The Gibraltar Magazine September 2021

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE September 2021 | Vol.26 #11

THE

Banjo Man ALAN POWE

FUTURE SOUNDZ

MUSIC ON THE ROCK

LANDING A WORLD RECORD TEEN PILOT’S SOLO FLIGHT

WOMEN DON’T OWE YOU SKINNY TOXIC DIET CULTURE

GOODBYE SUMMER HELLO SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER SCOREBOARD SPORTS ROUNDUP

WHAT JOB IS RIGHT FOR ME? THE BEST CAREERS

finance

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

For further information please contact: DHL Gibraltar Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Tel: 200 72210 Email: GIBSN@dhl.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2014

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from the editor

SEPTEMBER ISSUE EDITOR'S NOTE ALL AT ONCE, SUMMER COLLAPSED INTO FALL.

- OSCAR WILDE

I can’t lie, I’m a little distracted whilst writing this month’s letter as I’m about to go on my first holiday since 2019 BC (before Covid!). After spending an inordinate amount of time holed up in our homes, people have expressed some concerns about being released back into the wild: squeezing our happily-fed pandemic bodies into our old clothes (buy new ones, I say!), remembering how to interact with other people instead of pulling our masks up and shuffling away nervously, and eating a meal without a television screen in front of us. Here goes nothing!

If a little post-Covid cushion is playing on your mind, then boy do we have an article for you – and it doesn’t involve any fad diets or exhausting exercise routines. Gianna explores ‘fatphobia’ and how society and the media have skewed our perception of how we are are 'supposed' to look (p.

39). What do we want? Body confidence! When do we want it? Right after I finish this delicious snack, thankyouverymuch.

On our cover this month is none other than the banjo man himself, Alan Powe. In his usual spot on the corner of Gauchos and Fish Market Lane, Alan has been entertaining passersby for the last couple of years – but what’s his story? It involves a spiritual awakening, 14 countries, and a single instrument (p. 23).

I don’t know about you, but after the summer I get an insatiable (and almost always premature) urge to bring out all my coats and jumpers, with the hope of convincing the weather gods to send some cooler weather our way.

Saving me from a sweaty September, however, our resident fashionista provides us with some sensible fashion advice to carry us through the autumn season (p. 80).

And if that hasn’t whetted your reading appetite enough already, we also have an interview with a teen pilot, who broke a world record as the youngest aviator to circumnavigate the globe in a single-engine aircraft (p.

28).

Until next month,

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

Furry Friends

Lulu

Wolfie

Jack

Daisy

Mickey These stylish pups are loving their new Gib Mag leads!

Would your furry friend like one? Head down to 241 Main Street (Masbro) to pick up your very own – for free!

Don’t forget to take a photo and tag #GibMagPets for a chance to be featured.

EDITOR: Sophie Clifton-Tucker editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com DESIGN:

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Justin Bautista design@thegibraltarmagazine.com SALES: Advertising Team sales@thegibraltarmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION: DHL martin@matrix.gi ACCOUNTS: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Eran and Ayelet Mamo Shay Jon Lewes Elena Scialtiel Gianna Stanley Carmen Anderson Richard Cartwright Sophie Clifton-Tucker Joel Francis Thomas Maxwell Elena Scialtiel Claire Spencer Sasha Alexdottir Andrew Licudi Julia Coelho Pete Wolstencroft

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Views and opinions within articles are contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly

by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 E: editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com © 2019 Rock Publishing Limited.

All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine. www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Magazine & website archived by the British Library 6

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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86

content

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08 Hello There: What Are Your Best and Worst Purchases?

62 Bookish: Our Monthly Book Club

10 News

64 Fifty Shades of Ray

BUSINESS 16 What Job Is Right for Me? The Best Careers for the Next Decade 18 Bitcoin Moves Mainstream

LIFE 23 One Man and His Banjo 28 Landing a World Record 31 From the RG to the IDF: Moshe Cadosh

85 39

34 Reunite, Reminisce, and Reflect: Celebrating Freedom of the City & the Class of ’52 39 Women Don’t Owe You Skinny 42 Sexpecially Chemistry: With Fabio D’Apice 45 New Premises for GBC

66 Local Dancer’s West End Debut

LEISURE 61 Klein Constantia: Vin de Constance 73 Eat Genuine, Eat at The Eatalian!

74 The Scoreboard: Sports Roundup 77 The World’s First Resort: Blackpool 80 Goodbye Summer, Hello September!

REGULARS 86 Recipes: Hummus Filled Bagels and Rosada al Limón 88 Information 93 #GibsGems 94 Kids Korner

SCENE

95 Coffee Time

47 Seascapes and Symbolism 50 FutureSoundz 52 And the Winner Is… 55 Summer Nights at Camp Bay 59 Art Club: How to Draw a Macaque in 5 Steps

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

Don't forget to find the Hungry Monkey!

COVER Photographer: Alastair Sanchez Location: Entrance to Casemates Model: Alan Powe

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hello there

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST AND WORST PURCHASES? Audrey Stagno Classroom Assistant The best item I have ever bought is the Thermomix - I love to cook.

It’s expensive but I’ve had mine now for 10 years, and I use it on a daily basis. The worst… I bought a leather jacket from China once and it came back like a plastic one the size to fit an action man!

Noelle Imossi Teacher The best purchase I have ever made, especially during the summer months, is 'Skin So Soft' from an Avon distributor, Nicky Buckley. It is a moisturiser that works as an incredible mosquito repellent as it contains Citronella and is only €4.50 a bottle! The worst purchase must be a beach bag with a fridge at the bottom. An awesome idea but it broke almost instantly!

Want to see yourself or your team featured here?

Get in touch at editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com and we'll send you our monthly question!

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Francesca Makey Teacher My Stackers jewellery box has been one of the best items I’ve treated myself to as all of my jewellery is organised in one place and I can purchase more stacks as my collection grows; I now have 4!

The worst was my shellac manicure machine because as much as I practise, my nails never last more than a couple of days and I just end up paying for a proper manicure every few weeks instead.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

hello there

Lizanne Bado

Maite Carrasco-Randal

Customer Services at Gibraltar Airport After spending quite an interesting amount of money on a Dyson Airwrap for my curly and frizzy hair on levanter days, I must say I highly recommend it to every single woman out there. It’s easy and quick to style, curl, straighten and mould your hair to any shape or form. I use it daily and would not be able to live without it - worth every penny. Worst buy - a cookery book I have never read.

Classroom Assistant My best purchase ever is Alexa! She keeps me entertained with the best music! She tells me the time, weather and answers any questions. She can actually be very funny. The worst purchase ever was a boiler of course! It broke exactly the day after the warranty ended.

Shakira Nehhas Sports Therapist at Gibraltar Orthopaedic and Medical Clinic My best purchase has got to be the Theragun PRO. As a Sports Therapist, I was intrigued to know what the hype was about this massage gun. I can confirm that it’s by far the best purchase I’ve made in a long time. I absolutely love it! My worst purchase has got to be the Cicapair colour correcting treatment by Dr.Jart+! It most definitely isn’t worth the money and hype.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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news ST BERNARD’S HOSPITAL – AMBER STATUS St Bernard’s Hospital Operational Risk Status remains at Amber but planned surgeries are now being reviewed daily.

Gold Command of the GHA met to review the escalation position of the Health Authority, and in particular the risk posed to patients undergoing surgery as currently there are cases of COVID-19 within the community and at St Bernard’s

COULD YOU BE CABEZON’S FOREVER HOME? Cabezon is a loving, confident, cool

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Hospital.

the surgery and offer a new date.

Gold Command concluded that patients must not be placed at avoidable risk by coming in to the hospital and having routine surgery, if the risk of catching COVID-19 and harm being caused outweighs the benefit of having the surgery.

The GHA would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance to anyone who has their surgery cancelled at short notice, but we must ensure the safety of anyone who comes to the hospital to the best of our ability at all times.

Patients awaiting routine surgery and interventions are advised that the GHA will review surgical lists at the start of each day. If at all possible, routine surgeries will go ahead, but it is possible if the risk to a patient is considered high, that the patient will be called to cancel

There is no need for patients to enquire as the GHA will contact those that are affected, the GHA would therefore kindly ask that patients not to call the GHA to ask about their own surgery; we will call those affected by any cancellation.

boy with a dude-like air and a large head! He has bundles of personality.

Cabezon is an amusing character that makes us laugh every day.

Why anyone would abandon him on the street to fend for himself is incredibly sad. He’s 5 years old and is neutered. Cabezon spends every day

in a cage. He needs his freedom, to experience the comforts of a home again, but most importantly, to have the love of his forever family. If you think that could be you, please contact us on Facebook: Gibraltar Cat Welfare Society.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

news FIRST OFFICIAL CRUISE CALL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC Last month Gibraltar saw its first official cruise call since the pandemic started.

Wind Surf, from Windstar Cruises arrived 13th August at 8.00am Gibraltar was included in it’s itinerary as part of their Mediterranean Cruise.

Minister Daryanani said, “I am delighted to see the return of cruising to Gibraltar. I hope this is the first of many visits to our Rock.

The cruising industry worldwide has suffered immensely over the last eighteen months and our businesses have missed these calls tremendously. The Government is committed to increasing cruise calls to our Port. Throughout the pandemic we have been in constant communication with all cruise operators, but I want to take this one step further by engaging with them in person when travel allows.

As the major cruise companies start working on their itineraries for 2023 and 2024, Gibraltar’s aim is to be at the forefront of their plans”.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE Police Dog Stitch was out with officers from the Royal Gibraltar Police’s Marine Section last month, as part of his ongoing training.

The day at sea will help the fourlegged crime fighter get used to searching vessels once he’s fully qualified.

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

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news 2021 CULTURAL AWARDS – NOMINEES ANNOUNCED The Awards are aimed at celebrating the best of Gibraltar’s arts and culture to recognise potential, ability, talent, and achievement supporting the community’s cultural development.

The Cultural Awards Board, comprised of The Hon. Peter Montegriffo QC, Alice Mascarenhas MBE GMD, Peter Canessa, Keri Scott, Yvette Zarb and Seamus Byrne, considered all nominations who have been active over the last year.

As part of the process, the public is encouraged to vote for their preferred nominees. The public lines will be launched this month.

Proceeds from the calls will be donated to the GBC Open Day. The nominees are as follows:

JUNIOR (UNDER 15’s) 1. Gino Ochello ‘Best Youth Actor’ Drama Festival, involved in GAMPA online programming and other Academy performances 2. Louis Pitto Short Story Competition winner, year group 6/7 (Spring Festival), Poetry Competition Highly Commended, year group 7/10 (Autumn Festival).

3. Mia Hook Overall winner of Bookmark Competition & school years 7/10.

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1st Place Jazz Duet & 2nd Place Commercial Solo at online Global Dance Open.

Highly Commended Award at the Spring Visual Arts Exhibition 2021.

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

SENIOR (OVER 25’s) Ian Serra Karl Ullger Kitchen Studios Richard Garcia

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

BEST EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

3. Louis Emmitt Stern

Painting Competition

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

4. Stephane Dominicy

1. Geraldine Martinez 2. Gibraltar Heritage Trust

3. Westside School Writer of the Week There will be three extra awards: the CULTURAL AMBASSADOR AWARD, the GCS AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT and the MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Composed music for ‘Times of Closure’ documentary.

Collaborated in video that won category in Spring Visual Arts Competition. Created several musical pieces during lockdown available on Spotify.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

5. Zulaika Vallance

Sunborn Hotel. For further

‘Young Artist prize’ at International Art Exhibition 2020, 1st Prize at the Young Art Exhibition 2021 and received a

GCS Cultural Development

AWARD. The Awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at the information, please contact Unit on 20049161 or email: development@culture.gov.gi.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

50 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

news PUNNY CORNER (In a computer store) Man One: I don’t think you even know what a hard drive is.

Man Two: I’ve driven cross country with my wife, three kids and a dog. I know what a hard drive is.

Thanks to Maria Bechet for sending in this pun! Do you have one to share? Email editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com!

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND HEAD TEACHERS Last month, the appointments of the next Director of Education and new head teachers of Bayside, Governor’s Meadow and St Martin schools were announced: • Keri Scott as the next Director of Education • Gaynor Lester as the new head teacher to Bayside School • Emma Jane Mongriffo as the new head teacher to Governor’s Meadow 14

• and Dawn Elouise Holmes as the new head teacher to St Martin School Previously, Jerry Aguilera was also appointed to the role of head teacher to St Paul’s school. At the time of his appointment he was Gibraltar’s youngest ever head teacher at the age of 33. Jerry is also Gibraltar’s first male head teacher of a lower primary school.

The Chief Secretary, Darren Grech, said: “I can tell you that this is truly the A-team; the future of education is in very safe and caring hands.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

news GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES MEDICINAL CANNABIS BILL On 6th August, Government published a Bill for an Act to make provision for the regulation of the production, import, export, marketing and supply of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The publication of this Bill follows the announcement by the Minister for Public Health in this year’s Budget debate.

Government is keen to support the efforts of the private sector by establishing the appropriate legal and regulatory architecture in order to create a robustly regulated medicinal cannabis industry, and has spared no effort in ensuring that the proposed Bill creates the potential for a new industry that is regulated fully in compliance with the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended from time to time.

The Government foresees various potential outcomes in respect of this new market, including: (a) regulatory alignment with the United Kingdom Medicines and Health Care Products in respect of certification of local licences; (b) engagement with UK Government departments and agencies in respect of UN Single Convention reporting and related matters; (c) exploring product demand that may exist in the United Kingdom that Gibraltar’s new economic sector may be well placed to supply; and (d) synergies arising in respect of research and the development of the sector more broadly.

It is the strict policy of the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

Government that only the most reputable businesses will be licensed under the proposed new regime and licensed businesses will therefore need to conduct their operations fully in compliance with the statutory licensing framework.

The Honourable the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo QC MP, said: ‘Government is delighted to have published this Bill given that it is predicted that medicinal cannabis as a business globally will continue to expand for the foreseeable future. HMGoG is of the view that this new industry, comprehensively regulated to the highest standards, could well create an innovative and thriving sector of Gibraltar’s economy.

I trust that the opposition parties will agree with us that we should seize the potentially positive economic prospects that a robustly regulated cannabis industry can deliver.’

The Minister for Public Health John Cortes, commented: ‘Medicinal cannabis, as an innovative market, could lead to quality employment and export opportunities to different jurisdictions. It is vital that we remain open to such new opportunities to maintain our economic growth. This has underpinned our firm commitment to private industry by establishing the relevant statutory and legal framework.’

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business

WHAT JOB IS RIGHT FOR ME? The best careers of this decade.

T

hose who have lost their jobs through outsourcing, layoffs, or cutbacks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are facing second — and even third — career choices, and possibly having to go back to school to get the necessary degrees. New college grads are struggling to find entry-level jobs that use their skills. Older workers are being talked into early retirement. Even those who are gainfully employed are seeking to get out of jobs that offer little in terms of salary advancement.

Some careers, however, show there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many of them reflect our fascination with, and our increasing dependence upon, technology. Some grow from the push for new, renewable energy sources, and some build further on our need for established energy sources. Others have to do with the changing demographics of our society, as the baby boomer generation continues to age.

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As Innovation Consultants, our firm often advises leading edge technology firms in a variety of sectors, from Fintech and Smart City Solutions, to Green Energy, Cybersecurity and eSports.

We are witnessing the evolving job market as our clients are seeking suitable candidates be it in Gibraltar or beyond.

Compiled below is a list of some of the occupations that are likely to be most in demand over the remainder of this decade, offering high starting salaries and high salary growth potential.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers The recent, strong global push for renewable and sustainable energy sources has resulted in a booming job market for skilled professionals in the field. Specifically, the demand for solar energy has established solar photovoltaic installers as the career field

with the highest projected growth for the next decade.

Solar photovoltaic installers, to simplify a complicated job title, install solar panels and solar panel systems. Also known as PV installers, professionals in this field plan systems according to client needs, install systems on GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

business buildings, houses, in fields, and other locations, connect panels to electrical systems, trouble shoot and perform maintenance, and more.

Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations The growth in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence predictive technologies are fuelling demand for data analysts. Individuals with a love for numbers and their functions may want to consider pursuing careers as mathematicians or data scientists.

Advanced knowledge and skills in mathematics can lead to lucrative, high paying jobs.

Beyond crunching numbers, mathematicians play a valuable role in data analysis and prediction, solving and preventing problems for businesses as well as for governments.

E-Sports Coach Competitive online gaming is getting more and more popular.

With some big prizes to be won, players need to make sure they have that competitive edge. An esports coach can help with strategy, motivation and fair play.

Software Developer Software developers design and write the software that runs on devices like computers and phones. Some developers create applications for specific tasks, while others work on the operating systems used by devices and networks. Software development involves figuring out what users need, designing and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

testing software to meet those needs, making upgrades to older programs, and maintaining and documenting software to make sure it keeps working correctly in the future. As our lives are becoming increasingly digital, demand for software developers is certain to continue to rise.

Medical and Health Services Manager Health care is a big and complicated business. Providing care to patients is only part of it. There’s also the work of scheduling appointments, collecting payments, keeping medical records, and coordinating with other care providers. Medical and health services managers oversee all these activities, leaving health care providers with more time for their patients. As ageing population is becoming increasingly evident around the world, demand for healthcare and healthcare related jobs is going to increase.

Information Security & Cybersecurity Analyst Businesses hire information security and cybersecurity analysts to protect their computer networks and systems from cybercrime. These professionals install antivirus software and other safeguards to protect sensitive information, watch for security breaches and investigate them when they occur, and periodically test the network to look for gaps a hacker could exploit. As our lives are becoming increasingly dependent on digital devices, so grows the threat that our information can be mishandled and the need for people who will

ensure our data is secured.

Compliance Officers Sectors such as the financial services industry and the online gaming industry are facing increasing regulation and reporting requirements due to the war on money-laundering, financial fraud, under-age betting and other risks. This has created steady demand for compliance officers and other data integrity analysts which is forecast to increase, particularly given the rise in crypto currencies and other blockchain technologies.

All these careers offer good wages and good prospects for growth. However, that doesn’t mean they’re the only reasonable careers to pursue. The right job for you has to do more than pay the bills. It should also be a job you find satisfying and worthwhile. Nevertheless, if you are considering careers in these fields, do check with us, as our clients may be looking for someone like you.

Eran Shay

Managing Director &

Ayelet Mamo Shay

Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. (+350) 200 73669 general@benefitgibraltar.com

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business

BITCOIN MOVES MAINSTREAM

Using Bitcoins to pay for pizzas and cinema tickets may soon be available to us all. Jon Lewes looks at what is happening with cryptocurrencies in Gibraltar.

BY JON LEWES

T

he first known bitcoin commercial transaction was carried out in 2010 when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz paid with 10,000 bitcoins for pizzas he bought at a Papa John franchise pizza restaurant.

At the time, each bitcoin was worth less than a US penny… about $0.004 to be specific. The pizzas cost about $40, so Hanyecz needed 10,000 bitcoins to pay for them - by March 2013 the bitcoins would have been worth nearly $750,000 to the Papa John owners, or to whoever held the bitcoins by then.

Bitcoin Pizza Day has become as much part of folklore as Alexander Bell’s first phone call. However, it is remembered now not for the transaction for the two pizzas but more because of the price: those

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10,000 bitcoins were by 2019 worth over $80 million, at $8 for each bitcoin.

Now in 2021, with the value of a bitcoin at around $40,000 as of mid-2021 the holder of the 10,000 “pizza” bitcoins would be GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

business cryptography which allows for the creation and processing of digital currencies and their transactions across decentralised systems.

Cryptocurrencies are typically developed by teams of coders who build mechanisms for issue of the currency, mostly through a process called “mining”.

holding a fortune of some $400m.

However, tomorrow, theoretically, technically, the value of a bitcoin, and that fortune, could have dropped to zero.

Once you have a wallet, you’re able to buy bitcoins. You don’t need to invest thousands of pounds to get one single bitcoin.

Instead, you can buy a fraction of one bitcoin. As a demonstration of how times have changed drastically since that first pizza transaction, there is now a crypto project for ordering pizza. It’s called Lightning Pizza, and it allows for a Domino’s pizza.to be paid for in bitcoin.

In further developments, AMC, the US cinema chain that owns UK chain Odeon, has announced that it will accept ticket payments and concessions in Bitcoin by the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

end of 2021.

Two Questions Two questions that are asked ever since Bitcoin carried out its first test transaction on January 12 2009 is one, whether Bitcoin is here to stay, and two, what is Bitcoin.

To answer the second question first, Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency, or cryptocurrency, one of many such cryptocurrencies, some 4,000 of them at the most recent count. Bitcoin is considered by its supporters, which includes the Gibraltar Government, to be the World Currency of the future.

A cryptocurrency is “a virtual or digital money which takes the form of tokens or coins” “crypto” refers to complicated

Purchase of goods and services around the world can be made by bitcoin without any established regulations, restrictions or currency differences so bringing greater flexibility in its use. Bitcoin, say supporters, “is now slowly becoming the most used currency worldwide”. This they say is based on the reality that bitcoins and other forms of cryptocurrencies are being used in many countries when buying not only services and goods, mostly luxury/highticket items, but also everyday products such as pizzas and cinema tickets.

Returning to the answer to the second question, “is bitcoin here to stay” - that may depend on what “a long stay” means.

At present, there are 180 countries’ currencies across the world, “fiat” currencies, as recognized by the United Nations, with the five major traded currencies being the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound sterling and the Swiss franc.

By comparison, as of January 2021 more than 4,000 cryptocurrencies are in existence.

With Amazon and Twitter, as well as many other global companies and financial institutions, moving in to the cryptocurrency space, it looks as if the stay may well be a long one.

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business

Bitcoin in Gibraltar The Gibraltar Stock Exchange approved in 2016 the listing of BitcoinETI, an asset-backed exchange traded instrument, that is invested exclusively in bitcoin, making it the first European regulated product for the new type of digital currency.

There has been since then an ongoing shift in the type of bitcoin purchaser, with Bitcoin going institutional. “Cryptocurrencies that started existence a few years ago as an anti-establishment tool to avoid government detection are now provided with “custody services” by authorised banks so that clients’ bitcoins are kept safe in their storage devices.”

Gibraltar has taken steps since 2018 to be further involved in the future of cryptocurrencies. Albert 20

Isola, as Gibraltar’s Minister for commerce, digital and financial services, explained in 2020 that “the Gibraltar government has been quick to realize the potential benefits of building a crypto-friendly environment and expects that its Distributed Ledger Technology Regulatory Framework (DLT framework) will attract more crypto companies in the future.”

Mr Isola explained that “several known crypto companies have been granted DLT licenses by our financial regulator, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) to operate from Gibraltar.”

At December 2020 the list of licensed companies included Huobi, the fourth largest exchange by daily trading volume, Coinfloor, the oldest crypto trading platform in the U.K.,

Covesting, which is another crypto exchange based in Europe, the Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX), operated by the local stock exchange, and the most recently licensed entity, digital asset platform Etorox.”

Xapo, a Hong Kong-based company with a physical branch in Gibraltar, offers “a bitcoin wallet combined with a cold storage vault and bitcoin-based debit card.” In 2019 Xapo received DLT permission from the GFSC, “allowing Xapo to use distributed ledger technology for the storage or transmission of crypto value and manage digital assets for our clients.”

Many more companies will be expecting to establish operations through Gibraltar as globally cryptocurrencies settle in for a long stay.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life 22

Alan Powe

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life

ONE MAN AND HIS BANJO Alan Powe.

BY SOPHIE CLIFTON-TUCKER

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ost of you will have spotted Alan Powe ‘the Banjo Man’ on your way to or from Casemates, but how did he come to be such a familiar face within our little community?

Alan can be found frequenting the corner of Fish Market Lane daily, banjo in hand, and smile on his face as he warmly greets everyone who walks by.

It’s all too easy to keep on walking, but have you ever stopped to chat to a busker? They are some of the most interesting people with stories to match – and Alan did not disappoint!

I invited Alan to meet me at Café Solo one morning. “Few people have invited me to breakfast before!” he said, as we tucked in with big grins. Never

underestimate the power of small acts of giving.

Before I met Alan, I did some journalistic digging online and was surprised at what I found… On a Nottingham Facebook group, there he was, captured in an old photo playing the instrument that has come to define him with his characteristic grin. People from all over the world had left comments beneath it: “When Alan was a lad, about 17 years old, he was a Mechanical Engineering apprentice at NCB Babbington Colliery near Nottingham. I remember him being called to the Enginewright's office for a reprimand. He had not been attending work regularly. He knocked on Charlie Brentnall's office door, poked his head round, raised his hand in a sort of ‘Flower Power’ salute and exclaimed, ‘How! I'm

"I left with nothing but a banjo to my name."

Powe.’ …Charlie was not impressed!”

– Douglas M. Cheeky anecdotes together with sightings and genuine concerned interest for where Alan – the real-life Where’s Wally – is today flooded the comments section. I had no idea I was about to dine with a celebrity!

Alan grew up in the city of Nottingham. His parents met under strange circumstances.

His father Roy, a Devonian and rifleman in the war in late 1939, was captured by the Germans at Calais and subsequently ended 23

life up in a concentration camp. Roy narrowly escaped execution after a fight with a guard, when he met a man from Nottingham.

Unbeknownst to Roy, this man would be the reason for him eventually meeting Alan’s mother and falling in love.

The man was repatriated back to Nottingham where, after some time, he wrote a letter to the British Army asking whether Roy was still alive. They became fast penfriends, until the man from Nottingham fell ill with tuberculosis, which is when his sister took over the letter writing.

Alan’s father was eventually liberated by the Russians in 1945, who handed him over to the Americans, who passed him on to the Brits, who flew him home. (Phew!) Upon reaching Nottingham, Roy met up with this man’s sister…a lady named Irene, who was to become Alan’s mother. And the rest is history, as they say!

NOTTINGHAM Alan lived on a cul de sac, playing in the street with all the neighbourhood kids. At aged 9, he was made a prefect at his junior school, before moving to a new school which Alan “didn’t quite get along with”. Alan confesses he wasn’t a good pupil, and was – surprisingly, given his musical abilities today – untalented. “I just couldn’t hack it at school. I was always late with homework, never got good marks, and was always in trouble with my mother and father for it!”

Alan left school at 16, and joined the Merchant Navy. However, he soon learnt that this wasn’t to his taste. Alan went through a series of jobs after that. [Ask him about 24

Stanton Ironworks for a story worthy of its own Netflix show: “I almost bought England to a standstill over a pair of overalls!”

Alan chuckles] before ending up in the coal mining industry in late 1969. He developed a cough as a result, which his mother complained persistently about, and so ended Alan’s time in the mines.

"I say, what you’re singing up there, let’s have it down here."

After some persuasion, Alan took a year off to attend Basford Hall College aged 17. As is quite common amongst students, he didn’t know what to do following his exams. “I used to hitchhike down to London in the ‘flower power’ era. It was great fun in those days!” Alan grins.

Around this time, Alan fell in love with a woman who was to later become his fiancé – Jennifer. They eventually parted ways, but he still speaks about her with great warmth.

Alan turned his hand to entertainment, working as a Bluecoat in holiday camp Pontins, and as a Redcoat in Butlins. “I got an interview at Pontins, but I wasn’t wanted – I was just a run-of-the-mill guy with no skills!

However, my sister Jacqueline was there that day; she was a swimming instructor and they desperately wanted her to work.

She went up to them and said ‘If you don’t give my brother a job, I’m not coming’ – and so I was employed!” Alan was sent south,

and eventually worked at Butlins for four summer seasons. It was here that Alan picked up a tiny wooden ukulele and a book on how to play it.

“I bought a small banjo from shop in Scarborough for 80p, and later transferred onto a ukulele banjo – the same one I used in Nottingham.” However, this isn’t the banjo we see him use today: “I later adopted a bigger banjo that I enjoyed more because it’s got more breadth. I’ve had a number of instruments in my time... some have been busted, some stolen,” Alan laments.

In the early 1980s, Alan relocated to Birmingham; a move which caused him many difficulties. A private conversation which turned into an argument in a social club, which nobody heard at the time, led to a "dark night of the soul" for Alan. However, out of this dark night some light appeared.

He experienced a "spiritual rebirth" and became a bornagain Christian. “I thank the Lord for everything that he saw me through, and got me out of.”

Back in Nottingham, Alan took this renewed faith to the streets in the form of gospel song, accompanied by his trusty ukulele-banjo, as it was at that time. He is particularly interested in exegesis - the interpretation of spiritual logos - which he writes into his songs.

“It’s like diving into a deep sea of spiritual knowledge and pulling out pearls and precious stones."

It became a form of therapy for Alan, playing his music for those on the way to town, or home from work, or meeting friends in the city in the late evening..."“The banjo helped me through some dark times. The banjo hides many GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life

From Nottingham, Alan travelled around England, turning each ity street into a worthy stage.

Tamworth, Sheffield, Derby, and London all had the pleasure of playing audience to his music. “I then learnt that a very good mate of mine from the coal mines went to South Africa,” Alan explains.

SOUTH AFRICA 1989-1993 Alan’s father, Roy, passed away, and his mother, Irene, fell ill and subsequently their family home had to be sold. With his twin sisters, Jacqueline and Rosemary, looking after her, Alan flew from London to Johannesburg with his ukulele as company. He found himself in Hillbrow, where he GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

frequented a café called Three Sisters. “After a few mornings, a huge man sat next to me, and said: ‘What you got there, son?’

I replied: ‘A banjo, sir.’ ‘Well, can you play it?’”

It turns out this man was the owner of an amusement park called Gold Reef City. Alan was asked to play at the gates, to welcome people as they entered.

“Wherever I am, I’m always at the gates – whether that’s to a funfair or the city,” Alan explains, conjuring the familiar image of him playing in his usual spot at the entrance to Casemates.

Eventually, Alan made the return back to Nottingham.

GIBRALTAR 1993-2000 It might surprise you, as it did me, to learn that Alan next found

himself in Gibraltar, all those years ago; a time when the Rock was “a totally different place to what it is today”.

Whilst busking outside the cathedral, a kind passerby asked whether Alan had a place to stay.

After finding out that he in fact didn’t, he directed Alan to a friend who allowed him to stay on his ship. “It was a big ship: 13 cabins. I stayed in the bow – the room was huge! The owner was doing it up to take it to Holland to sell it, and let me stay on it for about £20 a week.”

Alan did six summers in Gibraltar, returning home in between each stint. During following visits, Alan stayed at a number of places including the Rock Hotel, and the Europa Retreat Centre. “Gibraltar was thriving!” Alan recalls.

He then met someone in Gibraltar who invited him to Calgary, in 25

Alan outside C&A in Nottingham circa 1986 on the left and in Australia circa 2008 on the right

sorrows. I had a lot of problems, but I thank the people at that time for their communications, and the Lord as well for bringing them."

life Alan busking in Hong Kong © Liam Smith

Canada, to stay at their place, as seems to be Alan’s worldly luck.

But he very nearly didn’t make it at all…

CANADA 2000-2007 “I lost my plane ticket!” Alan exclaims. But luckily it was recovered, and his journey was afoot once more. “I stayed in Calgary for six summers, again, returning to England in between seasons.” The beautiful views right down to the city were juxtaposed against the harsh reality of Canadian winters. “It was an interesting time. I met some people I didn’t like and some people who I did.”

NOTTINGHAM 2007-2008 On the 28th April, 2008, Alan packed his bag to leave England for the final time – and he’s not been back since. “I left with nothing but a banjo to my name. No house, no home, no insurance, no relations, no backup money, no sponsor, no dole, no social security, no electrics, no working visa, and I have no bank account nor secret money - I lived on street money only.” In the years that followed, Alan lived busking, attending church, reading scriptures, and writing gospel songs.

What followed was a journey that I regrettably don’t have space for in this issue, but one I am sure would make for a cracking autobiography! "They tell me I've circumnavigated the whole Earth, but that has to be proven - I'm not good at geography," says Alan. Along his journey, Alan reached: Australia New Zealand, Fiji, Hong Kong 26

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life x3, South Korea x2, Okinawa, Japan mainland, Philippines, Greece, and Malta. “They’ve all had their own character and positive points,” says Alan. “Once you get moving, it becomes just another country…but if I’d have thought about it before I started the journey, I would have done some things totally differently.

It became very difficult at times, especially at border crossings and with accommodation.” One more crossing lay in wait for him as he arrived in Spain, and being “economical with the truth”, made his way into Gibraltar on New Year’s Eve, 2020.

GIBRALTAR 2020-PRESENT “My whole journey has been fraught with difficulties,” Alan tells me. He describes his passage as more of a ‘trudge’. “The only peaceful time I’ve actually had is here – in Gibraltar.” The only issue he finds here is a suitable place to stay (for which he is willing to pay, as is his nature).

How did the recent pandemic affect Alan, who relies solely on the goodwill of strangers to get by? “A very kind woman called Virginia at El Faro took care of me, giving me food and drink. Even now when I go in, she gives me coffee and cakes.” So grateful is Alan, that he wrote Virginia into one of his songs, aptly named “The Gibraltar Stomp” (head over to our website to listen!). This dedication was written at the Holiday Inn. “They look after me in there; I sit in a nice quiet space at the back -because I’m not dressed very well - and it’s the perfect spot to write my songs.”

Alan’s true love is writing songs, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

"There are people who are born with luck. And people who are born with bad luck, who are survivors. I think I’m the second one." and there are many he’s yet to sing. He credits ‘spiritual inspiration’ for his work: “It’s his work, not mine,” he says, looking skyward. “I say, what you’re singing up there, let’s have it down here. I’m just a vessel for that. I thank the Lord for his grace, and for everything that’s happened good and bad.”

one I suspect I won’t forget in a long while, and made our way back to Alan’s usual spot on the corner of Gauchos and Fish Market Lane.

Alan has no plans to leave as of yet, so if you see him, do stop and say hello – who knows, maybe you can pick up where I left off for the next issue of Gib Mag? And if you’re lucky, you might even receive your own rendition of the Gibraltar Stomp!

Alan is looking for a ukulele banjo (low action). If anyone from the George Formby society hears about a good uke, or if anyone has a room in a flat or boat to let, please contact us. Alan is able to pay within parameters.

“There are people who are born with luck. And people who are born with bad luck, who are survivors. I think I’m the second one.” Alan is full of quotations like this, which he diligently writes into his songs.

Alan admits he has come very close to asking for money along his journey, but never has. “I am against it,” he explains. “At times it’s hard, but I’ve never sent the hat round. I play my music, and if people want to give, they can.”

We finished our 2-hour breakfast, 27

life

LANDING A WORLD RECORD Record breaking teen pilot, Travis Ludlow, flew briefly into Gibraltar during his solo flight around the world.

BY CARMEN ANDERSON

N

ot everyone flying into Gibraltar in turbulent conditions would describe the landing as “fun”, let alone if flying in a single engine aircraft, but for eighteen-year-old pilot, Travis Ludlow, it was another step in a record-breaking adventure. “It was unusual landing in Gibraltar! It was really windy and turbulent as I was flying in, which was definitely a bit daunting, but the runway was great, as were the air traffic controllers. I had a lot of fun getting to land there.”

Travis Ludlow has become the youngest aviator to circumnavigate the globe in a single-engine aircraft, breaking a world record. From Ibstone, Buckinghamshire, Travis became the UK’s youngest glider pilot at the age of fourteen. He ended his 24,900-mile journey join the Netherlands, having spent fortyfour days travelling.

His incredible flight, in his 2001 Cessna 172R, flew him across Europe, Russia and America, then Canada, Greenland and Iceland on his return; a route which included some sixty stops across nine countries. It is undoubtedly one of the most difficult and dangerous

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things that can be attempted in a single-engine airplane.

but most of the time, I manage to keep calm, despite this.”

No such attempt can be made without detailed preparation and Travis had been getting ready for some considerable time, as he explains: “The initial plan was for me to actually fly around the world last year and beat the record at seventeen years old, but the pandemic set me back.

However, I am glad in some ways that this happened. It allowed me to gather more experience and to gain more knowledge in aviation.”

The plan was for me to fly around the world and beat the record at seventeen years old.

Although there are undoubtedly risks and dangers, Travis is an experienced pilot. “I started flying at the age of twelve and haven’t stopped since!” he says, “The youngest you can have a license is at the age of seventeen, and I picked mine up on the morning of my seventeenth birthday.”

Inevitably, how his achievement might contribute towards the lives of other youngsters is not far from his mind, and he says: “I decided to do this to inspire young people, especially people interested in aviation, to follow their dreams.

No matter what gets in their way, no matter what negativity or hate they get for it, as long as they keep pushing and aiming for their goals, eventually they will achieve them. As well as this, I have been raising money for UNICEF and their cause during the project.”

Travis speaks of his feat with remarkable composure. “I am quite a calm person which is part of being a pilot; you have to ensure that you are collected in difficult situations. Quite often, you’ll have in the back of your mind all the things that could be going wrong,

The journey, although physically and mentally challenging, was extraordinarily successful according to Travis: “I am extremely happy with how it’s gone. The flight itself went perfectly; the planning and preparation were probably harder than the actual flying itself! It was GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life so close to not happening, but it worked out amazingly.”

Travis talks with enthusiasm about his trip, about his excitement at being able to show his friends the certificate awarding him the world record, and about the future and what that might hold. “I have so many opportunities available now.

I have had an offer from British Airways to try some of their simulators, and they’ve asked me to bring along my CV so that’s a cool offer from them!” And not just his future, but the future of aviation as an industry: “I am quite interested in the development of electrically powered airplanes; I would love to test fly them.

Pushing for a renewable source in aviation is so important now with the current climate situation.”

one of my favourite places to land! I also enjoyed landing in Ketchikan, Alaska; it was so beautiful and quite similar to Gibraltar’s airport.”

Gibraltar’s landing strip is considered a tough call even for career pilots in powerful passenger craft, but Travis’ composure gave him a positive perspective. Given his wide experience of some sixty or more landing strips across the world, Gibraltar fares rather well: “Gibraltar has to be up there with Travis Ludlow

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FROM THE RG TO THE IDF

Serving your country is clearly high up on his life priorities: first, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG), then joining the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and now, hopefully becoming an officer in the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) in the not-too-distant future…

BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT

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6-year-old Moshe Cadosh is a Gibraltarian Jew - born and bred.

His friends call him ‘The Famous Jew’. That’s because they say he’s very sociable and well-known, especially amongst his contemporaries. “Perhaps the reason for that is that whatever you are, Moroccan, Christian, Hindu, black or white makes no difference to me. I’m not particularly orthodox but I do visit the synagogue and what’s most important to me is that I like to get on with people and try my best to live in harmony with everyone.

Gibraltar is a great place where all these groups live closely together getting on with their lives without any problem and I like that.”

In recent times you may have seen this 6ft 4 (or 5) young man

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

in the Cornwall’s Lane fruit and vegetable store, El Buen Gusto, helping you choose your lettuces, potatoes, plums and bananas! He happens to be David and Haviva’s son (he’s one of three brothers, Amram who’s 28 and Yaniv is 20).

“Yes, since returning from Israel a few months ago, I’ve been at the store helping out and I’m mainly concentrating on supplying fruit and veg to bars, restaurants and hotels as our quality is second to none. I’m making some headway and slowly building on that side of the business as my parent’s day is taken up with serving the day-to-day clientele who are in and out all the time.” But I suppose competition is tight providing goods of any sort, in a small community like ours where potential customers get used to their usual, long-time suppliers

and are not inclined to move away, but Moshe is determined to attract more customers adding to the ones he already has.

Whilst the hard work required to help run his parent’s business is no mean feat, Moshe feels he would like to move on to something more fulfilling: he’d like to continue giving something back to the community in a more significant and perhaps meaningful way, such as joining the RGP (hopefully soon), but when he was just 17 and a half years old, he joined the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. “That was a great experience, but let me tell you I only lasted about two weeks because despite being a tolerant community, which we are, there is always going to be a minority who spoil it. I was getting quite a few 31

life Moshe Cadosh (Right)

anti-Semitic remarks from some of the NCOs. My fellow soldiers and senior officers were fine but some of those junior commanders were prejudiced against Jews, which was a pity.”

Moshe left Bayside School – unlike his two brothers: Amram, now a Civil Engineer in London and Yaniv presently in university studying Computer Science before taking his A Levels, so shortly after exiting the RG, he went to Canada for a few months to visit friends and family there.

Then came his trip to Israel and still wanting to serve his community in a significant way, he joined the Special Police Force which also forms part of the Israeli 32

Defence Forces (IDF).

“The unit of the police I was with didn’t involve giving parking

tickets and general day-to-day police work. Our job was to patrol the sometimes-dangerous areas of Jerusalem, including the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life recently problematic area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. We were armed of course and I experienced a few incidents during my two years service with the force. There were incidents including stabbings and on one occasion when I heard what sounded like fireworks but the two young female officers who were under my charge informed me it was weapon firing.

I ran up some steps to attend to a woman who had been shot and was too late to help her as she had her neck slit! That was a bad incident.

Israelis! “And let me tell you life in Israel is not at all cheap. A packet of cigarettes cost about £6 and a glass of wine £7 or £8! I stayed in the country for sometime longer and became a Prison Officer and although my salary was very much higher than in the police force, shifts were tough working for 24 hrs in one go...you had an easy week, a medium week and a heavy week all involving 24hour shifts with days on and days off.

I then took on another job and shortly after decided to return to Gib. That was last December and

here I am working with my dad.”

Moshe is indeed back on the Rock and more or less settled in but, keeping to his desire of wanting to serve, has his keen eye on joining the Gibraltar police (RGP).

The paperwork is in, he tells me, and he’s just waiting for the next intake to see if he’s called up. As a well over six-footer and all other requirements being good, I’m sure he would be a good bobby on our streets. I think he’s done the training…and obviously, likes wearing a uniform!

Moshe (centre)

“Our job was to keep the place safe; we didn’t go to war like a regular soldier but we did carry M16s. Should we need to use them we were instructed to shoot towards the area of the legs.

Important to say we would stop and check individuals, but not just Muslims – anyone and everyone if need be.

“To join the Special Police Force I just needed to sign on as I have an Israeli passport. I have a Gibraltarian one also. I went into training for three months and it was tough from then on.” Moshe tells me that during training you were up by 4.30am and then once trained, you’re designated an area where you’re to be posted, you did 8 hour shifts with three sections covering the 24 hours.

“Although we came off shift you were always on call, you couldn’t drink or go clubbing and travelling outside the old quarter of Jerusalem was not allowed, so you were always on duty really.”

Because our Gibraltarian/Israeli law enforcer had not signed on for a long term commission, his salary was just about the equivalent of £500 a month, bearing in mind conscription is a must for all GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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REUNITE, REMINISCE AND REFLECT

Getting together with friends is ingrained in our Gibraltarian lifestyle and in early August former pupils of Gibraltar Grammar School had a very special reason for holding a reunion: Adolfo Canepa, former Chief Minister and Mayor of Gibraltar celebrated being awarded Freedom of the City along with the class of ’52.

BY CARMEN ANDERSON

M

r Canepa’s celebration was more than just an appreciation of receiving the award; it was a chance to reminisce with the friends of a lifetime, to share memories that form an intricate part of Gibraltar’s recent history.

Together, they recalled a Gibraltar that has been transformed over the decades; a transformation that they witnessed throughout their lives.

Among those gathered at Theatre Café to celebrate with their former school friends was Ronald Barabich. “Adolfo lived near me when we were in infant school,” he recalled, “but he went to St Mary’s and I went to St Bernard’s so we didn’t really meet until we went to the junior school. Since then, we have maintained contact; he is my best friend in Gibraltar.”

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Mr Barabich explained that the Grammar School’s former pupils had already held a number of reunions but conceded that this must count as the most important of those. He spoke in detail about what life was like as a schoolboy in the early 1950s: “We were in school at the time of in the infamous 11 plus. It was unfair because we were young and many of the pupils struggled with the examinations; they were nervous and consequently failed.

Others were late developers – it was unfair at the age of eleven to establish the academic potential of anyone.” On a personal note, he confided that he did enjoy his school days and his favourite part of the school year, despite classing himself as a mediocre sportsman, being sports day.

A published author, Mr Barabich

They recalled a Gibraltar that has been transformed over the decades. explained that Adolfo Canepa had kindly proofread and wrote the forward to his first book, The Memoirs of Arnold Barobiscio, the recounting in fiction format of Mr Barabich’s memories of living in post-war Gibraltar. He is now writing a second book, also to be graced by a foreword and a proofread from Mr Canepa.

For his own part, Mr Canepa shared numerous reminiscences of his school years. “The Christian Brothers came here to educate a generation that would be able to take over the running of Gibraltar and it has happened,” he GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life "There are still people who stop me in the street to congratulate me." said, “two of us have been Chief Ministers, many top civil servants went to the Grammar School, as did other top professionals. The Grammar School was a great academic success for the benefit of Gibraltar.”

Inevitably, as in all areas of life, not all was cast in a golden glow, even when looking back with some degree of nostalgia. “For some people, the Grammar School wasn’t necessarily a happy place,” he continued with candour, “I have got one or two friends who struggled and weren’t treated as they should have been; it happens in schools. But, in my case, I enjoyed my six years, and cherish these friendships.”

Those friendships have lasted a lifetime and the Grammar School reunions have been an important part of keeping those bonds alive.

“We have been meeting over the decades,” Mr Canepa said, “and we have something very special.”

When asked what his favourite memories or proudest moments were at the Grammar School, he immediately responded: “I think my favourite memory must have been going back as a teacher, eventually becoming Deputy Head. I am also proud of the fact that for two years, I was head boy.”

But, of course, it wasn’t just the changes in education that this group of former Grammar School boys discussed, but the changes in GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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life Gibraltar as a whole. “The greatest revolution in Gibraltar has been in housing,” Mr Canepa pointed out, “I mean, there is still a housing problem, which I’m not sure will ever go away, but when most of us were young, the conditions under which we lived bear no resemblance to housing now. I studied for my A levels on a camp bed, in the corridor of a small flat with my parents.”

Of his award, Adolfo Canepa was a combination of proud, delighted, and humbled. He had known for some time that he was receiving the Freedom of the City, as he explained: “I found out a year before receiving the award, because the motion was taken to Parliament in February 2020.

However, due to the pandemic, the actual ceremony of the conferment of the Freedom of the City had to be deferred for over a year.”

“The reaction has been incredible,” he enthused, “There are still people who stop me in the street to congratulate me, something which I hadn’t experienced before.

I think that people identify with the Freedom of the City as it’s something that represents the people of Gibraltar.”

A man proud of his people and a witness to the long, sometimes hard road travelled by this small nation, Mr Canepa concluded: “In Gibraltar, we are now selfconfident, and we no longer have any hang-ups about colonialism.

We are self-governing and we punch above our weight which I think is marvellous. Over the centuries Gibraltar has shown that we can adapt to whatever we have to face, and therefore I hope that prosperity continues.”

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

“From being a hopeless drunk and drug addict

I’ve become the happiest I’ve ever been now.”

Living today on the Costa del Sol, Leona, aged 45, grew up in a house where drinking excessively was normal. Like many people she followed the family habit – until she nearly died one day that she’ll never forget for the rest of her life…

“I worked really hard as an office manager, where drinking was a big acceptable part of the job. I was married to someone who also drank a lot and so having children wasn’t a priority. We worked hard and drank hard.

My grandfather drank and died from it, and my parents drank a lot. We would quite often be staying over at friends’ houses at the weekends so that all the parents could get drunk. When I was older though at least my mum stopped drinking after going to Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings.

I didn’t actually drink alcohol for 18 months, but I substituted cocaine for the alcohol until one day it wasn’t enough. Then one day after violence in my marriage, I hit my rock bottom.

At that point I realised I had to do something – that it was me who had the problem and it wasn’t my husband or my job.

My parents mentioned I should try AA. At my first meeting in 2016 it was like having a lightbulb switched on. I realised I wasn’t alone any more.

I started drinking aged 13 at the youth club or in the park. I started using cannabis, LSD, ecstasy and speed at about the same time – and a few years later I began using cocaine. By my late 20s I was drinking to blackout every weekend. There were often consequences – fights, breaking bones, putting myself in dangerous situations…

Now I have completely changed my life. Working through AA’s 12 Steps programme gave me a freedom not only from alcohol but also from destructive behaviour and thoughts.

When I got married aged 30 my drinking and drug use went to a new level and carried on for 10 years until I was hospitalised with kidney failure. People who loved me were obviously concerned – yet I carried on abusing myself.

AA is located along the entire Costa del Sol and there is a meeting with friendly people who will understand your problems somewhere near you every day. Call the AA helpline for support: 600 379 110. Visit the website for help & information: www.aacostadelsol.com

Now I’m happier and more peaceful than I’ve ever been.”

CALL THE AA HELPLINE FOR SUPPORT: +350 200 73774 Gibraltar or +34 600 379 110 Costa del Sol or visit the website for help & information: www.aacostadelsol.com.

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WOMEN DON’T OWE YOU SKINNY Is being fat a crime? No. Then why does society treat it as one?

BY GIANNA STANLEY

O

ver the years, society and the media have created unrealistic expectations for what the desired body should look like. In turn, this has resulted in an increase of eating disorders, which has a direct correlation to media exposure. We have also created an extremely toxic diet culture which is indoctrinating young people into thinking that they cannot enjoy food; it is a chore not a pleasure. Of course, all these ideas are rooted in the false belief that ‘fat bodies are undesirable’, and that people would rather starve than have a bigger body. At the end of the

At the end of the day, fat is not the problem, but fatphobia is. day, fat is not the problem, but fatphobia is.

Tess Holliday, 36 year old plussize model, was recently voted to have the ‘worst bikini body’ by the National Enquirer, with the tabloid writing that she “doesn’t shy from having a whale of a time”. Luckily, Tess is used to receiving these sorts of comments - which is quite

disturbing that this is something normal for her - so she was able to brush it off by posting a photo of herself, proving her worth.

However, the most damaging thing is the vulnerable people who read these comments.

Body dysmorphia is a very real and dangerous disorder, and a vast percent of the population suffer from this. After reading this comment, they might think that the negative connotation of looking like a ‘whale’ affects them too, so they will damage their health to live up to societal expectations. Arguably, these villainous ideas not only affect 39

life fat people, but thin people too, because the fear of becoming fat is so inherent that they would rather hurt themselves than become fat.

Now, this hierarchy of bodies is nothing new, but it is alarming to see that fat people are sometimes less likely to get promotions, get a job, most likely to be bullied and targeted, but most of all, receive biased medical treatment.

If a fat person goes to the doctor for a mental health issue, their problems are more often than not disregarded and blamed on their body. Fatness is not a scapegoat.

You cannot create a war against ‘obesity’ without affecting the people who live in those bodies, and this is something that most people don't realise.

BMI, which is the most typical way of calculating a person’s fitness, does not actually measure how fit you are. It measures physical appearance, not health, and was never intended to be used as a way to calculate health.

In fact, it was created based on a sample of white men, so it is time we stopped using BMI to discriminate against people when it never took ethnic backgrounds, previous health, or gender into account.

You cannot create a war against ‘obesity’ without affecting the people who live in those bodies because of her size, which is absurd. Everyone deserves representation. Because of this, she has decided to lose weight, which is great, had it not been for the pressure and negative comments she received from the media.

Another example is with pop-star Lizzo. She is known by the public for sharing body-positivity and self-love, however, she has never actively expressed body positivity.

She is just a fat person existing in the public eye, wearing the same clothes as thin people do, which makes society think that she is confident just for doing that.

Is that not a double standard?

Critics even question her when she mentions her clean, vegan diet, because of course, fat people cannot eat healthy!

What is interesting to see is that this mostly affects women, because fatphobia stems from what the heterosexual male gaze desires, which is a woman who fits into the Western beauty standard.

The truth is, most women don't.

This is why we rarely get to see plus-size women star as the ‘loveinterest’ or the protagonist of books, film and TV, unless written and directed by women.

It is imperative that young girls get to see every type of body in the media growing up, to learn that every body is beautiful and okay.

However, sadly, we still live in a world where women are changing just because society tells them they are not good enough. The fact of the matter is that the only body you should care about is your own. Feed it, nourish it, and love it.

If you don’t believe that being fat puts you at a disadvantage with employers, let me give you examples of this discrimination from a big scale. Plus size actresses are often not taken seriously and only fit into the same categories of roles - the funny, fat, friend. A famous example of this is actress Rebel Wilson, who is obviously known for her comedy roles. However, she felt like she could never be taken seriously in the industry 40

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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life

SEXPECIALLY CHEMISTRY

When you get that feeling… enjoy some sexual healing in the autumnal countryside.

BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

A

psychotherapeutic retreat is taking place soon in the comfort and discretion of a property in the rolling hills at the backdrop of our bay. It features a long weekend of group, individual, and couple therapy, interspersed with swimming, horse riding, ballroom dance lessons, wining and dining - and well, hopefully, after-dinner sweet treats stretching all the way to breakfast in bed.

by reciprocating honest advice about what’s hot and what’s not in their personal experiences, leading to constructive criticism, offering perspective, adjusting objectives, and identifying negative behaviour, as much as they could do in a traditional one-to-one session in front of the therapist.

This is the novel proposal of qualified psychosexual and relationship therapist Fabio D’Apice, founder of WorkingThrough.co.uk, a clinic that specialises in relationships dynamics and in supporting couples and individuals who are struggling with their relationship or sexual life. His method involves not just traditional psychotherapy, but also the practical, intense, engaging fun approach of marrying work and play, so that couples and individuals can turn a dull day back to their heyday.

Fabio typically holds two-to-one sessions in his cosy high-ceilinged clinic in the heart of Gibraltar, with lilac and indigo walls, warm wooden floors and comfortable armchairs where clients can relax when baring their feelings.

He sits opposite them both, and listens thoroughly to their issues, sometimes prompting them, or one of them, with relevant questions, to encourage them to explore and verbalise their innermost feelings, other times pinpointing the issue and eliciting a solution, or at least acknowledgement of what the bone of contention is and how it can be tackled.

Fabio explains how group work in this retreat is an added bonus to his usual couple therapy sessions, as his clients can help each other

He mostly approaches sexual health as the hotbed of all tensions within a couple, because this is mostly what clients

42

He approaches sexual health as the hotbed of all tensions within a couple. contact him for. He digs into its psychological aspect, when prescription alone fails to fix it, or when there isn’t anything, or little, wrong medically, or the medical condition sparks from state of mind, whereas psychosexual therapy can successfully be part of the solution.

Most couples seek Working Through as the last chance before throwing the towel on their relationship, but a few seek therapy at the beginning, in order to develop it, grow together, and leave behind unhealthy habits or emotional residue they might have brought with them into the new relationship from previous ones, including their family of origin.

Fabio was born in Milan, but his ancestors hail from the Neapolitan town of Pompeii, with its archaeological compound.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life He has practised in London for several years before moving to Gibraltar six years ago, after some globetrotting, including a lengthy spell in Greece.

Originally a chemical engineer by university degree and training, Fabio discovered psychotherapy when he was head of a team for an oil and gas firm, and realised how the human side of his job (i.e., keeping employees happy and motivated) was paramount to the success of the team.

So he decided to pursue what someone in-the-know described as his gift to professional level, and train in psychoanalytic and systemic approach for individuals and groups. Eventually he switched careers, down the path of his intellectually fulfilling vocation.

"Acknowledging that there is a problem takes a lot of courage and it is the first big step to a solution."

Upon realisation that most anxiety and depression issues within the couple are rooted in a substratum of often unrecognised sexual misinformation, untold grudges, unshared doubt, hardwired preconceptions, and unrealistic expectations, Fabio shifted his interest towards this little explored field. This arena has so much potential for progress, and of course healing, especially in Gibraltar, where he feels that couples shun addressing mental Fabio D’Apice

sexual health, or fail to identify where the problem lies.

“Don’t get me wrong: I admire and respect my clients’ bravery for showing here and share some of their most intimate conversations.

Acknowledging that there is a problem takes a lot of courage and it is the first big step to a solution,” he says.

In his line of work, discretion is key, and he is very strict on boundaries and confidentiality.

Clients can come to him without the awkwardness or preconception due to preacquaintance, but at the same time he’s been steeped in the local community long enough to be familiar with Gibraltar’s culture(s) and social interactions.

Indeed sex, and sex therapy, is cultural, and Fabio works closely with other counsellors and some religious leaders to tailor his therapy to the clients’ beliefs and values, and reach the most effective outcome possible.

Fabio welcomes LGBT+ clients to his clinic, as well as youngsters who are unsure about their sexuality and need help in finding it. And singles? Fabio welcomes them too, if they seek his support in dealing with loneliness or relationship failure, so that they can adjust their aim for the next one to be if not the last, at least a lasting one. “I am currently in the make of a retreat for single people struggling on the dating scene, which, with the advent of technology, has been deprived of the direct human touch.

Fabio can be contacted via workingthrough.co.uk or email fabio@workingthrough.co.uk.

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life

NEW PREMISES FOR GBC GBC has vacated its home of 41 years on South Barrack Road, moving to a new facility on the historic South Jumper’s Bastion on Rosia Road.

The new, purpose-built Broadcasting House has been just under five years in the making and features updated radio and television studios.

The move has also entailed the rebranding of GBC, with a new logo marking the start of the next chapter in the corporation’s 58year history.

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scene

Alžbĕta Znamenská

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

art

SEASCAPES AND SYMBOLISM Minimalist, fresh and chic, Alžbĕta Znamenská’s art is inspired mostly by the sea she dreamt about during her childhood in a landlocked country, as well as environmentalist consciousness and her search for soul equilibrium.

BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

A

lžbĕta [pronounced alj-bi-eta] is now a regular on the Gibraltarian art scene, having participated in the last internationals and Fine Arts Gallery exhibitions with her conceptual contributions, ‘impressionist and expressionist, aesthetically pleasing but carrying a message within’, as she markets them. Despite not having yet being acknowledged with official prizes or commendations, she can count on one prestigious sale, which makes her feel accomplished as an artist and keen to pursue this path.

Most of her artwork features seas and oceans, and this was no different, focusing on waves polluted by plastic bottles and shopping bags: immediate and disturbing, the picture couldn’t go unnoticed at the 2018 International.

“I like to paint decorative art

That is ok with me, as long as my pieces keep the conversation going. because I want it to give you a sense of serenity; but I also want to use my creativity to raise awareness on issues close to my heart, like ecology,” she says. “My style is semiabstract, so that onlookers can interpret my pictures at their will, and that is ok with me, as long as my pieces keep the conversation going, especially if they spark constructive discussion and prompt action to tackle the problem depicted.”

She draws inspiration from what she sees around her, whether impressive or concerning; she wants her art to speak to you in your own language, and the

overall impression one gets from her production is clarity, positivity, mindfulness and peacefulness.

Gaze at any of Alžbĕta’s paintings and you will be immediately transported to a lustrous world where the sun shines and does away with any dark shadow.

Born in a Czech town at the crossroads of Austria, Slovakia and Czech Republic, a keen traveller and self-labelled ‘rebel soul’, Alžbĕta is familiar with multiculturalism. Thus, she felt at home when she moved to Gibraltar some six years ago, chasing after her longing for the Mediterranean Sea. “When I was younger, I painted an imaginary seascape out of my mind’s eye, which featured a rock formation emerging from the ocean. I wasn’t familiar with the Rock of Gibraltar’s profile at the time, and surely it wasn’t meant to be it, but after I came to Gibraltar, my mother, seeing its photos and 47

art "My mother pointed out how it was somehow a premonition of my moving here." comparing them to that painting, pointed out how it was somehow a premonition of my moving here,” she muses.

Strong of her Arts Management master’s degree, she landed a job as event planner at a local hotel, so she decided to stay.

She mingled with the local artistic community, glad of the many opportunities to make her work known, and to grow as an artist thanks to mutual feedback and exposure to other artists’ production.

She regards Gibraltar’s art scene as vibrant and diverse and its ambience cosmopolitan, open to currents, influences and suggestions. Alžbĕta dreams about having her own solo exhibition one day, since she has enough material tucked away in her little studio to fill the gallery’s sizeable walls!

Alžbĕta

Alžbĕta masters a fairly novel painting technique, which presents its challenges, surpassed by far by its rewards, and yields surprising and elegant results. She paints with resin, for a translucent finish that makes the picture look like it was made of - or painted on - glass, and lit from behind with a gentle glow.

“Well, first of all, this technique is expensive, and that alas reflects in the finished product’s price tag, and there is little room for error; second, it needs ‘curing’ 48

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

art The results are rewarding and original. for a few days in a dry place, so I usually leave the electric heater on in my studio when I complete one; and third, the resin has a pungent odour which can be toxic, so I have to paint with a thick mask on… but the results are rewarding and original, and I find them to convey appropriately my message,” she says.

comfortable with resin, and went on exploring it further.”

It is a tricky balance of resin, pigment and other elements for added texture. For example, she created an impression of tropical seashores using real Saharan sand on a disc canvas, with the resin mimicking clear waters.

timeless stillness, the image is actually screaming about the oceans’ rising levels and the risk of seeing many islands and coastlines submerged, if we don’t correct our consumerist habits. Her other entry was a delicate seascape at sunset, a sailing boat and the outline of the Rock bathed in gold, oozing glamour and tranquillity.

She entered The Sinking Earth, a turquoise and white map of the world crafted with resin, in the Alwani Summer Show, and surely attracted attention to its message: behind its sense of

Alžbĕta Znamenská is an eclectic artist who dabbles in singing too, as she used to perform Czech folk songs, and she hopes to hold a concert locally, pandemic permitting.

“I came across this technique at a friend’s home, where some famous Czech artist’s paintings are proudly on display, and I was curious about their glossy quality, so I inquired about the technique, and was advised against its many cons. I sussed that the pros would outweigh them, and there and then I decided to give it a try. I liked its possibilities, found myself

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music

“You have to do this for the love, not personal gain – there is no gain! Although it would be nice to break even one day…”. Wayne Meenagh has grand plans in store for Gibraltar's music scene and he's sure it can work from a business perspective, but it's not hard to believe he'd be doing it regardless of the money. “It's my hobby...my wife says I'm obsessed,” he smiles.

U

ncertainty continues to reign around the world; Covid infections ebb and flow and as numbers increase, so too do restrictions.

With these come the inevitable cancellations – concerts, parties and public events with large crowds are directly in the firing line. Our government is treading the same fine line that all others are currently walking, in an effort to keep the number of positive cases down while at the same time allowing for life to proceed.

In the entertainment industry, long-term planning is key, but organisers now need to be ready for circumstances to change at the drop of a hat.

his stride. “Covid is here, it hasn't gone away, we're going to get cancelled gigs”. He's quick to point out that insofar as he is able, he will reschedule events rather than give up on them. This is where you need passion to motivate your planning, when the bottom line might not be especially convincing.

are touring the United States with the Pixies.

As founder of FutureSoundz, Wayne has created an outlet through which to put his love for music to good use. His aims are twofold: to bring the right UK bands to Gibraltar, and to nurture the right local bands on the rock.

And the locals?

And circumstances have indeed changed in Gibraltar – the summer brought with it great promise of a return to normality, or at least 'the new normal', but ended with a slew of cancelled events as the pandemic once again reared its head on the rock.

As a result, many of the gigs that were meant to be discussed in this interview have unfortunately been put on ice (for the time being).

Wayne seeks out UK-based indy talent that is about to break out; musicians on the brink of their first international tour, say, perhaps a band that has written the title music for a new Netflix show. These criteria are perhaps best exemplified through his booking of The Clockworks: the Irish four-piece was profiled by the Guardian and elsewhere in the British press in March. In July, they came to Gibraltar to play at The Lord Nelson. This month they

Wayne seems to take this all in 50

Which are the right bands?

Booking costs and venue choices are, of course, a consideration for FutureSoundz, and Wayne uses his eye for talent to identify bands who are in that sweet spot: destined for bigger things, not quite there yet.

The clue is in the name.

FutureSoundz looks to support young bands in particular, the talent of tomorrow; those still honing their craft who can benefit from the support and exposure Wayne can provide.However, he wants young bands to be moving in the right direction too. If a local outfit is to support a touring band, they're expected to play 75% original material.

Who doesn't enjoy a good cover band? Plenty of people want to hear their favourite songs on a night out, but Wayne has his eye on the creators. He wants bands he can trust with a half-hour slot, who won't look out of place opening for reputable groups from the UK; he wants bands who GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

music might in turn catch the right eye, raise their own profile and grow professionally.

And sure, Covid cancellations may have put a bit of a dampener on things in terms of bringing talent over to Gibraltar and hosting larger-scale events, but even with the Covid cloud looming, there is still a silver lining.

“I'm getting calls from bands in the UK who haven't gigged in 18 months! I've been in contact with musicians of astonishing quality, and we hope to get them down here as soon as we can”.

Gibraltar's status as a green list country may continue to pay dividends well into autumn and winter.

As far as Wayne is concerned, the best is yet to come.

Despite living here for close to 20 years, he still describes himself as a bit of an outsider, but says he hopes the passion and effort he puts into his work is endearing him to local musicians and music lovers alike.

More than that, Wayne’s work with FutureSoundz in the last couple of years and his collaboration with the Musician’s Association of Gibraltar, have coincided with a resurgence in the local music scene for which they can both certainly take some credit.

As for his plans?

“The endgame has always been a festival. The FutureSoundz Festival”. The reality of Gibraltar’s finances mean that it may be some time before the Gibraltar Music Festival returns in the format, we had grown accustomed to GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

(if it ever does). Instead, Wayne envisages something akin to Camden Rocks or Live at Leeds - multiple venues hosting acts throughout the day, with a grand finale at one large venue in the evening.

This, he says, could be done for a fraction of the cost of the GMF and would give the entire community the opportunity to take part, contribute, and engage with the influx of music fans that

would no doubt be drawn to the rock.

Wayne paints a very appealing picture of future possibilities, and despite the future being even more uncertain than usual, you wouldn’t fancy betting against him turning his dream into a reality.

Watch this space.

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film

AND THE WINNER IS…

- Quiet on set!

- Sound? - Set. - Camera? - Set. - Action!

BY SASHA ALEXDOTTIR

I

t’s a pearl-gray January day in Bournemouth. I'm lying on the cold ground in the park dressed in a sleeveless T-shirt and wondering if I have pneumonia or not after this scene.

I am the first-year student of Computer Animation course and actually I have nothing to do with filmmaking (yet). But you know how it is: students from different courses help each other at no cost by participating in each other's projects. At the moment I'm starring in a short film directed by Mohammad Mouselmani, a final year student of Film Production MA-course.

that what they do contributes to a larger whole – filmmaking.

- Cut!

The film crew helps me up, wrap me in a blanket and give me a mug of hot tea. I feel surrounded by warmth and attention, but most of all I am proud to be a part of the close-knit team of like-minded

people. Ironically the film we are making is about bullying and I play a victim of manipulation.

We are here to create something that we feel is important for us and for other people. Our team consists of people from different countries and backgrounds, cultural and religious, each with diverse patterns of thinking Sasha (centre)

The producer, gaffer, best boy, camera operators, costume designers, make-up artists, technician and assistants – they all are students from Media, Film, TV & Music Production courses.

They all are involved; they know 52

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

Sasha

film

and communicative styles. The director, Muhammad, is from Lebanon, Camille, the producer is from France, Oliver, one of the actors, is from the UK, Tais, the gaffer, is from Ukraine, our cameraman (sorry, camera girl) is from Italy, etc. This is how the modern world of movie production and animation industry looks like today – it’s a creative collaboration that goes across boundaries and unites people from all over the globe.

I feel comfortable in this heterogeneous group. I feel comfortable because I like this atmosphere of creation and I like to think that one day I will also GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

gather a similar team to make an animation about Gibraltar; kind of various thoughts and fantasies appear in my head: Who will be the main character of my animation? Probably it will be the Rock’s history at a glance?

Monkeys? Pirates in search of treasure? Or maybe the story of Yantar, a Bronze Age man in Gibraltar? Will I use 3D or mixed media?... Lying on a cold ground and staring at the sky I have plenty of time dreaming about film festivals in the future: “And the winner is…”

At that moment I did not know that my dreams would come true.

The short film, product of our team’s joint efforts, Not Your Doll has won “Best Student Short Film” at Super Indie Los Angeles Film Festival and “Best College Short” at New Jersey Film Award and received nominations and honourable mentions at a number of other film festivals in 2020-21.

One year has passed since the shooting of this film. I myself became a director of a short animation Space Youth Project made for LGBT+ charity organisation in the UK. And, yippee! Just a couple of days ago I received email that Space Youth Project has been selected for Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival.

“And the winner is…hard work, multiculturalism and friendship!”

I look forward to the day when the winner will be an international team from Gibraltar.

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LouisChipolina © Surianne Dalmedo 54

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music

SUMMER NIGHTS AT CAMP BAY

Tito Chipolina with Levanter Breeze and Surianne at the Cabana Beach Bar.

BY CLAIRE SPENCER

L

ittle did I know when I jumped on my bike when leaving the formidable fortress like edifice that is Ocean Heights for Camp Bay on a fine July evening that I’d be in for an extra special treat. Yes, I knew that Levanter Breeze and Surianne were playing their once monthly gig there, and ok, I didn’t plan on staying late, but hey, the best made plans are usually where the magic starts.

Surianne and the band were already singing to a packed house as I arrived, so I sat on the sea wall opposite the soak up the wonderful jazz fusion mix of the rhythms of two continents. The backdrop of a view of crystal blue persuasion on an ocean looked as if great Neptune himself had raked it into silvery topped furrows blown by the Poniente winds as the sun inexorably made

its way ever westward.

All well and good, I thought as I listened to some wonderful rhythms, some of which reminded me of Santana, as the waves gently played onto the rocks sending little sprays of surf into the air. After a few numbers, the band took a break, and Surianne announced that in the next spot they would be featuring a very special guest; I wondered in passing who might it be, I’d already seen Sista Dee there, was she going to get up and guest?

Taking up my previous position by the sea as the second set started, I was jolted out of my dreamlike state to someone who was commanding my immediate attention; he got it instantly, as I realised something rather special was taking place. That someone was Tito Chipolina, the

elder brother of bassist Louis and percussionist Dani. The song that cut through the warm summer air that night was Eric Burdon and War’s “The Cisco Kid” and Tito was insisting that The Cisco Kid was a friend of mine.

I quickly left my spot to get up close to the irresistible music issuing from the bar, where Tito was holding court like a soulful king on his throne with his sceptre; in this case a black Gibson Custom Les Paul, which Louis Chipolina later informed me was worth a fortune, or possibly even a king’s ransom. Also in the court of this regal musician was the surprise guest appearance of the adept saxophonist Djmal Ma Ad, who used to play in band called The Soulmates with Louis and Peter. Completing the bands regular line-up was local guitar hero Peter Martinez, with Francis 55

music Djmal Ma Ad © Surianne Dalmedo

Pecino on drums, and last, but not least, Brian Torres on keyboards.

The set featured some wonderful songs; of note was Santana’s “Oye Como Va” and the classic “Unchain My Heart”, then Tito was joined

by Surianne for James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World”. The evening drew to a close with a wonderfully passionate rendition of Louis Armstrong’s huge hit, “Wonderful World”, and for sure it truly was wonderful that evening in Camp Bay with the Three Chipolina Brothers, whose motto might well be “All for one and one for music”.

Levanter Breeze and Surianne are still actively seeking a space for recording and rehearsal; if you know of somewhere that might suit them you can contact them at surianne@surianne.com.

Tito and Levanter Breeze © Surianne Dalmedo

Claire has donated her fee for this article to Charlie Trico's Moroccan Children's appeal.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

WELCOME TO OUR

virtual classroom* *Physical classrooms also available!

Continue your current course (or sign up for one if you haven't already!) from the comfort of your own home.

English, Spanish, and French lessons for all ages and levels, starting at just £10/hour.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

art WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Set of Graphite Pencils from HB to 6B

RT CLUB

Paper Rubber Ruler

As we come into September, we celebrate Gibraltar’s National Day, and what’s more poignant than the macaques of the rock?! As a migrant to Gibraltar, it still feels weird to live in a country occupied by monkeys, but anyway, today we are going to try drawing a macaque! I have never down an animal drawing before as I often find them quite challenging, so this is a first for us both. Using techniques I picked up from friends and research, I will show you 6 easy steps on how you can draw one of these magnificent animals.

BY THOMAS MAXWELL

Step 1 A piece like this can be quite daunting, but not as bad as you might think! The key to this is to be patient and not get bogged down into the super details. First, let’s map out the space. When you are starting a sketch, don’t be too hung up on having exactly perfect. I always start a sketch in straight lines, which allows me to make small changes easier to get the right shape. I roughly mapped out the face and general area of where the fur is going to be. This mapping should be done with a HB pencil GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

59

art macaque’s face. If you are trying this out for the first time, focus on the head, but if you want a challenge, shade the head and start mapping out the rest of the body. If you want this challenge, make sure you cover, or at least are aware that, you have a long piece and should work from top to bottom to avoid any smudges.

This is putting down the first layer, so stick with your HB pencil

Step 2 Once you have mapped out in rough, then you can start to put in specific details, like the eyes and mouth. The key for this area is look at the reference image that you might have and see where the dark areas of fur are. They key to fur is layering, so that’s what I did!

Start mapping out the dark areas of fur, like a puzzle. This will help at a later stage when you start to layer. This should be done with a HB pencil

Step 4 Now you know what the darker areas are, you can start shading over with a 2B pencil. The next lightest areas after the darkest you can start to shade with a HB pencil. The problem I have with animal drawings is sometimes I can get bogged town in the major details of the fur. But stay loose!

The fur for this piece was a simple back and forth motion, leaving some areas out which will later be the highlights of the fur. You don’t have to be detailed in your drawing, but rather give the illusion detail is there! This can be done by adding layers and then using your rubber strategically to give off that realism.

darker areas using the darker HB pencils. I usually start with 2B, then 4B and finally 6B for some small areas like the pupils of the eye, the brow and some areas around the legs and face. Even though you don’t need to go detail, try and make sure that the fur is being directed in the right direction. For example, the bottom of the face, the fur is going down and to the side, whereas on the belly the hair is just straight down. Look to your reference photo and find out what direction the fur is going in. Like I said make sure you leave some gaps in the fur, so that it doesn’t look super dark!

Step 6

Step 3 Now you have the basic areas down, you can start to apply shading to the areas that are darker, for example the eyes, the brow, the nose and also the darker fur areas around the 60

Step 5 Once you have started shading in the fur, start to shade in the

Fur is just layering, so for the next steps, just keep adding to the darker areas to give some texture. Use the rubber lightly in areas to give a dark to light ratio of the piece. The final stages are just making sure that the fur has enough dark and enough light to be realistic. These drawings can often be daunting, but by simply breaking down the layers, look for shortcuts, you will have your very own macaque drawing!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

NEW

!

IN SHOPS NOW

Mama’s 50 must-try vegan recipes It’s time for a new adventure! With the world changing and adapting to new surroundings and ethical movements to better the environment we live in, we thought it was time to challenge ourselves to create a vegan cookbook with some of our favourite recipes made fresh, and easy, using plant based vegan ingredients.

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BOOKISH...

Join us for our monthly book club!

BY JOEL FRANCIS

W

elcome to the September edition of Bookish; this month, I've read three novels from my favourite authors, who are all highly talented in their own right. Each of these novels is incredibly moving and enjoyable - why not read one?

ONE, TWO, THREE Laurie Frankel Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary Fiction For Fans Of: Suleika Jaouad What’s in the pages? Bourne is the kind of town where everybody knows everybody, where nothing ever happens until something does. Then, late one night, a moving truck is seen rolling into Bourne.

Suddenly, the fabric of reality for Bourne becomes unravelled, and it's up to the Mitchell triplets to uncover decades-old mysteries facing a system stacked against them. Will the sisters save the town before time runs out, or will their lives and realities change forever?

Why should you read it? After reading Frankel's last book, This Is How It Always Is, I was full of hope and warmth; it almost felt like coming home again. But, after One, Two, Three, I felt anger, confusion and full of the need for social change. This novel is timely, infuriating and hilarious in equal measures, taking on the complex subject matter of environmental disaster similar to the situation of Flint, Michigan's water crisis.

Frankel manages to make the complex subject matter succinct and easy to swallow by placing the narrative in the hands of three teenagers, who are some of the most likeable characters I've ever encountered. This book is an excellent follow up for fans of her previous book. Still, it's also a very different kind of novel - Frankel has a unique talent when developing stories and characters to put you right in the centre of their world, feelings and thoughts.

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PURPLE HIBISCUS Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Genre: Literary Fiction/Modern Classic For Fans Of: Abi Daré What’s in the pages? Kambili and her brother Jaja live in a beautiful big house and attend exclusive schools in Enugu, Nigeria. It's a privileged life with a dark secret; her Papa is generous and well respected but also fanatically religious and tyrannical at home - and it's suffocating.

When the country falls apart under a military coup and their home is threatened, the teenagers are sent to live with their aunt residing outside of the city. In this more liberal setting, away from the overbearing reach of their father, they begin to find their voices, passions and happiness.

Why should you read it? If you've never read any Adichie, then you should; she's an incredible writer who manages to take the struggles of a majority and turn them into a cultural critique on religious extremism on a micro-scale. This novel is almost suffocating in its writing, but that's the point - you really manage to feel the emotions of living in a household that is controlled with an iron fist.

Adichie is more than just an author and storyteller; she's a weaver of words and a painter of worlds in a league of her own, and although this story can seem slow to some, as it never really ‘takes off’, I found it a perfect novel and one that I look forward to returning to.

MALIBU RISING Taylor Jenkins Reid Genre: Fiction For Fans Of: Jodi Picoult What’s in the pages? It's the summer of '83 in Malibu, and it's the day of the event of the year, Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party. So naturally, everyone wants to be there and hang out with the famous Rivas: Nina, Jay, Hud & Kit; they are world-renowned and well-loved.

But tonight, everybody in the house has an issue they don't want to deal with Nina has been publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Hud has to finally confess something to his brother, whom he loves dearly. Jay is counting the minutes until nightfall so he can see the girl he can't stop thinking about, and Kit has invited a guest without telling anyone. By midnight the party will be out of control, and the police will be called. By morning the Riva mansion and half of Malibu will be up in flames - but who is to blame.

Why should you read it? This is a slightly biased review because I love anything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes. This is her third entry in the Bookish column since I started writing.

It's by far my favourite book of hers, while her other books exclusively focus on the celebrity - I felt that this story was grounded more in the everyday struggle of growing up less than rich and making it big. That aspect adds a lot to this novel and stops it from being like her other books I've read, but saying that, Reid manages to make anything exciting and engaging.

So come into Malibu Rising for the glitz and the glamour of 1983 and stay for the story of a family struggling to make ends meet and who end up turning their lives into the stuff that legends are made of. Lightning doesn't usually strike twice, but for Taylor Jenkins Reid, it's struck three times.

Hopefully, this streak of incredible stories continues.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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literature

FIFTY SHADES OF RAY

A review of Grandmaster Raymond Keene OBE’s latest book.

BY DAVID TAYLOR

T

he title of this extraordinarily rich verbal collage is paradoxical.

Rightly, it hints at the exceptional breadth, wit and nuanced scholarship of Ray’s writing - in a field where monochromatic and emotionally jejune statements such as ‘White retains a slight edge’ tend to hold sway. However, within a panoply of erudite reference, profound analysis and quixotic juxtaposition, Ray’s prose is always distinctively… Ray’s prose.

‘Le style, c’est l’homme’ applies especially well to GrandMaster Keene: chess players too have distinctive styles, can also be expressive and reflective of their personalities. This collection of essays often gives insights into Ray the player, but simultaneously it reveals the amateur (in its true sense) eclecticism and restless curiosity of its author.

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For me, the unifying thread is found in Ray’s fascination with all manner of pioneering - whether in chess, in art, in science, in travel, in ideas, in historical journeys or in literature. There is a love of experimentation and of imaginative leaps which makes Ray Keene irresistibly drawn towards attempts to synthesise the apparently irreconcilable.

There is also, it seems to me, an intense dislike of mediocrity or mundanity, as well as a passion for excellence.

pawn endings - regarding such extravaganzas as tantamount to chess anathema - then this is not the book for you. It is a book for and by someone who is never more at home than

All this adds up to a range of interests which has appeal way beyond the chess-playing monomaniac. If you are someone who has a horror of anything that strays from the mechanistically calculating analysis of infinite opening variations, or the cold-blooded dissection of myriad rook and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

literature when discussing Roman poetry, Islamic culture or the Soviet chess hegemony (to name but three of the very many predilections of the author) - preferably over a good meal or glass of wine.

There have been very many books about chess - many by Ray himself - as well as many which are encyclopaedically comprehensive and virtually unreadable: the influence of chess computing programmes has undoubtedly affected the game in many ways, some actually beneficial, but it has also led to much mind-numbingly turgid prose, preceded by such formulae as ‘here the engine suggests…’

So, to those to whom chess remains a wonderfully and uniquely enchanting blend of art, mathematics and science, with limitless metaphorical

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‘Le style, c’est l’homme’ connotations for life itself, Ray Keene offers the perfect antidote to chess-writing tedium. The section headings themselves contain unexpected and tempting delights, from ‘How Jewish pioneers discovered a new beauty of chess’ to my own favourite, as one educated in the Greco-Roman classics, ‘Two questions posed by Borges’, where Ray entertainingly and with a typically original take revisits two questions which have for centuries intrigued readers and scholars of Virgil.

jostle for attention. It even looks as good as it tastes, with elegant chess diagrams a most pleasing feature. You will not necessarily like or agree with everything, but you will leave the book with your mind buzzing with the sheer verve and ebullience of this vivid evocation of the game of life.

Provocative, challenging, colourful, spicy, here is a menu of delights: a meze table or tapas board where piquant flavours

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dance

LOCAL DANCER’S WEST END DEBUT

The Lion King is arguably one of the biggest West End musicals currently on stage.

For Gibraltarian professional dancer, Jonathan Lutwyche, being cast in this prestigious production represents a huge first step in his career.

BY CARMEN ANDERSON

A

s any performer will confirm, auditions are challenging to say the least. Some auditions, such as that for a part in the world-renowned stage musical, The Lion King, are as tough as they come, Jonathan Lutwyche, told the Gibraltar Magazine. “It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done audition-wise,” says Jonathan, “It was physically and mentally demanding. I had to process so much information in such little time to try to get everything as perfect as I could.”

The casting team had been ruthlessly cutting swathes through the 400 hopefuls that responded to the open call audition. Jonathan was one of those who escaped the first cull and was asked back for the next round of auditions the following day. However, on that second day, he was also 66

Jonathan Lutwyche

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dance "I just had tears rolling down my face." competing against even more auditionees, people who were represented by agents: the field was significantly more skilled.

At only fifteen, Jonathan, who had been dancing since he was twelve, left Gibraltar to go to New York where he studied at the Joffrey Ballet School. It was here that he began to train as a professional dancer.

He then moved to join the world leading Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London. He was just completing his third year when he discovered he had been cast. “They were telling me all of the information about the part, and I just had tears rolling down my face.” After those tough days of auditioning, Jonathan recalls an overwhelming sense of relief; “Everyone dreams of getting a job in their third year,

Jonathan Lutwyche

Jonathan found himself called to a final audition, now with only eleven others in the fray. There was another cull – auditioning is nothing if not harsh – leaving Jonathan as one of eight waiting to get that call that would decide their future. From that eight, only two men were cast. Jonathan was one of them.

with characteristic modesty, “I think I did well in the audition, but there were so many amazing dancers there, so I was really surprised when I got the call.”

“I was super grateful,” he says

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dance "You have your doubts where you think: ‘I don’t want to be a dancer anymore." so I was super proud of myself.”

This, of course, is not just a graduate job; it is a part in a world-renowned West End musical production. “When I first saw the poster up at the theatre and saw my name on it, it almost didn’t feel real,” says Jonathan, “The fact that I not only got a job, but I got a job on the West End is crazy.”

Dedication to an art and to performance means overcoming numerous challenges. Not just auditions, but also moments of self-doubt, an occasional faltering in that self-belief that drives people to their personal successes. Jonathan shared his personal experience of this: “You have your doubts and your days where you think ‘I don’t want to be a dancer anymore’ but everyone does, whatever job you do. However, it’s all paid off.”

Stepping into a West End production is no walk in the park: success at the audition is only the first step in a demanding process, as Jonathan goes on to explain: “The rehearsal experience has been extremely demanding, but so rewarding. I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve just realised how talented people are. Obviously, everyone was very talented in school, but this was a step up from that. Everyone is so good at what they do – the singers, the dancers, the actors – and it is amazing to watch.”

The rehearsal process was difficult 68

for Jonathan, as he describes the impact of the pandemic: “I would say this is one of the hardest things I’ve done, especially having had fifteen months off. During Covid I was taking as many classes as I could, but it isn’t the same intensity as this. It was really hard on my body, but somehow I got through it!”

Jonathan is fired up by his excitement at performing, a flurry of different feelings colouring each day: “I’m quite nervous about performing, but I do feel

prepared. I wasn’t sure if I would be, especially during the first week of rehearsals because it was so difficult, but I feel ready which is comforting. I’m so excited but I do feel a sense of calmness; it’s a mix of emotions!”

Despite his young age, Jonathan is able to reflect on some of the things he’s learned through this tremendous experience. “I think that sometimes when you go into an audition you will put up a wall,” he reflects, “My advice to anyone taking steps into the world of the performing arts would be to just be yourself because when it comes down to it, people want to work with you, not a character.

You will get the jobs because of who you are as a person and the talent that you bring. Be yourself and work hard.”

Jonathan Lutwyche

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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leisure

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leisure

KLEIN CONSTANTIA VIN DE CONSTANCE

During the 18th and 19th century, no wines commanded their fabulous prices nor their prestige amongst the crowned families of Europe. Thomas Jefferson was a fan, Jane Austen and Dickens wrote about them and Napoleon ordered them for his exile in St Helena. Surprisingly, the wines in question were neither French nor even European but firmly New World!

BY ANDREW LICUDI DIPWSET

C

onstance, then a Dutch colony in South Africa, was legendary for its sweet wines.

Charles Baudelaire, the notable French poet, in his Les fleurs du mal compares the charms of his beloved to the pleasures of NuitsSt-Georges and Constantia wines: “Even more than Constantia, than opium, than Nuits, (Nuits St George) I prefer the elixir of your mouth, where love performs its slow dance.”

Well perhaps, but clearly shows how tasting the sweet wines of Constantia was considered a hugely pleasurable activity - at least for those who could afford them!

The story starts in in the 1680 when a Dutch governor founded an estate just outside Cape Town.

It was however a gentleman by the name of Henry Cloete who having bought part of the estate propelled its wines to unimaginable fame and prosperity.

The cool climate of the Cape and its unique soils must have suited the small-berried Muscat grape for no other sweet wine could claim to equal its seductiveness nor match the prices drinkers in Europe were prepared to pay for this elixir. It must be pointed out that Cloete had slavery at his disposal to make sure that labour intensity the wines demanded were always there for the taking!

Economic upheavals during the second half of the 19th century

and the arrival of Phylloxera, coupled with changing tastes in Europe, sent the estate into a steep decline where it languished for more than a century.

It was Cape Town businessman Duggie Juste who bought the state for next to nothing in 1980 and set about reviving it to its former glory, replanting it with the original small-grained Muscat grape.

Today Klein Constantia, is held in the highest esteem throughout the wine world. Critics give it near perfect scores with prices to match. Expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £60 for 50cl’s which come in their unmistakable 18th century styled bottle.

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leisure I’ve been lucky to taste the wine several times which is complex, reminiscent of orange peel, honey, beeswax and ripe figs. The finish is long and persistent. Utterly seductive! Vintages 2016,17, 18 and 19 are particularly sought

Tasting the sweet wines of Constantia was considered a hugely pleasurable activity. after. These vintages can be drunk over the next 20 or even 30 years such is the longevity of these wines.

There are no records what Marie Antoinette thought of Vin de Constance, but had the people run out of water I am sure she would have had a glib answer to that particular conundrum!

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food

J

"Eat genuine, eat at The Eatalian!"

ust over 20 years ago as a Foreign Languages student I fell in love...with an Italian and Italy! Since then, I’ve been 'appassionata' about pizza, pasta, and it's people! I got married to Agostino Ferreri originally from Calabria, and lived in Rome for over 5 years.

He comes from a family that produced their own olive oil, wine, citrus fruits, salamis and more. They ran a pizzeria in heart of Rome, then moved onto production and sale of organic agricultural products at km zero (direct sale from field to stall!).

These experiences taught us the importance of using simple ingredients and seasonal produce, respecting age old methods & recipes.

My husband has always been fascinated with the origin of Italian surnames in Gibraltar, the Genovese history we hold and the similar family and food values we have. So after much travelling and tasting around Italy, my husband

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

By Rochelle Artesani Ferreri qualified with a Diploma degree from Academia Italiana chef and we decided to take the plunge and bring a true taste of Italy to Gibraltar.

“Rome was not built in a day” as the saying goes, and neither are our unique Pizzas ál taglio as they rise to 48 hours of leavening and maturation of the dough! The result? A delicious, artisan slice of amore!

Our pasta comes from genuine Italian grain, and not many people know, but there are rules about pairing pasta shapes and sauces. In Italian restaurants you CANNOT pick and choose the shape of pasta you prefer and match it with a sauce you fancy. Rather, it is the chef who decides what pasta format is best for the sauce they are using.

From our classic carbonara (no cream, bacon or mushrooms per favore!), to the fantastic fettuccine ragù (mince) or the lush linguine and gamberi (prawns) whatever

your choice, it's definitely special - as Federico Fellini said "Life is a combination of magic and pasta".

Our expanding desserts menu is also a must! We stay true to the Tiramisù, prepare a Panna cotta like no other and our Famous Hazelnut Cheesecake Ball is the bomb! We also offer a range of daily homemade pastries with the best coffee to accompany.

Lastly, we wish to thank every one of you who have helped us on this great gastronomical journey, our professional hardworking staff, and our customers who keep coming back for more...la vita è bella!

The Eatalian, 30 Glacis Road, Imperial Ocean Plaza, Gibraltar, Tel. 200.76636, Mobile. 56003858, Email: eatalian.gib@yahoo.com, Fbook: The Eatalian, Instagram: @Eatalian.gib Photography by Emanuela Redaschi: www.emanuelaredaschi.com.

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sports

THE SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL

There’s been the usual August lull in the sporting calendar as the Rock’s sportsmen and women take a well-deserved break ahead of the start of their respective seasons (not to say that there haven’t been plenty of smaller sporting events and tournaments dotted around Gibraltar over the past month!).

However, we’ve had some huge news regarding both outgoing and incoming talent which will no doubt get fans excited for the future, so let's shine some light on the recent talking points concerning Gibraltar's two most popular sports.

new chapter in his career. Tjay has made no secret of his desire to develop his game abroad and had a short-lived stint with Real Oviedo in 2019-2020. He returned to his boyhood club last season and won the league and cup double, but now has the opportunity to show just far his desire and ambition can take him The 21-year-old joins a team that

played in the second tier of English football last year, and although they were relegated in May, Wycombe will be aiming to make a quick return to the Championship.

Tjay will hope he can get among the goals and aid their promotion bid.

That said, a spot in the starting lineup is far from guaranteed; among a number of new arrivals, Sam Vokes has also come into the club. The Welshman did struggle for form at Stoke last season, but has over 100 premier league appearances and 60+ caps to his

First up: Tjay De Barr completed his move to Wycombe Wanderers from Lincoln Red Imps on a free transfer, marking the start of an exciting 74

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sports name – no mean feat.

Tjay will also be teaming up with the 'strongest man in football', Adebayo Akinfenwa, with the 39 year-old signing a year-long extension in July.

One of Gibraltar's most promising talents, his departure is our league's loss, but the move represents the level of quality starting to come through the ranks of local football.

Last year's Netball Europe Open Challenge was cancelled due to the pandemic and rescheduled to be played here next month; so too will we see European U17 tournament action in 2022 and 2023.

The Campions are no strangers to hosting international competitions and facing tough opponents, but on the world stage they will be rubbing shoulders with the very best young players in the sport.

There also exists the tantalising (and slightly terrifying) prospect

NETBALL Elsewhere, the Netball Association has announced that Gibraltar will play host to no less than the 2025 World Youth Cup, which will see the best Under-21 players on the planet in action on the rock in four years' time.

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of being grouped with one of the two absolute powerhouses of international netball.

Eight World Youth Cups have been played; Australia and New Zealand have won four apiece. This

will hardly surprise fans – on the senior stage, Australia has won the World Cup 11 times, New Zealand five (finishing runners up on eight occasions). In fact, Trinidad and Tobago are the only other country to have won the competition in its history, briefly breaking up the Australasian dominance back in 1979.

The Cup is still a long way away, but there could be no better motivation for our current crop of junior players to prepare for what will undoubtedly be a spectacular tournament. Netball continues to go from strength to strength in Gibraltar and it's events like these that will capture the imagination of a generation and inspire them to continue improving the game locally.

We will be back next issue with a roundup as we get up to speed with the start of the 2021-2022 seasons!

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Bookings events@rockhotel.gi | +350 200 73000 | www.rockhotelgibraltar.com

travel

THE WORLD’S FIRST RESORT Blackpool.

BY PETE WOLSTENCROFT

I

n April 1846, the railway arrived in Blackpool, planting the seeds for the growth of the world’s first mass tourism resort. With the possible exception of the climate, which can be – let’s just say uncooperative – Blackpool has many of the right ingredients to make a holiday destination.

Seven miles of golden sands stretch down the coast of the Irish Sea on the westernmost limit of the Fylde Peninsula. Once the railway was established, this new form of transport meant that holidaymakers – many of whom were hungry for their first glimpse of the sea – could visit the coast from their homes in the industrial cities of the north of England.

Local entrepreneurs were quick to build the various bits of tourist infrastructure that would secure the future of the resort and guarantee its popularity in the

Such a thing would have been unthinkable a few years ago. future. Such was their industry, that it was once the proud boast that Blackpool had more hotel rooms than there were in all of Greece.

From the toolkit of features with which to create a memorable holiday, Blackpool has the lot.

Three piers, one giant amusement park, a breathtaking theatre, an awarding winning zoo, a municipal park that is regularly voted the best in Britain, amusement arcades and a host of traditional attractions running the gamut from donkeys on the beach, to Gypsy fortune tellers. Blackpool has it all.

Oh, and I nearly forgot the 518 feet and 9 inches of steel and iron that go to make up Blackpool Tower. It might only be half the height of the Eiffel Tower, but can its French counterpart boast, a world-famous ballroom and a view of the Isle of Man? When I was growing up in the town in the 60s and 70s, the Tower also had a zoo and an aquarium in its lower levels.

These are long gone now, but live on in the memories of locals, who are known as the “sand grown’uns”.

In recent years, Blackpool has experienced the doldrums of declining demand for the traditional bucket and spade holiday so beloved by comedy sketch writers and postcard designers. But we northerners are nothing if not resilient and things are, once again, on the up and up in this doyen of British seaside resorts.

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travel A way of showing that you are clinically insane without actually being institutionalised.

The beaches are cleaner than they have been for many years. The seas that fringe those beaches boast improved water quality. Just the other day, I saw a pod of eight bottle nosed dolphins frolicking in the waves at the end of the South Pier. Such a thing would have been unthinkable a few years ago.

The town council, not always the most popular civic body in the world, does have the happy knack of attracting visitors to the town.

Some of these visitors indulge passions that are best described as niche. On the day I saw the aforementioned dolphins, a good number of people were launching themselves off a platform, which dangled from the top of a crane I judged to be at least 180 feet tall.

(The Tower made a handy point of comparison.) These people were involved in something called “base jumping”, which is, I believe,

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a way of showing that you are clinically insane without actually being institutionalised. It involves tiny parachutes that look as if they would struggle to carry the weight of an Action Man doll.

More sedate passions are also indulged. Blackpool is virtually synonymous with ballroom dancing and every year the Tower Ballroom hosts, not only the final of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, but also the paso dobles and rumbas of keen amateurs from around the world.

If you don’t fancy a foxtrot, you might want to take in a darts game, or attend one of the many meetings that bring pigeon fanciers to the town each year.

Or maybe it is the Rebellion Festival that catches your eye.

(It certainly catches the eye of keen local photographers).

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travel Those who embraced the punk rock movement, from its first flowerings in 1976, besiege the resort with their multi-coloured Mohican haircuts, hand painted leather jackets and ill-advised facial piercings. Many of these revellers must be well into their sixties by now, their pogoing days long behind them, as arthritis and dodgy hips have robbed them of

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much of their springiness. Yet still they come, gripped by a messianic fervour and a firm conviction that punk rock is not dead. You can’t help but admire their faith.

And where once Blackpool’s culinary offering was characterised by fish and chips, “flasks of tea for the sands” and candy floss, now it has restaurants offering the cuisine of: Hungary, Thailand, China, Italy and the whole of the Indian Sub Continent. In the place of rather grim keg beers, most bars and pubs now serve a decent range of craft ales. Gin and Prosecco have replaced pints of mild and unlikely combinations of lager and fruit cordials. There are still hot dog stands and burger joints that offer their products “with, or without onions”, as if the onion-free option is seen as being some kind of bonus. I suspect that, in a town that is a virtual cathedral to kitsch,

they will always be there. Just don’t ask for the wine list.

When I was growing up in the town, such was the wealth of its entrepreneurs, that local kids gave barely a glance to Rolls Royces and Aston Martins. That might not be true today, but, as the number of films and television programmes made in the town has expanded exponentially, there is a new generation of youngsters, for whom rubbing shoulders with an Imperial Storm Trooper is nothing out of the ordinary. (A part of the Star Wars franchise was recently filmed a couple of miles up the coast.)

Blackpool might not be to everybody’s taste, but unless you have been here at least once, I can’t help but feel that you will never truly get a handle on what it means to be British.

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fashion

GOODBYE SUMMER HELLO SEPTEMBER Although we're practically still in the thick of summer, especially here on the peninsula, as soon as September rolls around and a change of season becomes imminent, I can’t help but turn my attention onto all of the autumn fashion about to hit the shelves in the next coming weeks. After several scorching months in vests and flip flops, I love nothing more than embarking upon my bi-annual wardrobe-sorting marathon, identifying unloved pieces that could enjoy a new lease of life, especially with a fresh set of trends in mind.

BY JULIA COELHO

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W

hile last autumn’s trends were still very much centred around practicality and comfort, perhaps in anticipation of the seemingly unlikely upcoming lockdown we all remember too well, this year’s trends are looking a lot more vibrant and eclectic. As the days gradually become shorter and the temperatures dive into chillier territory, I think consumers are truly ready for fun autumn fashion again, resulting in a perfect mix of casual staples and offbeat items that will definitely please the self-confessed peacocks among us. Evidently, designers have mirrored the general sentiment and are very much tuned into the colour and vibrancy that we’re all welcoming with open arms these days.

BRIGHTS It’s no surprise that wearing certain colours can lift our spirits and inject us with a sense of energy and optimism. Colour has clearly underpinned many of this season’s trends; a much-needed reprieve from the neutral jersey uniform most of us lived in over the last year. You’ll find dense, saturated shades absolutely everywhere from Prada all the LEFT PAGE: RIBBED SHORT DRESS, ZARA, £14.99 LEFT BOTTOM: COLLARED ALPACA BLEND CARDIGAN, & OTHER STORIES, £65.00 TOP LEFT: PETITE RUCHED ELASTIC SKATER MINI DRESS IN GOLD FUSION, ASOS DESIGN, £30.00 TOP RIGHT: LONG SLEEVE CUT OUT BUTTON FRONT BODY WITH RUCHING, SKYLAR ROSE, £28.00 BOTTOM RIGHT: POPLIN CUT-OUT DRESS, ZARA, £27.99

way to Primark this year, and as someone who usually lives in black or beige throughout the cooler months, I think I’ll definitely be jumping on this rainbow bandwagon, opting for some muchneeded colour therapy this season. Purple seems to be one of the fastestgrowing colours too, which I’m chuffed about.

CUT-OUTS Cut-outs definitely aren’t stopping at playful bikinis and fun summer dresses.

The good thing is that you can play into this trend as much as you like, from subtle cut-outs in necklines and shoulders, to more risqué slits and slices on the hips and torso. Dresses are particularly prevalent within this trend, as expected, but the high street also has many elegant tops to choose from as well.

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TOP LEFT: IRREGULAR SATIN TOP, H&M, £9.99 RIGHT: CROPPED CRISS CROSS TIE BLOUSE, & OTHER STORIES, £65.00

Y2K Y2K, or simply, the year 2000...I blame this one on TikTok. The noughties are having a moment of resurgence, providing some good old nostalgia for millennials like myself who survived to tell the tale, as well as some (social media fuelled) novelty for Gen Z. From the good old boob tubes and bustier tops paired with flared distressed jeans (finished off with a diamanté necklace of course), to bandana tops and cargo pants, I think the key thing to remember is that this trend is all about letting loose and having some fun. I’m not sure if I’ll be going all the way with it, but I may dabble here and there…

SUITING After the year and a half we’ve all had, who would have thought that ‘work’ clothes would become all the rage once again. It could perhaps be the much-needed antidote to the athleisure we’ve been inundated with recently, but this season the appeal of 82

RIGHT PAGE TOP LEFTE: CROC LEATHER BAGUETTE HANDBAG IN KHAKI, & OTHER STORIES, £85.00 TOP RIGHT: STRAIGHT LEG JEAN IN BLUE, IN THE STYLE PLUS X YASMIN CHANEL, £35.00 BOTTOM LEFT: CROPPED KNITTED VEST IN ARGYLE PATTERN, ASOS DESIGN, £22.00 BOTTOM RIGHT: OVERSIZED BLAZER IN COFFEE, MANGO, £59.99

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fashion smart tailoring is all too strong, and trouser suits are taking one of the prime spots in the sartorial zeitgeist. Slouchy and loose-fitting is the general vibe though, which is actually a great deal more digestible with regards to our newfound approval of comfort and utility. On the whole you'll find that tones are relatively soft and pared back, which not only make them failsafe staples in our wardrobes, but also a very useful way of tempering down the trendy brights with easy neutrals.

It’s a weather-appropriate aesthetic too, as we’re about to experience a decent chunk of seasonal ambiguity over the next couple of months, and coats definitely won’t be on our minds for ages still.

RIGHT: LINEN BLAZER WITH PRINTED CUFFS, ZARA, £49.99 MIDDLE: RAIL MID LOOSE STRAIGHT JEANS, WEEKDAY, £50.00 BOTTOM: BAGGY PAPERBAG JEANS, ZARA, £27.99

BAGGY JEANS Baggy, wide-leg and even lowrise jeans have been coming back into the mainstream since the beginning of the year, when denim started to take its longawaited revenge on the trouser of 2020, i.e., the tracksuit. Classic silhouettes will always be in, of course, but this season’s wide legged offering seems to have piqued a great deal of interest and happens to lend itself quite perfectly to the oversized-blazer vibe. It’s a guaranteed staple for low effort, yet maximum impact dressing; exactly what I live for.

TARTAN Finally, one of my favourites, an absolute must-have once the cooler weather strikes: tartan.

One of my favourite things about tartan is that you can find amazing pieces in charity shops or secondhand shops due to its unwavering stance as a true classic print. I find 84

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tartan pieces to be the perfect pairings with neutral roll necks or chunky boots; effortlessly easy to style but still allowing the edgier sides of my personality to shine through.

TOP: PLEATED MINI SKIRT IN CHECK PRINT, ASOS DESIGN, £14.00 BOTTOM LEFT: PINAFORE WITH FLIPPY SKIRT IN LILAC CHECK PRINT, ASOS DESIGN, £20.00 BOTTOM RIGHT: PLEATED TENNIS MINI SKIRT IN BROWN CHECK, STRADIVARIUS, £19.99

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HUMMUS FILLED BAGELS Recipe by The Gibraltar Vegan, follow instagram.com/thegibraltarvegan for updates

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400g chickpeas

•

1 cup chopped sundried tomatoes

•

½ cup freshly chopped basil

•

3 tbsp tahini

•

½ cup water

•

2 cloves garlic

It’s September, and that generally means back to school lunches and even back to work lunches.

The one thing about September on the Rock is that it is still hot, so lunches need to be able to survive the heat. This is where hummus comes in. This sandwich can be made with whatever flavour hummus your family likes, but one of this household’s favourite is sundried tomato and basil. Add to this yellow peppers, red onion and orange carrot you are creating a lunch as colourful as a rainbow. For vegan bagels, use the New York Bakery Co Red Onion and Chive ones.

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

1. Dice the garlic, chop up the fresh basil and sundried tomatoes.

For hummus:

2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

86

For the filling: •

1 small carrot

•

1 small red onion

•

1 yellow pepper

3. Pour the ½ cup of water into the blender, add half the chickpeas, all of the tahini, garlic, sundried tomatoes and basil.

4. Start blending on a low setting until the mixture gets going then continue to blend until the mixture is smooth, add in the remaining chickpeas and blend until it is all combined.

5. Slice the bagel in half and smear the freshly made hummus on it.

6. Using a peeler peel strands of carrot, finely dice the peppers and onion and add these to the hummus.

7. Place in a glass container or any other reusable one if it’s for young children.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

ROSADA AL LIMÓN This dish is a great reminder of Fridays at mama's and a taste of the south.

INGREDIENTS: •

1 Large Rosada Fish

•

Lemon

•

Olive Oil

•

Plain Flour

•

Salt

roll them into little ball-like sizes.

Dress your fish with a squeeze of lemon.

2. Pour some flour on a plate and cover your fish pieces completely.

Meanwhile heat up a pan with plenty of olive oil.

3. Fry until golden and place the fish on a dish on a paper kitchen towel to drain any excess oil.

METHOD:

4. Serve on a dish with slices of

1. Cut your fish into chunks and

lemon.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

Recipe featured in the Mama Lotties Cookbook - www.mamalotties.com

Mussels in Tomato and Roasted Red Peppers sent in by Lorraine Laguea One of our readers has had a go at a past Gib Mag recipe - what do you think? Send in your snaps to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com for a chance to be featured!

87

information EMERGENCY SERVICES EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY: ALL EMERGENCIES................................. 112 FIRE...............................................................190 AMBULANCE.............................................190 POLICE.................................................................199

NON-URGENT CALLS: Ambulance Station 200 75728 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

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

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.

Police 200 72500

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.

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 Services Police Emergency Nos: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598 Gibraltar Public Holidays 2020 New Year’s Day Commonwealth Day Good Friday Easter Monday

Monday 1st Jan Monday 09th Mar Friday 10th Apr Monday 13nd Apr

Workers Memorial Day Tuesday 28th Apr May Day

Friday 1st May

75th anniversary of VE Day Friday 8th May Spring Bank Holiday

Monday 25th May

Queen’s Birthday

Monday 15th June

Late Summer Bank Holiday

Monday 31st Aug

Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10th Sept Christmas Day Boxing Day

Friday 25th Dec Thursday 28th Dec

SUPPORT GROUPS ADHD Gibraltar adhdgibraltar@gmail.com facebook.com/ADHDGibraltar/ Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth House 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. Tel: 200 40006 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.

Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book

88

Shop at 7.30pm first Thur 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 Thurs at 9pm at Family and Community Centre, Mid Harbours Estate, Bishop Caruana Road. 54007676 or 54014484.

Gamblers Anonymous Telephone: 54001520 Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tues 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: dyslexia.gi Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association Voicemail: (+350) 200 66755, Text Message (SMS): (+350) 54066055, Correspondence Charity P.O. Box 90220, Gibraltar. Email: info@ ghita.gi, Facebook: Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association (GHITA & BSL Club), Our support group meets the first Monday of every month at Suite 3, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre as from 5pm.

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 SEPTEMBER 2021

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 Arts Society Gibraltar: Monthly illustrated talks open to the public.

Registration from 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Guest fee £12.

We meet at The Garrison Library. Contact gibraltar@theartssociety.org or Claus Olesen on 54036666. Website with all informaiton is gibraltar.theartssociety.org 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: Hip-hop/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 the 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 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, monthly, 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’Reilley’s 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 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: Harley Riders Gibraltar on Facebook 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 Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters Club.

Meet at The Trafalgar Sports Bar 1 Rosia Road when live matches are on. All Leeds United supporters and their families are welcome. Join Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters club at: facebook.com/luscgib 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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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.

Cheerleading 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’ cricket- league & 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 Ice Skating: Gibraltar Rock Stars Figure Skating Club lessons every Tuesday evening & Saturday morning, all levels including adults. Contact grsfsc@gmail.com or 58700000 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 the 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 throughout 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 caters for all ages from 4 years old to veterans (over 35’s). It organises competitions and sessions for Juniors; 4 x Senior Clubs; Veterans team; Touch Rugby and a Referees Society. Email admin@gibraltarrfu. com or visit www.gibraltarrfu.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. MonThur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714.

Tennis and Paddle Tennis: Sandpits Club.

Junior and adult training available. info : www. sandpits.club. Tel (Louis) 20077035 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.

89

R U N W A Y

Victoria Stadium

3

4

REFERENDUM HOUSE ←→ SOUTH BARRACKS

Market Place loop (Eastbound)

http://www.gibraltarbuscompany.gi

Routes operated by

BOTH WORLDS ←→ ROSIA

Rosia loop (Northbound)

MARKET PLACE ←→ EUROPA POINT

3

Midtown loop (Southbound) Midtown loop (Northbound)

Ocean Village

Glacis Kiosk

WILLIS’s ROAD

MOUNT ALVERNIA ←→ ORANGE BASTION

AIRPORT/FRONTIER ←→ TRAFALGAR

EUROTOWERS ←→ ROSIA

http://citibus.gi

H

Bishop Canilla House

PLACES OF INTEREST

Coach Park

Cable Car

Airport

Lighthouse

Cathedral

Museum

BI

Taxis

Seaport

Castle

Beach

Stadium

Trafalgar Cemetery

QUEENSWAY

King’s Wharf

Queensway Quay

Referendum Gates

MAIN STREET

Commonwealth Park

Mid-Harbour Estate

Europort Building 8

A AN RU CA D OP A SH RO

Edinburgh House

58

10

PRINCE EDWARDS ROAD

Eliott’s Way

48 BOTH WORLDS

ROSIA ROAD

Alameda Governor’s House Meadow House Victoria House

H KS RO AD

BA RR AC

Mount Pleasant

3

New Harbours

Cumberland Jumpers Road Building

South Gates

New Mole House

Garrison Gym

© VK (2018)

ce ur So

Gibraltar Bus Network

rg p.o ma et tre ns pe O :

Rosia Plaza

North Gorge

Eliott’s Battery

March 2019 version : correct at time of going to print

Map of Gibraltar

University of Gibraltar

EUROPA POINT

2

Schematic Diagram of Bus Network (not to scale)

Buena Vista

Mosque

BUS NETWORK

GIBRALTAR

9 ROSIA ROSIA 4

Brympton

EUROPA ROAD

SOUTH BARRACKS

SOUTH PAVILION ROAD

St. Joseph’s School

MOUNT ALVERNIA

Schomberg

SO UT

Shorthorn Farm

7

R e s e r v e

Rock Old Hotel Casino

RED SANDS ROAD

Lower Flat Bastion Rd Wilson’s Gardiner’s Ramp Road

Morello’s Ramp

TRAFALGAR Convent Place

Blackstrap Cove

N a t u r e

FLAT BASTION ROAD

Sacred Heart Church

Flat Bastion Rd

R o c k

Caleta Hotel

RECLAMATION Cathedral ROAD Square

King’s Bastion

Arengo’s Palace

PORT St. Bernard’s EURO Hospital GASA Swimming Pool

ROAD

Varyl Begg Estate

MONTAGU GARDENS

9

British War Memorial

LINE WALL ROAD

BOTH WORLDS ←→ RECLAMATION ROAD

Artillery Arms

WILLIS’s ROAD

MAIN STREET MAIN STREET

Moorish Castle Estate

AIRPORT/FRONTIER ←→ RECLAMATION ROAD

Albert Risso House

Sir William Jackson Grove

Waterport Road

QUEENSWAY

Orange Bastion

Fishmarket Steps

1

William’s Way

U p p e r

SIR HERBERT MILES ROAD

1 2 MARKET PLACE

CASEMATES

Routes operated by

10

9

8

7

5

Notre Dame School

Faulknor House

Constitution House

REFERENDUM HOUSE

WINSTON CHURCHILL AVENUE

Park & Ride

MARKET PLACE ←→ WILLIS’S ROAD

R U N W A Y

2

1

BUS ROUTES

5 10

AIRPORT/ FRONTIER

DEVIL’S TOWER RO AD

St. Theresa’s Church

GLACIS ROAD

Eastern Beach

CORRAL ROAD

WATERPORT ROAD

C A R C A B L E

Catalan Bay

N

restaurants, bars & pubs 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

31 Aug 21 to 06 Sept '21

DUTY PHARMACY OPENING HOURS

07 Sept 21 to 13 Sept 21

Monday to Friday (7pm to 9pm) Weekends & public holidays (11am to 1pm & 6pm to 8pm)

14 Sept 21 to 20 Sept 21

For updates, check facebook.com/PharmaGuide

21 Sept 21 to 27 Sept '21

28 Sept 21 to 04 Oct '21

Bell Pharmacy

27 Bell Lane 200 77289

Wesley Pharmacy

299b Main Street 200 67567

Tafalgar Pharmacy West One Unit G1 Eurotowers 200 44406

Wesley Pharmacy

299b Main Street 200 67567

Mill Pharmacy

21/21a City Mill Lane 200 50554

CHESS PUZZLE ANSWER: 1. f5! wins. The threat is f6 and both 1...exf5 and 1...gxf5 fail to 2 Nxf5 exploiting the lateral pin across the sixth rank to prevent Black capturing the knight.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

91

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Kid's Korner

ANIMAL WORD SEARCH Can you find the words below?

E S L B E A R Z P

94

L G I R A F F E I

E M O N K E Y B N

P E N F O M C R T

H K N U R U H A I

A O C D W I E D G

N A L H O A R E E

T L A N T G D E R

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giraffe GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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1. Arson, burglary and other offences (6) 4. Punctuation mark; butterfly (5)

1. and 2. Though closer to France this archipelago between Britain and France is British (7,7)

7. A ribbed woven fabric of silk or rayon or cotton (6)

3. Fir trees etc. Never ageing (9) 4. Group of singers (5)

8. Temporarily (3,3)

5. Travel downhill on a single board (7)

9. Soon; author unknown (4)

6. Forever (6)

10. One of the 1d 2 (8)

11. The whole world’s population (9)

12. Eavesdroppers; types of spy (9-2)

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13. Sign the back off (a cheque); approve -(old spelling) (7)

17. One of the 1d 2 (8)

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ACROSS

18. Small one of the 1d 2 (4)

14. African language of Lesotho and adjoining areas (7)

20. One of the 1d 2 (6)

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21. Expense (6)

15. Tell a story (7)

22. Old magistrate

16. Preserve container (6)

23. Sugar found in wood (6)

& YOU COULD WIN

SUDOKU

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Bernard Capurro

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KING SAFETY

4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 For some time the paradoxical 5 d4!? enjoyed a vogue here, but Black can obtain a playable position with 5...cxd4 6 Nxd4 a6 followed by ...Bg7 and ...Nge7.

5. … Bg7 6. O-O Nge7 7. Nbd2 d6 8. a4 O-O 9. c3 e5 10. Nc4 f5 11. b4 !?

BY GRANDMASTER RAY KEENE OBE This month I give a game and puzzle which demonstrate the paramount importance of King security in the middle-game.

Without taking any obvious risks, the black player, two-times British champion, International Master William Hartston, finds that his king’s defences have been subtly undermined. This factor considerably undermines Black’s ability to operate in both a strategic and tactical sense.

White: Raymond Keene Black: William Hartston London Championship, 1964 King’s Indian Attack

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d3 I have never very much enjoyed playing the white side of open Sicilians with 3 d4.

3. … Nc6 96

A thrust inspired by the opening of Smyslov–Botvinnik, USSR Championship 1955, which I had been studying the night before this important game. Smyslov's victory had made a deep impression on the 15-year-old admirer of ...

Botvinnik! I therefore decided to follow his strategy as closely as I could. Here is what I had been examining: 1 Nf3 Nf6 2 g3 g6 3 Bg2 Bg7 4 O-O O-O 5 d3 c5 6 e4 Nc6 7 Nbd2 d6 8 a4 Ne8 9 Nc4 e5 10 c3 f5 11 b4! cxb4 12 cxb4 fxe4 13 dxe4 Be6 14 Ne3 Nxb4 15 Rb1 a5 16 Ba3 Nc7 17 Bxb4 axb4 18 Rxb4 Bh6 19 Rb6! and Smyslov went on to win.

11. … cxb4 12. cxb4 d5 !?

To be honest I had overlooked that this was possible when I boldly employed the Smyslov stratagem on move 11. If now 13 exd5 I was worried, rightly or wrongly, by 13... e4, hitting my queen's rook, so I swiftly decided to retreat. Note, by the way, that 12...Nxb4 fails to 13 Qb3, a resource which is helpful to White in a number of lines.

13. Ncd2 In spite of the surprise availability of 12...d5!? Black's position is not that wonderful, for he has in a sense undermined his own centre (especially the a3-f8 and a2-g8 diagonals) by his aggressive treatment, which involves playing both ...e6-e5 and ...d6-d5 in the first 12 moves. Quite a substantial time investment in Black pawn moves!

13. … fxe4 Black has a complicated alternative at this point, and it's interesting for me now to realise that at that time I could calculate the tactical variations much more easily than I could grasp the positional niceties of the situation. If 13...Nxb4 14 Ba3 Nbc6 (or 14...Nxd3 15 Qb3 fxe4 16 Nxe4!, while 14...a5 15 Qb3 gives White good play for his pawn) 15 exd5 e4 16 dxe4 fxe4 (or 16...Bxa1 17 dxc6 Bg7 18 Qb3+) 17 dxc6 Bxa1 (or if 17... exf3 18 Re1!) 18 Qb3+ +/-. In this kind of position White can often sacrifice his queen's rook for Black's king's bishop since he then obtains decisive pressure along the weakened diagonals to Black's king.

14. dxe4 dxe4 If 14...Nxb4 15 Ba3 or 14...d4 15 Qb3+ Kh8 when 16 Ng5 is annoying. In the latter variation White's active piece-play more than compensates for Black’s GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

coffee time passed d-pawn.

15. Ng5 Nd4 Once again Black dare not accept the 'Smyslov pawn' on b4: 15...

Nxb4 16 Qb3+ Nbd5 17 Ba3 Kh8 18 Bxe4 . One factor which complicated Black's defensive task was that he only had about 15 minutes left for 21 moves (time limit: 36 moves in one and a half hours) which, I would regard as unacceptable clock pressure for practical purposes.

16. Ngxe4 Nd5 17. b5 Bf5 18. Ba3 Re8 19. Rc1 Not 19 Nd6? Nc3!

19. … Bf8 20. Nd6 ! Bxd6 21. Bxd5+ Be6 22. Bxe6+ Rxe6 23. Bb2 !

Black's e-pawn is isolated, the e4 square is weak and can be dominated by a white knight; White's queenside pawns are mobile and he still exerts diagonal pressure towards Black's king.

Meanwhile, I could see that my

opponent was getting into terrible time-trouble and also that 'something' had gone badly wrong with his position.

23. … Rc8 Losing material to the a2g8 pin which now arises, but to step into the diagonal of White's bishop with 23...Kg7 could hardly be described as an improvement.

24. Bxd4 Rxc1 25. Qxc1 exd4 26. Qc4 Qf6 ?

26...Qe7 loses, but more slowly.

27. Ne4 27...Qe5 28 Ng5! wins the rook.

1-0 Raymond Keene OBE

Puzzle:

White: Raymond Keene Black: William Hartston Cambridge University Blitz Championship, England, 1970 How does White exploit the hidden insecurity of the black King to launch a decisive attack?

Raymond Keene’s latest book “Fifty Shades of Ray: Chess in the year of the Coronavirus”, containing some of his best pieces is now available from Amazon, and Blackwell’s.

Answer on page 91 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

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