The Gibraltar Magazine December 2021 by Rock Publishing Ltd

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE December 2021 | Vol.27 #02

THE

Nico Fitzgerald MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS

BUSINESS PLANS

WHAT TO INCLUDE

MAGICAL MALTA WINTER GETAWAY

BEAUTY ADDICT ULTIMATE GIFT LIST

FESTIVE FINERY YOUR HOLIDAY WARDROBE

NICOLE JONES AND THE EV FOUNDATION

JEFFREY ARCHER SECRET TO SUCCESS

Corporate Gifts

from the editor

DECEMBER ISSUE EDITOR'S NOTE So here it is, Merry Christmas… Another successful orbit of the sun and navigation of a semi-pandemi year; well done, all! As we reflect on the last 12 months, I must say we’ve been pretty darn lucky to live in a place like Gibraltar. Although, as the world (hopefully) opens up further, I am sure looking forward to a trip away… where is next on your bucket list? Perhaps our travel writer Pete can tempt you to Malta for a magical wintery getaway…(p. 67). We’ve attempted to sum up 2021 in photo form for our annual roundup – head over to p. 18 to see if you can spot anyone you know (my favourite part of local magazines). And for our monthly burning question, we asked you: What rule would you make the world follow? Your answers over on p. 8. As it’s Christmastime, we have some particularly festive features for you: fashionista Julia once again knocks it out of the park with her partywear suggestions (p. 82), and beauty guru Alex helps us out with our Christmas shopping with the ultimate beauty gift list (p. 70). Ever wondered, as you tuck into your turkey and tatties, what dishes other people around the world are feasting on? Well wonder no more, as Gianna explores various yuletide meal traditions (p. 43). The holidays aren’t always so merry for some people; luckily, Anne Marie has 3 solid tips on how to tackle the trials and tribulations of this tricky time of year (p. 41). And no issue would be complete without our exclusive interviews. This month, we corner the charming Lord Jeffrey Archer ahead of his engaging talk at Gibraltar Literature Week (p. 46), interview one of the Rock’s own guardian angels, Nicole Jones, on her diligent work at the EV Foundation (p. 32), and grill Nico Fitzgerald on his time in the MasterChef kitchen (p. 29). See you in 2022! facebook.com/gibmag twitter.com/gibmag instagram.com/thegibraltarmagazine

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 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: Justin Bautista design@thegibraltarmagazine.com SALES: Advertising Team sales@thegibraltarmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION: DHL martin@matrix.gi ACCOUNTS: Fiduciary Group www.fid.gi

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Eran and Ayelet Mamo Shay Jorge v.Rein Parlade Anne Marie Morello Christine Clifton-Psaila Denise Matthews Gianna Stanley Sophie Clifton-Tucker Joel Francis Richard Cartwright Thomas Maxwell Elena Scialtiel Alex Orfila Julia Coelho Andrew Licudi Carmen Anderson Reg Reynolds Pete Wolstencroft

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 DECEMBER 2021

content 08 Hello There: What rule would you make the world follow?

10 News 18 2021: A Year in Photos

55 Art Club: Sketching a Blue Tit 58 Bookish: Join Our Monthly Book Club! 60 Sovereign Art Foundation: Finalists Announced

BUSINESS 21 Writing a Business Plan for Growth 24 Banking in Business 26 Introducing Our Town

LIFE 29 Local Success Stories: Nico Fitzgerald 32 Nicole Jones and the EV Foundation

85 43

37 A Passage Through Parson’s Lodge 41 Putting the Merry Back into Christmas 43 Around the World in 5 Christmas Dishes 46 Damned Hard Work: Secret to Success with Jeffrey Archer

SCENE 49 Return to the Rock: Eddie Adamberry 52 Books and Brelli Bags: Janine Galliano

LEISURE 63 Food and Wine: To Pair, or Not to Pair? 67 Magical Malta: A Winter Getaway 70 Confessions of a Beauty Addict: The Ultimate Beauty Gift List 74 No Hampers for Gibraltar 76 The Scoreboard: Local Sports News 78 Dragons and Druids 82 Festive Finery: Your Holiday Wardrobe

REGULARS 86 Recipes: Christmas Vegan Marzipan & Dark Chocolate & Berry Cheesecake 88 Information 93 #GibsGems 94 Kids Korner 95 Coffee Time

COVER Photographer: Alastair Sanchez Model: Nico Fitzgerald

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Don't forget to find the Hungry Monkey!

hello there

HELLO THERE: WHAT RULE WOULD YOU MAKE THE WORLD FOLLOW?

Tammy Isola, 25 HR Assistant at ISOLAS LLP and Fiduciary Group “The rule I would make would be that everyone must respect the rule of law. This would result in universal complicity with the law, resulting in no crime being committed around the world.”

Darius Cotizo Gui Accounts at DHL Gibraltar “The rule would be to never impose on others what you can’t do yourself. For me, fairness means being able to do the things you ask other to do, for yourself.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

hello there

Alice Isola, 20 Student at Durham University “I would say for everybody to be kind, because the majority of bad things in this world are caused by people being unkind. Politics would completely change, equality would be a reality and most crimes would never happen. It would also mean more people would be happy which we definitely need.”

Michelle Rugeroni Sales at DHL Gibraltar “The rule would be to treat people with kindness as Harry Styles says in his song. Everyone is going through something or other so it’s important to ALWAYS treat people with kindness.”

Want to see yourself or your team featured here? Get in touch at editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com and we'll send you our monthly question! GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

news GIBRALTAR’S CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY Gibraltar’s National Mitigation & Adaptation Plan (The Climate Change Strategy) was published online on Friday 12th November and can be accessed on the following link: www.gibraltar.gov.gi/ environment/climate-change This plan was prepared in

response to the 2019 Climate Emergency Motion and to fulfil the requirements of the Climate Change Act. It acknowledges the indisputable effect that humans have had on the climate system and recognises that initiatives to address this need to be stepped up urgently. Our emissions reductions targets are ambitious, and a clear plan is essential to direct and communicate the actions across all aspects of society that will be required to achieve them. This Plan outlines a

MEET TIMMY

is very lonely at the sanctuary,

Timmy is a deeply affectionate and endearing boy, yet he still waits for his forever humans. He’s one of the most loving cats who adores to be cuddled and kissed. He’s around 8 years old and neutered. Timmy

We’d love to see him in a home

roadmap of existing and planned measures to reduce emissions across numerous sectors in Gibraltar – energy, buildings, transport and waste.

spending most of his day alone. before Christmas comes. If you think Timmy could be your boy, please do make contact on Facebook: Gibraltar Cat Welfare Society.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

news PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE FOR FESTIVE PERIOD 2021 As we approach the festive period and as we see an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, Government advises everyone to take a pre-cautionary approach when arranging, attending and hosting events. The vaccine is preventing against the majority of hospitalisations and severe disease. However, the evidence obtained shows that of the positive cases we have had over the last 3 weeks, less than 5% were in individuals with no symptoms, i.e. the majority had Covid symptoms. Members of the public are therefore urged not to attend events or functions if they have any COVID symptoms, even mild ones. Ventilation and duration of contact are the two main factors that determine the risk of COVID-19 infection. The main concern is related to crowded indoor events, which are assessed to be of a higher risk. As such, the Director of Public Health strongly advises the public to consider limiting numbers appropriate to the venue and adopting a precautionary approach this side of the festive period. When holding a private event, organisers should carry out a risk assessment which captures the following: 1. The current epidemiological situation 2. The number of people attending 3. The vaccination status of attendees GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAN As part of efforts to reduce our dependence on single use plastic items and continue to protect and enhance our local environment, the general public are reminded of legislation which recently came into full force. The Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations 1987 were amended, under Schedule 1, to include the banning of certain single use plastic items. A transitional provision was added which ended on the 31st July 2021. From the 1st August 2021, the following items, made from plastic, are banned from importation in any number: • – Cotton bud sticks • – Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks) • – Plates • – Bowls • – Toothpicks • – Straws • – Beverage stirrers • – Balloon sticks • – Food containers made from expanded polystyrene – Beverage containers made from expanded polystyrene, including their caps and lids

– Cups made of expanded polystyrene, including their caps and lids No quantity of any of the above items will be allowed into Gibraltar and will be confiscated on discovery. Exemptions are listed within the legislation.

4. Format of the event 5. Ventilation Further guidance can be found here: https://bit.ly/3Ft6PCg 11

news REMINDER OF COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR POSITIVE CASES AND CLOSE CONTACTS

informing you that you have tested positive, stressing that you must self-isolate for 10 days. This is a requirement by law that protects our most vulnerable and safeguards our health services. The Contact Tracing Bureau calls every positive case, please wait for them to contact you.

Gibraltar is currently experiencing a rise in the numbers of active cases of COVID-19. The Director of Public Health takes this opportunity to remind the public of the requirements in place regarding self-isolation. Strict adherence to these requirements is vital to controlling the rates of viral transmission this winter.

Close Contacts of a Positive Case:

COVID-19 Positive Individuals: If you test positive for COVID-19 you will receive a text message

Fully vaccinated close contacts over 16 years of age are not required to self-isolate. However, a mask must be worn when at work, in public, shopping or using public transport. It is important to limit social mixing during these 10 days. Fully vaccinated close contacts who work with vulnerable people (e.g. in health or social care) will need to contact their employers to be risk-assessed.

Unvaccinated close contacts over 18 years of age are required to selfisolate for ten days. Unvaccinated close contacts below the age of 18 years, in full time education (up to and including year 13), are not required to isolate. Remain vigilant: Remember, if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, you should call 111 as soon as possible to arrange a test. Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness. The booster vaccination programme is now being rolled out to the over-40s age group. Everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine is strongly encouraged to take it. To register your interest, please contact: 200 66966 / Covid19@gha.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 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

what's on CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS 2021 Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, and after consultation with Public Health Gibraltar, have announced that the traditional Fair attractions will once again be in Gibraltar throughout the Christmas Festive Season. The attractions will be based at John Mackintosh Square from Friday 26th November 2021 to Sunday 9th January 2022 and will be open from 12pm to 7pm. All rides will be priced at £2. Members of the public are asked to be mindful of the latest COVID-19 advice and to keep a reasonable distance from others. For further information please contact the Events Department at the Gibraltar Cultural Services on 20067236 or email: info@culture.gi.

CLIMB FOR THE WILD The Whole Wild World is a new Charity in Gibraltar, working to make the world wilder. Impacts of Climate change and biodiversity loss are increasing all over the world. Ecosystem restoration or rewilding offers a solution that will benefit nature, climate and communities alike. 14

Climb for the Wild is a 12 hour climbing feat run by Barefoot Impact, to raise funds for the wild. Join the WWW and Barefoot Impact team at the Kings Bastion Bouldering Gum on Saturday the 11th of December between 10am and 10pm. You can join the fun and find out more about the Whole Wild World! Normal bouldering entry fees apply. To sponsor this event or find out more, contact the WWW team at info@wholewildworld.org GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

what's on COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION - CENTENARY OF THE CITY COUNCIL The Gibraltar National Archives will host a commemorative exhibition to mark the centenary of the establishment of the City Council of Gibraltar. The Council’s first meeting was held at the City Hall on 1st December 1921. The exhibition will be open to the public until Friday 17th December 2021. The opening hours are from 1000 to 1900, Monday to Friday. The aims of the exhibition are to introduce the municipal institution that was the City Council of Gibraltar to younger generations, highlighting how in 1921, for the first time in local history, Gibraltarians had the opportunity to elect their Council representatives. Secondly, the exhibition aims to honour and remember the protagonists—the councillors selected or appointed, the faithful hardworking staff and many others that supported the Council in its forty-eight years of existence.

PUNNY CORNER I lost my job at the bank on my very first day. A woman asked me to check her balance, so I pushed her over. 2021. The opening hours are from 1000 to 1900, Monday to Friday. The aims of the exhibition are to introduce the municipal institution that was the City Council of Gibraltar to younger generations, highlighting how in 1921, for the first time in local history, Gibraltarians had the opportunity to elect their Council representatives. Secondly, the exhibition aims to honour and remember the protagonists—the councillors selected or appointed, the faithful hardworking staff and many others that supported the Council in its forty-eight years of existence. Sent in by Rory Silva. Do you have a pun to share? Email editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

St. Andrew’s Church Governor’s Parade

Craft &

Collector’s Fair

Saturday 11th December 10am - 2pm Entrance

£1

entrance £1 includes mulled wine, mince pie

Gibraltar memorabilia, stamps,silver, model soldiers, postcards, mythical ﬁgures, dolls house items, crystals, hand-crafted cards, gifts, bric-abrac and books! A choice of home-made refreshments available the lounge. Stalls £10. Tables provided. Enquiries please contact 54023166 NEXT FAIR:- Saturday 22nd January 2022

All proceeds to the Church Restoration Fund.

2021: A Year in Photos

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

2021: A Year in Photos

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

news

Sovereign wishes you a

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR

www.SovereignGroup.com

gib@SovereignGroup.com +350 200 76173 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

business

WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN FOR GROWTH

As another calendar year draws to a close, many company executives and business owners will be analysing the annual results and assess the overall performance of their business. Like always, the ultimate objective is to achieve business growth and improvement, in a variety of indicators. However, in many cases, be it in Gibraltar or in other countries, businesses fail to PLAN for growth and just operate from one month to another without a clear strategy or defined business goals.

o be truly successful in business, one must look ahead and plan for growth. To help with that process, business growth plans should be written, which establish a timeline for the next year or two on how to increase revenue.

What is a business growth plan? A business growth plan is an outline for where a company sees itself in the next one to two years. The growth plan should be formatted to follow along with each quarter. At the end of each quarter, met and missed goals can be reviewed, at which point, management can revise the plan to reflect present market standing. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

What are the major growth strategies? There are countless growth strategies for businesses, but only four major types. With these growth strategies, you can determine how to build on your brand:

Market strategy: A market strategy refers to how you plan to penetrate your target clientele. This type of strategy isn't intended for entering a new market or creating new products and services to boost your market share; it's about leveraging your current offerings. For instance, can you adjust your pricing? Should you launch a new marketing campaign?

Development: This strategy means looking into ways to break your products and services into a new market. If you can't find the growth you want in the current market, a goal could be to expand to a new market.

Product strategy: Also known as ‘product development’, this strategy focuses on what new products and services you can target to your current market. How can you grow your business without entering new markets? What are your customers asking for?

Diversification: Diversification means expanding both your products and target 21

business markets. This strategy is usually best for smaller companies that have the means to be versatile with the products or services they offer and what new markets they attempt to penetrate.

What to include in a business growth plan? A business growth plan focuses specifically on expansion and how you're going to achieve it. Creating a useful plan takes time, but the effort can pay off substantially by keeping your growth efforts on track. You should include these elements in your growth plan: • A description of expansion opportunities • Financial goals broken down by quarter and year • A marketing plan of how you will achieve growth • A financial plan to determine what capital is accessible during growth • A breakdown of your company's staffing needs and responsibilities

What are your customers asking for? If your business has grown over a number of departments, each with its own goals and objectives, you may need to draw up a more refined business plan. The individual business plans of the departments will need to be integrated into a single plan for the entire company. This can be a complex exercise but it's hugely important for consistency purposes. This is not just an issue for large companies - many small ones consist of separate business units following different strategies. It may seem obvious, but make sure all arms of the company are utilising the same planning template.

Emphasis on Targets and Objectives A successful business plan should incorporate a set of targets and objectives, achievable using SMART objectives or targets, i.e., Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Targets help everyone within a business understand what

they need to achieve and when they need to achieve it. You can monitor the performance of employees, teams or a new product or service by using appropriate performance indicators. These can be: • sales or profit figures over a given period; • milestones in new product development; • productivity benchmarks for individual team members; or • market-share statistics. Targets make it clearer for individual employees to see where they fit within an organisation and what they need to do to help the business meet its objectives. Setting clear objectives and targets and closely monitoring their delivery can make the development of your business more effective. Targets and objectives should also form a key part of employee appraisals, as a means of objectively addressing individuals' progress. Whatever your vision is for the new year, make sure to set some time aside and write that business plan for growth, and if you need any professional advice doing it, just get in touch with us!

Eran Shay

Managing Director &

Ayelet Mamo Shay

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

BANKING IN BUSINESS

Are high street banks closing forever now that most banking is done online?

anking is a service which we all need for everyday living as well as when running a business; no matter how rich or poor the customer may be or how large or small the business is. Banking is essential. Santander Bank, which is ranked amongst the top seven banks in the UK, has been reducing the number of their branches and has closed down hundreds of their outlets, not only in the UK but in Spain and other jurisdictions worldwide too. Other commercial banks have undergone very similar strategic changes. This is only the beginning of a new era which started years ago and has now sped up future expansion strategies after the pandemic. It is a true fact that most retail businesses have changed. They now do a lot – if not most – of their business online, which has forced them to reduce space, relocate and close down hundreds of branches. Does this mean that banks will disappear? Some will, 24

but most strong banks will surely adapt. Not long ago an interesting article in the Financial Times was explaining how smaller financial companies were competing on a very serious level with larger banks. Namely Revolut, which is well established in Gibraltar and the UK and has grown to some incredible levels. They offer fantastic banking services for a very competitive fee in lieu of the higher fees charged by traditional commercial banks.

Denmark where they kept their own traditional currencies and they still do some business with currencies. However, new online service companies like Revolut or Monzo give their customers a very attractive rate of exchange which works instantly and much better than most traditional banks, hence the move towards the online banking service providers. There is absolutely nothing new about this. Changes of this kind are happening each day and customers just go with the trend and certainly with the cost effective options.

This is only the beginning of a new era.

The article mentioned that Revolut was a serious contender of NatWest Bank; a very old banking institution. Some years back, high street banks used to do good business with money exchange amongst other traditional services. With the establishment of the euro in most of Europe, this business disappeared to a large extend. Not the case in the UK, Switzerland or

The speed at which the business world is changing is astronomical, and not all the banks adapt as fast as they should. In Gibraltar, 25 years ago there were many more banks on Main Street than there are today. Most banks were taken over or decided to close down because they knew what GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

was coming with the new digital era. Does this mean you cannot bank in Gibraltar? Most certainly not. You can bank in Gibraltar or anywhere you wish in the world. Or almost so. The array of online banks is very substantial and like in any other services sector you should be careful which company to choose to handle your banking needs, be it personal or for your business. You may reside in Paris or Dublin and use a bank which has its headquarters in Oslo or in Budapest. If the bank is good and provides a safe and adequate service at the right cost it could very well suit your needs and settle the matter. The way forward is to check the bank first. There is plenty of information on the Internet along with the advice of a commercial lawyer or a business consultant. A personal recommendation of a friend or acquaintance is always helpful and reliable. If you see negative comments, or unhappy customers just stay away. Go for other banks or for the more GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Does this mean that banks will disappear? traditional and established options. The choice is wide so make sure you pick up the correct ones.

customers. This will result in a lot of changes taking place as far as customers are concerned. At the end of the day people want value for money and a good service. If neither of these work out it is a wise decision to make a move towards a new option. But again there is nothing new about this. It is a centuries-old strategy .

Another good way forward is to use more than one option. Some of my customers use a local bank along with Revolut and Monzo. Each has its pluses and minuses but they seem to cover the main areas of interest as far as modern banking is concerned. The banking world is changing as the retail business and most other businesses. The strong ones will adapt and move forward. Competition is fierce out there and the service Industries know this so they will try and offer good and attractive terms to their

Jorge v.Rein Parlade MBA Business Consultant +350 54045282 jorgeparlade@aol.com

business

Introducing Our Town to the community of Gibraltar.

ur Town is the real estate arm of the Hyperion Group of Companies, an organisation involved in finance, real estate and culture in Gibraltar.

of the beautification of historic properties in the old town of Gibraltar, as well as engaging with superior projects in terms of size and concepts, such as, for example, hotels and shopping centres.

The three shareholders, Raymond Kirsche, Yan Delgado and Frederic Ohana, spent 20 years of their life in Gibraltar in the field of private banking with Credit Suisse and Hyperion Wealth Management.

Have you ever attended an art exhibition in Irish Town at the Space 92 (The Irish House) or at La Gendarmerie (the old Police Station)? Have you seen the new buildings named after constellations on George’s Lane? Orion House and Phoenix House offer lofts and duplex flats complete with exquisite entrances.

Hyperion diversified its activities with an integrated model in the real estate sector, combining an investment fund (Margaux Properties), a development company (Our Town Developments) and a real estate agent (Our Town Properties – previously Just Real Estate). Our Town is a creation, a concept dedicated to property development and the complete property service. Our credo is “Our Time for Our Town”. We see the need to develop elegant residences and offices within the Rock’s old town, breathing life into the period buildings of Gibraltar. OUR TOWN DEVELOPMENTS The ambition of Our Town Developments is to pursue the vision

These are just some of the projects developed by Our Town, all honoured by Heritage Awards.

This residential development will represent modernity in keeping with high specifications and the meticulous quality that Our Town is known for. Whether for investment or as a home, L’Appartement will offer urban living with a difference. Renowned for seamlessly combining the timeless features of period buildings with modern living, Our Town is again bringing new ideas and energy to properties in the heart of Gibraltar. OUR TOWN PROPERTIES

Other iconic buildings recently restored and redesigned by Our Town Developments include Hyperion House and La Maison Rouge on Library Street, Irish Place (92 Irish Town), and Ellicott House in Town Range. The strong and unique personality of each building has been lovingly preserved, restored and enhanced in every detail.

Our Town Properties is guided by the ethos that clients should be provided with a complete property service. Our Town Properties is very much in touch with the current market, investment opportunities and attainable prices. Should you be considering to either sell or rent out your property, or you are looking to extend your property portfolio, we are here to help.

The forthcoming project by Our Town Developments is L’Appartement on Main Street.

Visit Our Town Properties at www.ourtown.gi or visit the team at Hyperion House on Library Street.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Hyperion House 6-8 Library Street Gibraltar +350 200 42502 info@ourtown.gi www.ourtown.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

LOCAL SUCCESS STORIES: NICO FITZGERALD

life

From the Rock to BBC Two, local chef stirs up excitement as he becomes a MasterChef contestant. BY SOPHIE CLIFTON-TUCKER

ico Fitzgerald has been a name hot on everyone’s lips in Gibraltar over the past month, as this local chef became the first Gibraltarian to take part in one of the most respected cooking shows on television – BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals. Nico is a bona fide Gibraltarian, born and raised on the Rock. “I’d say it was a fairly normal, happy Mediterranean upbringing!” Nico shares. “Long lunches with all the family on Sundays; eating barbecued fish in the summer sun; cold watermelon on the beach…” The trifecta of a Llanito upbringing. So how did Nico go from young, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

aspiring chef to the MasterChef professional gracing our screens on BBC One? We sat down with

mum, in my underpants, stood on a chair! I used to bake walnut loaf and carrot cake with her, as

"Those memories of cooking and eating with my family are what drive me to this day." the maestro of the kitchen himself to get the scoop.

When did your love for cooking begin? Who taught you how to cook, and what were some of the first dishes you prepared? My love for cooking began when I was a child, baking with my

well as pollo empanado and torta de acelga with my grandmother. Those memories of cooking and eating with my family are what drive me to this day.

How would you describe your style of cooking? My cooking style is modern 29

life European fine-dining, with Mediterranean influences.

How do you add that je ne sais quoi to your dishes? What makes a ‘good’ dish? Spill your secrets! I always say that the difference between a home cook and a professional chef is ‘taste, taste, taste’. If you want your food to taste restaurant-grade, you need to taste it, take note of the balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami and adjust accordingly.

Has it been hard making a name for yourself in a big place such as London? London is the place to go if you want to make a name for yourself as a fine dining chef. The sheer amount of talent and determination in the capital makes it challenging to stand out at first, but if you’re passionate about what you do and persevere in the quest for making great food, people will sit up and take notice.

Chronologically, what led you to this point in your career? After university, I went to Le Cordon Bleu in London, where I studied cuisine and patisserie. I then went on to work with some of the top chefs in the UK, most notably Heston Blumenthal, before most recently helping with a new venture in South West London, where I started out as the Head Pastry Chef, before taking the reins of the entire kitchen as Head Chef - just as the Coronavirus pandemic was taking hold! It was during the first of the UK lockdowns, in fact, when I decided I wanted to test myself and my abilities, so I applied, and subsequently got to, the semi finals of the National Chef of the 30

Year competition. Having tasted competition, I proceeded to apply for MasterChef: The Professionals on a whim, and was lucky enough to be one of 32 chefs selected for the TV series.

How did you feel when you found out you had been chosen? Were you surprised? I was shocked when I found out I had been selected for the show. The next emotion was excitement that I would be given the opportunity to showcase my skills to a national audience. I don’t think surprised is the best word for it, as I worked very hard to reach the quarterfinals, but I was definitely ecstatic and proud that I had reached the final 16.

though I’m not sure calentita would have got me to the final! I was very much in love with the blackberry cheesecake I made for my signature dish challenge (I definitely ate more than a few in practice).

What was it like cooking within a strict timeframe? Did you meet all deadlines? Cooking to a strict deadline is part and parcel of being a chef, so in that respect the competition is just a reflection of what I do on a day-to-day basis.

"I’m not sure calentita would have got me to the final!"

Are the judges (Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace) people you had previously looked up to? They are standout figures in the industry. The judges are all extremely nice and want you to do your absolute best throughout the competition. They are there to offer constructive criticism and guidance and it made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Did you have any ideas as to what dishes you might want to cook? Or what cuisine? And what was your favourite dish you prepared? I definitely stayed true to myself and cooked from my heart. Along the way I definitely looked to represent my Llanito roots,

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently? If I could do it all over again (which is a terrifying concept) I would go into it with a bit more confidence than I originally had; but I am proud of what I achieved and I have no regrets!

Do you find it hard adapting/ refining dishes from your heritage? I’ve always found Gibraltarian and Mediterranean dishes to be all about heart and soul. In essence, those are the two most important elements of any dish! Refining them is just a matter of using my imagination.

What is your best-loved Gibraltarian dish? I’ve always had a very special place in my heart for a hearty bowl of callos. The combination of flavours and textures is a masterpiece in terms of recipe development, even if it’s not the most beautiful of dishes! It’s GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

life always been a dish I associated with family and coming together around the table, so it is so much more than a plate of food to me.

What other dishes (worldwide) are you a fan of preparing/ eating and why? I’ve become a very avid fan of the Scandinavian fermentation movement in recent years. Fermentation is actually all around us, from rough beer and chunky sourdough, to fine cheese and expensive wine. Understanding how the fermentation process can turn something mundane into something packed full of flavour and nutrients is essential for any chef who is serious about the future of food and drink.

"There is nothing else in the world that is going to feed that spark inside of you." And finally, what is your one piece of advice for aspiring chefs? If you are genuinely interested

in cooking, you will already know there is nothing else in the world that is going to feed that spark inside of you. Trust me, I tried! Go out there and get yourself as much experience as possible. Knock on every Michelin-starred kitchen’s back door and ask to peel their potatoes for a week. Ask questions and get involved. Soak up all the knowledge you can; be a sponge. Feed that flame that’s developing inside you, but be ready for some long days and hard slogs! If you were meant to be a chef it will all fit into place and you will never look back once you put that chef jacket on… Also, hit me up on Instagram for a job; I’m always looking for new chefs! Keep up to date with Nico via his Instagram page: @nicofitzgerald. Nico in his MasterChef chef whites.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a kitchen gadget… do you have any can’t-live-without-them kitchen tools?

12 months, so I am going to look into a pop-up restaurant over in Hertfordshire, where I live in the UK and hopefully a pop-up here too, if all goes to plan! Feeding people and nurturing my team of chefs is my primary goal at the moment… maybe the cookbook will make an appearance in 2023!

I see chefs come into my kitchen with literal suitcases full of fancy gadgets and obscure tools. I appreciate the desire and drive to be able to accomplish any task in the kitchen, but I do find myself reminding them that the most essential bits of equipment any chef can possess are a razor sharp chef’s knife and an avid imagination... A pair of tweezers won’t hurt either!

What’s next for your career post-MasterChef? Can we expect a cookbook from you at any point in the future? I’m excited about 2022 and all the prospects it brings. I’d love to start my first solo project over the next GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

life

NICOLE JONES AND THE EV FOUNDATION "Advocating for the most vulnerable 365 days a year."

BY DENISE MATTHEWS

t might be that in recent months you have seen or heard about The EV Foundation Trust. Some very powerful stories, experiences and testimonials have been shared both on social media and in the media, with a great programme on GBC called Six Calls. If this did not make the community wake up to the reality that there are plenty of local families living in desperate need, then read on. Nicole Jones comes from a large family and is no stranger to having to work hard to have the things she wants, even when she was growing up. She started her career in Gibraltar Youth Services with life experiences that made her overly aware of the situations that disadvantaged families are confronted with locally and the neighbouring town of La Linea day to day. The Gibraltar Cheshire Homes Support Group was her first charity role as a committee leader, introduced to her by Jaime Felice, one of Nicole’s greatest mentors. But aside from this, working with families one-onone, after eight years it was finally 32

time to create The EV Foundation Trust. First established in 2013, The EV Foundation's mission run by Nicole is to support local and nearby Spanish disadvantaged families whose household income is insufficient to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, payment of utilities and rent, furniture for the home, electrical home appliances, amongst many other needs.

Many lives change forever with the right support. Acting as advocates for vulnerable families and individuals, the foundation goes from complete home refurbishments to yearly appeals where they collect vouchers for food, uniforms, toys and more. Most importantly whenever possible, each person is guided through the process

of becoming functional again by working within the charity or by finding suitable positions for them in the public or private sector. The many lives that are touched change forever with the right support, breaking the negative cycle and giving them confidence to thrive by empowering them to become successful. The recent launch of the EV Foundation private group on Facebook has allowed Nicole to share the journey of some of her families and scale their appeals. These are some of their major achievements:

The EV Foundation Uniform Appeal 2021 122 children to be exact entered the new school year with brand new uniforms, shoes, bags, lunchboxes, thermos, stationery and some even with a nice haircut. The foundation contacted families, schools and social services working tirelessly with them so that no child or family would miss out on such a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

life Education is not a way to escape poverty, it is a way of fighting it. tremendous campaign. A week into school and they were still being asked for help by certain entities and people. Not only did they do this locally, but across the border too. This confirms what the EV Foundation says and will continue to say. There are hundreds and hundreds of families who are missing out on basic things and lacking on basic needs. There are hundreds and hundreds of children not wanting to start school because they feel different and less and there are thousands of hearts being broken daily because of their suffering.

The EV Education Scheme Education is not a way to escape poverty, it is a way of fighting it. Joining forces with Eroski Supermarket this time they launched the 'Lunch for a Week' initiative, providing a daily packed lunch to all children who may need one. The foundation strongly believes no child should

L-R: Nicole Jones, Denise Matthews, Victor Shaburov, Mark Wilson, Stewart Harrison

This yearly appeal by the foundation is crucial to support parents and children, it has been especially efficient thanks to working together with heads of schools, teachers, others that work in school but are as important, social workers, local retailers who worked with them and donated extra vouchers, neighbours, friends and family, who personally got in touch and raised their concerns to make sure families would not miss out.

this year as the shopping list was endless and we are on a very low budget. It's thanks to the EV Foundation and kind donations that my kids, alongside many other kids in Gibraltar, have started school with new school uniforms, shoes and so on. Society can sometimes be very unfair to children in need, as they stand out at crowds or playtimes when their uniforms are not as new, or shoes are old.”

A Mother's Story... “As a parent of three, September is one of my worst nightmares. Shopping for school supplies, uniforms etc. is very pricey, especially when you have more than one child. I wouldn't know how my kids could start school GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

life miss school because of any hardships they may be suffering and they are constantly finding ways in which poverty does not interfere with education. From January, the EV computer programme will be introduced in partnership with the Gibraltar Digital Skills Academy, offering free weekly courses to individuals who they feel can benefit from upskilling and developing them to help them achieve their full potential. They will be learning basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, email communication, CV writing, word processing and learning about the internet.

Gibraltar events to amplify and support her by raising money and tapping into our network. So far so good with already more than £10,000 raised! We will be presenting a cheque at our Christmas Party at City Hall on 6th December, but if you want to help out in any way get in touch via email at evfoundation@ hotmail.com. Wishing Gib Mag readers a very happy, prosperous and healthy festive season!

The processes are ongoing with so much work to be done regardless of the achievements, which are too many to list or write about in one article. One of the goals for 2022 is for Nicole Jones to be able to run the foundation full time which will require funding, revenue streams and premises. She is absolutely committed to the people she helps but juggling this and a fulltime job is too much of a challenge now. Her view is clear: “In order to do better for our community, it is vital we communicate, vital we accept that there are flaws in the system and vital we don't turn a blind eye. We continue our fight to change ways of thinking or systems that are not working.” Meeting her in person and getting to know the work she does for the most vulnerable was the moment it was clear that we would use the last Startup Grind 34

Denise Matthews (L) & Nicole Jones (R) GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

A PASSAGE THROUGH PARSONS LODGE BY CHRISTINE CLIFTON-PSAILA

erched majestically some 40 meters above sea level, Parsons Lodge is a familiar landmark. Lesser known perhaps is its rich and varied history. For many years the site’s iron gates have remained firmly closed to the public but now guided tours have given this well-preserved Victorian coastal battery a new lease of life. So, what was its military role and were its strategically placed guns ever fired in anger? Answering these and a myriad of other questions is the knowledgeable and affable Phil Smith, the Gibraltar National Museum’s senior tour guide. It’s in no small measure thanks to his tireless efforts that Parson’s Lodge is today so well maintained. Its name was first recorded in 1761, yet its origins remain unknown. What has been clearly established is its former strategic importance straddled between Rosia Bay to the north and Camp

Bay to it south. Both were vulnerable areas with a real threat of an amphibious invasion during WW2. As we wind our way up to the Battery’s first level, we’re treated to a bird’s eye view over Rosia Bay, with its shimmering blue waters below. It had never occurred to me that this is Gibraltar’s only natural harbour steeped as it is in history. We may never know if Lord Nelson’s body was ever really brought ashore, but his ship HMS Victory did take shelter in its water on 28th October 1805. Interesting to note, only in May this year British conservation workers, by chance, discovered a 127-year-old farthing which had been place under the Victory’s mast for good luck (not so for some). The coin tradition is believed to date back to Roman times and continues to this day. As our tour continues, we pass the spot where powerful coastal lights once scanned the horizon in search of approaching enemy

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

craft. So powerful were they that the light emitted was equivalent to 200 million candles burning at once.

Were its strategically placed guns ever fired in anger? Working our way through more vegetation and negotiating some steep steps we arrive at the former ammunition and gunpowder stores within the Battery itself. This comprises an interesting labyrinth of dark passages leading from a central walkway, which we are able to peer into with torch in hand. Back in the day, stringent precautions were taken to avoid any accidental detonations which could have proven disastrous. The use of ‘spark-free’ copper, the wearing of rope shoes and the lightening of magazines through glass-fronted 37

history openings were also deployed.

research.

Re-emerging back into broad daylight, we are rewarded with an uninterrupted and very different perspective of the southern rock face. It’s also the perfect vantage point to study the walls which runs from Parsons Lodge to Buena Vista. These originally Moorish defensive walls are now protected by the Heritage Trust Act.

During our tour I do not recall our guide sharing any stories of hauntings, but as darkness descends, I wonder if any of those researchers as the sole

residents (at the site) may have a story or two to share of strange happenings in the dead of night… For more information on tours, email: info@victorytoursgibralar.com or call Victory Tours on 54086059.

The light emitted was equivalent to 200 million candles burning at once. At the highest point of Parsons Lodge sits an 18 ton gun positioned towards the Strait of Gibraltar. Over time weaponry evolved and refined from cannon and gunpowder to coastal defence machine guns. It was during various WW2 air raids that these, together with anti-tank guns and rocket launchers, were fired. At the height of its military importance the Battery had 3 10-inch rifled muzzle-loading guns that guarded the approach to Rosia Bay. These guns were capable of firing a 400-pound (180kg) shell over two and a half miles. The Battery was used during both world wars. Parsons Lodge certainly proved its worth in the defence of the Rock in bygone times. The military abandoned the Battery in the 1950’s, but today it’s not entirely deserted. Close to the entrance on its lowest level lies a small building housing the Gibraltar Museums field centre, which provides accommodation for visiting scientists undertaking 38

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

143 Main Street 52 Main Street

LOVE IN VERONA | robertocoin.com

life

PUTTING THE MERRY BACK INTO CHRISTMAS

Far from the nostalgia depicted in those John Lewis ads that tug at your heartstrings, for many, the Christmas season isn’t always a time for festive cheer. BY ANNE MARIE MORELLO

or some, Christmas involves having to see people you’ve done your best to avoid throughout the year. But now you’re expected to sit down together, eat a meal and be pleasant and cheerful because it’s Christmas and that’s what people do at Christmas, gosh darn it.

There’s the financial stress of the uber-consumerist bent that Christmas has taken. The kids begging you for the newest iPhones, iPads and consoles. But the latest research suggests increased screen-time leads to a reduction in white matter integrity in language and literacy areas of the brain.

There’s Auntie Mary’s drinking problem, the usual turning a blind eye to ongoing feuds between certain family members or dealing with your uncle’s eccentric friend who’s not just socially awkward but, frankly, a bit of a lech.

Didn’t you say you wanted a lint remover?

There’s the same person who keeps buying you not just cheap, but shockingly unthoughtful presents year in, year out. Didn’t you say you wanted a lint remover?

Added to that, there’s the stress of being thoughtful and original every single year when realistically there’s only so much originality in gift choices for some of your people. You’ve already

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bought Nanny 5 pairs of slippers, 4 dressing gowns, 3 satin shawls, 2 boxes of choccies and a p… and the world of jewellery. What on earth do you get her this year? She is 95, after all. But you want to get her something special. Because you love her and she’s your Nan. Where’s that face-palm emoji? Then there’s anxiety: the anticipatory anxiety of hoping you’ll get the turkey right (not to mention the all-important roast potatoes). Does everyone like carrot and coriander soup? Will everyone behave? And will you be able to put on a brave face despite the cascade of stress hormones flooding your system? Vino, anyone? There’s the usual house-hopping and gift distribution and the 41

life predictable melee of emotions that brings. And now there’s the added ‘living with Covid’ complications. Has everyone been tested? Has cousin Natalie NOT been vaxxed? Are the teens being sensible? There’s the added stress around protecting newborns and elderly and immuno-comprised relatives. Christmas is looking less and less appealing by the moment. And then there’s dealing with loss. With sadness. With grief. With the aching reminder that the people you loved the most might no longer be with you. The long and the short of it is that Christmas can be a really tough time. So what do we do to help ourselves? Here are three things I’d suggest: 1. Change the rules. If you’ve inherited traditions that are more stress-producing than joy-inducing, revamp your traditions to suit your needs and to honour your intentions for this time of year. If you’re hosting, can you order in? Borderline blasphemous suggestion, I know. But your well-being comes first. Perhaps you can cut down on social engagements or limit the amount of time you spend at each gathering. In short, make the rules work for you. 2. Honour the self and the other. Yes, your needs are important. But so are your partner’s and so are your kids’. The key here is flexibility and adaptability. OK, so you have to spend the afternoon with that part of the family 42

you’d rather not see. Explore the resistance to going. Can you focus on the impact that this resistance is having on your body and on your overall wellbeing? Can you let go of it? And, if not, why? What is this teaching you about yourself? As you can see, taking the standpoint of a detached observer can provide ample opportunities for self-reflection. On a separate note, often, the anticipation of something that’s going to be painful or unpleasant is far worse than the actual event itself - a bit like going to the dentist. So, maybe, that afternoon tea might not be so bad after all. 3. Practise self-care. While the term ‘self-care’ sounds pretty dull, actually, it’s a really ballsy concept that requires you to embrace radical self-responsibility for your mental and emotional hygiene. Here are some practices you can try this Christmas. A. As you house-hop, list all the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude

can shift your biochemistry so that happy hormones are more pervasive in your system than stress hormones. B. Practise deep breathing before arriving at your next gathering and while you’re there - no-one will notice. Deep breathing activates the vagus nerve and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which governs your rest and digest response, helping you feel calmer. Third, do some EFT tapping before bed to clear the emotional residue of the day. EFT (the emotional freedom technique) neutralises the impact of uncomfortable emotions by reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin levels. It also shifts your brainwaves to a theta state, inducing a deep sense of calm and relaxation. So, here’s to a Christmas where you honour the self and honour the other through the practice of radical self-responsibility. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

AROUND THE WORLD IN 5 CHRISTMAS DISHES

Food: everyone’s favourite part of Christmas. Gibraltarians will soon start stocking up and ridding Morrison’s and Eroski of their beloved turkeys, potatoes, and of course, yorkies. However, have you ever stopped to think about what different nations around the world will be eating on Christmas day? BY GIANNA STANLEY

hilst we all celebrate Christmas at different times, days, and in all weathers, an ongoing theme is the national sense of tradition and love that occurs worldwide during the festive seasons. Here are my top five unique food traditions enjoyed during Christmastime around the world, because Christmas is all about appreciating and learning about other cultures.

home-made liver pâté, ham, and yes, Swedish meatballs. Instead of just roasting their ham, they take it one step further. The ham is first boiled, then glazed with egg, breadcrumbs, and mustard. In fact, the feasting of this ham dates

back to myths about the Nordic gods who all gathered in Valhalla to feast on a rather eternal boar who could reincarnate… must have been one delicious boar. A sweet and unique Scandinavian tradition is leaving the food on

1. SWEDEN I don’t know about you, but the highlight of my Ikea trip is getting to devour those famous meatballs. The Swedes eat their dinner on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day, and their dinner follows the Nordic tradition of a smörgåsbord (a buffet-style meal). This consists of dishes like pickled herring, cured salmon, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

life the table overnight, as it was speculated that the dead would come and feast on this food whilst the family slept, so they could be with their loved ones in spirit.

2. Japan If you don’t like turkey, you might opt for a warm, roast chicken instead. The Japanese seem to take this option with their own twist - indulging in fried chicken for Christmas. Not just any fried chicken, but from the sacred KFC fast food chain. Funnily enough, some people need to place their orders up to two months in advance to ensure they get their goods, seeing as the restaurant becomes especially popular over the holidays. This tradition began in 1970 after the first KFC opened in Japan. The owner, after overhearing conversations from foreigners about how they missed Turkey, came up with the idea for a fried chicken substitute, and marketed this idea as the ‘Party Barrel’. Clearly, this idea sticked, and the Japanese will continue to have a merry-kentucky-fried Christmas.

3. Greenland Perhaps one of the most unique, on the menu for Christmas in Greenland are whale and reindeer meat, mattak (whale fat), and kivak (meat, fat, blood, herbs, and berries wrapped in a lining of seal skin). Whilst it may not sound as appetising as KFC, these dishes are a local delicacy in Greenland, with traditions stemming from hunting the meat that they cook. For dessert, they prepare warmer treats to combat the icy temperatures outside - serving apple and berry crisps, or porridge laced with butter, cinnamon, 44

and sugar. Like Sweden, these meals are eaten on Christmas Eve after the Church services, in which many natives dress in their traditional Greenlandic dress or white anorak.

4. The Philippines Also known as the country who start Christmas early, the Phillipines enjoy a myriad of their own traditional delicacies over this festive period. They start celebrating Christmas on September 1, as it marks the beginning of the so-called ‘BER months’. During this stage, radios start playing Christmas music and trees and lights start going up. Noche buena feast (on Christmas Eve) is seen as one of the most important family gatherings of the period, so of course, they need to serve only the best dishes. One of the biggest stars on the dinner table is puto bumbong, a sweet mixture of black and white rice that presents a purple colour. The rice is inserted into a bamboo tube, and then mixed with butter, sugar, and shredded coconut. This

can be accompanied by a yellow noodle dish, buko pandan (gelatin mixed with coconut and cream), and a roasted pig. Although they start their festivities early, these sweet, delicious foods are worth the wait.

5. Australia Throw some shrimp on the barbie! Over in Australia, the heat is cranked up, and Aussie’s spend the day out at the beach with friends and family, or having a barbecue at home. Whilst they typically include roasted ham as a main dish, seafood is a huge tradition over Christmas, with grilled shrimp, smoked oysters, crab, lobster and so on! Ironically, their traditional dessert is titled ‘White Christmas’ - bringing the snow to Australia during summer. This dessert is quite similar to torrone, made with coconut, dried fruit, and rice krispies. Although the weather is not quite as traditional, they sure make up for it with warm desserts and cultural delicacies! GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

DAMNED HARD WORK

“The secret to my success,” says international bestselling author, Jeffrey Archer.

BY SOPHIE CLIFTON-TUCKER

ord Jeffrey Archer needs no introduction, though I will do my best regardless.

Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare, is a man whose name has in the past been synonymous with politics, perjury, and prison diaries. At just 27 years of age, Jeffrey reached the London Council, joining Parliament at 29 – far too young, he says. Well-documented events led to his bankruptcy and subsequent resignation from Parliament. “Don’t imagine writing a book will get you out of trouble!” he quips. From scandal to storytelling, Jeffrey is now best known for his collection of gripping novels, the most recent series of which is ongoing and for which he has a lot of plans in store that will see the 46

protagonist accompany Jeffrey and his quill through his twilight years. I had the absolute pleasure of cornering this charming author ahead of his slot at Gibraltar Literature Week, to chat all things books, inspiration, and why I need to quit my job… ***

Lord Archer, I’m going to fire some questions at you… Fire away! Be brave!

You’re the author of 27 novels, 92 short stories, three prison diaries and three West End plays. Which do you prefer writing? That’s a jolly good question. I think when I’ve done one, I want to do the other. But I haven’t

been able to get any inspiration for short stories lately because of lockdown! I get the basis for my short stories talking to real people all over the world. I’ve had one short story over the last 18 months, when I would usually have five or six.

What was the inspiration behind your latest series of novels? After The Clifton Chronicles came out – which I must say I was shocked by the success of – people wrote in to say that they would like to know more about the eponymous hero of Harry Clifton’s novels, William Warwick. So that planted a seed in my brain. I wanted to write a story about a detective, not a detective story, so I plucked William Warwick from his days at school, when he first wanted to join the Metropolitan Police. If I live long enough, I will GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

life

take him right through to being Commissioner. For that to happen he has to progress through the ranks from Chief Inspector, to Superintendent, Chief Superintendent, Commander, and then, finally, Commissioner…so I’ve got to live for at least another four years. Don’t laugh! I’m 81!

And yet you don’t look a day over 50! When you wrote The Clifton Chronicles, did you do so with a non-official autobiographical element? Emma was very much based on my wife, Mary. A very clever woman with a very distinguished career, living with this man, an author, Harry Clifton. My wife is, amongst other roles, Chairman University Trust Hospital, a Dame, and Chairman of the Science Museum (the first woman to have ever held this position).

We should be interviewing Mary instead! How much of your success is due to her? I was with Barry Humphries (Dame Edna) recently, who said he could some Mary up in one word – ‘tolerant’.

That says it all! How much time do you spend on research for your novels? It’s a tricky one, ‘time’, because I research human beings. My main researcher is a retired Chief Superintendent who left the Metropolitan Police in very sad circumstances – one murder too many. My other chief researcher is a Detective Sergeant who was in the drug squad for 30 years. Between them both, they keep me on the straight and narrow. They will see draft four, and they’ll GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

say “You can’t write that Jeffrey…”.

So they give you the facts, and you sprinkle your literary magic over the top. I leave out the stuff that’s boring, take the stuff that’s good, and elongate it a bit! Human research is very important; and then I read a lot as well. It’s rare nowadays that I get a book and I think ‘Wow!’.

What was the last thing you read that made you think ‘Wow’? A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Oh, you’d love it! Add it to your list. [At this point our interview was temporarily derailed by a slew of Archer fans – including one of our own ministers! – wanting a photo with the author himself.]

You’re too popular for your own good! It’s wonderful. It happens all over the place. In India, I can’t even walk down the street! Over 100 million people have read Kane and Abel in India alone; it’s on its 134th reprint now – translated into 42 languages across 97 countries.

You’re known for your plot twists and cliffhangers – how do you create that kind of tension? It’s a God-given gift.

I’ll keep that in mind for my own novel! I say to journalists, if you’re going to come up against me, you have

to give up what you’re doing now. You may be good, you may be better than I am, but you have to join in on the same track. If you want to be the prima ballerina, you can’t be doing something else. And I am the prima ballerina!

I’m coming for you! Where do you hole up to write your novels and plays? My home in Mallorca. That’s where I usually go to write the first draft. 16 degrees in January, a study looking out over the sea; I’ll be going there to write my next book, and nothing will get in the way!

If you could redo life, come back as someone entirely different, what would you be and why? I’d like to be a bar-room singer. I saw Sinatra perform in a room, as well as Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin…that’s what I’d like to do. Sinatra loved Kane and Abel. He was away a lot, travelling the world, and he said when he got his copy it was two weeks of his life where he could just be still and take it easy. *** An accolade indeed, but then if 100 million people have read it, why wouldn’t Sinatra be one of them? And so I left Jeffrey to be enveloped by a group of his avid readers once again, pondering my next move. Perhaps less ‘novelin-Mallorca’ and more ‘Editor’sletter-in-Gib-Mag’... But you’ll have to pick up January’s issue to be sure. 47

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scene

RETURN TO THE ROCK EDDIE ADAMBERRY

It’s the early 60s in his bedroom, nursing sore fingers as he struggles to get the chord positions right on his newly acquired guitar...it can be painful! Six decades later he’s back on the Rock having become an accomplished musician, songwriter, producer and recording engineer, and now...he’s Ed! BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT

they then became The G Boys! A fishing trip enthusiast visited the Rock, watched them perform and saw their potential. Eddie Elliot became their manager and whisked them off to England to join the thousands of other groups there wanting to ‘make it’…also no mean feat!

“In Portsmouth, where we were based at first, we supported many of the 60s top acts like, Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison, The Yardbirds and a number of others,” says Eddie, and so the sequence of events that followed was not unlike for many of those other groups and singers seeking fame Eddie Adamberry

es, ‘Ed’ to new friends and acquaintances and ‘Eddie’ to past ones. Eddie is a friend and fellow band member from the fabulous, swinging 60s when Albert Hammond and I joined Los Cincos in London. Many tuneful and (probably) dud notes have passed under that musical bridge for both of us since those years. I met Eddie for a coffee and a chat to reminisce about the old days and catch up with what he’s been up during those post-Los Cincos years, and to ask him why he’s come back home. Eddie formed part of one of the handful of Gibraltarian groups which left Gibraltar seeking that elusive star status in the recording world and hopefully becoming one of the many talented but also lucky outfits of successful pop groups of the revolutionary 60s. Starting off on the Rock as The Silhouettes in the early 60s, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

music and fortune travelling around the country making records, appearing on radio and television - and in Los Cincos’ case, enjoying long residencies in top, London hotels and performing at bar mitzvahs and Jewish weddings, as their managers were Jewish and well placed to get them those bookings (I too, was part of the group at that time). There were a number of changes in the line-up during the following years and Los Cincos

ended up on the island of Jersey, again playing in a hotel there and staying for a full year’s contract. “I remember it well, and that’s when I decided to leave the group and concentrate on my songwriting. You get the usual ‘OK, play me a couple of your songs’ before they take you on, and they must’ve liked them! So I joined Chappell’s Music Publishing in London, spending a couple of years there listening to demos and auditioning other songwriters’ recordings as well as writing my own songs

He has been responsible for over ten million record sales. – ideally placing them with particular singers or groups for possible releases. It was also a bit like a talent scout looking out for good songwriters.” And so began phase two of Eddie’s career... It’s during these periods working close to the top people in the industry – whether in publishing or meeting other performers or having good managers – that you come close to some measure of success. As is often said and is so true, Lady Luck plays a big part. “Well yes, I worked with people like Lynsey de Paul, Roger Cook, Mike Batt, Hurricane Smith and others. I was instrumental in providing “Mother of Mine” to Neil Reed which got to number one in the mainstream charts, which Little Jimmy Osmond also recorded and was on the B side of “Long Haired Lover of Liverpool” which also got to number one. There have also been others successes in other countries which you don’t tend to hear about.”

Eddie in a session

That’s true; Eddie had a hit with one of his songs in the UK Top Twenty with Tommy Hunt called “Loving on the Losing Side” and other successes came his way in Canada, Japan and other Asian countries. He’s had releases on many record labels (some of his own in groups he was part of) and in one form or another has been responsible for over ten million record sales! Moving on and learning a great 50

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

music

Expo ’92 in Sevilla came next, and a recording to promote the event was put together by producer Ed in that city, bringing together many Spanish singing stars not unlike the Live Aid and We are the World offerings in the 80s. Back in the UK, Eddie continued to record would-be singing stars and groups and kept up his songwriting, something that was becoming difficult to sustain as nowadays all groups and singers write their own material, so the era of the dedicated songsmith is something of the past... “Yes, these days, groups and solo artists record their own material so we are surplus to requirements really and after close on 60 years of working in the music business in the UK, I felt going back home would be the next best thing.” And I think, hopefully get stuck in and staying in touch with the music industry which he feels needs a bit of a shove here on the Rock! “I don’t think a lot has changed since the old days. I can see there’s a lot of talent in Gibraltar in this field and really what I GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

would call a local music industry is lacking. Look, you don’t have to go off to the UK, Spain or wherever to try and find success. Ed Sheeran did it all online, which is available to everyone on the planet wherever you are. We could organise things in such a way here that we could send off recordings placing them on the net for anyone to pick up and we could do it in an organised way if we all work together. Nowadays that’s the way to go.” Eddie says he’s eager to work with young writers and performers, there are many on the Rock and he’s ready to meet with whoever may be interested to get the ball rolling and set up a proper, serious association to form a Gibraltar music industry.

longer and if they were, would not have four- and five-man groups during Christmastime because the fees demanded these days are exorbitant. In the meantime, thinking back, Eddie Adamberry reveals what he still prefers the most out of all the different strands he’s tackled during his career in the world of music – his passion for songwriting! Hopefully that will continue, with his young, up-and-coming songwriting contemporaries right here on the Rock. Eddie aged 35

deal from the ins and outs during his time working in music publishers – Chappells and Southern Music – Eddie decided to start up his own studio in North London, along with fellow Gibraltarians, Henry and Dennis Valerga. “It was during those years, even almost up to the present day, where I learnt a great deal about recording, producing and engineering. It was during the heyday of reggae music when artists like Dennis Brown, Sugar Minnott and others came along to record at Rock Studios, which is what our place was called, and that helped me gain a lot of experience recording music.”

Coffee cups well empty and seeing as the season of goodwill is practically upon us, I thought it apt to reminisce a little about the Christmas dances we played at – ‘til the very early hours of the morning in the 60s – at the Calpe Rowing Club, the Casino and before that the Prince of Wales Catholic Community Centre and other venues on the Rock, some of which are no 51

scene

BOOKS AND BRELLI BAGS A chat with local author and entrepreneur J Galliano. BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

anine Galliano realised her childhood dream of becoming an author with the publication of her first novel, The Inheritance, shortly followed by The Lost Ring, written during a career-break gap year. Describing herself as a bookworm, a child growing up with Goosebumps, then expanding to classic horror authors such as Stephen King, James Herbert and Dean Koontz, J Galliano – penname for Janine, ‘because Janine isn’t a particularly scary name’ – is already working on her third and fourth novels, in the supernatural horror genre. “Each story has a different theme,” she says. “Cursed objects with a twist, demonic presences, exploring the realms of the unexplained and the supernatural.” Her head was teeming with ideas for a gripping story since her adolescence, so she started from what seemed to be the touchstone of the genre: the 52

“Cursed objects with a twist, demonic presences, exploring the unexplained and the supernatural.” haunted house – but with the added bonus of a close-knit family moving across a large country, from metropolitan to rural life. In The Inheritance, years in the making, with loads of reviewing and rewriting, a Chicago family starts afresh in a country mansion in Georgia they’ve come into, only to fall in the grip of family secrets from a past that is still present. And tense. “I picked the States as a setting, because, as my stories play out in my head like movies, and most movies are set in North America, it seemed the natural choice for my debut tribute to the genre,”

Janine explains, adding that her second book is set in familiar locations, partly in Bristol, where she spent four years for her environmental studies degrees, and partly in Tarifa, a place she’s fond of. Her stories aren’t gory, but chilling, with suspense build and psychological insight. “There are creaking doors, nightmares, shadows, toys coming to life, drownings, etc., but I am not a fan of gore. I got so attached to Malteser, the pet dog in The Inheritance, that I couldn’t let any harm come to him. I like to explore the depth of my characters, their motivations, and the reason why something inexplicable happens to them. Here is where you need to be original.” Janine is now back at work fulltime, and her spare time is shared between writing, promoting her Brelli Bag, and being the cotrustee of a rewilding charity called Whole Wild World, with its founding project in Algarve, created by Jess Leaper and her GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Here is where you need to be original. husband Jan Kjetil. (Note: the full story about this initiative was published in the November issue of this very magazine.) So, J Galliano’s third and fourth novels are progressing slowly but surely: “I find that working on more than one script at once boosts my creativity and makes me more productive. When I am not inspired to advance the plot of one, I turn to the other instead.” The Jack Sawyer Chronicles, Book One: The Devil is in the Detail is, as the title suggests, the first of a series set in the UK, with its devilish details still in the works. All we’re allowed to know is that the Sawyer family was introduced in The Inheritance, as custodians of cursed objects, but young Jack doesn’t know that yet.

classic ‘cliff-hanger’ ending, so she is following that trend in her work.

intended!) clear and waterproof covers, and her business started.

And if a dark cloud is hanging over your Christmas, never fear: Janine is also the designer of some stylish rainproof covers, on sale at Trends, to carry your handbag and its contents safely home and dry.

“I had never dipped into business before and these past two years have been a steep learning curve, finding a manufacturer and points of sale for my product.”

This novel fashion idea for a rainy day occurred to her when she had to wrap her white handbag in plastic to protect it from the elements: “It was a nice one which I cherished and I didn’t want it to get ruined. So I thought: what about a ‘raincoat’ for handbags?” A niche in the market found, the Brelli Bag brand was born, designed and trademarked, together with the patterns for these elegant but handy (no pun

And while it is taking the winter season by storm (again, no pun intended!) Janine is already musing about the summer Brelli Bag Beach Tote and expanding the range even further. For more information visit @J.Galliano.Books, @ WholeWorldWild, @BrelliBag on Facebook, and visit www.amazon. com/author/jgalliano, www.wholewildworld.org and www.brellibag.com.

In the Midst of Fog is a tale about a strange little town in France, in which the two main protagonists stumble upon accidentally but only one of them makes it out. The inspiration for this tale came to Janine in a dream. “I write in first person. The drawbacks and limitations are you cannot give the reader any other information other than what the narrator experiences. To go round that, I’ve written in first person from the point of view of more than one character, including a teenager and a young child. Adapting the dialogue to theirs is the challenge.” Janine prefers horror stories with a meaningful and happy resolution, but also supports the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

WHAT YOU NEED: A sketchbook HB, 2B, 6B pencil

RT CLUB BY THOMAS MAXWELL

s we come into the cool seasons, we will start to see an array of wildlife. I am starting out on bird watching and thought this would be a good time to do a bird study. Today we are sketching a Blue Tit.

STEP 1 The biggest thing that catches people, including myself, out with birds is the anatomy. Birds have chests like us and so the best thing is to draw a circle and an oval at the base. This already makes up the bulk of the bird. Make sure that the wings start in line with each other as they should be treated like arms - you wouldn’t want one arm higher than the other! Start marking out the wings, feet and tail. You can see that the wing is in line with the head, which makes it much easier for sketching the anatomy. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

art that darkness. Unlike shading, the lines leave a more textured look, which looks similar to the texture of a bird’s body, covered in feathers, as opposed to a human’s face which is smooth. Keep cross hatching in those areas and build up the black. The best advice is to always go darker than you think you need to. Keep halving your area of shading as you use darker so that you can see a transition of light to dark.

STEP 3

STEP 2 Birds tend to have a layer of feathers on their wings. It is important for the wings to be separated from mass and feather, usually this is roughly a third into the wing. I enjoy sketching birds because there isn’t a lot of features, which makes it better for sketching on the go! I continued by marking out the bird’s shadows and lighter areas.

In this step, we start to mark out the darker areas using our HB pencil and leave the light areas. This helps later when we start to add more and more black with our darker pencils. Blue tits have a unique face pattern running through the eye, which adds context to the face as a majority of it is a plain white. To recreate the motion of the wings flapping, don’t make any hard marks around the lower wing. This sense of ‘undefined sketching’ can give the effect that the birds wings are moving too fast to pick up detail.

STEP 5 Keep building up until you are happy! Remember the key elements which are: Half your area of shading as you get darker to avoid too intense of a transition. Shade the darker areas with HB first and leave the light areas to help developing later - and do not add too much mass to the wings! Keep up to date with Thomas on Instagram @thomasomaxwell or visit www.thomasomaxwell.com.

STEP 4 At this stage I have targeted darker areas in the drawing and I am now starting to use the 2B and then 8B. I find that by using the cross-hatch technique, it gives the effect of creating feathers without going into the tedious detail of drawing every feather. Cross hatching is when you create lines using your pencil, instead of shading, and you cross over the lines with a darker pencil to create GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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BOOKISH... Join us for our monthly book club!

BY JOEL FRANCIS

elcome to the December edition of Bookish, and Merry Christmas! And what better way to spend the holidays than losing yourself in a book or two? I hope you enjoy this month’s recommendations!

A TAPPING AT MY DOOR David Jackson Genre: Thriller/Murder Mystery For Fans Of: Jessica Jarlvi What’s in the pages? When the police discover a dead woman with missing eyes, the body of a raven and the phrase "Nevermore" attached to the bird, they have no leads. It's up to DS Nathan Cody to solve the case, but ever intruding flashbacks from his past and the scars of an undercover mission that went horrifyingly wrong are still fresh. Will he be able to solve the case before it's too late? Why should you read it? A Tapping at My Door is one of the best murder mystery books I've read this year. Protagonist Nathan Cody is a likeable but flawed character with a short fuse and a dark past that he just can't seem to let go of. The plot starts with a fizzle instead of a bang, slowly building the atmosphere with the story beginning with a tapping at the door. This technique is a highly effective way to get the reader invested in a story that, once it has you hooked, just will not give up on demanding attention. Furthermore, it has an explosive ending that is on point and will blow you away. I recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in murder mystery or thriller books. You will not be able to put it down!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

DADDY Emma Cline Genre: Literary Fiction For Fans Of: Grady Hendrix What’s in the pages? In this collection of short stories, Emma Cline explores the darker side of the human experience. Whether it's a story about a family's Christmas time that is derailed by the darkness caused by the history of a troubled husband and father; or the one about a young woman trying to make it as an actor in L.A. and working in a sleazy costume shop. Struggling to make ends meet, she turns to a more unconventional way to make money but then has to face the risks of the game she's playing. These beautiful, engaging, and sometimes humorous stories put masculinity, power and relationships under a microscope and examine them with an intricacy rarely seen in fiction. Subtle, sophisticated and displaying an exceptional understanding of human behaviour, these stories are unforgettable. Why should you read it? In Daddy, Emma Cline has managed to perfect the art of character studies within short stories - taking the time to truly build each protagonist in each of the stories so that you care and can empathise with them, even if they are horrible people (and in most cases they are). A lot of this book wasn't made for me, and I struggled to relate to it. But, nevertheless, I still enjoyed it. I thought I would recommend it because many people who read this column would really like it. If you are a fan of books about people and the connections of their lives or are looking for an easy read, then this is the book for you this holiday season!

THE MOUNTAINS SING Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai Genre: Historical Fiction

For Fans Of: Chanel Miller

What’s in the pages? The Mountains Sing is a captivating novel about family, tradition and the Vietnam War told through a multigenerational narrative. This is the history of the Tran family that started in 1920 with Tran Dieu Lan fleeing her family farm with her children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. It then travels in time to Há Noi, telling the story of her young granddaughter Hương, coming of age as her family go off to fight in a conflict that will undoubtedly rip her county and her family apart. Why should you read it? The best way to describe Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai's The Mountains Sing is like a beautiful car crash. It's a book covering such horrible events that you wish you could look away, but the writing is so beautiful that you have to carry on reading and admire it. Furthermore, the author has such command of language and storytelling that it envelops you into the story and keeps you invested in the characters, scenery and language (some of which is not in English). The Mountains Sing is a refreshing look at an age-old conflict that has been approached in the west with a mostly ‘one side of the argument’ lens. This novel manages to bring the human costs of the Vietnam conflict to life while filling this novel with hope, kindness and love that is refreshing and inspiring. I recommend this book to everybody, saying that it is one of the best books of the last ten years and is required reading for any bookworm or bookish person. Exquisite, timely and poignant - this could be the quintessential novel about the Vietnam war - don't miss it!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

art

SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize Gibraltar, 2021: FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

he Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) is a charitable organisation founded in 2003 to recognise, support and promote contemporary art talent; and to bring the therapeutic benefits of art to disadvantaged children. In the same year, SAF launched The Sovereign Asian Art Prize, now recognised as the most established and prestigious annual art award in Asia-Pacific. The Prize increases the international exposure of artists in the region, whilst raising funds by auctioning shortlisted artworks and sharing proceeds equally between the participating artists and SAF. SAF uses these proceeds to fund programmes that support disadvantaged children using expressive arts. This model has so far raised US$10 million for artists and charities worldwide. This year, SAF launched two new international art prizes: The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize and The Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize, each with the objective of increasing the international exposure of artists in these

countries, whilst raising funds for local arts education programmes. Last month, SAF announced the 20 students shortlisted as finalists for the Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize Gibraltar, 2021. The Judges had the tricky task of shortlisting 20 artworks from the 126 entries submitted. The artworks range in subject matter from portraits and landscapes to a depiction of a mushroom in a clown’s suit and show the wonderful creativity, imagination and talent of Gibraltar’s secondary school students. Those in the shortlist range in age from 12-18. Gibraltar’s schools and institutions were well represented, with entries submitted from Westside School, Bayside Comprehensive School, the Gibraltar Girls High School, Prior Park School, Gibraltar and Gibraltar College.

The twenty shortlisted artworks will be displayed in the Finalists’ Exhibition, which will be at the Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates: 6-11 December and John Mackintosh Hall: 13-17 December. The exhibition will then tour Gibraltar; venues include St Bernard’s Hospital and Hassans’ offices. There will be four prizes awarded to four different students. The winner of the Judge’s Prize will be awarded a trophy and £800; their school art department will receive £2,000. You are invited to vote for your favourite artwork, either in the exhibition or online. The most popular artwork will be awarded the Public Vote Prize, the winner of which will receive a trophy and £400; £1,000 for their school. Furthermore, the Hassans Prize will award £300 to both the student and their school. The Arts Society Gibraltar will award

You are invited to vote for your favourite artwork, either in the exhibition or online.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

a £250 prize in the 11–14-yearold category. The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 15 December. The Judges and Public Gibraltar winners will be automatically entered into the annual SAF Global Students Prize, showcasing their talent on an international stage and facilitating cultural exchange and dialogue.

To find out more about the Prize and how to vote or bid for artworks, please visit: www. sovereignartfoundation. com/art-prizes/ student-art-prize/gibraltar

The judging panel comprises Gibraltarian contemporary artist Christian Hook; Gallerist and Curator Magda Bellotti; Arts & Heritage professor Gabriela Giménez; and Howard Bilton, Founder and Chairman of SAF. Christian Hook commented: “I was impressed with the entries submitted. The general level was pretty high, and there are some fantastic pieces in the Finalists’ Exhibition.” This prize would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and SAF are grateful to have generous backing from Hassans International Law Firm Limited as a gold sponsor; Simmons Gainsford and Image Graphics as silver sponsors and bronze supporters: Brooks MacDonald, Schroders, Silver Key, LGT Vestra and the Ministry for Culture, Gibraltar. Some of the Artworks of the final 20 shortlisted will be sold via silent auction at the agreement of each student. Sale proceeds and fundraising income will be split equally between the student and the local not-forprofit programmes SAF is funding locally. Please see the SAF website to bid for the artwork. Prints will also be available of the final 20 artworks, sold as part of a limited edition. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

For all enquiries: SophieB@sovereignartfoundation.com. Follow on Facebook: The SAF Students Prize, Gibraltar (@SAFSPGibraltar) | SovereignArtFoundationStudentsPrizes Instagram: @safstudentsprize | @sovereignartfoundation #SovereignArtFoundation #SAFSP2021 61

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

wine

TO PAIR, OR NOT TO PAIR?

Food and wine pairing at Christmas? Not for me, thank you! By all means, use some discretion. Dry whites with fish, gentler wines like Pinot Noir with gentler foods, stronger and more full-bodied reds with stronger meats and sauces like sauce bordelaise or port reductions… BY ANDREW LICUDI DIPWSET

erhaps the best advice of all comes from wine writer Victoria Moore:

“Christmas dinner is like the big box of decorations in the cupboard under the steps, filled with gaudy baubles, tasteful baubles, ugly baubles, matching baubles and clashing baubles: a big hotch-potch of family tradition, colour and whim. “When you sit down at the Christmas table, the first duty of the wine is not actually to go with the food but to go with your mood: it must be festive and celebratory. The best advice is therefore to drink the wine you quite fancy at the time. Maybe it's classic, reassuring claret, or maybe it's a sturdy, hairy Chilean carmenère. Who can say fairer than that?”

Who can say fairer than that indeed? Take port for example. It’s the one time in the year when drinking the stuff at 3pm is not only perfectly acceptable, but to be encouraged, for after port we become mellow, everything hunky dory with the world. “I’ll have

There’s so many out there you’ll be spoilt for choice. another one of those Cadbury’s selection please.” (Some port even tastes of chocolate anyway, so no harm done.) As bonus, port won’t kill your cheese, especially those salty Roqueforts or Gorgonzolas. I’m still trying to decide which port I want this Christmas. Either

Niepoort 2000 or Fonseca 1997. I expect both to be very good. The Niepoort will be fruity, the Fonseca more austere. If you don’t want to blow your budget on Vintage Port, it won’t matter a damn as port comes in so many styles and guises that even a tenor twelve-pound bottle of Ruby or Late vintage port will be more than adequate. Champagne is another must-have for Christmas. Someone gave me a magnum of the stuff years ago, ironically for buying and delivering a magnum of Champagne to a doctor in Gibraltar. It’s a magnum of Veuve Clicquot, yellow label, and that’s going to be opened this Christmas. According to the produce’s website, the wine is an ideal pairing for sea food, fish tartare, blinis, salmon, Parmesan, pasta and crackers - presumably the ones you don’t pull, though 63

wine

CMY

“Better a poor bottle amongst friends than the finest of fine wines in dubious company.” thinking about it, a couple of glasses of bubbly may be the perfect pairing for the carboard ones, making the crappy jokes inside bearable. (Why did the chicken cross the road?) If you prefer Cava to Champagne, there’s so many out there you’ll 64

be spoilt for choice. The same goes for Prosecco. There are several whites I’d like to taste this Christmas. Bodegas Allende 2016 white Rioja is a super wine. Old fashioned, lanolin and glycerine as it should be. Muga white Rioja 2019 an acceptable alternative at a fraction of the price. Wonderful as these white Riojas are, I’ll still have a bottle or two of white Burgundy at the ready. A Meursault or St Aubin; one rich the other leaner than a ballet dancer on hunger strike.

For reds I have some Riojas which I am looking forward to tasting. Tondonia 1989 should be interesting assuming it’s survived all this time. Viña Ardanza 2010 won’t be shabby either. As a wise fellow once said, “Better a poor bottle amongst friends than the finest of fine wines in dubious company.” Whatever your poison this Christmas, have a nice one. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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66 Malta Valletta,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

travel

MAGICAL MALTA

As the days shorten and the mercury drops, many of us start to think about a winter or Christmas getaway to alleviate those end of year blues. If such a trip figures in your plans, then allow me to make the case for Malta.

BY PETE WOLSTENCROFT

his tiny island of a mere 246 square kilometres is best described by a single word: unique. The only place in the world where UNESCO has seen fit to designate the whole country a world heritage site. The only place in the world where a Semitic language is written in western script. Closer to Africa than to anywhere in mainland Europe, Malta is a prize that has been fought over for centuries.

walls between you and them. The language is roughly 70% Arabic with Italian, French and English making up the balance. But if languages are not your thing, then fear not: just about everybody speaks English to a very high standard, although – as ever – making an attempt to speak the local language is always welcome.

Sitting comfortably in the lee of Sicily and just a short hop from both Tunisia and Libya, Malta is a product of both its geographical location and the cultural forces that have shaped it. To a native speaker of English, the language sounds strange. You get the feeling that you can get the gist of what people are talking about, it is just that there are two brick

Architecturally speaking, the whole island looks like it was designed to ward off attack, especially from the sea. The reason for this is, that it was coveted by powerful enemies, most notably the Ottoman Empire, whose forces besieged the island for six months in 1565.

Approaching the capital, Valletta from the sea (a common thing to do, as ferries run all around Malta), you are faced with towering stone bastions, forts and gun emplacements. Sail powered ships would have been torn to shreds by any defending garrison: even the inept. But Malta’s defenders were the Knights of St John and they knew a thing or two about warfare.

The language is roughly 70% Arabic with Italian, French and English.

I suspect that those familiar with Gibraltar will feel at home in Valletta. Rock-hewn tunnels lead to spacious plazas. Steep narrow lanes wind inexorably to the highest point. Cannons still fire daily at 12.30 PM from the saluting battery and the climate 67

travel Who would sit indoors when a perfect azure sky is your ceiling? makes it easy to live life on the streets. Most restaurants and bars have outside seating, for who would sit indoors when a perfect azure sky is your ceiling? Outdoor markets display their colourful wares to tempt passing trade. Businesses advertise their somewhat niche trades from the narrowest of doorways in tiny back alleys. I saw one old chap, whose sign proclaimed that he produced cane work, patiently whittling a stalk of what looked like sugar cane from the stygian

depths of a tiny workshop. The unique look of the island has drawn film directors for many years. Perhaps the most famous movie shot on Malta was Gladiator in 2000, when various locations were used as stand-ins for Rome. If you go to the former capital, Mdina you can feel history seeping out of the very pores of its stone citadel. Only a handful of people live there nowadays – leading to its nickname: ‘The Silent City’, but the atmosphere is so thick as to be tangible. Built on a low hill above a limestone plateau, its elevation makes it quite windy and the mournful sighing of breezes funnelling down its narrow alleyways makes for a memorable soundtrack to any visit. I know it is a bit gauche

to admit it, but both my wife and I are fond of those trackless tourist trains that serve many cities. We went on them in both Valletta and Medina and found them to be a great – if slightly naff – way of getting a quick overview of places where historical overload can sometimes be a touch overwhelming. One of the chief reasons to visit any country is its cuisine. Malta’s aforementioned location opens it up to a great swathe of culinary influences. Naturally, as an island, fish will always be a mainstay. We tried both tuna and gilt head bream and had they been any fresher, they might have leapt off the plate. Rabbit is another staple, which, I suspect, is a remnant of the Phoenician presence. If, as

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Mdina, Malta

At the end of the year, Maltese families like to get together to celebrate (Roman Catholic) Christmas. Many towns feature mechanical cribs recreating the Nativity scene in Bethlehem. Midnight Mass is a hugely important affair, after which it is the custom to come together as families and eat a Christmas breakfast around 2 AM. The melange of delicacies on offer includes such strange culinary bedfellows as turkey, lasagne GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

and traditional Christmas pudding. The wine flows and whilst Maltese wine might not have appeared on everybody’s Bacchic radar just yet, I can reassure readers, that they are unlikely to be disappointed. (And if, for some strange reason, you don’t like wine, don’t worry, there is a craft ale scene on the island. We tried a couple of bottles of San Blas IPA, brewed by the Lord Chambray brewery on neighbouring Gozo and we loved it.) Malta’s stony interior is strewn with prickly pear cacti. The clever islanders have decided to defy its thorny defences and to make a liqueur out of it. Called Bhajtra, it could easily replace Port in any festive meal. I can recommend Malta as an ideal place for a winter/Christmas

break, and for those of you worried about the pandemic, I am happy to report that approaching 87% of the population have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and the Maltese people take bio security very seriously indeed. All you need to do now, is to check those flight times. 69

Church of St Anne, Santa Skolastika, Birgu, Malta

I do, you like the typical strong flavours of the Levant: garlic, olive oil, parsley, tomatoes and plenty of fresh herbs, then you should enjoy Maltese food. (Honourable mention must go to Ta’ Kris restaurant in Sliema, which I think is quite simply the best restaurant I have ever visited.)

beauty

CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY ADDICT The ultimate beauty gift list.

BY ALEX ORFILA

rom fabulous budget buys to the plushest of luxury splurges, when it comes to Christmas gifts, beauty and cosmetics have got you covered. However, gifting beauty goods is about much more than just makeup and all things glam (although we love those too). There really is something for everyone. For example, for those with a penchant for technology there are a whole host of cuttingedge gadgets that promise to turn back the clock and rejuvenate skin. Most notably, Swedish brand Foreo has made waves in recent years with its range of electronic devices which target different skincare needs. Are you buying for someone who prefers a quiet night in? There are plenty of products centred around selfcare and bringing some muchneeded balance into daily life. Look to wellness brand Therapie, the creation of renowned aromatherapist Michelle RoquesO’Neil. The brand hosts a whole range targeted at restoring energy levels and promoting relaxation. 70

Perhaps you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to beauty buys and you want to find something truly original? Why not turn to luxury brand Slip who have created highly coveted pillow cases out of silk, with a focus on anti-aging, anti-sleep creasing and anti-bed head benefits. It is no wonder that they describe themselves as ‘beauty, not bedding’.

make a great stocking filler for a mascara lover but it’s also amazing value as the set is actually worth £38.50. Love a Christmas bargain!

So whether you’re on a strict budget for your office Secret Santa gift, or on the hunt for something super special for someone who deserves to be pampered (even if that someone is yourself) this list of gifting ideas has got your back. So ready, steady, shop!

Budget - Under £25 Benefit Lash Dream Team Mascara Trio, £21.50 This trio is made up of Benefits most popular mascaras, including Roller Lash, BADgal Bang and They’re Real! Not only will this

Pixi Glow Tonic Ornament - 100ml, £10 What skincare aficionado wouldn’t love to find this cult toner hanging GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

on their tree? Pixi beauty are renowned for their toners and Glow Tonic is definitely the jewel in their crown.

This four-in-one product contains blushers, bronzer, highlighter and a finishing powder packed into a gorgeously presented palette which will make the perfect makeup gift.

Molton Brown Woody and Aromatic Christmas Cracker, £20 No festive Christmas gift list would be complete without mentioning Molton Brown. This festive cracker includes a selection of mini shower gels. These are great for travel or for sampling their different scents.

Beauty Gadgets

Foreo Bear Microcurrent Facial Toning Device, £279 Who said working out had to be at the gym? Lovers of skincare and tech will be pleased to know that Foreo’s bear comes with a range of facial workouts that you can sync your device to through the Foreo app. Microcurrent spheres glide over your skin to encourage collagen production through electrical currents that are said to mimic the body’s own natural processes. I’m sold!

A Little Bit Extra

the skincare concerns of patients who would visit his NYC clinic. This bundle includes all of the brands top products and will undoubtedly be at the top of every skincare fan’s wish list. The DRx Specrtalite Faceware Pro mask has gained cult status. It’s a medical grade mask lined with anti-acne blue light and red light. These lights work together to combat a range of skincare concerns. Another of the brands most notable creations is the alpha beta daily peels which target fine lines, open pores, blemishes, scarring and hyperpigmentation. There is also a saving when buying this bundle as all these products combined would usually retail at £573.

Angela Caglia Quartz Eye Mask, £110 Rose quartz has been highly celebrated for its calming energy and soothing properties – just as celebrity aesthetician Angela Caglia (the brains behind this brand) is renowned as the ‘Hollywood Glow Girl’. After completing your normal skincare regimen, supercharge your routine and bring the spa experience home by adding this indulgent eye mask to your Christmas list.

Ultra-Glam

Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware Bundle, £469 Dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross is a true pioneer in the skincare world; his brand was inspired by GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit – Universe Unlocked, £79

Slip Beauty on the Go! Travel Set, £119 71

beauty Once your face has caressed a Slip silk pillow there really is no going back to normal bedding. This luxury item promises to aid anti-aging as the smooth silk surface means that your skin is less likely to crease when you sleep. The same can be said for your hair; these pillow cases are said to be blow dry protecting too. This wonderful travel set also comes with a sleeping mask for the ultimate sleep experience.

Self-Care Therapie Discovery Kit, £44 This is the ultimate gift for anyone who fancies recharging their energy levels and delving into selfcare this holiday season. The set boasts some of Therapie’s best sellers, all of which are created to help melt away stress and promote mental wellbeing. This stuff really works. My top picks are their Restore Aura Spray and Himalayan detox bath salts. 72

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Victory Suite, spacious and elegant. From light lunches to ine dining with breaks tuned to your needs. *We cater for every possible dietary need.

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

leisure

NO HAMPERS FOR GIBRALTAR

For the first time in more than a hundred years, Fortnum and Mason will not be shipping Christmas hampers to Gibraltar. Not because of COVID, but because of European Union regulations.

BY REG REYNOLDS

n its website, Fortnum doesn’t say exactly what those regulations are but does explain:

“We are not delivering to the EU this Christmas, but very much hope to be in a position to resume deliveries at the earliest opportunity in 2022. We have temporarily paused all shipping to the following EU countries and European countries delivered through the EU; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.” There is no explanation as to why British Gibraltar is included. One can only assume it is because the shipment would pass through Spain. Fortnum & Mason have been in the quality food business since 1705 when Hugh Mason opened a small store in St. James Market. He also happened to be a Footman in Queen Anne’s Household and that is where he met William Fortnum a high74

class builder and entrepreneur. They became partners and the business grew and expanded into international deliveries of Britishmade food and drink including luxury goods. I haven’t been able to discover when Fortnum started sending hampers to Gibraltar, the firm likely made some deliveries during the Crimean War (1853 – 1856) when Queen Victoria, learning of the suffering of her soldiers, ordered Fortnum “to dispatch without delay to Miss Nightingale in Scutari a huge consignment of concentrated beef tea.” Checking old newspapers, I did find an advertisement for Christmas Hampers for Gibraltar dated October 30, 1918. The advert reminded customers that if they wished to send hampers to Gibraltar the deadline was November 1st. Delivery by post was 34/6 or by freight (insured) 38/5 which is slightly under £2 in decimal money. The standard hamper consisted of: •

Purée de Foie Gras

•

Real Turtle Soup

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Salmon Cutlets

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Pilchards in Oil

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Currie Prawns

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Potted Game

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Devilled Ham

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Petit Pois Extra

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Patum Peperium

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Haricots Verts

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Apple Pudding

•

Cherries in Brandy

Mostly familiar items. Petit Pois is French for small peas and Haricots Verts are French green beans which are longer and slimmer than English ones. But what about ‘Patum Peperium’ which translates from the Latin as pepper paste. It turns out it was created by Englishman John Osborn at Paris in 1828. The main ingredients are anchovies, butter and a secret blend of spices. Osborn entered the savoury spread in French fairs and won prizes, so he decided to develop and market his product in the U.K. It became known as The Gentleman’s Relish because originally it was used extensively in gentlemen’s clubs. The paste was considered too strong for ladies, and too refined for the hoy polloi. Competitors introduced knock offs but none could compare for taste or texture GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

leisure as Osborn kept his combination of spices a secret. He protected the recipe until his death, and it has since passed down through the family but only one person is allowed to know the special ingredients at any one time. Patum Peperium is still produced tody and in 1998, to celebrate its 170th anniversary it was decided that the range would expand beyond anchovies to include an Angler’s Relish (mackerel) and a Poacher’s Relish (salmon). Patum Peperium has been part of British heritage for over 190 years now and has been enjoyed by people all over the world – it’s even been eaten by James Bond in For Your Eyes Only and was selected as one of the 10 foods that TV chef Nigella Lawson couldn’t live without. Although Gibraltar is off the delivery list this year Fortnum & Mason are still very much in the hamper business and their website includes a wide variety for special occasions and holidays with prices ranging from £50 to £6,000. One of the lower-priced Christmas hampers is the Merrymaker which is a reasonable £75 as described by Fortnum: “Eat, drink and be merry. It is Christmas, after all. Readily waiting to make this possible is our aptly named Merrymaker’s Hamper, brimming GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

with a trio of warming seasonal creations including our Spiced Christmas Loose Leaf Tea, Plum, Apple & Cinnamon Infusion and Christmas Green Loose-Leaf Tea. To enjoy alongside all these exceptional teas are a selection of festive essentials, including our Christmas Orange & Dark Chocolate Biscuits, Christmas Fig Preserve and famous St James Christmas Pudding. Crammed with the finest dried fruits – from Vostizza currants, Californian raisins and Turkish sultanas – it’s also infused with a well-judged serving of Pusser’s Full-Strength Navy Rum

and Fortnum’s own Cognac. Round off proceedings with our melt-in-the-mouth Christmas Reindeer Noses, and things will be looking very merry indeed. Unfortunately, Gibraltarians will be out of luck this year, unless a friend or relative brings a hamper as a gift, but there is always next year. 75

sports

THE SCOREBOARD

Winter is upon us and while Covid is once again rearing its ugly head and wreaking havoc on the social calendar, sports seasons have – at time of going to press – been unaffected as of yet, with national leagues and cup competitions going ahead, albeit under the shadow of potential restrictions. FOOTBALL Gibraltar's World Cup qualifying campaign closed with what was probably – on paper – Gibraltar's best chance to sneak some points onto the board. Latvia had beaten Gibraltar 3-1 in Riga, but only two goals in the last five minutes had separated the two sides on the night – Gibraltar had posed a threat and will have have hoped that the home advantage on matchday 10 might give them the push they needed.

COMMONWEALTH GAMES The athletics association will also be looking ahead to next summer, with the Commonwealth Games coming into view. Less than eight months remain until the games get underway on July 28th in Birmingham, qualifiers already underway. The end of an era has been marked in the local athletic 76

It could hardly have started better: Liam Walker provided a rare, early goal for Gibraltar within seven minutes of kick off, and the home side followed up with a few more promising attacks, but that would unfortunately be as good as it got. A Latvia equaliser 25 minutes in saw a shift in dynamic that was further emphasised when De Barr had to leave the field after a collision. He was replaced by Lee Casciaro in the 45th minute – a legend of local football and still a handy card scene with Chris Walker announcing his retirement as he moves into management of the Commonwealth team in order that he may the wealth of experience from a glittering career with the next generation of hopefuls. Gibraltar will look to send a team of around 22 to Birmingham next year, with athletics, swimming, cycling, triathlon and rhythmic gymnastics all looking likely to be likely events, and the

for the manager to have up his sleeve – but he can't be expected to have the same impact in his 40s as he has over the rest of his stellar career. Two more goals for Latvia after the break saw the match end 1-3 again, as Gibraltar blew hot and cold for the remainder of the 90. Time to begin preparations for next year's Nations League where Gibraltar will face a stern test in Group C following promotion in the last campaign. potential of weightlifting and mountain biking also possibilities. Unfortunately for the Rock, there will be no shooting at next year's Commonwealth Games, so we will miss out on any potential medal haul which our prolific shooters tend to come home with. To add salt in the wound, a separate, Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championship scheduled to take place in India ahead of the rest of the games was cancelled in summer, due to ongoing GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

sports complications and uncertainty caused by Covid. However, preparations continue elsewhere and Government announcements regarding the facilities at Lathbury will be cause for cautiour optimism for the Athletics Association – with works stalled by the pandemic and the Victoria Stadium being signed off to the GFA, the GAAA have been without a permanent home for some time, and have been sharing the Victoria Stadium until a solution was presented.

which will see our local athletes reap all the benefits of a dedicated sports facility and set them on their way for a successful summer season in 2022. We'll hold our breath in the lead

up to Christmas and hope this all blows over by the time we come out the other side, so we can get back to fully enjoying our sports (and the rest of our lives!) sooner rather than later.

Lathbury Stadium is due to be ready for use next month, with a handover scheduled for February

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

DRAGONS & DRUIDS

Four local entrepreneurs bring fantasy to the fore as they embark on a new adventure. BY CARMEN ANDERSON Tell me a bit about your business and where the idea came from to start it up. The heart of it is simple: we love Dungeons and Dragons (D&D)! But like a lot of different hobbies, it can get expensive and difficult to get into; especially if you consider the costs of shipping to Gibraltar. The four of us (Benji, Brian, Fiona and Vanda) wanted to help give local people an opportunity to experience D&D; to share what we feel is an amazing hobby with anyone who wants to try it. During the COVID lockdowns of 2020, we managed to continue playing D&D with our friends online. Being able to keep this personal connection through the isolation quickly became the highlight of everyone’s week. But what we craved, more than ever, was sitting around the table, laughing and cheering as we celebrated our characters' 78

epic victories. So, in February 2021, when we finally got back together, we decided to start our own adventure. We knew we would have to start online and in markets to make this work, so we created dragonsndruids.com. It took a lot of work, but we finally launched in October.

We can take up to six people on an epic journey of our own design. What sort of items do you offer? Do you hope to expand this range, and if so, what would you like to introduce to your shop? Right now, we sell acrylic and metal dice sets, laminated battle maps and downloadable Heroes

and Villains to use in people’s D&D sessions. We also sell 3D printed miniature figures at our appearances in the Ocean Village Sunday market. But, in our opinion, the coolest thing we offer is our ‘Rent-a-DM’ service. Most people can’t start playing D&D because they don't know anyone who knows the game well enough to run it. That’s where we come in! We have an ever-expanding list of one-time adventures (one-shots) that we can use to take up to six people on an epic journey of our own design. It’s a great way to try the game for the first time. In the future though, we aim to start stocking official D&D books (e.g., Player’s Handbook and Monster Manual), weird and wonderful boardgames (not Monopoly), and even branching into cosplay and other tabletop roleplay systems. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

leisure Benji

Fiona

Tell me a bit about the game itself; is it popular in Gibraltar? D&D is an immersive experience where each player creates and plays a character of their own design, based in a world of high fantasy. One player, the Dungeon Master (DM), then leads the players through whatever story, quest, or journey that they are embarking upon. Each character can interact with the world around them, speaking to locals, hunting monsters through various landscapes, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Vanda

Brian

and even stumbling across hoards of treasure. At its core, it is a collaborative storytelling experience between all involved. There are people in Gibraltar that have been playing D&D for decades, but it’s only experienced a worldwide resurgence in the last six or seven years. The longer we have been playing ourselves, the more people we have met that love it as much as we do. We’re also starting to notice that more and more teenagers and young adults are eager to try it.

How long have you played D&D? What inspired you to start playing and what do you enjoy most about it? Benji: I’ve been playing D&D for nearly 6 years now. I was originally inspired by the freedom that D&D allowed in its roleplay, especially when compared to traditional video games. The longer I played though, the more I found myself leaning into the DM role and creating entire worlds for my friends to explore and huge challenges for them to overcome. That’s led to my favourite thing about D&D; watching my friends' expressions turn from shock, into resolve and finally into celebration as they conquer whatever I have placed ahead of them. Fiona: I first dabbled in roleplay about 15 years ago, when I played a couple of sessions of the Warhammer tabletop game, and it gave me the itch. Sadly, I didn't touch fantasy role play again until about three years ago. A friend at work pulled together a ragtag band of adventurers who are now some of my closest friends, and we still play together as often as we can! We four play together every week, and I love that. D&D lets me see my friends often, and share in some of the most wild, dangerous, emotional, fantastical and incredible stories. The connections you make, between characters and between friends, are so powerful and long-lasting. There is nothing better! Brian: Like Benji, I’ve been playing for almost six years; we pretty much started this journey together. At the time I was in university, so D&D was a great way to take a break from the rigours of studying, and now to spend time outside of my day 79

leisure job. I always leaned more into the player side of things; I love to work out the puzzles that a DM comes up with. In the last year or so, I’ve gone more into the DM side of things and found a unique love of creating these puzzles, and seeing the faces of players who thought it might just be impossible after the penny drops and they realise the answer. Vanda: I've played D&D for a little over a year now and I couldn't be happier about it. D&D was always something interesting to me since my friend's brother is into roleplaying and Warhammer but it wasn't until I met Brian that I really got into it. When we started dating, he wanted to introduce me to his friends who loved playing D&D. I thought it was a great opportunity to start playing. Actually, it was Benji himself who helped me create my very first character! Even though the other players were at quite a high level at the time and were familiar with the game, unlike me, I loved every moment of it. The sheer number of possibilities when you let your imagination flow is one thing I love about D&D, but it's also mostly about being able to play a character and totally escape this reality for some time whilst enjoying yourself with amazing people. I got to meet some of my closest friends through D&D so I'm very thankful!

our first Rent-a-DM adventure. People are asking when we can run sessions for them and their children and we can’t wait to see the looks on their faces as they find themselves against vampires, dragons and whatever else we come up with!

What are the plans for your business in the future? Do you plan to sell elsewhere than just Gibraltar? We have no plans to sell beyond our borders currently. The core idea of Dragons and Druids was to bring D&D into Gibraltar and that’s how we would want to keep it. Our ultimate goal is to open a local game shop/cafe, where people can come to grab supplies for their home games, and sit down with friends, family, or even total strangers to play D&D, board games, or anything else we can get our hands on at that point in time.

What has the response to your business been like so far? Definitely positive. We’ve met so many amazing people both through Facebook and the Sunday market that either already play or are trying very hard to start playing. We’ve also had people of all ages buying dice and miniatures, and have just booked 80

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

leisure

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

WWW.MARBLEARC.COM

fashion

FESTIVE FINERY

It seems to come around quicker every year, but once again, the countdown to Christmas and New Year’s Eve is on! Our dreams of attending the many office and family soirées we all know and love so well are within our grasp at last, and so partywear is very much on the agenda once more. While many designers are firmly sticking with the utilitarian aesthetic we’ve all come to appreciate over the past couple of years, many are also celebrating the welcome return of over-the-top festive ensembles, and I don’t blame them. BY JULIA COELHO

1: LONG PUFFER COAT, MONKI, £95.00 2: LEATHER BOOTS WITH TALL LEG, MANGO, £139.99 3: COURTNEY CHUNKY LACE UP KNEE HIGH BOOT IN SAND, ASOS DESIGN, £45.00 4: OVER THE KNEE HEELED BOOTS, ZARA, £79.99 5: KNEE-HIGH BOOTS, H&M, £49.99 6: CROSS-BACK SATIN DRESS, MONKI, £30.00

fashion

always find December to be the month to let loose and have fun with my outfits, allowing myself room to play with textures, colours and bold accessories even more than I usually would. With a sense of renewed energy following the inevitable doom and gloom of our post-summer slump, I’m welcoming any excuse to dress up and celebrate. So whether you’re on the hunt for a festive showstopper, or if you’re simply after a sartorial pick-meup, the high street is offering up plenty of perfect mood-lifting looks at the moment, and mostly free from fleetingly transient trends, offering longevity and real value for money instead.

you have some great outerwear and knee-high warmth at your disposal.

SATIN & SPARKLES For a luxe, elegant look, you really can't beat satin, especially for those of us who prefer subtlety, satins are the perfect way to dress up without looking overdone. From delicate blouses to slinky skirts, I’m obsessed with how these look in rich jewel tones like sapphire blue or emerald 3

KNEE-HIGH BOOTS For as long as I can remember, I’ve only had eyes for simple blockheel ankle boots and flat chunky Dr Marten styles; no other boot style even had a chance to win over my affection. I may be feeling extra jolly this year, as I’ve finally invested in a pair of knee-highs, which incidentally happen to be very much on trend this season too. I finally came around to the idea as I sat pondering my usual trouser choice, i.e. jeans 100% of the time. Aside from jeans, you’ll catch me in dresses, and after years of enduring chilly legs and mismatching hemlines/boot heights, I figured knee high boots would actually make my styling efforts so much easier, not to mention they’re work appropriate and look very put together. I love how they look paired with slip skirts and dresses, and while slips may feel somewhat summery, I really don’t think there’s any need to pack them away when GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

5. 6.

fashion green. Paired down with knits or fitted trousers offer a super appropriate and effortless desk to drinks transition. Sparkles and sequins are also everywhere at the moment. Even an eye-catching piece like a sequined blazer, although still blingy and over the top, can be a somewhat subtler way to dress up a casual outfit. CO-ORDS Co-ords are just about the easiest way to look put-together and stylish no matter the weather. They seemed to fall off the wagon for a minute there, but they’re back with a vengeance, and make for super funky and unique party looks. Although they come in all textures and silhouettes, from flared trousers and crop top duos to midi skirts and wrap tops, I’m personally obsessed with structured tartan suit sets. Whatever your preference, the best part is that you can easily 7: LONG SLEEVE SEQUIN BLOUSE WITH BUBBLE HEM IN PINK, RIVER ISLAND, £40.00

8: MIDI SATIN SKIRT, MANGO, £49.99 9: PLUS SEQUIN BLAZER IN BLACK SEQUIN, SAINT GENIES, £50.00

10: CROSS FRONT CUT OUT LONG SLEEVE BODYSUIT, NASTY GAL, £16.00 11: SATIN BUTTON DETAIL ROMANTIC BLOUSE IN BLACK, STRADIVARIUS, £19.99 12: SEQUIN SPOT TOP IN SILVER, ASOS EDITION, £75.00 13: SPARKLE MESH SWEETHEART TOP, NASTY GAL, £35.00 14: QUILTED ZIP JACKET, & OTHER STORIES, £120.00 15: PADDED JACKET, H&M, £29.99

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

fashion mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe to get more bang for your buck all year round.

11.

JEANS AND A NICE TOP Ahh, my trusty combo! Usually my go-to for festive drinks and easy going-out ensembles, especially after a day in the office, it's certainly served us well over the years. Last year, it took on an even greater significance as we found ourselves on the lookout for low-effort, high-impact looks that allowed us to not be overly dressed for an event that didn’t demand that kind of vibe. Despite the OTT options on offer this year, I know that many people will still opt for this simplistic, headachefree type of dressing, and it really doesn’t have to be boring! From bustiers, to sequins and asymmetrical necklines, it looks as though designers and high-street shops alike are very much taking this aesthetic into account in their winter collections.

10. 13.

JACKETS Quilted jackets are big once again this season and are essentially more streamlined versions of our well-loved fat winter puffer. They can be lightweight but lend themselves perfectly to layering, and are the perfect outerwear option for our milder winter days here on the rock. Their versatility is what makes them so popular; smart but also stylish and funky, with the ability to make a casual outfit look more refined or inject a fancy outfit with a hint of laid back cool. I personally love mixing styles and aesthetics to create mismatched looks that subvert expectations, so I’m finding quilted jackets to be my perfect choice these days. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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CHRISTMAS VEGAN MARZIPAN Recipe by The Gibraltar Vegan, follow instagram.com/thegibraltarvegan for updates

Marzipan is one of those things that go great on a Christmas or Battenberg cake, wrapped in chocolate or by itself. Marzipan is traditionally made with egg but water really does the same thing and makes it vegan. This easy recipe has been made with Erythritol a vegan sweetener as a nod to the fact that last month was diabetes awareness month. In addition, some people may be 86

looking to reduce their sugar intake where possible over the indulgent Christmas.

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

2. Place in the fridge for a half hour if you have time.

•

100g ground almonds

•

80g Erythritol

•

1½tbsp water

•

3/4tbsp almond extract

1. Weight out your ingredients into a bowl and mix it all together until you have a nice solid ball.

3. Take out of the fridge and with cold hands break off bits of the balls and roll these into smaller balls or Christmassy shapes. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

DARK CHOCOLATE & BERRY CHEESECAKES I’ve always liked cheesecakes, especially bitter lemon cheesecake. However, these were a bit of an experiment and I think they turned out quite well.

leaving out a few tags to be

INGREDIENTS:

3. In a large bowl, pour your cream cheese and add about 150 ml of double cream. Whip this until thick, the thicker the better as we want it to be light and airy.

•

Butter

•

Sugar

•

About 150g oats

•

200g tub cream cheese

•

90 G dark chocolate

•

284 Ml double cream

•

Handful of summer fruit mix (strawberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, cranberries etc)

METHOD: 1. Begin by making your base. Usually i would crush up some digestives biscuits, which you can always do, but today i thought I would try using oat flakes. Heat up a pan and melt a good dollop of butter and a teaspoon of sugar. Once melted and the sugar looks to be dissolved add your oats. Stir well so that all the butter is absorbed and spread evenly throughout the oats. 2. Use some greaseproof paper to line the bottom of your ramekins, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

able to lift out your cheesecakes later. Now press your oats into the base of the ramekins of mould. Place this in the fridge whilst you work on the filling.

4. Blend and puree your summer fruits and add to the bowl, continue to whip, if you find it’s too liquid add some more cream and continue to whip.

it to cool a bit, still ensuring it remains runny. Remove your cheesecakes from their moulds and pour your chocolate over the centre of the cheesecakes. Using a small teaspoon spread your chocolate out by rubbing the chocolate out in circles from the centre. Either place back in the fridge and allow the chocolate to harden or if you’re as impatient as I can be eat one and place the rest in the fridge. Recipe featured in the Mama Lotties Website - www.mamalotties.com

5. Once you have the consistency you want, bring out your ramekins and share the filling out evenly throughout all the ramekins, I had enough for about 5 or 6. 6. Place these at the back of the fridge and leave to cool and harden for a few hours. 7. After a few hours and once you see the cheesecakes look a bit more shapely, heat up a pan and begin to melt your chocolate, add a dollop of butter to the pan with your chocolate, this should fluff up the chocolate into a ganache and keep it shiny. 8. Once melted remove your chocolate from the pan and allow

Torta de Acelga sent in by @ladewig on Instagram. 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

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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

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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

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 DECEMBER 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 DECEMBER 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.

R U N W A Y

Victoria Stadium

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

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

Bishop Canilla House

PLACES OF INTEREST

Coach Park

Cable Car

Airport

Lighthouse

Cathedral

Museum

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

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

New Harbours

Cumberland Jumpers Road Building

South Gates

New Mole House

Garrison Gym

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

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

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

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

William’s Way

U p p e r

SIR HERBERT MILES ROAD

1 2 MARKET PLACE

CASEMATES

Routes operated by

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

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

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

30 Nov 21 to 06 Dec '21

DUTY PHARMACY OPENING HOURS

07 Dec 21 to 13 Dec 21

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

14 Dec 21 to 20 Dec 21

For updates, check facebook.com/PharmaGuide

21 Dec 21 to 27 Dec '21

28 Dec 21 to 03 Jan '22

Calpe 93

93 Main Street 200 77230

Crown Pharmacy

4 Casemates Square 200 78598

Calpe 232

232 Main Street 200 77231

Valmar Europort

1.0.08 Eurotowers 200 63868

Trafalgar West One

Unit G1 Eurotowers 200 44406

CHESS PUZZLE ANSWER: 25. Nxg7 bxc4 26. Nf5 + regains the gift and leaves Santa a piece ahead with an easy win.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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kid's korner

A Merry Mathematics Game NUMBERS ARE COMING TO TOWN! Work out the sums below. Find the answer on the tree and colour it in with the correct colour!

Red: 5+5 = Yellow: 10+10=

Green: 15+15=

Blue: 20+20=

40 30

40 94

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

coffee time CROSSWORD 1

8 8

6 19

1. Disturb still water usually by diving in. Widespread advertising (6)

1. Safe; make safe (6) 2. Fewest (5) 3. Saint commemorated on 26 December (7) 5. Took part in a play; pretended (5) 6. The Somme and Trafalgar are examples (7)

9. French castle (7)

DOWN

4. Animal named in title of John Updike novel and involved in Watership Down; natter incessantly (6)

2 1

ACROSS

10. Italian word meaning all used in music and ice creams (5)

7. Chinese shadowboxing (3,3) 8. Traditionally rent is collected on 23 March 24 June 29 September and Christmas day. These are collectively the ——— (7,4)

11. Threaten to vomit (5) 12. Not one of Santa’s original reindeers but the most famous thanks to his red nose (7)

13. An old fashioned firearm (11)

14. Boarder usually paying; stayers (7)

18. Commanded; arraigned properly (7)

15. One who 4s usually senselessly (7)

20. Black tea (5)

16. Alternative for 3’s day (6)

22. Still (5)

17. Horse’s trough; where Jesus was born (6)

23. Traditional Christmas feature. Either on the fire or chocolate covered (4,3)

& YOU COULD WIN

24. French boy’s name (6)

19. Relation of one mathematical feature to another (5)

25. Imprecation often uttered in church (6)

21. The ——— and the Ivy” a Christmas song (5)

SUDOKU

lunch for two at Write your name and either SNAP and SEND your completed crossword to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com or RETURN TO THE CLIPPER by 20th December Winners must collect their voucher from The Clipper, and use it within the same month of this publication. 1

M D A M A G O E

O R

A O

A I

A N

U N

F O R

D A

L 19

L O R

S W O M W T A

E N G

N X

D O T

A T

T 18

T 15

A M P

M A P

O N

C A M P

A F W R

I 10

H O

U P O O S N

M E

I A

A P

November 2021 Answers

S M

A N

E N D A

R A M C

Y C H

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

John Dalli

7 3

8 2

4 3

5 8

THE WINNER IS:

1 8

7 5

6 3

2 1

5 9

3 6

8 95

coffee time CHRISTMAS GIFTS

25. Kf2 Qe7, 26. Nb5 Re3, 27. Re1

BY GRANDMASTER RAY KEENE OBE Games between inexperienced players are frequently decided by who can grab the most material. As Napoleon Bonaparte once said “God is on the side of the big battalions.” On another occasion, when informed that The Vatican would disapprove of certain of his actions, Napoleon retorted: “And how many divisions does the Pope command?”

Answer on page 91

Material superiority is of course important in chess, but the real art is to weave victory by combining the disparate elements of material, time, space and momentum. Some Champions, notably Mikhail Tal, Alexander Alekhine and Garry Kasparov, were adepts at the alchemical transmutation of material into momentum and ultimately a mating attack. In this month’s game my opponent must have thought that Christmas had come early, when I gifted him a whole rook, but the payback came when Black’s compensation led to a decisive infiltration of White’s defences. White: Greg Hjorth Black: Raymond Keene 2nd Commonwealth Championship, Round 11, Hong Kong, 1984 Modern Defence 1. e4 g6, 2. d4 Bg7, 3. Nc3 d6, 4. Bg5 Nc6 , 5. Bb5 Bd7 , 6. Nge2 h6 7. Be3 Nf6, 8. f3 e5, 9. Bxc6 Bxc6, 10. d5 Bd7, 11. Qd2 b5! 96

The point of this is to make White declare which side he will castle. Probably White should prefer the simple 12 O-O. Instead… 12. b4 !? Not much doubt now. White will have to castle kingside. 12. … a5, 13. bxa5 Rxa5, 14. Rb1 h5, 15. Qd3 O-O, 16. O-O h4, 17. Nxb5 h3, 18. g4 Rxa2 Black has maintained material equality on the queenside while on the other wing his h-pawn is a constant menace to White's king. 19. Qc4 Bxb5, 20. Rxb5 If 20 Qxa2 Bxe2 21 Rf2 and now Black can sacrifice on e4, g4 or f3. 20. … Ra3, 21. Bg5 Qd7 21...Qc8! Preventing Rb7 is more accurate. 22. Rb7 Rc8, 23. Bxf6 ? White is nervous of a sacrifice on g4 and thus eliminates Black's knight. Better is 23 Nc3 Nxg4 24 Qb5! Qxb5 25 Nxb5 Ra4 26 fxg4 Rxe4. Black is, of course, not committed to sacrificing a piece on move 23.

Now come two deadly quiet moves: 27. … Qf6 !!, 28. Rxe3 Qf4 ! There is no defence, e.g. 29 Re2 Qxh2+ 30 Kf1 Qh1+ 31 Kf2 Qg2+ 32 Ke1 Qg1 mate, or 29 Ra3 Qd2+ 30 Qe2 Bh4+ wins. 29. Qf1 Qxh2+ !, 30. Ke1 Bxe3 0-1

Puzzle:

The position for this puzzle is before White’s 25th move. White is a piece ahead but his Queen is attacked. How did Santa give Black a temporary present to consolidate his advantage? White to move… White: Juan Martin Santa Torres Black: Henry Urday Carceres Dubai Olympiad, Round 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1986

23. … Bxf6, 24. Nc3 Bg5 Here Black’s dark-squared bishop is too strong. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

finance

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little dictionary

yule-hole noun an old term for the loosest notch on your belt, used after Christmas feasting.

e.g. Grandpa was grateful for his yule-hole after a particularly hearty Christmas lunch. 29 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar +350 200 72470 / info@littleenglish.gi

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The Beauty of Christmas

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