Community Insight - The Festive Issue 2024

COMMUNITY

EVERYTHING FOR LIFE ON THE ROCK

WELCOME TO THE ROCK’S MAGAZINE. WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA, THE COMMUNITY INSIGHT TEAM PRODUCES A HIGH QUALITY PRINT AND ONLINE MAGAZINE FOCUSING ON GIBRALTAR’S UNIQUE LIFESTYLE, BUSINESS, SPORTS AND CULTURE.

Community Insight is an effective way to connect your unique brand with your target audience on The Rock, as well as further afield.

• A free monthly magazine distributed through Banks, Hotels, Airport, World Trade Centre, Clinics, Gyms and many more outlets throughout Gibraltar

• Access to our digital platforms & audience (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Issuu) to increase your advertising reach locally and abroad

• A free editorial to promote your business along with a four month advertising contract

• An experienced design team to help with creative needs

• Branded content options for online and printed version.

with

THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE VISITS CAB

THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE, TRADE, AND INDUSTRY NIGEL FEETHAM KC MP RECENTLY VISITED THE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (CAB), AT THEIR INVITATION, WHERE HE MET WITH THE BOARD AND TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE DIRECTLY WITH THE DEDICATED TEAM.

During his visit, the Minister expressed his gratitude for the support CAB provides to the community, particularly in offering advice to those facing challenging situations.

He emphasised the importance of having a trusted resource where citizens can seek advice to understand their rights or

responsibilities or to address inquiries, noting the significant positive impact such assistance can have on people’s lives by alleviating the stress that such situations bring.

The Minister praised the work CAB do.

FEATURES REGULARS TRAVEL

As tourism recovered from the COVID19 years, the number of short term holiday lets in Gibraltar have grown significantly while the number of hotel rooms has declined especially following the closure of the Caleta Hotel.

As business advisors we are often asked: “What is the one thing we must get right to make holiday letting work?” Our answer is: “It’s the ratio of expected gross rental income to the purchase price of the property. If you can get that number to work out at between 8% and 10% (or higher) per annum, you are on the right track!

When you’re putting together a holiday let business plan, you have to consider your outgoings – and there are a lot! Holiday let properties require considerably more maintenance than buy-to-lets: a proper clean and replenishment of goods between every guest, as well as year-round marketing to generate footfall, and management to handle day-today tasks such as bookings. It’s easy to underestimate the sheer amount of work it takes to run a holiday home to a high standard – and believe us when we say that standards these days are very high! You’re going to want a slick website and booking system, savvy marketing which shines against the competition, and a property that’s good-as-new for each and every guest.

HOW DO HOLIDAY LET PROPERTIES COMPARE TO BUY-TO-LETS?

Holiday lets can be more lucrative than buy-to-let properties, because you can charge a higher premium price for a short-term stay than you can for a longterm rental. Particularly in Gibraltar, where there is very limited availability of hotel rooms, guests will be willing to pay the price and you could make more money in a week (or even weekend!) than you could over an entire month with a buyto-let tenant.

THE GIBRALTAR GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A BILL IN THE GIBRALTAR GAZETTE TO PROPOSE AN ACT TO AMEND THE REGISTER OF PROPERTY OCCUPATION ACT 2021. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SEEK TO REGULATE SHORT-TERM RENTALS, PARTICULARLY THOSE OFFERED VIA PLATFORMS LIKE AIRBNB. THIS MOVE AIMS TO BALANCE THE GROWTH OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS WITH FAIR COMPETITION FOR HOTELS WHILE ENSURING PROPERTY SAFETY AND QUALITY STANDARDS. OWNERS OF PROPERTIES USED FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS- DEFINED AS STAYS OF UP TO 30 DAYS FOR TOURISM OR BUSINESS WHERE THE PROPERTY IS NOT THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE- WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ANNUAL RETURNS, DISCLOSING GUEST NUMBERS, STAY DURATIONS, AND REVENUE. FINES MAY APPLY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OR INACCURATE REPORTING. MOREOVER, A FEE WILL BE LEVIED ON SHORTTERM RENTALS UNDER THE LICENSING AND FEES ACT TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM, SIMILAR TO THE FEE CHARGED TODAY BY GUESTS STAYING AT HOTELS IN GIBRALTAR (£3 PER PERSON PER NIGHT).

This being said, it’s important to be aware that holiday lets pose different challenges, the most obvious being that running a holiday let is effectively the same as running a business and you need to be prepared for all that is involved in that, including dealing with your guests! Also, seasonality means that your income changes throughout the year, hopefully covering costs during the winter months and making buckets in the summer.

PRICING STRUCTURE

You can’t think about profits without planning a pricing structure for your holiday home. The key is to charge an amount that will allow you to benefit financially, but that isn’t extortionate so as to deter bookings. To find a good price point, it’s a good idea to do your research on the local competition to get an idea of what you should be charging. If in doubt, we are able to offer advice. A commonly used strategy is to stipulate a minimum night stay, especially at weekends or during high season. Just beware that this has the potential to put people off booking and we wouldn’t recommend a minimum stay that’s longer than a couple of days.

COST SAVINGS

There are plenty of ways that you can control your spending, so long as you’re careful not to cut costs so drastically that your holiday home suffers as a result.

The main areas in which you can save are marketing, management, and maintenance. When it comes to mar-

keting, there’s a whole host of strategies for promoting your holiday let yourself: design a website, promote through social media, utilise platforms such as Airbnb, create and distribute leaflets. However, it has to be said that by doing the marketing yourself, you’re unlikely to get the exposure necessary to achieve nationwide, let alone international, exposure.

Moving onto maintenance, the same tip applies. You could choose to do your own housekeeping or find a friend or family member who can undertake the job, but you should understand the risks involved with this. Unlike a professional housekeeper, a friendor relative can easily cancel on you, which could cause havoc if there’s little notice. Even without this issue, the time and effort required to get the house ready between each guest is a sizeable undertaking, which goes far further than just cleaning and tiding. Think washing and ironing linen; making bedrooms up; replacing necessities such as toilet roll and toiletries; checking cupboards to ensure everything is in place, the list goes on… and that’s not to mention larger tasks such as cleaning windows and outdoor spaces!

With regards to management, you can save money if you go without a professional holiday letting agency. If you choose this route, you should be prepared to answer calls and messages from your guests at any time of the day or night and be willing to sort any issues yourself. If the boiler fails during the night, you will need to sort it out!

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY HOME?

As the holiday letting industry has boomed, so have guests’ expectations – gone are the days of measly coffee sachets and a pile of generic attraction leaflets, now it’s about welcome hampers, digital information guides, lavish amenities, and various perks at establishments and attractions in the area. It’s also not uncommon to see deluxe features such as hot tubs, which add an extra lap of luxury for guests. At the very least, you need to ensure that your holiday home has fully functioning facilities, reliable internet, and all of the necessary comforts such as bed linen, toiletries, and towels. Think about the little extras which could make or break a booking, such as parking, and make your home accessible to the widest possible audience. It’s important not to cut corners and cheapen the experience – a top quality holiday home will give you the best chance to generate bookings, garner good reviews, and generate a high return on investment.

Thinking about converting your buy-to-let property into a holiday let home? We can calculate for you what are the right numbers that will turn your investment into a success.

Eran Shay, Managing Director Benefit Business solutions. www.BenefitGibraltar.com

Minister Cortes attends UKOT JMC

Minister for Environment and Education, the Hon Prof John Cortes, attended the UK Overseas Territories’ (UKOT) Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London in support of Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC. Minister Cortes led on the sessions on Environment and Human Development.

As Chair of the UKOT Environment Ministers’ Council, Prof Cortes summarised the aspirations of the Overseas Territories in general in respect of the Environment and Climate Change, including a request for funding support especially for those territories most subjected to hurricanes. During the Human Development session, Minister Cortes’ contribution centred on Gibraltar’s progress in the Education sector.

The JMC meeting, chaired throughout by UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty, provided a useful opportunity to showcase and discuss issues of mutual interest and served to strengthen links between the members of the British family.

Chief Secretary Glendon Martinez and UK Representative Dominique Searle also formed part of the Gibraltar delegation.

Earlier in the week, Minister Cortes represented the Chief Minister at the pre-JMC Political Council of the Overseas Territories.

While in London, Minister Cortes was also able to

catch up with other UK Ministers and officials including Minister for Education Stephen Morgan and Minister for Health Andrew Gwynne, and was guest of Speaker Sir Lyndsay Hoyle at a reception at the Speaker’s residence in Westminster.

Minister for Environment and Education, the Hon Prof John Cortes, said: ‘I was delighted to attend the JMC to discuss and advance matters of mutual importance and interest with our fellow Overseas Territories. Gibraltar is fully committed to environmental conservation and promoting biodiversity in line with our Net Zero strategy and our manifesto commitment to a child-friendly city. Importantly, Gibraltar has demonstrated our solidarity with fellow Overseas Territories who are most at risk of the worst effects of climate change through a joint request for funding support. I was pleased also to take the opportunity to meet with a number of Ministers and Senior Officials and update them on Gibraltar’s work in Education and the Environment.’

As Gibraltar’s longevity is based on its creation of multi-layered resilience,today’s families and entrepreneurs need to take a similar approach to protect their positions. Having secured personal or corporate residency in Gibraltar,residents are well advised to defensively review their multi-generational and diverse geographic arrangements. These positions more than likely involve complex cross-border issues which are under greater scrutiny as tax authorities track and share information and financial institutions are under duties to report. Whether one lives nomadically out ofGibraltar or have the Rock as their sole base,immediate strategic and longer term planning is an increasing imperative.

This has become especially relevant for those who have had or have retained ties to the UK either as UK nationals oras foreign nationals previously classified as domiciled or non-domiciled. The increases in the taxation net of the 2024 Budget and the cessation of the UK non-domicile regime in April 2025 needs to be carefully assessed.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Interestingly, amongst the significant increases in taxation there are opportunities that have emerged and these should be taken advantage of without further delay in order to maximise gains or mitigate loss under the new UK government. Even more so if there are affiliations to theUS now that there will be a more conservative government in place.

To this end,50 Internationalis the ideal source of analysis, advice and guidance. We are a collegiateresource of independent experts providinga full range of specialist skills required to address multiple issues that entrepreneursand the international community face.

At 50 International we assist both ‘established wealth’ and ‘wealth in the making’ to address not only immediate concerns but also review their po -

sitions on a ‘Plan B’ and ‘What If’ basis. With the increasing uncertainties of geopolitics, the ever-widening tax net and climate drivers,it’s important that a robust position is maintained.

Gibraltar, built on the strength of its fortress-like rock, was bolstered by the tunnels carved within it by the Merchant Marines in the late 1700’s to defend itself from attempts by the French and Spanish to expel Britain from itsstrategic position.Significantly added to in the following centuries, the tunnels provideresilience with storage, reservoirs and siege accommodation. With an eye on its self-sustainability in current times, it has fortified itself further as a well-regulated international finance hub, a global leader in virtual gaming, extensive trade in shipping and offshore banking, amongst other offerings.

In some cases we are brought in to solve specific problems such as poorly executed or ill-thought-through visa applications,tax enquiries, thorny property transfers, restructuring of businesses or the rearrangement of assets. In other situations we’re asked to deal with administrative matters for offshore administration of trust, banking problems, and compliance issues.

On a wider basis we also assist with property purchases, educational needs of families, breaches in cyberse -

curity, reputational repair and indeed the broad and sometimes challenging issues to be addressed in the transfer of wealth between generations.

We can provide a thorough audit and impartial review of a family’s entire position to check the arrangements are fit for purposeand fully compliant with contemporary legal and tax frameworks. An audit can identifythose issues in security, social and reputational matters.50 International is multi-lingual with an ability to understand and work within and around a broad range of cultures.

For matters of taxation we only use Barristers, either sole or dual country qualified, who act under Instruction to specifically address the issues identified. By carefully preparing the Instruction, little understood complexities can be analysed and clarified, saving money on Barristers’ time. We work on a clear fixed cost basis with a detailed scope of work outlined at outset.

To assist our clients and those who wish to be updated on developments, we share our observations on tax, geopolitics and the growing impact of climate,with brief ‘Postcards’ along with more technical updates on an ad hoc basis.

Not unlike Gibraltar, we too are a seasoned and tested rock of knowledge and experience that helps our clientsstrengthen their positions and resource themselves. We have a long quarried warren of resources to draw upon,to test and challenge arrangements ensuring they are robust whilst also being adaptable. In these increasingly challenging times this is cardinal.

We remain specialists within thearea of wealth, international living and all that pertains therein.

You can find us at www.50International.com or reach us on+44 (0) 2079 983405 and at info@50international.com

Looking Back and Looking Forward’

As the year draws to a close, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo reflects on the milestones of 2024, the challenges ahead, and his personal and political vision for Gibraltar in 2025. Community Insight is grateful to the Chief Minister for taking time out of his busy schedule whilst he was in London to grant an exclusive interview to Jo Ward where he answers candid questions on leadership, Gibraltar’s future, and even proffers his musical soundtrack for the coming year.

Jo Ward states that she didn’t expect to be interviewing Fabian Picardo this year because, in last year’s interview, he mentioned that this would be his last term as Chief Minister. “There’s speculation you might stand for election again. Can you clarify this please?” The Hon. Fabian Picardo says that was never the position. “I said I would not stand again at a General Election.” He explains that in the GSLP, he must renew his leadership every 24 months, which he has done. “I will remain as Chief Minister for the rest of this Parliamentary term, as mandated by the People of Gibraltar. However, I have confirmed I will not lead the GSLP into the next General Election.”

In November 2023, the Chief Minister serenaded Jo with the first two lines of ‘Last Christmas’ and said “Who'd have thought that the lines in there would become so relevant to me”. Asked what his song for 2024 would be, Fabian Picardo hinted that ‘My Way’ would be apposite as it was “starting to become my exit stage left anthem”. What would his song choice be for 2025?

“‘Titanium’ by David Guetta featuring Sia would be my song for 2025. In a couple of years it will be me singing ‘When I ruled the world’ (Viva la Vida) by Coldplay and my successor and the Opposition singing ‘Hallelujah’!”

In his New Year message, the Chief Minister promised that 2024 would bring clarity on a treaty for Gibraltar. While we’ve heard little recently, is there a chance of an agreement early next year?“I believe we’ve made significant progress,” he comments. “I think we do have an answer and it’s a positive one. We have done a lot of negotiating on technical matters throughout the year and we are almost there, but the last mile is ALWAYS the toughest! I sincerely hope we will get a deal and that we will do so very soon. The fact is, however, that the timing here matters, of course, but it matters less than the substance and that is what we HAVE to get right.”

Treaty or no treaty, people are eager for an outcome, especially regarding border controls. What’s his take on this?“I

understand this, but it is, of course simplistic and short sighted in the extreme to say, as this suggests, that we should simply declare No Deal just because the most complex negotiation we have ever embarked upon is taking longer than we would like.” The Chief Minister comments although that would bring certainty, it would be the wrong sort of certainty. “People would then likely wish they had not brought that type of certainty upon themselves. So I will continue to work to deliver a treaty that is safe and secure for all our people and for all our negotiating objectives and will not allow the timing to trump the substance of the possible outcome, not least as that would immediately stymie our negotiating position.”

What about a transaction tax? Local businesses, particularly Main Street retailers, need to know what impact that might have on their margins.The Chief Minister responds, saying: “We have been in detailed contact with TELAC, the group we formed to consult unions and commerce on options for businesses and workers in the context of the negotiation. We have the data and views we needed from them to launch and advance the negotiation. We have given confidential feedback to their representative bodies. If there is an agreement, it will not be implemented overnight but with a sensible implementation period, and any new taxation will be phased in over a period of time designed to ensure it is not an unexpected negative consequence for Gibraltar businesses. That would not help us to create shared prosperity.”

Despite occasional challenges, Fabian Picardo has said that he believes that Spain can be a great ally to Gibraltar. Is that still his opinion? “Of course, and my reference to there to Spain is to the Spanish Government,” he replies.“Many of the people of Spain are hugely supportive already. The Spanish Government has been supportive in recent years, like in the Trilateral Years and in the PSOE (The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) period, now with COVID and the interim arrangements at the frontier.” The Chief Minister states that we can do so much more together if we have the structures to do so, the goodwill to create trust and the maturity to work in accordance with modern principles and practices and not on the basis of medieval sovereignty claims being more important than serving our people and facilitating their human relationships and business opportunities.

The McGrail Inquiry raised questions about transparency in Gibraltar. The Chief Minister appeared on a podcast with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell in April who were discussing corruption in politics. They appreciated his frankness and said he had done a

pretty good job defending both his position in the inquiry and the change in inquiry law.Asked what his response to critics about his position in the inquiry would be, the Chief Minister responds by saying that he thinks the detailed evidence he gave to the inquiry speaks for itself. “Gibraltar has been shown to have a government committed to the rule of law, to full transparency and accountability of difficult decisions and not to have run scared of bringing in objective third parties to review and advise on how things have been done and, if appropriate, advise on how we can improve procedures.”He goes on to say that he is very proud of how he has acted in every single material respect

in every aspect of the circumstances leading to the early retirement of Ian McGrail. “I believe I have held true to my oath as Chief Minister and my obligations under the Ministerial Code in how I acted and also true to my oath as an Officer of the Court in Gibraltar, because I am also a Barrister and Kings Counsel, to ensure that I cooperated fully and entirely truthfully in my evidence before the Inquiry.”

In September, the Hon. Fabian Picardo met with the new Labour Government’s Foreign Minister, David Lammy, and at that time said that he was confident the UK Labour government would be as firm on the fundamentals as their Conservative predecessors were regarding Gibraltar. Has that been evident in his discussions with them?“Absolutely,” he states. “There has been a seamless transition in this respect from the Conservatives to Labour and I would have expected nothing less. I was in Bar School with David Lammy, I have worked with Keir Starmer in the law be-

fore each of us was in office and I have worked closely with Stephen Doughty whilst he was in Opposition.”

“There has never been a better briefed team taking over in Downing Street and King Charles Street (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) when it comes to Gibraltar.”

“You have a new partner and seem very happy as documented in social media, but this has drawn some criticism and seems to upset some people who think that you should not be posting about your private life. How do you deal with that criticism and the trolling?” I ask. His reply is short and along the lines of “I really don’t care!”

Looking Forward

Finally, I ask what his hopes are in regard to Gibraltar and personally for 2025. “Health above all else to everyone in Gibraltar and to my family, that is what matters the most in every aspect.”

“My foremost wish is for health and prosperity for Gibraltar and its people,” he says.

“Politically, I hope for success to us all as a people, at a non-partisan level. Prosperity for our community and those around us, which delivers stability for all of us also. Peace in Europe and the Middle East so that we can see inflationary pressures disappear but, most importantly, we see the end of suffering in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza and Lebanon and the release of the hostages that have now been over thirteen months in terrorist captivity.”

“Personally, as well as the above, I cherish the love and support of my family, especially my beloved children and my partner Anna and her child and, of course, the love and affection of my dear friends because it is my Anna’s, my family’s and my children’s love that keeps me going in the toughest moments and gives me the ‘Titanium’ to go on.”

“Happy Christmas to all your readers.”

Postscript: At the time of this interview, the Chief Minister was in London on 21st November for his first bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. They met in the margins of the UK/Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council immediately after which he met with leaders of the OTs alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Europe and Overseas Territories Minister, Stephen Doughty.

“The Prime Minister reiterated his unshakeable commitment to Gibraltar and to UK sovereignty,” No.10 Downing Street said in a statement.

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE

THE

WINNERS OF THE LADIES THAT ROCK THE ROCK AWARD!

The Award program, now in its third year, follows-on the success of the book “The Ladies That Rock The Rock”, by the businesswoman and author Ayelet Mamo Shay, who developed the program with the support of Ministry of Equality. The Award program saw the public in Gibraltar nominating ladies who have contributed to Gibraltar, from all walks of life, to be recognised and rewarded for their achievements and efforts. “The sheer number of nominations—about 300—demonstrates the immense talent and dedication among women in Gibraltar,” Ayelet Mamo Shay stated. “It is truly inspiring to see so many individuals recognized for their hard work, resilience, and commitment to making a difference.”

The selection committee, comprised of respected members of the community, including a representative from the Ministry of Equality, faced the challenging task of narrowing down the nominations to just ten outstanding recipients. “Our committee worked diligently to ensure that each nominee was evaluated thoroughly. Each of the selected ladies represents the spirit of empowerment and social responsibility that this award stands for,” Ayelet added. Throughout the week, the committee surprised the award recipients, capturing heartfelt moments of joy and disbelief as each winner learned about

their recognition. “Witnessing their reactions was truly special. These women have dedicated themselves to their causes and communities, and seeing them receive this acknowledgment was a reminder of the impact they have on those around them,” Ayelet shared.

The winning ladies are:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Paulette Finlayson

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD: Brenda Cuby

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTION

AWARD: Lili Olivero

YOUNG WOMAN LEADERSHIP AWARD: Emma Labrador

WOMAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

AWARD: Katherine Grant

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Annie Risso

BUSINESS LEADER AWARD: Aine Panter

FEMALE IN FINANCE AWARD: Monika Sookhee

WOMAN LEADERSHIP IN ONLINE GAMING AWARD: Karen Zammit

PUBLIC SECTOR FEMALE

EMPLOYEE AWARD: Hazel Cumbo

The Awards program will culminate with a glitzy Gala Dinner to be held on 6th March 2025 (ahead of International Women’s Day) at the Sunborn Hotel, where the Award Ceremony will take place, with the awards to be presented by the Minister of Equality, Christian Santos. In addition to the awards, the stories of these remarkable women will be featured in the second edition of the book "The Ladies That Rock The Rock," which tells the life-journeys, achievements and challenges of 25 female influential ladies in Gibraltar.

Additional products/activities organised by the Ladies That Rock The Rock Team include:

1. A series of Workshops for Ladies that focuses on building leadership presence and impact and on enhancing networking, communication and negotiation skills and lead with confidence. The workshops involve interactive exercises and powerful group discussions and will take place in early March.

2. A female delegation to northern Morocco in mid-March including a trip to fascinating cities of Fes and Rabbat.

Abril 2021.pdf 1 20/04/2021 11:05

3. The Ladies That Rock The Rock team is excited and thrilled to introduce the new card game "MotivateMe" An innovative card game designed to uplift spirits, inspire action, and connect players through meaningful interactions. "MotivateMe" is set to bring fun and motivation to your corporate events, game nights, or your daily life. This game is perfect for friends, families, and teams looking to foster positivity and build stronger connections.

For tickets for the Gala Dinner, book launch and for more details and registration, contact The Ladies That Rock The Rock Team on:

TheLadiesThatRock@gmail.com

We wish to thank all the people who submitted nominations, and to the committee members for their time, comments and inputs, and off-course, big congrats to all the winning ladies. Who knows, maybe next year you too can be a lady that Rocks the Rock!

HELLO ART LOVERS

HELLO ART LOVERS

Hello Art Lovers and welcome to our last column of 2024.

Our Gibraltarian artists have been busy this year with many art exhibitions opening around Gibraltar and some of our emerging artists experiencing success abroad like Monica Popham who was crowned Sky Arts landscape artist of the year.

Ace Art hosted two exhibitions this year `Aires Del Sur’ in April and ‘Rock & Paper II’ in September. Both exhibitions were held at The Fine Arts Gallery and featured both local and international artists. These were very well received especially Aires Del Sur with Lindsay Olivero and her flamenco dancers pulling in the crowds.

During the last couple of weeks we have been supporting the solo exhibitions of two local artists who need little introduction, Karl Ullger and Sebastian Rodriguez. Karl is a regular at Ace Art exhibitions and is always ready to offer a helping hand, so it was my turn to help Karl with the arrangements for his first solo exhibition since 2019. ‘Echoes of Legacy’ was officially opened by the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo and saw Karl present three new series of works to a packed Fine Arts Gallery. His figurative collection consisted of his own interpretations of famous paintings with his oil painting of Ophelia taking the lime light. On the opening night, Zoe Bishop accompanied by dancers from `The Movement Collection’ performed a beautiful rendition to Ophelia. As for Karl, who perhaps is best known internationally for

teacher himself is very pleased to have this series also released as set of stamps.

To top up a very successful exhibition Mr Picardo also announced that Karl had been approached by Gato Gordo Gallery and would be participating in the prestigious `Red Dot’ International Art Fair in Miami. Although I would love to go to Miami to support you I am going to have to wish you all the best from here and hope you bring me a souvenir at least no?

As we have been mentioning it’s been nonstop exhibitions in Gibraltar this year, Karl locked up the Fine arts gallery and passed it over to Sebastian Rodriguez who opened `Ancho Estrecho’ his second solo exhibition in what has been a very prolific year for him. I say prolific because this exhibition featured 34 paintings and they were all completed during the last 12 months. Sebastian described this exhibition as a continuation and refinement of his deep love for painting from life. Sebastian has for some time now been specialising in plein air work and this year he had the opportunity to learn, paint and spend some time with two of his favourite British artists David Bachmann and Rob Pointon who he met by chance whilst painting in Sevilla’s Jardines de la Maria Luisa. His beautiful landscape collection features paintings from Gibraltar, Spain, Portugal and Morocco whose beauty he captured and documented during his travels.

It was in Tangiers where he met L, an African immigrant who shared his story with Seb and agreed to be his first sitter for his upcoming series “Off Grid Portraits” which will consist of portraits of peo ple who for one reason or another live off the grid. This might be because of choice or circumstances, just like his first sitter who faced the challenges met by immigrants and refugees every day.

With Christmas coming perhaps a painting by either Karl or Seb is at the top of your Santa’s wish list. Visit www.aceart.gi to view their collection.

Happy Christmas to all JP Bautista

GONE TIMES GOOD

As the years go by, I genuinely feel we take for granted how much we know a person even if we see them on Main Street every single day. By reading this book I have been able to get to know the author of Gone Times Good in David Bentata. The book is a captivating read that invites us readers into a Gibraltar filled with colourful characters, dramatic moments, and profound reflections. Written with a rich sense of nostalgia and vivid storytelling, the book takes the form of a collection of anecdotes from Bentata’s storied life, spanning decades of personal triumphs, struggles, and discoveries. In the end, it’s not just the events themselves that linger in the mind, but the way Bentata weaves them together, offering both humour and depth, vulnerability and strength.

The book was presented exclusively for those who have contributed directly to the book and supported, encouraged and joined him in one way or another in its creation at an intimate affair at the Casino Calpe on Monday 18th November. Close friend Suresh Mahtani kicked off proceedings by saying a few words but summed him up using the word evolutionary. After a few readings from the book, David took questions from those in attendance and then later signed a few copies of the book.

For David Bentata there is no doubt that his best friend and "tocayo" David Hassan who unfortunately passed away in 2022 was the catalyst and inspiration when it comes to this fine read. They were both born on the same day, same time, shared the same crib. In shared times reminiscing together the idea to write these many memories down to create Gone Times Good.

The book is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes, each offering a snapshot into different chapters of Bentata’s life. From his childhood spent in Gibraltar and its surroundings to his later years as a successful yet modest entrepreneur, each story captures an essential moment that defines his personal growth and transformation.

Bentata’s writing style is warm and approachable, often infused with humour that makes the book feel intimate. Like listening to an old friend recount the details of a long, adventurous life. Bentata rightfully mentions this in his foreword too! His sharp wit and self-deprecating humour make the anecdotes compelling, and his descriptions of people and places feel so alive that readers can almost smell the salt of the sea breeze or hear the laughter of friends in the background.

While the narrative occasionally jumps around in time, the book is never confusing. Bentata does a masterful job of anchoring each story with sensory details or personal reflections that guide the reader through the ebb and flow of his life’s timeline. This structure allows Bentata to bring up themes and motifs in a non-linear fashion, giving the book a sense of rich layering that feels less like a straightforward memoir and more like a living, breathing conversation.

One of the most compelling aspects of Gone Times Good is the way in which Bentata reflects on both the ordinary and extraordinary events of his life. The book is more than just a collection of amusing stories—though there are plenty of those, it is also a meditation on the passage of time, the complexity of human relationships, and the unpredictable nature of self-discovery.

Throughout the anecdotes, Bentata addresses universal themes such as loss, resilience, and reinvention. There’s a story about a disastrous trip to nearby Getares that is quite poignant, yet he speaks of it with such perspective that you can feel the drama take over your body and soul.

way we all navigate the wind ing paths of our lives, Gone Times Good delivers on every front. It's a celebration of the unpredictable, beautiful mess that is life, and a reminder that every moment—however small or seemingly insignificant—plays a part in shaping who we are.

under his maid’s bed for hours whilst his parents, Aunt and maid called for him hysterically until he came out, only to be met by a slap, courtesy of his mother! On the other hand, an anecdote about a kitchen chair in Chapter 21 is so beautifully rendered that it brings a tear to the eye.

Bentata’s prose is rich with detail, often painting vivid pictures of the places he’s been and the people he’s met. He has a knack for capturing the essence of a moment with just a few carefully chosen words. The pacing is generally well-handled.

Gone Times Good is an engaging and thought-provoking memoir that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. David Bentata’’s storytelling prowess shines through in each anecdote, and his reflections on life’s highs and lows offer valuable insights into the human experience. The book strikes a perfect balance between humour and depth, making it an enjoyable read while also providing moments of genuine emotional resonance.

GORHAM’S CAVE

Royal Engineers Keighley and Ward were the first to report artefacts of archaeological interest in the cave via the Gibraltar newspapers. They had found pottery and stone tools. Moreover, they reported that human and animal remains had been discovered in Gorham’s cave. Rev. F. E. Brown of the Gibraltar Society reported these findings to the governor of Gibraltar who requested further investigations after a site visit. These investigations were reported to the British Museum for their deliberation.

Lieutenant George Baker Alexander, Royal Engineer and a graduate geologist from the University of Cambridge, arrived in Gibraltar in 1945. He decided to make a geological survey of Gibraltar that resulted in a detailed geological map. Alexander was the first to excavate Gorham’s Cave, before his departure from Gibraltar in 1948 after the Gibraltar Museum challenged his methods. There are no preserved materials about these excavations.

Level IV has produced 103 items, including spear-points, knives, and scraping devices that are identified as Mousterian, and shows repeated use over thousands of years.

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating gives dates for level IV of between 33 and 23 thousand years before the present (Kyr BP) - the researchers felt that the uncertainties at this time depth made calibration impractical. They suggest occupation until at least 28 kyr BP and possibly 24 kyr BP.

No fossil remains have been found that would allow identification pointing to either Neanderthal or anatomically modern human inhabitants, nor associated with findings of a modern human in a site at nearby Abrigo do Lagan Velho, Portugal of 24,500 years ago who may have featured Neanderthal genetic admixtures, although Mousterian culture normally is identified with Neanderthals in Europe.

blocks of similar dolomite rock, to identify how the scratches might have been made. They decided that the lines were most likely created by using a pointed tool or cutting edge to scrape repeatedly along, and deepen, an existing groove, taking as many as 300 strokes and requiring at least an hour’s work. In addition, the scratches are in what would have been a very visible location and would have been immediately noticeable to anyone entering the cave. Those who claim it has symbolic meaning cannot explain what it would have meant. Gorham’s Cave gives its name to the Gorham’s Cave complex, which is a grouping of four distinct caves of such importance that they are combined into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three other caves are the nearby Vanguard Cave, the Hyaena Cave, and Bennett’s Cave.

In November 2010, the Gorham’s Cave complex was put forward to compete for a nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first step was a proposal to

The cave is named after Captain A. Gorham of the 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, who discovered it in 1907 while opening a fissure at the rear of a sea cavern. Gorham inscribed his name and the date of his discovery in lamp-black on the wall of the cave, which has borne his name ever since. After this initial discovery, it seems the cave was forgotten - at least at an official level. Gorham’s Cave is a cave situated on the east side of Gibraltar a few meters above sea level which has formed in Jurassic limestone. Total length of this cave is approximately 100m (330 ft) and at the entrance it is approximately 35 m (115 ft) high. Further inside the cave becomes narrower and turns per approximately 90 degrees. From the entrance of the cave opens a view on the Alboran Sea. It is possible that during further research the cave will become longer. Gorham’s Cave has been a site of archaeological interest since its importance was first recognised. The beach below the cave (Governor’s Beach) had been inaccessible from the cliffs above; however, after one episode of a tunnelling project in the rock, the beach and cave became accessible due to the pile of spoil that was created.

In 1945, the governor wrote to the British Museum requested that they continue further explorations of the cave. The museum had no resources, however, so they forwarded his enquirer to Professor Dorothy Garrod at Cambridge, who had found a Neanderthal skull at Devil’s Tower Cave during her earlier work in Gibraltar in the 1920s. Garrod sought the assistance of Dr. John d’Arcy Waechter, a fellow of the British Institute of Archaeology at Ankara. Waechter arrived in September 1948 and spent two months digging test pits to see if further excavation would be justified. Waechter’s success resulted in his return in June 1950. He went back to England in 1951, without concluding the work and returned from February to July 1952. During a final visit in 1954 he successfully requested financial assistance from the local government to complete his work.

Excavation of this site has resulted in the discovery of four layers of stratigraphy, one below the other.

Level I has produced evidence for eighth to third centuries BC use by Phoenicians.

Level II produced evidence of for brief Neolithic use. Level III has yielded at least 240 Palaeolithic artefacts of Magdalenian and Solutrean origin.

In July 2012, the floor of the cave was found to be deeply scratched. Researchers uncovered a series of cross-crossing lines over ~ 1 m2, cut into the surface of a ledge about 100 metres (330 ft) from its entrance. The scratches consist of eight lines arranged in two groups of three long lines and intersected by two shorter ones, which has been used to suggest it is a symbol. The scratches are thought to be at least 39,000 years old, because they were found below a layer of un disturbed sediment of that age in which hundreds of Neanderthal stone tools were discovered, the attribution of the scratches to Neanderthals is disputed.

The issue of the artistic abilities of Neanderthals has been a long-running topic of controversy. Other alleged examples of Neanderthal art have been found in other caves in Europe, including motifs in Spain, and possible “jewellery” in France. The team researching the Gorham’s Cave scratches sought to determine whether it might have been produced accidentally, for example as a by-product of using the rock as a surface for cutting meat or fur. They carried out experiments with tools similar to those that would have been available at the time to carve grooves into

the United Kingdom cultural authorities to get Gorham’s Cave complex added to the UK’s World Heritage tentative list. Such a list is revised every ten years, and the process for a new list was ongoing at the date of this submission. The ownership of land associated with Gorham’s Cave was passed from the UK Ministry of Defence to the government of Gibraltar in 2011. The agreement swapped this MOD land and more than 300 MOD houses with the government of Gibraltar, who in exchange agreed to build 90 new houses on remaining MOD land. In May 2012 Gorham’s Cave complex was on the short list of two sites, along with the Forth Rail Bridge, that was forwarded for submission to UNESCO. The site was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site on 15th of July 2016 and is Gibraltar’s only World Heritage site.

The Gorham’s Cave Complex is home to various species of bat, among them the European free-tailed bay.

The cave complex also forms the largest wintering roost of Eurasian crag Martin’s in the world, peaking at 12,000 birds in the 2020-2021 winter season, making up 1-2% of the entire European population of this species.

© John Carreras, the History Society

Pepe/WinteringIslands in Gibraltar

‘The adventures of a modern-day Robinson Crusoe’

“After living for over 40 years in the offshore island financial centres of Guernsey and Alderney, JLR, international agent and club founder, decides to ‘winter’ with his wife Jane in the Crown Dependency of Gibraltar.

Published exclusively in full in the Gibraltar and international lifestyle magazine ‘New Insight’, JLR will give his own take on life on the rock of Gibraltar sharing his adventures, encounters and experiences whilst living within this fascinating and unique community.”

Technically, Gibraltar is not an island. It’s a narrow peninsula (some also call it an isthmus) at the southern tip of another much bigger peninsula, called Spain. And yet metaphorically, it is an island. An island jurisdiction existing in its own cherished bubble of ‘Britishness’. And with its own unique history.

It was taken by the Muslim commander Tarik ibn Ziyad in 711 AD at the start of the Moors’ conquest of Spain, and gave his name to this striking limestone rock (Jabal Tariq - Mount Tarik), lying significantly at the Atlantic gateway to the Mediterranean Sea.

Many years later, long after the Muslims were finally thrown out of Spain by ‘Los Reyes Católicos’ in 1492, it changed hands as part of the deal agreed under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 after the war of Spanish succession, in which the Spanish Crown formally ceded the territory (city, castle, port and defences) in perpetuity to the British Crown.

And after the Spanish civil war (1936-1939) it represented a ‘thorn in the side’ of Franco’s military dictatorship, causing ongoing issues and tensions.

All these historic recollections crossed my mind as our EasyJet flight started the approach down into Gibraltar airport. Looking out of my cabin window, I could just see the runway pointing its large grey digit out towards the Atlantic, with the giant overhanging rock leaving no doubt as to where we were.

Warships (British, American, Spanish) still regularly patrol the waters, and the number of tankers constantly plying their trade is an impressive sight to behold. ‘Bunkering’ - the refuelling of ships with tax-friendly marine fuel oil - still remains today an important arm of the Gibraltar economy…

And as we taxied across the runway we could see the signs of both war and trade…a dozen or so large vessels bunkering. And then a British patrol boat in the distance.

about

Jose Luis Romanillos

Schoolmaster, Trustee, Agent & International Club Founder, Author

Born: 1959, London

Nationality: British

Education: Shaftesbury Grammar School, Dorset and Exeter University

Career Education, Finance & Networking

Business JLR Sports & Entertainment Agency and International Private Members Club

Interests: Travel, Cricket & Food and Wine

Current projects: ‘Pepe Islands’, second book about ideal island communities

Mission statement Carpe Diem

Favourite colour Red

Best time to work 6 to 9 am

Advice to others: ‘Go with your heart’

And its geographical location is very significant, as both a military and transport hub. It always has been. Dubbed as one of the two mythical ‘Pillars of Hercules’, the Rock of Gibraltar and the Moroccan Atlas Mountains ‘stood’ either side of the straights of Gibraltar. A stretch of water that was critical in times of both warfare and trade.

The Rock itself is a honeycomb of caves and tunnels, many of which were initiated in the 1940’s under command of British Prime Minister of the time, Sir Winston Churchill, believing that an attack on Gibraltar was imminent. A massive network of tunnels and storage facilities was constructed, creating a fortress within a fortress. And these tunnels can now be viewed and experienced. With plenty of Gibraltar’s Barbary apes around, as if on guard duty. Astonishing, but true.

But what were we doing there? Quite simple, really. 4 years ago we came to Gibraltar to escape Covid. And we spent nearly 4 months on the Rock. We loved it, especially my wife Jane who is an all year round cold-water swimmer - even taking part in the Boxing Day ‘polar bears’ swim that year. I did my bit by holding her towel.

This time we are escaping the cold and damp. And also trying to get away from the general feeling of gloom that seems to be casting a shadow over the United Kindom. Pot holes. Taxes. National Insurance. Crime. NHS waiting lists. Terrorist attacks. Rain. Immigration. More rain. Politics. Strikes. Homelessness. Even more rain.

We have come in search of warmth, to ‘winter’ in sunnier climes. Metaphorically and literally speaking. Whilst at the same time still enjoying a friendly and familiar British feel - the language, M & S, the Royal Family, typical pubs, the Union Jack and red telephone booths. And who knows, we may just possibly find ourselves a new life and home here on Tarik’s rock.

Watch this space to be continued.

It has taken a lifetime to happen but here we are celebrating the release and review of the Christmas album from Albert, who at eighty shows no sign of slowing down although he will admit that “Perhaps this will be my only one but it’s my first festive album. I still have a couple of songs that I want to record for next Christmas so we shall have to wait and see.”

There are strong local connections to the Rock in this fifteen track album. The GAMPA Ensemble choir join Albert singing on ten of the tracks. He saw them perform last November at his induction ceremony when he got his Lifetime Achievement Award and arranged to record with them through vocal coach Jeremy Perez of GAMPA. Michael Heselgrave recorded them at the Academy over two days earlier this year and the post production was done in Germany. The results throughout the album are a joy to listen to.

There is a strong Lennon Connection with Gibraltar and his classic ‘Happy Christmas (War is over)’ is beautifully rendered on this album (track 3). In an upbeat medley on ‘Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer’ (track 6), the ‘Hokey Pokey’ is featured and Hammond wasn’t aware that it was a tradition in the Christmas dances of yesteryear here on the Rock. It seems that these inspired song choices have helped Albert in making this album immediately engaging and deeply personal to his melodic vocal style. You can see ‘Rudolph’ the first single release and video clip from the album on You Tube. It features reindeer animation and sees the artist doing the ‘Hokey Cokey’ with them too!

album is danceable, singable and totally accessible inviting listeners to join in. That is what makes the song choices inspired and the festive vibe infectious. If you thought you had heard enough Christmas albums, think again because this one will have you singing, foot tapping and dancing from the first song which is ‘Mary’s Boy Child’.

Albert has two original songs in this collection. ‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (track 10) which he wrote with John Betis some years ago and has been re-recorded with the GAMPA kids, and ‘I wish You a Merry Christmas’ (track 13) which is in today’s idiom. It’s a bilingual ‘Reggaeton’ dance track with a Puerto Rican flavour making it instantly likeable. Like all good commercial songs, you might think you’ve heard it before. You haven’t. It’s new and has the Hammond stamp all over it. It would make a great single.

‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘Blue Christmas’ are essential classics which get special treatment in this album and each song will draw the listener in because the new treatment which Albert has given them is imaginative and engaging. On ‘Blue Christmas’ (track12) we get a country and western treatment and Albert’s vocal was recorded live with his guitar. It’s a big song to take on with the Elvis connection, but then Hammond has never been afraid to fill big shoes.

So what else does this festive album has in store for us? It has the genius of Hammond behind every track as Albert told me that “I had to make each song unique to my style” and he has succeeded on many levels. The songs have clever key changes with lively tempos and have the GAMPA kids nicely spicing up the melodies with harmonies and youthful exuberance. ’White Christmas’ (track 14) has a great arrangement in a poppy idiom with Albert’s voice doubling on guitar hooks, this track for me, stands out as a memorable fresh take on the old Bing Crosby classic.

‘Jingle Bells’ (track 5) chugs along with new accents on the traditional phrasing and has a lot of fun in store for those singalong Christmas parties. Indeed most of the

The closing track on the album is ‘Silent Night’ and what an inspired vocal and evocative arrangement carries this beautiful song. Albert’s voice is upfront with reverb washing over his great phrasing. Behind him is a synth track emulating pipes and embellishing textured synth drones. The result is magical. Truly an outstanding version for which he is justifiably proud. This will be the second single from the album and will have a video to be released around the first week of December.

Again this is a huge Christmas classic to take on, but you have never heard him sing so tenderly and he even speaks a verse after a clever key change before going back to the original key. So clever and inspiring, making ‘Silent Night’ his own.

If you are going to give music this Christmas this is the album to bring to the party. This is joyful, warm and danceable festive music at its best- by one of the best. And he is ours to keep.

Greta Scacchi

Known for her iconic roles and effortless beauty, Greta Scacchi was born in Italy to an English mother and Italian father and later moved first to England and then to Australia after her mother remarried. “It’s hard to decide,” Greta admits when I asked about her nationality. “I always felt foreign until I moved to Australia. Everyone’s a foreigner in Australia, so it was the first place I didn’t feel like a foreigner. I love it there; I feel very much at home.” Now based in Sussex, Greta’s ties to England are strong, though, particularly because of her mother. “My mother’s 93 and lives in London, so I’m based here now, but I spend a lot of time in Aus tralia.”

The reason that Greta does spend so much time in the Southern Hemisphere is due to Darby And Joan, a murder mystery, crime comedy drama television series starring Bryan Brown, her co-star in White Mischief (1987) and The Thorn Birds (1983).

Film journalist and author Peter Guttridge led Greta through her incredible 40-year career, highlighting moments from her catalogue of films and talking about some of the big names that she has acted with, including Laurence Olivier.

I can focus on other things,” she commented.

As we talked, Greta reflected on the industry’s obsession with youth and appearance, saying, “I consciously wouldn’t choose that path of trying to hold onto a younger look. In Hollywood, older women often present a very worked look, but in the real world, how we age makes us more convincing for different roles. As I get older, I’m more convincing as an old person. I don’t need to pretend.”

BAFTA-nominated in her first leading role (Heat and Dust, 1983), Greta’s career has been marked by unforgettable roles and collaborations, including playing George Clooney’s wife, a “screen siren” moment she acknowledges with a mixture of pride and humour. “It does give me a little comfort as I get older,” and admitted that now, in life generally, she doesn’t dress up or wear makeup.

“I don't need to spend money on clothes because other people have dressed me and made me look great. It makes me a bit lazy about making any effort, really, but I feel that

With a career spanning film and theatre, asked which she prefers, Greta replied saying that she finds joy in both mediums. “I love hopping between the two because they complement each other, but in the end, theatre is more of a thrill. It’s more taxing, and I have to pace myself to keep up the energy and there’s nothing like a live audience.”

The control an actor has on stage contrasts sharply with the filmmaking process. “On film, you’re at the director’s mercy. They’re steering the ship. But in theatre, the director has to persuade you of their vision. It’s a collaboration in a way that’s so thrilling.”

While Greta has tackled a variety of roles in her career, there are still unfulfilled dreams. “There are Shakespeare roles I’ll never get to do. I’ve done a bit for radio and a rushed BBC schools version of Macbeth, but it doesn’t look like more will come my way.”

Talk of her rich career inevitably turns to the idea of documenting her life. “You’ve got so many fabulous stories,” I suggested. “You really should write an autobiography.” Greta smiled, a glimmer of thought behind her eyes. “Yes, I’d have to hurry up, though. The next generation is forgetting all these names.”

Bryony Gordon

MAD WOMAN

Journalist, author, broadcaster and podcaster and founder of charity Mental Health Mates, Bryony Gordon is a mental health campaigner who came to the Gibraltar Literary Festival to talk about her latest book Mad Woman. It comes 10 years after her bestseller Mad Girl and explores a huge range of topics including binge eating, burnout, menopause, the pandemic and the challenges of being a woman navigating the world. “I'm an alcoholic, a reformed drug addict and a larger lady who runs marathons in her bra and pants,” she declared.

Chatting to Bryony after her talk at the Gar rison Library, she told me that she had al ways wanted to write. “With her mother, Jane Gordon, a prominent journalist, Bryony admits that admiration for her mother’s work and always being surrounded by newspapers shaped her career aspirations. “I think my whole career has been about trying to impress my mum,” she jokes.

Bryony’s candid discussions about mental health have struck a chord with many. She has been open about her experiences with OCD, anxiety, and addiction. Reflecting on her early struggles, she credits sobriety for bringing clarity and stability to her life. “Sobriety has taught me how to be of ser vice,” she explains. “It’s given me the tools to handle life’s chaos without unravelling.”

Another topic close to Bryony’s heart is the role of hormones in women’s lives. “Hormone health affects us from the cradle to the grave,” she says, highlighting how menopause, once a taboo subject, is finally entering the public conversation. “For me, it was liberating to come out the other side of menopause and feel like myself again,” she said.

Bryony also points to the societal pressures women face throughout their lives. “We’re taught our worth is tied to our attractiveness or reproductive usefulness, which is just rubbish,” she said with characteristic bluntness. For her, aging has been a relief, freeing her from many of these expectations. “There’s a liberation in being older and less shackled by all that.”

What about imposter syndrome, I asked? “Everyone has it,” she insisted, “but it’s only something women feel encouraged to talk about. Men have it too, they just mask it better.” Bryony sees this self-doubt as part of the broader societal pressures on women but is determined to rise above it. “I’m not an imposter. I’m just human.”

Bryony’s latest project is a novel. Something she told the audience that she had 40,000 words to finish in three weeks which she said was a daunting prospect. “Strangely for a journalist, I’m not good with deadlines,” she laughed as she said this. Later on, Bryony told me that the book is called People Pleaser and has already been optioned for a film. “It tells the story of a woman who wakes up unable to people-please, throwing her life into chaos. It’s part comedy, part speculative fiction,” she explained. Writing, however, doesn’t come without its challenges. “It’s terrifying,” she admits. “You’re emptying your brain onto a page and asking people to judge it.”

“All the work I do is about making myself feel less weird and realising everyone else is just as weird.”

It’s Never Too Early for Shirley!

It may have been grey and rainy outside, but inside John Mackintosh Hall it was full of sparkle and sequins as Shirley Ballas took her place on stage as the headliner speaker at the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival where she was in conversation with GBC’s James Neish.

Known as the ‘Queen of Latin’, Shirley has decades of experience in the dance world, with a career that spans competing, coaching, and judging at the highest levels. Her sharp eye for technique and her passion for dance have made her an iconic figure as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing where her energy, expertise, and elegance shine through and her critiques, though sometimes tough, are always delivered with a dedication to helping each contestant reach their best.

The audience knew they were in for a fun packed evening when Shirley announced “no questions are off limits, so you can ask me anything you want and if I can answer it, I will.”

Here to promote her second novel in The Se quin Mysteries Series, Dance to the Death, Shirley explained that she wrote her first murder-mystery book titled Murder on the Dance Floor when her publisher told her that there were too many sexy stories in her autobiography. “So a lot of those got pulled, and then my mum who’s 87 said why don't you write in fiction form, and then you can write whatever you want.” Shirley admitted it was so raunchy it got her mum ‘hot and bothered’ when she read it. ‘”It’s a great sex, lies, intrigue, backstabbing, bed-hopping manipulation murder mystery and a real page turner,” she laughed, going on to say that the reader has to guess wheth er the stories are true and who the characters are based on. “Did I witness the events, did I take part in them, or is it fiction?” Shirley did give one hint away though and that is that the character of Lily is based on her. “And I have a boyfriend called Javier,” she exclaimed.

The call for Shirley to become a judge on Strictly Come Dancing came in 2017. At that time bullying was rife in the industry and Shirley was contemplating leaving and moving into teaching keep-fit or Pilates. “My son Mark, who was a dancer at the time on Dancing with the Stars in the USA, three times winner and thirteen times a finalist, told me that Uncle Lenny (Len Goodman) was leaving the show.” Shirley explained that they got in touch with the BBC and went over for an interview. “It was shocking, I did terribly,” she said. Luckily she was given a second chance and was then offered the job. “It was life changing.”

The current judging panel, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, have become firm friends, and Shirley says she enjoys the banter between them. “At the moment it feels a bit like the Fab Four… it just feels comfortable.” Unfortunately, there is an ugly side to Shirley’s appearance on ‘Strictly’, and that is the vitriolic trolling and ongoing scrutiny she has faced, something that caused her to nearly quit the show in 2022. “Things had reached an all-time low and the trolling had snowballed out of control, leaving me in tears after every show”, she stated. Shirley then introduced us to Harry, who she has employed to help with her social media and who has now become her PA.

Shirley was quick to point out that the books are about everything that goes on in the world of ballroom dancing, but that she’s not talking about ‘Strictly’, “because that's baubles, bangles and beads on a Saturday.” Her new novel is based on experiences she has had during her time in the dance industry. “There will be a third book in the series and then that will be the end of The Sequin Mysteries,” she confirmed.

We heard from Shirley about her life as a young girl growing up on a council estate in Wallasey where she and her older brother David were raised by their mother who was a single parent. Shirley spoke openly about how David struggled with depression later in life which led to him to taking his own life in 2003. Now an ambassador for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a charity focused on suicide prevention, she told us how she is now also supporting Suicide and Co, a charity to help the families who are left behind. “I spoke with the Governor today and I would like to come back and do something for your suicide charities here, maybe next year.”

“I've learned through Harry to take everything with a sense of humour. So we will sit there and read those comments, pick out a few of them and respond with a funny retort. Harry has taught me that maybe the trolls aren’t in a good place in their life, and that is why they lash out. So we have empathy for those people and I give them two or three chances to be nice and then they get blocked.”

James Neish asked Shirley if she was not a judge but instead a professional dancer, who would she love to have as a celebrity partner? A question she said she had never been asked before. “Vito,” she replied without a pause. “He's a gentleman, he’s crazy and he doesn't always understand the English language and that's what makes him super funny, and I think he's as athletic as I am. So I think it would have to be Vito.” When prompted by James to tell her anecdote about Tom Cruise, Shirley confessed that the actor still owes her £600 after she gave him a three hour dance lesson many years ago. “He's the only person who’s never paid me in my life. I taught him the whole afternoon and his agent never sent the cheque!”

Asked by a member of the audience what she thought of Gibraltar, Shirley replied that she thought it was a really nice, tight-knit community where everybody seems to know everybody else. “I love Gibraltar, in fact I was actually thinking I would like to move here,” she commented.

Although we would love to welcome her to Gibraltar, it’s obvious that family is important to Shirley so she may be considering a move to Los Angeles in the future to be nearer to Mark, of whom she is immensely proud, and her grandson Banksi, born in November last year. “I’m called Glam-ma,” she giggled. Of course she is!

MY 1ST CAR

Matt Cowley 1976 FORD CAPRI

Mathew Cowley started his racing career when he was just 11, at the Wigan Karting Track, and got the bug there to be a full time racer. In 2016 Matt started driving in the Formula Ford Championships with a good record of many successes

Matt does have a strong connection with Gibraltar as a good family friend is Jose Luis Romanillos, who many here on the Rock will know.

Matts first car was also a Ford, but not a modern one, he always wanted either a Mini or a Ford Capri, and endless hours looking at the classified ads, aged only 16, he spotted a 1976 Capri 1.3, white with a black vinyl roof. He nagged his Dad, Ian to go and look at it. Unbeknown to Matt, his Dad did go and look, with a mechanic friend, and bought it. What a 17th birthday present that was for Matt, a few lessons, and he was driving legally on the road.

He has many memories of the car, but especially liked it because it wasn’t too reliable, and tended to break down on college days when he didn’t particularly like some of the lessons. A call into the office, tell them it had broken down, and he couldn’t make it that day. Matt did have some mechanical know-how,

and could fix some minor problems. He recalls going to Alton Towers in the Capri with his friends, and had the best day out ever.

The Ford Capri has a huge bonnet, and with the small 1300cc, you could almost get in, and walk round the engine, there was so much room.

Matt went on to GT4 Championship and drove, and did well in an Aston Martin, also driving, and winning in a Mercedes-AMG GT4. His ambition for the future is to compete Globally in Endurance Racing which last anything between 12 - 24 hours.

Mathews current everyday car is his Dads ‘hand-me-down’ twenty year old Porsche 911. He uses it regularly to travel between home in Stalybridge, near Manchester to Silverstone where he works at the iZone Driver Performance Centre.

I asked Mathew what his Dream Car is, and without any hesitation said an original 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt, as seen in the film Bullitt and driven by Steve McQueen, a true iconic movie car..

Thanks to Mathew for talking to us, and good luck for your Racing Future

Very Good M’Lady

Dealer Group JCT600 based in Yorkshire recently redeveloped one of its sites in Leeds to house Bentley, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin, and quite a prestigious building it is too.

ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN BLACK BADGE

There many invited guests for the Grand Opening, with the manufacturers bringing along some Press Test Cars for journalists to have a quick ride around the Leeds area.

One of the cars was the updated 2024 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge that would stand out in the crowd in the dullest of dull colours, but to have one in bright pink, officially called ‘Morganite’ then you really couldn’t miss this one, it is to put it very mildly, a bold shade.

The new 2024 model, with subtle changes gets redesigned lower air intakes in the front bumper, new taillights and larger new 23-inch alloy wheels are an option

This large 4x4 SUV is powered by a 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine that develops 600ps, and goes from 0-100kph in 6.2 seconds, not bad for a car that weighs in at 2,670kg, and measures 5.4 metres. Fuel consumption is around 16.6- litre/100km, ouch....

The best part of any Rolls Royce, and this has been throughout history, is the interior, simply excellent, exquisite, elegant and exclusive.

The rear seats are as comfy as your favourite armchair or sofa, leg and headroom is more than enough for the tallest and widest millionaire. Sitting in the rear, really is First Class travel, and some.

The interior of the 2024 model has received more significant updates, with

a new glass pane spanning the entire dashboard width and houses the entire, more improved infotainment system. The test car continued some of the exterior colour with some peony pink piping, but the majority was a more sedate grey and black, high quality leather.

The boot is not huge, but more than adequate to get in all the Polo gear, and the weekend luggage, oh, it will also fit in quite a few Morrison’s shopping bags too, though parking it in one of the car park bays, might be a bit tight. It has a split tailgate which adds quite a bit of functionality and versatility, and maybe easier for getting in and out in a tight car park!!

The RR Cullinan is certainly in a class of its own, oozes quality and opulance, but does come at a cost, with pric-

es starting at £334,800, but the Black Badge starts from £382,800 plus options in the UK

As Parker would say. Very Good M’Lady...

2025 IS SET TO BECOME A LANDMARK YEAR FOR GIBRALTAR’S WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

AS THEY MAKE THEIR COMPETITIVE DEBUT IN THE SECOND EDITION OF UEFA’S WOMEN’S NATIONS LEAGUE.

The draw for the competition, which kicks off in February 2025, was made in November, featuring 53 participating teams – a record entry. Liechtenstein joins Gibraltar as the other nation making their senior women’s competitive international debuts in this edition of the tournament.

The UEFA Women’s Nations League is split into three leagues (A, B, and C), with each team seeded based on their 2024 performances. Unlike the men’s competition, there is no League D, meaning Gibraltar’s Women’s National Team, seeded 52nd, would be drawn into a group in League C.

At the draw, overseen by UEFA’s Managing Director of Women’s Football, the former German international Nadine Kessler, at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland, Gibraltar were placed in League C Group 1 alongside Slovakia, the Faroe Islands, and Moldova.

Slovakia, seeded 33rd for the Women’s Nations League draw, are the highest-ranked team in League C. In their recent UEFA Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, they experienced mixed results, including home wins over Israel and Wales, alongside defeats to Scotland (home and away), Serbia (home and away), and Wales (away).

The Faroe Islands are the second-ranked team in Gibraltar’s group, having been seeded 43rd in

the draw. They enter the tournament following inconsistent form in Euro 2025 qualifying, with wins against Andorra (home and away) and Montenegro (home) as standout performances. However, defeats to Greece (home and away) and a heavy loss away to Montenegro saw them finish third in Qualifying Group C3. They will no doubt view the Nations League as a perfect opportunity to improve on these results.

Gibraltar’s final opponents in their inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign are Moldova, seeded 49th in the draw. Two friendly wins away against Saudi Arabia and one against North Macedonia in October saw the Moldovans end the year on a high. This followed a difficult Euro 2025 qualifying run, during which they lost to Slovenia and Latvia (home and away) and at home to familiar opponents North Macedonia. Their only point came

HERE ARE GIBRALTAR’S WOMEN’S NATIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES:

21.02.2025: Moldova v Gibraltar

25.02.2025: Gibraltar v Faroe Islands

04.04.2025: Gibraltar v Slovakia

08.04.2025: Faroe Islands v Gibraltar

30.05.2025: Slovakia v Gibraltar

03.06.2025: Gibraltar v Moldova

in a draw in the away fixture in Skopje in May.

Speaking about the draw, Gibraltar forward Shania Robba expressed her excitement, stating:

“...now it’s all about February, and we can’t wait to get started.”

The Gibraltar FA’s Women’s Football Development Officer, Arianne Risso, added:

“We all can’t wait for the UEFA Women’s Nations League to kick off in February 2025. With match dates already confirmed, preparations are underway behind the scenes, with logistics being carefully planned to ensure the team is ready to perform at their best in every match.

Over the past two years, we have worked extremely hard to support the players’ growth, providing as many opportunities as possible through international friendly matches and intensive training camps.

Both the technical staff and players are now extremely excited as we look forward to this new chapter in Gibraltar’s women’s football journey. The Women’s Nations League represents a significant milestone, and the team is determined to embrace the challenge and proudly represent Gibraltar on the international stage.”

JOHN GONTIER

In a world where physical fitness and social skills are paramount for personal development, the role of sports in nurturing young talent cannot be overstated. Gibraltar, despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe, is poised to develop a robust football culture that begins with toddlers. The establishment of a grassroots program focusing on football for children as young as toddlers is not just an initiative for sports; it’s a holistic approach to cultivating future athletes while simultaneously enhancing their social skills and health. Here I Iook at the necessity and viability of laying down such a foundation, elucidating the benefits it brings to individuals and the community as a whole.

The Importance of Early Development in Sports

The early years of a child's life are crucial for physical, cognitive, and social development. Engaging children in sports from a young age can significantly impact their growth trajectory. Numerous studies indicate that physical activity fosters motor skills, coordination, and balance. For instance, toddlers participating in structured play and sports develop better control over their bodies, leading to increased confidence and improved self-esteem.

Building a Lasting Football Culture in Gibraltar

Gibraltar Wave FC, drawing from three years of experience in women's football, is uniquely positioned to spearhead this initiative. The club's short but intense history provides a significant platform for initiating youth programs that cater to both boys and girls. Establishing a structured football program that introduces the sport at a very young age promotes inclusivity and diversity, fostering a sense of community among the participants and their families.

By cultivating an environment where children are encouraged to engage with sports, we can instill a love for football that transcends generations. Imagine a future where local children grow up not just watching their heroes on television but actively participating in the sport they love. They would be motivated to excel, not only in football but in other areas of their lives, translating their passion for the game into commitment and determination in academics and personal pursuits.

Developing Football in Gibraltar should start even before babies learn to walk. A Path to Empower Future Athletes and Enhance Community Well-Being.

Football, in its essence, is not just about kicking a ball; it embodies teamwork, discipline, and communication — skills that are invaluable lifelong assets. By introducing football to toddlers, we lay the groundwork for essential life skills. Through games and drills designed for their developmental stage, children learn to work collaboratively, understand the value of following rules, and experience both winning and losing gracefully.

Health Benefits of Youth Sports Engagement

The benefits of football extend beyond skill development; they significantly contribute to the overall health of children. In a time when childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles are rampant, encouraging toddlers to participate in physical activities such as football can have lasting positive effects. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, builds strength and endurance, and enhances flexibility. It also establishes healthy habits that continue into adolescence and adulthood.

Furthermore, engaging in sports boosts mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. The camaraderie developed through

team sports fosters a sense of belonging, which is particularly important in small communities like Gibraltar. Children who feel connected to their peers and community are more likely to develop resilience and face challenges with a positive attitude.

Enhancing Social Skills Through Football

Team sports like football are vital in teaching social skills. From learning how to communicate effectively with teammates to resolving conflicts on the field, children acquire skills that are transferable to everyday interactions. These experiences help shape their interpersonal skills, making them more adept at forming relationships throughout their lives.

Moreover, football can serve as a powerful tool for promoting gender equality. By providing equal opportunities for both boys and girls to engage in the sport, Gibraltar Wave FC can break down traditional gender stereotypes associated with athletics. This approach not only empowers individual athletes but also encourages societal change, promoting a culture where women and men are seen as equals in sports and beyond.

Strategic Implementation of the Program

To transform this vision into reality, Gibraltar Wave FC will adopt a strategic approach to program development. This involves creating age-appropriate training modules that emphasize fun and engagement rather than competition. Sessions will incorporate various activities that cater to the physical and social needs of toddlers, ensuring that the environment remains playful while still structured enough to promote learning.

Collaboration with schools and local organizations will be essential to promote the program and encourage participation. Workshops and open days can introduce parents and children to the benefits of early physical education and establish buy-in from the community. Additionally, engaging qualified coaches who understand child development will ensure that the program is both effective and safe.

Funding and Sustainability

Sustaining a football program requires financial backing, which can come from various sources. Grants from sports organizations, partnerships with local businesses, and community fundraisers can provide the necessary resources to launch and main-

tain the initiative. Furthermore, involving families in fundraising efforts will not only help finance the program but also strength en community ties and increase parental involvement. I hope to use this article to expose my idea to all concerned and fingers crossed it gains traction.

As the program grows, establishing a mentoring system where older players guide younger ones can create a supportive network within Gibraltar Wave and the community at large. This peer-to-peer mentoring fosters leadership qualities in older children while providing younger participants with role models who inspire them to pursue their dreams in football. This will also benefit the current grassroots players of all clubs in Gibraltar.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

Creating a dynamic football program for toddlers in Gibraltar represents more than just fostering athletic talent; it is an investment in the health, social skills, and overall well-being of our children. The initiative by Gibraltar Wave to launch such a program epitomizes the belief that sports serve as a crucible for personal and communal growth.

By taking proactive steps to cultivate young athletes from a tender age, we are not only preparing them to potentially excel on the football field but are also equipping them with the skills necessary for success in life. An emphasis on health, community, and inclusivity will lead to a thriving sporting environment that uplifts every participant.

Gibraltar stands on the brink of a transformative journey in sports, and through the lens of football, Gibraltar Wave can craft a legacy that builds healthier, more socially adept citizens—our future sportswomen and men. It is a future worth striving for, one where the love of the game ignites a passion for life itself. Let us embark on this journey together, empowering our children through the beautiful game.

HOW TO

PICK a Cruise

WHEN WE THINK OF CRUISE HOLIDAYS, THE ASSUMPTION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT THEY ARE HOLIDAYS CATERED FOR FAMILIES OR RETIREES. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A POPULAR CRUISING DEMOGRAPHIC, THERE ARE NOW PLENTY MORE OPTIONS AND TYPES OF CRUISES TO SUIT EVERY TRAVELLER. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN TAKING A CRUISE IN 2025 BUT NOT SURE WHICH COMPANY IS RIGHT FOR YOU, I’VE BROKEN IT DOWN FOR YOU BELOW.

BY GIANA SPITERI

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has 29 different ships, making it the largest cruise company on this list. Having sailed on two of their ships at age 15 and 28, I can say that their cruises are family oriented but there are activities to cater for everyone. For the adventurous, they have signature activities such as a Zip Line, FlowRider surf simulator, Ultimate Abyss and RipCord. For adults they have daily quiz shows, adult themed game nights and karaoke. Of course on most cruises you will also find a 18+ casino and nightclub. Their newest cruise ship is Utopia of the Seas, which first sailed this year.

Dining at RC has your usual all day buffet ‘WindJammer’ available, as well as speciality dining options that you can pay extra for. If you like to drink, then there are several drink packages available, the ‘Soda Package’ , ‘Refreshment Package’ and the ‘Deluxe Beverage Package’. At the moment the deluxe drinks package would cost you $567 for a 6 night cruise, but this changes depending on your itinerary and length of stay.

Royal Caribbean have itineraries all around the world, and they even have an Ultimate World Cruise which sails for 274 nights across 60+ countries.

Should I cruise with Royal Caribbean?

If you’re looking for a trusted cruise company, and are travelling with your family or partner and want a variety of adventurous and fun activities for everyone, choose Royal Caribbean.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin is relatively new to the cruise scene but it has quickly gained popularity for being the ‘cruise for millennials’. They currently have 3 cruise ships; Valiant Lady, Scarlet Lady & Resilient Lady.

There are two things that set a Virgin cruise apart from the others, firstly they are adults-only cruises and secondly, there are no buffets onboard but instead you get access to 20+ restaurants and eateries included in your fee. So if you’re a foodie like me, this is definitely the cruise you want to book! On every ship you’ll find a Korean BBQ restaurant, an italian, mexican and steakhouse.

Unlike most other cruise lines, there is no drinks package available as they try to keep their prices fair onboard. Looking at their menu a standard cocktail or spirit mixer is $11. You can prepay a bar tab and usually there are offers online where they’ll give you extra money towards it.

Should I cruise with Carnival?

If you’re on a budget and want a more ‘party vibe’ cruise and an affordable ‘all you can drink’ package through the Caribbean, choose Carnival.

The rooms are also very modern and the balcony rooms also come equipped with your own hammock.

Itineraries usually focus around the Caribbean and Europe, and last between 4 - 11 night voyages.

The price point for a Virgin Voyages cruise is higher than that of Royal Caribbean or Carnival, but considering that all dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities are included, I think it’s worth it.

Should I cruise with Virgin Voyages?

If you’re travelling with your partner or with a group of friends and enjoy good food and looking for a more ‘sophisticated’ cruising experience, choose Virgin Voyages.

Carnival

Carnival is known for being the ‘party cruise’ to most Americans, and is a frequent choice for spring breakers. It falls just behind Royal Caribbean with 27 cruise ships, but you’ll also find that they are the most budget-friendly on this list.

They are quite a laid back cruise company and have a heavy focus on entertainment and having fun. Most of their ships will have water slides, comedy shows, dance clubs and themed bars. Their rooms are quite basic and if you’ve previously been on a Virgin Voyages cruise, you’ll probably find the rooms a bit underwhelming.

Even though they have a few European itineraries, their main focus is around the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas.

If you’ve come on Carnival to party, their Cheers! Drinks package ranges from $59.95 - $89.95 per day (before taxes and gratuities) and includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass and frozen drinks. Remember that Carnival is an American cruise line, so you must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard.

Norwegian

NCL is known for its ‘’Freestyle Cruising” concept as unlike traditional cruise lines that have set dining times and dress codes, they allow guests to dine whenever they like, without the need for formal dress codes or set seating times.

Their cruise ships are divided into different ‘classes’ including Breakaway Plus Class, Breakaway Class, Pride of America and Sun-Class and Jewel Class. If you’re looking for a more action-packed cruise with options such as water parks, go-kart tracks and Broadway-style shows, you’ll want to

pick one of the Breakaway Plus ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy or Norwegian Bliss) The Pride of America offers unique year-round cruises around the Hawaiian islands.

If you’re a solo traveller, Norwegian has Studio Cabins, which are designed for one person but come with a private lounge and social area for solo cruisers to meet others.

There are several main dining rooms and buffet options where you can eat for no extra charge. The buffet (often called The Garden Café) offers a variety of international options, and the main dining rooms offer standard cruise fare with a bit of variety and daily-changing menus. Drink packages on NWL are pricier than that of Carnival, costing between $99 - $139 per day (before taxes and gratuities).

Should I cruise with Norwegian?

If you’re a solo traveller or simply want a laid back cruising experience where you don’t have to stick to dining times or formal attire, choose Norwegian.

I hope this article has helped you make a more informed decision for booking your next cruise!

Albania

Albania has gained popularity in the last couple of years, whereas in the past there has been some stigma around organised crime in the county. While it’s not as well-known as its Mediterranean neighbours such as Italy or Greece, Albania offers a unique and affordable travel experience, with friendly locals and a wealth of untapped beauty.

Albania is still one of the most budget-friendly countries in Europe, a 3 night stay in a 4 star hotel in Tirana will set you back a total of £131 in June for a double room. Here in the capital you can visit former Cold War bunkers (Bunk’Art 1 and 2), wander around Skanderbeg Square and marvel at the mixture of Ottoman, Italian and Soviet-era architecture.

There are other parts of the country worth visiting, such as Berat which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s known for its white stone houses and here you’ll also find Berat Castle and you can get great views of the town through their signature ‘windows’. If you’re a fan of the outdoors and nature, then you’ll want to visit Shkodra. Home to Lake Shkodra which is perfect for boating, cycling and hiking. Lastly, if you fancy a beach holiday then spend some time in the Albanian Riviera. Most people will choose to stay in Vlorë or Ksamil.

If you’re wondering what food the food is like in Albania, items such as Byrek (filled pastry), Tavë Kosi (lamb and yoghurt casserole) and Fërgesë (stew made from peppers, tomatoes, onions and cottage cheese) are local dishes you should try.

Slovenia

If you’re an avid reader of Insight magazine, you might have come across my article all about Slovenia. In case you haven’t, I’m here to tell you that it’s a country that should definitely be on your bucket list.

There are parts of Slovenia that are very well known, and the most iconic place for tourists is lake Bled. That being said, the capital city Ljubljana is often overlooked. Ljubljana is home to some great restaurants, fairytale buildings and is also the perfect spot to base yourself to get to other Slovenian destinations. The coastal city of Piran is only an hour and a half drive away, whereas in less than an hour you can get to the impressive Postojna caves or the UNESCO Skocjan caves.

UNDERRATED DESTINATION IN EUROPE FOR 2025

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF NOISE THIS YEAR ABOUT OVER TOURISM IN PLACES SUCH AS BARCELONA, MALLORCA AND VENICE, AND EVEN THOUGH TOURISM IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ECONOMY OF MANY COUNTRIES, TOO MUCH TOURISM CAN ALSO RUIN THE EXPERIENCE FOR LOCALS AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. HERE ARE 5 UNDERRATED DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE TO ADD TO YOUR 2025 BUCKET LIST.

There is also an abundance of outdoor activities you can do in Slovenia, and the Soca Valley is definitely worth exploring - just make sure to see it on a sunny day!

For food in Slovenia, you’ll want to try some of their famous cakes such as the Bled cream cake, Potica and the Prekmurje Layered Cake. For savoury dishes you’ll want to try Slovenian dumplings, Carniolan sausages and Ričet (Barley Stew).

Georgia

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a small but diverse country that is rich in culture, beauty and great food and wine!

In the capital of Tbilisi, you can wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and explore the Narikala Fortress. Georgia is home to one of the world’s oldest wine regions, so if you’re a fan of wine then a wine tasting tour is a must here. From Tbilisi you can take a guided tour to the Kakheti wine region.

Georgian cuisine you will want to try includes khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), badrijani (eggplant with walnut paste) and lobio (bean stew).

If you want something more relaxing or to immerse yourself in nature, head to Borjomi to explore the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. You will also find a lot of spa hotels here.

Vilnius (Lithuania)

Lithuania is often overlooked when people are travelling around the Baltics, but its capital Vilnius is a great option for a weekend break if you’re after cheap eats, pretty pictures and few tourists.

The Old Town has a few places of interest such as St Anne's Church, Bernadine Gardens, Church St Casimir and Halle Market. You can also walk up to the 3 crosses or Gediminas Castle Tower to get the best views of Vilnius. In Vilnius you can also visit the Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum), which houses an old KGB prison.

If you want to try some typical Lithuanian food, then book a table at Restaurant Lokys. You can try 'Cepelinai' which are stuffed potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup (Šaltibarščiai). To wash it down you might want to try a traditional Lithuanian alcoholic drink, Šušv s midus is a fermented drink that's made from honey.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest yet diverse countries in Europe. It’s not somewhere that I’d recommend going for a stag or hen do as it’s not very lively, but if you’re looking for wholesome weekend getaway (December is a great time as they’ll also have Christmas markets running) thenyou’ll enjoy it.

In Luxembourg you can explore the UNESCO Old Town, and see the Grand Ducal Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Place Guillaume II. The Grund District is a riverside area with picturesque houses and quaint streets which is also worth seeing.

Some dishes to try whilst you’re in Luxembourg, are Gromperekichelcher (crispy potato pancakes), Bouneschlupp (bean, potato and bacon soup) and Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork neck with broad beans).

I hope this list has inspired you to travel somewhere new and less visited in 2025!

What if Santa left a family holiday for 2025 under your tree?

What if Santa left a family holiday for 2025 under your tree?

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Marble Arc

Christmas Fashion

Sport &Leisure

Elite Jewellers

Newton Store

Apple products

Adams Unique gifts

Alimentana

Gibraltar Ltd

Lewis Stagnetto Ltd

THE CELLAR

Saccone & Speed

Light &Power

Hotel Chocolat

Costa Coffee

Raleigh Bikes

Khubchands  Home and Leisure products SOME OF THE BEST OF GIBRALTAR RETAIL

Alans Silver Bits

The Jewel Box

FASHION

THE TIME HAS COME TO FIND THAT PERFECT PARTY OUTFIT FOR YOUR EVERY EVENT IN YOUR CHRISTMAS SOCIAL CALENDAR.

Think luxurious party dresses and stylish separates you can dress up and down and mix and match for endless events.

As we enter the Christmas party season, the allure of the party dress takes centre stage. This year, as always, sequins reign supreme. The high street and online offers a dazzling range of silhouettes and styles, meticulously designed to capture the spirit of the season.

Events that spring to mind are of course those work christmas parties. Unsure what to wear? From flattering party dresses, to flowing gowns, to classic little black dresses, there is an array of styles to suit the occasion. With an emphasis on opulence and elegance, this is the perfect season to shine at every social event.

Velvets, tassels, sequins - whether in bold, all-over patterns or subtle, strategically placed accents - create a mesmerising interplay of light and texture. Every detail creates movement and is inspired with a touch of magic. Invest in a style you will want to wear to party after party, all the way through to New Years Eve.

Just as compelling are party jumpsuits. Sleek, tailored cuts that accentuate the waist and flow gracefully with every step. Dramatic forms with intricate detailing, each design is made for both intimate gatherings with friends and grand christmas parties, with all your post-Christmas events in mind too.

Pieces that transition effortlessly from the daytime to your evening events are a must for the Christmas period. Whether you are looking for a Christmas day outfit or the perfect look to wear from the office straight to an evening event, consider tailoring paired with sequin tops or blouses with a hand-painted print.

Super-soft wool jumpers paired with statement skirts and gleaming accessories also create a casual chic look for both those last minute or long awaited plans.

Accessories are the secret to transforming your outfit from simple to stunning. With dazzling earrings, a stylish clutch bag, and heels that will keep you dancing until sunrise, invest in accessories you will wear way beyond the party period.

Whether opting for a timeless classic, or a daring new design, the essence of the Christmas party period is captured in its ability to turn every event into a memorable moment - sparkling with the promise of joy and celebration.

It is undoubtedly important to opt for clothes that are not only comfortable but you feel fantastic in - not always an easy combination. However, with so many styles and fabrics to choose from, there are a tremendous amount of choices.

We must not forget how important and dazzling the addition of jewellery can be. Beautiful, bejewelled hair clips, large gold hooped earrings or a delicate, pearl bracelet - all these items can add a dis-

BY GIANA SPITERI

creet sparkle or style alternative to our festive look. How about a jaunty scarf or patterned tights to up the ante? A touch of red, gold or silver will provide an instant Christmas feel to an outfit. Accessories are the perfect way to introduce a small - or large - nod to the season.

Men:

Naturally, men want to look fantastic too. I cannot think of a more festive fabric than velvet. The rich pile and softness creates an indulgent, luxurious feel that is ideal for party season.

Stand out from the crowd by opting for unexpected colours: a velvet jacket can look debonair. Pair it with a crisp white t-shirt or regular t-shirt and it can look contemporary and stylish.

Alternatively, the diverse range of cuts, colours and lengths, provide ample options for men. A traditional two piece suit accompanied by a funky printed shirt can give off a smart but funky vibe. Classic separates can appear more festive depending on the materials involved.

Trying different textures can also be a great way to add a bit of interest to your wardrobe. When Christmas parties are coming thick and fast, a suit is a low-effort, high-impact choice – plus, you are able to wear it again and again. As with women, men can add stylish accessories to lift their look. A beautiful belt or distinctive scarf can elevate a classic look.

To achieve a luxurious evening look, pair a tuxedo jacket with a dark shirt and velvet loafers. How about swapping a shirt for a cashmere v-neck jumper - a contemporary take on tailoring. Perhaps team a suit with crisp white trainers - all the better for throwing some shapes on the dance floor.

Often, the true sartorial stars of Christmas are children. Of course, children can be a little bit tricky to dress - they want to be comfortable, but they also want to look pretty amazing.

The wonderful aspect of dressing children is there are so many styles, colours and influences to choose from. Children often enjoy picking out their own clothes and Christmas is the perfect time to let them experiment with their tastes and preferences.

When it comes to dressing your children for a Christmas party, there are several points you will need to consider. You naturally want your children to look festive and enjoy the celebration, but also be comfortable and safe. Christmas is the perfect opportunity for them to run riot with colour and it is positive to let them have a say regarding their choices.

All of us want to reflect the love and fun we experience at Christmas. A hugely important way of showing these emotions is in how we dress. Whether for comfort, style or a completely stunning outfit, embrace your Christmas style and have a wonderful day.

12

GOOD REASONS TO BUY LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS!

AS THE FESTIVE SEASON DRAWS NEAR, THE TEMPTATION TO CLICK YOUR WAY THROUGH ONLINE STORES OR DASH ACROSS THE BORDER IS REAL! BUT BEFORE YOU TRAWL THE WEB OR BRING OUT YOUR PASSPORT AND ID AND DRIVE AWAY, TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF SHOPPING RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE—ON OUR LOCAL STREETS! SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY AND EMBRACING A MORE TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE HAS A LOT MORE TO OFFER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK. WITH A BIT OF LOCAL CHEER, FAMILY TRADITIONS, AND MAYBE EVEN A BUÑUELO DOUGHNUT IN HAND, HERE ARE 12 DELIGHTFUL REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

1. SKIP THE QUEUE

Nothing says "Bah, Humbug" like waiting in a queue at the border. Shopping locally means no waiting in line to cross into Spain, no customs checks, and of course, the less time you spend in a queue means more time you will have for shopping or eating your churros, take your pick!

2. FREE PARKING - A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

Shopping locally could mean lower parking fees, leaving you more jingling change to spend on stocking fillers. For those with an ID card, 3 hours parking at Midtown Coach and Car Park is free. The same would set you back over 5 in one of the nearby department stores across the border.

3. CUT THE FUEL, SAVE THE PLANET (AND YOUR WALLET)

Why bother taking the car out when your local shops are just around the corner? Not only do you save on fuel (which means more money for presents), but you’re also giving the planet a little gift by cutting down on carbon emissions. Not to mention what you could save on toll roads too.

4. NO CURRENCY EXCHANGE ISSUES

Will the pound be up, down, or sideways this week? Who knows! But by shopping local, you’re paying in British pounds without worrying about

converting to euros. That means fewer head-scratching moments over exchange rates.

5. KEEP FAMILY TRADITIONS ALIVE

There’s something magical about wandering into a local shop where your parents and grandparents once shopped for Christmas goodies. After all traditions are observational not aspirational so you may as well take your kids with you. Supporting those same stores this holiday season keeps these family traditions alive and creates new ones for your kids. Plus, nothing says Christmas like a bit of nostalgia.

6. INSTANT HELP FROM THE LOCALS - NO “ON HOLD” MUSIC!

Need a quick fix for that presentgone-wrong? Bought the wrong size or something that looks better online

than in real life? When you shop local, you can just pop back to the store and chat with a real person—no dreadful hold music or customer service robots. Plus, local shop owners know you by name (or at least by face), and they’re far more likely to give you the kind of friendly service that’s expected locally.

7. STUFF YOUR STOCKINGS WHILST BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Every pound you spend at a local shop is a pound that is recycled back into our local economy. Not only do you walk away with fabulous Christmas goodies, but you’re also helping to keep our local economy thriving.

8. HELP LOCALS KEEP THEIR JOBS

Think of yourself as Santa’s little helper when you shop local. Every time you make a purchase, you’re helping secure jobs for all of those people working within the retail sector in Gibraltar.

9. WHY NOT MAKE IT A FAMILY DAY OUT?

Combine your shopping trip with the Christmas Wonderland opening or the magical moment when the town switches on its festive lights (22nd No-

vember : Starting at 6:30pm with another show at 8:30pm). The Christmas Fair Attractions in John Mackintosh Square also start on the 22nd November and continue on until 6th January. It’s the perfect way to get you into the holiday spirit, and you can reward yourself with a lovely meal out when you’re done. You might also want to check out the Tribute to Queen Concert (23rd November at 7pm) or the live entertainment across Main Street on the 7th and 14th December. Shopping + local events = festive fun for the whole family!

10. KEEP YOUR FAVOURITE

SHOPS IN BUSINESS

Do you have a favourite shop in town that sells a brand you really like, the perfect Christmas decorations or the tastiest holiday treats? By shopping local, you’re ensuring these popular stores stay in business for years to come.

11. GREAT LOCAL DEALS

Who says you have to go far to find a good deal? Local shops often have fantastic discounts, holiday specials, and loyalty rewards that can rival any mega retailer. Plus, many local stores now have online shopping options too, so you can get the best of both worlds - convenient clicks with the added bonus of supporting our community. Great deals are closer than you think!

12. A THRIVING HIGH STREET MEANS MORE FESTIVE VARIETY

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget how much joy and community spirit local shopping can bring. Whether it’s the familiar face of a friendly shopkeeper or the chance to make your holiday shopping trip a festive family outing, buying local keeps the Christmas spirit alive and well in Gibraltar. So this year, when you’re making your list and checking it twice, why not think whether you can keep it local? After all, there really is no place like home for the holidays!

When you shop locally, you’re helping businesses grow, which means more variety and choice in the future. Imagine our streets bustling with new shops, exciting products, and even more festive cheer every year. By supporting local businesses now, you’re helping to create a more vibrant business community that keeps expanding and improving.

Win Four tickets  for the New Years eve after party  in the Borealis room, onboard the Sunborn Hotel.

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN THE FOUR TICKETS FOR HIMSELF OR HERSELF AND THREE FRIENDS BY ANSWERING THE QUESTION.

Which country popularised the song Auld Lang SynE?

Send your answers along with your contact details to insightcompetitions@gmail.com

Please note the four tickets are for adults only, and valid only for the New year eve event.

All entries must be received by 21st December 2024.

One entry per person.

Javier Gomez

Food and Beverage Director

Meliá Hotels, Malaga

CHRISTMAS RECIPES

Green Gaspacho

Ingredients

1 Green Tomato or Tomato Water, 0.2dl

2 Granny Smith Apples

1 Pepino (Spanish cucumber)

1 Green Pepper

Half an Onion

Olive Oil, 1 dl

Salt and Pepper

Yuzu

Vinegar

Xanthone

Ascorbic Acid

Garnish

Katsuobushi (Flaked smoked tuna)

mojama (Cured tuna)

Fried Capers

Papaya or Mango

Red Tuna Tartar with a Beetroot

Vinaigrette

Ingredients per person

Red Tuna, 80grs

Red onion, 1 Tbsp

Chives, 1 Tbsp

Beetroot Vinaigrette

Cooked Beetroot, 0.05kg

Juice of 2 Limes

Yuzu

Marinated Ginger, 0.01kg

Olive oil

Kimchi

Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp

Blend all the ingredients together, except the oil, vinegar and xanthone. Strain through a sieve and then through a napkin, and finish by adding the xanthone, oil and vinegar.

Fry the capers and cut the mojama into petit brunoise.

Serve the gaspacho in bowls with the garnish.

When the tuna arrives, we wrap it in paper to remove excess moisture, vacuum pack it and freeze it covered so that it does not get freezer burn. We take it out as it is needed.

We cut the tuna into uniform cubes and dress it with the vinaigrette.

For the vinaigrette, we shred the beetroot together with the rest of the ingredients and set aside. We keep it vacuum packed for a maximum of 15 days.

THE WREATH BOX

A showcase of 40 chocolates worthy of any table (or mantlepiece).

Visit us in 154 Main Street

We love nostalgia and dipping into our past Christmases but embracing modern and contemporary trends and ideas can add a new and exciting aspect to the season.

A few modern takes on Christmas are outlined below:

Christmas Adverts

One of the biggest indicators that the British are gearing up for Christmas is when Christmas adverts start to appear during prime time TV advertising breaks.

In the UK, the department store, John Lewis is renowned for offering the most spectacular and discussed adverts.

Hardly a surprise as they spend a staggering amount of money to create them. Viewers have enjoyed watching an array of animated characters come to life over the past decade, sharing short heart-warming tales of love and friendship.

As the love for Christmas adverts has grown, so has a festive rivalry between leading supermarkets and department stores. They become increasingly creative in the hope you will enjoy their offering the most.

Alternative to Chocolate Advent Calendars

Chocolate is so passé. Right now, consumers want an advent calendar which is filled with anything but the traditional treats.

Most popular in the UK are beauty advent calendars, containing an indulgent collection of makeup and skincare products.

Equally popular are mini tipple advent calendars, savoury treats and even jewellery advent calendars.

Ranging significantly in price, hundreds of brands are jumping on the trend, with luxury brands such as Tiffany and Beaverbrooks offering advent calendars that start at six figures.

Christmas Number One songs

In years past, the question on everyone’s lips was Who’s going to take home the Christmas number? all your hear on the radio around the festive season, and it’s even the running theme in the UK’s most loved Christmas film, Love Actually

Years ago, it was tradition for the UK Christmas number one to be claimed by X Factor winners. Having secured six number ones over the last decade, listeners grew tired of expecting X Factor to secure the top spot each year, so fought to get the most anti-Christmas and anti-X Factor song to the top spot.

Indeed, in 2009, Rage Against the Machine’s expletive protest song ‘Killing in the Name,’ beat the X Factor finalists to the top after selling over half a million copies.

Since then, the competition has opened up, introducing a varied selection of Christmas number ones. Many people use Spotify to compile their own personal music list.

Modern CHRISTMAS

Christmas as a day and particularly as a season is constantly evolving, always changing.

Christmas Eve Boxes

Thought to have derived from Germany, the country’s tradition of giving gifts on Christmas Eve, has become increasingly popular in the UK. They are aptly named Christmas Eve Boxes.

Often containing pyjamas, hot chocolate and a festive film, they have become a fun precursor to the actual present giving on Christmas Day.

Christmas Coffees

Coffees, like many other everyday favourites, are given the Christmas touch. When your paper cups are decorated with snow scenes, you know the Christmas season has arrived.

Popular coffee chains, such as Starbucks, Costa and Pret, announce the arrival of the festive season by pulling out popular Christmas-inspired coffees. How about Gingerbread Lattes or Black Forest Hot Chocolate? A winner for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth.

Seasonal Sales

Boxing Day sales have been immensely popular for decades, with some bargain hunters flocking to popular stores at 6am to get their hands on the most popular deals.

Today, consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to sale shopping. There are an abundance of seasonal sales taking place across the period of November – January, with the biggest being Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

It is obviously working as Brits are estimated to spend a huge £7 billion on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to grab some last-minute Christmas bargains

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets have been hugely popular in Europe for decades. In recent years they have stormed UK towns and cities with the arrival of festive German markets. With every major city in the UK featuring them. Such delights as mulled wine, scrumptious snacks and a fun festive atmosphere is enjoyed by all the family.

Popular German stores Aldi and Lidl have introduced an array of traditional tantalising Christmas food such as stollen and lebkuchen.

British taste buds, again, adding to the popularity of traditional German Christmas food.

A good example is Manchester’s German-inspired Christmas market which has increased by a phenomenal 95% in the past twenty years. It seems as though the trend is here to stay, with more and more people searching for handmade gifts and quaint market stalls, offering an extra special shopping experience during the festive season.

Television Christmas Specials

Though British soap operas have been creating Christmas specials over the years, there has been a recent surge in the number of TV specials of popular shows.

Firm favourites like Strictly offer a Christmas Day spectacular. From one-off reality TV episodes, there are plenty of fun-filled festive programmes to get you in the spirit in the lead up to Christmas.

Novelty Christmas Jumpers

Although fun Christmas knitwear has been popular in the US since their emergence on television in the 1980s, the novelty Christmas jumper trend seems to have swept the UK also.

With more and more people trawling the shops and embracing Christmas jumpers, the trend has grown immensely, with a National Novelty Christmas Jumper holiday even emerging and taking place in December.

Modern Christmas decorations

To produce a contemporary Christmas environment, Incorporate natural elements like wood, pinecones, and greenery. Use simple, rustic materials like linen or wool for textiles. For a minimalist touch, add a few sprigs of fir or eucalyptus in vases or create a simple greenery garland to bring nature indoors without it feeling too overwhelming.

A modern Christmas looks different for everyone. Sometimes it is a complete overhaul of their childhood traditions. For others, it is a smattering of contemporary ideas to refresh their Yuletide environment.

BY KATHLEEN NORTH

CHRISTMAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SEASON OF VARIED AND INTRIGUING TRADITIONS. FOR SOME COUNTRIES, THE OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER A RATHER UNUSUAL CELEBRATION IS TOO GOOD TO RESIST, SO HERE ARE A FEW TO SAVOUR.

Krampus: Austria

As if the threat of missing out on presents wasn’t bad enough, Austrian kids who end up on Santa’s naughty list also have to worry about Krampus: a horned, hairy beast that snatches misbehaving children in his wicker basket, serving as Saint Nicholas’ creepy enforcer. Many towns in Austria (and neighbouring countries), especially the alpine villages around Salzburg and Tyrol, celebrate Krampusnacht on December 5th, when dozens of men dressed as the halfgoat demon parade through the streets brandishing sticks and terrorising children.

The Yule Lads: Iceland

Icelandic children don’t just enjoy one Santa Claus, they get 13 mischievous trolls roaming the country in the fortnight before Christmas. Like Snow White’s seven dwarves, each of the 13 ‘jólasveinar’ (Yule Lads) has his own personality – including Doorway-Sniffer, Spoon-Licker, Sausage-Swiper, Candle-Stealer, Curd-Gobbler, and the ominously named Window-Peeper. Each takes turns visiting children who leave shoes in their bedroom window, dropping off pressies for the good kids, and depositing rotting potatoes for the bad ones

La Befana: Italy

Italian Christmases are celebrated with a wine-drinking witch. Twelve days after Santa’s visit, on the eve of the Epiphany (January 5), families across Italy leave out a glass of vino and a plate of sausages for ‘La Befana’, who pops down the chimney on her broomstick. According to folklore, the old lady knocked back an invitation from the Three Wise Men to witness the birth of Christ, and was so devastated about missing it, she spends every Christmas time gliding around the country searching for the blessed bairn (though we're not sure why she thinks she'll find him in Italy). Conveniently, she also finds time to be in charge of doling out presents to good kids and coal to naughty ones.

Mari Lwyd: Wales

Welsh culture is ancient and steeped in superstition. It is not surprising, therefore, that residents of South Wales enjoy parading an undead horse around their villages to celebrate the happiest time of year. In a wassailling display dating back to probably Celtic times, the custom involves draping a white sheet over a pole with a horse skull attached and knocking on townsfolk's doors, no doubt giving them the fright of their lives. The party carrying the morbid effigy then sing to the residents, who are supposed to sing back before relinquishing some food or drink. There is some debate about whether Mari Lwyd translates as 'Holy Mary' or 'Grey Mare', but either seems rather creepy.

Unusual Christmas

Radish carving: Mexico

Each year in the Mexican city of Oaxaca, the days before Christmas are marked with an event known as the Night of the Radishes. Unfortunately, it is not a low-budget horror movie but instead a vegetable carving competition. Participants get remarkably creative, with everything from nativity scenes to fantastical monsters on display as thousands of visitors descend on the city to witness the fun. The radishes in question are grown specially and pumped with chemicals to grow immense, but it all seems a bit futile, as the carvings can only be displayed for a few hours before the fragile vegetables wither.

Shoe Throwing: Czech Republic

Now this really is an unusual Christmas tradition... and in a similar way to the throwing of a bouquet at a wedding, for Czech women it's all about predicting who will soon be the married women, and who remain the unmarried women.

In the Czech Republic, this festive tradition sees single women throw a shoe over their shoulder and out of the front door. If the shoe lands with its toe pointing in the direction of the door then she is getting married that coming year.

However, should the shoe point in the other direction it's bad news and the poor woman will have to try her luck at a festive matrimonial shoe throwing event the following year.

Men Dressed as Goats: Romania

Romania is a fascinating country to visit but even more so if you happen to be there on Christmas Eve when you might catch the sight of men dressed as goats, called capra, walking through the streets accompanied by singers.

The traditional garments worn by the capra are brightly coloured with a wooden goat mask and sheepskin on the back. In some areas this lively tradition is undertaken on New Year's Eve but whenever you get to watch it, it certainly makes for an authentic experience.

Remembering the dead: Portugal

In Portugal, a more religious Christmas is also a time for remembrance, as families set extra places at the dining table on Christmas Eve or sometimes on Christmas morning for deceased relatives. The practice is called consoda and is thought to bring the family good luck, with the meal, consisting of salted cod, potato and a range of regional desserts. traditionally taking place after a day of fasting.

Fried chicken: Japan

Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan but that does not stop a large number of people celebrating the festival. Father Christmas, or Santa Kurohsu, is said to have eyes in the back of his head to keep an eye on naughty children, while Japanese Christmas cake is usually made up of sponge, whipped cream, and strawberries.

In a further spin on Christmas food, many Japanese people head to branches of KFC on or around Christmas Day, with the week leading up to 25 December reportedly being the chain’s most profitable week of the year in Japan.

Mango trees: India

In Portugal, a more religious Christmas is also a time for remembrance, as families set extra places at the dining table on Christmas Eve or sometimes on Christmas morning for deceased relatives. The practice is called consoda and is thought to bring the family good luck, with the meal, consisting of salted cod, potato and a range of regional desserts. traditionally taking place after a day of fasting.

The quirky and interesting traditions of Christmas from around the world show just how different countries approach this season. These unusual activities simply add to the rich traditions that we all hold dear.

We've got an awesome chance for one lucky reader to win and Apple Watch Series 8 GPS 41mm, Midnight Case and Sport Band (value £299). Want to strap this beauty to your wrist?

Simply answer this question: In the song The twelve days of Christmas, what does my true love give to me on the first day of Christmas ?

Send your answers along with your contact details to insightcompetitions@gmail.com. One lucky winner will win the Apple watch case and sport band from Newtons Store. All entries must be received by 21st December 2024. One entry per person.

AT KHUBCHANDS WE ARE REALLY PROUD TO HAVE ON OFFER ONE OF THE BEST RANGES OF COFFEE MACHINES ON THE ROCK. WE ALSO STOCK A WIDE RANGE OF COFFEE BEANS, GROUND AND CAPSULES.AS WELL AS ACCESSORIES.

A nostalgic Christmas is going to look differently for each of us. There is no specific way to celebrate although embracing our past Christmas experiences only adds to the atmosphere.

How we view Christmas now is undeniably linked to how we enjoyed it as a child and growing up.

The arc of our memories may start at a Morecambe and Wise Christmas special and end with Netflix or playing an online game over Yuletide.

The key to a nostalgic Christmas though, is about not getting caught up in the materialism of our modern day society.

Rather than making Christmas about adhering to the latest trends and styles, it is about embracing the timeless traditions that speak to the true meaning of the season.

Christmas, is essentially, the desire for a simple, authentic celebration of the season. It’s about saying no to the materialistic, and chaotically busy Christmas of modern day society that leaves everyone feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated.

Christmas past and present should conjure up feelings of being connected and valued. Most importantly, it is about making room for the true meaning of Christmas by delving into past magical moments.

Christmas traditions are passed on for generations, such as nostalgic Christmas decorations, Christmas customs or in some families even the Christmas dinner that is the same every year.

Nostalgic pictures decorate the Christmas decorated, traditional cookies are baked year after year and makes Christmas nostalgic every year as we do not experience the rest of the year at any other time.

Music is a strong nostalgia force because music can instantly transport the mind to times, places and circumstances from the past. Lyrics tie the listener to the emotions tied to those memories. The same song can transport multiple people and generations at the same time, such as White Christmas by Irving Berlin.

ence lights and decorations hung onto lamp posts and across the streets. Window displays have become progressively more flamboyant and inviting. The first moment of Yuletide excitement is often glimpsing a reindeer in a shop window or the first sighting of a Christmas card.

Nostalgic Christmas

Years ago, everything labelled Christmassy, was only available at Christmas. It was an exciting, unifying time, because it was unlike the rest of the year. Although nothing has changed about how Christmas falls in the annual calendar, Christmas related products are easily available from September onwards.

Visiting a Santa in a local store was considered quite a treat and although shops still employ them, it has become a less spontaneous activity. Many need pre-booking although shopping centres usually employ a first come, first greeted system.

Growing up, we were always encouraged to share and buy token gifts. Since the 1840s, marketers began to see Christmas as a prime opportunity to sell goods.

Below are aspects of Christmas that remain special throughout our lives:

Christmas songs:

Watching and singing along to the film White Christmas is one of the obligatory aspects of the season. Years later, anthems like Last Christmas by Wham became a firm favourite for generations. Each generation discovers it’s own special song but hearing songs we grew up with will always make us feel warm and cosy.

Twinkly lights

Walking down most high streets during the Christmas season, you will experi-

Vintage Tree

Your Christmas tree is not a competition. It should be a collection of nostalgic souvenirs. Hang the scrappy decorations your children made in nursery.

Link paper chains together. Dust off the old baubles from years ago. Set a challenge – and a prize – for whoever can untangle the fairy lights.

Family Games

Board games are a firm favourite in many households. If you do not own any board games, there is always charades and plenty of parlour games you can rope the whole family into playing with simply paper and pen – avoiding having to read the instructions.

Come All Ye Faithful

Friends and neighbours popping round over the season is very much a Christmas tradition. Best to give time frames of when to visit in but keep it casual and welcoming. Allow them to call in for a festive hug, glass of egg nog – even if they can only stay for a short while. Opening our doors to others has been an intrinsic part of Christmas for generations.

Home Films

It feels so festive to share your favourite films and television shows at Christmas. Familiarity makes us feel good as we reminisce and escape. Nostalgia can lend us much-needed context, perspective and direction, reminding and reassuring us that our life is not as banal as it may seem. What is your family’s choice? Home Alone, Elf, or maybe the Muppets Christmas film?

As children, we form strong memories of smells, sights and sounds that we associate with Christmas. We carry those feelings with us throughout our lives and especially at Christmas. They provide a secure, comforting backdrop to the modern pleasures we enjoy – a perfect balance of nostalgia and contemporary for a wonderful Christmas.

The Royalties from the song Last Christmas are estimated at around £300,000 per year. The first year’s royalties were given to Band Aid, and since 2012, George Michael donated ALL his royalties from the song to charity.

ChristmasMusi c i s a yenoM rennipS

Singer Brenda Lee recorded the original version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” when she was only 13 years old.

Irving Berlin hated Elvis Presley’s version of “White Christmas” so much that he tried to prevent radio stations from playing Elvis Presley’s version.

The bestselling Christmas single ever is Bing Crosbys White Christmas , selling over 50 million copies worldwide since 1942.

Silent Night was voted the favourite Christmas carol in UK during a poll taken in 2016. O Holy Night was second, which has been sung by Mariah Carey, Cher and Big Crosby, and held the number one spot from 2003 to 2013. Hark The Herald Angels Sing was third.

Who earns the most royalties from their Christmas songs? Well, Mariah Carey makes about £375,000 per year from All I Want For Christmas and the Pogues make about £400,000 from Fairytale of New York. But top of the tree are Slade, who are reckoned to earn £500,000 per year from Merry Christmas Everybody,

TOYS STORIES!

These toys were bound to have been past favourites. See how many you recall which is sure to bring back some happy memories.

1: Which toy consists of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of coloured glass

2. Do you know which popular Art and Crafts toy that was originally created to clean wallpaper and was marketed as a toy in the 1950's

3. Which game was played on a large plastic floor mat with six rows of coloured circles

4. Do you know the name of these popular die cast boys toys created by the welsh company Mettoy which shared their name with a breed of dog

5. What battery operated toy had pieces called Bread Basket, Spare ribs, Water on the knee and Funny Bone

6. Invented back in 1952 which toy is named after a vegetable complete with interchangeable features and is still popular today.

7. Which 1950s toy consisted of a large plastic hoop which is still popular for health benefits

8. What 1950's American toy soldier produced by the toy company Hasbro offered four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot, Action Marine and later the Action Nurse.

9. Which toy consisted of two solid plastic balls on a piece of string which if got out of sinc caused sore knuckles

10. What was the name of the popular toy from the 1960s which consisted of a spring loaded stick and handles which Children bounced around on

Answers on page 74

This year we will be helping the children to write a letter to Santa! We will also read “Dear Santa” by Rod Campbell to our toddlers at story time. It’s the follow-up to the classic Dear Zoo. Our toddlers love to lift the flaps to unwrap each present, until Santa finds the perfect present. The repeating phrases are ideal for a pre-reader. Another favourite is “How the Grinch stole Christmas” by Dr Suess. Its rhymed verses and unique illustrations make it a fun for parents to read aloud to their children.

Remember paper doilies? They make the perfect stencil for snowflakes. For one of PACS Christmas crafts we simply secure the doily to a paper plate with paper clips. Toddlers apply paint usually dark blue using a sponge. Then they simply peel off the doily to reveal the snowflake pattern. A perfect short winter craft for toddlers. Another fun craft

It’s @ PACS

AT PACS CHRISTMAS IS OUR FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR.

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS READS, CRAFTS AND RECIPES TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT WE WILL BE DOING THIS DECEMBER!

is painting pinecones to make mini-Christmas trees. Toddlers paint a pinecone using green paint and then add glitter and sequins to decorate. Its also great fun to find your own pinecone if you can make it to the woods for a win ter walk with the family.

Sensory Storytime will have lots of glitter, sparkle, fair ies, elves and snow

What's On @ PACS

TOTALLY TODDLERS - MONDAYS 9.45AM - 11.45AM

Mid Harbours Family Centre. Come join us for Storytime, craft and play.

BUMPS & BABIES - WEDNESDAYS 9.45AM - 12.00PM

The Living Room Café (Methodist Church). Our regular social catch up for parents to be and babies in a home from home atmosphere. This is a relaxed session where parents can meet up with their young babies to enjoy a cup of tea, make friends and talk about the highs and lows of parenting.

COOKING CLUB – WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY

The Methodist Church. A fun session aimed at toddlers aged from 2.5 upwards giving children the chance to make and try different foods. Booking required.

PLEASE LIKE AND FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR REGULAR UPDATES ON ALL OF OUR GROUPS: PACS GIBRALTAR

man and at Cooking Club we will make Christmas cookie jars as gifts for the family. Whether they are store bought or homemade, toddlers love decorating Christmas cookies with icing and sprinkles. In fact, some of their creations have more sprinkles than biscuit. We’ll also be making Bread & Butter pudding. Always a firm favourite.

We hope you can join us at our sessions this December to get into the Christmas spirit. Or try these stories, crafts and recipe ideas at home.

Whether you are celebrating your baby’s first Christmas or have excited toddlers and pre-schoolers who are beginning to understand the magic of Christmas, we wish you a wonderful Christmas.

In the eyes of children, we find the joy of Christmas; in their hearts we find the meaning.

SONGS & STORIES – THURSDAYS 12.30 - 2PM

The Methodist Church. Come join us for some interactive Story Time Fun! Different themes every week!

DIDDY DISCOVERERS – FRIDAYS 9.45 - 11.45AM

The Methodist Church. Come join us for free play, story time and song time fun!

MONTHLY CRAFT CLUBS

Ages 2.5 upwards. Details will be announced on our Facebook page.

VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED!

If reading that inspired any of you, we are always on the lookout for new volunteers. Any help is always well received, and you’ll be working with a great bunch of people. There is never a dull moment! Please contact us through our Facebook Page if you’d like more information! Contact Us for more information!

PHARMACY INSIGHT MEDICAL DIRECTORY

USING THE GHA APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

Same day appointments – Only when necessary:

If you need a same day appointment call 200 52441 between 8:15am and 11:00am

If you need an emergency evening clinic appointment call 200 52441 between 4:00pm and 6:00pm

Advanced Appointments:

Patients who wish to make an advanced appointment or a telephone consultation with their named or preferred GPs may do so for up to 4 weeks in advance by; Calling 200 52441 between 11:00am and 3:00pm

Booking online via Gov.gi:

By using the Gov.gi eServices app

Other Services:

Patients who wish to use the following services,

• Over70’s Driving Medical

• Blood Clinic

• Well person or Sexual Health Clinic

• Smoke Cessation Clinic

May either

a) Call 200 52441 between 11:00am and 3:00pm,

b) Book online via Gov.gi

c) On the Gov.gi eServices app

Other Primary Care services:

Cancel an appointment - please call 200 72355 between 8:15am and 3:00pm or do so online via www.gha.gi

Repeat Prescriptions – please call 200 07909 between 11:00am and 3:00pm or do so online via Gov.gi or in the Gov.gi eServices app

Sick Note - please fill in the required form online via www.gha.gi or Gov.gi

General enquiries - please call 200 72355 between 8:15am and 3:00pm.

For urgent medical advice, patients can call 111 at any time.

Get Fit for 2025

AS 2025 APPROACHES, MANY OF US ARE SETTING OUR SIGHTS ON IMPROVING FITNESS AND EMBRACING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. A FOCUSED AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH IS KEY TO ACHIEVING YOUR FITNESS GOALS WHILE MAINTAINING OVERALL WELLBEING.

How can we achieve this? One way is to set clear goals. Begin by defining your objectives: are you aiming to lose weight, build strength, or improve endurance?

Setting S.M.A.R.T goals, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound, can help keep you motivated. For example, “Run a 5K by March 2025” or “Lose 10 pounds by June” provides clarity and a timeline.

Try to create a well-balanced fitness routine. A well-rounded fitness plan includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility, and recovery. Cardio activities like running, cycling, or swimming improve heart health, while strength training builds muscle and boosts metabolism. Incorporating yoga or Pilates can enhance flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. Aim for at least 150 minutes of

moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Fitness isn’t just about exercise—nutrition plays a crucial role. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hydration is equally important; aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily. If weight loss is a goal, understanding your calorie needs and tracking intake can help.

Don’t forget to embrace recovery time. Rest is vital for allowing the body to repair and grow stronger. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and include rest days in your exercise schedule. Recovery techniques such as stretch-

ing and massage can enhance performance and prevent burnout.

Above all, stay consistent and be adaptable. Consistency is critical for long-term success. While motivation may waver, discipline and habit-building will sustain you. Additionally, adapt your routine as you progress or encounter new challenges to keep it engaging and effective.

Whether you’re starting anew or elevating your fitness, the key is to take small, sustainable steps. By balancing exercise, nutrition, and recovery, you can build a healthier, fitter version of yourself for 2025 and beyond.

GET FIT FOR FREE UNTIL JANUARY

M e n talHealth and theHol i d a ys

Whether Christmas is a holiday you celebrate or not, your mental health may be affected by the associated activities happening around you. It is a time of year when there are added pressures placed on us and this can affect our mental health in many ways, some of which we may not even recognise.

How might Christmas affect my mental health?

• You may be struggling financially and feel under pressure to spend in order to have a “good” Christmas.

• Wish you didn't have to deal with Christmas, or find it stressful because of other events in your life.

• Feel alone or left out because everyone else seems happy when you're not.

• You may want to celebrate with someone who is struggling.

• Enjoying Christmas might affect your mental health, for example if it triggers hypomania or mania.

• Services which normally assist you may be closed during the festive period.

• Alcohol may be difficult to be around during Christmas time if this is something that you or a loved one struggles with.

Tips for coping during the holidays:

If this time of year is overwhelming to you, think about whether you really need to do things if you’re not looking forward to them. Take time out for yourself when you need and don’t be afraid to set boundaries with family

Main Mental Health Line

Tel: 20078807

GibSams Helpline

Tel: 116123

Email: info@gibsams.gi

Clubhouse Gibraltar

Tel : 20068423

Email: admin@clubhousegibraltar.com

In the event of a mental health emergency call 111.

Public Health Gibraltar would like to take this opportunity to wish you a healthy and peace ful Christmas and New Year.

© Mind www.Mind.org.uk

In the event of a mental health emergency call 111

Be aware of the time you spend on social media and don’t be afraid to take a break from the screens. Comparing yourself to other people’s online representations of real life may increase feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

While alcohol may temporarily appear to ease feelings of stress or depression, alcohol is a depressant and over time the opposite effect will occur. Be mindful of how much alcohol you are consuming and ensure you are staying hydrated if consuming alcohol.

Christmas is typically a time of overindulgence, but what we eat can sometimes

impact on how we feel. For example, too much sugar can have a noticeable effect on your mental health and wellbeing in the short and long term. Eating well during the holidays doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself. Look for small, healthy changes and swaps you can make so you continue to feel your best.

Support is available throughout the holiday period. Some useful contacts can be found opposite.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly part of our everyday vocabulary. Once dismissed as a "childhood disorder," we now know ADHD affects people of all ages, with research suggesting that 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD carry symptoms into adulthood. But along with this increase in awareness comes an emerging trend: ADHD is now often used as a casual label, a term thrown around for forgetfulness, scattered thoughts, or impulsive decisions. In social media circles, it has even been portrayed as a quirky personality trait, with people casually diagnosing themselves and others based on a few common behaviours.

.The cultural embrace of ADHD reflects society’s growing understanding of mental health, but there’s a fine line between embracing neurodiversity and trivializing a serious condition. ADHD is a complex, often debilitating disorder, not a trend or a quick explanation for personality quirks. In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind ADHD, explore the social fascination surrounding it, and look at the real-life impact for those who live with it.

The Science Behind ADHD: Causes and Neurological Basis

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it is rooted in the development of the brain and nervous system. The causes of ADHD are complex, involving a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Genetic studies have shown that ADHD often runs in families, with heritability rates as high as 70-80%. A child with a parent who has ADHD has about a 50% chance of developing the condition themselves. This strong genetic link suggests that ADHD is not simply a behavioural issue but a condition deeply rooted in biology.

Neurologically, ADHD is associated with differences in brain structure and chemical activity, particularly in areas that control attention, impulse

regulation, and emotional processing. Studies using brain imaging technology have found that individuals with ADHD often have structural differences in the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for decision-making, planning, and impulse control. This region of the brain typically shows less activity in individuals with ADHD, contributing to challenges in self-regulation, organization, and sustained attention. Additionally, the basal ganglia, a region involved in coordinating motor control and behaviour, tends to be smaller in those with ADHD, which can intensify impulsivity and hyperactivity.

On a chemical level, ADHD is associated with low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, motivation, and focus. These neurotransmitter imbalances make it harder for the brain to process reward signals and maintain attention. Environmental factors, such as premature birth, low birth weight, or prenatal exposure to alcohol or tobacco, may increase the risk of ADHD, though they are unlikely to cause the disorder on their own. This intricate web of genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, and environmental influences creates the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, making it far more complex

than a personality quirk or lack of self-discipline.

The “Cool Factor” of ADHD: Social Media’s Role in Casual Diagnosis

Despite ADHD’s scientific complexity, a curious cultural phenomenon has led to its oversimplification. On social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, ADHD has become a popular topic, often discussed with catchy taglines and humorous anecdotes. Influencers may share stories of putting their phone in the fridge or drifting off during meetings, tagging these mishaps with #ADHD. This humorous portrayal can make ADHD seem like a collection of quirks, erasing its reality as a serious, lifelong condition that many people find overwhelming.

The neurodiversity movement has also contributed to ADHD’s social visibility. This movement emphasizes the acceptance of different cognitive styles and has helped reduce stigma for people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other conditions. Embracing neurodiversity has fostered acceptance and empowered many individuals to embrace their unique brains. However, it has also contributed to a casual acceptance of self-diagnosing ADHD. This trend blurs the distinction between occasional, universal human

behaviours (like getting distracted or being disorganized) and the chronic, impairing symptoms that characterize ADHD.

Oversimplifying ADHD as a trendy label diminishes the reality for those who live with it. When ADHD is treated as a catch-all term for forgetfulness or impulsive behaviour, it reinforces stereotypes and reinforces the misconception that ADHD is a mild inconvenience. The condition is, in fact, a significant neurodevelopmental disorder that demands thoughtful management, support, and understanding.

ADHD’s Complexity: Recognizing Symptoms in Adults

One of the largest misconceptions about ADHD is that it’s solely a childhood disorder. In reality, ADHD often persists into adulthood, with symptoms that can disrupt everything from personal relationships to career paths. Adult ADHD symptoms are generally subtler than those seen in children, but they can be just as disruptive.

• Inattention: While most people can relate to moments of distraction, inattention in ADHD is pervasive. Adults with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, sustain attention during conversations, or organize activities. This chronic distraction can make it hard to complete work tasks, remember appointments, or keep track of belongings. It’s not about occasional absentmindedness; it’s an ongoing battle to maintain mental presence in daily tasks.

• Impulsivity: Impulsivity in adults with ADHD often leads to snap decisions, risky spending, and even trouble waiting one’s turn in conversations. This impulse control issue extends to everything from interrupting others to struggling with impulse shopping. It’s not just spontaneous behaviour – it’s a brain-based challenge that can result in lifelong frustrations and regrets.

• Restlessness and Hyperactivity: Although physical hyperactivity generally lessens with age, many adults with ADHD experience an inner restlessness. They may find it hard to sit through long meetings or feel an intense need to move or fidget. This

constant state of unrest is draining and often exacerbates feelings of being “out of sync” with others.

• Emotional Dysregulation: People with ADHD frequently experience emotions more intensely than others, with difficulty managing responses. Emotional dysregulation can lead to mood swings, frustration, and an intense reaction to minor events, impacting relationships and self-esteem. These intense emotional experiences can be difficult for friends and loved ones to understand and often create social misunderstandings.

The Daily Struggles of Adults with ADHD

Living with ADHD is more than managing symptoms; it involves navigating unique challenges that affect nearly every aspect of life. Tasks that many take for granted, such as budgeting, meeting deadlines, or remembering appointments, often require immense effort. Over time, these small battles can wear down self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Workplace Challenges

For adults with ADHD, a structured work environment can be a minefield. The disorder’s hallmark traits – distractibility, impulsivity, and organizational difficulties – can make sustaining a career challenging. Deadlines, office hierarchies, and detailed instructions may feel overwhelming, and without the right support, individuals with ADHD are more likely to experience high job turnover and underemployment. Studies show that adults with ADHD often earn lower incomes and experience higher rates of job dissatisfaction than their neurotypical peers. ADHD in the workplace isn’t a matter of “trying harder” or “focusing more”; it’s a constant challenge to perform within systems designed for neurotypical minds.

Relationships and Social Difficulties

or organizing one’s home, can be especially challenging. Adults with ADHD may live in clutter, miss important deadlines, or incur financial penalties, not because of indifference, but because their brains are wired to struggle with planning and following through. Over time, these seemingly small frustrations accumulate, often leading to significant distress and a sense of being “behind” in life.

The Harmful Impact of Casual ADHD References

In light of ADHD’s genuine complexities, the casual use of the term can be hurtful. Phrases like “I’m so ADHD” to describe momentary distraction can feel dismissive, especially to someone who lives with ADHD. Casual references reinforce stereotypes, oversimplify the condition, and can discourage those who genuinely need help from seeking a formal diagnosis or treatment.

The American Psychiatric Association warns that the casualization of ADHD has real consequences, contributing to both misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Those who don’t understand the full scope of ADHD may assume their symptoms are just part of “normal” distraction, while others may self-diagnose based on a narrow understanding of the disorder. True awareness involves recognizing that ADHD is a complex condition with a neurological basis and life-altering symptoms, not a casual personality trait.

Conclusion: ADHD is a Reality, Not a Trend

ADHD’s symptoms can strain relationships, from friendships to romantic partnerships. Impulsivity, inattentiveness, and emotional dysregulation may lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, or conflicts. Forgetting important dates or details, reacting intensely to minor setbacks, or struggling to communicate effectively can be taxing on partners and loved ones, creating a cycle of frustration and guilt. This ongoing strain affects self-image and can lead to social isolation, as people with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others.

Routine and Daily Life Management

Basic routines, like paying bills on time, keeping up with appointments,

ADHD is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that profoundly affects people’s lives. It’s not a trend, a social media buzzword, or an explanation for everyday quirks. For many, ADHD is a constant struggle with focus, organization, emotional regulation, and impulse control. The neurodiversity movement has done incredible work to raise awareness, but we must approach ADHD with the seriousness and empathy it deserves.

True awareness means moving beyond hashtags and stereotypes, acknowledging ADHD’s scientific reality, and supporting those who live with it. Understanding ADHD as a lifelong challenge – not a fleeting label or personality trait – is essential to building an inclusive society that respects neurodiversity in its fullest sense.

Jacob Kuyuate(Bsc Msc PgCert.)

Qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

WINTER WELLNESS

Just because the weather's getting colder and the days are getting shorter doesn't mean you need to go into hibernation mode. Some people may feel more down than usual, while a small percentage of people will experience a form of winter depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression, added to which the cold, dark days coincide with the cold and flu season.

Here are some hints and tips on how to stay energized, nourished, fit, and happy all winter long.

Between the winter period of October and early March, you're probably not getting as much sunlight, the main source of vitamin D, as during the summer months. People with low levels of vitamin D usually aren’t getting enough sun or have a low dietary intake. If you are experiencing SAD symptoms and struggling to cope, it is important to speak to your GP who will get an accurate diagnosis by assessing your mood, lifestyle and asking the right questions.

There are things that you can try yourself such as using an artificial light to mimic sunlight in the morning, and trying to get plenty of exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet. The best food sources of vitamin D are oily fish like trout, mackerel, sardines and cod, red meat like liver (but not if you’re pregnant due to the high vitamin A content), egg yolks, fortified foods like margarine spreads and cereals, and mushrooms. If you feel that you need more vitamin D – try Holland & Barrett Vitamin D3 tablets.

There are also some benefits of taking vitamin D along with a few supplements, that when paired together may have additional benefits. As an example, vitamin D and calcium are often paired together in supplements as the vitamin D can help the body absorb calcium a little bit better, or with magnesium which helps activate vitamin D. Holland & Barrett Calcium plus Magnesium and Vitamin D tablets can help support bone health and reduced tiredness and fatigue. If you have been struggling with your sleep patterns since the clocks went

back, to help your circadian rhythm to adjust try gradually changing your sleep schedule by shifting your bedtime and wake time. Cosy up in the evenings with a comforting mug of Twinings Superblends Sleep Tea available from Holland & Barrett. A spiced apple and vanilla flavoured herbal infusion with chamomile and passionflower. Take a sip and sink your head into a soft pillow for a good night’s sleep. After your bedtime shower and before you go to sleep, use BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Spray, combining magnesium with chamomile, bergamot, and clary sage. It will soothe the senses while giving a calming and relaxing effect. Spray on your body and massage well into your skin to stimulate absorption.

Essential oils are not just a great way to fill your home with Christmassy aromas, there are also many different ways to use them to invigorate your body and soul, whether that is by inhaling, steaming, massaging them into your skin (make sure they’ve been diluted with a carrier oil beforehand), bathing and showering in them or diffusing them. Essential oil blends are ideal for giving as gifts or for using in the run up to and during the festive period. Have a go at making some of these fragrant Christmas blends with Miaroma essential oils available from Holland & Barrett.

Gingerbread: 5 drops ginger, 4 drops clove bud, 2 drops nutmeg, 2 drops cinnamon.

Christmas Tree: 6 drops fir needle, 3 drops cypress or spruce, 1 drop orange, 2 drops nutmeg

Cinnamon and Spice: 2 drops sweet orange, 1 drop cinnamon, 1 drop clove bud, 1 drop ginger.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without festive treats, whether that is for gifting to family and friends or for adding to your store cupboard to enjoy at home. For the vegans in your life, you can indulge them in a collection of vegan friendly Christmas treats from Holland & Barrett featuring some of the best vegan chocolate brands, such as LoveRaw, NOMO, Pip & Nut and Nakd. The ideal gifts for a chocoholic!

If you’re looking for some stocking filler ideas, look no further than Holland & Barret. The Faith in Nature shampoo & conditioners is a great gift for someone who is planning to travel in the New Year. SPA MAGIK bath salts create a fragrant, mineral-infused bath to ignite and awaken the body. For the men, The Dr Organics Lip Balm range of Argan oil, Manuka Honey & Aloe Vera are ideal to put in stockings.

Don’t forget to stock up on Christmas gifts from Holland & Barrett Gibraltar. Choose from a great range of self-care products such as the Weleda Skin Food range.

When it comes to the New Year, you might feel in need of a detox. Ideal Health Puritee Natural Detox Aid Tea Bags consist of a unique blend of botanical teas, or opt for Superblends Detox Tea Bags with Lemon Flavoured Infusion with Burdock Root, Fennel, Ginger and added Selenium.

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, breast- feeding, taking any medications or are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or health- care professional and always read the label before use.

Make Christmas Magical

Shop in store: 53 & 160 Main Street, Gibraltar

Vocal Analysis

In other words, sound and light act like vitamins and minerals in our body and as we know most people are deficient in certain (vitamins) frequencies and this is highlighted when the human voice is analysed.

On frequencies

Every part of your body including each vertebra in the spine and muscle in your body has its own frequency.

Everything that you choose to eat has its own frequency.

Every thought you think and every feeling you have, has its own frequency.

Every tablet you take, from the doctor or health shop, has its own frequency.

You become what you eat and what you think. Your food affects your health and your emotions.

You are a result of what you think, and the frequencies of your thoughts and emotions effect you constantly throughout the day THOUGHT-FEELING-ACTION.

Once we take a vocal sample, we use our database to analyse all the frequencies, be it emotions muscles, medications, vitamins, minerals for high, low, neutral etc.

Knowing how important frequencies are, it becomes quite obvious that we need a certain balance of frequencies, which may vary from one individual to another, in order to maintain our bodies and keep them in a healthy state.

The power of your voice I think you will probably agree when I say “Your voice is one of the most powerful areas of expression” and as such, provides an effective tool for communication and influence.

You can usually tell by a person’s tone of voice what they are really saying and often feeling, especially if it’s someone close to you.

Everyone knows that your voice changes when you don’t feel too good or are fed up or feel a bit depressed. You can tell by the sound of someone’s voice when they are not their usual self.

We all get like this now and again, and when you have been unwell for a while, or your just not feeling right, you may not even notice that your voice is not the same as it used to be. But you certainly know that your health, maybe physically or emotionally doesn’t feel good.

Your voice can be recorded and analysed

Did you know that your unique voice can be recorded and analysed with computerised software that then becomes a frequency map of your physical and emotional state, a bit like reflexology or iridology.

This is because we can collect frequencies through a microphone direct or a

recording you make that are gathered from your voice and analysed. These frequencies are then separated/ captured into the musical scale, which once done we are then able to see what frequencies are high, low or balanced areas within your voice that need to be focused upon, which is what we are aiming to do within a vocal analysis session.

Through the process of many years of feeding back into the sound therapy community the problems people present with in a session and the correlation with the musical notes within the vocal analysis, we are able to use that information as a base line. The musical notes are important as they all have their own characteristics, be it when they are high or low within the vocal print. We use the notes as an easy way to work upon balance.

Do you know that research has shown that "when we are deprived of certain light frequencies, we can become sick (SAD). But did you also know one of the most fascinating scientific facts to emerge recently is that sound behaves in a similar fashion to light".

This is a very limited look at the musical notes and some of the presenting issues:

C Self power and the ability to self direct/circulation, reproduction organs

C” Hard on self and others/digestion, tendons, ligaments, ulcers

D Self approval, a fixer mentality/liver, pancreas, gall bladder

D” Struggle to share emotion/oxygenation, delivery to the cells

E Self sabotage and needs to be needed/lungs, mucus, allergies

F Procrastination and workaholic/kidneys, bladder

F” Will work on less important issues/ screening and filtering processes

G Depression and physical issues/neuro transmitters, minerals, bones

G” Self not seen as important/enzyme production, process of digestion

A Rely on what they think you mean/ eyes, electrical problems

A" Emotionally hurt easily/regulation of oxygen, detoxifying

B Martyr traits/small body mechanics, nerves

The image below represents the amount of frequencies within the individual notes that come from the recording, in the diagram over 1000 (left side). They are then shown as a visual image (right side) This voice is high in F” and G but low in D and D”, so we would look at building up the D and D” to create more balance.

A typical session

When we record your voice, we are accurately measuring the physical and emotional, frequencies within your body. When you talk about different subjects that we ask you to record, these subtle frequencies are sorted into musical notes displayed as numbers and also as a coloured bar graph like this one in the diagram.

A typical session would involve an initial Voice Analysis to determine the frequency spread to see what is high, low or neutral. That is us asking you to answer a couple of questions so we get an overall view of the voice being happy, sad, neutral.

This is PC based and involves answering a few questions to enable the computer to assess the frequency range covered by the voice within the voice analysis software program.

This can be done either locally or remotely by recording your voice and sending us ideally a WAV file or a good quality Mp3 recording via the “we transfer” link we would send or on a memory stick or via other methods.

This balancing can be done in several ways such as music in the missing notes, toning using a musical tuner, a tone box and addressing physical and emotional challenges to bring about change.

In terms of balance, this beckons questions like "why do we like specific music, people, colours etc (all due to the way in which we absorb frequencies for balance) In the UK this is a relatively new concept and modality, however it is extremely powerful as an initial energetic diagnostic tool.

Is voice analysis just for health and well being?

If you think about the voice and the concept of vocal analysis, then the application is wide and varied with people in the teaching profession, sales, presenters, speakers and anyone that basically communicates to others as a part of their job or social networks.

For more information and to find out how to get your voice analysed contact jeff@soundtherapy.co.uk

ANXIETY MANAGING

Living with anxiety can be very diffiuclt, but there are steps you can take and resources out there to help.

There are many different causes of anxiety, fear or panic and it's different for everyone.

When you're feeling anxious, your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This can be helpful in some situations, but it might also cause physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate. In some people, it might cause a panic attack.

Regular anxiety, fear or panic can also be the main symptom of several health conditions. Do not self-diagnose – speak to a GP if you're worried about how you're feeling.

Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and how you behave.

It's not always easy to recognise when anxiety is the reason you're feeling or acting differently.

Physical symptoms

• faster, irregular or more noticeable heartbeat

• feeling lightheaded and dizzy

• headaches

• chest pains

• loss of appetite

• sweating

• breathlessness

• feeling hot

• shaking

Mental Symptoms

• feeling tense or nervous

• being unable to relax

• worrying about the past or future

• feeling tearful

• not being able to sleep

• difficulty concentrating

• fear of the worst happening

• intrusive traumatic memories

• obsessive thought

Behavioural Changes

• not being able to enjoy your leisure time

• difficulty looking after yourself

• struggling to form or maintain relationships

• worried about trying new things

• avoiding places and situations that create anxiety

• compulsive behaviour, such as constantly checking things

Some ways to manage anxiety disorders include mindfulness, relaxation techniques, correct breathing techniques, dietary adjustments, exercise, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, medication and support groups. Some patients may benefit from a combination of therapies to improve their overall well-being.

MINDFULness

Here are some mindfulness techniques you may find useful:

• Body scan This is where you move your attention slowly through different parts of your body. Start from the top of your head and move all the way down to the end of your toes. You could focus on feelings of warmth, tension, tingling or relaxation of different parts of your body.

• Mindful meditation. This involves sitting quietly to focus on your breathing, thoughts, sensations in your body or things you can sense around you. Try to bring your attention back to the present if your mind starts to wander. Many

people also find that yoga helps them to concentrate on their breathing and focus on the present moment.

• Connect with your senses.

1. Look around you and notice five things you can see. It could be a pen, a mark on the wall, or someone's shoes. You can name these in your head or out loud, or write them down.

2. Name four things you can touch or feel around you. For example, your hair, your nose, the ground under your feet or the air on your skin.

3. Name three things you can hear around you. This could be something outside, or your own breathing.

4. Name two things you can smell around you. It doesn't have to be a strong smell, and you can take a short walk around to find something if you want to.

5. Name one thing you can taste at the moment.

• Some people find practising mindfulness in nature can have extra benefits.

Studies have shown that green spaces can lower levels of stress (Wells et al, 2003) and reduce rates of depression and anxiety, reduce cortisol levels.

For example, doing things like exercising outdoors or being around nature can have lots of positive effects such as improving your mood, improving confidence and self-esteem and connecting you to your local community.

In the event of a mentalemergencyhealth call 111

© Mind www.Mind.org.uk

Thank You

royal gibraltar

police

officers and staff were given dozens of thank you cards from youngsters in loreto convent school's year 1.

As part of their recent topic “People Who Care For Us,” the cards thanked the police for looking after them.

Two Roads Policing Unit Officers attended the school to thank the five and six year olds in person – before giving them an impromptu chat about what it’s like to work as a police officer in Gibraltar.

An RGP spokesman said: “After hearing that the youngsters had gone to all the trouble of making us those colourful cards, some of our officers popped down to thank them personally

Tash' Time!

ROYAL GIBRALTAR POLICE OFFICERS WHO GREW THEIR MOUSTACHES FOR A CHARITY FUNDRAISER SHARED THEIR MID-MONTH PROGRESS.

The boys in blue ditched their razors for November to raise awareness and money for men’s health issues – in particular mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer.

Nine lads from Response Team 2 hoped to raise £2,000 for the “Movember” campaign, which encourages men worldwide to grow a moustache for the month

Having humility could be described as valuing the greater or highest good over your individual desires and aspirations. In the Bible, humility is described as a divine characteristic that involves thinking of yourself less, rather than thinking less of yourself. It's a virtue that involves putting others' needs before your own, and is characterized by meekness, obedience to God, and respect for others.

Meekness is not to be confused with weakness. It takes courage and strength to be truly meek. It requires having the ability to acknowledge the gaps in our knowledge. To apologise as appropriate without justification, defensiveness or judgement. To address our blind spots.

We live in a world built on arrogance, pretentiousness and false piety. The most overtly pious among us are the ones most likely to fall short in humility. Over piousness tends to be quite the reverse and, indeed is, once again, the ego at work, manipulating our good intentions.

We must be mindful of the limited role we have to play in the fate of humanity as a whole and then play it to the absolute best of our ability. I believe that we must also mind our own business, doing our best in our own sphere, with our own unique set of skills and talents whilst celebrating the successes of others doing their best in their own spheres.

The Strength in Humility

A useful question to ask yourself when working on developing humility is: “What have you not yet accepted?” Do you have financial issues? Do you have relationship or health issues? And, if so, how are you dealing with them? Are you finding solutions or are you going round in circles and feeling frustration and anger? Do you ever feel things aren’t fair or ask yourself ‘Why me?’

Aristotle apparently viewed humility as a moral virtue sandwiched between the ‘vices’ of arrogance and cowardice while Socrates asserted that humility requires accurate self-knowledge and ‘generous acknowledgement of the qualities of others’. I would add to this that feeling ‘good enough’ in oneself is essential before it is possible to be magnanimous and humble.

Traditional Christian humility tends to be synonymous with sin, guilt and shame. This is a distortion of the biblical guidance on humility. I would suggest that it lies within the realm of human interference with the word of God. One could even ask which comes first … could it be that guilt, sin and shame can only exist when one has been lacking in humility and indulging in pridefulness led by ego?

Humility as a moral character virtue has faded over the centuries and particularly over the last 50 years as the goals of self-realisation and ‘stepping into our power’ have become the guidelines for personal and spiritual development. Without throwing the baby out with the bathwater, I suggest it is essential that these aspirations would benefit enormously from some good, down to earth self-appraisal applied with liberal doses of humility. Our world does not support this view but, I am optimistic, that it is moving in that direction as our daily lives become more and more difficult to remain centred in.

Psychological studies of humility have surged in the last two decades. This is, in no small part, a counter-reaction to what the authors of The Narcissism Epidemic, (Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell 2009), have described as our “age of entitlement.” They offer a very clear understanding of how healthy self-love has morphed into its toxic cousin of narcissism which is currently manipulated our planet.

Self-realization and enhancing our self-worth have become our highest aspirations because they provide an antidote to much of the self-absorptions of arrogance, greed, and self-centeredness. It seems that humility is experiencing a much-needed revival.

Humility is closely related to modesty and fairness. It also involves

seeing ourselves accurately – not thinking of ourselves more highly or more than is appropriate.

Being humble allows us to rationally acknowledge ways we can improve ourselves. Humility can produce more happiness, positive emotions, and well-being because a person has a clearer understanding of the self. They are able to be comfortable with who they are and who they are not.

Humility empowers us to take risks with dignity and integrity. People are more trusting of those who are humble and encouraging. And possibly the most important thing that humility does for us is leading us to serve others without need for recognition or approval.

You will also create endless possibilities for yourself. You will magnify your strengths and others will connect more easily with you, looking to you for leadership.

So, if this has resonated with you and you feel would like to look into ways to develop a deeper sense of humility then you could start by taking some quiet time with yourself and identify the areas that trigger defensiveness or insecurity. The things that cause you want to justify something or find it difficult to apologise.

Consciously recognize and acknowledge others and be open to talents whilst learning. You could start to put others needs before your own and learn to be a good listener, an active listener. and ensure others feel heard and understood around you. And remember that God shows grace to humble people.

Without humility a person will make decisions based only on what is good for them (their ego) therefore becoming prideful and narcissistic.

Kate McHardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer.

Email: katemch@gmail.com

FB: The University of Light Group

Tel: +44 7712889534

Married on the Rock Glen & Claudia

married in Gibraltar on 24th of October 2024

Photographs by Jenna Brown

a gorgeous 10-year-old Amstaff, has spent the last three and a half years at Los Barrios pound after being handed in by his owner in April 2021. Despite his long stay in a small cage, this gentle and affectionate dog maintains his loving nature. He adores people, craves cuddles, and is excellent on walks and car rides.

This sweet senior deserves to spend his remaining years in a loving home, not waiting day after day in a lonely cage. Please don't let Turko spend any more time alone - consider meeting this wonderful boy who has so much love to give.

is a gorgeous, young mastin cross who arrived at Los Barrios pound in July 2022 when he was just 8 months old. Despite his impressive size, he's a gentle giant who loves giving big hugs and playing with other dogs. He shares his tiny cage with other dogs and has proven to be excellent on walks, staying calm around cars, people, and other dogs.This sweet boy has been waiting for over a year, spending more than 23 hours daily in a small cage. Primo deserves a loving family who can give him the life he dreams of. If you're looking for a big, affectionate companion, please consider meeting this wonderful gentle giant.

www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

Finn is around two years old and lovely with all dogs. He also loves spending time with people and playing. He is a clever, obedient dog who has been professionally trained and is now looking for a loving home.

A PET IS FOR LIFE NOT FOR CHRISTMAS

NOW THE FESTIVE SEASON APPROACHES THERE IS AN UNWAVERING DESIRE AMONGST SOME PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE A PET EITHER FOR THEMSELVES OR FOR A FAMILY MEMBER. THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN NOT TO DETER PEOPLE BUT PRODUCED IN AN EFFORT TO TRY AND PREVENT IMPULSE PURCHASES, TO TRY AND MAKE INDIVIDUALS MORE AWARE OF THE RAMIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TAKING ON AN ANIMAL.

Primarily what must be realised is that acquiring an animal, any living creature, immediately makes you responsible for that animal’s care, quality of life and survival. The principal animal charities at this time of year carry articles on dogs and cats primarily; unfortunately this is only a drop in the ocean. How many people purchase birds, aquarium fish, hamsters, reptiles, guinea pigs etc? How many of these actually die in the first few months due to neglect?

Before getting a pet, you should always ask yourselves a few pertinent questions.

• Do you have the time to look after the animal? All animals require time spent on them, animal cages need cleaning, aquariums need cleaning , dogs have to be walked regularly, cat’s litter trays have to be cleaned out regularly, vivariums need to be monitored for warmth/humidity, etc ,etc. After the novelty wears off and the excitement ears off you still need to find the time, these animals are dependent on you. You have taken the responsibility of looking after a living breathing creature and they are totally dependent on you for their survival.

• Does the pet require any special care? The most common cause of death I have encountered amongst animals over all my years of practice has been bad animal husbandry. I have seen dying reptiles bought into the clinic dying of starvation, primarily out of ignorance, where the an-

imal has been fed the wrong diet or the temperature of the vivarium has been too low resulting in the animal not been able to digest its food.

• Can I afford to keep a pet? Animals are a continual drain on resources, they will need money spent on them throughout their lives, they are not a computer game that after the festive period is left unused in a cupboard!! Different animals carry varied financial burdens, but this must be quantified. Even different sized animals carry dramatically different costs, a Chihuahua will eat less and medication will be significantly less than a larger breed like a Great Dane. So before getting an animal please make sure you can afford the maintenance costs.

• How long can the animal live for? Remember once you have a pet you are in it for the long haul. You might be a rabbit for your child, this rabbit could live for 10 years, your child might be married and have his own kid before the rabbit passes away!! Parrots can live for decades as can tortoises!! My point here is that make sure you are aware of how long these animals will be around for and that you will be responsible for them throughout their lives.

• How large will the pet become? The most extreme cases that I have seen are individuals that have purchased small pigs that supposedly were supposed to be ‘miniature’ and remain small. If anyone is inter-

ested pop over to the Wildlife Park at the Alameda gardens and see how miniature a couple of these pigs have become!!! Another very sad case that I have witnessed is one where an iguana became too large and was released into the Nature Reserve, if was bought into the clinic dead as it had starved to death. On this note I would like to add that releasing an animal into the wild is beyond the pale, apart from the fact that it might die, it could in theory survive and put pressure on native species.

• Can I give the pet the care and love it requires? Obviously different pets will need different levels of attention. For example, a hand reared parrot will needs countless hours of your family time, otherwise they will develop medical problems brought on by stress. In fact a lot of medical conditions can be as a result of lack of attention, it is not enough to just feed and clean your animal.

Getting a pet for Christmas carries loads of caveats, these are living creatures that will be dependent on yourselves for their survival, so getting a pet carries loads of responsibility and you must be aware of this and prepared to take this on.

Saying all this I hope I haven’t sounded too negative, I personally have a bit of a menagerie at home, pets will give you a lot of pleasure and happiness , but please look and give them all the love in the world as they will return it unlike our fellow humans .

ALL THE STAFF AT THE GIBRALTAR VETERINARY CLINIC WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT NEW YEAR. For more information please phone Gibraltar Vetinary Clinic on 200 77334

1.

5.

1.

2. A way or passage out. (4)

3. Too numerous to count. Innumerable. (9)

4. Mangled, jagged, torn. (9)

6. A person who lives in a world of fantasy. (7)

8. A state in western United States. (4)

10. Being without moisture; extremely dry; parched. (4)

11. A brief record of something written down to assist the memory. (4)

Email your completed entry along with your name and contact number to jeaninsight@gibtelecom.net.

Entries to be received on / before 24 September.

The winner will be drawn from all correct entries and will receive a £50 voucher to spend at Las Iguanas, Gibraltar.

Entrants must be 18 years or older.

ILONA HARRIS

WORDS BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT