “has become the first artist to reach the Top 5 of the UK album chart across eight consecutive decades. His new album ‘Music...The Air That I Breathe’ reaches No 3 this week” (Nov 6). The title of the new hit album is inspired by one of Hammond’s greatest songs and it’s featured on Cliff’s album as a duet with Albert. I spoke to him recently and asked him why he still tours, as he plans to start touring again as soon as the Covid crisis allows. All concert touring has stopped and artists worldwide have been cancelling shows because of social distancing rules.

“You know that I no longer do this for fame or money, I do it for the time when backstage after a concert, a grieving mother comes to collect an autograph and asks me to sign an al-

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bum which she tells me that she will treasure because my songs remind her of good times and her son. That time that I spend with my fans is my legacy. That’s worth more than an award or chart hits for me. I have earned that reward by putting in the effort to write the best songs that I can write so that I can continue to make people happy.”

In our privileged chat where many other things were discussed, I picked up on that reply and asked whether I could use it because it struck me that tender moments like these really are the ultimate validation that artists receive. They all want to be appreciated and when someone tells them that they are then it makes everything worth it.

Coming back to the memory of his two concerts here six years ago, I remember being impressed with the quality of his voice which was in peak form at the two ‘Legend’ album sessions, CDs which saw him re-launch his solo career and later take to the road with a full symphony orchestra behind him touring Europe to sold out theatres. Through live steaming we were able to enjoy a concert from that tour here on TV and it was called ‘Albert Hammond in Symphony’.

If his success at that time ever needed a boost that tour and the ‘Symphonic’ record of his best hits put the gold seal on a career as a solo artist and legendary composer who has now been famous for over fifty years. He doesn’t fall short of Sir Cliff’s enduring longevity but then Cliff has not written the big songs that have inspired so many A-list artists internationally. Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves about a number of major artists who scored hits with songs by Albert Hammond.

Think Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Julio Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Joe Cocker, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, The Hollies, Leo Sayer, Starship and you are in the ballpark of what it means to be the composer whose songs are now considered classics and are destined to be around for a long time. Hammond has no intention of stepping down any time soon and although Covid has put his concert tours on a temporary hiatus, the big wheels are still turning in the background so that when he emerges onto the concert trail again his status as an enduring music legend will not have diminished one iota.

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MOTORING INSIGHT

WORDS BY MARTIN WARD 50

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MOTORING INSIGHT

EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE ONE, A PEOPLE CARRIER AND GENERAL VEHICLE THAT WILL DO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING. Volkswagen have been producing the “T” model vans since 1950, with the original the T1 being built for over 17 years until 1967. The Transporter has always been popular as both a working vehicle and also a leisure vehicle. There have been many variants and body styles of the Transporter from vans, pick-ups, minibuses, camper vans and many more variations.

The latest version is the T6.1 which was introduced late 2019, this was an improved version of the T6, I guess it wasn’t called the T7 as the modifications and changes were not enough to go from 6 to 7.

There are currently many models to choose from in the T6.1 range including the vans and pick-up, but the people carrier choices are the Kombi, a five seater, crewbus,with two rows of seats. A Shuttle with either eight or nine seats over three rows, then the Caravelle seven seat executive bus, with the second row having two rear facing seats, and a three-seater bench third row.

The T6.1 I had on test from VW UK Press Office was the Kombi Short Wheelbase Highline, which had five seats, then a huge cargo area behind the rear bench seat. This was ideal for getting five people in, with loads of legroom, and headroom, and room for bikes or luggage, so versatile and flexible.

But is it like a van to drive, well actually no it isn’t. Modern day vans from most manufacturers are very car like to drive, with all mod-cons including satellite navigation, aircon, heater and the same safety systems as cars. Gone are the days when the van driver was treated like a second class citizen with no nice features in the cabin.

The Kombi I had was powered by a 2.0-litre TDI Diesel engine that produces 150ps, goes from 0-62mph in 11.1 seconds, a top speed of 113mph (where permitted). During the week I had the VW it averaged around 47mpg, and admittedly I didn’t carry much weight, but if I had, then the fuel consumption would have been much higher. It was fitted with a very smooth 6-speed manual gearbox, which is “dash-mounted” and

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it easily slides from one gear to the next.

It does look a big thing, who wants a big van for everyday use, but in reality it’s not excessively large, in fact with it having a fairly short bonnet it really is no longer than a large saloon. But the real test is when you park it in a supermarket car park, and it easily fits in between the white lines, and doesn’t stick out at the rear. The downside is it’s height of 1,990mm so is a bit tight if you go into a multi-storey when they generally have a height restriction of 2m, you do need to take extra care.

Having a high seating position, you do feel like King of the World, and you do see things you don’t normally see in a regular car, a great driving position and the front seats with their armrests makes it a very relaxing and comfortable, so nice.

During the time I had the Kombi, there was many a time I felt I could just fill it up with diesel and drive for mile after mile, setting off for Southern Spain would be a very enjoyable experience and I would just love every minute of the long journey.

As brilliant as the Transporter is, and the great drive and the high level of standard equipment, there is just one drawback... the price.. the Transporter is expensive, the cost of the Kombi is £39,000, a big price to pay when new. But on the bright side, they do hold onto their value exceptionally well, but this in turn makes used ones look expensive. But they are very popular and always in demand, and I suspect this will be the case for a long time.

The T6.1 is just a brilliant vehicle.. and.. every home should have one...

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FEATURE

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE CAPTURE OF GIBRALTAR

BY ROOKE PART 2

About two in the afternoon, the enemy's van gave way to ours, and the battle ended with the day, when the enemy went away, by the help of their gallies, to the leeward. In the night, the wind shifted to the northward, and in the morning to the westward, which gave the enemy the wind of us. We lay by all day, within three leagues one of another, repairing our defects; and at night they filled and stood to the northward. On the 15th in the morning, the enemy was got four or five leagues to the westward of us; but a little before noon we had a breeze of wind easterly, with which we bore down on them till four o'clock in the afternoon; it being too late to engage, we brought to, and lay by with our heads to the northward all night.

On the 16th in the morning, the wind being still easterly, hazy weather, and having no sight of the enemy or their scouts, we turned and bore away to the westward, supposing they would have gone away for Cadiz; but being advised from Gibraltar, and the coast of Barbary, that they did not pass the Straits, we concluded they had been so severely treated, as to oblige them to return to Toulon. The admiral says, we must do the officers the justice to say, that every man in the line did his duty, without giving the least umbrage for censure or reflection; and that he never observed the true English spirit so apparent and prevalent in our seamen as on this occasion. This battle is so much the more glorious to her Majesty's arms, because the enemy had a superiority of six hundred great guns, and likewise the advantage of cleaner ships, being lately come out of port, not to mention the great use of their gallies, in towing on or off their great ships, and in supplying them with fresh men, as often as they had any killed or disabled. But all these disadvantages were surmounted by the bravery and good conduct of our officers, and the undaunted courage of our seamen.

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FEATURE Although on the return of Sir George to England, he was graciously received by the Queen and the Lord High Admiral; and although the victory was completely destructive of the French power by sea, it could not impress on the minds of the Whig party a sufficiently due sense of it to induce them even to mention it in their addresses to the Queen, on the success of her arms. The memorable battle of Blenheim had been added to the victories of the Duke of Marlborough that year, and the Whigs were either really or politically insensible of any other. The Tories were more just, as will appear by the following address, presented by Sir Richard Vivyan, Bart, and James Buller, Esq. Knights of the shire for the county of Cornwall, and written by the poet Granville, afterwards Lord Lansdown :

TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY : Permit, Madam, the landlords, bounders, adventurers, and whole body of the tinners of Cornwall, with hearts full of all dutiful acknowledgments, to approach your Majesty, who want words to express their gratitude, their joy, their admiration, for the wonderful success of your Majesty's arms, under the conduct of his grace the Duke of Marlborough.

Never was success greater in all its circumstances, a design more secretly carried on, so effectually supported from home, so vigorously executed abroad, on which no less than the liberty of Europe depended; a cause worthy the best of princes, a victory worthy the greatest of generals, which will transmit to all future ages your Majesty's name truly great; great for deliverance, not for oppression. But it is not enough that your Majesty triumphs at land; to complete your glory, your forces

so ill a condition! by being so long out, in such want of ammunition, by taking Gibraltar without gallies, which were of so great service to the enemy; all these disadvantages considered, nothing certainly could equal the conduct of your admiral, the the engagement, but their conduct, their bravery, and their courage after it, whereby they perfected a victory, which otherwise, in human probability, must have ended in an overthrow; an action as great in itself as happy in its consequences. May your Majesty never want such commanders by sea and land, such administration in the management of the public treasure, "May your Majesty never want, what sure you never can, the hearts, the hands, the purses, of all your people. Had not we, Madam, of this country, inherited the loyalty of our ancestors, which your Majesty has been pleased so graciously to remember, such obligations must have engaged the utmost respect; and such all of us will ever pay to your sacred person and government, as with one voice we daily pray, LONG LIVE QUEEN ANN, to whom many nations owe their preservation.

The ministry, who should hate been the most sensible of Sir George's services, and among the first to acknowledge them, were alarmed by this and similar addresses; for while the House of Lords, in which the Whig interest prevailed, was totally silent on the merits of Sir George Rooke, the Commons were honestly addressing the Queen to bestow a bounty upon the seamen and land forces who had behaved so gallantly in the late actions at sea and land.

This could not but be grateful to Sir George, but the increasing animositity between the Whigs and Tories, both in the cabinet and in the House of Peers, elicited by the consideration of his services in the Battle of Malaga, finally determined him to a resignation of his command, and to retire from public business. Even the Queen herself was offended at the mention, in an address from the University of Oxford, of Sir George Rooke's victory with that of the Duke Of Marlborough whose wife was now become her chamber-counsellor. Mr. Hornby, the reputed author of the famous "Caveat against the Whigs," which is now extremely scarce, gives the following reflections on the disgrace of this great admiral. "In 1704," says he, Sir George Rooke, with a crew of cabin-boys, took the almost impregnable fortress of Gibraltar; so that, at the same time, British trophies were erected eastward as far as the banks of the Danube, and her flags were seen waving on the towers of the most western part of Europe, where Hercules fixed his ne plus ultra. After this, under great disadvantages, both in the number, rates, and condition of his ships, and, above all, in the want of ammunition, he so far convinced the French how unequal a match they were for us on the watery element, that they never after ventured to equip another royal navy; yet, how were his services undervalued by the faction here! Gibraltar, which was able to defy the power of Spain, and to baffle and waste their army in a fruitless siege, and which is likely to continue to future ages, an honour to our arms and a safeguard to our commerce, was a place of no strength or value, and the engagement at sea was celebrated with lampoons, instead of congratulations. Neither his actions in this war, nor in the last, his conduct in saving our Turkey fleet, or his courage in destroying the French ships at La Hogue, could prevail with them to allow him any share of skill or bravery; so that he is to wait for justice from impartial posterity, not only in these qualities, but in one much more rare in this age, which he showed in refusing to ask a privy seal for a sum of money remaining in his hands of what had been remitted to him; as he had not wasted it in monstrous bowls of punch, so he scorned to enrich himself by converting the public treasure to his own use.

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ADOPT

DON'T

SHOP

Spanish Dogs

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

KEV IN

Kevin arrived at the pound in a terrible state 4 years ago He is approx. 7 years old. Kevin’s eyes literally light up when anyone approaches his cage. We are now desperate to find Kevin a family of his own as the years are passing him by and all he knows are concrete floors. More info: www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

Spanish Dogs

LUCAS

Lucas is a handsome nine year old male. He is calm, loving and gentle and really enjoys being with people. He gets on with all dogs and children and he just needs a loving family who will let him enjoy the rest of his life in peace. More info: www.ainf.gi

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

HARVEY

LEBRON

Harvey is a two year old Podenco He is good with all dogs and children. He enjoys playing but walks well on a lead and deserves a chance to find a loving home. More info: www.ainf.gi

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Lebron arrived at the pound in August 2020 and is about 7 years old.

He loves treats and wont stop wagging his whole body as long he knows there is treats around. More info: www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE TEAM AT INSIGHT!

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A VET'S INSIGHT

Christmas PET SAFETY TIPS CHRISTMAS IS A WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR – BUT NOT ALWAYS FOR YOUR PETS! HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR PETS OUT OF DANGER. FOOD TO AVOID GIVING YOUR PET AT CHRISTMAS •

Alcoholic beverages

•

Chocolate (can be toxic to pets especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder)

•

Coffee

•

Mouldy or spoiled foods

•

Salt

•

Chicken or Turkey bones (they can splinter)

•

•

Make sure your tree is well anchored so your pet can’t pull it over.

•

Cats have a fetish for eating tinsel, on many an occasion I have to operate on cats as a result of this. On one occasion the client waited too long before presenting the cat for surgery and sadly the animal died

OTHER CHRISTMAS DANGERS TO PETS •

Remember loud noises will panic your pet, such as Christmas crackers, poppers, balloons, and champagne bottles.

•

Remove your Christmas wrapping paper (and toys) from the floor to avoid your pet chewing or swallowing it.

Raisins and grapes have on rare occasions caused acute irreversible renal failure in dogs, so be aware of this.

•

For your pet’s safety this Christmas always buy your pet’s presents from a reputable outlet.

Avoid giving your pet any of your leftovers as this can cause diarrhoea. This is particularly the case with dogs that are used to a dried diet, owners often feel that their pet has to partake in the Christmas binge and this can result in acute gastroenteritis.

•

In many households this is often the only time of year that your pet is exposed to large gatherings of noisy excitable people and children. This can scare your pet, and this may result in unusual behaviour, placid dogs have been known to get aggressive in this scenario. Therefore make sure your pet has some place where it can find a degree of sanctuary.

•

Locally lilies and poinsettias are seen as common Christmas decorations; these are poisonous to pets and must be kept well out of reach.

Also keep your pet away from cooked bones: they can splinter or get lodged in your pet’s throat or can cause serious damage by puncturing the intestinal tract.

PET HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE •

Fallen Christmas tree needles are very sharp and can easily get stuck in your pet’s paws or throat. Sweep tree needles up regularly.

•

Do not hang your chocolates from your Christmas tree: they can be toxic and your pet will be tempted if he can see and smell them.

•

Cover up electric cords and flashing tree lights so your pet can’t chew them and electrocute himself.

•

Try using fairy lights that don’t flash as some pets when up close can get very scared by these.

•

Christmas tree decorations can cause a nasty accident or be fatal to your pet. Cats, and young pets especially, will show a great interest in decorations hanging from your tree. Try to use unbreakable decorations and nothing too small. Avoid tinsel or ribbons as these are dangerous to the gastrointestinal tract if your pet swallows them. I have on numerous occasions had to perform life saving surgery on cats who have swallowed long strands of tinsel.

•

Be very careful with any balls purchased for your dog to play with, if they are large enough to swallow but too small to pass through the intestines they will cause an obstruction.

FIREWORKS AND YOUR PETS Fireworks are enjoyed year-round by lots of people but many animals are frightened by them. It doesn’t have to be that way though, so if your pet is scared, there are lots of things you can do to help. The government has stopped doing fireworks displays , which is a blessing , however sadly this will not deter individuals from purchasing their own , especially those dreaded ‘ petaldos’.

Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if they want to and has access to this place at all times. For example, this may be under some furniture or in a cupboard.

Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise. Have your pets microchipped in case they do escape – by law, your dog should already be microchipped.

During fireworks seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.

At nightfall, close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.

Never punish your pets when they are scared as this will only make things worse.

Each evening before the fireworks begin, move your dog to the play area and provide toys and other things that they enjoy.

Make sure that there are things for you to do too so that your dog isn’t left alone.

Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.

Each evening before the fireworks begin, move your dog to the play area and provide

WORDS BY MARK PIZARRO GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

toys and other things that they enjoy.

Pheromone diffusers and pheromone collars are available from the vet clinic. These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog. The collar centralises the pheromones around the dog so in some cases is more effective.

In some cases we may prescribe medication. These are tranquilisers that will sedate your pet and make him less aware and therefore less frightened of fireworks.

Either of these medical options can be used in conjunction with behavioural therapy.

Finally from my se all the st lf and aff at the Gibraltar Veterinar y Clinic we wish you all a fabulo us Christ mas and a Pro sperous New Yea r.

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PACS A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF

THE PARENT AND CHILD SOCIETY 2020 HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING YEAR FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, BUSINESSES, AND CHARITIES ALIKE.WE HAVE ALL HAD NEW CHALLENGES TO FACE. AS THE YEAR DRAWS TO AN END AND AS WE ARE WRITING OUR ANNUAL REPORT IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON THE YEAR. In January, the year started on a positive note as PACS started its relationship with Insight Magazine and our monthly ‘What’s on at PACS’ article began. We have covered topics like dealing with isolation, the benefits of playgroups and messy play. This has required our volunteers to discover their writing skills and we hope the readers have found them entertaining and informative!

Like most charities we rely on donations and in February we held our annual Flag Day, and the community of Gibraltar were so generous that it was our best year yet. The money raised on that day and from the play sessions we ran before lockdown has meant that even with months without donations, we have been able to meet our annual operating expenses that continue if we are running sessions or not.

Before lockdown we had managed to run 89 session which meant interacting and supporting over 73 children and their families per week over our four sessions. At these sessions we helped children grow and develop key skills in interaction, motor development, speech, and socialisation. Our sessions include free, sensory, and active play along with story and song time,craft and cooking sessions.

Unfortunately, the worldwide pandemic put PACS sessions in their normal form on hold. However, with the help of our dedicated volunteers and their families we switched to offering ‘Virtual Playgroup’ instead. We had volunteers demonstrating crafts and play sessions, giving cooking lessons, reading stories, and singing nursery rhymes all via our Facebook page. This allowed us to keep reaching out to our families and offering help and guidance through the difficult time.

As Gibraltar started to emerge out of lockdown, we were able to start our Bumps and Babies session in person once a week thanks to the Living Room Café and the Methodist Church. This offering was in-

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creased to include twoplaygroup sessions back to back since September. Although these sessions require more administration and adults have to follow new restrictions, it has meant we can get back to some sense of normality and begin to deliver our sessions to support the community of Gibraltar.

The safety of our sessions has always been important to us as a charity and we at PACS know that at this time it can be worrying for parents to know what are safe activities to take their little ones along to.

At PACS we take every step and measure we can to make our families feel reassured, these include; * playgroup sessions having a booking system and contact tracing procedures to make sure we are within the government’s guidelines * all play equipment is cleaned at the beginning and end of sessions * volunteers and adults attending wear masks * each session is manned by volunteers who have been police checked, trained in first aid, safeguarding and mental health. * we are a registered and insured charity All of this helps you to know that when attending one of PACS sessions you are safe We hope that as we come to the end of 2020 that the new year may give us the opportunity to get back up to full strength with our sessions and we can continue to grow as a charity in Gibraltar. If you are interested in finding out more about us, our sessions or even feel you would like to volunteer then please get in touch via our Facebook Page; Parent and Child Society Gibraltar.

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE TEAM AT INSIGHT!

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PACS HAVE YOURSELF A VERY

It’s been a funny year for us all. Lockdown, social distancing and self isolation have become the “new normal” for everyone. As Christmas approaches, it may be hard to get motivated but if you have a toddler in the house, it really can be the most wonderful time of the year! At PACS we will of course be having some socially distanced Christmas fun at our Playgroup’s throughout December. You can also create this at home with your little ones. Here are some fun ideas!

Christmas Sensory Bin

Jingle Bell painting

This can be fun for both toddlers and older children. You can either put the items together in a bag, a bucket or box with a lid. Fill it with Christmas items that you already have at home so it doesn’t cost anything. Plastic baubles, ribbon, wrapping paper, a stuffed toy, pom poms and anything else you have stored away for those crafty afternoons! Toddlers love to try and guess what’s in the bag and feel different textures. You can have hours of fun!

If you can’t access any small bell’s then you can use marbles as an alternative. All you need is a small tray to put some paint in, some paper and some small bells. Dip the bells in the paint. Try using a few trays for more colours. Roll the bells over some paper and the result is a beautiful Christmas picture! This activity is great for their fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination as they roll the bells around the paper.

Homemade Christmas Cards This was always a big winner in our house. Card, colouring pencils and glitter. Because its Christmas they can make their card as glittery as possible. A great way to spread some Christmas cheer!

Christmas would not be Christmas without a Christmas Cooking Club!

Unfortunately we can’t operate Cooking Club at the moment.

But all is not lost! Christmas time is a great opportunity to get together with your little ones and get some baking in.

Here are some of PACS favourite ones to make.

Melting Snowman Biscuits Ingredients · Plain Digestive Biscuits (you can make your favourite biscuit if you want) · White Marshmallows · Food icing pens · Smarties · Icing sugar Method 1. Mix together the icing sugar in a small bowl with a small amount of water. Add it slowly as it won’t take a lot and you are looking for the icing to be thick and stick to the back of your spoon.

2. Dollop a spoon of icing sugar onto each biscuit.

3. Take the marshmallow and add to the top of the biscuit for the head of the snowman.

4. Add a couple of smarties

for the snowman’s buttons and then use the food icing pens to make him some arms and a face on the marshmallow.

Mince Pie Parcels Ingredients · Ready rolled puff pastry · Mincemeat · Sugar · Egg (beaten) Method 1. Roll out the pastry and cut out four large square out of the pastry 2. Place a tablespoon worth of mincemeat in the middle.

3. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg and fold the top left corner over to join the bottom right one to make a triangle.

4. Brush the top with the egg and sprinkle with sugar 5. Repeat for the other 3 squares 6. Place on a baking tray for 20 minutes at 200.

And of course we can’t forget our favourite Christmas Gift Idea….

One of our more popular sessions at Christmas time is to make a cooking craft that you can give as a gift, a “Christmas

Christmas tree decorations!

Always a fun thing to do and the more sparkle the better. One of my favourite things about my tree is the decorations that my children made when they were toddlers. Always a happy memory!

Cookie Making Jar”. We encourage the children to layer up an empty large glass jar (pickle or coffee type ones) with the dry ingredients and create a label with the details of what the receiver needs to add to make into chocolate chip cookies.

Alternatively, I have personally made these with my own children and then made the cookies on Christmas Eve to leave out for Santa.

Ingredients/ Equipment • 500g Glass Jar • Christmas ribbons, bows, stickers and a large gift tag • 100g Golden Caster Sugar • 175g Plain Flour • 50g Cocoa Powder • 175g Chocolate Chips (Milk, Dark or white) • Wet ingredients to be added to the label • 100g Butter • 1 egg • tsp Vanilla Essence

Method 1. Take an empty 500g Glass jar. Place in the dry ingredients one at a time in layers, e.g. first the flour, then the Cocoa powder, followed by the sugar and then the chocolate chips.

2. Place the lid on top and decorate the jar with Christmas ribbons, bows and stickers.

Tie a gift tag onto the jar and write the following steps onto it.

PREHEAT oven to 180° C. Beat 100g of softened butter/ margarine, 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Add cookie mix; mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Leave to cool before eating.

Enjoy!

rry Christmas l have a very Me beginnings al u yo pe ho e W w w Year brings ne and that the Ne for your continued support u yo for us all! Thank . ar ye is th Love PACS

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

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FEATURE& HEALTH WELLBEING IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT WE ASSOCIATE THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH IT IS SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BUT IT IS ALSO ABOUT INDULGING OURSELVES IN DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK MORE THAN WE NORMALLY WOULD. It can be a battle to say ‘no’ sometimes, especially when someone has gone to a great deal of time and trouble to create a wonderful dinner, and trying to maintain a healthy diet quickly goes out of the window. However, it is a good idea to bear in mind that overindulgence can lead to stomach problems including bloating, pain, wind and constipation.

There are things you can do to keep fit and healthy over the holiday season that will help to mitigate the negative effects of overindulgence. Follow the tips below and you'll be able to enjoy some yummy seasonal treats and still come out the other side feeling great.

The first tip is to practice mindful eating. That means eating mindfully – not mindlessly! This is a great way to stay in control of your eating

softening stools and congestion of the bowels.

Most of us don’t eat enough fibre, so up your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as wholegrain foods. Another good tip to stop bloating and prevent constipation is to always eat breakfast. This helps the colon start to contract, which can help regulate your bowel habit, avoiding constipation. Try porridge with a sprinkling of nuts and fresh fruit. Limit your caffeine too: have some herbal tea, a glass of juice or soy milk instead.

How we feel on the outside has a lot to do with what goes on inside our gut. If our ‘good’ bacteria gets outweighed by the ‘notso-good’ bacteria, it can cause problems like gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea. If your digestive system is out of balance, Holland & Barrett Acidophilus, 20 billion, Capsules they contain high-quality friendly bacteria that can help to balance the levels of good and bad bacteria.

Be aware of your alcohol intake and consider having a non-alcoholic drink instead of anoth-

so whilst you can get teas that contain the herb, its best to take a Milk Thistle capsule.

Holland & Barrett Over Indulgence Milk Thistle Capsules can relieve symptoms of over indul-

gence, indigestion or an upset stomach.

There is a great temptation to start stocking up on Christmas food the minute it hits the shops, usually in November. Attempt to keep that box of mince pies or the large tin of chocolates intact until you can share them with others, thus taking away the urge to finish them off by yourself!

Overindulging often occurs when we mindlessly eat whatever is put in front of us. If you do feel the urge to munch it is a good idea to keep a stock of healthy food at home, including already cut-up pieces of fruit and vegetables to snack on. It is not realistic to deny yourself all the treats and this can often result in food binges at a later date. The key is to pick your one or two of your favourites to satisfy your cravings.

Lastly, if you do overindulge, don’t beat yourself up about it. Simply get back to your healthy

Festive Overindulgence

and how to beat it

habits. Limit your portion sizes and you'll limit opportunities to overeat. Notice how your body feels when you are hungry, and reversely notice how you feel when you are full. Eat your food slowly to appreciate the flavour, chew well before swallowing and don’t talk while eating to avoid swallowing excess air.

Maintain your fitness by walking as much as possible. Keep to your regular exercise routine which will help to burn calories. Staying active also helps to stimulate the bowel, speeds up food transit time and can assist in avoiding becoming constipated.

If you do suffer with constipation, try Holland & Barrett Psyllium Husks Fibre Capsules from Holland & Barrett. They are full of fibre and can help to relieve symptoms of constipation by

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er mulled wine or glass of fizz. Remember that not only is alcohol itself highly calorific, but the more you drink, the less inhibited you’ll feel about having second helpings of Christmas pudding. Drink more water than you normally would so that you don’t become dehydrated, and the added bonus of topping up with non-alcoholic liquid is that it will help you to feel full and encourage you to eat less.

eating and fitness regime as soon as possible and hopefully you will balance out all the bad things you may have eaten and drunk in no time. The New Year is often when many of us make resolutions to turn over a new leaf. There is an adage that ‘old habits die hard’, but it is still possible to banish those bad habits and make positive changes that will last a lifetime.

If you do find that you have overdone it and wake up the next morning feeling dreadful, you can try taking Milk Thistle to support normal liver function from any food or drink excesses. This herb helps to limit the number of toxins that your liver can process at any given time as it supports normal liver function. Milk Thistle isn’t very soluble in water,

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

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HEALTH & WELLBEING KEEPING WELL THIS

Christmas is a hectic time of year for most. The stress of Christmas preparations coupled with the cold winter weather leaves many feeling tired and sluggish; lack of sunlight (which disrupts our sleep / waking cycles) often adds to it all. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a number of additional challenges weigh on our minds: how to protect our most vulnerable, how to ensure we stay in touch despite restrictions in social “bubble” numbers, whether or not to take vaccines we may not have had before…

Recommended tips to promote physical health, mental health and overall well-being include: • Keeping a regular routine by starting your day at roughly the same time. Although it is tempting to stay in pyjamas all day, a regular routine is essential for motivation, self-confidence and sense of purpose.

• Spending time outdoors in natural daylight on a regular basis. Make sure to wear a mask if you cannot maintain a reasonable physical distance from those outside your network.

• Switching off in your free time – avoid engagement in any work or information that is not conducive to your mental health; ensure you have screen-free time at least an hour before bedtime.

• De-stressing with exercise or meditation or other activities that can be carried out as a family. Regular exercise helps to control weight and boost your immune system along with, improving posture, sleep quality, bone health and concentration.

Family activities are also a great way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house.

• Staying in touch with those you love is vital. Social connections are invaluable for providing support and easing anxiety; call by telephone, face time, fill out a festive card or write a letter.

• Eating healthy and avoiding the temptation to reach for unhealthy comfort food is especially important. Try to meet your your 5 A Day target of fruit and veg a day, opting for multiple colours to get the best intake of vitamins and minerals. Should you find yourself craving sugary treats, try a juicy piece of fruit instead!

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A warm bowlful of breakfast on a cold morning is a delicious way to start the day.

Try some porridge or Weetabix with a sliced banana, some berries or other fruit to add flavour.

• Keeping hydrated - opt for water as opposed to several juice drinks that inevitably increase your sugar intake. Avoiding excess consumption of alcohol; if you do decide to drink keep to recommended units spaced out over several days.

• Refraining from smoking and ensuring that you, your children or pets stay away from exposure to second-hand smoke.

• Asking your local pharmacist for advice on how to treat symptoms for coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pain; remembering that if you have any Covid symptoms it is important to stay home, isolate and call 111 for guidance.

• Making sure your medicine cabinet is adequately stocked and all supplies are not past their ‘sell by’ dates.

• Strongly considering vaccination if you have been advised to do so; ensure you get your information from the right sources before making your decision. Your GP/ Nurse Practitioner will likely provide the relevant reasoning at the time. The flu vaccine prevents several strains of the influenza virus, it also reduces the risk of flu related illnesses and decreases primary care visits by more than 40% [CDC,2020].

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE TEAM AT INSIGHT!

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Just Married on the Rock

Mobile: 58897000 Email: nicholas64@gibtelecom.net

Erica & Clive Married 26 September 2020 Photographer Nicky Sanchez

Sophie & Kevin Married 25 October 2020 Photographer Nicky Sanchez

GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

DIVORCE IS AN INCREDIBLY PAINFUL AND SAD EVENT FOR ANY COUPLE. MANY FIND IT CHALLENGING, OFTEN IMPOSSIBLE TO PART IN AN AMICABLE WAY THAT IS KIND TO EACH OTHER AND LESS TRAUMATIC FOR ANY CHILDREN INVOLVED. Bhavna Radia lives in Hertfordshire. Bhavna has three children with her ex husband. Their children are now 10, 15, and 19 years.

The end of the marriage was a decision I reached after lots of thought.I believed that we were not compatible anymore although my ex husband felt that we could make things work.

As you can imagine, we were both quite emotional to start off with. It wasn’t an easy decision for me. We had been married for 15 years and had three very young children (ages 9, 6 and 18 months at that time). There is also a massive stigma in the Asian community around divorce which puts pressure on you to continue in your marriage even if it isn’t working. I knew that my family, friends and society would frown on divorce.

Despite all this, when I made it clear to my ex husband that the divorce would be happening we spent hours talking through everything and he understood that this was something I needed to do.

We didn’t rush into starting any formal divorce proceedings. Instead we allowed our emotions to settle over quite a period of time. We made a short term plan so that living arrangements were agreed. We agreed what we would do around finances over the next few months.

This gave us time to go through some of the stages of grief before dealing with anything else. At this point, I really worked on my emotions and mindset through NLP therapy and counselling. This help me work through pain and devastation that I was experiencing with the relationship coming to an end. I felt that my dreams, hopes and future plans had all been taken away.

At this point my children were 9 years, 6 years and 18 months.I had given up my work as a family solicitor so that I could look after the family while my ex-husband progressed in his career. Because of this I had a fear of the future and how I would manage financially.

We agreed we did not want the stress and cost of court proceedings or to use solicitors, as we feared this would add hostility. My legal experience meant that I understood the process.

After unsuccessfully using a mediator we kept working through the practical steps. Plans for

contact as well as the financial settlement, always placing the children as our primary focus.

Whilst we agreed the basic arrangements for my ex husband’s contact with the children, I left it open for both him and the children to spend more time together and that parenting could not always be squeezed into a schedule.

We have enjoyed days out and travelled abroad together as a family since we have separated. We celebrate the children’s birthdays together. We visited Corfu and made sure we each had some time alone with the children and some time away from everyone.

In Rome we celebrated my eldest daughter’s 16th birthday. It was a surprise trip for the children.

My eldest daughter struggled the most being nearly 10 years old and she did need help from a professional. My 7 year old daughter would voice that she loved both mum and dad. As long as they both loved her she was fine. We both hoped that if we could stay amicable then the children would be minimally affected.

As a a single mum of three very young children, I really struggled with how I would cope on my own. I was really fearful of the future and how I would manage financially. I wasn’t working and the children were so young.

Divorce is emotionally traumatic. The legal process makes everything harder. Nothing was offered to couples who didn’t want separate solicitors but wanted comprehensive divorce guidance. Mediation did not fully engage a couple because the sessions are so far apart in time and the mediator does not fully support throughout.

After fully understanding how difficult divorce is emotionally and financially, this is why as a former solicitor and mediator I wanted to find a better way to help couples.

Through my legal and personal experience it was important to me that I offer people a different, more amicable way to divorce. I now offer services to couples so they can achieve divorce with kindness.

With my guidance, couples can work together and cooperate to deal with everything from the legal divorce, plans for the children, agreements about assets and finances, through to

the practical aspects of the separation. I include different therapy sessions so couples arrive with a better mindset. I also arrange sessions with a financial adviser to empower them before discussion.

Whilst the divorce process was so difficult it allowed me to work on my mindset, what I wanted for my life and I was determined to come out of it in a positive way. I think there are a myriad of reasons that led to us being able to have an amicable divorce.

Right at the beginning we gave ourselves quite a few months to settle in the emotions of the separation prior to trying to reach any agreements. We spent time talking through our relationship and accepting each other’s thoughts and behaviours. This was only possible because I had worked on my mindset and getting different help with my emotions such as NLP and counselling.

We agreed to reach agreements ourselves with the needs of the children as our primary focus so we minimised adding hostility. It wasn’t easy and there was still huge amounts of pain and emotions through our discussions.

My family law background definitely helped.

I allowed the children to see their dad as much as possible.I believe that whatever happened in our relationship, it should not have any bearing on their relationship, as long as they were safe and happy.

I hope we can continue to navigate our way through this journey. As separated parents hoping to do the best by our children. Some day we will be watching our children graduate, get married and have children of their own. My hope is that we can both be present in the children’s lives.

My links: Free ebook "The Definitive Guide to an Amicable Divorce" Download here or visiting our website or this link https://www.divorceright. co.uk/how-to-have-an-amicable-divorce Website: www.divorceright.co.uk

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH 66

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FEATURE

2020 HAS BEEN A VERY ODD YEAR. IN FACT, THE ENERGY OF 2020 HAS BEEN COMPLETELY UNPRECEDENTED IN LIVING HISTORY. THE GLOBAL UPHEAVAL HAS HAD FAR REACHING CONSEQUENCES SO FAR AND THEY WILL CONTINUE WELL INTO THE FUTURE. INDEED, THINGS WILL NEVER GO BACK TO NORMAL AS WE KNEW IT OR AS WE PERCEIVED ‘NORMAL’ TO BE. While this is devastating in many ways and many people have suffered terribly during this period, I believe that, for our sanity alone, it is essential to put events of this last year into a new framework.

Mother nature, like most mothers, has a range of amazing guidelines to keep her family in order. Mothers teach respect and good manners, they teach their offspring to be kind, caring and considerate, to not take advantage and to not be greedy. To understand that life moves in circles, each year has its seasons and the moon and the tides wax and wane on a balanced basis.

When these guidelines are not followed, when the balance is tipped too far, when people forget or are misled and become selfish and greedy there are consequences ……

It seems that however we perceive the phenomenon of Mother Nature, this balance has been severely tipped in 2020. Many have seen it coming for a long time but did any of us truly grasp the severity that those consequences would wreak upon the world … upon mankind.

And so to move forward. We cannot go back – would we want to? Even if we did want to move back, we can only go forward. But in what way and in what frame of mind?

It seems clear that there has been huge takeover bid by the darkness in the world to block the light. Many, many people, led by lightworkers and healers, have acknowledged their Invisible Power, acknowledged their Inner Light and are growing confident in sharing their Light, Love and Joy with everyone they come into contact with. And beyond. One of the amazing things that has come through this great crisis has been the

rising awareness across the globe that we are indeed spiritual beings having a physical experience.

Many people, myself being one of them, believe that this upheaval has been Mother Earth saying enough is enough! That the planetary energies are now ascending from a 3D to a 5D frequency. What does this mean? Well, the 3D or Third Dimension is focussed on the ego. On self - serving and fear - based actions. On lack of compassion, on judgement and conditional love, not trusting, insecurity. 5D or Fifth Dimension focusses on no ego, on serving others, on gratitude, fearlessness and unconditional love. At the moment the world is caught in the transitional phase of 4D or Fourth Dimensional energy, Many know that 3D no longer has a place but are not yet fully confident enough to release themselves into 5D energy. And so there is a lot of unrest and confusion, misinformation and misguidance.

So, while remaining aware of the physical and material things going on around us it is essential that we understand and develop our awareness of the spiritual nature of these happenings. Fear is trying to hold us in the materialism of 3D but Mother Earth is taking us forward. The transition cannot be held back any more than the moon can be held back or the tide caused to cease ebbing and flowing. Humans cannot stop the flowers from growing in springtime or the buds sprouting on the trees. Or the cyclical nature of the seasons.

Therefore, it is in the best interests of all if we embrace these changes without fear.

When we can understand what is really happening then we can aid in the rebirth process just as the midwife helps the new baby into the world. Birthing is a messy process

with fear and uncertainty and often a lot of pain ….. but when the mother breathes correctly and flows with the surges as the baby makes its way down the birth canal then so the birth is supported, baby delivered with ease and new life emerges.

And so it is with all of us in 2020. We are in a period of rebirth, of transition and we must ease it in with Light, Love and Joy. When you look back at 2020 and you take stock of what has affected you, what has changed, what you have lost …. Think then on what has worked for your good. What have you learned over these last months, what has made you stronger, what opportunities have presented themselves that you can move forward with into the next year knowing that you can and will impact those around you in a positive way creating a glorious future?

Go into your heart centre and feel the love inside. Breathe in more of that love and allow it to spread and then send it out from your heart to the hearts of others … to the Universal heart and hep the planet to heal.

Do not underestimate the power within you, your Invisible Power. Remember that we are all unique and yet we are all dots of glorious light on the one body of consciousness and together we are an indomitable force. You are Rare, you are One of a kind, you can Never be remodelled or repeated, you are an Angel of the universe.

You are a magnet for Love, Light and Joy and YOU ARE ENOUGH. Kate Mchardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer. katemch@ gmail.com / Tel: +44 7712889534. Facebook: The University of Light Group / Readings at The University of Light (@tarotangelspiritreadings).

WORDS BY KATE MCHARDY

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ARIES (MAR 21 – APR 21) An unexpected wedding invitation or declaration of love comes your way this month, Aries. This is just what you need to get in the party spirit and enjoy sharing the love..

TAURUS (APR 21 – MAY 21) They say that a goal is simply a dream with a deadline, Taurus, and it looks like you are about to realise one this month. Either that or you need to get clear on your dream and set the deadline!

GEMINI (MAY 22 – JUNE 22) You need to think big right now, Gemini. Tune into your creative energies and get those juices flowing. You have been putting something off but it won’t go away so just get on with it.

CANCER (JUNE 23 – JULY 22) Feeling emotionally stuck this month Cancer? There is something you’ve been holding onto and it is now well past its sell by date. You can do it.

Breathe, release and let go and believe me you will never look back.

LEO (JULY 23 – AUG 23) Never one to suffer fools gladly, Leo, you will find yourself speaking out on behalf of someone else. You just feel that enough is enough and if they won’t speak up for themselves then you will do it for them.

VIRGO (AUG 24 – SEP 23) Maybe you find yourself at a crossroads this month, Virgo. You feel pulled in several different directions and can’t quite decide which one to follow. So, step inside your own heart and ask yourself which one feels right. Easy!

LIBRA (SEP 24 – OCT 23) You find yourself looking back on times gone by, Libra, and reminiscing about old times. Remember to focus on the good ones and so make sure you make more happy memories for the future.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 – NOV 22) There may be news of a baby on the way, Scorpio, or it may be a new project that you or someone close is going to be nurturing and growing.

Whichever, it has a wonderful sense of new life and great potential.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 – DEC 21) You will be called upon to be a willing ear, Sagittarius, and although it may not appeal to you it must be done. You will need to be understanding but firm and all will be well.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 – JAN 20) Patience is not your middle name, Capricorn, but you must find it and exercise it this month! Forcing the issue will simply not work so don’t even think about going there.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 – FEB 19) You will be reassessing certain friendships this month, Aquarius, and though it grieves you much to do so, you must let someone go. You are aware of the dynamics and you need to make space for fresh energy.

PISCES (FEB 20 – MAR 20) Use your intuition this month, Pisces. Following your heart comes naturally to you, as we know, and you often try to allow your head a say in proceedings. But, trust me, this is not the time!

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

Pan Dulce (Sweet Bread) Perfect during Christmas, this is a sweet bread that is traditionally enjoyed during the festive season and ideal with a cup of tea.

INGREDIENTS 300G Self Raising Flour

2 large eggs

125G sugar

100 ml milk

125G Margarine

1 tsp dry anise

1 tsp baking powder

hundreds & thousands

125G Mixed fruit

Golden Syrup

50G glacé cherries

50G Almonds

50G walnuts

50G Mixed Peel

50G pinenuts

METHOD Using the rubbing method, rub together the flour, sugar and margarine in a large bowl using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Add all the fruits and nuts and mix in with your mixture Now continue by adding in the wet ingredients such as the eggs, milk and dry anise and stir together with a wooden spoon, until mixed well.

You should now have a nice dough consistency to knead with.

Knead the dough into the shape of a loaf; with this mixture you can make one very large loaf or two medium loaves.

Finish your preparation by brushing your loaves over with milk and using a knife criss-crossing the top. Bake in the oven at 180 °C for 30 – 40 minutes.

Remove from oven when ready. Poke several holes throughout the top and brush over with golden syrup, finish off by sprinkling hundreds and thousands all over.

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit:

www.mamalotties.com

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1. Any reptile of the order Crocodylia. (9)

1. A piece of land jutting into the sea or some other large body of water (4)

5. To strip something of it's skin. (4) 7. A person's outward bearing; way of speaking to and treating others. (4) 9. For example. (2) 11. Goodbye; farewell in French. (5) 12. _ _ _ t. The final, utmost, or furthest boundary or point (4) 13. To plan secretly. (4) 14. The last part or extremity. (3) 15. To cause to make a ringing sound. (4) 16. To put into a neat condition by clipping, paring, pruning, etc. (4)

2. T_ _ _ . Anything serving as a distinctive often venerated, emblem of symbol. (4) 3. Without symmetry, even shape, formal arrangement, etc. (9) 4. Any system or network of interconnecting and interacting parts. (9)

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

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

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

6. A platform between flights of stairs. (7)

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

8. Scottish word for turnip. (4)

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

10. Feeling joy or pleasure; delighted; pleased. (4) 11. So be it! A term used at the end of a prayer or religious statement.

(4)

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