Globe Magazine December 2022

TAXI Concert for January 2023

GIBRALTAR Events Management (GEM) is delighted to announce that TAXI will be performing in Gibraltar on Friday 27th January 2023. Gibraltar’s successful rock band returns to the stage on the Rock after four years, to offer a special concert,

which will be held at the Aurora Ballroom at the Sunborn Hotel.

TAXI’s work spans over two decades, from the Melon Diesel era right to the Latin American Grammy nominated awards. They have sold over 350,000 copies of their entire catalogue, obtaining a platinum record and two gold records. The band has had the privilege of sharing stages with international bands including REM, Manic Street Preachers, and Oasis as well as other Spanish artists including El Canto del Loco.

The event would not be possible without the support of Argus Insurance.

Also featuring at the concert will be Jet Stream and DJ Wayne Borastero. The Organizers are also delighted that Radio Gibraltar is the official media partner for the concert.

Tickets priced at £40 will be available from www. buytickets.gi as from Monday 14th November 2022 from 10am. Only 300 tickets are available, so we encourage anyone interested to purchase their tickets for this exclusive event early to avoid disappointment. For further information please contact GEM on email: events@gemco.gi

Faith Torres Miss Gibraltar 2022

Tell us about yourself?

I am a 22 year old biomedical science graduate with a passion for music and helping others. I was awarded “Most Promising Pianist” when I was 16 at the annual GIBFYM and sang in Disneyland Paris with the Gibraltar youth choir!

When did you first enter a pageant?

I love the art of modelling and fashion, however the pagentry world has always been something I’ve wanted to explore! So Miss Gibraltar 2022 was my first pageant but definitely not my last.

What attracted you to enter the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

This pageant has always sat on my horizon as I can appreciate the personal growth it brings. As this is my gap year in education, I thought what better time than right now!

Describe the highlights of the pageant?

It’s all about the journey, not the destination. I feel blessed to have met such beautiful girls along with the whole production team and everyone who made this possible.

All the laughs at rehearsals, team building activities and outings are what made this an unforgettable experience.

How did you prepare for Miss Gibraltar?

Asides from the usual keeping fit at the gym and self-care

pastimes, I made sure to educate myself on humanitarian issues and worldliness. Also, standing at 1.81m tall, walking in heels is not something I was accustomed to; so I really had to practice my pageant walk!

Tell us about the dress you chose for the pageant.

I personally love simplicity and the somewhat minimalistic look, so I went for a very basic silver/ pearl blue evening gown. I added some linear, silver sequin patterns

1-4. Photography by Allan Garro, Hair & Makeup Rafa Anaya Climent @Midtown Hair & Beauty

on the top half which ended over my left shoulder to give the dress a little more character. I wanted a high neck dress as i love having my hair up into a slick back elegant ponytail. The slit and mid-to-low back gave the illusion that I was taller (even though I don’t need it!). I ended this elegant look with a dark red lip. I am super thankful the judges noticed all the hard work Dorcas Hammond and I put into this dress and was awarded this Miss Elegance Award!

What was going through your mind when they called your name as the new Miss Gibraltar? At that point, it was all or nothing. Given my little onstage panic in the interview section I wasn’t feeling too hopeful but hey, everyone gets nervous! All I heard was “contestant number te-“ and I instantly got emotional. It was such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity.

How do you respond to those that feel that Pageants are outdated? Everyone is entitled to their own opinions as long as they are respectful. Pageants give women across the globe a platform to advocate for what they believe in. It also teaches women dedication, professionality, sportsmanship and so much more. The format has gone through a drastic transformation thanks to individuals like Julia Morley, with the focus shifting to the contestant's numerous abilities, not just their appearance. I find pageants empower women as they shine a spotlight on female rolemodels in this male-dominated world. Pageants are a runway to success, regardless of the woman’s background. Pageants know no race, religion, or wealth and I think that’s the true beauty of pageants.

Tell us about your pageant platform?

Being a scientist I am focused on engrossing myself with the help and promotion of healthcare charities. Our bodies and minds are not separate. What many people seem to forget is that mental health is not only health, but significantly impacts ones physical health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which are the leading cause of death, globally. From bullying in the

mean to you and how are you preparing for this?

The Miss World stage is an honour and a dream come true. I get to represent not only women in Gibraltar, but the Gibraltarian identity. Again, apart from the standard selfcare activities like frequenting the gym, I am working alongside the amazing pageant coach Kelvin Hewitt to improve my potentials for the preliminary rounds. I endeavour to educate myself in humanitarian issues and engage myself in activism and worldliness. I am currently

woman I look up to is Malala Yousafzai who overcame an assassination attempt by the Taliban at the age of 15. She dedicates herself in advocating for women’s and children’s rights to an education which is tragically still not allowed in many countries around the world. I look up to our very own Miss World 2009, Kaiane Aldorino Lopez as she demonstrated that despite Gibraltar being the smallest country to take part in Miss World, no voice is too small to make a difference. Daily I aspire to be as loving as the women

she has black hair brown eyes. Throughout the Miss Gibraltar journey all the way to the onstage pageant I made many mistakes which just shows that the judges aren’t seeking perfection, they’re looking for sincerity. This selfconfidence and a kind heart wanting to help others will transpire and the judges will pick up on it. As cliche as it sounds, if you’re seeking perfection stop looking on instagram and look in the mirror because the most perfect thing you could ever be is yourself; not only for a pageant but for a lifetime.

school playground to inequalities in the workplace, to an individual’s relationship with themselves, I am eager to raise awareness for the importance of mental health. It is through my own relationship and journey with mental health that I am determined to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health in Gibraltar.

No. 1 Models is sending you to Miss World what does this

preparing some Beauty with a Purpose campaigns which I can’t wait to share with you!

Which women inspire you most? It’s so hard to narrow this one down! As a chemistry lover, I have to say Marie Curie as she was the first female scientist to win a Nobel prize for medicine following her discovery of two chemical elements, radium and polonium. Another inspirational

in my family, whom without, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What advice would you give ladies that are thinking about signing up to the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

Anyone can be a Miss Gibraltar. Ladies, stop trying to fit the mould, it doesn’t exist. Some years Miss Gibraltar is tall, others she is short, some are blonde with blue eyes other years

Where can Globe Magazine readers follow your journey?

To follow my road to Miss World please like the “Miss Gibraltar” Facebook page and follow “@missgibraltarofficial” on instagram. If you would like to follow my personal instagram it is “@faithtxrres”. My DM’s are always open whether you’re sad, mad, if you need advice, or a friend to talk to. You are never alone. (Please be cautious of fake accounts)

Jaylynn Cruz

1st Princess

Tell us about yourself

I am a teacher with a specialism in special educational needs and disability. I’m a Leo, 26 years old and love anything relating to skin care. I enjoy food, the beach, and time with my family and friends.

When did you first enter a pageant?

This was my first ever pageant. I initially entered the pageant in 2019, just before Covid. It took a lot of courage for me to sign up so when the pageant was cancelled, I was disheartened. Two years went by and the opportunity to rejoin the pageant arose, it was something that still took a lot of thought, but nevertheless it was something I wanted to do.

What attracted you to enter the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

As cliche as it sounds, the Miss Gibraltar pageant was something that I always wanted to do. My younger self has always looked up to the Miss Gibraltar contestants and I wanted to be a part of it.

Describe the highlights of the pageant?

I would say the highlights of the pageant for me personally were moments of self reflection and growth. Equally, the laughs, struggles learning routines and friendships with the girls were just as important.

How did you prepare for Miss Gibraltar?

Preparing for Miss Gibraltar

1

was challenging. I tried to focus on both my physical and mental health. Fundamentally, I think what prepared me the most was being true to myself and learning to accept myself for who I am. I had to recognise that my insecurities were a part of me, that my life experiences shaped me and that I could only try to be the best version of myself.

Tell us about the dress you chose for the pageant.

Searching for my evening dress was crazy. I went for the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted. To be honest, nothing seemed to fit my expectations. I decided to order my dress online and risk it. We made some slight alterations, which were done with love and patience, but it was worth it.

What was going through your mind when they called your name as 1st Princess?

To be honest, I was so anxious that I tried to relax and enjoy the moment. I couldn’t believe that I had placed 1st Princess. I was over the moon. I felt proud of myself and couldn’t believe that it was all coming to an end.

How do you respond to those that feel that Pageants are outdated?

1-3. Photography by Allan Garro, Dress- Dorcas Hammond, Jewellery-Essardas, MUA-Nyree Chipolina, Hair- Rafa Anaya Climent at Midtown Hair & Beauty - 4. Family & Friends at Miss Gibraltar 2022 - 5. One of my many coffee mornings at work - 6. Throw back to when I was 17 years old on the cover of Globe Magazine. Image by Figgy Photography - 7 My mum when she placed 2nd princess, Miss Gibraltar 1993 -8. Graduating in Special Education and Inclusive Needs, 2017 - 9. A picture of me when I was younger; Of course, wearing a tiara

This was actually my on-stage question! I answered this truthfully and continue to stick by my thoughts. Pageants allow for platforms to highlight societal issues, and celebrate women for both their beauty and intelligence. I believe that people should be embraced and celebrated in anyway they chose to.

Tell us about your pageant platform?

I am a special needs teacher, so I am a big advocate for inclusivity. I intend on using my platform to

help communicate and promote this. There are some wonderful charities in Gibraltar that I want to work with. I am very grateful to be invited to local charity events and to give support where I can. It’s important to

in mind for the upcoming year.

No. 1 Models is sending you to Miss Grand International, what does this mean to you and how are you preparing for this? At the moment I’m learning

I can can welcome with open arms.

Which women inspire you most?

My Mum, without hesitation! She is the epitome of everything

signing up to the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

Do it. It is almost impossible, but don’t over think it. A good piece of advice, that I was grateful to be told, was to make sure that you do it for yourself. It’s a journey, rollercoaster

give back where possible and use the platform to make a positive influence. Recently, I’ve been hosting some coffee mornings at school in order to raise funds for different charities. We’ve got a big Christmas Craft Fair event that myself and colleagues have organised and I have a few things

about the pageant itself, watching previous shows and following different events pertaining to it. Trying to look for some sponsor’s that would like to support me. I’ve got almost a whole year to prepare, I intend on making this an enjoyable, fulfilling experience and something that

I want to be. I am lucky that I am surrounded by supportive, resilient and hard-working women. My Mama, Aunties, Cousins, Mother in Law, Sister in Law and close friends.

What advice would you give ladies that are thinking about

and lots of fun if you do it right.

Where can Globe Magazine readers follow your journey?

Follow @No1Models on Instagram and Facebook. Follow my personal journey on my Instagram @missgrandgibraltar Lots of love, Jaylynn x

Michelle Lopez Desoisa 2nd Princess

Name Michelle Lopez Desoisa

Tell us about yourself

I consider myself to be an ambitious and hard working person that loves a good challenge. I’m a very family oriented person and thanks to my family and their support I’ve reached many of my goals, my family mean everything to me and without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I have a very bubbly personality and love getting to know new people. I am currently studying in the university of Gibraltar, completing my PGCE to fully qualify as a primary teacher. It has always been a dream of mine to work with children, from a very young I’ve felt very driven towards helping children in their emotional and academic development. My goal as a teacher is to inspire my students and become a positive role model in their lives.

When did you first enter a pageant?

The Miss Gibraltar pageant was the first pageant I’ve ever entered and would go through the whole experience again!

What attracted you to enter the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

My mum being a former Miss Gibraltar definitely encouraged me to enter the pageant. I’m not going to say it’s always been a dream of mine to enter, however as I’ve grown up I’ve felt more

confident and wanted to challenge myself on this venture.

Describe the highlights of the

pageant?

1

not only with the contestants but with the production team as well. It was an amazing journey and I feel I have grown as a person and learnt that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. Throughout the pageant I developed more self confidence, self discipline, motivation and determination.

How did you prepare for Miss Gibraltar?

For the Miss Gibraltar pageant I prepared myself mentally and physically. Besides going to the gym everyday, I have always found it hard to speak in public so i practiced interview questions at home. This helped me prepare myself when speaking in public and throughout my interview with the judges. However I have learnt that the best way to deal with these nerves and insecurities are by being yourself and be confident in yourself. With confidence in who you are you will be able to present yourself the best way and the public will really get to know you.

Tell us about the dress you chose for the pageant.

I would definitely say the highlights of the Miss Gibraltar pageant were the amazing friendships I’ve made

Picking my evening dress for the pageant was not as easy as it seemed. I thought my best option was getting one made for me but then I realised how hard it was to pick a style and design. Just two weeks before the show I decided to change my dress as I wasn’t happy with the final design. So the pressure was on! I found a page I really loved and ordered the

1-3. Photography by Allan Garro, Hair & Makeup- Rafa Anaya Climent at Midtown Hair & Beauty - 4 & 5. My Graduation day 25.04.2021 - 6. My mum’s miss Gibraltar 1988 image - 7. Image with my sister, photography by Allan Garro - 8. With my sister at the Miss Gibraltar show - 9. With my mother at the Miss Gibraltar show

dress that would arrive on time. Although it wasn’t my dream dress I was really happy with it and felt that it stood out.

What was going through your mind when they called your

beauty they provide us with a platform to voice our opinions and choices and makes us strong and independent.

Tell us about your pageant platform?

you preparing for this?

It means so much to me that Kelvin is taking up his time to send me to misssupranational and represent Gibraltar in an international pageant. I am so excited to have the chance to

What advice would you give ladies that are thinking about signing up to the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

The best advice I could give any ladies thinking about entering miss Gibraltar is to go for it,

name as 2nd Princess?

When the presenters called my name as 2nd princess I felt very proud of myself and was feeling very emotional. Before entering Miss Gibraltar I had no idea how much work is put into a pageant. So winning 2nd princess was a big deal to me.

How do you respond to those that feel that Pageants are outdated?

I would best respond to people that think that pageants are outdated by telling them that beauty pageants are not just about

Since Miss Gibraltar I have been working closely with the Guardian Angel Foundation. In November I had my first charity event with them where I organised a boxing marathon and raised £1500.

My Goal is to carry on working with them and raise awareness for all the local children that are suffering from financial distress or illnesses which impairs their physical or mental well being.

No. 1 Models is sending you to Miss Supranational what does this mean to you and how are

represent Gibraltar abroad! To prepare for this pageant I intend to keep practicing my catwalk with No1 models and looking forward to the upcoming shoots.

Which women inspire you most?

I would definitely say my mum and older sister are my biggest inspirations. From a very young age my mum has taught us to be strong and independent and I will always admire her for that. I also look up to my sister and will always be grateful for the incredible role models I have in my life.

it’s one of the most amazing experiences I have had. I would tell them to be themselves at all times like I mentioned above this is the best way to connect with the public and for them to get to know you just the way you are.

Where can Globe Magazine readers follow your journey?

Globe magazine readers can follow my journey to miss supranational 2023 through @ misssupranationalgibraltar and my personal Instagram @ michelledesoisa

The Man in the Mist

Text by Richard Cartwright

Terence Moss has a creative imagination...and a half!! As a child, he fantasised about becoming a writer but clearly didn’t get round to it till recently. Nostalgia and ‘El Levante’ triggered things off!

YOU KNOW , it’s difficult to know where to start with this author. A follower of Stephen King’s supernatural works (he’s read about 50 of his books); he eventually set his mind to write a trilogy of, yes, the Rock’s Levanter of all subjects – but with a difference! ‘Science Fiction,’ he calls it, and it really is. Just by him giving you a 30 minute run down about Part 1 of his ‘Twilight Zone’ type story will be sufficient

to get you stuck into reading, THE MAN IN THE MIST, no joke!.

...He’s transported back to his childhood back here on the Rock - these days spends much of his life living in his other home in Australia –yes, back to ‘El Patio’ where so much of our day to day existence in the 50s and 60s was focused on, with open front doors, chatting to the neighbours et all. He, however, is looking

on as in the present, as an adult (in a misty cloud, of course) watching himself as a child where he lived where now ‘lives’ a car park by the back entrance to the Elliott Hotel in Cannon Lane. Anyway, the child meets the man (who later becomes a reclusive tenant in the same building). He’s known as, ‘Ramos’ and from then on readers, this ‘Time Traveller’ in this Science Fiction story becomes really involved in his quest to find the keys between

Calpe (Gibraltar) and somewhere in the Maghreb (probably Morocco) to sort out the Levanter cloud which could – as time passes - make the Rock become a volcano like it did on Mount Etna, in Sicily. You can imagine the consequences of that if this ‘volcano’ erupted and flattened the whole of the town and with it our existence forever!

Sorting out this terrible and disastrous state of affairs would not get rid of our infamous (a bit of a nuisance) levanter cloud but stabilise it and all would be well. So he begins the arduous trek of having to go to Gorham’s Cave in search of those keys taking him through a long tunnel that surfaces somewhere in the area of Ragged Staff car park where the sunken garden once was. But, of course, in order to pursue his goal to discover those keys and make the levanter settle down, he requires the help of other Gibraltar residents, many of them well known characters like, the photographer with his camera on a tripod who used to situate himself by what is now Referendum Gate or archway, our Maltese immigrant, ‘Tobaiba’, Monsieur Garnier, an eccentric character from La Linea pre-Civil War, and other characters and individuals. He was told in the Levanter Mist by a strange character that his ancestors would help him. But the trouble was, it became a problem trying to suss out who was friend or foe – who was a goody and who was a baddy...All this to help him find the keys to appease the levanter’s angry, ‘volcano inclined’ temper and just return it to being a nuisance spoiling our otherwise sunny days – a much better option, you will agree.

In the end after having gone through many ‘time portals’ all over the place in search of the keys, he leaves them with various documents in a Time Capsule for his granddaughter to discover …. and she takes over as he passes on and his ashes are scattered in the sea at Sandy Bay... her journey in the second book takes her to the scene of the sinking of the SS Utopia in 1891.

The story delves into life in Gibraltar during the 60s and our author time travels in or through his ‘Misty Machine’ – the Levanter Cloud! He discovers more about his ancestry as he grew up and experienced life as it was then. Real or Fiction, his journey certainly took him back filled with nostalgia and it really is nostalgia at its most meaningful best as he relates to ‘how

it was’ living in ‘El Patio’ many years ago, long gone!

And a point about the importance of writing stories about Gibraltar - your home town (if it is). It’s a way of keeping our culture and identity alive never to be forgotten.

THE MAN IN THE MIST by TERENCE MOSS...Our history brought to life, as well as, an entertaining read...ooh that dreaded Levanter Cloud!

The second volume, The Girl in the Mist, is due out in December. Copies of both books are available by emailing him directly on terencemossgib@gmail.com or through Amazon as a paperback or kindle version.

Closing Reception for a Fantastic Gibraltar Literature Week Organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services

AS GIBRALTAR Literature Week drew to an end, Minister for Culture John Cortes told guests at a City Hall reception that a Book Council would be created bringing together local writers. "Marlboro Man" author Mark Sanchez will be involved in the venture and programmes to develop bilingualism would also be explored.

Ladies That Rock The Rock Award 2023

AS PART OF THE plans for International Women’s Day 2023 events, and following the success of the book ‘The Ladies That Rock The Rock’, by the author Ayelet Mamo Shay, a new Award program has been launched, called: ‘The Ladies That Rock The Rock Award’. This Award program will give the opportunity for the people of Gibraltar to nominate ladies, who have contributed to Gibraltar, from all walks of life, to be recognised and rewarded for their achievements and efforts. A committee comprising of both men and women, from different walks of life, including a representative from the Ministry of Equality, will select the winning nominations.

The program will culminate with a Gala Dinner to be held on 8th March 2023 (International Women’s Day) at the Sunborn Hotel, where the Award Ceremony will take place, with one of the

awards to be presented by the Minister of Equality, Samantha Sacramento.

There are seven Awards to be won as part of this program, for the following categories:

• Business Leader Award

• Diversity & Inclusion Award

• Influencer Award

• Health & Wellness Award

• Women in Media Award

• Social Impact Award

• Lifetime Achievement Award

Commenting on the Award program, Ayelet Mamo Shay said: " The book ‘The Ladies That Rock The Rock’ has triumphed the success of 22 inspirational ladies in Gibraltar, and last year we celebrated that with a gala dinner, an exhibition and a ladies delegation to Morocco.

However, I feel that there are many incredible ladies out there that have done so much for Gibraltar and deserve the recognition. We are inviting individuals and companies across Gibraltar to participate in the Award program, submit their nominations, champion Equality and celebrate International Women’s Day with us".

Mamo Shay added: "Last year, 10% of the proceeds of the Gala Dinner and the book launch were donated to Jane Wink foundation (families in need). This year our focus is on the youth and we will be donating hundreds of copies of the book to local schools to inspire the young generations".

The Nomination form can be obtained by email by sending a request to: theladiesthatrock@ gmail.com

Deadline to submit nominations is 7pm on 31st December 2023.

49th Gibraltar International Art Exhibition 2022

The Gibraltar International Art Exhibition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is being held at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery. Both local and international artists submitted a total of 128 works

THE MINISTER FOR CULTURE, The Hon Prof John Cortes

MBE JP MP officially opened the Exhibition and presented the awards on Tuesday 1st November 2022. Katherine Jones, a Royal Academician from the United Kingdom, carried out the adjudication.

THE PRIZE WINNERS ARE:

The Gustavo Bacarisas Prize: Fermin Garcia Villaescusa ‘Ventana al patio’ - 1st Prize

The Jacobo Azagury Prize: Sebastian Rodriquez ‘Jimera De Libar Plein Air’ - 2nd Prize

The Leni Mifsud Prize: Gavin Keith Garcia ‘Mother And Child (The Embrace)’ - 3rd Prize

The Rudesindo Mannia Prize: Bathsheba Peralta ‘Rosia’ (Best Gibraltar Theme )

The Mario Finlayson Prize:

THE FOLLOWING RECEIVED ‘HIGHLY COMMENDED’ CERTIFICATES:

Jane Langdon ‘Sky Ablaze Over the Rock’ Orsolya Demetrovics ‘Reflections’

Naomi Martinez ‘A Shrimp Cracker’ Monica Popham ‘Winter Sun’

Julian Osborne ‘Piccadilly’ Shannen Vinent ‘Caleta Palace Hotel 1964-2022’ Ronald Gingell ‘Life Like A Candle In The Wind’ Francisco Alarcon ‘La Negra Flor’

The Exhibition was open to the public until Saturday 12th November 2022 from 10.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays and 10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays. Entry was free.

Photography by Mark Montovio

Naomi Duarte ‘Dabuti, 92’ (Best Young Artist)

Gibraltar Literary Week an audience with Richard Garcia

ASK ANYONE in Gibraltar if they have heard the name of John Mackintosh, and they will associate it with the John Mackintosh Hall library. But as we found out in Richard Garcia’s “An Audience with...” at this year’s Literary Week organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, and held appropriately at the John Mackintosh Hall, there is a lot more. In his excellent talk, Richard highlighted that we all know what John Mackintosh’s money did, but very little is generally known about the man. He is publishing a book about the life of John Mackintosh, which is being launched this December, where he hopes to address this.

John Mackintosh was born in Gibraltar on 15 July 1865 at 22 Prince Edward's Road, where he spent most of his life. His father, John Mackintosh, a native of Scotland, had settled in Gibraltar to do business as a general merchant. Mackintosh's father died before he was born,

so he was brought up in a one parent family, with two older sisters. His mother, Adelaide Peacock, came from an old Gibraltarian merchant family who were also of Scottish descent. Mackintosh went on to marry Victoria Canepa on 30 June 1909, whose mother

was one of the seven Saccone sisters, an affluent family of the times. The couple had an only daughter, Adelaide.

His father came to Gibraltar from Scotland, via Liverpool, when he was twenty-five years old. He was a founder member of the

shipping agency, Mackintosh, Middleton, and Bland, and later became senior partner, as he persuaded Middleton to leave. He supplied coal to the ships, and he created the Gibraltar Gas Company in the south district where he used the coal for the supply of gas. He also realised that there was money to be made in facilitating the crossing of vessels through the straits. Sailing ships could not come into the Mediterranean with an easterly wind and could not go out into the Atlantic with a westerly. So, by having a steamboat and a tug, these unfavourable winds would not be an issue, and they could come and go through the straits without having to wait for the appropriate wind to guide them. When John’s father died, he had not left a will, so his twentytwo-year-old mother was left unable to run the business.

John and his two sisters were educated in the United Kingdom. At the age of twenty-

Text by Terence Moss

five he worked as an employee in one of the coaling firms in the UK. He returned to Gibraltar to join his uncle, John Peacock, in the cotton goods and shipping trade as Peacock & Company. He later became a partner with C.W. Mathiesen, Consul for Denmark and shipping agent. This partnership was later followed by that of Crusoe & Mackintosh, who prospered by developing its extensive coal business. Eventually John Mackintosh bought out Crusoe and traded as Mackintosh & Co, a company which he formed into a limited company in 1923.

Just after World War One, the coal business was thriving, and Mackintosh was the sole owner of his businesses at a time when

the ports of Oran and Algiers could not supply coal.

In the 1930’s some parts of the newly built North Mole were made available for the coaling trade at a rental fee of £30,000 per annum. The 1930’s were a tough time in Gibraltar and people were migrating to South

America. Around this time, John Macintosh diverted his attention to the oil business, by introducing the Asiatic Petroleum Company, later Shell, to Gibraltar. He set up the first petrol station in Winston Churchill Avenue, by the Corral, and he also supplied diesel to ships. It was important to

diversify, and he had the money to realise all his projects. In the 1920’s he had become chairman of Saccone & Speed, which had offices in Malta and UK, supplying tobacco, wines, and spirits.

By 1934, the company his father had started, the Gibraltar Gas Company, was in financial trouble, and the City Council refused to buy it. It went into liquidation, and as a major shareholder, he took over the assets of the company.

His last love was shipping. Coal was transported from UK on colliers, bulk cargo ships that were used to carry coal. John Mackintosh also acquired control of a Cornish shipping company

that owned and managed cargo ships. He bought a company to supply the coal and then built the ships to transport the coal himself. He was in control at every stage of the supply chain.

When he withdrew from the coaling business, he looked at Tangiers, the international city, and went into the property market. He also received a knighthood from Norway and Denmark. John Mackintosh was well read and fond of music. He enjoyed his holiday homes in Pau and San Sebastian. His daughter, Adelaide, had a mental illness, and spent most of her life institutions.

He was very interested in the welfare of his native Gibraltar and addressing the needs of the aged, the sick, and the poor. He endowed an alter at St Mary’s the Crowned, and a window at the Holy Trinity that was destroyed by the Bedenham explosion.

He was a very popular and approachable man. He died at the same house in which he was born, on 28 February 1940, and he was deeply mourned by everyone in the fortress. In his will he left his money to various projects in Gibraltar, as he did not want to leave the responsibility of managing such a huge empire to this wife Victoria.

JOHN MACKINTOSH HALL

The John Mackintosh Hall Trust built on the site of the old military Grand Stores that was destroyed after the Bedenham explosion in 1951. The John Mackintosh Hall was opened to the public by the then Governor, General Sir Dudley Ward, on 8th April 1964. In compliance with the specifics of the Will, the new

hall contained a library, theatre/ conference hall, gymnasium, and wing for higher education as well as spacious halls for exhibitions and other public functions.

JOHN MACKINTOSH WING, ST. BERNARD’S HOSPITAL

The John Mackintosh Wing with 76 beds was opened on the 22nd of September 1969, by the Governor and Admiral of the Fleet Sir Varyl Begg. It was described as a magnificent modern hospital splendidly equipped for medical and surgical work including an intensive care unit for medical and surgical work, including an intensive care unit for cardiac cases and a nurses training school.

JOHN MACKINTOSH HOMES

Three homes for the aged were built and maintained by the Mackintosh Trust, namely, Mount Alvernia in St Bernard’s Road, the Anglican home (now leased to a bank by the Board of Governors of the Homes) and the Jewish Home, both in Line Wall Road. They were completed in 1964 and funds were allocated by the Trust to meet the annual running expenses. In 1972 the Trust endowed the Homes with a sum of £1millon and a final settlement of a further £600,000 in 1992. Subsequently the maintenance was taken over by the Government. The Mackintosh Homes are virtually the only care facility available to our senior citizens.

VICTORIA STADIUM

The Victoria Stadium forms part of the main sporting complex in

Gibraltar. The financial assistance given to the Gibraltar Sports Association, especially by Mrs Mackintosh, was such, that the stadium was named after her. It was achieved by purchasing the land, and permission was given to build up to one storey in case it was needed to be re-taken by the military.

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Some £20,000 are provided annually for student scholarships

and grants. Most students of the 1960’s and 1970’s will remember that if they did not qualify for a Government Scholarship through their ‘A’ Level results they could apply for a Mackintosh scholarship.

THE MAGISTRATES’ POOR FUND

This fund was vested in the body of Justices of the Peace providing some £4,500 relief for the poor and needy annually.

On National Day 2008, John Mackintosh was posthumously awarded the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour by Parliament for his services to philanthropy. There is a bust of John Mackintosh at the Parliament building in John Mackintosh Square.

There is so much to know about John Mackintosh, and it is because historians like Richard Garcia write about him, that we can keep alive our rich cultural history.

You would think that there is no history in Gibraltar before 1704 and, when there is, it is all about the garrison. It is the responsibility of this generation to encourage writers to write about our history and our civilian culture.

A copy of Richard’s new book about the life of John Mackintosh is a worthy addition to a collection of Gibraltar books in your personal library and I encourage you to get a copy.

Vithas Xanit International has obtained its third Joint Commission International Accreditation

FOR THE THIRD TIME, Vithas Xanit International Hospital has obtained the accreditation granted by Joint Commission International (JCI), the most stringent accreditation in the healthcare sector. Vithas Xanit was accredited for the first time in 2014, then it was awarded its second accreditation in 2017, and this year it has been re-accredited for the third time by this organisation, which is the most prestigious accrediting body worldwide.

“We are proud to have been accredited for the third time by Joint Commission International, which, at present, is the most experienced organisation in healthcare accreditation around the world. Having passed this audit proves our commitment to patients, in order to provide

safer and more effective care," explained Mr Jose Antonio Rodenas, Managing Director of Vithas Xanit International Hospital, who praises the great job carried out by the professionals of this hospital facility.

In addition, Ms Mercedes Mengibar, Regional Managing Director of Andalusia in Vithas, pointed out that “at Vithas, we are committed to a quality healthcare system accredited by JCI, for this reason, we all work with its indicators, and it is part of our roadmap to accredit all our group's facilities”. She also added that “our group already has three hospitals exhibiting the JCI seal: Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria and two more hospitals in Andalusia: Vithas Granada and Vithas Xanit International”.

XANIT GIBRALTAR: A REFERENCE MEDICAL FACILITY

Vithas Xanit Gibraltar offers a great number of specialities and brings patients closer to the services offered at Vithas Xanit International Hospital, a facility with extensive experience in catering for patients in Gibraltar.

Some of the specialities offered at Vithas Xanit Gibraltar are Family Medicine, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Traumatology, Urology, and Paediatrics. The facility is distributed over two floors and has five multi-purpose consulting rooms, as well as a nursing consultation, a bloodsampling room with a laboratory area and a radiology room using the most-advanced direct digital radiography technology.

VITHAS

Dad's Kitchen

Festive Canapés

Text and Photography by Mark Montovio

Mark Montovio shares some of his much loved local and world recipes opening up possibilities for making each dish to suit a variety of families, different tastes and particular dietary needs. Combining his love of different cultures and world cuisine he is also committed to preparing meals which are nutritious, tasty and good to look at, with minimum waste and using seasonal produce.

TIS THE SEASON OF goodwill and sharing, and the language of love is food. I have no doubt: Whether religious or not; Festive or not; There is nothing like dedicated time set aside for sharing meals with the people we love.

In this last edition of the year, it seems fitting to share a selection of very simple festive canapés that can be put together easily and simply with basics we often have at home, and what’s best, at short notice.

Whether these canapés are served as a welcome nibble, a selection of starters, or a sharing platter for two, they are bound to be a hit.

A good place to start is a mini prawn cocktail. Prepared in seconds, a few prawns are mixed into mayonnaise, tomato puree, and tabasco, and presented in a small glass over a lettuce leaf with an unpeeled prawn, a boiled quail egg and a slice of lemon.

A delicious persimmon salmorejo, prepared in seconds, is next. A persimmon is chopped up into the blender with a garlic clove, half a green pepper, a slice of bread, salt, black pepper, olive oil and vinegar. Serve in shot glasses and garnish with slices of green pepper.

Hummus is always a hit and

homemade is best. Blend a jar of chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, a spoonful of tahini, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Lay out on small individual dishes, spreading out with a spoon and sprinkle with paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. Wonderful served with home fried tortilla chips.

Minced meat is so versatile that you can make a number of canapés. Add salt, pepper, garlic paste, cumin, coriander, and breadcrumbs to the minced meat and mix well. Use some of the mix to make meatballs and cook in a curried sauce, place some more on small bamboo

skewers and grill, stuff some of the mix into small pastry discs and fry, and finally wrap boiled quail eggs with the mince, dip in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs, and deep fry in olive oil. Serve in separate dishes or together as part of a minced meat platter.

For those with a sweet tooth a very simple desert. Crumble 1-2 digestive biscuits per portion into a small glass. Add a layer of stewed fruit or jam over this. Mix creamed cheese with some honey and lay over the fruit/jam. Decorate with some fruit, add some fresh mint and sprinkle icing sugar over them.

And of course, it’s Christmas! Mince pies with a twist here are a must. Grab some more of the pastry discs and stuff some of the sweet mincemeat, sealing them well. Deep fry and sprinkle with icing sugar! Absolutely delicious hot or cold!

And to finish off. the most de-

licious festive cocktail ever; a Clover Club! For two people pour 60ml of your preferred gin, 40ml of Chambord, 2 egg whites, 40ml of lemon juice and shake for 45 seconds. Open the cocktail shaker and add a few ice cubes and shake for another 15 seconds. Pour gently into cocktail glasses so that the frothy egg

white foams to the surface and decorate with berries and dried rose petals.

So I hope that you find some inspiration in these ideas and should you want to watch me making them, go to my YouTube Channel and subscribe to Dad’s Kitchen and watch the Christmas

Special where I cook all these canapés for the lovely Sonia Golt.

I leave you now with thanks for reading my contributions each month and for commenting and sharing images of the dishes I write about, and I wish you all a wonderful festive period and a prosperous new year.

The Best Recipes of our Cuisine

Mascarpone and Herb-Basted Turkey

Serves: 6

Preparation and Cooking Times: Ready in 30 minutes plus 2 hours in the oven

INGREDIENTS

- 6 tbsp mascarpone

- 1 garlic clove, crushed

- 2 lemons zested then halved

- 1 tbsp chopped Parsley - 4 kg turkey, giblets removed - Olive oil

- 3 onions, cat into fat slices

WHITE WINE GRAVY

- 500ml White wine - 500ml Chicken stock - 2 tbsp plain flour

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Heat the oven to 160C. Mix the mascarpone, garlic, zest and herbs and season really well. Loosen the skin away from each turkey breast (gently wriggle

your fingers under the skin) then stuff the mascarpone mix underneath. Smooth the skin down then brush the turkey all over with olive oil and season. Put the lemon halves in the cavity. Put the onion slices in the bottom of a roasting tin and sit the turkey on top. Cover with foil and cook for 25 minutes per kilo (a 4kg bird will take 1 hour 40 mins).

2. Remove the foil, baste the turkey with the tin juices then turn up the oven to 200C and cook for another 20 minutes. Take out and rest for at least 1/2 an hour before carving.

3. Pour off most of the fat from the tin. Put over a low heat and sprinkle in the flour. Stir well then add the wine and stock and bubble together. Strain into a clean pan then simmer for 15 minutes while the turkey rests.

Make Christmas dinner the most hazzle-free ever with this make-ahead turkey recipe

What’s Happening Down Town?

1 Care Agency donates Funds to Father Charlie’s Soup Kitchen

The Minister for Culture, The Hon Prof John Cortes MBE JP MP officially opened the 49th Gibraltar International Art Exhibition and presented the awards on Tuesday 1st November 2022 3 Shalom's singer, Sebastian Guerrero, giving a TV interview in Algeciras of the band's up and coming 'live' tour for 2023 4 The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, hosted a tea-time reception at the Convent to thank the Armed Forces and Essential Services for their participation in 'Operation London Bridge 5 Last Service at St Andrew's Church 6 T'Salsa' getting supper ready for Gibraltarian bikers visiting Morocco 7 Dinner at 4 Stagioni

Shalom on Stage at 'La Garmola' in Algeciras

ON FRIDAY 18TH November

last at the ‘Sala Gramola’ in Algeciras, a capacity crowd witnessed the debut of the renewed version of the heavy rock band, ‘Shalom’.

Looking into their formative years, Shalom were formed in 1987 rehearsing at ‘La Granja’ in Algeciras. To date, they are possibly the most successful rock band of the era from there who managed to create openings in the very difficult Spanish national music scene of the time. The four local lads, who were the original members, were Sebastián Guerrero (vocals), brothers Juan and Rubén Tamayo, guitarist and bassist respectively and Tony Jurado on drums.

The group’s musical influences were classic Hard Rock acts such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath or Pink Floyd, as well as, more contemporary bands such as Van Halen, Judas Priest, Scorpions and Barón Rojo.

In May of that year, they recorded their first demo at the ACM Studios in Málaga, achieving national prestige with it and with which they recorded on TVE music program ‘A Tope’ and the rest, as they say, is history!

On the night, one can highlight the big presence of about 50 to 60 diehard fans (total hall capacity 350), amongst the massive turnout, who had travelled all the

way from Ceuta for the occasion. The atmosphere at the ‘Gramola’ was electric, as fans enjoyed reminiscing and singing along to the tracks of classic ‘Shalom’ tunes.

We remind you that the present members of the band are Sebastián Guerrero, who’s the band’s original singer, Carlos Armesto on bass, Chico Palenzuela on

drums, Javi Santana on keyboards and Koto Bermúdez on guitar. Therefore, with Sebas, as fans enthusiastically were crying out, he represents the link between the past and present of this legendary band. Shalom has returned with a vengeance due to the desire and hard work of its individual members, as much as, the enthusiasm and acceptance of the audience that filled ‘La Gramola’.

Amongst the high points of the concert, we can highlight the cameo appearance on stage of the Tamayo brothers, Juan and Rubén, who were original members of Shalom and who wanted to reappear on stage before the audience at ‘La Gramola’ as an emotive gesture towards this renewed version of ‘Shalom’, which has taken up the challenge. Also performing on the night alongside ‘Shalom’ were Guachi, ‘Brual Thin’s’ guitarist, who also wanted to be present and pay tribute to ‘Shalom’ in this concert.

The audience were pulsating with all these musicians on stage, who offered the best of their art form. Credit must also be given to the directors of ‘La Sala Gramola’ for organising this memorable event in their premises where the sound and visual effects make the experience of being present at one of their concerts that extra special. And obviously, last but not least, congratulate ‘Shalom’, who has shown that this band returns to open another chapter in their musical evolution together with a fan-base totally committed to the cause. One would like to wish ‘Shalom’ every success in their new venture.

At the end of November, founder bass player, Rubén Tamayo, decided to rejoin the band and become part of the new Shalom project.

Christmas Festival of Lights 2022

CULTURAL SERVICES and the Gibraltar Electricity Authority organised the Christmas Festival of Lights, which took place on Friday 18th November at 6.15pm at John Mackintosh Square.

GIBRALTAR

The traditional switch on of the Christmas lights together with several

performances from local groups is the perfect way to welcome the season of goodwill. Father Christmas and his elves also made a special appearance.

Following the switching-on ceremony, the illuminations will thereafter come on automatically, every day until Friday 6th January 2023.

Valerga Brothers Release

‘Soundtrack of My Teens’ An Album for Calpe House

Text by Joe Adambery

THREE YEARS AGO I found myself announcing an album from the Valerga Brothers when they were inducted to the Hall Of Fame Class of 2019. Covid delayed that album and forced into isolation, the brothers put to good use the extra time available and started to add songs to it with a view to making it a double album. Recordings went on until they had thirty three songs for the final project – that’s nearly a triple album’s worth of memorable classic songs!

The Valergas reached out across our musical community and secured stellar collaborations from musicians of all genres and the expanded project is now presented as a beautiful CD/USB package finally on sale at Khubchand’s, who have sponsored the album so that the entire proceeds from

the album sales will go entirely to Calpe House. The launch of the album took place on the 1st of November at the City Hall hosted by Mayor Christian Santos, with

Sir Joe Bossano and Minister John Cortes also present. Pre sales of the album had already clocked up over thirteen hundred pounds, which were presented to Calpe House

“The ‘Soundtrack of My Teens’ by The Valerga Bothers is our ‘opus magnum’” says Henry Valerga. It’s a snapshot of our early years in music, pictures and biography, packaged with the soundtrack of the 60’s and 70’s music, which shaped our teens. This bumper musical offering includes great covers of big hits from many legendary artists and we have also brought in local artists to the album in the hope that Calpe House, a charity really close to all our hearts, will benefit greatly from the entire proceeds of this thirty three track album.

In his opening address Mayor Christian Santos welcomed the many collaborators present and praised the great collection of

representative Albert Poggio during the launch.

‘songs from another time.’ He encouraged those present to spread the word and help to bolster the sales of the album so that Calpe House would benefit greatly from this noble project. Henry Valerga spoke of the brothers’ involvement in music from a tender age and the social history of their growing up in Red Sands Road. He alluded to the content of the album as a ‘time capsule of years passing’ and being marked by great songs, which made up the soundtrack of their lives and our lives too. “These footprints of nostalgia have been raised to another level with the collaborations giving the music a new lease of life with a special local significance always respecting the original versions.” Henry gave detailed thanks and mentioned by name many, who were involved in the project from the start and then invited a close friend to say a few words.

Barrister Levy Attias, a published poet and great friend of the Valerga Brothers entreated those gathered for the launch to ‘consider for a moment a life without music’. Where the ‘soundtrack’ of these songs recorded here have served us as a backdrop for romances or even break ups, as most of us remember specific times in our lives when music of bygone days jogs our memories and tugs at our

heart strings. He paraphrased the great Abba hit ‘Thank you for the music’ and raised the chorus of agreement to a warm applause.

At that point, Sir Joe Bossano was invited to the microphone and he spoke warmly about Calpe House and how it belongs to all of us and how it’s now considered a home from home to many recovering patients before returning home after UK treatments. The presentation of a cheque to Albert Poggio of Calpe House followed on and Albert highlighted by way of a statistic that as many as a quarter of our population has benefitted from shelter at Calpe House during times of treatments. A sobering thought that underpins the many charitable endeavours that our community undertakes

to raise money for the charity.

The guests were then invited to purchase their copies of ‘Soundtrack of my Teens’ and the gathering then mingled to the backdrop of some songs from the new album in a video presentation by Eddie Adambery. My own thoughts, after hearing the album, are that as Christmas is just around the corner, there is no better way to give music this Christmas and help a really worthy cause, but more than that, this great collection of songs of our youth will take pride of place in many musical collections across Gibraltar.

At £20 for the bumper album in its colourful packaging, it’s guaranteed to raise many smiles

and evoke musical memories as we remember those bygone days when many great songs from great artists marked our youth. You can buy your CD copies at Khubchands or contact Henry or Denis Valerga for them. Remember give nostalgic music this Christmas and it’s all for Calpe House.

What do you get for £20? A great album, which is guaranteed to raise many smiles and evoke musical memories as we remember those bygone days when many great songs from great artists marked our youth. Big value with plenty of photographs and well researched historical comments on the tracks, why they were chosen, who collaborates on them from our local artists and compelling pointers as to why the music of the 60’s and 70’s was so successful and has remained etched in the memory of so many from that generation. There are many interesting stories behind many of the featured songs, which were new to me and these little gems of information are always entertaining to read and to know. It’s a big listening experience and very well produced indeed.

The photography and design throughout are excellent and bring to life the story in pictures of this established sibling duo that

have been with us for 57 years and counting. In a two CD pack you would normally get 24 tracks but in this one the USB increases the capacity so you get a CD with 19 songs and the USB has 33 songs (which I’m told is the format most convenient to use in your car stereo). When you add all the aforementioned pictures and information to this great musical package you will agree that it’s an excellent gift to give music this Christmas. Especially for the Calpe House

The album, which has been financed by Kamlesh Krishna Khubchand, consists of a beautiful front cover painting of brothers Henry and Denis by artist Leslie Gaduzo. Stephen Perera has done the graphic design and produced the twelve page libretto, which includes many photos from the era in montage using vintage cameras and layout. The local artists collaborating are Chris Montegriffo on harmonica, guitarist Paul Patrick Cano, Trevor Guilliano of ‘After Hours’ (recording assistance), singers Corrine Cooper and Seila Pavon, tenor Nathan Payas and soprano Claire Hawkins, veteran Rocker Giles Ramirez and veteran Rock guitarist Harry Chichon.

A more recent contribution was

made by Eddie Adambery, who is a long time friend of the brothers and now lives locally after he retired from a UK career in song writing producing and recording. The Gibraltar National Youth Choir conducted by Christian Santos also took part in the project, with spoken words by Krisna Gulraj and Michael Cortes, which were recorded with Brian Torres and Nicky Gonzalez assisting. That represents a wide cross section of local talent, who have rallied round to embellish the project with their selfless contributions. There are more contributors not mentioned here for brevity.

“The songs we have chosen are legendary classics, evergreens from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Kinks, Simon and Garfunkel, Procol Harum, The Righteous Brothers, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Donovan, The Everly

Brothers and many more. Our versions of their songs are backed by rich instrumentation and versatile vocal arrangements, which we and the other contributing local artists, have poured their hearts into. I think that we have achieved a recording milestone in the way that our covers of these classics have turned out. It’s the biggest project that we have ever attempted and we are immensely proud of everyone with the results that we have achieved.”

I have selected a few songs to mention as a trailer and ‘The Boxer’ immediately stands out as does ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ both great productions. ‘Grocer Jack’ features the GNY Choir on it and has all the tenderness of the original. Henry’s vocal in Donovan’s ‘Catch the wind’ gives you goose pimples and ‘Universal Soldier’ is a truly epic production. Denis Valerga sings ‘Blackberry

Way’ and he has orchestrated a ‘Penny Lane’ type of trumpet solo at the end which is a masterpiece. ‘Ruby Tuesday’ is given a sensitive treatment, which evokes all the magic of the early Rolling Stones at their acoustic best and Don Maclean’s ‘Vincent’ is also a truly standout track, which captures the beauty and fragility of the original.

I can vouch that you will be in for a feast of classics, which will make you feel proud of the local talent on display in these collaborations. They really do stand out as special musical treats and I can see many copies of this album from the Valerga Brothers selling really well in support of Calpe House. On sale at Khubchands, The ‘Soundtrack of my teens’ will gladden many hearts with the nostalgia and the musical journey of two brothers, who have captured our hearts and still endure with their music.

Experience of a Trainee Counsellor

Text by Genevieve Bossino-Soussi

COUNSELLING is a profession

I have always been drawn to, mainly because many of what I describe as my core character traits resonate with the skills required for this work. I’ve also, for better or for worse, had the benefit of my own experience, and of the benefits of counselling and talking therapy as a client over the years.

Back in 2010, whilst looking to study as a trainee counsellor, relevant courses were not available in Gibraltar. Whilst researching for other options I came across a six-year part-time Health and Social Care Degree through the Open University. I enrolled and Graduated in 2016. In 2019 the Gibraltar College of Education launched the CPCAB’S Counselling Professional Qualification, a Diploma in Counselling. I knew this was for me and didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity.

I was lucky enough to be awarded funding through the Department of Education, though funding is also offered, on application, by organisations such as the Kusuma Trust and the Peter J Isola Foundation.

The course requires an attendance of six hours a week that covers both the theory and skills practice element of the course, alongside additional reading, research, reflection journals and exams. It

also involves attending to my own personal therapy for a minimum of ten sessions, and one hundred hours of supervised counselling practice sessions.

As a person who is naturally empathetic and a sponge to others’ emotions, the Gibraltar College was a very good fit for

me, as they provide the face-toface and online tutor support and supervision that I feel is paramount in this line of work.

The course is very well structured and provides a good introduction to what it might be like to sit with someone to listen to them in a space dedicated to listening.

Following this there is a nice and easy progression to where you learn a little bit more about the skills introduced at level two that enable you to practice them, and at the same time listen and learn about yourself. Beyond that, the next stage involves the learning of counselling theories to add to the skills already developed.

By the time I had completed level three I had no doubt that this work was for me and I was ready to commit to level four. The work at this level is no doubt demanding, especially as I manage a full-time job and family commitments.

This requires a lot of forward planning. The tutor support on this course proved critical, I think to my success. They don't just deliver classes - they also teach you the skills needed to succeed in the academic environment and how to develop time management and study skills. They understand your own personal learning style and work to your strengths.

What I have enjoyed most throughout the training is not a specific topic but the fact that it is an integrative course, meaning that it is a course that draws on techniques from different types of therapy allowing the counsellor to practice with the approach that works best for the client, considering the clients individuality and personal circumstances.

Integrative therapy can help with a range of short and longterm issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, addictions, bereavement, and low self-esteem. It can help with emotional wellbeing and mental health, enabling people to live life to their full potential.

It is undoubtably a challenging course and a huge commitment on many levels but I have been fortunate to have fantastic peer and tutor support offering continuous learning to become a well-rounded counsellor. It will come as no surprise to readers that I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to any prospective students considering counselling as a career path.

From a learning perspective, and having recently turned 50, counselling is one field where life experience really, really helps, and there is no set retirement age.

Gibraltar has seen an increased demand for counselling in general, and particularly for workplace counselling. With employers recognising the value of therapy and understanding that the uninterrupted efficiency and success of a company depends on employee well-being; the use of technology in counselling also gives the client more choice and flexibility on how and when they receive therapy. This is especially relevant given that there unfortunately remains, in the minds of many, a stigma attached to the subject of mental

health. This is particularly so in the context of younger people, who have taken to online therapy as a way of seeking help. With the main advantage of not being restricted by the location there is much more scope for counsellors to offer therapy.

A force that could shape the future of mental health services is Drop-in counselling. A onetime drop-in session, where you can discuss your struggles and get information about the resources offered and how to access them.

The ability for clients to attend to a walk-in clinic where they can get help without having to make an appointment ahead of time, I believe would have a direct positive impact on both the

service users and their families, strengthening the support for people in crisis.

If you are thinking about training as a counsellor, the most valuable aspect for me is having the opportunity to just be there and to listen. The experience of seeing a person walk away lighter, freer, and excited to live their own personal journey after healing from wounds, disorders, and obstacles in their path is a most rewarding experience.

I have not once looked back to my decision to pursue this qualification and would encourage anyone that has set their sights on becoming a counsellor, to pursue this fulfilling career that has a lot to offer.

Professional Counsellor Training at the Gibraltar College

THE GIBRALTAR COLLEGE is offering a full programme of courses that lead right up to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling as approved by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

On successful completion, which includes 100 hours of community based supervised counselling as a trainee, students are able to practise. Should they wish to continue studying they can specialise further by taking two Open University Modules, which together with the Level 4 qualification will give them a Foundation degree.

The College is currently running a Level 2 course, which in its own right, prepares any professional to use interpersonal skills to support their primary role. Teachers, social workers, youth workers, nurses, learning support assistants, managers and technically anyone working with potentially vulnerable groups, often take this on as a stand-alone programme.

Those wishing to take on this line of work progress on to Level 3 which is much more theoretical. This September saw another intake of students at this level.

The Level 4 course is currently towards the end of the first year and it is in the second year that they need to complete 100 hours of supervised work in an agency.

The courses are accredited by Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body

(CPCAB), a mayor awarding body in the UK, and the scheme of work with much of the content has been developed by local tutors keeping to high standards but also ensuring that it meets local needs and culture. There are currently 16 students at level 2, 8 at level 3 and 11 at level 4.

Short courses on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Supervision at Level 3, written by local tutor Mark Montovio have been

accredited by CPCAB, and other short courses can be designed and sent off for accreditation to meet local needs such as working with drugs and alcohol, bereavement, CBT, suicide, anxiety and depression and working with young children, for example.

A presentation was hosted this week by the Gibraltar College, with the participation of agencies including the GHA, Department of Education and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. This is a first for Gibraltar and the possibility of other professionals getting involved in the training looking at specific areas has huge potential.

Minister for Education John Cortes said, “It is wonderful to see the Gibraltar College carrying out this training, which will provide a good number of locally-qualified professional Counsellors. With mental health being such a concern in today’s society, it is particularly important that counsellors be available to support those who need them. The fact that they are home grown is even more welcome”.