The Gibraltar Magazine - February 2017

January 2017 November 2016 Vol. 22 # 03 Vol. 22 # 01 FREE

February 2017 Vol. 22 # 04

New Finally Equal Rock Direction Warriors Political change --- Mr & Mr Cage fighting

Broccoli Bargain StressOffice Urban Farming Parents &isPartners in China Power for Good at Work Cut meat, trees - Dealing New business sector -- Romance &not parenting -- Chinese economy - Fighting bullying with pressure

Legalise Cannabis?

Hitchhikers’ Guide Discovering Fusing Unconscious Cultures Love First Click Search Date Night Couchsurfing Men at United for Ancestry A war people Journey withIthumbs Come like toperspective my Home 3 --- Online dating -- Perfect balance -- Travel a local GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER Grow aon Mo, bro 2015 - Who do I think am -up Psychoanalitic

Gibraltar’s Gastronomic Award Winning Italian Restaurant Winner of the 2 Rosette AA Culinary Award since 2006

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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editor’s letter

FEBRUARY ISSUE L

ove is this strange thing that we don’t have much control over, we either feel it or we don’t and no matter how much we would like to change that state sometimes, it just won’t work. Reason has yet to rule over emotion.

This is perhaps why there are so many love stories around; in music, film, paintings, literature, and not to mention in our own lives (p. 18).

We have recently joined the growing list of progressive countries to allow loving couples to legalise their partnerships by getting married regardless of their gender and preferences. Another thing to be proud of Gibraltar! This month, we bring you the love story of our very own Messrs Dignam-Mills who met right on the border between Gib and Spain (p. 30).

But what to do when meeting someone perfect has been proving difficult for a while? What if we’ve exhausted neighbours, friends of friends, fellow shoppers, clubbers, café-goers? What if there seems to be no one new and interesting in our vicinity? We meet two couples who found the answer in the digital world of online dating and never looked back (p. 34). If you do get yourself a swipe right and end up going on a date, check out our guide to what to wear on such an occasion (p. 59).

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According to the old concept opposites attract... do they? Wouldn’t it be easier to spend your time with someone who shares the same interests, values, priorities, stamina, libido etc. Elaine investigates the need to feel butterflies in your stomach (p. 80).

And what happens after we’ve gone through all the stages of falling in love and starting a family? What happens to romance a few years into this journey? Polly gives some advice to parents who have forgotten that they were partners first and looks into how to rekindle that spark with little ones snapping at your heels (p. 96).

Perhaps one thing you could do is take your loved one on a romantic trip... to Iceland. If we’re cold anyway, why not go all the way, gear up for the snow and take in the beauty of a real winter wonderland under the Northern Lights (p.

73). Iceland, however, is said to be quite an expensive place to visit so instead of spending all your savings on a luxury hotel, you could sleep on someone’s couch... no, really. There might even be a spare bedroom which you could occupy for free...

Couchsurfing has been around for over a decade now and has grown exponentially in popularity. See what it is that entices people to invite strangers into their homes (p. 68).

In Business, Ian talks about loving his job (p. 21) and in Life, we chat to Christine Clifton-Psaila, recently retired Radio Gibraltar presenter, who put her heart and soul into her four-decade-long career (p.40). In Scene, we present two painters, Christine Borge (p.48) and Donald Porteous (p.52) whose love for the craft comes through in every brush stroke.

Whether you choose to celebrate your love on the 14th, or on the weekend nearest to it, or in fact, on any other day but Valentine’s, remember that love is precious and if you’re lucky enough to have it in your life, make sure you cultivate it, remember to say ‘I love you’, and say it a lot. Create a love story each day...

Anna

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

www.gibraltarlawyers.com

Whatever’s on the horizon, we’re by your side For all that life may bring, whether good or bad, ISOLAS has your back.

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contents 8 NEWS 16 Around town 18 Hello there: Love Story

BUSINESS 21 24 26 28

Grasping Opportunities - Loving what I do Office in China - The Chinese Economy Relationship with Money - Your financial attitude Working Together - Enhance leadership with love

LIFE 30 34 36 38 40 42 46

Finally Equal - Husband and husband Love at First Click - Finding romance online Travels & Troubles - A Valentine to my parents Growing up, Coming home - Sad realisations Behind the Mic - Christine Clifton-Psaila Trade Unionist - Manuel Cortes on int’l solidarity Marine Nuisances - Macro algae and inducing growth

SCENE

22#04 February 2017: Aaron and Adrian Dignam-Mills © Ian Dignam Contributing writers: Ian Le Breton, Alicia Bowry, Eran Shay, Ayelet Mamo Shay, Sylvia Kenna, Nicole Macedo, Mark Viales, Marcus Killick, Richard Cartwright, Mike Brufal, Lewis Stagnetto, Elena Scialtiel, Julia Coelho, Chris Hedley, Elaine Caetano, Andrew Licudi, Polly Lavarello.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Suite 4, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 | E: info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Copyright © 2017 Rock Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com

@gibmag

Magazine & website archived by the British Library

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The quality of a magazine reflects on the businesses that advertise within it. The Gibraltar Magazine is Gibraltar’s premier magazine packed with first class content. We don’t have pushy sales people, so get in touch if you have a business or strategy to promote. We will explain your options and help you with artwork if you need us to. We are passionate about what we do and about our home, Gibraltar.

48 Heart of Stone - Christine Borge’s roses 52 Mostly Abstract - Don a coat of many colours 56 #Dexa-te De Merdas - Reliving romance

LEISURE 59 62 64 66 68 73 80 82

Date Night - How to find the perfect balance Shooting Stars - New hatchlings at the range Nothing but Net - Women’s basketball All on Board - Dice and spikes Couchsurfing - Travel like a local Idyllic Iceland - Where fire and ice hold hands...

Love & Relationships - Do opposites really attract?

German Wines - We should all be drinking them

84 86 96 98

Recipes: Braised Artichokes & Strawberries with choco Guides and Information Mum on the Rock - Parents & Partners Coffee Time and Schedules

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If you are an artist with an exhibition, a club or charity with an event coming up, we’d love to hear from you. This is a community magazine with no VIP area. Everyone is welcome to contribute so drop us a line.

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We’d love to hear from you. Sometimes we get a bit lonely in our office, and we like to get letters, phone calls and emails with your feedback and photos. We might even publish the best so keep them coming. This is your magazine so get involved.

Editor: Anna Kolesnik anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Distribution: Jordan Brett jordan@thegibraltarmagazine.com Accounts: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com

Email: anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Tel: 200 77748 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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news

PRINCIPAL OBOIST OF THE BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER TO PERFORM IN GIB

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he Principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Albrecht Mayer, will perform in a recital with renowned pianist Alexander Schmalcz. The event presented

by The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society will be held on 16th February at 8pm at the Convent Ballroom.

Mayer began his professional career in 1990 as principal oboist of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. Since 1992, he has occupied the same position with the Berliner Philharmoniker, despite his growing renown as a concert soloist.

© Harald Hoffmann / Deutsche Grammophon

“Among the most sought-after oboists of our time, Mayer has appeared as a soloist with Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle and Nikolaus Harnoncourt,” a spokesman for the society said. “He is especially attracted to the human voice, as the most natural of all instruments.”

He said that Mayer constantly searches for new repertoire for his instrument and is fascinated by the idea of lending the voice of his oboe to pieces written for other instruments or for singers.

“He was awarded the ETA-Hoffmann Prize by his home town of Bamberg, Germany, in December 2006 and was honoured with the Echo Prize by the German Phono-Akademie three times, twice as Instrumentalist of the Year. In 2013, he was inducted into the Gramophone Hall of Fame and also awarded the Bavarian Culture Prize.”

Alexander Schmalcz can be heard regularly in many influential cultural centres around the world and has won numerous prizes, including the Gerald Moore Award in 1996.

The programme will feature compositions for oboe and piano by W.A. Mozart, L. van Beethoven, J.N. Hummel, J. Brahms and R. Strauss.

GORHAM’S CAVE FEATURES IN NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE

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lengthy article on the Neanderthals was published by the New York Times Magazine online last month featuring Gorham’s Cave and Gibraltar.

Writer Jon Mooallem tracks the history of the Neanderthals and how our perception of them has changed since the early discoveries of the 19th century, which included the famous Gibraltar Woman in 1848.

The writer explains his impromptu visit to Gibraltar last June when he heard that an excavation was in progress at Gorham’s Cave.

His description includes a snapshot of Gibraltar at the time of the Brexit Vote and the writer immerses himself in Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves where he is taken back to a remote time.

“I am delighted that the high standard of work being carried out by Clive Finlayson and his team continues to receive the 8

international attention that it deserves.

In the process, the New York Times magazine has also painted a wider picture of Gibraltar which blends the past and the present very effectively.” said Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia.

The article is part description and part reflection of humanity, parallel humanities and the fate of peoples’ past, with a strong connection to the world today.

The author describes a visit to the Gibraltar Museum to see the then recentlyinaugurated Nana and Flint and then went on to interview the artists – Kennis and Kennis – in their home in Holland.

Overall, the article gives an up-to-date perspective of our current views of the Neanderthals and places Gibraltar at the centre of the work which is changing the old views.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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MTV PRESENTS GIBRALTAR CALLING

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he Gibraltar Music Festival has evolved into MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling, which will be staged at the Victoria Stadium across two days and will feature stand out performances from the UK and international music acts.

MTV UK made the announcement last month of its first-ever partnership with the Gibraltar Government to bring the festival on the 2nd and 3rd September this year.

As part of the agreement, MTV will promote the event across its myriad of social, digital and linear platforms and will film the event for MTV LIVE. “With its sunny climate and stunning views, Gibraltar is a fantastic location for an outdoor live music event and we’re really looking forward to working with the Government of Gibraltar to showcase what Gibraltar has to offer to our youth audience,” commented Mark Swift, Senior Vice President, Commercial & International Ad Sales, VIMN UK. “We’re confident that with the power of the MTV brand name behind it and the support we’ll provide, MTV presents Gibraltar Calling will be the biggest and best festival in Gibraltar yet.”

Steven Linares, Minister for Culture, was delighted to announce this exciting new development for Gibraltar’s cultural life.

huge success of the festival has allowed the Rock to go global with the Gibraltar branding associated with this event.

“This fantastic new collaboration with MTV is testament to the festival’s success to date, and promises to take it to the next level,” he said. “I am confident that Gibraltar Music Week will build on the excellent reputation of its precursors and I look forward to working with MTV to deliver this unprecedented event.”

“As a result, we have been able to agree a partnership with a global household brand like MTV in a way that will enable us to promote Gibraltar internationally in an unprecedented manner at this crucial time in our history,” he said.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said that the

Tickets go on sale on 1st March. For further information, ticketing and artists please visit www.gibraltarcalling.com.

SEA TURTLE FINDS

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hree sea turtles were found stranded in Gibraltar last year, one was still alive when discovered but died shortly after.

The findings were revealed last month by the the Environmental Protection and Research Unit of the Department of the Environment and Climate Change (DECC).

One razorbill was found at Sandy Bay followed by two loggerhead turtles, the first at Eastern Beach and the second at Catalan Bay. “The first specimen showed evidence of having ingested fishing gear used in longline fishery and the cause of death of the second sea turtle is believed to have been a collision with a vessel,” a spokesman said. “The latter had been floating at sea for some time and was in a bad state when it washed ashore. The data gathered

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

from these incidents will be added to the DECC’s marine monitoring programme.”

The public are asked to report any marine sightings to the Department of the Environment and Climate Change oncall number 58009620 or email them at marine.monitoring@gibraltar.gov.gi.

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GCA ROCK RACE IN FEBRUARY

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his year’s Gibraltar Cycling Association Rock Race event is to be held on Sunday 5th February. A spokesman for the association said the event was designed for adults aged 18 or over to challenge themselves in a tough race.

“Whether you’re a beginner looking to test yourself, or a seasoned mountain goat, the Gibraltar Cycling Association invites everyone to take on the challenge,” the spokesman said.

Cyclists will start their ride at Europa Point Lighthouse, and head for the Rock’s summit, heading north on Europa Road and turning into Windmill Hill, finishing their climb at the Cable Car Top Station.

The route is about 4.3 km in distance and 353 m in accumulated elevation.

HM Bland will support the event by offering participants and their bicycles a free cable car ride down to Grand Parade after the event. Registration opens on event day at 8am at Europa Point Lighthouse with the race commencing at

9am. Entrance fee is £5 per participant and all will be required to wear a cycle helmet.

For further information please contact Colin Francis, President, Gibraltar Cycling Association at gibcycling@outlook.com

FULL LIST OF PLAYERS ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD POOL MASTERS

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ool’s longest running invitational event, the World Pool Masters will take place at the Tercentenary Hall from Friday to Sunday 17th – 19th February.

Fifteen of the world’s best players, along with the winner of a qualifying event for local players, will contest the Masters for a $20,000 top prize. In total, the prize fund is $80,000.

“This follows the success of the World Snooker’s Gibraltar Open and Gibraltar Darts Trophy which have already been staged on the Rock,” he said. “No doubt it will be another world class event that will definitely be enjoyed by all. It is yet another example of our events-led tourism policy which promotes Gibraltar as an events destination”.

The event will be broadcast live for 20 hours and, in addition, fifteen onehour programmes will be produced for international syndication.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing the Masters to Gibraltar. Matchroom have had great success on the Rock with darts and snooker events and I’m sure we will have similar success with pool. Said Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn.

“All the big names from around the world will be heading to Gib for an action-packed three days. All in all, for any sports fan, the Masters will be unmissable!”

Minister for Sports Steven Linares said he was very excited that Gibraltar was hosting the World Pool Masters.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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SANCHEZ WINS JYSKE BANK TROPHY

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he first Med Golf tournament to see in the New Year was the Jyske Bank Trophy on Sunday 15th January. The tournament was played on the Santa Clara golf course in Marbella.

A calm, bright but cool morning welcomed 50 players to the shotgun start at 9.30am, however, as the round developed, the sun rose in the sky and everyone finished basking in delightfully warm sunshine.

The course is not long, but it is technically challenging and many players struggled to master the steeply elevated and sloping greens, especially those with creative pin placements.

The Jyske Bank Trophy was won by Nicky Sanchez with 38 Stableford points, the only score of the day better than par.

Nicky also won two green fees on the San Roque Club Old course and greatly moved himself up the Jyske Bank order of merit.

Scars caused by the exceptional weather conditions at the end of last year were still evident on the course but much had been done to minimise the impact on players.

The fairways and greens were well presented and residual damage was confined mainly to bunkers, some of which were unplayable and were designated as ‘Ground Under Repair’.

60 wines by the glass 40 small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine

30 John Mackintosh Square GX11 1AA Gibraltar Tel: 200 70201 info@vinopolisgastrobar.gi www.vinopolisgastrobar.gi GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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news

NEW DEMENTIA DAY CENTRE OPENS DOORS TO PATENTS

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he Bella Vista Dementia Day Centre opened its doors to patients last month in a new project that has seen Gibraltar Health Authority professionals and the private sector join forces.

The new facility will offer 90 places to patients and will be managed by a private company, Meddoc, on behalf of the GHA. Bella Vista, located at the site of the former Royal Naval Hospital, will provide a community-orientated model of care with the aim of enhancing the life of dementia patients and their families.

“In taking this pioneering step for care in our community, it was essential that we get everything right. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said. “Gibraltar is a community that cares; I strongly believe in our extended family setup. Now, almost a third of all those who are diagnosed with dementia will be able to make use of the Bella Vista Day Centre. This will enable families to stay together for longer and will also take pressure off other areas of the GHA.” The centre will also form the focus for a range of services such as a memory clinic (operational since last October), diabetes care, chiropody and other Primary Care Services.

Other facilities on offer include cognitive behaviour therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, recreational therapy, psychiatric treatment, nutritional planning and incontinence management.

The day centre has been designed to cater for patients with mild to moderate condition. The strategy consists of helping families take care of their relatives in their homes and offering respite services and support to families who can no longer cope on a day to day basis.

“The Bella Vista Day Centre represents

a milestone in the care services. Our aim is to ensure that a patient diagnosed with dementia engages with the centre as quickly as possible, while their minds are still in reasonably good shape,” said Minister for Health and Care Neil Costa. “This is vital, because the anchor upon which we base all our subsequent interventions will come from their life experiences, their hobbies and activities.

By means of memory albums, this can be beneficial to them, as it can help preserve memory function and develop social contact.”

MOUNT ALVERNIA REFURBISHMENT

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he Gibraltar Government has announced plans to make more beds available for elderly residents at Mount Alvernia.

The retirement facility is currently undergoing a refurbishment programme that will create additional space for 24 more beds by relocating staff facilities and administration areas within the buildings. Local contractor GJBS has been commissioned to carry out the works.

“In keeping with our ethos of care for the vulnerable sectors of the community, the Government is always looking at ways in which to improve and develop the services we provide to elderly citizens,” 12

Neil Costa Minister for Health and Care Service said. “There is always a surge in hospital admissions during the winter months and we are determined to tackle it decisively by providing new resources and extra facilities. The Mount Alvernia refurbishment project is an excellent

initiative, which, when completed, will release bed space at St Bernard’s Hospital.”

The increased capacity at Mount Alvernia is in addition to the 52 beds that will be made available at the Dementia Residential Home, due to open this quarter.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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NEW CHARITY TO WORK WITH CLUBHOUSE

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new charity that aims to support people affected by mental health problems has been working hard over the last year to establish itself and work in partnership with Clubhouse Gibraltar.

A spokesman for Positive Pathways said it seeks to provide job opportunities and experience, as part of Clubhouse Gibraltar Transitional Employment Program, for people who are/have been affected by Mental Health problems.

“We will also support people affected

by Mental Health problems, with the opportunities to access education, training courses and attend conferences,” the spokesman said. “Our service will also support people who are dealing/have dealt with Mental Health problems to enable them to work towards independent living.”

The charity will work to decrease the stigma and discrimination faced by people who have dealt with mental health.

“Positive Pathways has been working in partnership with Clubhouse Gibraltar, other mental health charities, local business and the Gibraltar Government,” the spokesman said. “We will explore ways to fund this project and create opportunities for members of our community with Mental Health difficulties who have been unemployed for a lengthy period and feel they want to return to work.”

The charity will support Clubhouse Gibraltar’s Transitional Employment Program (TEP) in offering its members opportunities to work in different sectors of employment. The charity’s current project is within the catering and hospitality sector, by managing the cafeteria at Ocean Views Facility.

Future projects include delivering Mental Health First Aid workshops - an educational course which teaches people

Positive Pathways Providing employment and education for people affected by mental health problems how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue.

“In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health,” the spokesman said.

If you would like to know more about the charity, call Darryl on 200 68423 or email positivepathwaysgibraltar@gmail.com.

EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION IN YOUTH WORK TRAINING

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he Gibraltar Youth Service recently held a Supervision Training Residential weekend for all Youth and Community Workers. The training course ‘Effective Supervision in Youth Work’ was delivered

by Leslie Buckland and Moira Smyth.

This is the second year the Youth Service has benefited from quality training by two renowned and experienced UK trainers.

Youth and Community Workers were joined by a member of Human Resources Department, the Education Department and the Care Agency, working closely together towards improving services for young people in our community.

The Youth and Community Work Team was able to share experiences and work in a variety of youth and community work scenarios.

For any information about the Gibraltar Youth Service contact Mark Zammit, Principal Youth Officer on gibyouth@ gibtelecom.net or call 20078637

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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GIBRALTAR PORT REPORTS ANOTHER YEAR OF GROWTH

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ibraltar’s commercial maritime industry has seen another year of growth across most areas of activity following its performance review for 2016.

The announcement was made last month by the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) against the backdrop of a slowdown in global economic activity.

Licudi. “The positive trends reflect the outstanding work of the GPA to further improve efficiency in the harbour, and to relentlessly pursue its marketing and engagement strategy.”

This positive trend is reflected more widely in the total number of all vessels calling, including cruise ships and superyachts.

The GPA reported, for the second consecutive year, an increase in both the number of vessels calling at Gibraltar for bunkers and in the quantity of fuel delivered.

It is also testament to the solid partnership across the wider port community in Gibraltar, and to the invaluable drive and support of the shipping agents, bunker suppliers and other service providers.’

“This is great news for Gibraltar, particularly against the backdrop of a challenging year for global shipping,” said Minister for Maritime Affairs Gilbert

An increasing number of superyachts have also taken advantage of the new berths at the recently commissioned Mid Harbour Marina to extend their stay on the Rock.

“After hosting a hugely successful, high profile international bunker convention in Gibraltar last November, it is very pleasing to reinforce our status as a premier maritime hub in the Mediterranean with such positive annual results,” said CEO and Captain of the Port Bob Sanguinetti.

“I look forward to continuing to work very closely with our valued partners across the shipping community to ensure that the positive trend of these past two successful years endures into the future.”

The GPA also recorded a rise in ship to ship transfers in the bay, off port limit transfers, and in occupancy rates at the Eastern Anchorage, reinforcing the Port’s aspiration to deliver the widest range of services in keeping with its reputation as a maritime centre of excellence.

SPRING FESTIVAL LOGO COMPETITION

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he Cultural Services is running its annual competition where entrants have the chance to win £300 by designing a logo for the Spring Festival.

It is open to people of all ages, with entrants able to submit up to two original works in an A4 size. Entries should be simple in design and suitable for printing on posters, fliers, tickets and other promotional material, and must contain the wording “GIBRALTAR SPRING FESTIVAL 2017”.

Forms and conditions are available from the John Mackintosh Hall with the closing date for entries on the 14th of March.

For more info call 200 67236 or e-mail info@culture.gi

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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GIBRALTAR FINANCE IN BEIJING

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ibraltar Finance participated at the Inaugural Meeting of the Captive Specialised Committee of the Insurance Society of China last month. Michael Ashton, Senior Executive at Gibraltar Finance, was one of the speakers at the seminar which attracted an audience of over 250 people.

The new Committee has been established to carry out specialized research, build an internal communication platform and achieve Chinese captive business development.

“We were honoured to have been invited by the Permanent Directors Council of the Insurance Society of China and to speak at this inaugural meeting,” said Albert Isola, Minister for Commerce. “As Chinese businesses continue to expand overseas and make acquisitions in Europe and across the world, we believe there

are opportunities for these businesses to establish captive insurance companies close to their acquired assets. We hope that Gibraltar will become the home for a number of these new captives. We will continue to work to facilitate this process.”

There are close to 7,000 captive insurance companies worldwide but in China, the

captive insurance industry is still at an early stage in its development with just a handful of licensed captives but with significant interest in the potential for captives to be established.

Mr Isola travelled to Shanghai on Monday 16th January for a series of meetings and presentations in both Shanghai and Nanjing.

GIBRALTAR DIGITISES NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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he Gibraltar National Archives has considerably enhanced its Inhabitants of Gibraltar project that aimed to digitise the Rock’s the whole collection of Gibraltar Census Original Registers 1777-1914. It is now publicly available and fully searchable online.

original period registers,” Said Archivist Anthony Pitaluga. “The addition of the full Census Abstracts provides a unique statistical insight. I am delighted that by digitising these unique, irreplaceable,

period records, we have been able to simultaneously preserve them digitally for future generations and enable the public to engage in this otherwise inaccessible part of Gibraltar’s social history.”

The Gibraltar Census Abstracts 1776-2001 – the full text of each census report for each year – are also available under the project.

Inhabitants of Gibraltar are free to access and search via the Gibraltar National Archives website: www.nationalarchives.gi/ gna/Inhabitants.aspx ‘Our published ‘Inhabitants of Gibraltar’ project has now been considerably enhanced with the addition of these records. The data is easily searchable using a variety of categories, including name and occupation, and can be crosschecked against high-quality scans of the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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around town

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

around town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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hello there

Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga, 27 Marketing Manager at WOPA Stamps

Tomasz Zakrzewicz, 33 Bicycle Mechanic at Cycle Centre Gibraltar

The two love stories in Italian cinema classics La Vita è Bella and Il Postino. They are both stories of strong perseverance and Italian poetic charm. Two men, both very different, but going after similarly unattainable characters in two different settings, one in Arezzo, on the mainland, another on a Mediterranean island off the coast. It’s interesting to see the similarities and the differences in both stories.

For me, the movie The Illusionist shows the most interesting love story. For two people in love, there are no obstacles, no social standing, no passage of time. It shows it’s possible to break all the rules just to be together forever.

WHAT IS THE

Joey Imossi, 47 Director at Fiduciary Group

Gino Sanguinetti, 59 Curator at Gibraltar Cultural Services

When asked if I would contribute to February’s question, I responded with, “As you wish” because there is one love story that comes quickly to my mind… The Princess Bride, all of the ingredients of a true love story, pirates, poison, giants, revenge, laughter, joy, loss, reward and of course, most importantly, a happy end with a loving kiss!

Tristan and Isolde: Love is about abandonment of the self for the other. Difficult these days to make the “other one” and the self happy!

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

hello there

Zuzanna Marecka, 43 Production Manager at Gibraltar Productions

Sarah Miles, 31 Solicitor at ISOLAS

My favourite love story is the tale of Rapunzel. Blind Prince wandered through the wastelands of the country, hopeless and sad, until he met his Princess. When they met and fell into each other’s arms, her tears restored his sight. There is no better story about empathy and the healing power of love.

The well-known fairy tales do not really inspire me. The best love story is the one you create yourself, using simple ingredients that bring you joy. Being happy with what you have on a day-to-day basis and being able to share your thoughts with someone by your side who makes you tick, puts a smile on your face and gives good hugs, is essential.

BEST LOVE STORY?

Talia Sanchez, 6 Saint Paul’s School, Year 1

Priya Gulraj, 32 Reporter at Your Gibraltar TV

The Little Mermaid is the best love story because she is a mermaid princess who meets a human prince and she has to choose between living in the sea as a mermaid with her family or becoming a human to marry her prince. She chooses him and they live happily ever after.

I grew up watching Bollywood and one of my favourite love stories has always been Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which focused on the idea of love starting with friendship.

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GRASPING OPPORTUNITIES Loving what I do

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Cue my theme for this month’s column, ou have to hand it to our editrix, sation point when chatting in “cocktail I thought. Do I love my job? How many she does like to present me with party” mode – usually whilst juggling a people who work for a living can really say a challenge. A short while back, glass of warm white wine and a shrivelled that, especially in my world? I’ve always when setting deadcanapé – with people previously envied people who have turned their hobline dates, she reminded me unknown. Everyone has heard These are not by or passion into their occupation, wheththat the February edition is of Gibraltar and almost everynecessarily accurate one has an opinion about the er it’s making fine art or fine cheese. They geared traditionally to the and I generally get paid for doing what they love best. season of love – something Rock. These are not necessarily But can this really hold true for financial to do with a special day in accurate and I generally see it as see it as my duty services? To which, of course, the answer the middle of the month. my duty to correct any miscomto correct any must be a resounding “yes”. Read on.

“And this year”, she went on, prehensions. miscomprehensions. “try to make it, well, lovely”.

First of all, the philosophical part. If we Back to the evening in question. don’t “love” what we do, why do it? I know So, dear reader, imagine my dilemma.

We had quickly moved on from the inevthat sounds smug, but in 2017, the range The month of love, treats and all things itable geopolitical commentary and were of opportunities open to jobseekers is romantic. My simple job? Develop a theme now discussing Gibraltar in general. I was so varied, even daunting, that the refrain for this month’s finance column around waxing lyrical about our financial services “well, it’s just a job” should really the same subject. In recent years, I have industry and stressing the finer have been consigned to history. looked at partnerships and such like, so points of our system of regulaI’ve always Few individuals are now obliged, what could I do this time? As often haption. Warming to my theme, I envied people by social or geographic accident pens when one is cogitating upon delicate was explaining why it is that so matters, the answer just flew into my head many clients choose Gibraltar who have turned of birth, to carry on working for a lifetime at something to which one evening when I was least expecting it. over other jurisdictions when their hobby or they are ill disposed. Cynics one of my audience – should passion into their might argue that is because there that read “victims” – said: “It I was at a “do” in London representing the occupation... is now no job security, while emseems to me that you must firm I work for. One of Gibraltar’s greatest ployers might counter there is no really love your job.” assets is that it is always a good converGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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That is all very well but what, I hear you job loyalty, but today’s ease of travel and impressive legal, accounting and investask, is there to love about Gibraltar’s communications means that the way in ment capabilities on the Rock, which financial services industry? which we work has changed beyond include a fully-fledged stock exchange.

Regular readers of this all recognition and working horizons Locally based professionals can deliver The way in column will not be surprised too on whatever structuring is required. are broader than ever before. which we work by my answer. Look at what Granted, more extensive banking options has changed is available in this well-regwould provide clients with greater choice, So, what is it about my job that I ulated jurisdiction – and but the scope offered by those that are beyond all supposedly “love”? I could of course the people who deliver it. here is wide-ranging. Some focus on the suggest that I love slaving away recognition and Without leaving the Rock, local retail market or corporate sector, at my keyboard to produce this working horizons advice can be found on whilst others focus on the wealth mancolumn for you, dear reader. This agement aspects of private banking. Our would not, in fact, be far wide of the are broader than company and trust strucever before. turing, investments, funds, banking staff are highly trained, experimark, but the part of my job I enjoy insurance, marine and enced, multilingual (and most is putting solutions (or people) aviation matters and I don’t just mean English together – whether it is incorporating a The part of much more. The list is impressive. And and Spanish) and they are new company, making a bank introduction my job I enjoy committed to Gibraltar. for once, this column will not use the or transferring a pension – in the most dreaded “B” word. Even when Article 50 most is putting In short, the financial effective and efficient way possible. Like has been triggered, I believe our industry sector is thriving and, just many jobs, the satisfaction comes from solutions will continue to thrive. as importantly, it has the putting your expertise to work to the (or people) capability to keep pace benefit of others. Even more so, perhaps, together... with the ever-increasing when you have to leave your comfort zone The right infrastructure is in place here demands of regulation. too. I have written in the past about our and extend your expertise to new areas.

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business

My job involves a lot of travelling, which I love too

The new Common Reporting Standard – or tion” has never been more uncertain – or, That said, my boat hasn’t come in yet – it CRS – is now a reality and, in a perverse put another way, exciting. I see only ever sometimes feels like it hasn’t even left the way, I find that this and the expanding opportunities ahead for harbour – and for some reason the numother international regulatory those willing to grasp them – both bers on my lottery tickets always seem to Locally based initiatives are actually of poslocally and further afield. It is a fine be out by a few vital digits. Therefore, this professionals itive benefit to a jurisdiction time to be involved in the financial Valentine’s Day, as for many years past and can deliver too like Gibraltar. Anyone holding services business and yes, dear I hope for many to come, I’m afraid that a bank account outside their reader, I love it. my adoring public, colleagues and clients on whatever country of residence (or in are going to have to continue putting up structuring is some cases domicile) will have with me. But don’t worry about the chalThe acid test is, of course, the required. the existence of that account lenges posed by ever increasing regulation, “lottery question”. If I won the reported to their home tax difficult clients and the rest. Generally lottery tomorrow, would my “love” authorities. This applies to bank deposits, speaking, I love it. Happy Valentine’s Day. of what I do override the simple fact that privately held companies, trusts and other I wouldn’t actually need to work anystructures. These new rules are global and more? Would I carry on with the job or they are here to stay. And while they may take myself off to a tropical paradise? As a necessitate increased due diligence and youngster I was taught never to lie so, in transparency, they are also an opportunity all honesty, I’d have to say that paradise for Gibraltar to demonstrate its capacity to would, in all probability, win implement the highest standards and build the day. But amidst the sun Even as the on an international reputation for exceland sea and sand, I’m pretty lence. This is something that many of our financial world sure that my thoughts “competitors” may struggle to do. would stray back with fondcontinues to ness to some, if not all, of face enormous So, even as the financial world continues my current responsibilities. challenges, to face enormous challenges, there is Maybe the “love” I have for there is much much to celebrate in Gibraltar. For a news my job is conditional, but junkie like me, the international “situawhat’s wrong with that? to celebrate in

Gibraltar.

Ian Le Breton is Corporate Services Director, Sovereign Group Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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business words | Alicia Bowry, Benady Cohen & Co Chartered Accountants

OFFICE IN CHINA

The Chinese Economy and Brexit Opportunities

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he parliamentary debate in the Gibraltar has an obvious interest in it. How week preceding Christmas led to to transform that interest into profitable an interesting exchange business is of course something of views between the of a challenge. In 2016, China was Gibraltar Gibraltar Government and the world’s largest trading nation, opened an the opposition as regards the and the world’s second largest maintenance of Gibraltar’s Hong office in Hong economy. Although at differing Kong two Kong office. Gibraltar opened an ends of the scale, Gibraltar is also years ago in office in Hong Kong two years a trading nation, and one whose ago in an attempt to generate economy is growing at a similar rate. an attempt business from that region, the In 2016, numerous Chinese related to generate annual cost of so doing being business from investors visited Gibraltar in respect around £400,000 per year. A that region... of a number of potential projects, sum very well spent, it seems, in and representatives of Gibraltar the opinion of the Government.

Government The Chief Minister described China as likewise visited China.

China being “one of the biggest opportunities” Since 2014, the Gibraltar is a place for Gibraltar, and Mr. Albert Isola, the Government has few trading Minister of Commerce (whose department maintained a Hong Kong countries is responsible for the Hong Kong office) office with the aim of can afford to described China as “the biggest power showcasing Gibraltar and ignore... house probably over 10 to 15 years”. serving as a stepping stone into China as well as a means to promote Gibraltar to potential Clearly, China is a place few trading Hong Kong and Chinese investors. countries can afford to ignore, and 24

This is a first in a new series of articles on China, from the perspective of Gibraltar, with emphasis on its economy and potential business opportunities for us. It provides a summary of the state of the Chinese economy in 2016, and concludes with some thoughts on potential opportunities arising from Brexit. China’s economy can be summarised as follows: Economic growth China’s economy continues to grow but at a slower pace than preceding years.

China refers to this as the “New Normal” situation, whereby it plans to experience lower but steadier annual growth of around 6.5%-7% a year.

Structural economic reform This largely comprises the expansion of the private sector in the economy, and market-orientated reform of the state owned sector.

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Fiscal policy China continues its proactive fiscal approach, with expenditure growing faster than revenue. In 2015, the official fiscal deficit was 2.4% of GDP, although unofficially, estimates put the deficit as high as 10%.

Monetary policy

China’s economy continues to grow but at a slower pace than preceding years.

China’s monetary policy now reflects the “New Normal” situation. Interest rates have been liberalised somewhat with banks being more free to set lending rates.

Foreign exchange policy China continues to operate a managedfloating exchange rate regime. The floating range of the renminbi exchange rate has, however, gradually increased allowing a greater fluctuation in the value of the renminbi to reflect market value.

Trade position In 2015, both exports and imports declined, with exports totalling US$2.3 trillion and imports US$1.7 trillion. The position has not changed materially in 2016.

Foreign investment China is one of the largest recipients of foreign direct investment in the world.

In 2014, it amounted to nearly US$120 billion. Making headlines in the news in 2016, however, were investment GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

agreements made by Chinese companies overseas, Hinkley Point being a prime example.

International trade agreements China had signed 15 preferential trade agreements, including with Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore and Korea. China continues its integration with Hong Kong, in particular with the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangements (CEPA).

China and Brexit Opportunities

As members of the EU, the UK (and Gibraltar) have been unable to negotiate their own international trade agreements...

As members of the European Union, the UK (and Gibraltar) have been unable to negotiate their own international trade agreements, including with China, as such agreements are conducted at EU level. Depending on the UK/EU agreement on Brexit, and in particular whether the UK stays within the customs union, it is possible that upon exit, the UK could negotiate its own trade agreement with China. China already has 15 trade agreements in place, including with countries with similarities to the UK and Gibraltar, such as Australia and Switzerland. Bearing in mind the recent experience with CETA, it is unlikely that a EU/China trade agreement will be possible perhaps for decades. However, it is no secret that the UK, and indeed Gibraltar, sees opportunities for a trade agreement

with China, and that possibility has already been discussed at the highest UK-China political level.

The UK is ultimately responsible for Gibraltar’s foreign relations, and so its position will be closely tied to the UK. However, when Gibraltar leaves the EU, it will lose the benefit of the numerous trade agreements to which the EU is a party. The UK has clearly recognised the impact of that situation on Gibraltar, as well as the fact that Gibraltar wished overwhelmingly to remain within the EU. In fact, it is fair to say the UK recognises it is more or less obligated to ensure that any new trading relationships put in place to replace those lost as a consequence of EU exit, should include Gibraltar. Of all the British overseas territories, Gibraltar is in a unique relationship with the UK as a consequence of its EU membership that allows, for example, the passporting of financial services between Gibraltar and the EU (which of course includes the UK) in a way that is not available to any other British overseas territory. It is only right that these rights be maintained so far as within the powers of the UK. It is also becoming evident that the UK at least recognises the view that it is morally obligated to consider whether new international agreements it may negotiate post-Brexit that go beyond the current EU arrangements should also include Gibraltar, bearing in mind that international relations are never static and that there should be consistency in the approach taken. In the opinion of many, a UK-China trade agreement of the future can, and indeed should, include Gibraltar.

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finance

RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY How to transform your financial attitude

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Spenders have a tendency to accumulate oney is a huge part of our lives who are satisfied with very little, and those and yet we are reluctant to talk who simply work hard, pay their bills, save, credit card debt because shopping to them is an addiction. Spenders spend money in about it. Perhaps it’s because invest and give the remainder away. A in the western world, the major motivation for crime and violence hopes that material items will bring happiness or provide pain relief. subject of money is considered taboo—it’s is money; a major source of arguments private and not open for discussion. Inamong married couples is money; a major stead, we see our relationship with money factor in career choice is money.

Savers as a reflection on ourselves, In the and often pretend that we’re Our relationship to our money reOn the other end of the spectrum are the more on top of our finances western world, flects our relationship to the world. It savers. Savers absolutely fear poverty and than we are. Therefore, when is simply a metaphor for how safe we constantly worry about not having enough the subject we actually do need help, feel.

Establishing a good relationship money to live. Savers need to feel in conof money is we’re reluctant to ask for it, with money starts with understandtrol and are generally uncomfortable with considered leaving us alone in the dark. ing what type of person you are any sort of uncertainty. Ironically, savers taboo... and whether you fall into any of the fear poverty yet they practically live in it The words ‘money’ and following categories: because they spend so little. ‘worries’ go together so often they can seem inseparable. For many people, their The words Spenders Haters relationship with money is fraught with ‘money’ and anxiety. Fears around money stop people Do you frequently make purMoney haters absolutely detest ‘worries’ go from living their life. Money cuts across chases that are beyond your money and what it does to people. together so a lot of boundaries. There are layers of means? Do you purchase things They eschew wealth and will often often they meaning within our relationship with it. to make yourself happy? Is there live in deprived and desolate conThere are those who overspend, those can seem a connection between shopping ditions. They will purposely avoid who underspend, those who gamble, those and your mood? If so, then you inseparable. material possessions whenever who debt, those who chase after it, those can consider yourself a spender. possible.

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finance Seekers

While certified financial planners and accountants zero in on financial issues Money seekers are the ones who obsess from budgeting to investing, some people over becoming wealthy. These people put may find even talking to an accountant a premium on making a fortune with the intimidating. This is when talking to Money belief that it will solve all of their problems.

Coachers becomes more effective.

In reality, there are usually othMoney Coaching combines sound er inadequacies in their lives Fears psychological and coaching princithat they are trying to make up around money ples with practical financial coaching for with material wealth. to help people transform their relastop people tionship with money. Money Coachfrom living On a survival level, money ing is an opportunity to identify and their life. can bring us to our knees. transform issues that can limit one This brings most of us into an from living a fulfilling, purposeful unnatural attachment to it. We become and prosperous life. Money Coaching is a dependent on it for our security, and this step-by-step process for gaining a deeper blocks us from truly experiencing life. understanding of the unconscious beliefs Many of us can relate to the feeling of and patterns that create stress, anxiety and being trapped by a situation. fear.

For instance, ‘How often do you…?’

•

‘…feel uncomfortable when the topic of money comes up in conversation?’

•

‘…find you’re faced with unexpected bills and expenditure?’

•

‘…get into debt?’

•

‘…buy something and regret it later?’

What we don’t realise is that we hold the key to unlocking our own prison. Who do you think put us in there in the first place?

However, it often requires the insight and wisdom of another who has unlocked their own prison door for us to feel confident that we can unlock our own.

It’s fantastic to hear about how people’s lives change through working on their relationship with money. Improving your relationship with money involves a fundamental change in mindset. Getting along with money isn’t about earning a huge income or making more than your friends.

Once you figure out the proper place money resides in your life, you’ll find that your life will become much more pleasant.

You’ll place less emphasis on decisions where money is involved. You’ll feel less pressured to take a job or pursue a career in which money is the only factor.

In our Money Coaching sessions we try to transform people’s relationship with money by first being able to talk about money more openly within their family circle.

Establishing a good relationship with money starts with understanding what type of person you are...

Even with your children, there is no better time to start talking to them about money than now. The level of discussion should be basic in the early years but by the time your children leave home they should be confident budgeters, savers and investors. Money management skills can be more important determinants of financial success than academic progress. Giving your children skills in financial literacy will enhance any investment you make in their education. Parents may need help with money too. The older generation can be reluctant to reveal their financial situation to their children. Perhaps they feel this could result in rivalry among siblings or undue pressure being put on them or it could be that they come from an era when money was not talked about. Ageing parents may need help with making sensible investments, ensuring they have sufficient funds to last through their retirement and making plans for the transition of wealth to the next generation.

In other words, all the tools you need in order to transform your relationship with money are right in front of you, and have been there all along, waiting for you to recognise them. The first step is acknowledging you need help. The second step is following through and finding someone to guide you. Third and final, it’s a matter of putting into practice what you learn and sticking with it. Soon, you’ll be well on your way to having mastery over your finances and your life.

Eran Shay is Managing Director & Ayelet Mamo Shay is Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. Tel: (+350) 20073669 Email: general@benefitgibraltar.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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business words | Sylvia Kenna, The HR Dept.

WORKING TOGETHER Can you enhance your leadership with love?

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manager does more than help you succeed - www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics. It includes 16 distinct on projects and problems, they help you to personality types that provide work on yourself, starting with self-awareBeing insights into people’s differness and then a greater awareness of others. Is this love in the form of genuine ing preferences and can help recognised for care and concern? This is what differentito identify strengths that are your uniquely 1. Develop your team’s personates your leadership and creates a level of ality, not only their competence human character required within the team. Personality type has been studied team trust that reaches beyond the norm is far more Most companies have in place extensively in the legal proand grows solidarity and vitality at work. meaningful than fession and with law students. annual appraisals including goals just being part of Legal professionals have also and development plans and 2. Say this one word the team. managers are expected to help used the concept of personality create these plans with their type to further unWhat if more love in the workteams. They are usually aimed at identiderstand jury members and their place was as simple as using Adding fying skill gaps and include development listening and communication one word more often? Research the word plans along the lines of experience through preferences. from Stanford suggests it is. The “together” into exposure or more formal training courses. one word? Together. your everyday What is often missing from these developUnderneath the cover of an management ment plans or actions are a focus on the employees’ talent, is what makes According to Priyanka Carr communications individual’s personality type. Ignoring this them unique and that is; who and Greg Walton of Stanford could mean failure. increases they are as a person. Being recUniversity, adding the word motivation. ognised for your uniquely human “together” into your everyday One of the most powerful assessments character is far more meaningful management communications to identify personality types or traits is than just being part of the team. The value increases motivation. In their studies, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI of belonging to a workplace where your participants first met in small groups, and

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elow are three relatively easy strategies to bring a little more love into your leadership. Below are three

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

business then separated to work on difficult puzzles alone. In the first group, the participants received a tip from a researcher who said that they were working on the task “together.” The second group also got a tip from a random researcher, but the word together was purposefully left out when the tip was delivered. The effects of this small manipulation were dramatic.

Participants that were told that they were working “together,” persisted longer on the challenging task, expressed greater interest in, and enjoyment of the task, and performed significantly better overall.

The results showed that simply feeling like you’re part of a team of people working on a task makes people more motivated as they take on challenges. Moreover, the results reflect an increase in motivation – not a sense of obligation, competition or pressure to join others in an activity.

As human beings, we are hardwired to want to work together and the word “together” is a verbal cue that elicits feelings of trust, connection, and belonging.

Even if your team is not technically working together, feelings of togetherness clearly have a direct impact on your team’s motivation and performance.

It is up to you as a leader to spread gratitude by expressing your gratitude to others and making employees feel valued.

3. Appreciate the greatness of gratitude Have you heard of Gratitude Deficit Disorder? You may not suffer from it at home, however, it is not unusual to suffer from it at work. Known as GDD, over half of the American population suffers from it

according to US Department of Labour statistics.

Research suggests that a thank you email doubled the number of people willing to help you in the future. Even more compelling is why the recipients were motiIt isn’t a mindset problem - we vated to help out. They found that people don’t get up for work in the weren’t providing more help because they morning and think “I’m going to felt better or it boosted their self-esteem, be ungrateful at work today”, it but because they appreciated being needis more to do with the culture ed and felt more socially valued of a company. It is up to Research when they’d been thanked. you as a leader to spread suggests that gratitude by expressing your gratitude to others and making These techniques are not diffia thank you employees feel valued. There are a email doubled cult so you can easily improve considerable number of studies that the number of your leadership impact. If you show strong links exist between people willing are interested in support with gratitude and improved perforyour business please get in to help you in mance, job satisfaction, well-being, touch www.thehrdept.gi. the future. customer service and engagement.

What’s your personality type?

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life

FINALLY EQUAL

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words | Nicole Macedo photos | Ian Dignam

- husband and husband

P

assing the Bill

community and society at large having The crusade did not come without the spent so many years staunchly protesting expected disapproving scorns from some Late last year, Gibraltar caught small facets of the community, but who the cause, the sense of satisfaction and up with the world’s more forward would have expected otherpride surely leans further towards the side thinking nations in allowing of devotion, over convenience in adminwise? Isn’t that precisely why love to break down some of the “Opening gay marriage has been outlawed istration. The first two to reap the fruits constraints that have been built up marriage of many years of arduous labour by the for so very many centuries? ‘It against it for many centuries. to all couples is important for us to strike the Equality Rights Group were Adrian and Parliament’s unanimous decision to demonstrates balance which provides equalAaron Dignam-Mills who cemented their move a bill allowing for civil marlove for each other on 16th December in ity and respecting individuals’ society’s riages to be carried out between beliefs,’ Minister Sacramento front of all of their family and friends. respect for all same sex couples on the Rock was went on to say as individuals...” met with a resounding applause. In she presented the “The best the initial stages of the movement, A move towards equality Bill, ‘The change thing we’ve a Command paper was published by the strengthens the vital institution done is open a Having first met in July 2012, Government requesting public feedback of marriage and ensures that Aaron asked his partner’s hand in joint account about the idea. Minister for Equality, Sait remains an essential buildmarriage in 2013, before even the but keep our mantha Sacramento insisted that they reing block of modern society.’ bill allowing civil partnerships on ceived the largest response ever from any separate bank Marriage is defined as a socially the Rock was conceived. ‘I work Government Command Paper. She told the accounts too...” for the Borders & Coastguard or ritually recognised union beHouse that, ‘marriage is a hugely important tween spouses that establishes Agency so I checked his passport, institution.’ ‘We believe that opening up rights and obligations between them, their and that’s how we met,’ Adrian gushes. ‘I marriage to all couples demonstrates socichildren and their in-laws. Interestingly, was crossing the border and he used to ety’s respect for all individuals regardless Wikipedia avoids any connection between spot me every day and one day he called of their sexuality, making our society fairer marriage and love. With both, the LGBT me over to stamp my passport. From there, and more inclusive for all its members.’

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with their best women; Krisanne Pozo and Delyse Crome

Husband & husband sex couples many of the rights allowed we started talking and the rest is history,’ The couple first set their wedding date Aaron adds. The two smitten newlyweds under marriage, without the formal title. for December 2016, in December 2015 In the past, the Rock has trailed far behind live in Irish Town with their dogs, Adriunaware that the Marriage Amendment an’s daughter Amy and her cat. ‘We don’t much of the rest of the civilised western Bill would be approved and put in place by world when it comes to gay argue, if it feels like we’re moving their set date. ‘A couple of days before our rights. It wasn’t until 2012 that towards an argument, we’ll just “I really civil partnership, we got the call asking us the age of consent for all sexual agree to disagree. The best thing wanted to do to pop in and do all the paperwork again activity, regardless of sexuality we’ve done is open a joint acit at home so I if we wanted to be the first ones to get and gender was equalised at count but keep our separate bank could be with married,’ Adrian gushes, ‘in the back of my sixteen years old, having preaccounts too because that way my mum and mind I’d thought we could have our civil viously legally prohibited same we can manage our own money my daughters partnership here and then get married sex couple from having sex until and we never argue about it.’ when we went to the UK. I really wanted and my son.” they were eighteen. The fight to do it at home so I could be with my was fronted by the By their engagement, Adrian and mum and my daughters and my son.

The Equality Rights Group and Aaron were aware of rumours from the Family is really important to both of ceremony took four years to champion, Governmental grapevine about the posus. We flew all of Aaron’s family over having faced many technicalsibility of civil partnerships being allowed was heavily specifically for the ceremony. Strangeities in parliament. Same sex on the Rock. ‘The wedding got put on the publicised and ly enough, I have in-laws who actually couples were granted adopbackburner at that point and we thought captured in its love me!’ tion and parenting rights in we’d let things carry on as they were.’ In entirety by the 2014, when civil partnerMarch 2014, Parliament passed the bill for press...

Both followed the ERG’s prolific push ships came to fruition. civil partnership in Gibraltar, granting same for LGBT rights with friends in the midst of the campaign. ‘We knew marriage Newlyweds cut the wedding cake was coming, we just didn’t know when.’

With warm congratulations from the Chief Minister, Adrian explains that after having dealt with the divorce from his first marriage during his time as a lawyer, it was fitting that Mr. Picardo was now orchestrating his marriage, having been at the head of the Government’s move to pass the Bill. ‘Gibraltar, being so small, it’s natural that we know some of the members of Government. Samanatha Sacramento had warned us that marriage was coming, but she kept it quiet until the end.’

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Honeymoon in Italy

At the time of writing this, Adrian and drinks and food after the ceremony. The to me. It’s all about fairness, really. You Aaron are the first and only gay couple to main reception, held on the second day, read horrible stories about people being be married on the Rock, with was catered by my sister who owns together for thirty years and then someone their double barrel surname Nosha’s Healthy Options. Then, we not being allowed in the room whilst their Adrian flew and fresh certificates legally spent two nights on the Sunborn partner is dying.’ This, they both agree, is a out Aaron’s tying them together. I ask them and went off on our honeymoon on completely different experience for them. best friend to look back on the service and the 18th.’ Adrian flew out Aaron’s So what would be their advice for couples from home describe it to me, and both face best friend from home as a surprise considering marriage? ‘Only do it if you’re as a surprise me and utter the word ‘surreal’ guest. ‘It was the best kept secret ready. We had a long time to mentally preguest. at almost the same time. ‘I’m for the whole thing.’ They specifipare for it. The most nerve-wracking part quite shy, so speaking in public cally chose their friend Austin Viag- for us was changing the civil partnership doesn’t come naturally. We usually live as to be the registrar for the ceremony, to papers the day before. If you’re ready, you our lives quite personally and to ourselves, make the experience even more personal. should be in a position to know that this but to see everyone come together and is what you want and you’re ready really dress up and make it that much more to make that lifelong commitment.

“Love is What is love? special for us, really made it.’ The ceremowaking up in You have to be sure that this one is ny was heavily publicised and captured in Having both been previously the morning, going to be the one for the rest of its entirety by the press, which somehow tied up in former marriages looking next your life.’ Let’s not forget the more didn’t faze them. Post-wedding, the news romantic reasoning behind their and civil partnerships; they are to you and quickly travelled globally, finding its way commitment; ‘I’m totally in love with certainly not new to committhinking, ‘my him. Love is waking up in the morninto the worldwide media. ‘I received calls ment and strenuous personal God, I’m so from Australia and Spain, and we were ing, looking next to you and thinking, input that comes with ‘I do’. I lucky’.” even in Pink News. I Googled us yester“my God, I’m so lucky”. It’s all the litprobe them on why they wantday and so many results appeared.’ The tle things which you take for granted ed something so serious again wedding celebration continued over two and you think, “he really knows me”.’ after their unsuccessful first experiences. days. ‘We went to The Skull bar, the old ‘There’s the official side,’ Adrian notes.

Cannon Bar, and had everyone over for ‘Now, he’s looked after if anything happens Adrian’s sister, Yvette was amongst the confetti throwers

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life words | Mark Viales

LOVE AT FIRST CLICK Finding romance online

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bit different from how you would apfew months ago, I was sat at be spoiled for choice on looks alone, but Casemates waiting for a friend there she was shrugging off the options proach someone in a bar for example,” said Danny Sene who met his partner, Gemma when the woman next to me in her immediate vicinity and checking Leppard, in late spring 2015 on another began to exhibit out what was available online. popular online dating site, Badoo. A little some bizarre behaviour. She Could this form of dating replace She was disillusioned with standardised dating pulled out her phone from her the traditional courtship of years shrugging off bag, discretely hid it under the gone by and send relationships scene in Gibraltar, a challenging place to the options in spark a romance due to its small size, he table and began swiping away down a spiral of cyber transition? her immediate left and right as pictures of Well, we might be some way away chose to explore other options online. vicinity and Although fishing around in the virtual men appeared on her screen, from that as of yet, but no one checking out world is more effective in larger cities, occasionally pausing for a more can doubt that the increasingly in-depth analysis of a potential sophisticated online dating sites, he believes it can also work on the Rock what was where options are limited, “There is match on Tinder, an online available online. some of which utilise a smaller pool of people to choose dating app. With her eyes dimodern personality “There is a from, so it’s tougher to find that lated and a a look of intention tests, lead to many smaller pool perfect person with whom you on her face, a dainty smile crept forward adopting a favourable view of of people to might like to take things a little from her face when the unmistakable ring the online dating world, notification on her phone signalled her a choose from, further. Apps like Badoo and Tinder new match. It was not long before she was “I think it’s useful to meet others so it’s tougher can allow you to take caution in typing away to see what kind of person those first moments and filter out who are single out there. In to find that those who you think may not be felt she was worth a green like. a public place, it is difficult to perfect worthwhile as long-term relationknow someone’s background, person...” ships. I admit that a few years ago I thought to myself as I gazed at her why it whether they are with someone, I was a little sceptical, but once was that this very attractive woman chose if they are interested in you or the way it worked was explained to me, I to plunge into the virtual world to find not, so it cuts those corners by virtue of thought I’d give it a chance.” companionship. In my opinion, she would being matched on the app. I guess it’s a 34

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life Although a little coy at first with pleasantries and entry-level questions, they soon went a little deeper and before long, the couple met for drinks around a month later at Ocean Village, “I was a little nervous. I didn’t really know much about her apart from what was said behind the screen and a few photos, but I felt much more relaxed than I would be on a first date with someone I had met in a bar the night before for example.” Little did Danny know that this innocent get-together with someone he met online would blossom into a roller-coaster romance. Now, they are madly in love with one another and are positive of a bright future in each other’s company, “I wasn’t sure how much Gemma was into me at the beginning. She is a little shy, so it was difficult to trace whether she was growing fond of me. But it was a great feeling when we finally opened up about our strong feelings They are for one another and took the madly in love relationship to the next level.”

Joe and Moira

Danny and Gemma

ago combined with discovering one anothconversation of note that pushed er on a day to day basis through ‘Facethings in the right direction circled with one booking’. During our rendezvous we would around reminiscing about Moira’s another and classic motor from the 70s, “She told discuss all the things we spoke about Joseph Adamberry, 71, was online. These platforms allow you a few never too keen on computers are positive me about her old car and I just so words to communicate what you need to happened to have a photograph of prior to Facebook, but it was of a bright say in the best possible way you can. You it with the band members. I got my that very platform that that future in are directed to think in short sentences to son, Michael, to explain to me how to provided the first steps to each other’s send it electronically to her and we make people happy or make your point. I a late, but unbreakable love company. use words for a living, so I try to make sure shared a great moment. It is amazing connection. Joe first met Moira to be as positive as I can.” how it sent us down memory lane.

Moreno 40 years ago when Now, Facebook reminds you of things you she was partnered with one of the musidid a year ago in an anniversary, which is a cians in his band, but hadn’t seen her since The couple visited Venice two years ago nice feature.” then, until one faithful day, “I saw this lady after following a discussion on across from St Paul’s Church as I made which places they hadn’t visited He thinks my way out. She was wearing sunshades, Although Joe admits he is young and is yet, a perfect choice to spend time blue ray-bands as it were,” said Joe over six subjecting himself to a world in such a romantic city. Rome is strong in the also on their travel bucket list and years since that day. “Something intuitive belonging to people half his age, belief that inside of me said that it was Moira. We they will now grasp this reinvigorathe thinks young and is strong in both had access as senior citizens to the online dating ed spirit and hold on to it as long the belief that online dating can GASA swimming pool and met there by be helpful to seniors too. It can can be helpful as they can, “We hadn’t travelled coincidence soon afterwards. It was there open the doors for relationships to seniors too. much in our youth, so we are taking where we began to discuss chatting on advantage now that we have each to flourish and he is of the opinFacebook.” other to share it with. Moira means ion that this is exactly what he a lot to me. She is a wonderfully family-oriexperienced with Moira, “We were trying entated and loving individual. Everyone to bridge a 40 year gap. We should have It was pretty normal from then on for feels this way about her. The fact is that met in a more intimate way all those years them to watch TV and chat on Facebook she is very loved and this makes me feel ago. Our relationship now has developed simultaneously, discussing the programs as privileged to be close to her.” from having known each other decades their respective evenings wore away. One

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life words | Marcus Killick

TRAVELS & TROUBLES A Valentine to my parents

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into her new surroundings”. The next day t was, in hindsight, early in the journey that the person knew how to perform a a card from her friend arrived saying, with that my father discovered he had left feat of IT ingenuity she didn’t even know his hearing aid at home. In hindsight, it was possible. sadness that his wife had passed away. was also my fault. I should have noticed Quite what “new surroundings” he thought my mother was referring to when her card the absence of the high This was not my mother’s first arrived, having crossed in the post, can pitched whistling the device faux pas of the festive season.

My mother only be imagined. persistently emitted, to which At 84, she retains a belief in had earlier my father was oblivious, but Christmas cards as a medium of accidentally which gave everyone else the communication as well as greeting. Returning to the journey, after the obligaemailed a distinct impression they had tory hunt for my father’s walking stick, we Sometimes, her messages contain complete suddenly developed tinnitus. an entirely fictitious account of the departed for the first time. Our initial stop stranger to tell I swung the car around. was the newsagent to advise them that previous year, a kind of antidote her she was off to the self-congratulatory chain a newspaper delivery was not required for a few days. letters of others. In one case, she for the next four days, thereby informing Our trip to Liverpool for my both, the newsagent and any son’s graduation had already described a completely members of the Chiddingfold begun later than expected. My mother imaginary account of her trial At 84, she underworld present in the shop had earlier accidentally emailed a comfor shoplifting in response to a retains a belief in at the time that, not only was a plete stranger to tell her she was off for a letter detailing a friend’s safari Christmas cards few days. A brief but fraught exchange of trip to Africa with her offspring. house going to be unoccupied as a medium of for the rest of the week, but of emails followed, with the recipient enquircommunication as its actual address. ing who my mother was and my mother Last year, another friend well as greeting. believing the person she had intended to explained in his card that his correspond with, was joking. When the wife had been moved to a Fortunately, they had not yet individual eventually announced she was arrived with their crowbars to gain entry care home. Not sure how to comment on blocking my mother, my mother, whilst when we returned to recover the musical this in her card this year, my mother, after hurt at the slur, was secretly impressed hearing aid. much thought wrote “I hope X has settled 36

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life I had hired a car which I believed was large Having finished, we then played the surprised that we had not waved to her as enough to hold the luggage required for “getting my father in the car” game. For a we passed. She was even more surprised the trip, but also high enough for my father change, we tried the rear seats. This was when we, having reached the roundabout, to get into. My father is by no means tall worse. As the boot was full, it was the did not turn around as expected but but he is as flexible as a brick. Getting him front passenger door again. After several continued straight on. This became known into a car with a low roof attempts, my mother asked if I had in the family as “doing a Bognor”, meanMy father requires skill, patience and a plastic bag. Misunderstanding the ing the leaving of an elderly relative in a is by no means question I replied, “we can’t suffocate strange place whilst having a seemingly occasionally Vaseline for his head. I failed on both counts. him here, people will see!” Apparently, legitimate reason for doing so. The phrase tall but he is At least, if the thieves had ar- as flexible as a it was to put on his head to act as a is used quite a bit in our family. Next year, rived, I could have borrowed slide to make pushing him in easier, we’re planning on going rallying in the brick. the crowbar to lever him in. rather than over his head. I didn’t, but Sahara. got him in anyway.

The next elderly parent car game is which Indeed, physically going with my parents of them has not put on their seat belt, I have been taking my parents on short is not the only way we can share journeys. causing the car to launch into a fit of road trips for some time now. Few have A while back, I included my mother on health and safety beeping. The answer been uneventful. Last year, my father Apple’s “find my friends”. In her case, it was, as usual, both of them. Having wanted to see the seaside and my mother should have been named “stalk my son”. persuaded my mother that the back seats wanted fish and chips so we drove to She will email me to ask why I am not at did indeed have seat belts, the issue was Brighton and then embarked upon a tour work or enquire where I am going to, or resolved and the journey began. of a series of dreary southern to tell me where I am (generally, seaside resorts at each of I know). A couple of years ago, They had not someone, for reasons best known which my mother decided to From Chiddingfold, a leafy town in yet arrived with to themselves, decided to place purchase some seaside rock.

Surrey, to Liverpool, a less leafy city on their crowbars to a tracker on my car. As far as I This proved more difficult Merseyside is 240 miles. The satellite gain entry when can tell, all they found out was as the afternoon wore on. navigation system confidently predicted it the number of times I visited Finally arriving in Bognor would take four hours and nine minutes. we returned Morrisons. Eventually, a device Regis, she alighted from the The navigation system was a liar. to recover the car and entered a fish shop. musical hearing was found on the vehicle of one the other people similarly being Having turned the car around, The journey passed pleasantly enough, aid. bugged, the police informed I pulled up by the shop, the the three of us engaged in conversation, and the bugs quickly removed, rear door opened, after a brief sometimes with each other, although this presumably by the miscreant (mine may period it closed and my father and I set type of discussion normally ended in a have died of boredom and fallen off, who off back to Surrey. After a few minutes of minor row when my father believed my knows?). They really needn’t have bothconversation I noticed my mother was not mother had said something insulting to ered; one call to my mother would have engaged and enquired if she was sulking him. My mother said he had misheard and given them all the information they needed having failed to get any rock. No response. needed to turn his hearing aid up. My on my whereabouts, in real time.

I turned my head to find my mother was mother was a liar. not in the car.

My father, in an act of des“We can’t peration, felt in the rear seat wells in case So, this is my valentine to you, my parents.

My mother made my suffocate him she had slumped into them. Nothing.

For years you drove me around, never father turn his hearing aid here, people begrudging the time of day or the length up then talked more softly. will see!”

I made an impressive U-turn and we sped of journey (although the journey back from Snowdonia where they had to drive to back into Bognor. Eventually, we found There is no such thing as collect me after I injured myself mucking her, still stood outside the fish shop with a short stop with elderly parents, I have about whilst climbing was conducted in sia bemused and mildly irritated look on factored this in so removing stress. At the lence). I am delighted to return the favour, her face. Apparently, she had returned to services, my father had hot chocolate and whether by road or cyberspace. Hopefully, the car to retrieve her handbag then gone chips, my mother tea and a burger and I this is better than a card, though my mothback to the shop.

Coming back outside had a soft drink, pretending to myself there er will probably disagree. she saw my father and I drive by and was was a whisky in it. I knew I was lying.

On visiting the facilities, I noticed that the gents seemed to have a large number of adverts on how to cure erectile dysfunction. Whether this was an affliction that particularly affected visitors to that set of services, I don’t know. What I do know is that if there was one place in the world I didn’t want to suddenly find I had been cured of erectile dysfunction, it would be the gents’ lavatory in a service station on the M40. The thought of someone using the next door urinal to mine suddenly pointing at the advert in front of me before turning towards me and saying “see, it worked for me!” is not an image I wish to contemplate.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

My parents, Peggy and Tony enjoying winter in Gibraltar

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life words | Nicole Macedo

GROWING UP, COMING HOME and all the sad realisations in-between

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Perhaps London and its imposing majesThat’s the funny thing about coming my house didn’t look like a normal, slightly ty has ruined all the world’s smaller and home, it looks the same, smells the worn residential structure, as any other same, feels the same. You’ll may do, it just was distinctly lacking less accommodating places for me. I’ve realise what’s changed is any former grandiosity. There was a turned into the British pasty faced, apology Returning muttering version of the quintessential you.’ Brad Pitt’s Benjamin feeling of lost respect, like I’d been to a place New Yorker that truly believes you need Button hit the nail right on let down by a friend. Then, I discovof former not ever stray out of the confines of the the head when he gave us ered that this is just one of those sad familiarity and revelations of adulthood; returning to island of Manhattan. And well, why not? that poignant little insight. comfort very It’s a weird anomaly coming a place of former familiarity and com- London offers pretty much everything a rarely offers home after you’ve been away. fort very rarely offers you those same person could need, short of the welcoming warmth of the Mediterranean, and an The first time I experienced it fond impressions of your childhood. you those unobstructed view of the sea. Two things I was my first trip back to the Earlier last month, I spent three same fond do miss dearly. dazzling fishing town of Folkeweeks with my sister in impressions Perhaps stone, the South Eastern peak the town of my former of your of the UK that very almost life, pottering around the It has only been four months London and childhood. brushes against the helms seaside and dragging my since I left the Rock, and so this its imposing of Calais. Six years on from poor, unassuming toddler is by no means a monumental exmajesty has my departure, I stood forlornly outside of a nephew over the hills and perience. Most people have spent ruined all my progressively dilapidating first home, pastures of my bygone youth. almost as much time waiting on the world’s the rose tinted glasses of youth had been Why is everything so small their appointments at the Primary smaller and less Care Centre on any given day, but snatched from my face and I was seeing now? The high street, the canal accommodating I stumbled across a noteworthy the poor house for what it was, even after we used to rent boats on and places for me. my Dad had dedicated too many years row down for hours, the once glitch in my theory lamenting of his life to restoring and reviving the seemingly never-ending shingle returning home, the Rock did not Victorian terrace. That’s not to say that beach that joins two neighbouring towns. appear any smaller. It is literally huge and

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life

Back in Folkestone

Folkestone cliffs

sources, however, is fantastic, if I do say so never ceases to impress, stirring that sense The more time you spend away from of awe and pride that you know you all home, the more used to your new surmyself. This term I have pledged to myself roundings you get. I know that to get more involved in university related feel when you spy it out of the I stumbled seems quite blatantly obvious, corner of your aeroplane window activities, including my new role as senior but what I mean to express editor of our [smiths] magazine travel during the descent into Gib. The across a is that the things you are so section. The mag, entirely student pubRock will never lose its sense of noteworthy familiarity, because no matter accustomed to (that blissful lished is impressively professional and in glitch in warm weather and stretched out true Goldsmiths style, appropriately quirky how much time passes, it remains my theory hours of daylight) seem so much and eclectic and thought provoking. I’m somewhat the same. Whilst lamenting further away and less desirable back in the publishing game! This is a big infrastructure, governments and returning as you really settle in to a new deal to me. It took some months to realise seasons change, people and home, the Rock routine. Everything is put into how much I missed the whole magazine certain places certainly do not. did not appear perspective and your reasons process; from coining ideas and writing, to Whilst this posed an annoyance any smaller. for being here far outweigh the proof reading and having design concepts when I lived and worked there, desires to be back at home, in bounced off me, all the way to the smell I find myself now welcoming your old, prosaic regime. and feel of the final physical result. the stubborn and unchanging nature of Studying is Then, there’s working with other peoGibraltar. I do, however, find that new tiny minute annoyances have risen from the February has swept over really a solitary ple again, this could go a long way in helping me to integrate more with my depths of my psyche, having been spoilt by me with a staunch promise practice and fellow Goldsmiths hipsters. Studying is London living. Public transport is high on of real routine. Term two of strangely, really a solitary practice and strangely, the list, particularly the distinct lack of taxis my Foundation year comes I often find I often find myself going days without available throughout the night. If I had to with the return of my first myself going running into any of my flatmates in wait that long outside Ministry of Sound in real piece of work and the days without our rapidly dirtying kitchen. In all truth, Elephant and Castle at 2am, I would most revelation that I need to running into there are other times that I welcome certainly end up unwillingly in the boot of work on my academic writany of my an estranged Audi by the end of the night. the solitude of my delightful little room ing skills. Apparently, five flatmates... and the never-ending siren screeching years of penning news and of the outside world. features does not prepare you to formulate a response to why Shakespeare does anything. Whilst I am overall a very good writer (apparently), I need to work heavily on my essay structure and use of quotes. My integration of secondary

Flying with Henry, my nephew

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Christmas 2016 with my sister and nephew, Folkestone

With my sister in May 1994, opposite our home in Folkestone 39

life words | Richard Cartwright

BEHIND THE MIC Christine Clifton-Psaila

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the news on GBC TV whilst still at school tumbling aimlessly in the dark at the gency - and on another occasion I had to and dad, Raymond Clifton, was already unearthly hour of 5.30 am in search climb through a window to get into the working at GBC as an engineer, “Well, not of any number of station because of someone locking knowing what to do on my return, I applied alarm clocks buzzing the door from the inside. That’s “I had to for a job at GBC, probably subconsciously and ringing - supposedly what could happen being so early in climb through a the morning with no one around. It influenced by the fact my dad and sister strategically placed across window to get were there already.” Having worked for the bedroom - is now no was up early five days a week but I GBC myself, I remember that after a bit of more for Chris, even though enjoyed it tremendously.” We often into the station training, it was just a question of learning she loved her job… say a job like this is a vocation and because of someone locking it’s the love for the job that becomes on the job and we all took the plunge although we later attended radio producthat vocation. But it could well have That’s been the scenarthe door from been Covent Garden in London if tion courses at the BBC in London. “That’s io, Chris informs me, the inside.”

Chris had followed her other passion right, but the station at Wellington Front presenting those early was really basic with most, if not all of the – ballet! Attending the Drevyn Frost morning programmes for equipment we used hand made by Ballet School here, in Gibralover the past 20 years or so of her close She had my dad and Gordon Black who was tar, she seriously wanted to on 40 years as a broadcaster on GBC’s also an engineer. It was all pretty become a ballerina but it was to play radio Radio Gibraltar, joining the local station primitive, all we had was a small ‘live’ not to be and with a closed in September 1977... “It’s quite true you adverts or studio, another recording studio and border, she opted to fly off know as I’d awaken, I would often have commercials a record library which also served to the UK to pastures new, trouble trying to remember where I’d put individually on as a guest and rest room and where “I worked for two years in the two or three alarm clocks needed to reel to reel tape anyone there had to leave or be very an international company in make sure I got out of bed in time to get recorders... quiet because from that room, we up to Broadcasting House in South Barrack Mayfair in London but the rat also read the news!” race got the better of me and Road and go on air promptly at 7am. The decided to come back to Gib.” Sister Susan car wouldn’t start one morning and I got Clifton had already experienced reading a lift in an ambulance – not on an emerChris recalls how she had to play radio ad-

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life expert, Horace Dobbs, musician Jose Feliciano, any number of authors and so many other visitors from abroad. Locally, I must’ve interviewed all of our politicians – and had the odd spat with one or two of them - local artists and performers and so many other people who just have a hobby or an experience to tell you about making for an interesting interview to share with our listeners. I once interviewed a priest sitting on the Bishop’s bed and even when travelling to the UK on holiday, I’ve returned with an interview or two. One on the newly constructed, very tall Shard tower in London and the WW2 Cabinet War Rooms was another but the love for the job just makes you want to do it even on holiday or wherever you are.”

During her time at GBC, newly retired verts or commercials individually on reel to reel tape recorders which meant getting up Christine Clifton Psaila has spent the Christine at Broadcasting House in the early 80s better part of 20 years as a presenter/ from your ‘mic’ desk to change the tapes journalist on the early morning Focus every 30 seconds or so and at Christmas, AM and Breakfast programmes, as well can decide to do or not to do something it was a continuous task, “The studios at as presenting other daytime music based at any time but this really is a brand new Wellington Front and the time spent there ‘strip’ shows, probably not knowing how start for me. I may be getting withdrawal were special days. We’d have to switch many individuals she has actually symptoms soon having been this involved the transmitters on first thing interviewed during those four in broadcasting for so long. It’s time to in the morning and fiddle with “I must’ve decades! Working in a small, local relax and take it all in for a while. I was crackly receivers to find the interviewed radio and television station, ‘Jack completely overwhelmed by the send-off right frequencies for the BBC all of our of all Trades’ comes to mind and my colleagues gave me at GBC and equally World Service news and prepoliticians...” most radio presenters are asked overwhelmed by comments on the street pare your vinyl records - of your to present television programmes and social media. I find it very gratifying own choice then - interviews, and/or anchor the nightly news... “Yes, and am grateful. It is incredible how people set it all up and get ready to go on air. I I’ve dabbled in one or two proidentify with you and you don’t also recall the varied programmes we were grammes presenting short series realise it.” Chris tells me she’d like tasked with. It could be an hour’s worth of “The love and recorded news interviews to travel, husband Joe retired from Country music, Jazz, Big Bands, classical for the job but I never felt comfortable doing GBC seven years ago and has or some other programme that would television and decided not to do been patiently waiting so what just makes be played in the evenings whether or any more and stick to radio which you want to better month than February to go not you specialised in any of those types is what I like and feel much more of music or subjects. You just did it!” To do it even on on a trip to Venice, Paris or Rome! relaxed doing. TV is not for me.”

Chris says she would also like to contrast that, things are more specialised holiday...” do some charity work and maybe these days depending on the genre, it’s all write a bit. What about radio or 2017 has well and truly dawned computer driven and everything is digital and has she so far kept to those ‘New Year’ even TV work, on a part time basis? “Yes, except your voice, of course, giving you perhaps later on.” resolutions? “Those are not for me, you more time to prepare your programme.

Come the early 80s, Radio Gibraltar joined GBC Television at their new studios in South Barrack Road and has since seen quite a few changes and updates in equipment, studios and personnel and Chris’s retirement marked the end of the full time ‘old guard’ presenters from the bygone Wellington Front era... “That’s right I’m the last one, but most of my career has been spent up at Broadcasting House in South Barrack Road and I consider myself very privileged to have had this job on radio meeting the different personalities and others you interview and colleagues who have become friends at the station. You meet quite a variety of personalities and individuals in this job, especially working in a small community where you’re called upon to interview politicians from here and abroad, actors, musicians, singers, writers and all sorts. Personalities like actors John Mills and James Bond, Timothy Dalton – who gave me a hard time – dolphins’ GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Christine and Joe with their children, Jeremy and Gabriella

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life words | Mike Brufal

TRADE UNIONIST Manuel Cortes on international solidarity

M

anuel Cortes, 49, was re-elect- grandmother, who came from Galicia, had ed in December as General a big hand in his upbringing. The language Secretary of the Transport Salspoken at home was Spanish and when aried Staffs’ Asplaying with his friends they spoke sociation for a second five only in Spanish. The only time he was Many year term which started in forced to listen and speak in English school reports January 2017, winning 66% was at school where all the lessons indicated that of the vote. This is an indewere in English. Naturally, this posed Manuel was pendent union with 18,000 difficulties as lack of English was a a boy with members for the transport real weakness and the many school intelligence and travel industries. reports indicated that Manuel was a but somewhat boy with intelligence but somewhat handicapped... handicapped by his inability to comHe was born in Gibraltar mand the English lanon 2nd May 1967 and lived guage. A natural talent for on the Rock until he was 18. His father The upshot mathematics which did is Spanish from Almeria and married Lali was that he not require much English Acris, whose family had been in Gibraltar left school at was learnt at school. The for generations. The wedding eventual15 without a ly enabled him to change his green alien ID upshot was that he left single GCSE. school at 15 without a card for a red Gibraltarian one. His mothsingle GCSE. He contends er was a hairdresser and his father worked that the majority of children living on the as a driver. His younger siblings are Joseph Glacis estate spoke Spanish daily in preferand Natalia. The family lived in Reference to English. Up to this point he did not endum House on the Glacis estate and, see any necessity to learn English. as his parents had to work, his maternal 42

One of the few places a fifteen-yearold could get on without qualifications and when English was not his forte was the Gibraltar and Dockyard Technical College which catered for apprentices, full time students and technicians. Today, it is the Gibraltar College of Further Education.

He took and passed a City and Guilds course in Engineering. This course taught him maths, technical drawing, engineering and workshop technology. At the same time, he made a determined effort to learn English and took the GCSE in English but alas, failed.

On the back of the City and Guilds success, he applied for a London scholarship, was awarded it and went to the Erith College of Technology in South East London where he obtained a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering. This course needed some English but the majority of the classes were confined to engineering. A fixed amount of subjects had to be passed at level 3 and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

life this was achieved in engineering subjects.

His English paper was a level 2.

ing local students financial compensation to cover this loss.

He swiftly

As a result of this diploma he realised that As soon as he moved to the United was able to secure a place at he needed to Kingdom, he joined the Labour Party and became an activist. A Trade Heriot-Watt University where speak fluent he took a four-year course for a Union, the Manufacturing, Science English...

Bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Finance (MSF) now part of Unite, Engineering. He swiftly realised was joined and he became closely that he needed to speak fluent English and involved in student politics. found a good teacher who advised him to spend two or three hours each day reading On arrival at Erith College of the quality press, in particular the Financial Technology, he became active in the Times. The teacher advised him to read the Students’ Union and found that it was a paper alongside a dictionary and he would struggle to get elected to the executive find his vocabulary expanding by the week. committee because of his poor English.

As his English improved, he managed to This made it difficult to speak fluently in catch up on the academic side which had public which is essential to obtain votes. been neglected over the years on account However, despite this of his lack of English. handicap, he was elected.

He had He had become involved in Gibraltar politics at an early age and was a founder member of the youth section of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party alongside Michael Feetham’s two sons Danny and Nigel, eventually being elected Chair. He was also an influential member of the Gibraltar Students’ Union. In later years, when the Conservative Government removed the housing benefits from students, he started a campaign on the Rock which resulted in the Gibraltar Government giv-

Manuel said; “At university, I found how many students, through no fault of their own, held such a narrow view of society and no idea of the poverty that existed just a few minutes away. I decided to do something about this and one of the actions that I am most proud of when I was a sabbatical officer was to organise an alternative tour of Edinburgh that took students to some of the local housing estates”.

He was also elected to the executive of the National Union of Students Scotland which is an autonomous body within the National Union of Students representing some 500,000 students studying in further and higher education in Scotland. It is run by full-time sabbaticals.

During his first couple of years at Heriot-Watt, he returned to Gibraltar become for a long vacation as he could get a Then, at Heriot-Watt involved in well-paid job in the dockyard as an University, he was elected to Gibraltar electrician. One year, he worked on Gun be a sabbatical officer politics at an Wharf which specialised in servicing having already served in the early age... yachts and super yachts. During one of Students’ Union Executive. the years, he ended up on strike as the This is a full-time paid officer Union was in dispute with Appledore Ltd. who is responsible for a specific task For the last three years, he stayed in Scotsuch as welfare which is allocated by the land dealing with an enormous amount of committee. This means putting the degree Student Union work. course on hold for the year. This in turn meant that it took five years before he was awarded his Bachelors’ degree.

By the time Manuel finished his degree a

Manuel addresses delegates at TUC Congress in Brighton

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life the demonstrators wanted to clear the decision had been taken that a career in clandestinely began to recruit members for engineering was not for him and his love streets and make them safe for everybody. a union which lasted for about 18 months for politics and trade unions had Eventually, the demonstrators before a whistle-blower reported him to overtaken any other career opwon and the Nazis retreated. management. This was the end as the “I found how tions. He found that his life had Upon his return to the universimanagement tried in every way possible many students ty, he was awarded his Master’s been taken over by the broad to persuade him to leave the company and held such a Labour movement which is the degree. The studying in Germany eventually gave him his P45. He took them narrow view combination of the Labour Powas funded by the Erasmus Euroto the Tribunal for unfair dismissal, won the litical Party and the Trade Union pean Union project. case and was given a good financial settleof society and movement: one cannot function ment. Manuel decided to spend the money no idea of the without the other. on travelling round Eastern Europe and A job had then to be found and poverty that on a master’s degree in economics. As he he decided to stay in Scotland. existed just a had no background in economics, he went In order to stay active on the Whilst still wanting to work few minutes for an interview where he had to convince National Union of Students and in a union, he decided that he away.” the tutor that his knowledge of contemremain at university, he needed had better apply for jobs in porary issues was sufficient for him to take to find another course. He engineering until a suitable union the course. He was told that he had six applied for the master’s course in Optical job came up. An interview with BT was months to gain an appropriate certificate passed and, whilst he waited for the follow Electronics in Strathclyde University which to be allowed to enter the master’s stream. he did well. This was for a calendar year of up, a temporary position on a short-term contract for a year came up at the Banking, The tutor said that it was most unusual for which eight months was at the university any student to travel down this route to Insurance and Finance Union. He turned and four months in Germany on a practhe Master’s in Economics. He down the potential BT position. tical project. This was an exciting time to passed the course and now had a be in Germany as it was shortly after the His love for double Master’s degree. re-unification. Surprisingly, there was a rise At the end of the year, he was politics and in fascism in Easter Germany and Manuel determined to work for the trade unions became involved in anti-fascism activity.

Amnesty International offered Labour movement but accepted had overtaken This led him to travel from the south of him a job as a fundraiser in a position as an electronic any other career Scotland. This lasted for 18 Western Germany to take part in the engineer with Motorola, the options. biggest ever anti-fascist demonstration in months. He joined the TSSA American multinational which Rostock which is in the northern state of union in March 1998. The union had opened a plant in BathMecklenburg – West Pomerania. It was as was going through a difficult transition gate. Motorola had little time for unions if the Nazis had taken over all the streets, as the railways had just been privatised, but Manuel was a union member so he Manuel is interviewed outside Kings Cross station to explain TSSA London Underground members’ industrial action

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life was invited to say a few words. He also tried to place an emergency motion about Gibraltar at the Congress but alas, it was ruled out as it was not deemed to be an emergency.

TSSA is totally against Brexit and his contention is that although the majority voted to leave the EU in the referendum, he questions whether the majority really appreciate what Brexit means. It is one thing to say you want to be out of the European Union and other to know what the consequences will be. Views might be changed when it is discovered what it means in reality.

Manuel always tries to get down for the International Workers’ Day (May Day) and is usually invited to speak from the platform. It was impossible to be there for the 2016 rally but he intends to be there this year.

Manuel at Labour Party Conference

Manuel ended the interview with these words; “I am a Socialist and a believer membership was declining. His job was in in television programmes such as Andrew that ordinary people have a lot in comrecruitment which is all about people.

Neil’s Daily Politics on BBC Two. mon irrespective of nationality; Manuel is an advocate of people in the they have more in common than workplace taking control and of leaderThe rules of the election He questions anything that divides them. When ship in the workplace with union officials allow Manuel to publish a whether the I spoke at a May Day rally on the supporting the members. His philosophy two-hundred-word manifesto majority really Rock, it coincided with the collapse was that the union should be member and he was able to include appreciate of the factory in India. I said from led with the paid officials being there to these commendations from the platform that I have more in what Brexit support the members and not to impose the Chief Minister and a forcommon with Spanish workers, with themselves on them but to offer guidance, means. mer Chief Minister who was Indian workers, with British workers, advice and support. also his long-standing mentor. with German workers than with any boss. My politics are rooted in the idea of Manuel was promoted to organiser, Fabian Picardo wrote; ‘Manuel learnt his then senior organiser followed by a brief socialism in Gibraltar and he is a rock when international solidarity. We need to recreate the kind of trade unionism that sees period as a negotiations officer. In the it comes to standing up for the rights of them being an integral part of the commuelection for General Secretary, the victor’s his members. As a friend and now leader nities in which we live”. mandate was to transform the union into of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party and an organised union and one result was for Chief Minister of Gibraltar, I am proud to Manuel to be appointed Assistant General see what he has achieved and how his Secretary. In November 2011, principles remain rooted to deliver “I am proud he was elected the 21st General results for the working people who Manuel addresses activists at a TUC fringe event Secretary and in November to see what he rely on his leadership’.

2016, he was re-elected for has achieved another five year term.

Joe Bossano wrote: ‘I have known and how his Manuel since he was a boy and principles When he took over in 2011, the remain rooted have seen him brought up as a Sounion was verging on bankruptcialist. He comes from a family or to deliver cy with a deficit of £ 2.7 million working people and he cares about results for and was in the process of the working people he represents the working seeking a merger. Fortunately, as if they were family’. people...” the union was not able to find a partner for a suitable merger.

Manuel is a firm believer that if The most expensive financial outlay was you do not live in Gibraltar then it is wrong on staff and so he had to reduce the head- to offer advice from afar, it is up to the count by a third from 68 to 46 members of people who live there to make their own staff. The union is now heading for the first decisions. This year, because of Brexit, financial surplus in a decade and there are he was invited to attend a forum at the no further merger plans.

2016 Trades Union Congress to help make the case for Gibraltar. The Chief Today, the Union enjoys a high media Minister spoke about the difficulties that profile for a small union and Manuel writes Gibraltar would face as a result of a hard many articles and is invited to take part Brexit. It was an open forum and Manuel GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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environment words | Lewis Stagnetto

MARINE NUISANCES Macro algae and factors that induce growth

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than 5oC from summer to winter. Water is he marine environment hosts a specific structures like roots, stems and huge variety of algal species most leaves, all of which are visibly absent from also not an issue as seaweed grows in it. of which are too small to see with seaweeds. You could argue that kelp is the By contrast, light attenuation in the oceans the human eye. They are there, algae that most resembles modern teris highly variable according to the seasons however, in greater numbers restrial plants but to claim that kelp and this can have a crucial impact on than we can imagine and has leaves, is to misunderstand the suitable habitats for algal growth. GenOur beach modern satellites have been subtle ties of algal growth. erally speaking, the more light the better, activities a key component in lifting the until algal cells reach their light saturation bring us into lid on their secretive world. point. Once reached, extra light will not aid One key difference is that seaweed contact with Our beach activities bring us absorbs nutrients from the surround- growth. Green algae have the highest light both the micro ing water. Terrestrial plants can only into contact with both the saturation point followed by brown algae and macro micro and macro algae but and finally, red algae. do this at their roots and leaves, algae... we only ever notice the larger whilst algae absorb them from all types. Macro algae is comparts. The cells that make up algae Like terrestrial plants, algae require nutrimonly referred to as seaweed and some are unspecialised, jacks of all ents which they take directly from the large volumes of it brought a poignant trades, whilst masters of none. surrounding water and here we have Seaweed issue to the surface, excuse the pun, over But this difference is important another key factor which determines absorbs the course of last summer. to facilitating seaweed to grow growth. Eutrophication is a term used nutrients at unprecedented rates providto describe high levels of these nutrifrom the But what exactly is seaweed? In terrestriing that all conditions are right. ents in water bodies; it is more comsurrounding monly referred to as water pollution. al terms, we can simply call them plants water. because they photosynthesise and are The level of eutrophication is the main So, what are these conditions? autotrophic (they get their energy from the Temperature variability in the factor in determining an algal bloom sun). However, the difference is greater size, with higher levels promoting faster ocean is much more stable than on land growth. The main nutrients for growth are than the similarity. Terrestrial plants have and in the Mediterranean, this varies less

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environment Nitrogen and Phosphates and common sources for these are from agricultural runoff and untreated sewage.

Along with nutrient inputs, water circulation is an important component of nutrient concentration. Generally, dilution is the secret to pollution but in a water body which has a long residence time even a small trickle of nutrient input can have a large eutrophic effect.

Healthy system

Eutrophic system

How do these factors play out along Gibraltar’s coastline? In one particular area, we have seen many of the factors combine to create a real issue; Western Beach and forkweed (Dictyota dichotoma).

Forkweed is ubiquitous on Western every continent globally, beach is including Antarctica but the ina shallow creases in Western beach have beach. The storm drain is a relativeraised community concerns basin which ly recent occurrence for the basin. recently. The huge concenfacilitates trations of this algae required good levels of Even once it was built, the forkweed hasn’t moved in straight away, but serious intervention this light for most rather, increased its range followsummer. What does the future of the year. ing the nutrient source until it has hold for this beach? Looking eventually arrived at Western beach. at the variables paints a bleak Once there, the forkweed has found ideal picture, for me at least. Western beach conditions to multiply and so it has, on the is a shallow basin which facilitates good scale we saw last summer. Further, unlike levels of light for most of the year. The the jellyfish issue, it is likely to continue exceptions to this might be in April and happening each summer.

September when phytoplankton blooms raise turbidity. Nutrient levels at the beach Solutions to this are of course complex. On are high due to the storm drain that inputs paper, the quick fix is to close the storm directly into the basin. Further, anecdotal drain or to divert it to another location. evidence suggests that the residence time But the storm drain is a Spanish one and for water in Western beach is high, making getting it blocked involves timely and the conditions eutrophic more often than expensive legal challenges not. Essentially, the key components for which have no guarantees growth are there and they are unlikely to Where of success. go away. algae go, I often get asked “Why now?” and it’s a hard question to answer as all the data is not available. What is clear is that in biology, just because a habitat has the right conditions for an organism doesn’t guarantee that one will find it there. When habitats change, there can be a lag time before they move in. Once introduced though, the story changes and it is likely that this is what has happened at Western

Increasing the water flow to the basin is practically impossible due to the

herbivores tend to follow.

Eutrophication process

fact that the runway is on one side and the Spanish mole on the other. Any flow solution would therefore demand both international co-operation, some kind of works on the runway and a vast expense.

Flow would help by decreasing the nutrient concentration and limiting the growth of the forkweed.

What is clear, is that the algae are not going to go away unless something drastic changes. As with all biological systems, my hope rests on nature redressing the imbalance we have created. Where algae go, herbivores tend to follow. These grazers should quickly multiply and control the levels of forkweed in the area. Urgent studies are required to identify the ecological status of the main grazers of forkweed in Gibraltar waters. We need to understand the impact these grazers are presently having on the mass of forkweed and how we might aid their numbers to bring this smelly matter to a close.

Western Beach seaweed removal

Forkweed

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art

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art

scene

words | Elena Scialtiel

HEART OF STONE Christine Borge’s roses

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has since enthusiastically followed, protepping out artistically for the first An intuitive artist, versatile water-colourist moting the philosophy locally with worktime with her artwork exhibited and an active motivational heal-your-life at the Fine Arts Affordable Show workshops leader, Christine hasn’t indeed shops and study courses and through the over the holiday period, spared efforts to expand her website www.healyourlifeworkshops.com. graphic designer by trade, painter repertoire by attending several Loving by inspiration and spiritual healer courses, seminars and conferThe ‘gratitude stone’, a nugget prettily yourself by life mission, Christine Borge is ences on how to ameliorate her decorated with flowers or hearts is a before others already popular in Gibraltar for her and being able penmanship and the therapeutic tangible token of how her two intellectual ‘gratitude stones’, a novel way to power of embracing oneself interests can merge into spiritual growth. to live with help you concretise your appreciaholistically: just to mention the It takes time to accurately paint a different yourself is one most significant ones for either tion of life by clutching a cheerminiature on each of them, and Christine of the most fully hand-decorated pebble while aspect of her self-mending jourwishes you’d take some time off every day difficult skills counting your blessings every day. ney, she attended James Foot’s to meditate on your life accomplishments to master. watercolour painting holiday in without passing judgement on what is perthe Greek resort ceived as good or bad, but juxtaposLoving yourself before others and of Kyparissi, where ing every occurrence fairly, acceptingbeing able to live with yourself is one of “Your first she produced punctilious ly and poignantly as one equal step in the most difficult skills to master. “Your thought in your personal staircase to happiness. first thought in the morning is what defines work in the maestro’s famous the morning is style, and travelled to Maui, the rest of your day,” she says. “I wake up what defines And she speaks from experience, beHawaii, to attend a weekend and I am grateful for another day, where the rest of seminar by Dr Wayne Dyer, I can be all I wish to be, although life gets cause has faced her share of tragedy your day.” plus several ‘I Can Do It’ in the way with duties like working and in her life, with multiple loss of loved conferences by worldwide spending precious time with my toddler ones a few years from each other, motivational and spiritual leaders including granddaughter, but I dedicate my spare followed by her own life-threatening illLouise L. Hay, whose affirmations Christine ness, but she has always climbed the extra time to painting and learning from life.”

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art

Greek

after James Foot

orange of the surfers’ icon Volkswagen step and risen above it towards a brand But Christine isn’t only about roses, as she paints many other subject matters that Microbus, that unfortunately isn’t featured new day, with a sparkle in her eyes when in her painting. take her fancy, with flowers still she speaks about her artwork, especially her roses, which she playing a big part in her portfolio, The considers her trademark and She is also proficient at life drawing: “I at‘gratitude stone’, whether figurative or surrealist, the visualisation on canvas of which she confesses a penchant tended a workshop at Face Frames Gallery a nugget prettily for. There are serene landscapes, many a mood. in Town Range” and we had an old-fashion decorated with like the one of the Rock of session in which we had to measure the flowers or hearts Gibraltar from Getares Beach, a model from distance with a piece of string She explains: “I instinctively is a tangible sunny view with a tropical twist and accurately retrace proportions on padoodled a bouquet of roses token... due to the slender per or canvas. Very precisely, standusing some leftover paint when palm trees in the ing firmly in our spot, just rotating I learnt about one of my dear“I instinctively foreground, elaborated our torso slightly from the model est friend’s passing from cancer, and again doodled a from a photograph she took to the picture and back. It was hard when my daughter gave me the news she bouquet of roses work but rewarding artistically and I in which the blues of sky was going to be a mum, I felt compelled to and sea and the saturated using some draw a bunch of roses in watercolours that also got my picture framed courtesy greens of the vegetation are leave blanks on the paper as if they were leftover paint...” of the gallery’s owner Sebastian counter-balanced by the jolly stencilled, and I titled it ‘Annunciation’.”

Rodriguez.”

Gib from Getares

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Charcoal

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art

Annunciation

Roses

This is a charming piece in charcoal on ber of local fine artists. This being more tales. “Often I paint from my heart and paper, in which the model is outlined with academic and mannerist in nature than my mind’s eye, fixing on paper what only I grace and expertise in the pose of a classic the dramatic instinctive nude she aced can see,” she explains how her best floral Greek statue, whose soft perfection is string-drawing class with, there is no doubt pictures are born. entirely entrusted to sapient Christine managed to fully capture chiaroscuro highlighting volthe Hollywood icon’s poise in a Surely, her artwork doesn’t scream for your Portraiture umes suggested rather than monochrome rendition that tiptoes outraged attention from any art gallery’s is another of represented by allowing the in the pages of David’s project to wall, first of all because of its dainty size Christine’s paper’s stark blankness pop harmonise words and and secondly because there are fortes, especially pictures together. through the strokes. no clashing in-your-face colours “Often I paint children’s... or arrogant shapes in it, but her from my heart Furthermore, her delicate Portraiture is another of elegant understated style is all it and my mind’s pencil portrait of actress Audrey Hepburn Christine’s fortes, especially takes to mend and pacify her soul eye, fixing on in the aura of the rising sun is featured in children’s, in which she likes while she produces it and yours paper what only when you contemplate it.

David Bentata’s poetry anthology ‘Head, to add what she describes as I can see,” Heart & Soul’ which collects one hundred ‘surreal’ effects as if they were and one compositions illustrated by a num- illustrations for a book of fairy Mandala

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Christine Borge

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art words | Elena Scialtiel

MOSTLY ABSTRACT Don a coat of many colours

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Gallery. ‘Select All’ may refer to the hard ne of the biggest revelations of College of Art, and BA Hons from the the last Affordable Art Show, Birmingham University of Central England, time the onlooker will have in picking their Yorkshire-born both attended as a ‘mature student’ favourite out of what is on display, while Donald Porteous self-styled as ‘coming from a working ‘Painting Class’ remands to his enriching ‘Select All’ experience as a tutor and promoter of new breathed welcome winds of may refer to class background’ with a flair for beginnings with those turning their lives change over the local artistic drawing and painting. the hard time community with a collection around, and finally, ‘Modified Again’ alludes the onlooker of small yet noticeable to Don’s ability to effectively reinvent Shortly after leaving college, Don will have in showstopper paintings bound himself and his art with every new project held a number of solo and collective picking their exhibitions in England he enterprises. to seriously intensify Gibraltar’s favourite...

‘Modified timid flirting with abstract art. and his professional career went on as a fine However, Don explains how ‘Painting Again’ Fittingly, Don hails from wind-swept Tarifa, art and life drawing lecturer at explored the Class’ really was an exhibition of whose light, colours and natural shapes Hull College of Art and Design possibilities of new work where an exploration of inspire most of his artwork, but he doesn’t after a stint in the difficult but changing the colour, texture and composition helped develop imagination and stop at abstract: he can indeed present a rewarding role of A-level art subject of the experimentation, while ‘Modified varied collection of floral-themed pictures teacher at the high security artwork into and dramatic charcoal life drawings to prison of Full Sutton in York.

Again’ explored the possibilities of an entirely those detractors who may quickly dismiss changing the subject of the artwork different into an entirely different vision, his abstracts as compensation for any Interesting are the titles of his vision... deconstructing a familiar object into alleged lack of technical expertise. major solo exhibitions: ‘Select completely abstract form. Finally, All’ at London Wharf Gallery, ‘Select All’ was merely an exhibition of In fact, he is an MA Fine Art graduate ‘Painting Class’ at Lethaby Gallery and previous works by his MA students. of the prestigious Central St. Martin’s ‘Modified Again’ in Manchester’s Blankly

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art At his debut in a Gibraltar art gallery (“I have been a member of Fine Arts Association for a while, and I thought this is a good opportunity to showcase my latest paintings”) Don entered mostly palette-knife abstracts in which vibrant colours pop out from the dark background in true Mitteleuropa ‘black theatre’ style, with energetic curves and flattened dollops suggesting the fairytale landscape that dreams are made of, as if it was the setting for contemporary pantomimes, but elsewhere, he shows how he is fluent in the language of still nature, with closeups of exotic flowers painted with hues stolen from tropical sunsets, or in the geometric work he labels ‘mandala’, with his hypnotizing neoncolour concentric Don rings that give the entered mostly illusion of lively palette-knife rotating on the abstracts in canvas.

He describes himself mostly as an abstract painter, dabbling in ‘semi-abstraction’, but

which vibrant colours pop out from the dark background...

Sazonami↓ ↑ Andalusian Dawn

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art with a penchant for figurative, particularly the human figure in its entirety or fine portraiture. He says: “I work in oil and love the colour and richness in creating thick glutinous paint. My figurative drawings are usually created in charcoal.”

He pinpoints his influences in the sixdecade long parabola of German master Gerhard Richter, whose abstract paintings Don echoes albeit in a less geometric manner, and whose figurative he draws inspiration from, still safeguarding the tradition of dramatic chiaroscuro and the precision of anatomic outline. Don also mentions British painter and printmaker Howard Hodgkin for his poetics of producing artwork based on emotion and memory, while German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer gives Don an afflatus for larger projects thanks to He describes his ‘massive semihimself mostly abstract emotive as an abstract paintings’.

painter, dabbling in ‘semiabstraction’...

Hibiskus

Autumn Rainbow

“I work in oil and love the colour and richness in creating thick glutinous paint.”

“My work is based on landscapes, memories, emotions and colours,” Don says. “The paintings’ ground and subject matters with its symbolism and juxtaposition suggest a movement from representation to an abstracted form of material and process.” On the other hand, when dedicating himself to life drawing, he concentrates on “a stricter guideline of working, observing, measuring and correcting proportions.”

He expatriated to Andalusia twelve years ago to open a gallery in Gaucín, the artistic hub for Northern Europeans that enjoys ‘fantastic views of Gibraltar’. This affects some of Don’s recent work, not in a representative way, he says, but more in an emotional manner with its everchanging atmospheres and light. Weather permitting, he tries to paint outdoors in the daytime, listening to loud music that he claims helps him focus.

The move to Tarifa meant an intense change of natural scenery, from the lush greens of countryside to the transparent blues of infinite seas and skies, which best 54

“My work is based on landscapes, memories, emotions and colours.”

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art Life Drawing Lisa II

Love Lies Bleeding

create their own idea of deconstructing a landscape. The works are also steeped in history of art especially Abstract Expressionism and about painting as a tradition itself. Ultimately, those works are about control and chaos.”

reflect in his new He tries work, where the brushstrokes, laden to paint with oil paint, follow outdoors in the undulated swelling the daytime, of the tide captured listening to with surfer’s eye loud music precision, although that he Don shuns from the claims helps iconic kitesurfing him focus. practised on that beach. “I love walking on the beach and in the nature. The whimsical weather conditions and colours have a big influence on my works.”

“The whimsical weather conditions and colours have a big influence on my works.”

Don at the gallery

The artwork submitted to the Christmas show, was, as rules dictated, small and affordable, but Don paints larger and more textured paintings on different grounds and surfaces. “I want the viewer to become immersed in the paintings and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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literature words | Mark Viales

#DEXA-TE DE MERDAS Reliving romance after failed love

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ow often is it that hours of trivial old school friend, Marlene Romão) was networks can have in the way we relate. conversations over a bottle of launched last month at the Sociedade Rec- We talk about everything, from the intensiwine with friends on the ‘emoreativa Progresso Olhanense in her home ty and magic of one’s first love to the tional baggage’ we all carry can town of Olhão in the Algarve, Portugal. fears of failing to achieve a ‘happily ever push you to write a book about it all?

The book, that took merely a year to write, after’ relationship. This book has stories The fears surrounding failed love and the looks at the tail end of relationships and filled with the emotions we have all felt or uncertainty of getting up off your feet and the challenges faced by people who are can relate to at one time or another. The riding the relationship rollonce again in the market for love. second part of the book is composed of er-coaster all over again can fill narratives of someone who has overcome “Writing you with insecurity. A concocthe guilt and fears of the past and fell in a book has What gave you the idea for this book? tion of fiery and intense feellove again. I think this book can reflect as always been ings can also become fleeting a bit of a story in all of us. Even if you do Writing a book has always been a a childhood and empty in the blink of an not find yourself in all the pages, there is at childhood dream of mine. Coincidendream of eye. Where is love nowadays? least one that will make you think: “Oh! I’ve tally, it was Marlene’s dream as well. mine.”

Why are we afraid to try again? lived this.”

I believe that everyone who crosses your path does so for a reason, so Carla Sequeira, a mother of two, moved maybe achieving our dream was What is the ultimate message? to Gibraltar almost a decade ago and now the reason we crossed each other’s “It is about lives happily with her new partner and lives. This project was born and That love is much more than life, feelings, two children, Mariana, 6, and Gustavo, grew up through our friendship. the degradation the futility in which it seems 10, but it was not always peachy for her. to have transformed to today. of relationships She found herself in a situation where she We must learn from our What is the book about? nowadays...” needed to overcome emotional barriexperiences and make new ers when she and her ex-partner ended mistakes, never the same It is about life, feelings, the degraa nine-year relationship. Carla’s book, ones. And if we fail again, at least we know dation of relationships nowadays and the ‘#Dexa-te de Merdas’, (co-authored by her that love hurts but does not kill. In life, as negative impact interaction through social

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literature in a game, we can always re-insert the coin and play again. Then... life goes on and it is always better with love.

Marlene Romão and Carla Sequeira at the book launch

What challenges did you face while writing?

It wasn’t difficult… We wrote about the truth, what we believe, our experiences and the way we see other people’s experiences. It can’t go wrong when you are writing in what you truly believe in and there was always a lot of respect and understanding between Marlene and I. How much does the content reflect your personal life?

“Love is much more than the futility in which it seems to have transformed to today.”

How much? Everything! This book may not be considered a self-help book, but for us, the authors, it was the self-help we needed to sort out the past, understand the present, and realise what really made us happy. There are many reflections about our lives and many others about the lives which have crossed ours. We can almost say that it is poetry written in prose.

Could you give me some interesting anecdotes from the book?

Almost all anecdotes have to do with the page we created on Facebook as a starting point for writing the book. More or less like a vehicle to see the acceptance of our ideas. We have almost 16,000 followers...

Many people sent us messages, telling us their experiences, asking for advice. It was almost as if we were their counsellors. It was strange for us because we just wrote what we felt and we had something in common with these people as we had also failed in our “happily ever after” stories.

Tell me about the co-writer, your history together, why you decided to collaborate?

We have known each other since forever, we were neighbours since the age of five and colleagues in secondary school, however, it was not until two years ago that we became friends. We were Facebook buddies and we both noticed that our posts, ideologies and beliefs were very similar, not to mention the books we read.

We started chatting on Facebook and ended up meeting for dinner with another colleague from school who encouraged us to write together. So, I went to Portugal for a weekend and we met. That night was amazing and a bit surreal. We felt confidence in opening up to one another about our pasts, our fears and hopes for the future. We bonded very quickly and saw that, ultimately, our generation all had the same issues and fears. We came to the realisation that love was an ageless subject which meant that these issues weren’t exclusive to our generation but to all generations, both past and those to come.

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Do you circle around feminist issues?

No… not at all. Even though the book was written by two women, it is not feminist at all. On the contrary, we talk about feelings and what we all really want and need to be happy. There is a chapter called ‘We all want the same’ where we emphasise that we are all different but in the end we all want the same… A company, an understanding, shared happiness, no one needs a jealous maniac who only adds stress to our lives. No one needs a relationship that drags for years and years but you can’t even remember the last time you had something in common with that person.

How did you manage to get the book published?

my friends from Gibraltar. They came to support me which was fantastic due to the fact that they took a trip of almost four hundred kilometres to go to a book launch in a language that they wouldn’t understand... This is true friendship and I run out of superlatives to express my gratitude to them. It was a day of many emotions and nerves, but full of love and pride. After the main event, we signed books and people wanted to take pictures with us, which was weird, cool, but weird. In short, I can say that it was a day full of love. It is not often that one can say: Today, my dream came true!

“No one needs a jealous maniac who only adds stress to our lives.”

Well, when we considered that we had enough texts to finalise the book, we did a few searches online to identify publishers that would be suitable for this kind of book. We chose seven and sent an introductory email explaining what the book was about and the project itself, including the link of our Facebook page ‘@deixatedemrdas2015’ where they could read our texts. Out of the seven, three publishers came back to us requesting the draft of the book. We sent it to two of them as we did not want the draft to be in too many hands, it was risky as we could have had a ‘no’ and then the door would be closed. Luckily, one of the two came back in a matter of days, Chiado editora, which is represented in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, UK and Spain. And that was it… from there onwards it was a matter of negotiating the clauses of the contract and starting the bureaucratic nightmare, but the effort was compensated.

Will you have it translated into English?

As per contract, if the book sells 3,000 copies it will be translated into English and Spanish. But that is a long step, so for now we are leaving this as it comes, but I must say that the support here in Gibraltar is amazing. I sold over 30 books to people who will not be able to read it, but still bought it to support me. I am certainly feeling the love in the Rock that I call home.

Do you have Gibraltar as a potential market?

Yes, off course, if we ever achieve the 3,000 copies requested for the translation to happen, I would be very proud to have “#Deixa-te de Merdas” circulating in Gibraltar. Not only because I live here and the people who surround me are curious to read it, but also because the theme applies to the reality of Gibraltar too.

What reaction have you received in Portugal?

It was fantastic. We had an influx of over a hundred people, including five of

Carlita signs books for fans 57

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www.ariamedicalgroup.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

fashion

DATE NIGHT

leisure

words | Julia Coelho

How to find the perfect balance

V

experience some form of wardrobe panic alentine’s Day is right around the than finding unique statement pieces that corner, and whether you’re rathare sure to jazz up any plain old look. I truwhen the “dress to impress” pressure is er looking forward to ly believe that this is the key when on. The key is to wear something that truly There’s a romantic dinner with attempting to strike that difficult makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Here are a few ideas: your significant other, or you balance; rather than adhering to a nothing think the holiday is a whole lot of dress code “rule”, build your look (no quite like commercial nonsense, you never matter how simple) around a colouran exciting Black and white need a reason for a fun date outfit to get ful or unique piece that is sure to Without a doubt, black and white are the night, be it with your other half, have some heads turning. motivated most versatile neutrals in your wardrobe, or even your group of friends. for a brief but by no means does this imply that they If I have one rule for myself, it’s that are boring or safe options. appearance I always try and dress as authenAs tempting as it can be to wrap into the yourself up in a blanket and go tically as possible, even if I feel White has the amazing ability to be the outdoors. into full hibernation mode when out of my comfort zone or slightly star of the show or also be the it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing pressured to impress. perfect counterpart to a statement quite like an exciting outfit to get motivatBy this, I mean, find a way to The perfect piece, while not detracting from it. ed for a brief appearance into the outbe true to yourself, first and It’s also the perfect colour to make balance doors. Personally, I tend to struggle with foremost, and then make small that seamless transition from winter between the to spring, although it must be said, the smart/casual dress code that a dinner adaptations here and there, two is often white is every season’s best friend. date usually demands. I know how to do that you feel deem the entire tricky to get dressy, and I definitely know how to do look appropriate for the occaright.

Just like white, black allows you to casual, but the perfect balance between sion, as well as the location. look painlessly put together and the two is often tricky to get right. With stylish without having to make all that regards to my personal style, I like to keep There is no need to panic or feel anxious much effort, however, black trumps white things fairly simple, but I love nothing more about what to wear for a date night. We all every time with its slimming capabilities! If GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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fashion you’re feeling unsure of yourself, or slightly self-conscious, go for black, but maybe opt for some awesome embellishments such as lace, mesh, or a high elegant neckline.

Cool contrast Balancing a feminine aesthetic with a tougher masculine look is one of my favourite things to do. If I decided to wear a slinky pleather mini skirt for a date night, anyone’s natural inclination would be to go for a pair of feminine pumps or heels, but why not shake it up a little bit with something more unexpected like a pair of chunky brogues or patent trainers?

Lipsy Lace Top

Equally, accessorising is a fantastic way to create that cool juxtaposition between styles. You could wear something as simple as some ripped black skinnies and a boxy striped t-shirt, and instantly make the entire look fabulous with a nude pair of heels, sparkly choker and bejewelled ear cuff.

Asos £22

Lipsy Sheer Lace Shirt Asos £39

Moss Copenhagen High Neck Mohair Jumper

Always try and dress as authentically as possible...

Asos £48

Dune Elli Brogue Trainers Asos £80

Denim Low Rise Pelmet Skirt in Freesia Mid Stonewash with Raw Hem Asos £25

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fashion A different dress

Breathtaking in bohemian

For a dressier date night, why not opt for a stunning (but not too dressy) dress with a super flattering silhouette and neckline?

I’ve come to learn and know what suits me best; strapless styles just don’t do it for me, but high-necks and halter-necks are what I personally find most complementary to my figure. Try not to be predictable with a safe option like an LBD; think eye-catching details such as ruffles or pleats, or wrap-around silhouettes, which can be elegant and sexy all at the same time.

Bohemian styles are underrated because they’re so effortlessly beautiful. The flowy silhouettes and pretty patterns are bang on the money for a date night, yet there’s still a certain playfulness and laid-back vibe that bohemian styles can give you, that will ensure you look amazing without looking like you’ve made too much effort. Sometimes less is more!

Choose a colour or outfit that you are often complimented on. Personally, I love tones like dusty rose or teal, which I feel really flatter my complexion!

Free People Cherry Blossom Mini Dress Asos £148

PrettyLittleThing Floral Ruffle Wrap Mini Dress Asos £25

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Floral Mini T-Shirt Dress Asos £38

The key is to wear something that truly makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

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sport words | Mark Viales

SHOOTING STARS New hatchlings at the range

F

acing life down the barrel of a gun time, however, she was the only one in the young fledglings onto greater things. That’s just the way it is among this closely-knit might sound intimidating, but some facility besides me, and I wasn’t about to family, both figuratively and literally. The people on the Rock do exactly that challenge her podium place.

Piri name stretches a couple of generon a regular basis up at The lock ations, as do several others. Mairead’s the Europa Point firing range.

Role model father, Darren, is now the Island Games There, within the confines on the rusty coach, but there is no favouritism between of its nest on the outer cliffBut in truth, Stephanie, 25, considmetal door of family, it just wouldn’t be possible. Stephface, under the shadow of the ers herself more like an older sister the squareanie says she has curbed her influence on lighthouse, the Gibraltar Target to the new crop of youngsters box, militarythe two younger girls who are praying for Shooting Association settled who threw away their toy guns for looking facility a more sophisticated firearm quite her place at the games to allow Darren’s in its home. After cycling the caused a loud some time ago. ability in coaching to flourish and hilltops that lay between the not tread on his territory, “I used to air strip and the range, I caught metallic clang Stephanie help out more in the early stages, up with one of Gibraltar’s top as it crashed Kristina Hewitt and has been but now that Darren has taken over, target shooters to see if any new Mairead Sheriff, both back. shooting air I don’t want to step on his shoes. I nestlings were eager to hatch.

14, are fresh onto The lock on the rusty metal door the scene and are al- rifles for nearly sometimes whisper some advice into his ear about small improvements to of the square-box, military-looking facility half her life... ready pushing Stephanie and the girls’ technique, but he is doing caused a loud metallic clang as it crashed Gibraltar’s stalwart shooting a great job and he has helped me back. On the other side, standing fully star, Heloise Mañasco, to represent the develop my personal game enormously.” kitted and rifle in hand, Stephanie Piri, a Rock at the Gold Coast 2018 Commoncrime scene investigator in her day job and wealth Games in Australia. There are only a shooter since she was twelve, welcomed two spots available in the women’s standNew blood me inside. She was soon back on the range ing 10m air-rifle event. However, there and nestled into her lucky slot, number 22, Stephanie considers Mairead, who just is no sense of bitterness between them, which she loathes to miss out on when she quite the contrary, Stephanie, like Heloise, started shooting in January last year, to finds someone else practicing there. This be very dedicated and she tries to take use their experience to help guide these 62

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sport advantage of that as much as she can by joining her on the range in extra sessions, “Mairead is performing better than I did at her age. Back then, we adopted a different coaching style where each shooter focused on one particular discipline. However, she was thrown in the deep end and ended up practicing all of them. I believe that this style is more efficient as it is a lot easier to learn across the board when you are younger.” Stephanie has been shooting air rifles for nearly half her life, so when Darren asked her to try something new, it meant erasing twelve years of learning, “It can be challenging for me, but Mairead can easy go through these changes because she is so fresh.”

The big sister also has a soft spot for Kristina, who has a ‘lovely and bubbly little character’ with an inquisitive nature, “I think she really enjoys the sport also.

She has improved her scoring. Qualifying for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games started in mid-December and the target score for the MCS is 404.1. Unfortunately, she was some way out several months ago, hitting 360s.” But Darren was once again to come to the rescue, determined to get her into the 400s in six weeks, “She managed to achieve the target score in six days, which is quite astonishing. We spent the majority of the Christmas holidays in the range, normally we take a break, but I think this really helped all of us. We are all very proud of her. It was always assumed around the range that it would be Heloise and I who would qualify, but now we really need to earn our place. That is testimony to Darren’s hard work and the commitment of these two girls.”

Back to form To qualify for the Commonwealth Games, a shooter needs to complete seven out of ten competitions with a score of 404.1.

If more than two competitors achieve this total, then the highest average of each shooter is taken from the top seven

A shooter needs to complete seven out of ten competitions with a score of 404.1.

MCS competitions. In a game, you have 40 shots and the maximum you can hit is 10.9 in each shot, that’s when you hit dead centre and we are talking about millimetres in size. Hitting this target distinguishes the best of the best. It was under this sort of pressure that Stephanie needed to bounce back from a sprained shoulder that kept her out for over a year.

Stephanie Piri

better than everyone else consistently.”

She was more accustomed to shooting quickfire rounds so as to not to over-think her shots, but Darren believed this was detrimental to her game, “He called me machine-gun Kelly before telling me to slow down,” she said with a coy smile. “For the next four months, I had his voice in my head and it’s worked. I’ve added 30 seconds to each shot, which is substantial in shooting. It’s hard to describe the change that has come over me. I guess I have become more patient.”

After ciphering through a series of four different physios, the last one managed to do the trick and get her back on the range. However, her scores had fallen to a level inferior to that of her bronze medal With four elite athletes competing for four achievement at the Island Games in Jersey spots, all shooting at an impressive level, 2015, around 400. Nevertheless, she was Gibraltar is spoiled for choice ahead of the out there again and the technical edge Gold Coast Commonwealth and Island combined with a persistent mental push Games. Throughout the years, countless in the right direction from Mr Sheriff, left shooters have proudly worn the red and Stephanie in top condition, white colours in international com“When you shoot, you are petition. It seems as though there She was more unable to see yourself, so is no stopping the factory producaccustomed to it is good to have someone shooting quickfire tion line of young talent and they like Darren there to point will soon escape the comfortable rounds so as to out the errors I make. surroundings of their nest and fly not to over-think to foreign lands to reproduce the Now, I am hitting over her shots...

400, but I need to shoot fantastic international record that heralds from humble origins.

Mairead Sheriff, Heloise Manasco, Vivian Pizarro and Kristina Hewitt

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sport words | Mark Viales

NOTHING BUT NET

Women’s basketball gears up for youth championship

I

sport locally and, although professional t is very easy to be on the receiving end is ingrained in local basketball culture. in attitude, Gibraltar’s leagues remain of a brutal beating in basketball. With John has been around the sport since its technique, stamina and embryonic stages and now enters his amateur. We are not talking about millions of pounds flying around GABA’s bank teamwork at its core, taclast season as a FIBA commissioner “The reality account, they require a more modest aptical awareness and cohesion after serving 26 consecutive years. is that FIBA proach when it comes to investment in faare a must. But without the As full members of the international tournaments governing body since 1985, it is cilities, coaching courses and competition discipline to work these comrepresent abroad. Having said that, being members ponents into perfection, there important that Gibraltar lives up to more of a of governing body has allowed Gibraltar is always the danger of a team expectations, so conversations turn to take part in prestigious international being torn to pieces by strong challenge for very serious when it comes to intertournaments and considerable opposition within minutes. national competition. our players Mountains become too high access to professional coaches and and is crucial Gibraltar courses. Indeed, some local coachto climb and heads tend to The Rock competes in the to their es have already achieved entry level drop down to shoulder level. has gained FIBA European Champiprogression” certificates that combine well with The game is full of emotion onship for Small Countries a glorious their experience, considering many and standards with Gibraltariand the Island Games, but reputation are former players themselves. an circles can skyrocket when facing larger FIBA tournaments are the ones over the nations, which naturally includes most. that take precedence, “Although years as a top Gibraltar has gained a glorious there are some strong teams at quality host reputation over the years as a top John Gonçalves, President of the Gibraltar the games, there can be a big nation... quality host nation for tournaments Amateur Basketball Association, considdisparity between the teams. where all are welcome and are ers himself a staunch disciplinarian and The reality is that FIBA tournasurrounded by a professional atmosphere. believes that the players wholeheartedly ments represent more of a challenge for While the senior teams gear up for the Issubscribe to his methodology. It is only our players and is crucial to their progresland Games in Gotland this summer, youth with this work-rate that the Rock can sion,” said John. A higher level of competiachieve great things within its stature and tion is decisive in the development of the competitions will not take a backbench.

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sport

Celine King

Joelle Gilbert representing Gibraltar

One of Gibraltar’s top players, Anabella De La Chica

would be cheaper to allow them to stay at onto the court from the stands. The bulk Big things are in store with under 18s and home and turn up for the games, but they of the support came from the men’s team under 16s tournaments on the horizon would be deprived of an important learnthat replicated the feat by defeating the and Gibraltar will take centre stage from ing experience that would eventually help same island 66-57 later that day, July 23rd to the 30th when it them grow as a player. We are the only also claiming bronze. Together, both hosts the FIBA U16s Wom“Joelle is small nation that follows this procedure.” teams turned the tides of war in en’s Championship Division C. a fantastic a wave of Gibraltarian glory that Last year, the tournament was example for would give further inspiration to held in Andorra with Gibraltar Gibraltar will take on youth teams from any youngster future generations. finishing above Wales in the Georgia, Kosovo, Armenia, Malta, Wales 5th/6th placed playoff with a 41and Monaco in a challenging group. John who wants 24 win. “The bidding process says the team is prepared to fight to the to make a big One of the key players in the wombegan in September last year, last as they welcome the other nations impact in the en’s match was team captain Joelle one month before the basto the Rock and stands a good chance of Moreno, whose flawless game led game...” ketball season in October and improving the previous year’s efforts and the team to triumph. Now, she will there were plenty to choose spearhead a new crop of youngsters take the tournament by storm, “They are from,” said John. “Throughout the years, ready for it. Joelle has them well prepared. and nurture them into another force to we have gained a reputation of approachWe will also be at home and it will surely be reckoned with on the court, “Joelle is a ing things professionally both on and off make a difference out there with capacity fantastic example for any youngster who the court. FIBA always gives us superlative crowds a certainty for our matches. This wants to make a big impact in the game, marks in their reports on any tournament is also a relatively new team, which can despite coming from the humble origins of that we host and they go as far as encourhappen at youth level due to players being a small place like Gibraltar. She has played aging us to bid for them. I received a call ineligible to compete the following year abroad and honed her skills to a much from a FIBA executive when the bidding because of age. We are not too concerned higher level and we are all proud of her for process was concluded saying that there about the results just so long as the playdoing so. She is a role model to all youngwere no entries for the U16s Division C ers gain the valuable experience from sters eyeing a spot in the Girls tournament. He was cheerful on the competing at this level. They are like national side in the future.”

“They are phone and said that Gibraltar was the first sponges at this stage, so it is important like sponges at that they soak up as much as possible place to come to mind as the ideal hosts, Instilling a professional this stage, so due to our reputation.” A similar outlook before they enter the senior arena.” attitude within the camp is it is important was taken by the powers within the Island paramount so, in keeping Games Committee who quickly requested that they soak with its reputation, the the Rock to take the reins from Menorca team will stay at the Caleta up as much as that had pulled out as hosts for 2019.

Hotel and remain in close possible before quarters within Gibraltar they enter the In July 2015, I witnessed a team spirit colours. It is a tried and senior arena.” within the senior women’s camp that tested winning formula led them to a bronze medal at the Island going back 20 years that Games in Jersey. But the achievement creates a tight bond between players and played second fiddle to the feverish elation the technical team that is consequently overwhelming the squad that that dramatreflected on court, “It is a perfect way to ically overturned a fierce Guernsey side expose the youngsters, some of whom in the 3rd/4th place playoff. The thrilling would be competing in their first interna52-48 victory sent a healthy contingent tional competition, to a truly professional of visiting Gibraltar fans cavalcading down tournament atmosphere. Of course, it GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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sport words | Elena Scialtiel

ALL ON BOARD

Dice and spikes for the open tournament

A

Not for gambling but for fun, the fiftyfter chess success, it’s time to their moves, not disdaining of course the strong membership meets at Latino’s in summon backgammon at the total prize funds that well exceed the one Caleta Hotel for the second hundred thousand pounds mark, and you’ll Casemates every Wednesday evening, and edition of the see why over a hundred and fifty wannabe members are welcome to pop around, soak in the atmosphere and join Gibraltar Backgammon Open players had already registered by “Backgammon the club. There is no minimum proficiency Championship scheduled for mid-November and full capacity was is considered a level and the basics of the game can be the 8th to 12th of February. reached well before the end of the game of chance year. learnt quickly but they can take a lifetime because it to master.

Having attracted some two involves dice...” “Backgammon is considered a game hundred and forty players and five former world The current membership is organised in of chance because it involves dice, champions in the first edition, won by a proper league with fixtures and scores and the Hotel is fully licensed to hold German champion player Jurgen Orlowski, gambling events on its duly noted and the champion is the 2017 event is touted to muster once crowned at the end of the season in grounds, but this means There’s again top European and world players to that no junior tournament plenty of room June. There are also cup tournaments ‘the other side of Gibraltar’, just days after organised in January and during will be happening on the for amateur the January staple chess kermesse is over, National Day week as well as other side, like we do with chess,” players who in a bid to promote the venue as an everforms of the game taking place during says the hotel manager just enjoy their vernal cultural destination.

Franco Ostuni, one of the the year such as speed, doubles daily dose and team events. There’s plenty of minds behind last year’s of synapses’ room for amateur players who just launch, and this year’s Throw in the mix of fine wining and stimulation... enjoy their daily dose of synapses’ improvement, together dining, sunbathing and sightseeing, the stimulation, because backgammon opportunity to rub shoulders with giants of with Michael Pitaluga and is more about strategy and forethinking David Frier, the Chairman and Treasurer of the game including worldwide champions, the Backgammon Association of Gibraltar. than it is about opportunity, with maths playing against them to watch and learn 66

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sport

and planning skills coming in handy and perhaps being developed in those who struggle with turning procrastination into prognostication. That said, the element of chance still stands: a few good or bad rolls of the dice can quickly turn a Backgammon losing game around.

has been

Backgammon has been present on known with the Rock for years (“We used to various names organise tournaments at the old albeit little Cool Blues,” Michael reminisces), to those youngsters who, for permutation but the Backgammon Association various reasons, aren’t practising through the of Gibraltar was formalised with physical sport or other activities. millennia and It is hoped to introduce its constitution and a committee the empires. of six in June 2015, and soon backgammon into local schools after, it joined the European which is something that the Federation as a separate member nation local association would very much support. alongside 25 other countries.

The Gibraltar national team It is hoped A board game steeped in history as attended the European to introduce much as its regal counterpart chess, Team Championships in backgammon backgammon has been known with various Copenhagen last October into local names albeit little permutation through with seven players: Michael schools... the millennia and the empires. Nowadays, (captain) and David, it is still as popular in the Middle East together with Stewart as it was in Byzantine times, when it Stone, Charlie Sanguinetti, Gilbert Licudi, was simply called ‘table’. Scandinavian Bryan Zammit and Nadine Chipolina, with countries also enjoy their big leagues - in delegate Natalie Passano. They fared well Denmark, where last autumn’s European against Hungary, Croatia, Cyprus, Austria Championships were held, the fanship size and United Kingdom, recording wins is comparable to football. and giving a few ‘bloody noses’ even in defeat. Considering they were debutants There, David noted that the Danish against countries with tracked experience players are quite young, meaning that of international competitions, the humble the game is promoted agonistically since beginnings were encouraging enough to childhood, and the local association start planning for next edition and even would like the model to be exported to toying with the idea of holding a future Gibraltar too, to offer a competitive edge European Championship in Gibraltar, the

European Backgammon Team Championships

ideal venue for competing and socialising in a jovial atmosphere.

A truly international game, backgammon requires no verbal communication and the player’s gender is irrelevant with men and women competing together equally.

Unlike for chess match attendance, the atmosphere surrounding backgammon competitions is considerably noisy with players often engaging in conversation and banter with one another. Spectators are allowed to closely observe progress, as long as they don’t bother the players, some of whom wear headphones to block out the background buzz.

A live commentary will also be provided and streamed on the website www. gibraltarbackgammon.com where one can find information about registration, programme, trivia on cast and crew, and information about the local Association.

Friendly backgammon matches at Latino’s

Gibraltar team in Denmark and outside Casemates

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

67

leisure words | Mark Viales

COUCH SURFING Travel like a local

I

pretty adventurous and open-minded f one thing brings your travel plans to both ways and few hosts would appreciate an abrupt end, it is cost. You may be a traveller arriving at all hours, dropping to me. I was finally turned to the idea of giving it ago when a friend, who also uses lucky and come across a their bags and heading straight out the service locally, shared some of his cheap flight online, but the the door with camera and guide The popular great experiences with these ‘randoms’ thought of pricey accommomap in hand. Couchsurfing is more website has with whom he has established long-term dation can be off-putting. This intimate than that, it allows you to matured is probably one of the reasons walk into a local’s life (who may well friendships. I witnessed the return of one into a global of these guests while hanging out at his why Couchsurfing has become have a job and other activities on ‘Couchsurfing Mecca’ and their embrace such an attractive alternative. his schedule) and experience their community city through their eyes. Who knows? suggested a strong connection. They even boasting had their own in-jokes.

It could be that you learn a great Starting out as a small organmillions of deal more about the place than you isation in 2004, the popular members. would do from a guidewebsite has matured into a African adventure book or internet reviews.

Couchsurfing global community boasting millions of members. The idea is simple, I was to head to Morocco for my offers you use Couchsurfing to find a place to stay I was introduced to Couchthe chance to next trip and I was determined or share your home and hometown with surfing around five or six years to experiment with this alternameet likeothers. Forget about arriving in a city ago, but it took me some tive from of travel, but I had no minded locals and finding a hostel or a hangout spot to time before I used the service references on my newly created acas well as a meet travellers, Couchsurfing offers you myself. In truth, I was a little count. Without one, I was basically place to stay. the chance to meet like-minded locals as sceptical at the thought of alasking someone to take me in on well as a place to stay. That seems pretty lowing a stranger into my home the basis of information such as my good, right? Well, it is, for the most part. and feeling obliged to entername, age and interests. Despite this major But these are also real people and there is tain them for the duration of their stay. disadvantage, after sending out around ten always the chance that you might not get In terms of using it for travel, exploring a requests, I was accepted for one night by along or have different views. Things go city with people I met in a hostel seemed my first Couchsurfing host, Mohamed from

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leisure Rabat. Although he quickly relinquished his personal number so that I could reach him, I have to admit that I was still a little unsure, even at this point. It didn’t help that the train was delayed for over three hours and the tangerine sky began to dim into a harsh dark purple. As I exited the train station in Rabat, I pressed my digit to my ear in an attempt to drown out the feverish calls of ‘Taxi! Taxi!’ bouncing in-between my temples and pulled out my phone to contact Mohamed. He instructed me to approach a taxi and pass the phone to the driver so that he could explain the directions to him in Arabic. Before I knew it, the cab had turned into a district devoid of street lights and filled with the shadows of hooded figures prowling the streets, “Safi - That’s it,” the driver said to me as a stray dog paused at the sharp sound of the man’s voice. “Hamza Dirham.” I knew that was five and it seemed about right. We had only crossed a few blocks. I jumped out of the cab and remembered that I hadn’t checked with Mohamed what the name of his street was, nor had I confirmed it with the taxi driver. You can get distracted easily when you I was a are on edge. Although hesilittle sceptical tant to pull out my iphone in at the thought this sort of area, I gripped my of allowing a senses and tried to relax,

sides when I told him what I was thinkwas stuck in this labyrinth of dusty ing, “This is not a bad area,” he said. “The roads with my backpack in pitch darkness and, it wasn’t the right area, houses are quite expensive actually.” When he ushered me into his home, my jaw then things could turn nasty. Out of dropped at its elegance. Mohamed was the darkness someone was apan architect and his house was enormous, proaching me at a steady pace, but stranger into immaculately decorated with Arabic and all I could see was the bobbing light my home...

Berber design and ornaments. My senses of a phone illuminating the road. As “Salaam Alaikum Mohamed” were further stimulated when I followed he came into view, I could not tell “Hello Mark,” he replied in perfect English. my nose into the dining room where he if it was Mohamed. All I had Gibraltar “Where are you?” had prepared a Berber tagine. It was far was a blurry Couchsurfing profile picture to go by, was of great too big for one person, surely we were expecting guests, but it was just for us “I’m not sure… I think I am outside your interest to and followed by the sweetest cakes and house, but everything is dark and there are “Hello Mark,” said the friendly him as an Berber tea imaginable. We went on to no street names. What’s the name of your familiar voice from the important discuss his daily life, which was fascistreet?” phone. “Are you ok?” I was landmark nating as I foolishly underestimated the fine. I had worked myself up in Muslim progressiveness of life in Rabat, and he into a worry for no reason.

“I’ll be right down,” he said, abruptly hangwas also keen to know about Gibraltar, history...

Mohamed was splitting his ing up the phone. I feared the worst. If I or Jebel Tarik as he referred to it. Gibraltar was of great interest to him as an All you need is a couch important landmark in Muslim history and we were soon encapsulated in discussion on the mixed forms of architecture on the Rock that span different dynasties.

Mohamed had much more than a couch, he had a whole spare room for guests and he told me to make myself at home as he placed enough blankets alongside me to survive a second ice age. I felt completely at ease with someone who I had just met. I was in his home, eating his food and sharing some great stories. My kind host had to work the next day, but he told me all about the best places to visit, what time to go to avoid tourists, cheap but authentic restaurants, hidden secrets and much more. I felt that I had given little, if anything, but he seemed happy to share his life with me, even if it was for just a couple of days. Before I left, I explained to him that I felt that I hadn’t fulfilled my side of the bargain, whatever that was, and asked him GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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Couchsurfing is popular even in Morocco

if he would accept some sort of payment.

I didn’t feel right giving nothing back for what was an experience that far surpassed that of a hostel. Mohamed laughed in that same contagious way he did that first time we met and just said, “Well, the next time I’m in Gibraltar, you can show me the same hospitality.” I knew that I could never live up to it, but it gave me some measure on how I should behave when I would eventually become a host myself. I left a glorious reference and I hope that it somewhat reflected my gratitude to this man who opened up the world of Couchsurfing to me.

Unexpected dance

At the end of the night, I was filled with a new passion for this dance and to think that it all came from Couchsurfing.

Under a different light, I used the service to help me with some freelance work in Portugal. There, I stayed with Susana, a kind soul from a beautifully traditional Portuguese town close to Porto called Ovar.

With a stable marketing job and a modern home that was spotless, I landed in Susana’s life in the beginning of the week, so we both had work to contend with during

Get-togethers include people from around the world

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There are also Couchsurfing community hangouts

the day. We would share a ride into Porto, a 40 minute drive from her town, and part ways on our separate escapades workwise. When evening time came, she asked me if I liked to dance. My response was shy to say the least, but I was willing to give anything a first try.

I don’t know what it was about the music but once I had watched others and was given a few quick tips, I was ready to lead.

After a few rounds with Susana, I left her with the experts and set out on the hunt on my own. Earlier, I had spotted a beautiful woman who exhibited my previous lack of confidence, so I approached her with intent. She said she wasn’t very good, but I joked and said we could have a clumsy dance together. It kind of knocked me back to see her smile and get off her feet, but I returned the gesture and placed my hand on her waist, taking the first step on the next beat. At the end of the night, I was filled with a new passion for this dance and to think that it all came from Couchsurfing.

Porto is a vibrant young city with historical roots and the modernism, slashed with tradition, is evident on peoples’ faces.

She took me into a classic building with a fine-dining restaurant up top. I was, needless to say, unsuitably attired for a night in this sort of place, “Não, é por aqui,” she said, taking my hand and leading me down to the basement. Downstairs, it sounded as though several violins I decided were soloing together in feverish creto open up scendo, but as the three-piece band my home to came into view, I could see just one, travellers. stomping his foot in time as a ring of supporters clapped him on. This was Forró, a Brazilian dance where you let your emotions run wild and improvisation takes over.

Susana was well-known around the place and greeted passers-by, the men pausing to soothe some words to her before taking a quick snapshot at me, the new guy. But she was not the only one. These Casanovas’ confidence emanated from their mastery of the dance. The very girls who may have been mocking their masochistic undertones were soon swept off their feet by their mesmeric moves. I had no such talent in my worn and torn Nike rubber shoes, but Susana snapped me off my feet, taught me some basic steps and said, “Ok. You need to lead because you are the guy… so.”

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Cleaning up after yourself is a nice gesture

Couchsurfers can offer their traditional cuisine

Good hospitality is always well received

Open home

year, I set my status to ‘accepting it’s all about. Connecting people. Now I set my Following that experience, I guests’ and waited to see what with over 50 references from stays and as status to decided to open up my home response I would receive. Lo and a host, I can safely say that I am addicted to travellers. The way I saw it, behold! My message board was to Couchsurfing. I am still in contact with ‘accepting I was back at home doing my flooded, sometimes five per day more than half of these people, both on guests’ and day job, but I wanted to keep and not just individuals…whole a personal and a professional level. Is this waited to see on travelling somehow. I set groups! I didn’t think something I would recommend to what response I that I would have myself to some spy-work on everyone? Probably not. You need My would receive. who was active in the area the chance to be so to be open-minded to eventualities message and, to my surprise, there were selective in this prothat may not be scheduled and have board was over 650 people. Not all of them were cess, but soon, I was acceptno control over. In my experience, flooded, Gibraltarian, there were a few recognisable ing surfers from all over the going with the flow allows for the sometimes faces, but I was shocked to see that this world and all walks of life. All most fulfilling experience. It certainly area was a relative hotspot to its size. I come with a smile, all want to is a far-cry away from the experience five per day wouldn’t have a chance with a measly five learn about Gibraltar and the you would have in a hostel or hotel, and not just references alongside these Couchsurfing variety of characters would fill which can become somewhat isolatindividuals… gurus. Nonetheless, in September last countless stages. That’s what ed from a truly local experience.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

travel words | Chris Hedley

IDYLLIC ICELAND Where fire and ice hold hands...

F

before promptly attempting to purchase ebruary, the month of St. Valentine.

Travelling to Iceland in February has many your cargo. Maybe skip the drink. Keflavik Many of us choose to buy gifts or go perks. Although it is one of the coldest international airport is 50km from Reykjafor a meal; some opt for a romantic months to travel with an average temperavik, which can be reached through the airbreak. During winter, unless you ture of around 0°C, it is considered one port shuttle (pre-booking recommended). travel to the Southern Hemisphere, you’re of the best months to view the NorthAfter checking into your hotel, you’ll want probably not going to find yourself ern Lights. On top of this, the to familiarise yourself with the city. on a beach, so why not embrace sun has its hat on for a longer A land of the cold wholeheartedly? Iceland portion of the day, meaning you extremes, is a fantastic, albeit alternative, should get around 7.5 hours of The first thing locals tend to recommend a land of place for a romantic getaway (no, sunlight each day compared to to you as a tourist spot is the Hallgrimbeauty, a land the measly 4.5 hours you can not the supermarket, although it’s skirkja (hatl-krims-kir-ka) Church. Although of fire and ice. expect in December. Flying into pretty cold in there too). The real Iceland isn’t predominantly famed for its Iceland: A land of extremes, a land Iceland isn’t like flying over to architecture, the tower is actually fairly of beauty, a land of fire and ice. the UK, where air travel shuts down at unique. Its design is supposed to mirror the first sign of snow. Be prepared to land a basalt lava flow, prevalent in Iceland’s onto a white, slippery runway. If you find landscape. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll be The rumour goes that 9th century Vikings yourself in need of a drink to calm your in Iceland named this enchanting country told to visit the government building: The nerves after the flight, head to just so to discourage others from wanting Alþingishúsið (al-thin-y-kis-huthe duty free shop before exitto settle in an area dominated by icy peaks sith). The site saw government Be prepared ing the airport (alcohol is heavily and governed by unforgiving weather. to land onto a protests after the financial crisis, taxed in Iceland; a standard botWhile this may or may not be exactly the which ultimately led the impriswhite, slippery onment of corrupt bankers. Well tle of vodka in a local shop will truth, it seems to have had that effect. runway. set you back a cool 50 euros) With a population of around just 300,000 done, Iceland. As you walk back . It’s not uncommon to come (a third of which reside in the country’s through Reykjavik’s attractive across a local who will ask you whether capital, Reykjavik) there’s a fair amount of main shopping street ‘Laugavegur’ and the you have bought any duty free alcohol, uninterrupted land to explore. surrounding area, you’ll notice an absence GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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Alþingishúsið, Reykjavík

of McDonalds. Well done again, Iceland.

Admittedly, McDonalds made the decision to pull out of the country due to operating costs, but it’s still refreshing to know the brand doesn’t rule the entire world.

As this is a romantic getaway, Although you’ll want to arrange someIceland isn’t thing to set the mood. If you’re predominantly lucky, Lake Tjornin (tyur-nin), a Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík famed for its beautiful lake usually home to architecture, various ducks and other wildlife, only people in the bar, but (as previously glimpse of a majestic humpback will freeze over. This will leave the tower is mentioned) you’ll be paying a massive as it’s breaching.

Whale watching you free to find some ice skates actually fairly premium for the wine. Never fear, you’re tours around the world don’t guarand show off your agility on the unique. in Iceland, the romance can continue with antee a sighting, but these tours ice. But where do all the ducks a sighting of the elusive Aurora Borealis, have an impressive 99% success go when the lake freezes over? more commonly referred to as the rate. That’s whaley good. Sorry.

To carry on the romance you can head for Northern Lights. dinner to a variety of restaurants serving The As evening turns into night you Iceland’s speciality, Icelandic Stew. Steer Northern Undoubtedly, something to tick may be tempted to show off and clear of the other speciality in the area, Lights can in off one’s bucket list, the Northern head to a trendy bar for a bottle whale kebab. Incidentally, also give the of wine. Beware. Icelanders tend fact be quite Lights can in fact be quite a difficult fermented shark a wide berth. Instead of spectacle to witness. The event can not to go out for after dinner eating the whales, view them from a boat. a difficult drinks, instead waiting until £75 will take you on a three hour whale spectacle to elude you for days at a time, the sky around 1 in the morning to start varying from a dim green glow to watching tour from Reykjavik harbour out witness. the enchanting light show you can’t to sea. If you’re lucky, you may catch a the party. You’ll not only be the Lake Tjornin

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travel help but be in awe of. You’ll have to leave the light pollution of Reykjavik to increase your chances of a viewing, and there are a number of ways to do so: Bus tour – as the cheapest option, the bus tour will set you back about £40, departing at around 9pm and lasting 3-5 hours (depending on your tour). Pick up and drop off from your hotel complete with tour guide makes this a nice, cheap, and convenient way to view the natural phenomenon.

Jeep tour – at roughly three times the price, you can expect roughly three times the privacy, although the group sizes can include a number of jeeps if the company has had to cancel a few previous tours in a row due to bad weather.

Boat tour – costing around £80, you’ll sail off with your group from the harbour into the night. Certainly the most romantic option so far, but bring a coat. And a hat. And a scarf. Gloves, thermal trousers and under garments, ear muffs, extra socks, balaclava, and a portable wood burning fireplace.

Everywhere you turn beckons you to snap a photo of towering cliffs and stream covered plains worthy of a postcard.

Rent a car – at prices starting from £30 per day, this is not only a great option for

Whale watching tour

driving off to create your own private Located about 40km from Reykjavik, Northern Lights experience, but also the Blue Lagoon should take under an to see other parts hour to drive to depending on weather of the country conditions. Dipping into the geothermal This without having to continental drift thermal spa will provide you with average pay for individual is actually visible water temperature of around 38°C in the tours for everymain area, which will make you a pleasant from various thing you want to see, 38°C warmer than you were previously. cracks in the such as the famed Blue The geothermally heated water is rich in landscape...

Lagoon. minerals, which are said to have healing Aurora Borealis

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properties, particularly with skin ailments. The scene of steam rising off the water with snow-capped mountains visible through the haze in the background is the first of many scenes you’ll struggle to do justice through the use of your camera.

Dipping into the geothermal thermal spa will provide you with average water temperature of around 38°C...

Also within day trip distance from the capital are a few more places of note.

Iceland’s Þingvellir (think-vet-lir) National Park lies over the region where the Eur-

Blue Lagoon

asian and North American tectonic snap a photo of towering cliffs and stream plates collide. This continental drift covered plains worthy of a postcard. For is actually visible from various cracks hard-core enthusiasts, there are also hiking in the landscape to sizeable canyons trails and camping grounds. making this area a geologist’s dream.

For those of us who don’t underSnow, tectonic plates, thermal swimming stand or care about the intricacies of pools... What else springs to mind when different rocks, we are left to marvel you think of Iceland? Geysers. Haukadaat the backdrop complete lur provides a contrast from the with fault lines, waterfalls, frozen tranquillity of Þingvellir and The and the county’s largest lake, geothermally is home to various steaming hot with another tongue-tingling heated water springs and bubbling mud pools as name (Þingvallavatn – prowell as various geysers, including is rich in nounce as you see fit). EveryGeysir, the biggest one of its kind minerals... where you turn beckons you to in Iceland from which we get the Þingvellir National Park

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Strokkur

Geysir

word ‘geyser’. Given that this fumaroles give off a smell similar falls comes into view. This is by no stretch Watch is where the name originates, I to standing in a field of cows after the largest waterfall in Iceland, but its two the sizzling like to think of this as the main feasting on a vindaloo. stage drop and wide crest will leave you pool for long geyser in the world, which gives marvelling at its beauty. The proximity of enough and you bragging rights on your the waterfall to Reykjavik makes this a 10km north of Haukadalur, you‘ll return home. Unfortunately, popular visitors’ destination. you‘ll be find a car park which leads to the Geysir is unpredictable and can rewarded with river Hvítá and as endure long periods of inactivyou approach, the These three attractions (national The multiple an explosive ity, but fortunately, Strokkur, river falls from view park, geysers, and waterfall) make up smoking stream of the second largest geyser, as if vanishing into a tourist favourite named the Goldfumaroles give water and erupts every 5-10 minutes. the earth. If it weren’t en Circle and all three are available off a smell steam.

Watch the sizzling pool for long for the tremendous as a day tour in a 300km loop from similar to enough and you‘ll be rewarded crashing of water, you Reykjavik. Those wishing to take standing in a with an explosive stream of water and might be tricked into thinking their time and drive to the hotspots steam. Cameras at the ready. Those with the river disappears. As it themselves should keep an eye on field of cows sensitive noses may not enjoy the area as happens, on walking slightly how heavy the snow is. The roads after feasting much as others since the multiple smoking further, the mighty Gullfoss in Iceland can be treacherous during on a vindaloo.

Goðafoss, Bárðardalur

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travel Fire and ice. How have we come this far without mentioning glaciers or volcanos?

Over a tenth of the country is covered with glaciers. The landscape that wasn’t built by erupting volcanos and terrain splitting earthquakes was carved through these slow moving giants.

the winter and in a cheap rental car, you‘ll soon find yourself with furiously spinning wheels, moving very slowly in the wrong direction down a slight incline. The day tour goes for around £80.

Langjökull (lank-yur-koetl) glacier is situated close to the aforementioned Gullfoss waterfall from the area of the Golden Circle. It’s a popular part of the country for snowmobiling tours, the price of which varies depending on how long you‘d like to ride for, but it’s certain to be a longer and more expensive experience than renting a snowmobile in Siberia (as mentioned last month). If you are going to give one of these machines a ride anywhere, you might as well do it on formidable Icelandic glacier with a view of a couple of active volcanos. Once you‘ve finished your contribution to the slow destruction of the Breiðamerkurjökull, part of Vatnajökull near Jökulsárlón very glacier you‘ve been riding on, you can pop inside one of the manmade caves.

These extensive tunnels can be exEverything mentioned so There are plored with relative ease and if you‘re far can be squeezed into a Hiking many other looking to add some extra passion and two or three day mini break holidays can volcanos and spontaneity to the weekend, you can as part of your romantic get quite a bit glaciers off get married there. getaway. Here are some pricey in these optional extras if you and the beaten parts... track to visit... You may remember that huge volcanic your significant other are slightly more adventurous. eruption back in 2010 which spewed Vatnajökull

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travel volcanic ash high into the atmosphere and disrupted flights all over Europe. Want to go there? A trail connects the Eyjafjallajökull (ay-ya-fya-ta-la-yur-koetl) glacier, which covers the volcano, with a bigger glacier covering an even bigger volcano.

The 22km Fimmvörðuháls (fim-vur-thoehauls), although a popular route, should be approached with caution as weather condition can be harsh. It takes you past many waterfalls and two newly formed craters which steam emit steam as the lava is still warm and melts the snow. You’ll also find yourself on top of a newly formed mountain, also still warm. How many other opportunities are you going to have to stand on a brand new bit of the planet?

Lastly, finish with the largest glacier in Iceland (and Europe). Vatnajökull (varna-yur-koetl) is so large that is has many glacial tongues, some of which are suitable for on foot exploration. Hiking holidays can get quite a bit pricey in these parts, but with every element If it weren’t of ridiculously picturesque landscape you could ask for, this for the is the perfect place to resume tremendous your attempts to create that crashing of panoramic postcard. The most water, you active volcano system is located might be tricked in Vatnajökull (with the latest into thinking eruption lasting six months and the river finishing in March 2015) so if you want to head to all of the disappears. superlatives, this is your area.

There are many other volcanos and glaciers off the beaten track to visit as these are the building blocks that form Iceland.

Reykjavik

However, a final mention goes to break for two, with an optional fire and Maelifell volcano, simply because ice extension pack. It makes a nice change it looks exactly like what you from the standard European city getaway. imagined a volcano to look like There‘s something inherently romantic when you were a child. about the snow, and you can This classical volcano impress your lover throughout How isn‘t easy to get to as the holiday by comparing your many other it‘s only accessible by love with the Icelandic landscape opportunities 4x4 and the road is of(hopefully intense and beautiful, ten flooded. It‘s one for are you going to as opposed to rocky and explothe more adventurous. sive). And if love isn‘t in the air, have to stand hopefully you‘ll find some green on a brand So there it is: a slightly more lights up there. new bit of the alternative version of a weekend

planet?

Maelifell

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health

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS Do opposites really attract?

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he philosopher Alain de Botton work of art. But when we choose to form a writes and talks about our current partnership with someone who often tests age of romantic love, which differs the weakest elements of our character, to an era where for better or the complexity of love and relationships is worse, partners in marriage were expected more obvious. to tolerate each other. Nowadays, romance is definitely a big business and Many people interested in mental or February is the month in which emotional wellbeing have enjoyed Nowadays, several industries capitalise on reading Scott Peck’s The Road romance is the elusive L word.

Less Travelled. I particularly like his definitely a big chapter on love, where in a nutshell, business... he writes that to love someone is to What is Love? give them your time and attention.

I agree that there is no better Generally, we are born out of love and expression of love than to be available to live seeking to love and be loved. What someone and to give of yourself to them. we perceive as love, like the other big An indication that we are existential questions like death, I believe liked is that the other wants is relative to our culture. Love can, and Love is an to spend time with us. does, manifest in various ways and means experience different things to the wide range of of ego communities.

Attraction expansion...

A popular idea that we read about today is that love is an experience of ego expansion; we love something that we like or identify with and in that process extend our sense of self. This sounds reasonable when we think of liking flowers or loving a 80

An aspect of creating and maintaining relationships that is important to us is attraction. Whether it’s physical, mental, emotional or more in the realm of social constructs, we can call this magnetism, chemistry.

‘To feel or not to feel butterflies in your stomach’ is a question debated amongst therapists and relationship theorists. I am not sure which idea has more support, but I know that I, along with many others active in the world of understanding humans, sit in the pro-chemistry camp.

Why would we avoid someone that we feel drawn to? If in recent years you have been reading articles on the psychology of love and relationships, you will be aware of the consensus amongst experts that we attract and feel drawn to people who eventually challenge us in the most powerful ways imaginable. In some cases, individuals keep getting caught up in relationships that are more harmful than loving.

Pop psychology says: opposites attract.

A Relational Psychotherapist can also put it simply; we welcome a partner that complements us. An individual who meets the world primarily through their thinking capacity will feel warmed and excited by another whose primary contact with the world is made via emotion. And of course, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

health These beliefs that we carry in the form of a script, keep us repeating the patterns established in childhood relationships.

We keep repeating these relationships, in pursuit of a different experience; we seek a different ending to our predictable story. But the old neural pathways that were wired through repeated experiences in childhood, are quicker routes for the electrical impulses that run through our brains. Firing new synapses to change our ways takes work and attention.

I understand why some of us might like the very thing that we lack and therefore to or choose to avoid relationships. Many admire as it attracts us to someone at the do well to take time to look after offset will likely eventually get in themselves or develop themselves An our way and grind and divide us. and in that period may choose to indication protect themselves from harmful that we are patterns or simply divert their Psychoanalysis liked is that attention elsewhere. However, I also What we tend to do quite believe that it is through love that the other effectively is delude ourselves one heals. When someone has been wants to about the other with romantic spend time damaged significantly, the help of a ideas in the initial stages of a therapist is advisable in the process relationship, and then later, when with us. of healing and subsequent opening the partnership is more secure, up to the risk of intimacy. we act out our psychological dramas. In this stage, we use projection and other techniques like selective hearing, Despite the need for care and attention, I am not convinced about avoiding to organise others into the characters in chemistry when choosing a partner, as our life script that we have unresolved I believe that love is about connection. pending issues with, which we need to There needs to be a pull. The more excited address. we feel about another, the more likely we are to find ourselves In the current spiritual movement, it is challenged. But why said that soul mates will present you We attract shun away from the with the lessons that you need to learn. life’s challenges? If you and feel drawn My psychotherapeutic training is in believe that life is a to people who Transactional Analysis and one of the journey of lessons, then eventually founding concepts is script theory. At the we are here to learn beginning of our lives, we unconsciously challenge us and in that process form conclusions regarding ourselves in the most experience love and and our relationships with others and the hurt – it’s all natural powerful ways world. This life script then gives direction and no life is pain-free. imaginable. to our lives and also limits our experiences.

Relationships My client work has been mostly one to one although I also work with groups and couples. One thing which fascinates me about working with couples is how each party in a partnership will give completely opposing versions of their story. Recently, in my social circle, I heard these two versions of a new relationship: “Her approach is just too much! My impression is that we just had a casual thing, we are essentially friends but she is taking this as something serious and really, that is not for me.”

“He is SO into me! Even his friends are really rooting for us. But I really don’t think he is right for me, I mean we don’t really have much in common. I don’t see anything serious will come of it”.

Conflictive yet reflective statements like these are common amongst couples and demonstrate how elusive our reality is when it comes to intimate relationships, and how tainted they tend to be by projections and distortions.

When approached with acceptance and respect, difference lends itself for a lot of humour. My impression is that this is the case with many older couples who managed to achieve longevity in partnerships, as well as many younger couples I know who give their time and attention to succeeding in maintaining relationships.

Through love, everyone finds their complimentary script player. When two people are mature enough and have sufficient awareness, they can find health in the middle ground, balance each other out.

Elaine Caetano is Counsellor, Trainee Psychotherapist and Executive Coach Tel: +350 54001238 Email: elainecaetano@ hotmail.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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wine words | Andrew Licudi AIWS

GERMAN WINES

and why we should all be drinking them

G

sumer they became indistinguishable and ermany may have failed to conlowest quality levels, care about the origin when the third wine peculiarity kicked in trol Europe for a third time but its of the grapes which precludes the neces(success at the bottom precludes credibility wines conquered wine sary volumes demanded by a world at the top), the whole of the German wine aficionados decades brand leader. The second is the Anyone industry was relegated to bulk wine status. ago, presenting those in the trying to make cost of growing grapes is broadly Something wine aficionados have been know with some of the most similar, irrespective of the quality the Johnnie delicious wines on the planet at Walker of the of the wine, thereby keeping profits taking advantage of for decades. impressively affordable prices. very low in bulk wines. Trying to wine world Rising prices of fine wines in leverage the brand by increasing By all accounts 2015 is turning out to be a comes up France and other countries quality and hence profits then hits seriously good German vintage and there with the three the third peculiarity - success at may soon shift the focus on to will be many great wines produced both peculiarities Germany and wine geeks fear the bottom precludes credibility at dry and sweet. Some German regions of wine. the party will soon be over. the top. Once a bulk wine always a claim it may well be the vintage of the bulk wine (my words). century. Last week, I tried to order twelve bottles of Wehlener SonAlex Hunt MW wrote a highly illuminatSuccess at nenuhr Spatlese JJPrum 2015 (£25) Hunt implies that a global ing article on what he termed the “three the bottom from the Wine Society only to be brand has yet to be created but peculiarities of wine” an article that was precludes informed that sales would be limited Germany did exactly that when published by Jancis Robinson. Simply, he credibility at to six bottles per member! Times are they created Liebfraumilch, a made the point that unlike whisky, where the top. definitely changing. sweet, insipid bulk wine, which one in five bottles sold worldwide is Johnin the eighties accounted for nie Walker, there is no equivalent wine 60% of all German wine exports. Unforbrand leader. Anyone trying to make the Germany is a cool wine region and its tunately for the German wine industry, LiJohnnie Walker of the wine world comes latitude is at the limit at which grapes can up with the three peculiarities of wine. The ebfraumilch and Germany were so closely be successfully grown. Global warming associated that in the mind of the confirst is that wine consumers, at even the is helping, as do the sun facing steep

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slopes and the moderating influences of the Rhine and other rivers. In good years, wines of immense complexity and finesse are produced and with high acidity, they can easily last 50 years or more.

Germany is generally considered a white wine country with Riesling being its grape par excellence, but Pinot Noir is now widely used to make red wines - much of it which is consumed at home.

The best-known wine regions in Germany include the Mosel, Nahe, Ahr and Rheingau but there are other sites mostly clinging precariously to steep slopes. There are several styles of wine - Trocken (dry), Kabinet (less dry), Spatlese (less dry than Kabinet), Auslese (sweet). There are other styles which tend to be very sweet and inevitably, rather expensive. The above terms are relative, and one producer’s Trocken could be as sweet or dry as another’s Kabinet!

One of the advantages of living in Gib is It’s a designation called VDP, a prestigious the availability of Spanish wines either growers association with self-imposed here or across the frontier. This, however, quality controls including maximum yields, is a double edged sword as our palates, vineyard designation and strict controls on hijacked by the likes of Ribera del the quality. There are over 200 Duero or Ribena - like wines we are members who can include in Germany now seeing in the Cadiz area, never their labels the black eagle desigis generally progress and stay at the equivalent nation of the VDP association. considered a of baby food. white wine Riesling is not a main stream country...

This is a shame as anyone caught in grape variety but well worthwhile this trap will never experience what acquiring a taste for and many wine geeks and wine writers consider Ries- wine is all about. So, get out there and ling as their desert island grape variety. start drinking French, German and Italian.

Make a point of conquering Riesling. You will never look back.

Hugh Johnson, the well-known wine critic and bestselling wine author, when he retired and had to downsize, lamented when Wines to try at least once in your life he put his cellar up for sale, that of all the Von Kesselstatt wines he had to sell off, it was a magnum of German 1971 Riesling he was most Piesporter Goldtropfchen sorry about. Considering he had examples Riesling Auslese Long of all the fine wines in the world, some rare Goldcap 2006 (£29.00) ones going back to the 1800s, it was quite a compliment to Riesling. Most wine geeks Sweet, ethereal, not heavy at all, would understand Johnson very well. hugely complex with superb finish.

The wine laws in Germany are a bit of a mess and meant to confuse the consumer.

Its labels are the most difficult to underMany beginners are put off by the slight stand on the planet. Its designations of sweetness even dry wines have in Germaquality such as Pradikatswein will help you ny. Wine geeks, on the other hand, will be not one bit. Producers have been allowed looking for beauty, complexity and finish to use historic vineyard and will not even comment on sweetnames such as Piesporter in ness which is expected with German The wine their labels irrespective of wines. It’s the high acidity which wines laws in provenance - undermining at these latitudes possess that balances Germany are the sweetness beautifully. the effort of conscientious a bit of a mess producers and downgradand meant to Some of my favourite producers include ing, in the consumers’ confuse the minds, brilliant vineyards.

Donnhoff, Egon Muller, JJ Prum (availconsumer. able locally), Schafer Frohlich and Fritz Haag. However, any wine with the VDP All is not lost and there is a designation should prove well worth trying. simple way of buying German.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Pour yourself a glass, sip slowly, contemplate, learn and go and resolve the world’s problems.

Annegret Reh-Gartner, the winemaker who propelled this estate to it present standing in the world of fine wine, sadly died in October. She would have taken comfort in knowing that now and for decades to come, there will be many still enjoying the fruits of her labour and beloved vineyards.

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recipes Recipe by Alain Coumont

BRAISED ARTICHOKES with tomatoe coulis...

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS 2 lemons, halved 36 baby artichokes (1.4 kg) ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 6 garlic cloves, quartered lengthwise 2 carrots, thinly sliced on the bias 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon coriander seeds ¾ cup dry white wine ½ teaspoon salt Fresh Tomato Coulis, for serving 84

Squeeze the lemons into a bowl of water.

Working with 1 artichoke at a time, snap off the dark green outer leaves. Using a sharp paring knife, slice off all but 2.5 cm of the remaining leaves. Peel and trim the stems. Halve the artichokes, scrape out the hairy choke and drop them into the lemon water.

In a large, non-reactive skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, carrots, onion, thyme, bay leaves, black peppercorns and coriander seeds and cook over moderately high heat until the onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes.

Drain the artichokes and add them to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes longer. Add the wine and salt, cover and cook over moderate heat until the artichokes are just tender, about 10 minutes.

Discard the bay leaves. Spoon the artichokes and their juices onto plates. Drizzle with the Fresh Tomato Coulis and serve.

TOMATO COULIS 4 medium fresh tomatoes, quartered 4 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained 1 garlic clove 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 5 basil leaves Pinch of crushed red pepper Salt and freshly ground black pepper In a blender, puree the fresh tomatoes with the drained sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

recipes Recipe by Angela Liddon

STRAWBERRIES & CHOCOLATE with toasted almond crust...

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS Crust: ¾ cup raw almonds ¼ cup coconut oil 3 tablespoons maple syrup ¼ teaspoon fine grain sea salt ½ cup oat flour 1 cup rolled oats Filling: 1 bag dark chocolate chips (about 340g) 1 can (400g) full-fat coconut milk, chilled in fridge overnight 2 tablespoons maple syrup Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Strawberry compote: 450g strawberries, hulled and diced 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or other sweetener), to taste

Crust: Preheat oven to 180⁰C and lightly grease a 22cm pie dish with coconut oil.

Add almonds into a food processor and process until a fine crumb forms, the size of sand. Now add the coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and oat flour and process again until the dough comes together. Finally, pulse in the rolled oats until the oats are finely chopped, but still have some texture to them. The dough should stick together when pressed between your fingers. If it doesn’t, try processing for a bit longer.

With your fingers, crumble the dough evenly over the base of the pie dish.

Starting from the middle, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish, moving outward and upward along the side of the pie dish. The harder you press the crumbs into the dish, the more it will hold together. Poke 5-6 fork holes into the bottom to let the air escape.

1 teaspoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)

Bake pie crust, uncovered, at 180⁰C for 10-13 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and set aside to cool on a rack for about 20 minutes.

1 vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

Filling: Chill a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight so the cream can solidify.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

When ready, open the can and carefully scoop out the solid white coconut cream into a pot, discarding the water. Add chocolate chips and stir until combined.

Heat over low-medium heat until most of the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the optional sweetener, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

Strawberry compote: Add diced strawberries into a pot and increase heat to medium. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetener and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) until no clumps remain. Add to strawberries and stir. Increase heat and bring mixture to a simmer and cook the strawberries for around 9-12 minutes or longer, until thickened and soft. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Assembly: Pour chocolate filling into pie crust and smooth out. Place in the freezer, on an even surface, for a minimum of 2 hours, or until firm throughout. Allow pie to sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes before attempting to slice. Slicing the first piece of pie is quite tricky, but the second comes out much easier! Serve the pie chilled with the optional compote on top.

Wrap leftover pieces of pie in tin foil and store in the freezer for up to 1 week.

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restaurants, bars & pubs

food & drink directory e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

Casa Pepe

A delightful terrace, bar, restaurant on the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Specialising in fresh fish caught locally with daily specials including seabass, dorada, sole, and bream, plus a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Also available are tapas and raciones (double size tapas) to share (or not!) prior to a main course.

Mixed paellas also available, as well as fish cooked in rock salt, whole suckling pig and baby lamb to order.

Open: Tues-Sat lunch & evening, Sunday lunch only, closed Mondays.

Casa Pepe, 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com.

Visit: www.casapepegib.com

The Lounge Stylish Lounge Gastro Bar on Queensway Quay Marina serving best quality food prepared by passionate, qualified chefs. Popular quiz on Sundays from 7pm and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. A separate Lounge Bar Area serving a wide range of hot drinks, wines, beers, spirits and cocktails at reasonable prices, with large TV’s for sports and events coverage.

Open: 10am-late Mon - Sun Be sure to arrive early to ensure a seat!

The Lounge 17 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 info@thelounge.gi

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Nunos Italian

Nunos Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean, is popular with hotel guests, tourists and local residents. This 2 rosette rated, AA restaurant is renowned for its eclectic interior, intimate atmosphere and fine cuisine. Savour a wide selection of freshly prepared Italian delicacies, including bread, pasta, meat and fish, followed by delicious desserts. In the summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining for private parties in the Garden Grill. Sitting nestled in the colonial garden you can enjoy a mouth-watering menu of charcoal-grilled meats and freshly prepared salads in candlelit surroundings.

Open: Mon-Sun 1-3pm lunch, 7–11pm dinner Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501 Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi

Solo Bar & Grill Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak.

This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating. Well worth a visit, or two! Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.

Open: 12-8pm.

Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

Café Solo Modern Italian eatery set in lively Casem a t e s s q u a re .

Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas (eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking.

Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Jury’s Café-Wine Bar Next to the Law Courts, with a terrace seating area, Jury’s has a selection of Ciabattas, paninis, baguettes and wraps, plus popular sharing dishes, such as Your Honour’s platter. Jacket potatoes, main courses, pasta and some innocent salads too. For those with a sweet tooth, there are tantalising homemade desserts, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as well as Lavazza coffees and frappes.

Open: 7am-midnight Mon-Sat, 9am-midnight Sun. Jury’s Café & Wine Bar 275 Main Street. Tel: 200 67898

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

appetite

restaurants, bars & pubs

All’s Well

Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practise of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’.

All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod & chips and steak & ale pie plus a range of salads and jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke Mondays and Wednesdays until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

All’s Well Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

Bridge Bar & Grill Located on the w a t e r ’s e d g e , Ocean Village, just across the bridge from O’Reilly’s. This bar & grill is a fusion of an American themed menu with Tarifa chill out style. Open for breakfast from 9am serving healthy options, freshly squeezed orange juice and Italian Lavazza coffee. Try the spicy Caribbean rum ribs, southern fried chicken bucket, the popular Texas burger or a selection of tasty salads and homemade desserts. London Pride, San Miguel & Carling beer on draught, live sports.

Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

Gibraltar Arms On Main Street opposite the cathedral, enjoy a meal, coffee or a cool beer on the terrace and watch the world go by!

Bar decorated with rare military plaques from regiments and navy ships visiting Gibraltar. Full breakfast menu served from 7am, draught beers on tap include Old Speckled Hen bitter, Murphys Irish stout, Heineken lager and Strongbow cider.

Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133 Visit: www.gibraltararms.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

O’Reilly’s

Tr a d i t i o n a l Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 8am (Sunday f ro m 9 a m) .

Guinness on draught.

Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness pie, Kildare chicken, chicken brochette, gourmet burgers, wraps, children menu, homemade desserts, daily specials and more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

Lord Nelson

Situated in the corner of Casemates Square, the bar is a celebration of the life of Lord Nelson. See the collection of nautical art & memorabilia, including a brass pin from HMS Victory itself.

HMS crews’ breakfast served from 10am, full menu including steak & ale pie, traditional fish & chips & much more served all day until 10pm.

Jam session Thursday, live top local band on Friday & Karaoke Saturday nights.

O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi

Star Bar

Picadilly Gardens

Gibraltar’s oldest bar, just off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 8am (9am on Sunday). A full menu including fish & chips, until 10pm. The home of Star Coffee, draught beers include Heineken, Old Speckled Hen, Murphys and Strongbow cider. Managed

by Hunter Twins from Stafford, England, also home to Med Golf & Tottenham Hotspur supporters club.

Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Visit: www.starbargibraltar.com

The Three Owls

Relaxed bar restaurant located near to the Queen’s Hotel and Cable car, it has a cosy garden terrace, which is great for drinks, tapas and food al fresco. English breakfast, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, paella by pre-order, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes.

Eat in or takeaway. Open: 6:30am till late.

Piccadilly Gardens Rosia Road, Tel: 20075758

Solo Express

The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers. Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar, two match pool tables, poker machines, dartboard, bar, open from 4:30pm daily. Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be.

Located next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, serves a variety of salads/baguettes (white, brown, ciabatta) filled with a deli selection such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or humous, avocado & roast red pepper. Salads fresh and tasty (Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta etc), great value. Jackets, quiches, coffee plus cakes (flapjacks, muffins) available all day. Eat-in area. Soups in winter.

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 FB: The Three Owls

Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

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1 Raj’s Curry House 1 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Comorant Wharf

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ZONE: QUEENSWAY QUAY Queensway Road

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QUEENSWAY QUAY MARINA

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Casa Pepe

Queensway Quay

The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar 4/5 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

Rendezvou Chargrill 14 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

The Landings Restaurant 15 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

The Lounge Bar (Lunch & Dinner)

17a Ragged Staff Wharf

18 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Telephone: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com

APARTMENTS

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The Lounge Gastro Bar 17b Ragged Staff Wharf

(Breakfast, Lunch & Snack)

Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Telephone: 200 61118 Email: info@thelounge.gi

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Med Med Golf Golf members members shirt shirt Monthly Monthly tournaments tournaments

European European insurance insurance Discounts Discounts in in Hunter Hunter brothers brothers bars bars

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AUCTIONEER, ESTATE AGENT & VALUER Gibraltar’s Longest Established Estate Agents

(56 years)

For Property Advice, contact us 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

Tel: 200 73786 PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop 46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

6 Pitman’s Alley Tel: 200 76544 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers 266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

FROST LANGUAGE CENTRE (registered in Gibraltar)

Professional Spanish Teacher All levels, singles, groups or Skype Call Margaret Mobile: 0034 609 717 296 Email: margaretjf13@gmail.com

HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp

The Magazine for community & business in Gibraltar TEL: E-MAIL: WEBSITE: ADDRESS: 90

tel: 200 700 47

(+350) 200 77748 info@thegibraltarmagazine.com www.thegibraltarmagazine.com Portland House, Suite 4, Glacis Road, Gibraltar GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Savills. Flying the flag for our clients’ properties all over the world.

Focusing on detail

Understanding your needs At Deloitte we focus on strong partner involvement and an understanding of your business needs. We listen and work with you.

For more information, call Joseph Caruana or Daniel Delgado on: Tel: +350 200 41200, Fax: +350 200 41201, info@deloitte.gi www.deloitte.gi Merchant House, 22/24 John Mackintosh Square, P.O. Box 758, Gibraltar © 2016 Deloitte Limited. A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

With over 600 offices and associates globally, we are perfectly placed to find you the perfect buyer.

Sammy Armstrong Savills Gibraltar Suite 1B, 1/5 Icom House, Irish Town GX11 1AA sarmstrong@savills.gi + 350 200 66633

savills.gi

Are you aiming to further your studies? If so, why not open a Grad Account with us Parents/guardians of Grad Account holders will be eligible to apply for a Grad Loan to assist with ongoing student expenses Flexible loan repayments are available at 4.5% per annum over base rate Apply online via our website www.gibintbank.gi Banking made personal with your needs in mind traditional banking with a modern feel gibintbank

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

Company Registration Number 109679

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1.

Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865.

The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Affiliated to UK NADFAS meets third Wed of month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK talk on Art etc. Contact: Chairman Claus Olesen 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros.com.

Membership Ian Le Breton 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall.

Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714.

Art in Movement Centre: Hiphop/Break Dance,Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip Hop: weekly at Danza Academy.

Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced.

68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111.

Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593.

DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion.

Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125.

Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm.

Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844.

The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418.

History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon.

Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000.

The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments

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of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500.

Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact: Award House, North Mole Road, PO Box: 1260. mjpizza@ gibtelecom.net, www.thedukes.gi.

Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road ­- Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthtly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reillys Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696.

Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808.

Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. Hall.

Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome.

Gibraltar Philosophical Society: devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics.

Tel: 54008426 or Facebook: facebook.com/gibphilosophy Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front.

Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: www.hdcgib.com Lions Club of Gibraltar: Meets 2nd and 4th Wed of the month at 50 Line Wall Road. www.lionsclubofgibraltar.com St John’s Ambulance: Adult Volunteers Training Sessions from 8-10pm on Tues. Tel: 200 77390 or training@stjohn.gi The Royal British Legion: For info or membership contact the Branch Secretary 20074604 or write to PO Box 332.

UN Association of Gibraltar: PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108.

Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club: Meets at Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check game is televised. Great food for a lunch if KO is early or an early supper if the game is later.

Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club: Meets match days upstairs at Time Out Café, Eurotowers. Gooners of all ages welcome.

For info/news visit www.GibGooners.com Tel: 54010681 (Bill) or 54164000 (John).

Gibraltar Hammers: Meets on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www. gibraltarhammers.com or gibraltarhammers@ hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am & Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465

or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788.

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages.

Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association.

Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricketleague & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@ gibcricket.com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors.

Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info.

Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319.

Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion. Tel: 54011007.

Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m.

Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk.

Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211.

Muay Thai and Muay Boran Club: Tues & Thur at Boyd’s Kings Bastion Leisure Centre at 6:30pm, Tel: John – 54024707 FB: Gibraltar Muay Thai Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association.

New members welcome. Tel: 54002652.

Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs through out the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training for Colts (w+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division. Contact: secretary@ gibraltarfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation. Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000).

Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/ tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000.

Commercial sports diving schools available.

Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m..

Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo.

Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm.

Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:30-5pm. Sat: 3-5pm. Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869.

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www. gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults.

Mon-Thur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714.

Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club. Junior development programme.

Courses for adults, leagues and competitions.

Tel: Louis 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442.

Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york. gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street. Tel: 20042237.

Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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information

CHINESE ZODIAK 2017 2 016 was an extraordinary year. It was, of course, the year of the Monkey, and so perhaps we should not have been surprised by the shenanigans typical of Monkey years. The clever and hyperactive Monkey gave us shock after shock, including Brexit and the US presidential elections. So, what will the year of the Rooster bring?

The Year of the Rooster (Fire Rooster to be precise) will be a powerful one, with compromise in short supply. For the Rooster, appearances and impressions really matter, so looking ones best, being clear what you want and being consistent, will all be important. Hard work and loyalty will be rewarded. Best results will come from well-trodden paths, so, if possible, avoid undue risk.

Politically, 2017 is a year when many countries will at least advocate hard-line policies. However, Roosters use an element of bluff. Countries are going to puff like the Rooster and perhaps make threats and flex muscles, but they are unlikely to follow through, unless cornered. Roosters are also rather domestic, so most countries will be largely concerned with issues taking place at home.

Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.).Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards.Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/ Children under 12 - £1.

Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon.

by Alicia Bowry, the Gibraltar Chinese Association

The mix of the fire element with the Rooster’s metal will create tensions. This will result in volatile atmospheres. It will be a year of threats that handled poorly, could result in violence.

On the plus side, 2017 is a good year to start a relationship. Politically, there will be many new ones to make. Unfortunately, some of the signs for key international relationships do not look good. For example dogs, such as Trump, do not get on well with dragons, such as Putin. On the brighter side, both get on well with monkeys, such as May. This will be a very good year for dragons, so those born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 or 2012 should have a particularly good 2017.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am 11pm Mon-Fri. Gibraltar Public Holidays 2017 New Year’s Day Commonwealth Day Good Friday Easter Monday Workers Memorial Day May Day Spring Bank Holiday Queen’s Birthday Late Summer BH Gibraltar National Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

*Monday 2nd Jan Monday 13th Mar Friday 14th Apr Monday 17th Apr Friday 28th Apr Monday 1st May Monday 29th May Monday 19th Jun Monday 28th Aug *Monday 4th Sept Monday 25th Dec Tuesday 26th Dec

*For 1st of Jan and 10th of Sept.

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance ����������������������������������������� Tel: 190 Police ���������������������������������������������������Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number Tel: 112 94

Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station ������������������������Tel: 200 75728 Police.................................................Tel: 200 72500 Emergency Nos: .................Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

ADHD & Learning Difficulties (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Meetings at Fellowship Bookshop Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Road. Coffee, chat, books and resources on display. Tel: 54027551 or 54014476.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support.

Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. (Summer Hours 8:30am – 2pm) Tel: 20040006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Formed to ease challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work.

Tel: 57799000.

Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet weekly on Thursdays at 9pm at Gladys Perez Centre, 304A Main Street, Tel: 54007676 or 54014484.

Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at John Mac Hall, except for Jul & Aug. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717.

Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553 With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Rock Publishing Ltd, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 200 77748

Support Groups

finance

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What you might not know is that we can also take care of all your importing requirements.

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30-31_mar .indd 31

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parenting

PARENTS & PARTNERS Becoming better at romance and parenting

W

For many, long indulgent days and eveWhen day in, day out you are constantly ith Valentine’s Day apputting the needs of your children first, it’s nings of romantic surprises are a thing of proaching, what are your an effort for many to then add the needs plans? Romance and parthe past, and a romantic getaway is about of someone else to the pile too. enting aren’t two words you as likely as Mr Tumble wearing a pair of sensible trousers. often see close together. If these words were at school, they’d be Not long after having her first baby, AmerIf these at opposite sides of the canteen. ican Celebrity Giuliana Rancic famously Back in your child-free days, you words were at Popular Romance would be stated “We put our marriage first and our simply went out for the evening; school, they’d an event like this was at most regiggling with wild abandon while child second” later explaining “the best be at opposite ferred to as a “night out”. Now, as Parenting would be slumped thing we can do for him is have a strong sides of the over a chair probably sleeping a parent, evenings like these are so marriage.” While many initially balked at canteen. with her mouth wide open. this honest statement, their approach may rare they require a special status, be one that more parents could take a leaf a “date night”. Standards of an from. exciting day out drop considerIf you take the time to google ‘parenting and romance’, Google suggestions say it all. ably. Simple excursions to the Long supermarket without the kids Among the top ten are ‘romantic gestures Statistically speaking, 67% of couples indulgent have you feeling giddy. to win her back’ ‘romantic gesture definicome closer to divorce during the first days and tion’ and ‘romantic gestures for her with no three years of a new baby’s life. In the evenings of money’. The common theme seems to be first few months of parenthood, 40 Parenting means your romantic romantic reviving ones relationship and worryingly, ideals drop massively. No, he - 70% of couples experience “stress, surprises are profound conflict and drops in marital many don’t appear to know what a romandidn’t buy me flowers but he a thing of tic gesture is! With all money spent on satisfaction” (The Gottman Institute). did wash the car this weekend. the past... school trips and infinite pairs of children’s The only valentine card he reshoes, parents are trying to romance withceived was the one our toddler According to other happiness surveys, out spending any money - sounds familiar? made at nursery, what’s wrong with that? these dips are recurring with each child.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

parenting German researchers who have been tracing the pattern of parental happiness for twenty years found that happiness peaks and “We put troughs with the first two our marriage children, and stabilises with first and our the third. Mikko Myrskylä, child second. a professor of demograThe best phy at London School of thing we can Economics and director of do for him is the Max Planck Institute have a strong for Demographic Research marriage.” in Rostock, Germany, stated “Our results show a temporary and transitory gain in parents’ happiness around the birth of first and second children,” He said “The fact that parental happiness increases before these children are born suggests that we are capBe engaged turing broader issues relating to childbearing such as couples forming partnerships This is my personal New Year’s resolution and making plans for the future.” and while I am applying it to my life in general, it will also serve your love life well.

Another way of interpreting these findings, is that our idea of parenthood is quite difWe often become distracted with phones ferent to the reality. The sleep deprivation, and Facebook. Make an effort to ignore financial burden, physical and emotional these distractions and talk, even watching strain can irreparably damage a relationa film is more enjoyable when everyone is ship. Gradually, exhausted parents sniping fully involved. Set some ground rules for at each other, can ware their relationship when you will and won’t use your phone down. Build each other up and you’ll crethen stick to them. Your family as a whole ate unshakable foundations. will be happier for it too.

While I’m not trying to be all doom and gloom, the reality is there are no shortcuts to raising a family. It is hard work. It is also the most rewarding work that you could possibly ever do, and although they may be less steamy kisses, there is no shortage of sloppy and snotty ones which are equally pleasing, in their own way.

So what can we do to keep a happy, healthy relationship with our spouse?

Make the ordinary extraordinary No time or money to go out? No worries.

Mix things up and have a living room picnic instead of your usual dinner. Surprise your partner with a cooked breakfast instead of the usual toast or cereal. You might notice a common theme here but food is the way to most people’s hearts.

Be kind

It’s kind of obvious, isn’t it? Yet the most common complaint you hear from unhappy couples is about irritating habits. People don’t change, but you can change your Little things mean a lot perspective on people. It’s easy to focus on the negatives, especially when you are Small gestures go a long way, cups of tea overstretched looking after a family too. in bed, a hot bath, a foot rub. Just taking However, life is much more some time out of your day to do pleasant when you concentrate a small thoughtful and caring gesExhausted ture can make a huge difference to parents sniping on what you love about your your happiness. Behaviour like this at each other, partner (and people in general!). is usually reciprocated, so if you can ware their Make sure you tell them about it too. have both fallen out of the habit, relationship get the ball rolling again. down.

Whatever you do this Valentine’s Day, start some habits that can keep on rolling all year round. Parenting and Romance might not be obvious bed fellows, but being romantic will make you better partners and parents.

Polly Lavarello is Editor of Mum on the Rock Email: polly@mumontherock.com Web: www.mumontherock.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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1) and 4) ac – 18th. century Scottish poet (6,5) 7) Direction of this clue! (6) 8) Light dish, usually sweet, of cream and eggs whisked then folded together and eaten cold (6) 9) Network; grid (4) 10) Excited – like a TV cartoon! (8) 12) Area of the Atlantic Ocean to where European and American eels migrate to breed (8,3) 17) Before (in time or space); a cruciate ligament (8) 19) A terrible Tsar! (4) 20) Native of Bavaria, for example (6) 21) Scandinavian country, not a member of the EU (6) 22) Three score (5) 23) Spouted vessel for pouring a hot drink(6)

down

1) Loud noises; criminal activities; sports equipment (7)

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2) Male relative (7) 3) One of Haile Selassie’s titles (3,6); member of Jamaican religious cult (9)

8

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across

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4) Used for sweeping up (5)

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5) Coloured ribbon decoration usually denoting a sporting or other affiliation (7)

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first prize: lunch for two at

6) Reliable (6)

Completed crosswords to be returned to the Clipper by 20th Feb

Last month’s winner:

Derek Jezzard Peninsular Heights

11) Type of contract paid for to avoid or minimise the risk of loss (9) 13) Warrior in ancient Gaul who rebelled against the Romans in certain French comic books (7) 14) Part of riding tackle in which the foot is inserted (7) 15) Stubborn; immoveable (7) 16) Food item to which 1) & 4) composed an ode (6) 18) Prepared; a bit of money (5)

Flight & Cruise Schedule - February 2017 Day Flight

Mon ZB7240 EZY8901 BA490 th th

ZB446 13 and 20 only ZB064 ZB574 from 14th Tue EZY8901 BA490 ZB574 EZY6299 th from 8 Wed EZY8901 th from 15 ZB574 BA490 EZY1963 ZB064 Thu ZB7240 EZY8901 BA490 AT990 th ZB574 from 16 EZY6299 Fri EZY8901 BA490 th ZB446 from 17 ZB064 ZB574 ZB7244 Sat EZY8901 BA492 BA490 Sun EZY6299 EZY1963 EZY8901 BA492 BA490 AT990 ZB7244 th ZB446 from 19 ZB064 ZB574

Airline

From

Monarch Gatwick easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow Monarch Birmingham Monarch Luton Monarch Manchester easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow Monarch Manchester easyJet Bristol easyJet Gatwick Monarch Manchester British Airways Heathrow easyJet Manchester Monarch Luton Monarch Gatwick easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow Royal Air Maroc Tangier Monarch Manchester easyJet Bristol easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow Monarch Birmingham Monarch Luton Monarch Manchester Monarch Gatwick easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow British Airways Heathrow easyJet Bristol easyJet Manchester easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow British Airways Heathrow Royal Air Maroc Tangier Monarch Gatwick Monarch Birmingham Monarch Luton Monarch Manchester

Arrives Flight

10:40 10:55 16:30 18:55 19:10 19:20 10:55 16:30 19:10 19:30 10:55 11:35 16:30 16:55 19:00 10:45 10:55 16:30 17:30 19:00 20:25 10:55 16:30 17:55 19:00 19:05 19:50 11:50 14:20 16:30 11:00 11:05 11:10 14:20 16:30 17:30 17:45 18:55 19:00 20:35

ZB7241 EZY8902 BA491 ZB447 ZB065 ZB575 EZY8902 BA491 ZB575 EZY6300 EZY8902 ZB575 BA491 EZY1964 ZB065 ZB7241 EZY8902 BA491 AT991 ZB575 EZY6300 EZY8902 BA491 ZB447 ZB065 ZB575 ZB7245 EZY8902 BA493 BA491 EZY6300 EZY1964 EZY8902 BA493 BA491 AT991 ZB7245 ZB447 ZB065 ZB575

Departs

11:25 11:25 17:20 19:45 19:55 20:05 11:25 17:20 19:55 20:00 11:25 12:20 17:20 17:35 19:45 11:30 11:25 17:20 18:35 19:50 20:55 11:25 17:20 18:45 19:45 19:55 20:40 12:25 15:05 17:20 11:30 11:35 11:40 15:05 17:20 18:20 18:30 19:45 19:50 21:20

To

Gatwick Gatwick Heathrow Birmingham Luton Manchester Gatwick Heathrow Manchester Bristol Gatwick Manchester Heathrow Manchester Luton Gatwick Gatwick Heathrow Tangier Manchester Bristol Gatwick Heathrow Birmingham Luton Manchester Gatwick Gatwick Heathrow Heathrow Bristol Manchester Gatwick Heathrow Heathrow Tangier Gatwick Birmingham Luton Manchester

Arrival

Vessel

ETD Pass

Operator

Capacity

Thu 16, 11:00 MINERVA

21:00 British

Swan Hellenic Ltd

352

Sun 26, 13:30 BERLIN

20:00 German

FTI Cruises

456

ww.gibraltarport.com

www.gibraltarairport.gi

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

gibtalks schedule

GIBTALKS SCHEDULE

...

Saturday 11th of February, John Mackintosh Hall

10:00 – 10:15

Julian Felice – Let Me Tell You A Story

10:20 – 10:35

Samantha Barrass – My Secret Life As An Amateur Thespian and Theatre Impresario

10:40 – 10:55

Tito Vallejo – Jebel Tarik

11:00 – 11:10

VOX POP 1 – Manar Ben Tahayekt – Living With A Disability

11:15 – 11:30

Henry & Priscilla Sacramento – Making It Work

11:35 – 11:50

Karl Ullger – To What Extent Can You Learn To Be Creative?

11:55 – 12:05

VOX POP 2 – Sean Vincent Acris – Pride, Not Prejudice

12:10 – 12:25

Georgina Cassar – From Rock to Rings: My Olympic Journey

12:30 – 12:45

Sir Peter Caruana QC

BREAK 14:00 – 14:15

Danny Freyone – The Imperceptible

14:20 – 14:35

Stefano Blanco Sciacaluga – Much Ado About Happiness

14:40 – 14:55

Jonathan Teuma – Optimizing Yanito

15:00 – 15:10

VOX POP 3 – Rob Chandler – The White Poppy

15:15 – 15:30

Kaoula El Andaloussi – My Hijab

15:35 – 15:50

Paulette Finlayson – You Are Not Good At English

15:55 – 16:05

VOX POP 4 – Aidan Cleverly - Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow

16:10 – 16:25

Paul Lyon – An Adopted Gibraltarian

16:30 – 16:45

Dan Teuma – Life on the Front Line of the Refugee Crisis in Europe

16:50 – 17:05

Krishaan Khubchand – What’s Next For Gibraltar?

END GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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