The Gibraltar Magazine - April 2016 by Rock Publishing Ltd

April 2016 Vol. 21 # 06 FREE

Female Bodybuilders - Strong & feminine Fitness Apparel GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE 2015 - More thanNOVEMBER a trend

Gamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Economics - Value of sport

Hiking & Caving - Inside nature

Home Working - Important move

Reshape & Rumble - Novelty gym

Gibraltar’s Gastronomic Gem presents

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editor’s note

APRIL ISSUE W

hen it comes to sport, my procrastination stems from an inability to choose. I want to do everything so focusing is pretty much impossible. I’ve been wanting to join an adult basketball team for years and whilst I know they exist, locating them geographically proved too complicated. Unless they come knocking on my Facebook door, I’m unlikely to play. I yearn to master martial arts. Ever since The Matrix came out, Jujitsu has been on my mind and while I went to a class in kick boxing, self-defence, capoeira, judo, karate and no doubt some others, the key word here is ‘a class’ in each of those. Singular. Luckily, in Gibraltar, we have Frankie who can keep you on the karate path for longer (p. 44). Now, I want to be a body builder. Have you seen those gorgeous girls on page 36? Their strength and perseverance is truly admirable so I approached a personal trainer but… she is fully booked… So, why am I none of those things I want to be? Because, as I read somewhere recently, it’s not enough to want to succeed, you need to want to work for it. And, with a full-time life, that’s tricky. In London, I’d get up early, run to the gym in Holborn for an intensive body pump 4

class at 7:30, and by the time I sat at my desk at 9am, I was chock-full of energy and all worked - out. Here, I cycle during the week and hike at the weekends so as not to be stuck in a conventional gym, although I do hear that Gibraltar’s newest gym concept, Reshape & Rumble might be worth a try (p. 52). I save money on petrol and time on not-looking for parking or being in traffic, all while reaping the health benefits. Hiking at the weekends in the Campo de Gibraltar area offers some pretty amazing views (p. 66) and with two groups available, the routes are always fresh and exciting. We also recently ventured into caving with friends inside the Rock (p. 70) which was another breathtaking experience, and not just because it requires considerable effort to pull yourself up on a rope… To look really cool while doing all that physical activity, consult our guide to fitness apparel on page 63.

value of sport (p. 28). Also, we offer advice on ‘working from home’ (p. 30) and its benefits for employers, employees and the Gibraltar real estate market (p. 33). Finally, we welcome our newest contributor, Polly Lavarello, more commonly known as ‘Mum on the Rock’, (p. 96).

Spectating and support within the sporting community is also really prevalent. Twelveyear-old Oliver, a keen supporter of a local football team, will be mascotting for his favourite national team, Norwich United FC (p. 74) in early April. Riaan guides us through some of the economics of the game, including how to enhance your performance through ‘mental toughness’ (p. 26) while Eran and Ayelet uncover the true economic impact and monetary

Anna

There’s been numerous studies proving the benefits of exercise on our psychological well-being but if you’ve ever gone for a run after a stressful day, you don’t need science to know how much better it feels afterwards. It’s been proven that physical activity can help alleviate even long-term depression but there is always an excuse not to start something. We all know too well that as soon as you do, as soon as you go out and do whatever it is you want to do, you’ll enjoy it, and it will all be worth it for both, your body and your mind. So, what’s your exercise of choice (p. 16)?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

contents 8 NEWS 14 Around town 16 Hello there: Sports

FINANCE, BUSINESS, PROPERTY 19 22 24 26 28 30 33

Falling Oil Prices - Is it good news for all? Be Fraud Aware - Using preventative measures Company Culture - Keep it fit! Economics of Games - Beautiful & ugly ones Value of Sports - Uncovering the true economic impact Home Office - Survival guide Saving Space - Working from home

LIFE 36 44 46 48 50 21#06 April 2016: Elka Hanglin © DM Parody (www.dotcom.gi/photos)

Contributing writers: Ian Le Breton, Callie Lombard, Leah Carnegie, Riaan de Lange, Eran Shay, Ayelet Mamo Shay, Mike Nicholls, Frankie Hatton, Richard Cartwright, Elena Scialtiel, Mike Brufal, Alex Orfila, Sophie Clifton-Tucker, Andrew Licudi, Polly Lavarello. The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Suite 4, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 | E: info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Copyright © 2016 Rock Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

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Female Bodybuilding - Strength and femininity Shotokan Dojo - Karate in Gibraltar Hockey Umpire - Nathan Stagno Tug Man - Douglas Yome’s life at sea The Future of MOD - Maintaining a base in Gibraltar

SCENE 52 54 56 58 60

Reshape & Rumble - Unconventional fitness concept Gold Radio - The other side of Gibraltar airwaves Italian Art Job - Tessa Neish Dominique Spells it Out - Gibraltography Judging Books - Boyd Tonkin

LEISURE 63 66 70 74 77 82 84

Fitness Apparel - More than just a trend Get Your Boots On - Guide to hiking Hole New Experience - Caving in Gibraltar Honouring your Team - Role of a mascot Bustling Brazil - With its bountiful beautiful women Chateau Gibraltar - Our own vineyard! Recipes - Beetroot Burger & Chocolate Mousse

86 Guides and Information 96 Mum on the Rock - Parenting online 98 Coffee Time and Schedules Editor: Anna Kolesnik anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Head Journalist: Nicole Macedo nicole@thegibraltarmagazine.com Distribution: Jordan Brett jordan@thegibraltarmagazine.com Accounts: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com 7

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

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shared by the MB) and bathroom. The property has retained its original wooden flooring for the most part and is decorated to a very high standard throughout. It is part of an assemblage of Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the east side, and is arguably, in terms of architecture, the most distinguished group of buildings in the whole of Gibraltar. Other features include security system, Lutron lighting and roof terrace of approximately 67.42m2. To find out more, email: pa@23-4.io

news

STUDENTS GET FIT FOR CHARITY

t. Anne’s Middle School took part in their annual ‘Health and Fitness Charity Challenge’ in mid March in an effort to raise funds for local charities: Action 4 Schools – Sierra Leone project, which builds schools and orphanages in Sierra Leone, Cancer Research Gibraltar and MND Gibraltar. Pupils, teachers, parents and friends of the school carried out a forty-five minute jog around the Bayside Sports Complex’s athletics track. The pre workout warm up session was led by GibFit and Piloxing trainer, Janine Pereira. The school thanked Janine Pereira, Albert Tellez and Steven Victory from the GSLA,

George from St John Ambulance, for their participation, and Saccone and Speed for

their donation of water bottles for every child taking part in this event.

GWMF ADOPTS A PORTUGESE THEME

ibraltar Productions will host the third edition of the Gibraltar World Music Festival on 23rd June 2016. The theme this year will surround the cultures of Lusophone, drawing inspiration and music from Portuguese speaking countries. ‘Obrigado’, will centre around musical performances, workshops and the annual street party. GWMF 2016 will be using Spotify as a ‘streaming partner’, enabling locals to browse relevant playlists and follow the GWMF’s profile. Artists set to perform in the St. Michael’s Cave will travel from Portugal, Brazil and Cape Verde. Carmen Souza, who is said to be following in the footsteps of internationally renown fellow Cape Verde singer Cesária Évora will lead the line up. She was discovered by producer and immensely successful bass player, Theo Pas’cal, who then introduced her to Jazz and other contemporary sounds that markedly influenced her musical development. Brazilian musician and composer Mario Faraco will also perform. In his blurb, a GWMF spokesperson noted that that ‘his melodies glide from samba to bossa nova, studded with inflections of jazz. Through his intimate words and rare poetic melancholy, Faraco has carved out a distinguished place for himself in the music world.’ Finally, Carmo Rebelo will GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

complete the line up. She grew up listening to and immersing herself in Fado, a cultural musical movement that can be traced back to the 1820s in Portugal. She initiated her musical career in el Taverna do Embuçado, in Alfama, Lisbon, but has since performed worldwide. The GWMF’s mantra is to ‘create a platform of involvement for the young generations’. Kusuma Trust will this year offer an extensive programme of events for students, including an event that will mix arts, culture and the principles of freedom and collaborative creativity. Driss Alaoui Mdaghri, former minister and a very

active figure in Moroccan civil society will head the initiative. Ahead of the festival, Gibraltar Productions is recruiting senior volunteers to be part of GWMF 2016 production Team. Those who are taken on will be responsible for hospitality management, VIP coordination and front of house and backstage management. They will gain an insight into the workings of the festival and have the opportunity to meet all the artists. Tickets will be available at 92 Irish Town at £30 for the general public and £25 for senior citizens and students. Prices include the shuttle service to and from the cave. 9

news

TOP CLARINETIST AND PIANIST RECITAL

st Clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Andreas Ottensamer will perform in a recital with pianist José Gallardo on Thursday 7th April at 8pm, at the Convent Ballroom, as part of the Philharmonic Society’s programme. Andreas comes from an Austro-Hungarian family of musicians and was drawn in to it early, taking his first piano lesson at the age of four. He first experienced playing as part of an orchestra during the Vienna State Opera. He further performed with the Vienna Philharmonic and as a member of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester. Andreas made the move to clarinet at the age of ten. He now acts as the principle clarinetist with the Berliner Philharmoniker and has won top prizes for clarinet, cello and piano. He often performs as a soloist and chamber musician across the world, in venues such as Musikverein Wien, Konzerthaus Wien, Brucknerhaus Linz, Musikverein Graz, Philharmonie Berlin, Tempodrom Berlin, De Doelen Rotterdam, and Seoul Arts Center. The evening’s programme will feature compositions for clarinet and piano by R. Schumann, J. Brahms, C.M von Weber, N. Rota, A. Templeton, J. Horowitz. Pianist José Gallardo also has a hugely successful

career under his belt, having won a number of national and international awards and performing at world renown festivals including, the Chamber Music Festival Lockenhaus, Verbier Festival, Lucerne Festival, Chopin and his Europe Warsaw, and Ludwigsburg Castle Festival. He first learned the piano at age five at the Buenos Aires Conservatory and now draws inspiration from artists such as Menahem

Pressler, Alfonso Montecino, Karl-Heinz Kammerling, Sergiu Celibidache, Rosalyn Tureck and Bernard Greenhouse. Tickets for the evening are available at both Sacarello’s coffee shop and the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street. They are priced at £20, or £10 for senior citizens and students, although these budget tickets are only available from the John Mackintosh Hall.

GDFAS LECTURE EXPLORES ART AND THE MONATCHY

he Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society will mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday with a lecture on her great great grandmother and father, Victoria and Albert. The monarchs were enthusiastic patrons of the arts, often commissioning and collecting pieces by both British and European artists. Involving themselves so heavily in the art world was an integral facet of their public duties, the Queen and Prince believed. They played a front running role in the Great Exhibition of 1851, and commissioned a great deal of photography during its infancy. The talk will be given by Oliver Everett, a

former Cambridge graduate and Private Secretary to both the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana, during the early 80s. In his later years, he worked at the Royal Library in Windsor Castle, and has since written a number of books on the castle and the Royal Collection, one of the world’s largest and most relevant reserves of art. Oliver will shed light on the collection and current and past members of the Royal Family. This will be the penultimate lecture of the season, with tickets for guests costing £10 at the door. Those wishing to attend should be at the Eliott Hotel as from 7pm on 20th April.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

news

DANCE FESTIVAL SUCCESS

M.O. Productions Director Seamus Byrne praised the support the festival received from both local and international performers and dance schools. He added, ‘We are very pleased with the high standard and quality of dance that has been maintained throughout the three days of the festival. We are delighted to have been able to offer a platform and

his year’s 14th Gibraltar International Dance Festival’s most promising dancer award was won by local Transitions Dance Academy dancer, Cora Ramirez. Fifty-one soloists performed at the annual festival, with only six then selected by the international adjudicator, Deborah Norris to perform in the grand final. The festival was held between Thursday 3rd March and Saturday 5th and saw 172 dancers from Gibraltar, England and Spain take part.

educational experience for our young people and we aim to continue organising this wonderful event for many more years to come.’ The M.O. Productions Best Male Dancer Award was presented to Iker Rodriguez

Gracia of Innovations Dance Company, Best Female Dancer was awarded to Janis Jackson of Stylos Dance Studios, the Sussex Award was won by Amy Avellano of Transitions and the Best Choreographer was presented to Genyka Celecia for her Junior Group ‘Seven Sisters’.

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news

European Law Firm RAMPARTS EUROPEAN LAW FIRM SHORTLISTED FOR THE WEALTHBRIEFING EUROPEAN AWARDS 2016 Ramparts European Law Firm, based in Gibraltar has been shortlisted for the WealthBriefing European Awards 2016. Showcasing ‘best of breed’ providers in the global private banking, wealth management and trusted advisor communities, the awards were designed to recognise companies, teams and individuals which the prestigious panel of judges deemed to have ‘demonstrated innovation and excellence during 2015’. Peter Howitt, the firm’s founder “I am delighted that Emma Lejeune and our private client and family office team have had their hard work and determination recognised in the shortlist for the Wealth Briefings European Awards 2016: Private Client Lawyer, Private Client Law Firm, Offshore Law Firm. Emma and team have done a remarkable job building, in just 12 months, a respected and recognised European private client and fiduciary service at Ramparts. Commenting on the firm’s shortlisting, Emma Lejeune, Director and Head of Private Client and Family Office said: “We are very delighted to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards. It is a great honour to be recognised in the shortlist and this is testament to the hard work that the team have put in since our firm’s Private Client practice was established.” ClearView Financial Media’s Chief Executive, and Publisher of WealthBriefing, Stephen Harris, was first to extend his congratulations to the shortlisted firms. He said: “The firms who have been shortlisted in these awards are all worthy competitors, and I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations. These awards are judged on the basis of entrants’ submissions and their response to a number of specific questions, which had to be answered focusing on the client experience, not quantitative performance metrics. That is a unique, and I believe, compelling feature. These awards will recognise the very best operators in the private client industry, with ‘independence’, ‘integrity’ and ‘genuine insight’ the watchwords of the judging process - such that the awards truly reflect excellence in wealth management. Our aim is to make these annual awards one of the brightest, and keenly contested highlights in the wealth management calendar.” Winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner which will be held in London on 19 May at The Guildhall.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

news

GIBRALTAR TAKES BRONZE AT TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

ibraltarians Macy Cornelio and Megan Ruiz last month competed at the British Taekwondo International Poomsae Championships, held at the K2 Arena in Crawley. The contest brought together top athletes and former Commonwealth, European and World medalists, with 520 competitors coming from eighteen different countries including France, Russia, Denmark and Germany. Participants spanned a diverse age group of five to seventy five years old.

14 Dan Individuals and Pairs and Teams synchronized categories winning two bronze medals. Megan participated in the A Class Under 17 Dan Individuals category. The girls’ coaches, Masters Edward and Ernest Garcia expressed pride in their performances. Similarly, Minister for Sport, Steven Linares congratulated the team for their efforts adding, ‘It is gratifying to see that our girls narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals in the individual events.’

Narrowly missing out on the semi-finals, Macy competed in the A Class Under

Following the competition, both the girls and their coaches will continue to train ‘at

the highest-level possible to further their development and attend international championships in the very near future.’

NETBALL SUCCESS FOR UNDER 17s

he Netball Under 17 Championships was held in Gibraltar in March and proved hugely successful, particularly considering the national team’s Gold medal triumph in the Challenge category of the tournament. Teams from England, Ireland, Israel, Malta and Switzerland all competed at the Bayside Tercentenary Sports Hall, over the course of a very busy weekend. The Gibraltar Netball Association was described as ‘the host of the year’ by Netball Europe’s official twitter account, and received other positive feedback from national teams and our own Sports Minister Steven Linares, who noted that ‘the win in the final game on Sunday was the icing on the cake of what was a fabulous weekend of Netball. “Having spoken to Netball Europe officials, they were extremely pleased with the general organisation of the Championships: those that have been to Gibraltar before highlighted the improvements made to the Bayside Sports Centre in general.’ He applauded and commended the local association for ‘the excellent work undertaken in hosting the event.’

reflection of her excellent performances.’ He further added, ‘every single member of that squad, including the coaches, deserves all the accolades afforded to them.’ Netball in Gibraltar was revived in 1991; it has since developed into the leading ladies’ team sport with thirty teams in the senior league and sixteen in the junior league. Gibraltar Netball believes in promoting, organising and developing

netball locally, aiming to provide opportunities for players, coaches and umpires.

The tournament was live streamed, receiving up to five thousand viewers a day. The Gibraltar team’s success was further celebrated with team member Amy Pozo being voted the ‘Best Player’ in her section, a feat Minister Linares said, ‘is a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

around town - world trade center

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

ÂŠ Dominique Martinez-Lopez - Gibraltarfocus

women in business - around town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

hello there

Alisha Harper, 24 Accounts & Office Administrator, Haven Insurance Company

Nicola Cox, 42 Accounts Manager, Chesterton

Athletics & Netball - Also, absolutely love Real Madrid! In the past, I could have run, a half marathon, but I am fed up of saying ‘I could have’ and want to say I can and have! At the end of this month, I will be entering the Madrid half marathon (hopefully raising money for the Special Olympics) and as my reward, in the same week, see my beloved Real Madrid boys in action!! A huge thank you to Jakey (my PT) for making me believe this is possible!!!

Running - I love running and always have since a young age. I always represented the school for both cross country and track races. Running keeps me fit and also helps to control my weight. I love food, especially cheese accompanied by a nice glass of white wine so running also allows me to have this without feeling too guilty. It also makes me feel more positive and motivated. I always feel great when I have finished a run.

Edna Gaivizo, 24 Associate, Price Waterhouse Coopers

Nieves, 25 Waitress, The Arena

Gym - I like to keep up a healthy lifestyle. It keeps me motivated and active, I feel like everytime I go to the gym or for a jog, I have achieved something. It has become my daily routine.

Boxing - For 4 years, I have been training to box because I saw my brother doing this and thought I’d like it. I am very competitive and enjoy the discipline and hard work training brings. I wanted to be the best in my family, I will be the best and never give up!

WHAT IS THE

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

hello there

Brian Buckley, 48 Sports and Leisure Official, Gibraltar Sports Authority

Jamie Heritage, 20 Fitter/Labourer, Independent Air Conditioning

Hockey - I’ve played it since I was in middle school. I’ve also umpired since the age of seventeen. I recently retired after umpiring for 20 years internationally, which during that time I umpired in several European Tournaments and six finals. The biggest match I ever umpired was the final of the Masters European Cup held in Britain last year between England and Holland.

Rugby - I like the fact that whatever happens on the pitch everyone is full of respect for each other even after a big punch up! I began to love Rugby shortly after joining at a young age while watching the sport grow throughout Gibraltar.

BEST SPORT EVER?

Kapil Radhakishen, 35 Director, Acersons LTD

Julian Collinson, 16 Student, Bayside Comprehensive

Football - I’ve liked football since the day I was born. The passion that arises in me when I watch or play is unexplainable. I travel as much as I can to watch them play, and nothing compares to watching my favourite team Madrid play live! HALA MADRID!!!

Squash - I love to play it with my friends but it’s more entertaining when we get more competitive.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

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business, finance, property

FALLING OIL PRICES - is it good news for all?

So what has happened? It‘s too easy to f readers were invited to pick out the above US$110 a barrel – high by historical blame a single factor or even a single oil most significant world news story over standards, but not the wallet-busting level the past 18 months, what responses of 2008. Then, the downward correction producing country, for the collapse in would we get? Civil war in Syria? The kicked in. Prices tumbled, even dipping the oil price. Saudi Arabia is usually cited as the main culprit and Ali bin Ibrahim threat of Isis? The migrant crisis in Europe? below US$30 for a short period at the end Putin’s increasingly loose canon? last year. There was a modest recov- Al-Naimi, the Saudi Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, is undoubtedly the The resurgence of Iran? The ery in early March but the price is The shock Brexit question? Good arguments waves are still barely a third of that 2014 high world’s most powerful oilman but there could certainly be made for all water mark. is a confluence of causes. In years past being felt OPEC, the petrostate cartel, cut its own but, for this financial column, it across the production in order to buoy falling prices, would be the global impact of “Peak oil” concerns seem like but Saudi is now leading in a very different the collapsing oil price. The shock world and something out of the distant past there is very as today’s discussion direction, choosing to pump more oil in waves are being felt across the little we can of the global oil market world and there is very little we an attempt to squeeze upstart non“Peak oil” do about it. centres on the seemingly concerns OPEC producers for market share. can do about it. ever-growing supply of seem like Readers of my generation will probably So, what’s the story? First of all, some crude. Global oil inventories something remember jokes about “Shake Ya’ monfascinating numbers. The oil price was have hit record levels: in fact, out of the ey”, referring to his venerable predecesthe world has so much oil that volatile at the onset of the global finandistant sor Sheikh Yamani, who ran the show cial crisis in 2008. A peek at the graph it is actually becoming a logispast... for 25 years from 1962 and played a tical problem. Most onshore for that year shows wild swings in Brent central role in the 1973 oil embargo. crude, the high-quality grade of oil that is storage sites are full up at this The crippling price rises then were all used as a benchmark for the global price, point, so producers have taken to offloadwith a massive spike to around US$140 ing their cargo onto tankers and anchoring about politics in the Middle East. Today’s the ships offshore. situation is more complex. a barrel. By June 2014, Brent was trading GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

finance

The world has so much oil that it is actually becoming a logistical problem.

One result of the downward pressure in oil prices is that several important exploration projects have been mothballed or cancelled outright. A recent survey by RBC Capital Markets suggested that projects totalling 500,000 barrels a day had been terminated in the OPEC countries alone. But even this has not been enough to halt the rout in prices.

thority than the Bank of England’s Deputy Governor referred recently to the fall being a “net good” for the UK economy. Hidden in that rather terse phrasing lies a question. If it’s only a “net good” the implication is that the price fall is also bad for some. Who then? Here are some suggestions.

Oil producing countries are no doubt the biggest losers. Saudi Arabia is now running a budget deficit but is, of course, so wealthy that it can afford to live So much for the reasons Renewables are with a low oil price for some time. behind the drop. Who bencertainly having But the South American providers efits from all this? Everyone, – Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil – right? Well, no. But let’s start an effect on demand for oil... together with Nigeria and Russia by considering the winners. are suffering enormous economic Motorists of course have pressures, which will lead to increased ponoticed the significant drop. Indeed, forelitical turbulence. Indeed, a recent hike in court prices in Gibraltar – already among the lowest in the EU – have fallen to levels domestic fuel prices sparked large protests in Venezuela. Let us not forget that the UK not seen since I arrived on the Rock more remains a substantial producer although it than ten years ago. Consider how much you are “saving” today when filling up comis no longer a net exporter. pared to a couple of years ago. Imagine On the demand side, the economies of multiplying that many times when fuelling The oil companies have also suffered. Europe and developing countries are weak. an HGV – or a yacht, an aircraft or a ship; As production is scaled back, so staff are This has put downward pressure on prices, the impact is huge. Heating oil and natural being laid off. A recent industry survey but it is only a piece of the jigsaw. Vehicles gas prices have also fallen sharply. estimated that 250,000 people have lost are becoming more energy-efficient and their jobs so far and several smaller comother sources of sustainable energy are No one can deny that this is panies have gone bankrupt in the process. Global oil being exploited. The growth of wind Think also of the effect on these compainventories good news. No less an aupower can be seen all too clearly in have hit the Spanish hills around us in Gibraltar. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, the Saudi Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Slightly further afield, in Morocco, the $9 record levels... billion Ouarzazate Solar Power Station (OSPS) is underway. Phase one alone covers an area the size of 600 football pitches and uses half a million mirrors. Renewables are certainly having an effect on demand for oil but it is the other side of the equation, supply, that is more important. US domestic production has nearly doubled with the advent of “fracking”, pushing out oil imports that need to find another home. Saudi, Nigerian and Algerian oil that once was sold in the US is suddenly competing for Asian markets. Canadian and Iraqi oil production and exports are rising year after year. Even Russia, with all its economic problems, has managed to keep pumping, while the easing of sanctions against Iran will result in yet more supply. 20

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finance enjoy the lower prices while they last and, as spring returns, fill up my car and get out and about. You never know what’s around the corner. To misquote those disclaimers we all read – the price of oil can go up, as well as down. Oil prices in Gibraltar in early March 2016

Windmills on the Spanish hills

nies’ share price. Many household names in the oil business are part of most pension fund portfolios. In a very real sense then, the general public have an important stake in the value of these companies – and will not welcome falls in share prices. More tangentially perhaps is that lower costs will incite more use of private cars – to the consternation, no doubt, of the green lobby. The US has even reported an increase in traffic deaths as low oil prices have translated A recent into more road travel.

Qatar, along with Russia, announced a plan to freeze output at current levels. The industry seems to be in agreement that it is most unlikely we shall return to the heady Oil producing levels of US$100+ a barrel countries are in the imminent future no doubt the but there are signs that biggest losers. supply and demand — and price — could recover some balance by the end of 2016.

Here, in Gibraltar, I think the Bank industry survey of England’s “net good” message certainly holds true. For most of us, estimated that the fall in prices has to be positive. So, when will oil prices 250,000 people However, those involved in the recover, and to what level? have lost their bunkering and shipping sectors None of the factors making jobs so far... or those in the financial and legal up this complicated picture sectors servicing clients in the oil are likely to change any business or with investments in the industime soon but some stability does seem try are likely to be suffering. At the risk to be returning. On 16 February, OPEC of upsetting the green lobby, I’m going to members Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Ouarzazate Solar Power Station, Morocco

Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

business

BE FRAUD AWARE Using preventative measures

raud can very often be a hidden crime and a very serious issue for businesses. Cases that result in conviction are only the tip of the iceberg. The threat is wide-ranging – from false information on recruitment forms, to large-scale corporate invoice fraud.

Not only are significant sums lost by business to fraudsters each year, the damage and disruption they also inflict on individual firms is undeniable. While some degree of loss may be inescapable, well prepared companies can minimise their exposure to fraud.

on the vulnerabilities of digital security, but cyber-attacks are only part of the fraud mix – though the online dimension is certainly a key realm of business risk. Fraudsters often require people within the firm to make the fraud work – this is a key point to remember. With the increase in new product offerings and new channels of delivery, it’s important for business to assess and understand this in relation to the risk they may be taking on.

While much effort is now focused Cyber-attacks Every vigilant business is alert to on preventing cyber-attacks, the spectre of fraud; from false are only part of more conventional forms of fraud expenses claims to identity theft the fraud mix... carried out by organised gangs. remain a risk too. Staying ahead of the fraudsters requires a proYet, it’s hard to put a finger on active, inquisitive approach that encomthe current scale of the threat. Making life easier for your customers can passes a sound workplace culture as well increase the risk of making life easier for as rigorous formal controls and processes. Much fraud is dealt with by the fraudster. It is also worth noting businesses in-house, with no Centralisation that electronic channels have not With UK businesses losing an estimated attendant court case, making created new types of fraud – but of business made the fraud quicker, more £21.2bn to fraudsters this year (according it difficult to quantify losses. controls where to the National Fraud Authority), the threat The potential loss is also more efficient and more anonymous for fraudsters who may be overseas. is one that demands action. Businesses than financial; it can stretch to appropriate that take proactive steps to boost their reputational damage and even can ensure consistency... resilience can prevent losses in many cases put firms out of business. The simple confidence trick remains and minimise the impact of fraud where it a powerful threat. One corporate does occur. lost £3m after a new employee received a Much effort and publicity today is focused 22

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business call, supposedly from a colleague, urging her to transfer money into an account. She was warned not to mention this to her finance director because he was believed to be involved in a fraud. The financial costs of such an event are not confined to the fraud itself. The cost of investigation, whether internal or external, may be considerable. There are future insurance implications too, as well as even longer-term effects. Rigorous Analysis from accountancy firm BDO suggests fraud losses rose by 20% around the world in the period from 2007 to 2011, compared to the previous five years.

recruitment is one of the soundest defences against fraud.

However, BDO’s study also suggests that the most resilient organisations lose 1.5% of expenditure or less to fraud, while the least resilient lose 10% or more. In other words, businesses can use preventive measures to control a substantial element of their fraud losses. Dishonest employees are among the most common and damaging sources of fraud. The solution is down to controls, culture and diligence – starting at the point of recruitment. From a company perspective, common features where fraud occurs are poor systems and controls, a lack of due diligence and where there is no whistleblowing programme. Businesses should put in place regular fraud training and awareness for all staff and to ensure employee capabilities match their job function.

recovery and disciplinary procedures. Businesses should resist the urge simply to purge the offender from the team and make sure they inform the police and share the relevant information to ensure the individual is not employed by another business in the same business sector. Fraud that is centred on customers or suppliers can take several forms. Having tight controls in place is essential – but they need to be rigorously challenged too.

Instructions for a change of supplier bank details were sent to an internal division of a UK company instead of to the head office. The internal request led to an assumption that due diligence checks had already been carried out.

The result: by the time the supplier complained about non-payment, £1m had Rigorous recruitment is one of the soundbeen paid to a fraudster’s account. est defences against fraud. Employee due diligence can uncover all sorts of useful information. Among While recovery Interception of cheques remains a threat to businesses, despite the existing employees, a mismatch plans are decline in cheque use. Rather than between lifestyle and salary is indispensable, altering the cheques they have an obvious warning sign along prevention stolen, criminals open accounts in with staff who refuse to take is the better the payee name. holidays or promotions.

option...

If a fraudster is uncovered in your organisation, consider the longer-term effects as well as the immediate

“If you have to issue cheques, don’t leave them lying around in your mail room or reception area – this type of theft is still one we see regularly” warns Simon Carnell of the Fraud Operations team at Barclays. He also points to an increase in these so-called ‘mule accounts’ to receive the proceeds of fraud. Research by Financial Fraud Action has found that 15% of adults have been approached to receive such proceeds. Centralisation of business controls where appropriate can ensure consistency, how-

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ever, it is still critically important to test the effectiveness of those controls. It’s essential to monitor risk and fraud events – even where they didn’t result in losses. Unless you understand how these controls are saving you money, someone is going to suggest removing them at some stage. Businesses need to challenge themselves to understand how they would respond to fraud if it occurred. If they think they are well placed to deal with it, it’s worth asking how – what is it that gives the CEO the assurance that all is well? Kaley Crossthwaite, partner and head of forensic accounting at BDO, says it’s critical to have procedures in place for the point when fraud is uncovered. “Think about the effectiveness of your fraud response. For instance, immediately confronting the suspect might lead to evidence being destroyed,” she says. “If and when you discover a fraud, you will be distressed, so you need to have a comprehensive plan in place.” While recovery plans are indispensable, prevention is the better option, Carnell adds: “It makes sound business sense to be serious about deterring fraud and to make sure your employees, customers, suppliers and partners know it.”

Callie Lombard is Chief Country Officer of Barclays (Gibraltar) Tel: +350 200 15150 Email: callie.lombard @barclays.com 23

business words | Leah Carnegie, The HR Dept.

COMPANY CULTURE Keep it fit!

tart a Social Committee The committee’s quest is simple: create fun events for the office.

What is a company social committee?

A company social committee functions to improve the social environment of the workplace. From spearheading charity campaigns to orgaA social committee in a The committee’s nizing staff events to include workplace is even more critical quest is simple: team sport events, book clubs, in a time when technology has create fun events family days out, company replaced face-to-face converfor the office. social committees encourage sations, we hear terms such as collaborative action and help B2B, B2C, however, H2H (human create a sense of togetherness amongst to human) has declined over the years. co-workers. If you start a company social commitManaged and operated by company tee, you can see huge benefits for your employees, funded by the company, social business. That’s because company social committees are increasingly becoming committees encourage employees to collaborate across departments, fostering a part of the workplace makeup. Building sense of togetherness – of culture. Paying If you start a company culture forward to the community is a powerful company social starts with building way to represent your brand and align committee, you employees with a worthwhile cause. Doing human connections can see huge and that’s a powerful good feels good, and when people are business asset money benefits for happy, they are happy to talk about how your business. cannot buy. they love working for their company.

The benefits of social committees for company culture Companies with a healthy corporate culture gain a positive reputation among potential workers, which may attract talented and skilled workers to the organization. •

Starting a social committee is a great strategy for strengthening a company culture and raising the company’s reputation.

•

Having a strong company culture differentiates your brand from the competition.

•

A successful company needs to be innovative as company culture is extremely difficult to replicate.

•

It’s about boosting the culture of an organization, making it a fun place to work, or acting as an “engagement driver” between departments. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

business

•

Social committees are also becoming • an important facet of the recruitment strategy for many organizations, which proudly boast about their social sides on websites and promotional materials. Company

The benefits of social committees for attracting top talent •

•

social committees encourage collaborative action...

An outstanding company culture often attracts top talent better than salary or title. Take Google as an example, candidates are attracted to their culture to be part of something amazing. That’s because a strong culture fosters a positive work environment, where employees feel appreciated, recognized and free to be creative. The thing about positive work environments is that word of mouth is the greatest advertiser.

•

Delegate tasks, as needed.

•

Manage the budget.

•

Pizza lunch - Nothing brings people together like a yummy, FREE meal, and pizza makes it easy and fun.

• It allows people to get to know one another; we get stuck in our work and deadlines. We don’t always know who people are, we label them by job title, having the social aspect introduced gets us to connect; it’s about relationship building.

•

Volunteer together. Providing them with the gift of time might be the greatest gift of all.

Boosts work life balance, there’s certainly a lot more focus around quality of life.

Ready to start a social committee?

Company social committees give employees the opportunity to help build a more engaged internal ‘community’; encourage teams and departments to work together; give people opportunities to stretch their skills outside of their particular job role.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

•

human connections...

This is a fantastic opportunity to get your team together to talk about what matters to them in the workplace, and in the community. With a collectively defined mission statement and set of core values to guide your committee’s initiatives, your team will be empowered to grow, build and give back – representing your brand Doing at its best.

good feels good...

Ideas for events

Get everyone OUT of the office. It could be a trip to King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, a Gibraltar lower cave adventure, picnic in Building Commonwealth park, bird watching company in Alameda Gardens or helping with culture starts the animals in Alameda Wildlife with building Reserve.

From social media to casual conversations, if your company is a great place to work, your employees will share the news. Their enthusiasm will make your company desirable to prospective employees who are looking for more than a paycheck.

The benefits of social committees for employee retention •

•

Charitable events and campaigns, such as organizing fun runs and making a difference within your community challenges motivate positive action and allows people to build solid partnerships with co-workers and introduce FUN into the workplace. This in itself will help to reduce stress levels and increase productivity.

Your office social committee would:

•

Acknowledge birthdays. There are many ways to celebrate your employees’ birthdays, including a day off with pay, flowers, cake, a gift voucher, or a combination of all of the above.

•

Hold “offsite” meeting days. Sometimes the easiest way to re-energize and get people reinvested in the work they’re doing is to take them out of the office.

•

Kit out employees in company swag. Nothing makes an employee feel like part of the family than a piece of clothing with the company logo imprinted on the front.

• Meet monthly or every other month to plan future events and finalize up and coming ones. •

Get input from people throughout the company on what everyone wants to do.

• Join a local charity event – get people to cheer their colleagues on a physical challenge, enjoy the Med Step challenge or a Fun Run.

economy words | Riaan de Lange Economist, Author and Lecturer

ECONOMICS OF GAMES - beautiful and ugly ones

everything else is just a game.’ he ‘beautiful game’ the nickname with the advent of professional sport and of football was coined by a man cheating to have taken centre stage, with named Edson Arantes activities such as match fixing, In case you were wondering, a game is do Nascimento, better It is most many sports have been considered ‘a form of competitive known as Pelé. It is not import- important that tainted - the ‘ugly game’. activity or sport played according to ant to identify the most beaurules, or an activity that one engagyou have a tiful of games but it is most es in for amusement’. Whilst a sport game in which Sports Methodology important that you have a is defined as ‘a source of diversion, you participate and Terminology game in which you participate recreation; physical activity engaged socially. socially. You should, at least, in for pleasure’, or ‘an activity involving Isn’t it interesting that when have one that gets you away physical exertion and skill in which an inyou meet someone for the very from the front of the television, or from dividual or team competes against another first time and the discussion turns to prefbehind your desk, no matter how poor you erence of study that they tend to point out or others for entertainment.’ A case of are at it. It does not matter how tomato (təˈmeɪtəʊ) tomato (təˈmɑːtəʊ)? their struggle or despise of mathematics? poor you are, just as long as You decide. Could this be why soccer is so popyou are not a poor (sore) ular internationally? Just joking. More sports loser, and that you have people can The Economics of Sport fun doing it. But it is not only mathematics now afford Though we might hold different that might be challenging to to make their views on life, be it religion or It’s interesting that many a sports spectator, what chosen sport politics, one thing we would the origin of the word about the rules of the game, their primary agree upon is that sport is big fun is said to have been and the terminology that it derived in the 1400s business. Is there any sport employs? For instance, do you play career... from befool and the 1680s a game or a sport? Recently, I saw (game, if you prefer) that you can from ‘to cheat, trick, hoax’. Unfortunately, a bumper sticker - ‘Swimming is a sport, name that only has an amateur code - no 26

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economy professional code? A retired sports star recently, in his farewell speech to fans, said that he did it for ‘the love of the game’. Yeah, right. Spoken like a true multimillionaire sports star. [The word fan is said to be an abbreviation of fanatic.]

The World’s Highest Paid Sport Stars The world’s highest paid sports stars (athletes) in 2015 according to Forbes were: 1. Floyd Mayweather - U$300 million (boxing), 2. Manny Pacquiao - U$160 million (boxing),

Highlight Reel: To maintain a clear vision of what your goals are, spend 30 seconds visualizing what you want your life to look like five years from now. Include as many specific details as possible. To ensure that you are maintaining the integrity to put in the work toward that future self, spend 30 seconds mentally rehearsing the important parts of your upcoming day.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo - U$79.6 million (soccer), The rise of professional sport is said to be 4. Lionel Messi - U$73.8 million (soccer), attributable to a combination of developments, namely mass media and increased 5. Roger Federer - U$67 million (tennis), 4. Identity Statement: Repeat your Identity leisure. As a consequence, it brought larger 6. LeBron James - U$64.8 million (basketball), Statement to yourself. audiences, which resulted in more sports 7. Kevin Durant - U$54.2 million (basketball), 5. Centering Breath: Repeat your codes turning professional. More sports 8. Phil Mickelson - U$50.8 million (golf), Centering Breath. people can now afford to make their chosen sport their primary career and devote 9. Tiger Woods - U$50.6 million (golf), and the training time necessary to increase According to Dr. Selk, it will work for you if 10. Kobe Bryant - U$49.5 million (basketball). their skills and physical condiyou commit to making it part of The first two earned it for tion, in their quest to be‘I want to be your daily routine. their boxing match that come sport stars. Due to what my dog lasted a mere twelve sports people improving The Best Quotes thinks I am’. rounds or 48 mintheir proficiency, it inutes. Mayweather creased the popularity As you contemplate your Identity earned U$4,994,681 per of the various sports. Statement, I leave you with a final thought. minute, whilst Pacquiao Bigger and more Why is it that when sports stars experiU$3,329,787. These modern stadiums ence adversity, they are able to come up salaries have turned these had, and continue, with the best quotes, something which sports stars in near gods to be built and sports politicians are seemingly unable to do? in the eyes of their fans. It clubs (teams) continue to With the European Union and Europe for reminds me of the boy who hunger for the service of that matter, on a knife’s edge with the imwas asked what he wanted to be the best sports stars, so enter pending Brexit vote, would a classic quote one day, replied, ‘I want to be what the sports agents. Sports clubs, or two not find favour? Even singers my dog thinks I am’. If you have a have become multinational companies seem to have the lyrics - possible dog, you will understand. public companies - listed on international slogans - if only, ‘Should I Stay stock exchanges, with directors, chairmen, or Should I Go’, The Clash’s and boards. But fans seems not content 1981 song. The Mental Workout with merely watching the sport (the game), If you want to get your be it live or in the privacy of their homes, ‘The way a team plays as head in the game, well tend to also want to wager (bet) on the a whole determines its more than that actually, outcome of the games, enter sports success. You may have the in life, to be the betting. Some prefer to bet on greatest bunch of indibest that you can a sure thing - match fixing (the These viduals in the world, but if domain of the informal econosalaries have be, you need to they don’t play together, the my). Though ‘all’s fair in love and turned these invest a mere 100 club won’t be worth a dime.’ – war’, it’s not so in sport, cheating sport stars in seconds a day. It is Babe Ruth. said that, inborn talent is not acceptable or condoned. near gods... takes you only so far, you need ‘Success isn’t always about ‘greatness’. It’s mental toughness to truly succeed. about consistency. Consistent hard work The World’s Most Valuable Sports Teams The Mental Workout was developed by Dr. gains success. Greatness will come’. – Jason Selk, Enhanced Performance Inc., to According to Forbes magazine, in 2015, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. defeat the heavily favoured Detroit Tigers the world’s 50 most valuable sports teams in the 2006 Baseball World Series. were on average worth U$1.75 billion, up ‘Some people want it to happen, some wish 31% from 2014. Want to venture a guess it would happen, others make it happen.’ – 1. Centering Breath: To physiologically who the top 10 are, based on value? Michael Jordan. control your heart rate and combat the 1. Real Madrid FC - U$3.26 billion, physical symptoms of pressure, take a ‘The key is not the will to win. Everybody has 2. Dallas Cowboys - U$3.2 billion, 15-second Centering Breath (breathe in that. It is the will to prepare to win that is for 6 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and 3. New York Yankees - U$3.2 billion, important.’ – Bobby Knight. breathe out for 7 seconds). 4. Barcelona FC - U$3.16 billion, 5. Manchester United FC - U$3.1 billion, 6. Los Angeles Lakers - U$2.6 billion, 7. New England Patriots - U$2.6 billion, 8. New York Knicks - U$2.5 billion, 9. Los Angeles Dodgers - U$2.4 billion, & 10. Washington Redskins - U$2.4 billion.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Sport

‘You are meant to play the ball as it 2. Identity Statement: Create your is big lies, a fact that may help to touch on identity statement by putting togethbusiness. your own objective approach to life.’, er an I am statement that identifies Henry Grantland Rice, an early 20th one or two personal characteristics century American sportswriter, when refyou need to fulfill your goals with what erencing golf, which name is said to have you hope to achieve. been derived from Gentlemen Only, Ladies 3. 60-Second Vision and Integrity Forbidden.

economy

VALUE OF SPORT Uncovering the true economic impact

Looking at the pyramid of the ecoport is globally recognised as an im- A good example of the how the economic nomic value of sports, we can see that portant sector of economic activity, value of sports is evolving can be seen by part of the increasingly important looking at football in Gibraltar. The accepGovernments fund the top end of the leisure industry. When the phrase tance of the Gibraltar National Football sports market in order to ‘produce’ sporting excellence and international sporting ‘economics of sport’ is used, most people team into UEFA has created a whole new success. At the bottom end of the pyramid think of it as the analysis of the “economy” around it, with the we have recreational sport: people taking ‘sports business’, or the elite development of the domestic There is a sector of the sports market league into more commercialpart in sport for fun, for enjoyment or national demand that attracts massive amounts ly–driven clubs, with player maybe in order to get fit and healthy. This part is also subsidised by government, but of money through sponsorship, in every country acquisitions and transfers; the for international evolvement of GFA merchandise, predominantly through subsidies to sports payments for broadcasting sporting success. broadcasting rights, match ticket facilities in the community and in schools. rights, and paying spectators. Government subsidies at this level are Although money generated and travel packages to away through professional sport, international games, not to mention the additional hire much higher than those directed at the elite end of the sports market. sports competitions and the televising of of professional services this has brought major sports events is both substantial and about and new sports betting increasing, this is a relatively small part of opportunities this has created. In addition, the contribution Governments the total sports market. While this elite All this without even bringing of the voluntary sector to fund the top end end of the sports market appears to be into account the economic acsport is massive, but the most of the sports essentially commercial, it is also subsidised tivity surrounding the proposed important resource is the time market in order to that volunteers contribute to by government. The reason is that every development of a National ‘produce’ sporting sport without payment and country wishes to see its own sportsmen Stadium – a development which excellence... and sportswomen as international chamhas the potential of making it is not an easy task putting pions. There is a national demand in every sports a significant sector of the a monetary valuation on this country for international sporting success. economy. labour time input.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

economy Source: Chris Gratton, Sport in Society, 1: 1, p.101 — 117

PAYING SPECTATORS

TV RIGHTS ELITE SPORT

SPONSORSHIP

GOVERNMENT

GOVERNMENT (facilities)

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

VOLUNTARY SECTOR (time/organisation)

MASS PARTICIPATION SPORT

TRAVEL

Although government and the voluntary sector support the recreational end of the sport market, there are substantial monetary flows from sports participants to the commercial sector through their expenditures on sports equipment, sports clothes and sports shoes. These same participants also contribute to government revenue in the form of taxation on sport-related expenditures and incomes. In fact, in Britain, the amount that sports people give back to the government in taxation through sport participation is greater than the amount of government subsidies to sport. Sport gives more back to government than government gives to sport.

GOVERNMENT (taxation)

The key wider benefits are:

SPORTS CLOTHING

SPORT SHOES

Community Development: The use of sport-related projects to stimulate regeneration and community development. Sports bring together people from different cultures, religions and backgrounds, thereby increasing social cohesion and strengthening community relations.

Reduced public healthcare costs: The benefit to individuals from improved health (both physical and mental) and, as a result of a healthier population, reduced costs to the public healthcare service. Indeed, research in the UK has Voluntary organisations: Voluntary shown that the annual value Sport gives work contributes to the wider charof health benefits generated more back to by participation in sport government than itable objectives of sports organisations, the volunteers themselves are estimated to be £1.7 government billion in terms of savings in derive a range of benefits from gives to sport. healthcare costs and £11.2 the experience and satisfaction of volunteering. billion in total economic value in 2011-2012. Overall, both in terms of economic impact The contribution The economic impact of sport Improved educational attainand broader economic value, it is evident of the voluntary is usually measured in terms that sport and sport-related activities ment: Participation in sport can sector to sport is of spending economic activity make a very substantial contribution to the increase students’ motivation, massive... or Gross Value Added and economy and to the welfare of individuals improve their social relations with employment. However, these and society. Its wider economic benefits peers and persons in authority measures only capture part of its economic and can impact positively on self-discipline, mean that it is a key part of society, which value. Sport has a range of wider benefits time management and self esteem. results in huge benefits to individuals and to individuals and to society as a whole. communities. Prioritising investments Both consumption of and participation in in sports is therefore something both Lower crime: Studies have found that parsport can result in significant Government and the private sector should ticipation in sport can contribute towards wider impacts. be addressing. reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly amongst young people. Participation in sports is likely to keep people away from the streets and channels their energy in positive ways.

Eran Shay is Managing Director & Ayelet Mamo Shay is Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. Tel: (+350) 20073669 Email: general@benefitgibraltar.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

business words | David Mann

HOME OFFICE Survival Guide

ronment but don’t be fooled, surviving in a ith the global economy ever my family is personally very rewarding moving, more and more and probably also the main reason people home/office environment is tougher than of us are having to adapt would choose to follow this career path. you think. Here are my tips for a successful how we work and engage Also, if you, like me, don’t fit well into future working from home. in the workplace. Gone are the days of routines, deadlines and formal structures, a Dockyard apprenticeship and jobs for home working gives you the flexibility to Discipline life. Gibraltar’s workforce is changing at arrange your day around what suits you the same pace as economic best. Yes, that also means being Much as it appeals that you can choose development, away from deskable to visit the doctor or even do what time you wake up at and start to Why would you bound employment to short the weekly shop when most other work, it would be too tempting to slack want to work term contracts, consultancy and people are in their office, and you off, a little bit more each day, until before from home? project-led assignments. don’t have to ask anyone other you know it, you are crawling off the bed than yourself if it’s OK at 11am. to do so. A huge productivity Even if your time away from an office is Home working enhancer by itself, do you know not a voluntary one, why would you want To avoid this, set your alarm gives you the how quick and easy it is to do to work from home? Mention “working at a reasonable start of the flexibility to the Morrisons weekly shop from home” to most people and they think day (choose what best suits arrange your day your body clock) but stick to it. at 10am on a weekday when that you are playing video games, drinking, around what there is no one around and the waking up at whatever time you want and Whether you are a morning or suits you best. shelves are fully stocked? doing very little work. That is seldom the afternoon person, fix your start reality. and end times and make that Technology and the internet in particular, your working day as if you had to account are leading in this ability to cut the ties Home working has many advantages; for your time in an office. and shackles of an office desk to a more better family life is probably top of my list. adaptive and flexible employment enviBeing able to spend much more time with It would also be tempting to do your work 30

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

business

in your PJs (unless you have to make a that your work will only happen on a Skype video call of course). Don’t! You may particular computer or room in your office, not have to dress up in suit and tie but outside of that, it is life as normal. instil upon yourself a sense of purpose to the day. Taking care Taking care Social of how you work will reflect in of how you your end product. Slack dressMy biggest change since I took up work will ing will result in poor output, reflect in your a home-office environment is the trust me. lack of social interaction with other end product. human beings. An office, for all of Also, there are a lot of disits distractions of meetings, phone tractions at home; children, phone calls, calls and coffee breaks, does bring you into neighbours, deliveries, TV, music. If you contact with human beings. Having the need music to concentrate, then make four walls of your house as a companion your pick on and get on with work. Don’t is very lonely. My coping mechanism is to be constantly looking for new playlists, the have breakfast everyday at a cafeteria with latest tracks, etc. Whatever you do, do not some friends. By 9:30 I am at my desk, start watching daytime TV, there is nothing ready for my work day having at least had on. This also goes for binge watching the some human contact. Arrange to meet latest Netflix series. with friends or ex-colleagues for lunch, coffee or drinks after work every now and again. It will Work-life balance Do not make you feel human. starting Too much of a good thing is bad. If you are watching a workaholic then working from home will Lay off Facebook, Twitter have a definite disadvantage; you won’t and all the other social me- daytime be able to switch off. You will work late, dia sites unless that is your TV, there is weekends, you won’t tell your work-life method of interacting with nothing on. apart from your other life. Set boundaries clients. Otherwise, posting for what you are prepared to do, when and and commenting on these where. Whether this be only doing your during your “work time” will only reinforce work between given times or if it means people’s opinion of you as a slacker. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Technology If it were not for technology, working from home would be impossible for me. But the wrong choices can also hinder you. Set aside a separate workstation for your work life, be it a laptop or tablet. Don’t put apps and programs on this that are not work related. Ensure you have a secure back-up plan for your work related files. Test it! Both Apple and Microsoft each have their advantages. My preference is for Microsoft products as nothing competes with Word and PowerPoint, that leads me to Windows operating system for my desktop, laptop, tablet AND phone. All of these synced up to the OneDrive cloud service. The Apple alternative also works quite well, I am told. My default position is that I should be able to do my work at home as I can in the carpark, therefore the cross availability of my files on all devices is essential to me thereby eliminating Android as an alternative and iOS with its cut down operating system not up to the task. I’ve long thrown away an iPad in favour of Microsoft’s excellent Surface Pro 4 tablet. My must have’s for a successful technology platform to support my work are as 31

business Sometimes, I may carry a small compact camera with me but as camera phones improve, I now find that I am relying more and more on the phone to record my business trips, saves having to carry yet another charger/cable connection. Reliable internet connection both at home and on the mobile phone is essential. I’m looking forward to the new 4G service in Gibraltar and hoping that coverage and speeds will be better than the patchy 3G coverage of the past. Yet, my most valuable pieces of equipment that I will carry everywhere are a Moleskin notebook and a Montblanc fountain pen. There is no substitute for ink and paper to organise your thoughts. Expectations Whether you are on a fixed contract terms, follows; large screen monitor connected MS Office rather than the web-enabled hourly charge or other arrangement, just to my Windows PC, this allows me to have versions. My must have apps/web-sites because you are working from home does multiple documents on screen that support me are: TripIt.com to not entitle you to any special privileges. at the same time. Then, I will plan and organise my business trips. Too much You have deadlines to meet, and client usually have a laptop next to me Email them your confirmations from expectations to manage. You have no speof a good to bring up research pages if my your airline, hotel, transportation or cial excuses to offer. What is expected of thing is bad. restaurant and an easily readable screen real estate can’t cope. To you in an office is probably harder to meet deliver client presentations, it is itinerary is created for you without working from home as people are assumgoing to have to be the Surface Pro. A full you having to do any work. OneNote to ing you’re living the life at home so you Windows 10 operating system with the scribble some notes on the go. Skype to have to work double hard to prove convenience of a tablet format but with an keep in contact with clients and that this is not the case. attachable keyboard, USB connection and home without it costing you a Having the display output to connect to the projecbomb. Microsoft’s translator is four walls tors/HD screens. My Microsoft branded a must for foreign travel, point Conclusions of your smart phone comes with Windows 10 and the phone camera to a menu house as a Working from home has enabled me the full MS Office suite of programs so at a and you will not end up ordering companion is to deliver better researched, higher push (eyesight permitting) I can edit a docsome strange dish! As the lanquality output to my work as I am ument or presentation on the go as all the guage packs are available offline, very lonely. free from those countless, often files are living in the Cloud via OneDrive, you don’t end up paying huge pointless, meetings that so often accompaan edit on the phone is seen on the tablet data roaming costs. Same for Microsoft nies an office structure, replying to emails or PC. If all else fails, it’s all available on the Maps with offline maps. The best feature about anything and everything and those hard disk offline, just in case. has to be transit maps where you can easannoying internal phone calls. However, do ily find out what buses, trams or walking not underestimate the value of that human combinations can get you from A to B in I am not an app person, I am still very contact nor the discipline that is required a city without fear of getting lost, even if much tied to the full program version of to undertake your work. you’ve never visited the place before. software so I would rather use the full

Pick up the first copy of next month’s edition of The Gibraltar Magazine free with your smoothie at: 32

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

property

SAVING SPACE by working from home

taxes, healthy pensions etc. Growth means n respect of my own business, we more homes for employees (without a new have tried for some two years now to supply, property costs will continue to find larger premises for Chesterton in increase making Gibraltar uncompetitive Ocean Village. Admitting failure, we with Malta and other competitor jurisdichave decided to stay put, refurbish and move to flexible working patterns for some tions) and more quality commercial space (World Trade Centre and Midtown now staff. For us, this means encouraging a deunder construction will absorb the pent up gree of home working in order to accomdemand for grade A offices). modate our increasing number of personnel in a very limited office space. However, before we build on the It’s a model increasingly common Growth means in the UK and it made me think more homes for last few square inches of space, about the benefit to Gibraltar if employees and perhaps we should also be more efficient with the property stock flexible working patterns were more quality we have. It is apparent that encouraged here as well. commercial leaving homes empty during the space... working day and workplaces Every time a new development empty during the night and at is submitted to the Development the weekend is an inefficient use of a and Planning Commission, there’s an scarce resource – real estate space. eruption of negative views in respect of new buildings whether residential or commercial. The policy of both political Technology parties, and the vast majority of the electorate, is to continue growing the econBroadband providers are investing vast omy as it is economic growth that pays sums to deliver superfast fibre broadband for Commonwealth Parks, free buses, low to the whole of Gibraltar and there is good GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

competition amongst the main providers ensuring affordability. These new speeds will enable employees to connect as fast at home as they do at work. Software such as Dropbox and the Cloud render the traditional requirement of a workplace server with a hard wired connection unnecessary. These technological advances in recent years are both a driver and facilitator of flexible working. Flexible working gives employees flexibility on how long, where and when they work.

Perhaps we should also be more efficient with the property stock we have.

Working from home is encouraged in the UK. The Home Business Guide issued by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills states “Can your home accommodate the business without disrupting family life and neighbourly relationships? Do you have space, perhaps an attic, spare room or garden shed, or even part of an 33

property

ing’. BT has found that its home-based call centre operators are able to handle 20% more calls per day than their office-based colleagues, thereby achieving a 20% productivity improvement due to this type of flexible working. (Source: The producworking gives tive value of the untapped workforce: A study into the potential economic impacts employees of a flexible working culture. Undertaken flexibility on in 2014 by the UK Centre for Economics how long, and Business Research)

active living space which could be utilised for business purposes? If your house is pretty much going to remain a house, with your business quietly accommodated within it, then planning permission shouldn’t be required.” Flexible We do not have such encouragement in Gibraltar to use our homes as our offices. Yet, the beneficial evidence is compelling. Higher productivity

where and when they work.

British Telecom (BT), for example, regularly reviews the results of its BT Workstyle Project, the company’s own set of flexible working practices. This encompasses a holistic view of flexibility, including measures such as working from home and ‘hot-desk-

Cost savings Additionally, BT found that its requirement for office space had been reduced by almost 40% during the BT Workstyle Project, through the freeing up of desk space. Using its own real estate costings, they estimate that this translates into savings of over £496 million per annum.

now considered ‘Frontier Workers’, commuting across the frontier to reach their Gibraltar workplace. Furthermore, utility costs, tea and coffee, cleaning and other sundry costs are effectively shifted from employer to employee albeit, there is likely to be less overall usage as home costs are shared or already being incurred by other family members. Staff retention and staff absenteeism Colds and food poisoning make going into the office miserable, but working from home, perhaps, not so bad. Employees who are mildly sick can still get work done most of the time if it means not having to go into the office. And another bonus of home working, there’s no sharing of illnesses!

There are other cost savings Do you have The literature suggests that flexible of course. Commuting costs working leads to more motivata space (time as well as transport costs) which could ed and job-satisfied employees. are eradicated by replacing a Remote working allows employees to be utilised commute with a 30 second manage their childcare or eldercare for business responsibilities, and attend health walk from the bedroom to the purposes? home desk. Commuting costs and other routine appointments may not be high within Gibraltar without losing an entire day of work, (although having less cars on our roads thereby reducing absenteeism. Moreover, would be appreciated however marginal), working remotely allows those recovering yet recent Government figures show that from illness, or new mothers, to return to a new high of over 12,000 personnel are work more quickly by working from home, 34

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

property thus improving staff retention. This higher retention translates into cost savings, through lower induction and recruitment costs. After the introduction of the BT Workstyle Project, the absentee rate among BT’s flexible workers fell by 63%. The economically inactive Those citizens of Gibraltar who are currently unemployed or economically inactive (stay at home parents, newly retired etc) might consider joining the labour force if a suitable employment opportunity with flexible working practices was available. There’s a talent pool out there willing to pay taxes – must be worth tapping into? Fair Trading Act 2015 (“FTA”) I am a fervent supporter of (indeed, contributor to) the Estate Agent’s Code of Conduct which is within the remit of the new Office of Fair Trading in Gibraltar under the FTA.

Businesses that do not need Space efficient We may find premises from which to opThe benefits of flexible working that we need erate may apply for a waiver are potentially wide-ranging, from less new from the requirement of increasing productivity to reducing construction if having a premises. However, real estate costs, whilst improving even where a waiver is granted we use existing staff motivation and retention. I However, the Act (subsection 60(2)) may by the licensing authority, the building space believe that the Gibraltar admininadvertently be inhibiting entrepreneurs business shall nevertheless more efficiently. istrative infrastructure should enfrom running or establishing new start-ups be required to abide by the courage home working in the same from home. The FTA requires that all busirequirements of subsection 60 manner as it is encouraged in the UK. We nesses in Gibraltar carry on their business (8) in respect of the restrictions from carrymay find that we need less new construcfrom premises which are “appropriate ing on business from residential premises. tion if we use existing building space more for the intended use of the business”. efficiently. Subsection 60(8) of the FTA stipulates Such restrictions, in my view, contribute to that “a licence shall not be granted to any leaving homes empty during the working premises which are residential Government day and workplaces empty during the night premises, nor to any non-Governmental and at the weekend. The scarce resource premises under which the of work and residential space should terms of the title deeds to Flexible working be merged in many respects. Indeed, Mike Nicholls such premises restrict comis Managing Director leads to more from a wider real estate perspective, mercial activities to be carof Chesterton Gibraltar mechanisms are needed to bring motivated and ried on from such premises” all of Gibraltar’s empty buildings, job-satisfied (which most likely covers the Tel: +350 200 67434 residential and commercial, back into employees. vast majority of residential Email: mike.nicholls@ economic use. properties in Gibraltar). chesterton.gi

Professional Property Management GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Tel: +350 200 40041 enquiries@chesterton.gi chesterton.gi 20 Ocean Village Promenade

lifestyle

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle photos | DM Parody www.dotcom.gi/photos

FEMALE BODYBUILDING Strength, perseverance and femininity

of knowledge about the benefits of lifting. common theme here is strength, Rousey, Holly Holm and Miescha Tate are dedication and a penchant for as popular as their male counterparts, and A lot of people think that if they want to personal perseverance. Rachel, cause just as much of a stir in the media. lose pounds they shouldn’t be lifting heavy Natasha, Elka and Michelle are Designer underwear giant Calvin Klein weights, and that’s just not true! In fact, strength training increases metabolism female bodybuilders, and thereunveiled a fresh new campaign for even more than cardio workouts and the fore thrive over being pulled out The sport spring 2016 following the mantra of their comfort zone. The sport ‘Strong is Sexy’, with Kendall Jenner more muscle mass you have, the more has moved has moved significantly out of as the female face of the line. calories you burn at rest which leads to significantly the realm of ‘male only’. As with fat loss and an increased potential for out of the overall weight loss.’ In an interview from many other new wave trends Stigma realm of the 70s with late American Television show I’ve previously commented on, ‘male only’. host, Johnny Carson, former Mr. Olympia, weight lifting amongst females Personal trainer Rachel Bossano has soured in popularity through Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed the of RB Fitness and staunch vegan the power of social media. Instagram is matter. He explained that women carry Natasha States are adamant that the stig25% more fat cells and 25% less awash with #girlswholift and #fitfam posts, ma behind weight training befuelling the fixation. Lest we forget the rise ing a men’s activity is getting The problem is muscle cells than men, which he said led to weight training firming up of the She Squats Facebook page and the lost. Keen lifter Elka Hanglin a simple lack the muscles that lie under a layer of sensational take over of internet fitness faagrees, ‘now more women are of knowledge natic and ‘social media star’ Jen Selter, who slowly turning to weight lifting fat. ‘There is a stigma that it’s very about the manly,’ Rachel adds, ‘you don’t get brought the world to a standstill with envy as a form of exercise.’ Michelle benefits of manly, you achieve really nice curves of the world, and well sought after backOlivera, of M.O. Training lifting... on your body, you have a very nice side. Formerly public figures like Arnold quickly dismisses the very tone that you’ll never get by doing Schwarzenegger topped the bill as the common misconception that world’s most elite and admired bodybuildcardio only.’ ‘There seems to be more of an lifting weights makes women ‘bulky’. She emphasis towards fit and athletic bodies ers, today female UFC athletes like Ronda claims that the problem is ‘a simple lack GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle you learn a lot of about yourself, like how at you, you have to just think “you know than skinny physiques. It’s gone out of to handle things. You learn through the fashion now and I think it’s more acceptwhat, you can look”. It’s nice to see that process.’ Competition prep is a truly taxing women are taking a step forward and just able for women to be in the gym,’ Natasha time, Rachel tells me that most women notes, ‘a lot of the time the women tend to going for it. Men do like it, but they also have a reservation towards it,’ Rachel lose their periods when dropping to such look bigger than they are because low body mass. In an effort to look as alludes. they’re ripped, but we’re really Strength lean and muscular as possible, workout not that big, Rachel’s really ripped training intensity increases, whilst towards the end but she’s still a little woman.’ The increases Competing of prep, calorie intake decreases. ‘Fitness responses they receive from men metabolism and nutrition go hand in hand. It’s someon their physiques are varied, In the midst of working as a even more thing you need to control to be able to ‘you either hear “wow that’s freelance PT, Rachel made the than cardio decision to compete professionally stand up on stage. It’s probably the hardest incredible, you look amazing” or workouts... in Gibraltar’s second ever female part. Training was also hard though; I had “you look like a bloke”, but really, the beauty is in the eye of the figure contest, the 2014 ‘Mr. Natural my coach, she’s a WBFF pro, for twelve weeks. If the best coaches in the world beholder, some women don’t like muscly Gibraltar Bodybuilding and Miss Figure have their own trainers, then why don’t I men. People don’t really see bodybuilding Championships.’ This was the second have one? She gave me a structured trainas a sport, they just think it’s about paradcompetition of its kind; following a drug ing and nutrition plan. Every week ing around in your underwear and showing free mantra. Competing against my exercises changed, dependoff your muscles.’ Michelle agrees that Rachel was the now forty-seven “Competition ing on how I felt. For the last six she’s always received a positive reaction year old Natasha, who came in mode is not weeks, it changed again, until peak from her male counterparts; in fact, she second to Rachel’s first place. sustainable all week. As you go into it further made many a lifelong male friend through In 2015, Rachel put herself year round.” you have less energy. It gets very competing and training as a personal forward for the World Beauty hard.’ Rachel competed in the Diva trainer. ‘Non-bodybuilding guys can be Fitness and Fashion competition Fitness category of the WBFF, competitors intimidated sometimes. I had to earn my in London. ‘Ultimately, I want to achieve in this category were judged on their sense place and respect. When you’re in the gym recognition. Through the grueling twelve of style, poise, overall beauty and stage for the first few times and the men look to sixteen weeks of competition prep Michelle Olivera

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle presence and their fit and toned physique. The category follows a similar theme to the annual Victoria’s Secret show. Contestants were urged to flaunt their femininity; ironically, a trait that many people assume is lost in female bodybuilders. Her diet was incredibly strict, with all food weighed and macros strictly met. Tracking macronutrients is the process of measuring the proteins, “You may carbohydrates and fats look your best in all meals, in order to but you are perform optimally.

actually at

your worst.” Similarly, Michelle Olivera competed at the WBFF Pro Am in London in 2014, but in the Diva Bikini category, under which contestants are evaluated on overall beauty and body shape and tone. Reflecting on the experience, she claims ‘it was never about placing or winning anything, but for the higher purpose of self-growth, self-achievement and self worth. ‘It was also about proving to myself I could do anything I set my mind to regardless of my circumstances!’ Her biggest challenge during comp prep was juggling single motherhood. ‘Also, the strict nutrition plan; having to weigh and time my food in addition to the amount of calories I had to eat daily was very tough. Even though I sport a petite frame, those who know me well know I love to eat and have a huge appetite, but over 3000 calories daily and with a food intolerance was not easy.’ Both women discuss the discipline behind social time during comp prep, explaining that they avoided alcohol entirely, and eating out became a challenge with having to ensure macros were met. ‘People need to know that compeRachel Bossano

Elka Hanglin

the Saturday after my competition and for tition mode is not sustainable all year round. You may look your best but you are most of the week after. I felt awful for it actually at your worst. You put your body later both physically and mentally and it and mind under enormous pressure and took me a while to get back into a healthy, stress, which is certainly not normal routine. I then went back to my 80/20 healthy lifestyle where I healthy,’ Michelle adds, ‘the “Fitness and journey was an experience of didn’t have to weigh all my food, eat nutrition go a lifetime and not only did it at certain times, or feel restricted all hand in hand.” the time.’ educate me further in fitness and nutrition, it taught me a lot about myself and what I Natasha reflects back on the Miss Figure am capable of, no matter what life throws 2014 competition with immense pride, at me.’ Michelle dismisses the suggestion ‘what attracted me to join in the competithat she may compete again, commenting tion was that it was in its second year and on how difficult it was for her to find her there was more interest. I wanted to get feet after powering through such a strict out there. I can’t stand getting up in front regime. ‘I felt a little lost, weird even. I ate of people and doing presentations. It was ‘junk’ food like there was no tomorrow on a huge personal challenge and it was for GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle add more fats to my meals either through nuts or avocados.’ Throughout the prep, Natasha sought out a nutrition plan from a Dietician in Canada. ‘Being vegan, I’ve got more energy, I don’t ever get that dense, full feeling even though I can have stuffed my face with food. My digestion process is a lot quicker.’ She also claims that since adapting to this lifestyle, “My training she is less sore after training.

is completely different from my clients’.”

The nitty-gritty

The ladies have followed distinctly different and personal paths to reach their goals. Delving into how they first tried their hand at bodybuilding, the three all agree that they enjoyed an active lifestyle before they began to take the sport seriously. Natasha

charity as well, which gave “If you’ve got me a different focus.’ The a goal, it’s in universe of bodybuilding your hands...” competitions is a vast one. Hundreds of them pop up around the globe each year, with thousands of contestants pushing their personal abilities to stand out from the crowd. ‘You’ve got natural bodybuilding, which is all drugs tested, and you’ve got ones that aren’t drugs tested. Categories are sometimes split by age or size and weight. You can get different cards to be able to compete professionally, but then you need to have competed a certain number of times before being considered. In Miss Figure, we carried out the standard poses and then we did a routine on our own, which I was absolutely dreading. It involved a choreography put together through music and different poses.’ Natasha has been involved in weight training for fifteen years, so she was no stranger to the intensity of the training. Where she differs most from the other women is her diet. Having been a vegan for two and a half years now, her competition prep included vast quantities of vegetables and the occasional carb heavy meal of quinoa. Towards the end of the eleven and a half week preparation, she was drinking up to eight litres of water a day. ’The day before the “As you go competition I stopped drinking. You massively into it further dehydrate yourself, which you have isn’t the healthiest thing less energy. to do but it’s part of the It gets very process. I wanted to prachard.” tice that discipline. I found being vegan a lot easier because I could eat more, and I didn’t feel hungry a lot because most of my nutrition was from vegetables. You’re not getting the fat from the meat so you’re not getting those extra calories. I had to deliberately 40

Rachel Bossano

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle admits to having played tennis and racket ball. ‘When I was at boarding school, I won the overall sports cup when I was thirteen. I had a friend who used to wrestle for Great Britain and I thought her physique was really good. You look around and you see a lot of skinny girls, who are not necessarily healthy. You can have low body fat and still be really fit and healthy and so I wanted to learn more about that. I then re-trained as a personal trainer in the UK in 2003.’ In the run up to her fortieth birthday, Natasha made the conscious decision to get herself in the best shape of her life. Five years later, she found the confidence to compete. Currently living on a ranch in Jimena, much of her time revolves around actively caring for her horses, dogs and cats and consistently maintaining the chaos that surrounds keeping animals. ‘I’m massively independent; I don’t want to have to ask someone to do something for me so I learn how to do it myself. I’ve got my own chainsaw to chop trees, I know how to change a car wheel.’ Her pursuit is a testament to other grandmothers, proving that it is possible to achieve these feats at her age, whilst juggling a full time job and hectic home life. As with all bodybuilders, Natasha’s physique and training intensity yo yos, ‘I can grow muscle quite quickly, but that’s because I’ve always done sports, so I’ve got the muscle memory.’ She reached an incredible almost 7-8% body fat percentage following her competition prep.

Contestants were urged to flaunt their femininity...

Clearly, with all four women having trained as personal trainers, the sport embodies more of a passion and a lifestyle, over a

“I used to be a cardio bunny and always looked the same!”

Michelle Olivera

Elka Hanglin

superficial desire to look good. ‘It makes here, my training is completely different you feel good, as women we are especially from my clients’. You have to ensure you’re run by hormones. What keeps me going is not biased with your work. You have to getting stronger and stronger. I’d rather do step out of the bodybuilding world.’ She this for strength attributes both physically takes her training seriously. During her and mentally. I’ve always loved training; peak, ahead of the WBFF competition, you have to be consistent with it.’ Rachel Rachel reached a body fat percentage of left her job with the military around 11%. ‘It was more about how police during her mid twenties I looked,’ she asserts, ’my veins used She reached to pop out quite a bit, I was quite to pursue a career in fitness, an incredible lean.’ Michelle’s background is in an industry she truly loves. almost 7-8% dance, having represented Gibraltar ‘I studied sports science and management in Nottingham on the world’s stage on a number body fat Trent and after that I decided of occasions. In 2013, she pledged percentage to do my PT course because I following her to embark on a new fitness venture, really enjoyed the interaction tackling crossfit, calisthenics, weight competition with people and changing lives, and resistance training. ‘Through prep. increasing clients’ activity levels my training, I managed to overcome and thus their quality of life.’ obstacles and become stronger, not Her work and her personal training quest only physically but most importantly menare two entirely separate worlds though. tally. This, in turn, made all facets of my ‘Bodybuilding is not so much for women life better. It led me to want to inspire and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle I don’t want to obsess over food and not have a social life.’ Her mantra is to allow for lenience in nutrition. ‘I strive to eat as healthily as I can whilst still enjoying every single bite of food. I do always make sure I take in enough protein. Aside from this, I don’t weigh my food and I certainly don’t count calories. For my personality type, it’s something I couldn’t do because I know I will obsess over it. People over complicate things. There is so much false advertising surrounding the bodybuilding world.’

“Being vegan, I’ve got more energy, I don’t ever get that dense, full feelin...”

Words of wisdom Undoubtedly, these four stories are hugely encouraging and provoke exhilarating thoughts of venturing into the free weights area of the gym to embark on a similar journey for strength and balance in many of the women reading this, but the realistic drawbacks are perhaps less encouraging. Do I really have the time to give this the dedication it needs? Can I get past the daunting concept of awkward rookie mistakes in a testosterone driven, self-aggrandising atmosphere? The consensus between the women is that newbies should consider either taking on a personal trainer to start off, or joining resistance/ strength training orientated classes. ‘Remember, strength training can include anything from weights, kettle bells, exercise balls, resistance bands and your own bodyweight,’ Michelle insists. ‘From day one you’re a body builder because you’re building your body,’ Natasha adds. ‘Gym etiquette is Natasha States

Natasha States

motivate other single mothers, mothers and women in general.’ She graduated as a PT through the European Personal Training Institute and now heads her own mobile PT practice, with the ambition to help Natasha States

others achieve their similar goals and educate on nutrition and improving quality of life through realistic and sustainable ways.

“I’ve got my own chainsaw to chop trees, I know how to change a car wheel.”

Self professed foodie and part time fitness trainer Elka Hanglin says her love for fitness stems from a very young age. ‘Weight training became a part of my life about eight years ago when I was introduced to it by a PT. Like many women, I used to be a cardio bunny and always looked the same! It was not until I started weight training and saw changes in my body that I started to enjoy it. Three things keep me going, knowing that adding exercise to my daily life is increasing my longevity, the fact that training makes me feel confident in all areas of life, and in order to be a good role model for my clients.’ Elka has no desire to compete ‘for the simple fact that GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

lifestyle technique is essential. ‘You might learn weight training techniques by watching friends or others in the gym, but sometimes what you see isn’t safe. Incorrect weight training technique can lead to sprains, strains, fractures and other painful injuries that may hamper your weight training efforts,’ Michelle eludes. As the shutter of the camera ticks away rapidly throughout the shoot accompanying this feature, Rachel, Michelle, Elka, Natasha and Muscle Bakery mastermind Elke Hurtado exude confidence, donning gym attire that clings delicately to all their hard earned curves. I’m both envious and proud. Strength in all capacities shines through. Female bodybuilders are really proving themselves to be a very welcome new breed of fierce women that needs to start popping up more frequently in society. Many thanks to LVK Studio at City Mill Lane for the use of the Gym and to David Parody for the striking photo shoot.

“Gym etiquette is important, put your weights away.”

Elke Hurtado Elke Hurtado

If you’re not comfortable with being in the important, put your weights away. We’ve gym, you can work out at home. You all got different pressures in our really don’t need much; you can start lives, you have to be able to fit “It led me off with your body weight. If you’ve this in. Rachel’s top tip is to not to want to got a goal, it’s in your hands at the get disheartened. ‘If you go to inspire and end of the day, go for it. You won’t be a gym, don’t let anybody make motivate discontent with the way you look, you you think that you’re not worth other single just have to be consistent.’ being there, because you are. Try and use a programme at the mothers...” very least, to get through the ‘It takes four weeks for you to notice motions of learning the basics. your body changing, eight weeks for your friends to notice and twelve weeks for the Rachel Bossano rest of the world to notice. So, don’t give up, focus on you and don’t compare yourself to anyone. Allow your exercise plan or routine to progress by slowly introducing new exercises so as not to get bored, and to stimulate muscle fibres and ensure you are working to your full potential,’ Michelle concludes. On the often confusing and complex field of supplements and performance enhancers, Natasha is a staunch believer in not substituting vitamins, minerals and protein that can be consumed through a wholesome diet. Michelle and Rachel agree, although Michelle admits ‘whey protein is a great supplement as it contains a number of vitamins and minerals not available in every day meals. It can improve performance and lean muscle gain and supplies the body with a high amount of protein as well as high concentrations of calcium, magnesium and other minerals which are easily digested and nutrients that are rapidly absorbed in liquid form.’ They are all adamant that proper form and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

martial arts words | Frankie Hatton

SHOTOKAN DOJO Karate in Gibraltar

Higgins, Mick Dewey, Bob Poynton, Bob from some early source in China. Gichen Rhodes and Steve Cattle. Funakoshi developed the style called shotokan and first demonstrated it in Tokyo in 1922. So successful was his demonI began training in 1982, took a seven year stration, he was asked to teach it in the gap then began in earnest with SEKU in university and from there, one of the most 1991. GibShot first started in 2009 using widely practised martial arts was born. the gym at DTC. Often, I would also teach By the 60’s, karate was being practised in a small room where I live until I got more in the UK under the watchful eye of than four students and space became an Keinosuke Enoeda (The Tiger), one of a issue. I’ve used various venues where I band of what are now known as the first can and currently our dojo is at Governor’s can hurt... generation of instructors to Meadow School. take karate beyond Japan. The Gibraltar Shotokan Karate It is learning By the mid 80’s, British karate Union, or GibShot in short, is relatively new Gibshot is affiliated to the Shotokan to fight so had several world champions to the Rock. There had been a shotokan of England Karate Union (SEKU) you don’t dojo previously but when I arrived in 2002, at different weights and were which I was able to join through my need to fight. own instructor who is Chairman I wasn’t aware of any. The words ‘shotokan arguably the best in the world. Enoeda began teaching first dojo’ mean pine waves house training hall. & Chief Instructor to SEKU Mick in Liverpool then in Blackfriars in London Pine Waves was Funakoshi’s pen name. Dewey 8th dan. Sensei Dewey regularly near the bridge across the Thames. His Shoto means ‘pine waves’ kan means comes to Gibraltar to ‘grade’ my students. students from that time read like a Who’s ‘house’, dojo is ‘training hall’. I have trained with Sensei Dewey for 25 who of karate fame Andy Sherry, Terry years now as well as other notables includO’Neill, Frank Brennan, Dave Hazard. All of ing Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda whose dojo Shotokan itself had its beginnings in whom became the backbone of the British in Marshall Street I joined in 1998 when I Okinawa, Japan. Karate as a fighting art, and All Stars karate squads along with Billy worked in central London. like most of them, began out of necessity ibraltar has a long history of war and knows a thing or two about conflict. That history, or Art of War is not lost on some as the martial arts from around the world find a home here. From Jujitsu to Judo, Iaido (pronounced ‘yaido’),Tai Kwan Do, Shotokai karate, Tai Chi, Injuries do Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and occur and my own particular favourite, training Shotokan karate.

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martial arts Mick Dewey, Frankie Hatton & Dave Hazard

believing, like at a school exam, they have passed and are now proficient. Alas it is, or can be a lifelong journey, as my certificates say “Great progress has been made thus far and we expect more study and practise for further development”. ‘Kumite’ can be rewarding and fun as well as dangerous, to this end SEKU hold two competitions per year in Portsmouth which we attend and we have had some minor success in the past gaining several trophies. Ultimately, for my students here, I want them to be confident in what they learn and to perhaps one day compete on an international stage where the rewards are meagre but the honour is incredible.

So, the Gibshot dojo has incredible pedto Gibraltar for a two day course. Dave igree, I myself being taught by both first Hazard founded the Academy of Shotokan generation Japanese and first generation Karate in 2003 after being with SEKU for British, through them in direct 19 years. It follows Dave’s philosophy line to Funakoshi himself the and personal ideas for development apIt does not man who started it all. My proved by his instructor Sensei Enoeda, matter how dojo teaches traditional karate, not long before he died in 2003. old or how I expect students to train hard fit you feel. Shotokan has three parts to its training: and with discipline. They will also be expected to enter competitions from time to time and I hope Kihon - basics which is where the simple to one day get some of them into internapunches, blocks, kicks and stances are tional competition, like I did, except better. taught. Injuries do occur and training can hurt especially if incorrect technique is applied Kata - which are the forms or routines but karate has an element of budo, the a karateka performs simulating multiple spirit is more than just learning to fight it is opponent attacks. learning to fight so you don’t need to fight. Walking away is harder. Kumite - fighting; both planned attacks and as you progress, freestyle ‘no holds Last year, we formed links with the JKA barred’ fighting where punches and kicks Spain so we can train on course with are aimed at an opponent but controlled current instructors from JKA Headquarters so as not to do any permanent damage. visiting Spain. It is good to maintain links with other traditional organisations, for As your knowledge increases every few example, my training has included many months, a grading examination takes place world class exponents and instructors, behind closed doors. Where students in Sensei’s Enoeda, Kawasoe, Ohta, Naka, turn display their knowledge and skills Akita all products of the Japan learnt to the examiner who will Karate Association. Also, award them a pass or fail. We Start slow, instructors in the UK such as move from white through the coyou never Dave Hazard, Billy Higgins, Ticky know where it loured belts; Orange, Red, Yellow, Donovan, Aiden Trimble, Ronnie Green, Purple, Purple/White, will take you. Ross, Terry O’Neil, Malcolm Brown, Brown/White, Brown/2 Phipps and others less notable White stripes. After around a year but no less talented. We were in Chiclana at this stage, you will then be allowed to last year and again this year for weekend take the first degree Black Belt examinacourses. We travel to courses in the UK to tion - this process takes normally around train and also, last year we brought Sensei four to five years. It is at 1st dan that the Dewey and another world renowned learning truly begins but it is often the instructor Sensei Dave Hazard 7th dan point at which many exponents leave GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

If you are interested in the study of shotokan, whether it is for health or confidence, self-defence or simply keeping fit a few hours a week, pop along, it does not matter how old or how fit you feel. Start slow, you never know where it will take you. We do not teach anyone under the age of 10. Call Frankie on 54038127 or email frankie@fhmedia.co.uk.

life

HOCKEY UMPIRE Nathan Stagno

with all the sports rules, and working out nternational fame and success in school boy. ‘I was at St. Anne’s Middle four times a week. ‘On Saturdays, I usually your chosen sporting field is always School. From there, we passed on to an incredible feat, but local hockey Bayside and I started umpiring in school. I play with my club, or umpire in Spain.’ umpire Nathan Stagno is humble. Most moved to the Technical College where I did recently, he was awarded the my City and Guilds and we played for To date, Nathan has participated in 133 2015 International Hockey the college team. My first club was internationals, of which 103 were full Training Federation’s prestigious Umpire involves Grammarians, but within three years, I senior level tournaments. After having hit of the Year award in honour moved to my current club, Collegians his 100th full international game the FIH keeping up and recognition of his almost Hockey.’ He first involved himself in awarded him the privileged Golden Whistle, to standard twenty years of umpiring. the umpiring side of the sport to fill a an honour which is bestowed upon all ofwith all the The FIH rulebook defines the gap in the local scene and from there, ficials that reach this milestone in their casports rules... he developed a name for himself, umpire as ‘consistent, fair, prereer. ‘At this point, you enter into another pared, focused, approachable, ‘there was a slot in 1997 elite line up of umpires. I’m number natural’, with the ability to maintain control when one local umpire dropped “I don’t 36 in the world. They give you an throughout a match, and have a thorough out of a tournament. When actual golden whistle as a momenuse social th knowledge of the rules of the game. They you go abroad, you have to media, so my tum during your 100 game.’ Nathan are said to contribute to the game by send an umpire with the team. was awarded his during a Germany reputation ‘helping to raise the standard, ensuring The competition was held in vs. Australian match in Raipur during is all down each match is played in the right spirit, and Wales. I carried on the followthe Hockey World League Final. helping to increase the enjoyment of the ing year and in 1999, I travelled to what the He goes on to tell me about the players say game’. During his time umpiring, Nathan with the national side to the prestigious FIH Umpire of the Year about me...’ has travelled across all five continents, takEuropean Club Championship award, explaining, ‘I was given the ing part in some of the highest rated tourB Division. After three of four recognition because of the work I’ve naments in the world. His career kicked games, I was told to apply for my badge.’ done. I’ve been part of the last four finals. off with a stint playing hockey as a young Training involves keeping up to standard I think it’s about the recognition I get from 46

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life

tries that don’t get on finished a game with only a green card. It had to be well controlled by both umpires, including myself.’ In the lead up to this year’s Rio de Jainero Olympic Games, Nathan insists that he aims to maintain his status as the best umpire of the year. In order to be chosen umpiring career was the 2012 London players. They accept my decisions, and I to umpire the Olympics, a panel comprised sell them well. It’s also about the manageOlympic Games, during which he particof FIH and Olympic officials chooses ipated in four matches. ‘It was amazing ment of the play. I don’t use social media, seventeen individuals. ‘They pick the so my reputation is all down having both of my sons and my wife most important, and those they think will to what the players say about He aims to there. Being from a small place like perform the best, as well as a few of the Gibraltar and representing Great me, and how they recognise my maintain younger and less experienced umpires.’ Britain was an honour.’ At the Games, ability.’ Refereeing a hockey game his status Each game needs two working umpires Nathan had the privilege of meeting requires much more attention to as the best and one reserve. ‘Nowadays, I definitely Howard Webb, a fellow referee, but detail and intense focus than most umpire of prefer umpiring to playing, I think I just enin football. ‘He was amazed with other team sports, following such the year. joy it more. When you play, you get more the sequence of our cards and the a quick pace and small ball. ‘You frustrated. There are two umpires on the process of suspension for players. It need to know that they’re playing pitch and if you have a lot of confidence in was great to meet our officials and those with the right side of the stick. When a your partner, it works better. When you’re decision comes inside the circle, it’s a short in similar fields.’ The more professional the in a team, you’re depending on eleven game is, Nathan tells me, the easier it is to corner, penalty, goal, no goal, there are players.’ Throughout his time, Nathan umpire. Locally, the sport is obviously at a many components.’ After many years of has learnt to take on all the players’ travelling, Nathan has tired of that element lower standard. ‘Last week, I comments and advice, and choose of the job. ‘What you leave behind is was in Holland, umpiring the “They give wisely which pieces to follow. ‘Accept top sixteen in Europe, in May your family. Thankfully, all my children are you an all the advice you can take and the I’ll be in Barcelona to do the grown up now and they support me. My actual golden bits you don’t agree with and remove final four that come out of this wife does join me at big tournaments.’ whistle as a them from you decisions.’ Last month, sixteen. At the moment, I have Nathan was further recognised for four jobs coming up, including momentum This year will be his last, as he reaches during your his achievements at the annual local the Rio Olympics.’ Another the traditional retiring age of forty-seven. 100th game.’ GBC Sports Awards show, under the memorable experience of ‘My aim now is to perform well at all the ‘Special Achievement Award’. Upon his was the India vs. Pakistan tournaments I have left, and to continue accepting his statue, he said his success match during the 2010 Commonwealth to umpire locally as I’ve always done.’ One was an achievement for the whole of Games. ‘It’s unbelievable that two counof the most profound jobs of his fruitful Gibraltar. ‘I’m an Ambassador for Gibraltar everywhere I go,’ Nathan exclaimed, receiving an incredible ovation from a crowd of keen sports men and women, and proud veterans of the local scene.

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life words | Richard Cartwright

TUG MAN

RMAS Confident paying off at Gibraltar 1974

Douglas Yome - life at sea

lmost a lifetime practically living life on the tug boats from age ten or eleven to employment through to retirement. His dad was Chief Engineer on the RMAS Confident in the Royal Naval Dockyard and young Douglas ‘jumped aboard’ as often as he could!

plenty of ‘events’ to highlight whilst serving become a very tight unit just like a family.” aboard some of them. Clearly, camaraderie and a great friendship is what develops when having to rely on your fellow crewmen when guiding and Because of his dad’s involvement as a assisting multi-million pound warships senior officer aboard the Dockyard’s coming in and out of a naval dockyard, tugs, Douglas would often go aboard and especially during the days when the spend the day ‘at sea,’ whether moving up Royal Navy and other navies’ many and down the harbour or going outside The list of tugs warships visited in greater numbers carrying out other tasks, “sometimes a Douglas worked than today: The Rock, as today, alI would suggest the nearest Gemini craft would come round to Catalan on at one time or ways playing an important role and he gets to the ocean waves Bay to pick me up! We’d go out on RMAS another is long... a very useful military base. Douglas these days is the odd cruise Confident target towing, providing gun recalls there were many other in the Mediterranean or practice for the navy’s destroyers and services the tugs provided apart from elsewhere, or perhaps, as a bona fide frigates.” Douglas had such a fill of life on attending to warships coming in and out ’Caleteno,’ – a Catalan Bay native - a swim the tugs – which he truly enjoyed –there of harbour... “There was quite a or a paddle in the sea there, which is was only one thing for him... Yes, number of occasions going out where he still resides. And that’s because a job on the tugs straight out Douglas would on exercise and sailing to UK he’s now retired from working in the often go aboard of school at 15! “It was 1970 naval bases like Portsmouth, dockyard and aboard the Royal Maritime and I went in as an Ordinary and spend the Plymouth, Chatham and even Auxiliary Service (RMAS) tugs. Working Seaman earning less than £10 a day ‘at sea’... going as far north to Scotland for the GHA in ‘Materials Management’ is week on Confident. After some to Rosyth on a mooring course!” what he’s involved in now at St Bernard’s tests splicing, rigging and othThe list of tugs Douglas worked on at one Hospital... “Yes, it’s very different to what er bits, I was promoted to Able Seaman time or another is long: Confident, Robust, I did for all those years on the tugs. I when I was 17.” The crews on these tugs Sealyham, Airedale, Agile and Dexterous really enjoyed my time on board. The were certainly kept busy and on their amongst other harbour craft and there are crew spends so much time together, you toes. Just a year after joining the service 48

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life in or out of dry dock: removing rust and Douglas at the wheel of RMAS AIRDALE painting is one job, metal cleaning the brass around the ship and other tasks. Hard work aboard the tugs is the name of the game. More trips out to sea included sailing to Italy to salvage half a ship which had exploded and to Malta at the time Britain’s military base there was closing down. Douglas and his colleagues travelled to Valetta Harbour on RMAS tug Douglas’ wife Robust to bring back Royal Navy vessels which could no longer reremembers main there... “We also went out into how Prince the Atlantic, to the Azores for more Charles was firing practice and finally sink the much more old frigate HMS Undaunted which handsome in we were towing,” Douglas recalls. real life... There were even occasions when off duty tug crews were called out, just like the emergency services...”Oh yes, Douglas was off to Portsmouth in the UK one time I was at a disco and I was called to de-commission Confident which was out to get back on board immediately. In becoming an old lady and spending a few those days there were no mobile phones weeks training aboard RMAS Robust in happier note, when Prince Charles and and it was one in the morning. I was in Plymouth getting her ready to sail back to Princess Diana began their honeymoon The Caleta Palace just above Catalan Bay the Rock... but not before journeying up to where I live so a relative came up to inform from Gibraltar after flying in from the UK, Cape St Vincent to salvage a bulk carrier Dockyard tugs and other craft sailed out me!” Apparently, a ship went aground in which ran aground, but the mission was of the harbour and round the Rock to see rough seas near Tarifa but Robust failed to unsuccessful. Dockyard tugs are not the them off. Families were allowed on pull it out because of the largest ships around and rough weather board on that occasion and Douglas’ rough weather... ”And then, Rough weather can have its way with these relatively wife remembers how Prince Charles we went aground on the small vessels but Douglas says he’s never can have its was much more handsome in real life rocks causing a split down been sick, not even when sailing into the middle of the tug’s hull. way with these as they sailed close to the Royal Yacht the Med or the Atlantic... “That’s correct. We managed to get back to relatively small Britannia and the couple was on deck. When you’re out there, it does get rough vessels... Gib slowly accompanied by with a lot of swell, and the ship is pushed All in a day’s work, you might say, another tug and the repairs about quite a bit.” But I suppose the years on Gibraltar’s dockyard tugs. But being cost in the region of £70,000!” Another spent with his dad as a youngster must a crewman on a tug can produce some incident Douglas tells me about, involved have had something to do with his strong unexpected challenges as Douglas has a Canberra aircraft which had crashed on stomach! Recollections galore come to recounted. From routine jobs, like polishing take-off ending up in the sea off Eastern mind and Able Seaman Yome tells me Beach in the 80s. It was at the time he was brass handles or taking the helm in the about exercising out in the Alboran in the wheel house, to gently nudging large warworking on the mooring lighter which was Mediterranean, not far from Gib on month ships alongside in harbour, salvaging heavy maintaining bouys off the runway, “That long exercises with the Royal Navy and bulk carriers or simply waving beautiful was a sad job lifting parts of the aircraft other NATO warships. Russian merchant princesses ‘Bon Voyage!’ and bodies from the sea...” But on a much Spy ships were often around during these operations and one particular time, towing an old frigate – HMS Undaunted, one of Working at No 50 berth inside the MOD berth these spy ships was coming too close for comfort and in danger of entangling or cutting our tow line.... “I remember the Destroyer HMS Norfolk was called up and sped towards the Russian ship with guns at the ready and she soon sailed away!” RMAS Airedale escorting the Royal yacht Britatnia with the newly wed Prince and Princess of Wales aboard - 1982

But tugs need maintenance also and more mundane chores are necessary so crews have to do much of the work whether Part of RAF Canberra that crashed into the sea after takeoff. Wreckage was found after 21 days of searching

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military words | David Mann photos | DM Parody (www.dotcom.gi/photos)

THE FUTURE OF MOD IN GIB Maintaining a Forward Operating Base Capability

Part of the armoury of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment

deployed to the conflict and a repair yard ention Gibraltar almost anyGibraltar has held a strategic location at where in the world and two the entrance to the Mediterranean ever when they returned, used as a mounting things normally spring to mind, since it was taken by the Royal Marines in base for Desert Storm and more recently, the Apes and the Military. The the 1700s. The narrow Strait of Gibraltar Royal Fleet Auxiliarys collected goods and materials to take in the fight against Ebola apes are still here and growing but the milis one of the busiest shipping channels in in Africa or to assist in the humanitarian itary presence continues to shrink. In this the world and control over it is essential in article we ask whether Gibraltar’s strategic terms of strategic influence. The frequent effort of migrants in the Mediterranean. location as a forward operating stays of RAF Nimord ASW base can be maintained with con- The narrow Strait aircraft in the past was a tesThe ability to use Gibraltar as a forward tinued reductions in personnel tament to its importance. base to support fellow NATO countries of Gibraltar is and an ever shrinking footprint? cannot have escaped anyone especially one of the busiest But in the days of defence with the arrival of the USS Newport News Just before 2015 ended, the RAF shipping channels cuts and continued cutbacks in January this year, an American Navy in the world... nuclear powered submarine who called surprised residents of Gibraltar in operational capability, what into Gibraltar to effect some “non-nuclear” with the first arrivals of its latest does the tiny British territory repairs. Its arrival was accompanied by airframe the A400M Atlas for a series of have to offer the Ministry of Defence? two USAF C17’s bringing with them operational tests. The A400M flights were to and from bases in France and Italy, not spares of some sort. Certainly, the From Gibraltar General What does the normal fly-to locations for military stay of the nuclear submarine drew Patton planned and the tiny British the attention of ecological pressure aircraft arriving in Gibraltar. The RAF was executed Operation Torch groups both locally and in Spain, the not only testing the ability of Gibraltar’s during WWII, the dockyard territory have to offer the Ministry memories of HMS Tireless still in relatively short runway to deal with the in Gibraltar equipped and of Defence? people’s minds. But the population of A400M but also, in these days of heightfitted out hospital ships ened tensions around the world, the UK’s Gibraltar are not generally adversarial for the Falklands camability to deploy globally. when it comes to military assets being in paign and was a mounting base for ships

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military Gibraltar, let alone nuclear ones. This alone speaks volumes of the ability to maintain a forward operating base if the natives are friendly. Shortly after the US nuclear submarine called in, a routine visit by the same A400M aircraft that graced us with its presence at the end of 2015 had some sort of failure and sat on the south dispersal for much longer than its customary overnight stay, as spares and engineers addressed the problem. And herein lies the problem with current MOD thinking as to how effective a The old Fortress Forward Operating Base (FOB) HQ building can be maintained.

at Napier

RAF Tornados in one of the last exercises to be staged from Gibraltar

this building obsolete and the listening devices can now be automated or operated remotely rather than having to have personnel located in Gibraltar.

supply ships and submarines with munitions, but rumour has it that these stores are being “raided” to resupply stocks in the UK leaving little of significance in Gibraltar.

Battery is to be Not that long ago there would have been a number of RAF handed to the It will remain to be seen if the UK or engineers and spares already in Government... A shrinking fleet of surface and Gibraltar will foot the bill that will be situ as part of the complement subsurface ships of the Royal required to dredge the inner harbour to of the RAF station. Instead, Navy has seen a reduced complement in accommodate the Royal Navy’s QE class these now have to be flown in when they RN personnel but also in logistical support aircraft carrier when it becomes operaare needed to maintain aircraft, ships or at the bases and ports which traditionally tional. Current depth will not permit the vehicles, causing delays. have played host to visiting ships. In Gib carrier to enter the harbour and if plans for we have seen the MOD privatise and the detached mole continue ahead making The fast jet exercises that used to take contract out many of the services that pre- access through the North entrance of the place with Tornado and Hawk aircraft at viously were held by its permanent cadre. mole impossible, then no amount of dredgRAF Gibraltar seem no longer feasible as The size of the MOD footprint in Gibraltar ing is going to mean a visit by that class of there isn’t much of a remaining infrastruchas consistently been a feature of land ship. If Gibraltar can’t host the ships that ture left to maintain even the simplest of will project the UK’s military might in the military exercises as all men and equipment deals struck with HMGoG including the latest handover of warehouse space within future, then what real future is there for have to be brought in from the UK, at a HM Naval Base. the Naval Base? substantial cost. This is already occurring with RAF Eurofighters choosing the It begs the question of how do you supply As the UK gears up for another round Spanish base of Albacete to exercise from an operation from a forward operating of defence cuts and struggles to find instead of RAF Gibraltar. base like Gibraltar if on top of a non-exisadequate manning levels across all of its tent workforce you reduce your ability to armed forces, Gibraltar must be weary of This is in contrast to the SPAG group stock and store up supplies and what is to come. There may be a of specialist RN Parachute medics who Rumour has materiel that may be required point beyond which it is no longer choose to exercise in Gibraltar as they can it that these in times of crisis? viable to have any sort of military jump, be recovered from the sea, and back stores are being presence as the powers at be have in the air within minutes. Gibraltar’s unique withdrawn so much that it can no The MOD still retains use of selling point which is frequently over“raided” to longer remain viable to retain. So, important elements like the ex- resupply stocks looked, air and sea facilities so close by. instead of heralding the handover The same ones that RAF fighter pilots used tensive tunnel system to store in the UK... of MOD real estate as a victory, sensitive supplies. Tarpaulin to love where their exercise area was close let’s be careful to understand the covered trucks escorted by to the airfield, allowing them to maximise long term significance of those moves Defence Service fire engines and Defence their air combat training. which are there to protect the UK’s budget Police escorts weaving their way through conscious Treasury more than operational Gibraltar’s streets are a testament as to The RAF in Gibraltar hasn’t been the only effectiveness of an era long gone. how important those tunnels still are to victim to Strategic Defence Reviews. The Navy hasn’t faired well either. The sound surveillance system (SOSUS) that used to operate from the Aerial Farm at Eastern beach listening to submarine traffic in the Strait went many decades ago. More recently, we have learnt that the old Fortress HQ building at Napier Battery is to be handed to the Government of Gibraltar. Little of what went on in that building is known but what is for certain, is that it was one of the most important listening stations for Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham. Technology has made what was inside of Royal Marines storm Eastern Beach in an amphibious landing GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

scene

RESHAPE & RUMBLE - the unconventional new fitness concept

hanging from the ceiling, with the same onsider this: a dark, low lit, high exciting movement that didn’t require lighting and music concept, but really, ceilinged room with twitching any contracts, memberships or commitstrobes darting, pumping dance ments. Reshape & Rumble also swears man or woman versus bag. Cardio, boxing music resonating through the by this mantra, and similarly offers fitness and mixed martial arts kind of moves. The last studio we have is private and walls, groups of scantily clad enthusiasts a range of high intensity millennials chattering excitclasses in a chic, industrial warehouse more personal with pilates and the sort of This is not a equipment that people in Gibraltar haven’t edly around the bar, carefully nightclub; it’s style surrounding, with top of the selecting their drinks of choice. the run up range equipment. ‘Big lighting rigs, seen before.’ One journalist, in a review of Surprisingly, this is not a nightbig sound systems, live music events,’ 1Rebel described the class as ‘the worst to another and best experience of their life, all in forclub; it’s the run up to another Nik, R&R’s project manager divulges weekday ty-five minutes.’ R&R will open its heavy, weekday evening fitness class, 1Rebel’s drawing power. ‘Being in evening steel doors around April 18th, offering free but with a twist. Nik Etheridge Gibraltar, it will be quite easy for fitness class... is the man orchestrating us to recreate this, there’s trial classes during its initiation. the new project, Reshape such a massive music scene. A new and & Rumble, a renaissance of the tired, What we’re bringing to Gibraltar exciting Music is key traditional gym concept that we often is the same kind of concept, realmovement begrudge dragging ourselves to, day in and ly. One studio is called Reshape, I take a tour of the site where conthat didn’t day out. Perched above the Atlantic Suites which will be a forty five minute struction is being carried out. The Health Club, Reshape & Rumble drew their intense exercise class that switch- require any club is intimate, with bright views contracts... of Harbour Views road. Nik explains inspiration from London’s newest fitness es between cardio on treadmills, movement: 1Rebel, a brand that GQ has to resistance workouts done to me how the layout will come dubbed ‘the gym for people who hate with step blocks and weights, all timed together, with the entrance set to be at gyms.’ 1Rebel was the brainchild of Fitness with short periods of rest, really intense the opening of the Atlantic Suites Health First mogul Mike Balfour’s son, James, in and designed to break people’s barriers. Club, running along the corridor and up an effort to offer the masses a new and The Rumble studio will have boxing bags the stairs, where gym goers will enter to

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scene the sound of throbbing house music and our instructors so that they’re teaching the view of urban, raw décor reminiscent two or more classes. Part of their responsiof an underground night club, not dissimbility will be to meet and greet customers, ilar to the infamous deep house hub of make sure people don’t have injuries, get Sankeys, a clubbing spot that embodies the to know their names, beast them in the spirit of the 90s’ acid house movement. class and then give aftercare.’ Post workout Music is a driving force in R&R, refrigerated wet towels and high with mixes put together by Beach The club is quality changing rooms are promised Grooves Radio based in Marbella. to gym goers as an added bonus. The intimate, ‘Rather than buying music from with bright studio falls under the same ownerthe Ministry of Sound, we’re also ship as Atlantic Suites, Ocean Village views of looking for local people to do it. and the Sunborn Health Clubs, all Harbour Eventually, we hope to have live headed by Mike Balfour who clearly Views road. took heed of his son’s success in events with bands and deejays, and really try and do everything turning around the industry, and following. We want to be interactive with locally. Beach Grooves have put together seized the opportunity to bring the idea to the public. I would want people to come samples of uplifting songs, which will go the Rock. ‘I recently met with the Sports out of their class and take a selfie and tag well with HIIT training, event rest periods Minister and the CEO of the GSLA and I the club, which is usually frowned upon at need to be filled with music so there must told them we want to use the gym, during traditional health clubs because you might be transitions between tracks.’ Another down times, to involve the local commucapture someone who doesn’t want to be facet of the gym will be the offering of nity and do school trips and PE lessons, photographed. We want to encourage it. healthy and wholesome smoothies and and work with local sports clubs to change We’re thinking about putting polaroids up shakes at their own branded smoothie bar, their training up. We also want to get on the wall, of everyone that comes to the within the studio. ‘We want to use fresh involved with local charity events. We’re classes, alongside their personal brick in ingredients rather than powders, and evlooking to add summer holiday activities to the wall that they can write on.’ Nik diserything will be locally supplied. Instructors the bill, a parent who’s got teenagers and cusses the idea of applying for an alcohol will create and name their own smoothies, doesn’t really know what to do with them license so clients can enjoy a drink after an with a purpose behind them, so they might can come and take a class together. The intense workout. ‘We just want to create be a recovery drink or pre-workout. For sixteens to eighteens is the missing gap something different and be a boutique lunchtime classes, we may even make the in the market. Sport usually goes out the fitness centre where you come in, smash workout slightly shorter and throw the window during this time.’ your workout, but afterwards are a smoothie in as part of it.’ I would want bit of a rebel.’ The pursuit for the perfect trainer R&R is currently in pursuit of trainers to join the team. ‘The plan is to have two trainers come over from 1Rebel in the UK to train with all those who have expressed interest, providing that they are qualified and insured, the next day we’ll run auditions which will see them teaching in front of a panel, almost X Factor style. We want the best of the best in Gibraltar. What we want to try and get away from is instructors turning up two minutes before a class and leaving soon after. Firstly, we’ll group

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Becoming the face of the brand

people to come out of their class and take a selfie and tag the club...

An innovative marketing scheme, similar to that of JD Sports, was just recently launched by R&R, searching for the face of the brand. ‘It’s a competition looking for local fit people to be the face of us, wearing our merchandise for all commercial aspects. In return, we’ll give them free classes and they will represent the club for a year. It’s just something to try and draw people to our social media. We want to have a popular Instagram page, and a good Twitter and Facebook

Local fitness scene

Nik’s background in the industry dates back to 2001, when he left his position at a multinational company in favour of fitness, having spent some time at the gym, losing weight and feeling good about himself. ‘I took a voluntary redundancy, did my fitness course and became an instructor. I then got into personal training, I taught a few classes to then move into the sales and marketing side of the business and eventually, getting into gym management, which I’ve done for fifteen years now. I’ve run middle market health clubs like Fitness First, LA Fitness and Duncan Bannatyne’s clubs in the UK, I’ve worked for big companies like David Lloyds, but more recently a 24 gym called The Gym Group. I came to Gib for love. Obviously, I’d worked for Mike in the UK and so had a meeting with him to talk about this project, and I got onboard immediately.’ Having moved from the UK in December, Nik expresses his delight in the local fitness scene, telling me that everywhere he goes people are talking about their workouts and getting involved in charity fitness events. ‘All I’ve had when I talk to anyone is a good response. There is another couple of gyms opening in Gibraltar soon, which is a welcome competition. It’s great to have more variety.’

music words | Elena Scialtiel

GOLD RADIO the other side of Gibraltar airwaves

thanks to their different personalities, level urfing the ‘www’ airwaves, Gibraltar English radio, and of course Bay FM Gold Radio keeps you company Peter couldn’t just retire, so he applied for, of experience and nationalities, as long as 24-7 with live and recorded shows, and obtained, a PLL licence. He set up a they do their talking in English. broadcast from a tiny complete live and recording studio in studio somewhere on the Rock. He set up his ‘spare room’, and a sleek website “Some of my presenters do work in a where information about shows and traditional radio as well. For instance one a complete presenters is published, and inter“I’m providing a free service to of them, based in the USA, often mentions live and net users are just a click away from all internet users,” says founder Gibraltar in his live show, with a shout-out recording listening to them in real time. to the ‘big Rock in the Mediterranean with and station director Peter Guy, studio in his a great British military history’, and that is pretty much a one-man band in ‘spare room’... The radio is kept alive and on air by beneficial not just to my radio, but also for the studio, although he gets a lot of help from virtual hands, ‘syndicate shows’. “They are talourselves as a country having awareness and his ‘deputy’, granddaughter Andria ented presenters who haven’t yet made raised in our favour.” Olivares, who runs her ‘Hits’ show every it through the door of a traditional radio Monday to Friday evening at 9pm. station, or are already live radio presenters, Presenters are allocated one or twoand dedicate their free time hour slots that usually feature a and passion to record their own Peter has a live show as well, Saturday theme, like Big Fat Party Anthems “Some of my shows that they offer to internet mornings from 11am, broadcast concurby Big Tommy, Romance Hour presenters radios in order to access extra by Roy Beagle, the Mr D jukebox rently on Fresh FM 89.2, a radio station do work in a airtime,” Peter explains. Jamboree, Vinyl Days by Alec in Cancelada, Costa del Sol, once based in traditional Nichol, Big Ones and New Ones, by San Roque and called Bay FM. And their collaboration is always radio as well.” Andy Henly, Mouth Meltdown with welcome, as it is free of charge Viv Craggs, Club Classics by Sean With a quarter-century experience in radio Bell and Across the Mersey River by Andy and it helps keep a lid on running costs, as broadcasting – twenty-two years at BFBS Sim, just to quote some. well as the shows interesting and varied, and a stint for Spectra FM, Spain’s largest

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music

As one can gauge from the name, Gold Golden Radio is all about music with little count on a seamless transition to a remote Radio plays golden oldies, including jazz, storage source that will go on broadcasting commercial breaks, it doesn’t aim at replacMotown, gospel and Bollywood, with such ing local news stations: “We don’t have the songs from a bank of Gold Radio favoura selection that the same song is unlikely resources and it is not what we stand for, ites, to avoid the dreaded ‘dead air’. to be repeated within the same week, let which is a free 24-7 radio prepped up for alone the same day, or the same presentpure entertainment.” The Radio’s audience varies at different er’s slots for longer intervals: times and each presenter tends “People always love to hear songs “It is very However, Peter Guy is open to giving to have his or her core fans. As that remind them of their glory airtime to local bands and solo artists, of the computer system allows a rare I cannot days,” Peter says. “Our selection all musical genres, so he is inviting them to constant reading of not only how find the track many devices are tuned in, but spans from the occasional Fifties join them in his studio for a short interview requested in and Sixties to the Noughties, in to launch their songs, or perhaps play them also where they are geographiall musical tastes. Dedications are my library.” live in an acoustic session, and have their cally located, Peter can follow the welcome, and it is very rare I canoriginals played regularly if he sees that progress of his shows’ popularity. not find the track requested in my library.” they are capturing the listeners’ attention. “Once I had 480 listeners at one time, so I scrolled up to pinpoint which song Peter prides himself on the matter of secprompted such response... and it was Lady He also welcomes sponsors to help him onds that takes for him to locate and play Gaga! Just to make sure, I inserted another cover costs, and he is already supporting the requested track: “During my live show, Lady Gaga song in the following playlist, local charities by sharing their logos in the I welcome listeners to skype or ring me for and listeners’ numbers spiked again! Some webpage and mentioning them on air. requests, and while we have a chitchat live people have their computer programmed on air, I quickly type the song’s title, visualto automatically search and tune into any Like their Facebook page and visit www. ise it on my screen, highlight it and drop it internet radio station whenever a particgibraltargoldradio.com where you can in the playlist as next item.” ular song they like is played - this explains download the app for Android, Apple or why we get sudden spikes.” Blackberry and start listening now. He remembers the old days at BFBS in South Barracks, when one of the presentPeter Guy is open to giving airtime to local bands and solo artists... ers was legendary for getting the dedicated record on air in... record time: “As soon as someone requested a particular song, he would buzz down to the librarian and ask the vinyl brought up to him. The librarian would scour the shelves and dash upstairs to usually make it to the studio within the space of one track.” Of course, with the digital revolution, nowadays, vinyl and even CD’s libraries are redundant, and all music ever produced can be stored in one hard drive. Presenting a show is all about a touch of a button, and computer programmes do wonders to keep the show on the road in all weathers. Even in the event of a power cut, Gold Radio’s server is fully backed up, and can GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

art words | Elena Scialtiel

ITALIAN ART JOB Tessa Neish

fine portraitist with a penchant for bohemian lifestyle, Gibraltarian Tessa Neish is making waves in the Italian art world with her elegant and romantic work. She exhibited in Florence last November and later in Innsbruck, Austria and at the Fiera dell’Arte 2016 in Bologna, where she lives in a house with a garden for her dog Pax, paints and teaches English in a language school.

ments and just responsible for myself and my dog, I decided the time had arrived to act upon what I had wanted to do for a long time. My journey began in January 2015. I settled for Bologna after jetting off with just one bag, a pair of boots and a woolly hat.” “I settled for

Bologna after jetting off with just one bag, a pair of boots and a woolly hat.”

“Bologna reminds me a lot of home as it is a small city with welcoming people – with the oldest university and the pasta capital of the world!” She says, admitting she misses tinned spaghetti hoops nevertheless. And the seaside, of course. “After a lengthy career in teaching in Gibraltar, I had the inner urge and burning desire to follow my dream of becoming an artist and living in Italy. Without commit56

artists attending lessons at the studio. She got further exposure at the Caffetteria Belle Arti, where she scooped fourth prize and soon after she was scouted by the curator of a gallery in Florence. Next, her portraits were hanging at the Merlino Bottega dell’Arte in Florence and exported to Innsbruck.

Her art focuses on watercolour painting, She roamed the streets for a week but with a contemporary twist on the ‘like a lost soul’, taking in the wonderful architecture and sights. “One usage of bright colours and abundant particularly cold morning I found expressive dripping to outline the stunning myself in Via Delle Belle Arti where features of ethereal whimsical young women in fairytale-like settings, faintly echoing I discovered the Academia and Botticelli and Art Nouveau styling in what was to become my seca bright, cinematic and sometimes ond home: Demetrio Castle’s Studio, “I enjoy sci-fi way. a fascinating maestro and professor doing at the Academia, book and film portraits writer with a wealth of experience in “After learning techniques in all with an the world of art and culture.” media, I realised my favourite were abstract watercolours,” Tessa says. “I enjoy twist.” Things moved quickly from there, doing portraits with an abstract twist. with the help of her TessArt page I am intrinsically motivated to paint, and my inspiration at the moment is a very on Facebook, and she participated in a personal one, where I am representing collective open air exhibition with other GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

art

opportunities for self expression and for the relationship between myself and Art. This is my part-time occupation, as my time bringing the inner world into the outer Most of my work until now has therefore needs to be spent producing at the studio.” world of concrete reality. represented me in the form of rather abstract self portraits.” In her opinion, Gibraltar fares well culturally Her art She started sketching and in comparison to Bologna, a buzzing hub for focuses on painting at a young age. Her Tessa also does realistic pencil young artists with its wealth of art gallerwatercolour first ‘sitter’ was her daddy, at the portraits ‘which take on the effect of ies, studios and cafés offering wall space painting... age of seven, an elegant man photographs.’ Eyes are a prominent for new work to be exposed to art lovers with an outstanding tie. And she feature in her work: “Really, they and the general public. Gibraltar has grown was a precocious businesswoman too: “I are the window to the soul, and from an artistically with the Fine Arts Gallery and the also used to secretly go out on the street artistic point of view, it is incredible how recently opened private-owned galleries, where we lived at the time and sell my you have all the chiaroscuro in such a tiny Tessa says. “The Ministry of Culture also doodles for fifty pence. That was my first part of the human anatomy.” does a very good job of organising art comsell! Art was always my favourite subpetitions, especially for the youth. ject at school. I went on to do carica- Eyes are a It is important to learn from other Tessa describes her work as a ‘dream prominent artists, therefore people need to established’: “It is the representation of the tures of my friends, and in February I was commissioned to do the lettering feature in attend as many exhibitions as they happiness I have found doing what I do for their Valentine cards.” can, with such a selection on offer.” best: painting.” She tells how art allows her her work. to give expression to the innate urgings of her spirit and how its common language At twelve, she began art lessons with A sample of Tessa’s work can be viewed at Willa Vasquez at the Gibraltar Art Centre integrates mind, body and soul, providing Face Frames art gallery in Town Range. and continued with Mario Finlayson for her GCSE and A level. She attended the Politecnico in Milan as part of her degree course at the London University College, where she read Italian. That proved handy when she had to balance her passion for art and piling bills, so she started giving private lessons. “I began printing flyers and stuck them around campus. I held them in cafeterias, but between the expenses of coffee and photocopying material, I realised I was not making much profit, so I went on to mail résumés to various language schools and eventually got a job in the ‘Centro Internazionale Linguistico Felsineo’. Here I continue to give lessons to adults and I also do some translations. Although I am fluent in Italian, the challenge has been teaching English in Italian which I had never done before. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

scene words | Elena Scialtiel

SPELLS IT OUT Gibraltography

fter a lifetime of shooting tourists at the coach park, on-the-go photographer and former Miss Gibraltar Dominique Martinez Lopez is slowing down and adding an artistic slant to her passion for photographing Gibraltar from original angles, with the focus on its artistic side.

camera. She noticed and meticulously catalogued what others take for granted and went on capturing and saving on file the countless little treasures that give character to Gibraltar, from the most iconic to the less known. In fact, a good number of the images she has now in stock are ‘heritage’ in their own right: signage from businesses that have closed, Former Miss venues that have been refurGibraltar is bished, repainted façades and even slowing down knocked-down buildings, as well and adding as once unobstructed views that an artistic are just a little more ‘obstructed’ slant to her nowadays.

create a vast catalogue of lettering for her most original creation: your name – or any word of your choice – spelt out in little snippets of Gibraltar! The idea came about when Dominique found herself short of ideas for a present for her brother’s birthday a few years ago (“You know how men are hard to shop for!” she jokes), and she toyed with the idea of designing a special picture. Not any picture, of course, because her entire family is steeped in the craft of visual arts, and it had to be something unique and extraordinary for the connoisseur.

She launched ‘Gibraltography’, a hands-on enterprise that creates decorative frames, home décor and classy handmade souvenirs of her own design, in full colour or more often in sepia, of the passion... many iconic details from the Its success streets of Gibraltar that are too She doesn’t stop at quaint encouraged Eventually, she came up with a often hiding in plain sight, like street signs, features on walls or pavements picture of his name spelt with things Dominique lampposts, door knockers and jambs. and the shiny buttons on the that meant something to him. Its to take her soldiers’ uniforms at passing-out success encouraged Dominique to idea a step parades, but she seeks abstract take her idea a step further, creatWith her shop at the coach park temfurther... shapes in the surrounding ing a series of artworks playing on porarily put on hold whilst waiting for it architecture, the wrought iron, the words ‘love’, ‘family’, ‘Gibraltar’ to move to its new location, Dominique the tiling, the flora, the fresh produce at was left with extra time on her hands, so and ‘home’, the most common ones, or the greengrocer’s, and even serendipitous she roamed the city centre, beaches and personalising surnames for weddings and anniversaries. Upper Rock with a keen eye and a zooming shapes in the sky, sea or vegetation, to 58

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

scene For example, flowers or wheels Dominique can spell O, a group of corner tiles begins to can spell E as much as sideways Victorian-style triple lampposts, the see capital letters in semicircular top of an Irish Town everything door can be propped up clockwise to look like D, and palm trees can around her... efficiently stand for T. Of course, actual letters and numbers are allowed, whether borrowed from a pillar box or the Alameda Gardens’ gates, but remixed into new words. She always tries to make it personal, including objects with a special meaning for those who receive the gift: “When former Governor Sir Adrian Johns left in November 2013, at the annual Cocktail Party hosted by Women in Business to which I belong, I presented the couple with one of my frames as a parting gift. I had the pleasure to get to know the Johns well, as I had taken many pictures of them at different functions while they were stationed in Gibraltar, so I designed it from my library, and managed to include the photo of a cannonball in the patio of the Covent as the O in their surname. This made the design more personal to them and they loved their gift.” For a local singer, she used his own microphone to spell the ‘I’ in his name: “Someone actually brought it to me without him knowing, so I could take pictures of it!” Dominique says. Another illustrious ‘I’, the one in historian Tito Vallejo’s name, was the photograph of the keys he carried in front of him during the Treaty of Utrecht parade on the 300th Anniversary, on the backdrop of his uniform. The possibilities are endless as Dominique begins to see capital letters in everything around her, from the most obvious to the most improbable or transient, like a cloud formation or a flight of birds. When they are placed next to each other in a framed composition, sometimes the actual word is tricky to spot at first glance: at first, one notices the series of things that have certain significance for them. Later, at a closer look, go on to spell an all-important word.

important thing.” fridge magnets featuring street signs are always popular, but she is well renowned for her colourful series of the lighthouse, In past decades, it was a race against time key holders, trinket boxes, mugs and to snap tourists when they got tea towels, just to mention some. off the bus, process and print Dominique the negatives, personalise started in with their photos the gadgets She can be contacted in person there, photography on sale, and have the product to discuss how to personalise your well before ready on display when the commission, or through her Facebook the invention tourists returned to board the page Gibraltography where a selection coach and be off for good. of her objets d’art is on display as well. of digital. Dominique is also regarded as Once the new coach park is up and one of the best local photographers to efrunning in Queensway Midtown complex, fectively shoot a moving target at sporting she will be once again based there during events, school trips, parades and anywhere working hours, dividing her time between when timing is the essence. documenting the visitors’ short stay on the Rock and spelling their emotions. She likes the idea that photography is more accessible to youngsters nowadays Dominique started in photography well than it was in the Eighties, but she would before the invention of digital. “It was a family business venture then and I am like children to learn how to do it properly, in order to safeguard quality over quantidelighted to say it still is now: thirty years ty. She is also planning to offer classes to on, my father is still very involved, and new mothers about how to make the most he is always coming up with innovative of photographing babies and toddlers, a ideas - he recently added ‘yes we scan’ (scanning old photographs in bulk) to the notoriously difficult subject to get to pose portfolio of services we offer to our clients. still, while preserving the spontaneity of the shot and capturing all the momentous We compliment each other nicely, which steps in their journey. is wonderful because family is the most

She always tries to make it personal...

Dominique has recently introduced framed laminate prints that do away with the need of glass or Perspex to protect her pictures, making them ideal to send via post or carrying in a suitcase. One has travelled as far as China, others South America and even Australia. At present, Dominique works the local artisan markets: you can find her stall at the Saturday Arts & Crafts in Casemates. Her GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

scene words | Mike Brufal

JUDGING BOOKS Boyd Tonkin

oyd Tonkin will deliver the prestigious publications such as the Times natural progression from Community Care. Gibraltar lecture during the Literary Supplement. A decision was taken In 1992, Literary Editor resigned in order Oxford Literary Festival at 4pm in to give up teaching and concentrate on to write books and as Boyd had been the Chapel of Exeter College on journalism as a profession. At the time, reviewing for him, it was a natural sideSaturday 9th April. Its subject is Gibraltar there were two listings magazines in ways move. He commissioned writers and Literature and Poetry and he will examine London. Times Out and City Limits: today, ran the book pages. This gave him an ideal how Gibraltar has featured in literonly the former has survived. He opportunity to cosset his stable of reviewature and poetry over the years. wrote for the latter which was ers, get to know a wide range of people in After two much more hippy and trendy. the literary world and to do things which interviews, Simultaneously, he contributed as he found really interesting. However, the His invitation came out of the he was a freelance to the Observer writing finances of the magazine were somewhat blue from the organisers Sally offered the reviews, features and interviews. precarious and never stable and it was Dunsmore and Tony Byrne. They job which This just about kept the wolf from living very much from hand to mouth. also suggested the subject of the he filled for the door. A decision was taken to lecture. He thinks it is because become a salaried journalist and during the 2014 festival, as literary 19 years. In 1996, an invitation came from Andrew he joined the magazine Community editor, he was invited out to cover Marr, then Editor of the Independent, to Care, the trade magazine for those working apply for the position of Literary Editor. the event for the Independent newspaper. in the social services and so covered a vari- After two interviews, he was offered the ety of subjects such as mental health care, job which he filled for 19 years. There are Boyd was educated at the Haberdashers’ child care and sexual exploitation. This was a few diehards who have been at this paAske’s Boys’ school in Elstree, a totally new subject and involved per for the full thirty years since Hertfordshire and Trinity College, much research. Fortunately, he its start up but, nevertheless, Cambridge. He read English and French This position was able to continue with his book he is one of the longest serving literature, graduating in 1977. Before is a very useful members of staff. reviews for the Observer. going down, the thoughts were to become foundation to an academic teacher. His first jobs were develop your In the mid-eighties, he applied for The literary editor’s most teaching in Manchester and Sussex with own writing... the position of deputy editor of important role is to find new some freelance journalism on the side. As the New Statesman. He impressed good writers which prevents there were no contacts in the press, he at the interview but was deemed to be too staleness within the book pages. There are decided on the subjects, wrote the articles inexperienced for the post so was offered only two members of his team; himself and and sent them to the relevant editors. This the job of Social Policy Editor. This was a his deputy. This meant it was very much worked and his articles were published in 60

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a hands on operation. He said; ‘Editing copy and laying out pages have remained fairly consistent over the years despite the new technology. What I have found and would recommend to any aspiring literary editors is that this position is a very useful foundation to develop your own writing because you are constantly developing, polishing, refining and improving other people’s work. Most contributors do not notice these changes as it is more akin to invisible mending. If there are repeated complaints then these writers, in effect, check themselves out of being asked to contribute. These lessons can then be applied to your own writing. Facts have to always be checked in order to avoid libel and whilst I was literary editor, there were a few exchanges between lawyers but nothing got to the steps of the Court’.

scene

Judges of the Man Booker International Prize 2016 : David Bellos, Ruth Padel, Boyd Tonkin, Daniel Medin and Tahmima Anam

speak overseas. Book festivals in some thirty countries. The organisation of the Foreign Fiction prize is both expensive and time consuming.

Boyd does not believe in awarding His desire stars to reviews as many readers was to Until 2015 the MBIP was a just check the stars and not the return to full biennial life-time achievement review. He considers it a crude time writing. award for a body of work by any and blunt instrument which writer of fiction, whether they almost encourages critics to frame originally wrote in English or any other lantheir judgements in terms of how many guage. In 2015, it adopted the format of stars they think the work should be given. the Independent Foreign Fiction prize and No stars, no temptation. effectively merged with the latter award. So, it is now given annually for the year’s Boyd decided to step down as Literary best single novel translated into English, Editor not because he was bored with with the prize money divided equally bewhat he was doing but because his overtween author and translator. whelming desire was to return to full time writing. He was writing more and more He has judged many awards and and so decided that it was time to make these include the Booker prize, the the break. He is now senior writer and Commonwealth Writers prize and the columnist at the Independent. Whitbread biography award. Today, he has moved over to being a full Boyd is chair of the 2016 Man Booker time writer and the most important job of International Prize which is the biggest the week is to write the first piece in the judging job ever undertaken. He is a playcomment section in the Saturday paper. ing captain which means reading the 155 The subject is topical and decided on submitted books. This task started back Wednesday afternoon or Thursday mornin the autumn and means reading at least ing. An example of the speed that is sometimes required is when the news came that three books a week. Any experienced judge knows He is a playing Harper Lee had died. At 4pm he was asked that a large proportion of to write a thousand words by 6pm. It is captain which the books are not serious by-lined and is the longest piece. This was means reading contenders and can be in addition to his regular comment article. the 155 discarded after 50 to It is a personal view and in no way is the submitted 100 pages. There are voice of the newspaper. He also writes for books. four judges and himself. the Art and Book pages and remains the in house literary specialist. He said, ‘In my experience of being a judge, it is always better to avoid a vote. Throughout his career, Boyd has been The chair should aim at reaching a point involved in literary awards and compewhere a consensus does not require the titions. He re-founded and judged the judges to raise their hands. This is not Independent Foreign Fiction prize from always achievable. When we meet, we go 2001 until 2014. This involves works from through each book one by one and we all over the world. The Arts Council was discuss until a consensus is reached and persuaded to fund this annual award. This the book is discarded. This month, we shall provided the opportunity to meet a range have a short list of six with the announceof writers and publishers worldwide which ment of the winner on 16th May’. in turn led to a plethora of invitations to GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Boyd is also a member of the Council of the Orwell prize. This is a British prize for political writing of outstanding quality. Two prizes are awarded each year: one for a book and one for journalism; between 2009 and 2012, a third prize was awarded for blogging. In each case, the winner is the short-listed entry which comes closest to George Orwell’s own ambition to “make political writing into an art”. In 2015, The Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils, sponsored and supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, was launched. He was also a judge on the David Cohen prize which is a biennial British literary award given to a writer, novelist, short-story writer, poet, essayist or dramatist in recognition of an entire body of work, written in English. The prize is funded by the John S Cohen Foundation and administered by Arts Council England. The writer must be a British or Irish citizen. The winner is chosen by nomination and entries are not required. The prize is valued at £40,000. In 2010, Boyd was a judge of the Prix Cervennes. He reminisces about this honour. ‘It was the equivalent of the Independent Foreign Fiction prize as it was about books translated into French. It was not too onerous as it involved a pre-selection process. So, by the time the international jury convened, there were only around twenty books to read. It was a challenge to work in another language and we just had to consider the quality of the translation’. He is looking forward to delivering the Gibraltar lecture. This will be repeated at the November Literary festival when he will be making his fourth visit to the Rock. It is a fascinating subject as there are some very big stories compressed into a relatively compact landscape. A prime example is the latest John le Carre thriller A Delicate Truth which is set in Gibraltar. 61

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leisure words | Alex Orfila

FITNESS APPAREL More than just a trend

t seems that once upon a time this versatility - meaning that the garments can cementing itself as a stand-alone trend was very much the case, flashback be paired with slick heels or wedges as that can be adopted outside of the gym or to films like “Fame” and “Flashdance” well as trainers. dance studio? which transformed garments such as skin tight body suits and leggings into If, like me, the very thought of stepping American Apparel also achieves this and wardrobe staples that dominated much of into a gym fills you with fear and dread incorporates relaxed sports attire into ev80’s fashion. The 90’s weren’t far ery day outfits, this time with but despite this, the thought of embracing off either, as there was even an a hint of vintage kitsch. Think aspects of the very cool sports luxe trend It seems that the injection of fitness attire in the are appealing, then Shorji is a perfect geek chic 80’s bomber jackets decade’s favourite girl band, cour- sports luxe trend worn over a slick body suits go between - bridging the gap between has repeatedly tesy of Sporty Spice of course. practicality and style. As I stepped into and shorts and you start to get found itself onto the picture. Shorji’s boutique, no such trepidation was However, it seems that the sports the runway... experienced, I felt the atmosphere was teeming with creativity as the walls of the luxe trend has repeatedly found Even Urban Outfitters has boutique were adorned with an array of itself onto the runway and into shops been seduced by this ever growing colourful garments. The brand’s slogan, again in recent years. The high street is no sports trend to the extent that they have look good, feel good emphasises the messtranger to this trend; even Topshop’s bou- launched a range by 90’s sports super tique line has always been renowned for sage that fitness is all about the brand Fila featuring sports inspired mastering minimalist tailoring with accents full package encompassing health separated for every day wear. Fitness is all benefits and inner satisfaction as of sportswear. Amongst this line you will about the full well as one’s image. often find that joggers and running shorts Now, after local brand “Shorji” so synonymous of fitness apparel appear opened its doors as Gibraltar’s first package... transformed in materials such as silk in It’s clear that Shorji’s fitness high end fitness apparel boutique hues of deep purples or black. The result? apparel has a personal and home grown in September 2015, I can’t help but ask A look which effortlessly lends itself to feel that you just do not get from the the question - is sports fashion once more GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

fashion Runway event with her Shorji range back in a few. Some garments are also covered in mass produced garments so characteristic 2013 and her brand has steadily continued of sports super stores. Every garment is motivational statements such as “Winners to grow ever since. are made not born” and “get fit or die hand crafted with love by Christel Mifsud trying” aimed towards gearing us up for a Victory, the local talented designer behind work out. the popular brand. It’s fascinating to learn When asked what the future holds for that her sowing skills are largely Shorji, Christel says that - without wanting self-taught, save a couple of to give too much away - there are many For those of you wondering where Her sowing sowing classes. What started exciting developments coming soon so the brands name came from, it is acskills are as a hobby, which came about we should watch this space, and we most tually how the Japanese pronounced largely self- Christel’s nickname “shorty” whilst on because the petite designer certainly will! often found that she would have taught... a visit to Japan. to alter her own clothes and As spring began with its promise of imcustomise them so they would fit properly, pending summer, gyms will no doubt start In the short time during my visit to the has developed into an exciting business to crowd doubly - so whether you opt to boutique to speak to the designer herself venture. The designer who has always keep sports attire strictly for fitness related and conduct my research for this piece, been a very sporty individual herself and the shop was busy with several customers activities or whether you want to incorpoeven went on to represent Gibraltar in the rate it into your everyday wardand there was even mention of Island Games with Gymnastics, believes robe, this is entirely up to you. someone going on a waiting list for As spring that there was a gap in the market for this For me? This trend means that a specific garment which was sold began, gyms type of sportswear locally, as previously next time I decide to embark out – proof of the brands massive will no doubt sportswear could often be seen as quite on a short-lived fitness regime, popularity and that the opening of start to crowd bland. However, Shorji’s designs are far the boutique in Gibraltar has been at least it shan’t be a complete doubly... from boring – quite the opposite. The waste of time as I can still find more than well received. clothes are unique, quality garments which a way of wearing this seasons pack a punch with look-at-me prints of fabulous fitness apparel long after I’ve tired However, Christel is no newbie to the neon candy skulls and emojis, but to name of the gym. spotlight having won Gibraltar’s first ever

This sporty sweatshirt dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, we love it because it oozes nonchalant cool Topshop £29

French Connection execute this look to perfection by mixing sport inspired designs with effortless femininity. French Connection £75

Heels now take on a sportier edge too with mesh detailing KG Kurt Geiger £120 For look-at-me statement shoes that can take you from day time through to the night, look no further than these luxe trainers. Topshop £24

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fashion

GYM VS DANCEFLOOR Take inspiration from the sport luxe trend, whether you choose to wear it at the gym or dare to brave it on a night out… Combine comfort and style with one of Shorji’s sports bras, which come in an array of prints and colours. Shorji £50

This printed floral tank from Adidas is just the thing for spring time work outs.

With so many designs available, choosing your favourite leggings might be tougher than the workout itself. We are loving this pair because of their statement acid coloured print.

Adidas £26

Shorji £55

Turn this must have fitness necessity into something more versatile, with this Nike pair in a suede retro green. Urban Outfitters £72

This bag can be used as an alternative to your generic gym bag or can also double up as a very chic weekender. Topshop £55

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

hiking

GET YOUR BOOTS ON A guide to hiking in the Campo de Gibraltar

he Campo de Gibraltar boasts top of that, hiking has helped me develop a Rifcom. ‘After organizing a number of hikes the most incredibly varied natural heightened sense of balance, level headed- for the purpose of fundraising, I decided to beauty. With such differing ness and direction. I’ve fallen more times formalize a group and invite anyone who terrains, and a rich historical and than is probably acceptable, but through might be interested.’ His Facebook group boasts over 500 members and is regularly cultural link to many prominent historical that, I’ve stumbled across a new found eras, Andalusia’s countryside ability to not be scared of falling whilst updated with upcoming walks. ‘There are really is a playground for those either hopping across a stream, or various elements of a route which I take Venturing of us with a little bit of explorer dodging lose rocks on the way to the into consideration when choosing one, out into in us. I can thank my father for peak of the mountain. Wikiloc offers for example, how long the drive is from the great my love of adventure, stemming useful insights into the difficulty of the the frontier, the technical difficulty of the outdoors route, if it is a well paved trek that’s easy from a childhood of camping route, the most noteworthy landis truly to walk on, the total distance, the ascent, holidays, picnics and lengthy marks, any relevant historical features, liberating... the distance, the height of any incline, the estimated duration and what else to treks along the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover. Venturing the coordinates, any nearby routes, expect. Hikes are normally within an hour and a half drive from Gibraltar.’ The walks out into the great outdoors is truly liberand directions for driving to the location. ating and de-stressing and with such a diare frequented by many Gibraltarians with new faces popping up occasionverse offering of hiking, walking, climbing, My passion for rambling is shared There is ally. Many regulars also bring their horse back riding, canoeing and abseiling with a local group, the Gibraltar no excuse routes dotted around the immediate area, dogs to compensate for the limited Hikers. Formed by Duane Licudi, for us not there is no excuse for us not taking full dog walking areas in Gibraltar. These the group’s purpose is to organise taking full weekend escapades are an excellent advantage. Through the extremely helpful treks for those interested in advantage. way to relieve all their energy, exand informative Wikiloc website, which hiking. Duane first discovered plore the wild and make new doggy tracks all available hiking routes, my friends an interest in the activity when and I have discovered some of most specfriends. Duane most enjoys the relaxing he carried out a five-day hike in the Rif tacular views and rivers in Andalusía. On nature of walking, ‘Being close to nature, mountains in 2010, to raise money for

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

hiking Mascot at Sierra de Pelayo

the stunning views, the exercise and sense mostly, depending on the people who turn of adventure all contribute to a sense of up, we tend to average five hours and bepeace and fulfilment. It’s also a very good tween twelve and twenty kilometers.’ The Cañon de las Buitreras way of socializing and making new friends,’ group was formed five years ago by Jorge he explains. His favourite routes range Caballero and his walking pal, Liene in an from Jimena to Casares and effort to pull together like-minded ‘It is just unbelievable all the amazing Ojén. ‘Also Bolonia and the I’ve stumbled individuals and offer others an insight things we have on offer here. You have a mix of natural beauty, tradition and history. surrounding areas, which have into the incredible beauty of the suracross a a few good routes. On some of new found rounding area. ‘Our group is like the Between here and Tarifa, we have a hundred and fifty prehistoric cave paintings. our longer trips, we’ve climbed UN, we have basically all of Europe ability to not The prehistoric importance of the Campo Mulhacen, the highest peak represented, with the exception of be scared of in mainland Spain and trekked maybe Lithuania and Switzerland. We de Gibraltar is massive, including Gibraltar,’ Jorge divulges. The weekly hikes are based through Grazalema on multiple falling... have many Spanish and Gibraltarian either around natural beauty, or history. day hikes.’ Duane is a master of hikers.’ Word about the group spread Many closeby areas are steeped in stories the relevant walking technology, using his across Gibraltar and La Linea swiftly and and legends dating back to the Roman, watch to help guide the group along the they now run a successful Facebook page right route and dictate the distance carried with around 25% of the 500+ group Carthaginian, Phoenician, Greek and Tartessian (an ancient civilization based in out and direction travelling in. Perfect for members active in their participation. The modern day Andalusia) eras. ‘Cadiz is the those ‘are we there yet?’ askers. page’s blurb entices intrigued new members with the promise of ‘evil bushes, cow oldest city in the whole of the west,’ he poop, muddy paths, sweated tells me, brimming with knowlBased between La Linea and Gibraltar, edge on the county. Trying to t-shirts, stinky wet socks and The Sunny Walkers Society is another jolly You are sore muscles.’ ‘We all share a draw the conversation to some of bunch of keen nature lovers. The name Jorge’s favourite walking spots, he common interest in excitement, disconnected is a play on Johnnie Walker, the whisky. from any fitness, nature and socializing,’ pinpoints the Cañon de las Buiteras, ‘Because people go out the night before weekday stress. in Gaucín, ‘it literally translates Jorge beams, ‘One of the most drinking and then want to burn off the important elements of hiking to canyon of the vultures. It’s a alcohol. It’s not meant to be too serious or super beautiful canyon, the two walls is the fact that you are disconnected from professional. We wanted a relaxed group, stand so close together and the river runs any weekday stress. It’s also such good but that’s not to say the hikes won’t be exercise and helps build up your stamina.’ right through the middle. There’s another hard, we’ve walked up to ten hours, but

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hiking Duane leading Gibraltar Hikers

variation of terrain on offer, from coastal beaches, to woodland brush and rugged rocky mountains. With almost too many routes to choose from, I’ve picked a selection of my personal favourites for you to explore:

Rio Guadalmina (Benahavís): This route following a canyon down the river Guadalmina is perhaps one of the most awe inspiring sites I’ve come across in the Andalusia region. My friends and I went through a phase of climbing down rivers and this had been on the top of our wish list for a while. Although the distance only covers slightly over a kilometer, provided you don’t follow the same route back up, the challenge is in navigating yourself through significantly deep waters that meander through caves and down bulky rocks. I used to be really quite wary of having to wade through the water of any of a significant proportion. Spain is the EU common, easy route from Pelayo to Tarifa, the rivers we’d previously wandered down, member state that contributes the biggest which you can take dogs along to, it’s but you’re given no choice down this greatest surface area to the network. A around 22 kilometers. It takes about four route. I’m giving you this warning journal commenting on Spain’s hours max to complete the whole walk. now, so you don’t make the same Wear a contribution to Natura 2000 So far, we’ve done around six hikes since mistake as we did and have to float claims that ‘one of the major rea- good pair of the beginning of the year. Today, we’re a cool box the entire way down; sons underlying the creation of grippy shoes you cannot avoid swimming on this going to Montera del Torero, in Los Barrios, the Network is the conservation a rock formation that looks like the head trek! The area is extremely popular, that you of the age-old secular heritage of a bullfighter. It’s one of the monuments families gather at either end. The don’t mind that has arisen out of the relamost well known in this area. Nearby, in getting wet. start point offers the first challenge, tionship between mankind and Algeciras, you have Rio de la Miel, Garganta navigating down into a crystalline the environment in Europe, in del Capitán, and Camino de los Prisioneros. rock pool surrounded by jagged addition to the encouragement of local de- formations, perfect for those adventurous Once you pass the mountains in Algeciras, velopment.’ Spain’s ‘biological wealth’ it’s completely wild, you’re enough to do some diving. Parts of the accounts for 60% of the habitats and totally surrounded by nature.’ The weekly route are shallow and slippery, so beware hikes are based 40% of the species of flora and fauna of the mossy green rocks. I once slipped included in the Habitats Directive and thumped the bridge of my nose, after He tells me about the Natura either around that is responsible for regulating a false jolt of confidence in my ability. 2000 Network, a project that natural beauty, Natura 2000. In essence, Spain’s The best advice for those less confident falls under the European or history. vast countryside plays a major role in in their footwork is to wear a good pair of Commission and endeavors Natura’s work across the entire EU. grippy shoes that you don’t mind getting to protect rare natural habwet. Towards the end of the route, you itats and core breeding and resting sites So many other factors make this historimust navigate your way around an old, out within the EU. They also ensure ‘the longcally and naturally rich area unrivalled for of use dam, which is a challenge in itself. term survival of Europe’s most valuable hiking trips, particularly the consistently The surrounding high cliffs of the canyon and threatened species and habitats.’ In clear, calm and distinctly warm weather are stunning and home to many a roostSpain, the protected area status has been throughout most of the year, and the vast ing pigeon. Watch out for small children extended to around 28% of the country,

Rio Guadalmina - Benahavís 68

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hiking floating down the river on boogie boards. Once you reach the end of the river, you can either wander back up the same way, or return to the road and follow that back to the car. This route is best carried out in springtime or early autumn, when the temperature is relatively warm, and there is still a good level of water flowing down the canyon.

Cruz del Juanar - Ojen

Difficulty: moderate. Tread carefully and watch out for jagged rocks on the river bed.

You may

Refugio del Juanar (Ojén): occasionally This route takes you into stumble the hills behind Marbella, across a to Ojén, up one of the welcoming most prominent mountain ranges along the coastline, herd of brave mountain the Sierra Blanca. The goats. route begins by the Hotel Refugio de Juanar and splits a variation of ways once you head into the natural wooded area. With the initial intention of carrying out a relatively short walk, our group ended up lost and heading upwards, towards the Cruz del Juanar, which sits atop the Sierra Blanca range, at almost 1200 metres above sea level. The incline up the rocky mountainside is a moderate climb, but we managed it even with two excitable dogs. The route starts off easily, following a wide path until it breaks into a fork and you are offered a variation of options. Once we reached the top of Juanar, we were greeted with magnificent 360 degree views of the entire Costa del Sol, from Malaga, to Gibraltar, and beyond to the Atlas Mountains behind. We carried out the walk on a clear February day and were greeted with one of the most incredible sights. The cross of Juanar sits atop the peak, serving as the perfect landmark for your victory photos. On the journey back, we climbed down the back of the mountain, which whilst quite steep, offered us fresh surroundings of thick forest and incredibly tall pine trees. The entire route is just over 12 kilometers. This area offers incredible fresh mountain air and is really popular with tourists, and families with dogs. You may occasionally stumble across a welcoming herd of brave mountain goats. There are annual pilgrimages to the cross, with mass ceremonies hosted atop the mountain. Legend dictates that a group of fishermen who were lost in dense fog caught a quick glimpse of the top of Juanar and managed to navigate their way back to shore. The cross was allegedly placed there to mark their savior.

Garganta del Capitán (Algeciras): This for the most part, following a winding dirt walk was discovered by accident in an track through the hills. We did, however, effort to find a trail that was close by and have difficulty finding the river, and had could be completed in a couple of hours. to fumble through the harsh brush to do The start of walk is located just behind so. After wandering upstream, you end up the Algeciras prison building, off the moenclosed in a breathtaking rock pool, water torway that runs through the city. The area trickling delicately down the walls suris rich in history and legend has it, soldier rounding it. Instead of trundling back down Gabriel Moreno Pantisco, who was prothe river, heading back towards whence moted to brigadier during the war against we came, our group decided to trek up Demark, earned the name El Capitan when the jagged, rocky edge of the steep gorge. he later joined a band of smugglers in the During your hike expect glorious panSierra de Algeciras. This area, in which he oramic views of the Rock and the Bay of was buried, in 1834, was from Algeciras as well as an abundance of then on deemed ‘the Captain’s Watch out for animal life, from petite free roaming Throat’. Gabriel’s tomb is easily small children pigs, to good-natured donkeys. This stumbled across during your trail would be equally as accessible floating down hike, making the perfect spot for off-road bikers and is very dog the river on to sit down for a quick picnic friendly. The entire round robin boogie boards. route is just under 10km. and exploring. Some people believe that the area is rife with paranormal activity, but unfortunateDifficulty: Adjustable: easy, unless you ly the only unfamiliar stalker we met on decide to climb back out of the gorge via our way was a friendly donkey, keen to the steep cliffs surrounding it, instead of follow us back to the car. The trail is easy turning back on yourself. Garganta del Capitán Algeciras

Difficulty: Easy. Although is it a fair climb, the majority of the route follows a windy dust road.

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caving The optical illusion pool

HOLE NEW EXPERIENCE Caving in Gibraltar

efore venturing into the depth of Sarah de Jesus, John Barabich and Julian The thrill the Rock last month, my expeRobertson. All expressed a desire to exrience with caving had never plore further beyond the tours they were Gibraltar’s Rock is home to over 160 extended further than the realms given in Lower. St Michael’s. ‘I remember naturally formed caves, steeped in rich of the computer simulated prehistoric and wartime history, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience 16 bit world of Minecraft, a and expressing interest in visiting other and seething with enchanting “the recreational Swedish-developed game that caves within the Rock. I eventually ended natural cave formations. Many pastime of shot to superstardom over up getting involved with a local caving of them have been explored by exploring wild recent years. In the game, your group,’ Sarah tells me. ‘Ray was a good a small team of friends and keen cave systems” character spawns in an almost cavers. Among the group is sixtyfriend of my dad’s through the scouts and infinite world rich in materials when we started talking, he realized I had year-old Raymond Bellido. With for building tools and shelter, minerals for 45 years of caving under his belt, Raymond a keen interest and invited me along with enhancing the strength and durability of him on other tours. After that, I met the was introduced to the activity by Duke of your weapons and animals for food. Much other trainee guides, and three of us comEdinburgh instructor, Ian Bishop. ‘Caving is of the game revolves around caving and a dangerous sport and it’s not something mitted fully. We then started to explore mining deep into the depths of the land in the not so easily accessible caves, a you can do casually, you need search of precious ores like diamond, iron to be part of a team. There Gibraltar’s Rock lot of the ones on the eastside, and and gold. As it turns out, real life caving is a few other inaccessible to the pubare a lot of places you can slip, is home to over not so different, although of course, the lic. Four years ago, the group we fall, get stuck. You have to graphics are significantly better quality. had at the time, was separated due have a big sense of adventure, 160 naturally formed caves... to different arrangements between Caving is described by the all-knowing and be an adrenaline junkie.’ Internet as ‘the recreational pastime of ourselves. Myself, John Barabich As an official Gibraltar Tourist exploring wild cave systems’, some people and Sarah stayed with Raymond,’ Michael Board guide for Lower St. Michael’s Cave, are known to call it an extreme sport, as it adds. All three are eager to put across how Raymond’s team is made up of a handful goes hand in hand with canyoning. thrilling the caving experience is, with the of his guiding protégés, Michael Sene,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

High calcium pond and a chocolate fountain in the background

potential of discovering new formations or fresh systems that have remained untouched for decades. ‘When I enter a cave, time seams to stop, the constant activity of my everyday seizes and I focus more on the environment around me. I feel really privileged to live in Gibraltar as the rich underground world is so easily accessible. The satisfaction and inner peace I get from it is indescribable,’ Sarah gushes.

cave on the main route and heading back rian Tito Vallejo and his band of caving without any lights on, just to see if they’re brothers, prepared the cave to open it to capable of handling themselves within members of the public. The tour takes you the cave.’ Michael emphasizes their desire through approximately ten chambers, all to focus on the conservational aspect of with their own unique formations. The caving, ‘we’ve noticed a lot of the caves most commonly found substance in this are quite vandalized or littered by rubbish. living cave is flowstone, also known as I think it’s a mix of souvenirs being Killer Stone because it covers taken form the cave during the MOD up other formations. It is in a “When I years, and more recent littering.’ constant state of growth as enter a cave, water travels through the cave time seams and deposits calcite. Flowstone The tour to stop...” forms in a sheet-like manner, and is extremely slippery to Joining my Editor, a group of friends, travel across. Ray, who is clearly in his and Raymond and Michael on a well element here deep in the depths of the overdue tour of Lower St. Michael’s Cave Rock, shows off some of the heinous acts last month, my eagerness to explore the of vandalism that were carried out when inner workings of a real life cave set, my the MOD had control over the cave. ‘In expectations rather high. After three solid those days, we didn’t respect our nature.’ He shows us the remaining part of a stalactite, which, similarly to the inside of a tree, is made up of many rings of growth. Raymond tells us that each ring represents a different era in time. ‘During ice ages most of the water was frozen and thus more concentrated, and that’s represented in the darker rings.’ The route continues through to the ‘boxing ring’, a chamber which has been made safe to negotiate adding an array of ropes, into the dove chamber, in which a delicate cave formation high up on the wall appears almost as a dove. In this chamber is the first of many ponds, which are so rich with minerals, a skin forms around the edge, hardening into rimstone. Although it is often a very thin layer covering the water, it is strong enough to hold a great deal of weight. ‘Don’t be scared,’ Ray tells us, ‘it is thin, but very, very strong.’

The group has a map at hand that was created using a survey carried out by the MOD of almost all the known cave systems in the rock. This is their golden ticket, and serves as the central focus for their weekend excursions, offering them free roam inside the Rock. Many of the systems are open and relatively accessible, Michael The kiss of life, the kiss of death tells me, apart from one of his favourite locations on the eastside, ‘Mammoth Cave’. ‘It’s located above the water catchments, hours of navigating the depths of the cave, with another 20 to 25 metre climb above and experiencing the wonders of rimstone, them. It’s known for being one of the flowstone, stalactites and stalagmites, cave biggest caves in the area. We free-climbed coral formations, and two of only seven with ropes and harnesses to reach the enpainter’s palette formations in the entire trance, it was a great experiworld, I was suitably impressed. The ence.’ Most of the Rock’s cave “There are a tour commenced at the entrance systems are relatively short’, of the cave, which was used as an lot of places he adds, ‘and can be explored operating theatre during the Second you can slip, within half an hour. Individuals World War and is considered part of fall, get stuck.” the Upper St. Michael’s Cave chamwho share a passion for exploration and adventure can ber. In 1942, during an era when the contact Michael, Raymond or Sarah about Upper Rock was under the management how to get further involved. ‘Within Lower of the MOD, the forces stumbled across St. Michael’s, there are other routes we use the entrance to the lower half of the cave, for training purposes. We have also creduring their effort to dig out an exit tunnel. ated a standard that before we take new Over twenty years ago, management was people into other systems, they have to try handed over to the Government, and these routes. Even going to the end of the a movement headed by veteran histoGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

caving

Intricate formations in one of the beautiful chambers 71

caving

The group struggles to navigate around the lake on a very narrow rimstone

Next is the hall of fame, a chamber packed with familiar looking formations, the most “We freeprominent is what Ray climbed with calls ‘Winston Churchill’s ropes and Head’. In 1947, Churchill harnesses visited the cave on a tour to reach the of Gibraltar. ‘You smack entrance...” his head twice for good luck,’ Ray insists. The next room is dubbed the Cathedral due to its grandiose and elaborate formations and shapes. It looks very similar to the architecture of Barcelona’s Catedral Basilica. Ray introduces us to moon milk, which covers the flowstone, making it more slippery that it formerly was. It is made up of a white creamy substance resembling cottage The group climbs carefully, clutching on to guide ropes

Baby’s hand formation

cheese, it contains magnesium and calcium more quickly, and are the fastest growing oxide that ooze from the limestone of all. There is no certain time frame for cracks. He warns us not to touch our formations to develop; it could take weeks, faces, in case of irritation. Each chamber months, even years or decades. There is overflowing with intricate, naturally are too many variants to tell for sure. You formed shapes that I can’t help but run have to consider the flow of rainfall, the my fingers across as we wander. The air temperature that water evaporates at, and is humid and all concept of air pressure. ‘There’s never a contime is lost. You can’t possibly “We’ve stant rate of growth,’ Ray adds. As we get bored. Each climb is a noticed a lot stumble across another of the cave’s challenge; each story is full of of the caves many ponds, an optical illusion leads intrigue and each formation is us to believe that the water is much are quite completely original. Raymond shallower than it really is. ‘It’s actually vandalized points upwards towards a one metre twenty in depth. There are or littered creeping straw formation. no sides, you can only see depth. It These are thinnest formations. by rubbish.” could also be a lens effect that the He tells us they form along water has.’ The group moves on to the cracks and fissures where water collects next sight, the rimstone pool, which Ray Michael isn’t fazed by narrow and steep drops

Raymond in his element

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caving

A 20 year old cable developing its own formations

Rare painter’s palette formation

Vandalism shows off the rings inside a stalactite

invites us to dip our hands into. ‘You have need to prove to ourselves that we could Surprisingly, the route back proved sigto feel for the calcium in the make it around the entire circumnificantly easier, with our self-confidence water. It’s a high calcium conference and still stay dry. having taken a boost after not falling or An optical centration, which leaves your hurting ourselves. ‘A lot of people are illusion leads us hands sticky. You wouldn’t shocked that the cave is here and that it’s The last leg of the tour took us drink that water.’ We marvel at to believe that remained the same for so long,’ Michael into the palm tree and St. Michael’s the water is the kiss of life, the kiss of death notes. We exhale with relief, as we reach Cross chambers, home to both of much shallower the exquisitely rare painter’s palette the operating theatre and take off our ‘a stalactite and stalagmite than it really is. formation. The others are that have only just touched, helmets, this was a truly unique exgeologically. It’s the birth of a perience and certainly one I’d advise found in France, China One of stalactode (also known as a column)’. One every local to carry out. and the US. Finally, we peered the more of the more breathtaking wonders is the into another small pond at St. breathtaking Raymond, Michael, Sarah, lake, towards the end of the tour. It is said Michael’s cross, an interestingly wonders is to hold 45,000 gallons of water, being formed shape that almost looks Julian and John can be conthe lake... forty yards long and reaching a depth of as though someone dropped tacted via www.visitgibraltar.gi/ four meters. We struggle to tread carefully their sword into the water many tour-lower-st-michaels-cave as we navigate ourselves around the thin centuries ago, and it’s destined to remain rimstone edge, often feeling very much on there for the rest of time. From here, we’re the verge of falling in. I think we all felt the told to head back from whence we came.

45,000 gallon lake hides deep inside the Rock

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

sport

HONOURING YOUR TEAM the role of a Premier League football team mascot

see the grounds,’ Oliver explains, ‘I’ve aloung football fan Oliver Cox Championships last year. ‘The fact we live spends weekends reveling in his in Gibraltar might have sold the idea when ways wanted to do it and so we just went joy for the game with his dad, I called them up and told them we were for it. I’ll have to walk out before 27,000 Paul. Both are staunch, loyal lifelong fans,’ Paul tells me. ‘I lived down people. I also get to have a kick about with the mascot Captain Canary, and meet the Norwich fans. Having lived the road from Norwich when I was media team. It gives me the chills!’ During down the road from the club nine so I felt my loyalty lay with a His son now for much of his life, Paul passed local team.’ The two sit and natter the walkout on to the pitch, the mascots wears the his fanhood on to his son, who about game predictions, particularly will shake hands with both home side and yellow and now wears the yellow and green in the wake of this week’s Norwich opposition players, and then remain for the national anthem. Match day mascots only striped jersey with pride. Twelve- green striped loss against Chelsea. jersey with represent the home team. The age restricyear-old Oliver is insistent that pride. tion for mascots is usually 14 years old. Norwich City Football Club ‘is Mascot Privileges not your standard team’. ‘We’re unique. We’re not the shirt that you see The mascot role is usually offered “We’re not The perfect opportunity everyone wearing. With our colours, we to the children of fans, often for the shirt really stand out’ he beams. This month, a fair price. ‘With the honour of that you see As the last opportunity to be a Oliver has seized the opportunity to walk the role, you are given a replica mascot during the team’s run in everyone out onto the pitch alongside his beloved kit and match day tickets, and this season’s Premier League, the wearing.” team as a mascot. A real honour for a boy April 2nd match coincidently falls on an appearance in the match who has pledged his lifelong support for Oliver’s Grandmother’s birthday, day programme.’ Oliver will also a team he bonds with his father over, the proving to be the perfect opportunity for have the chance to meet some of the key premier league game will take place on the family to gather at the game. ‘It will players, the team manager, and take a April 2nd against Newcastle United FC. mean a lot to see my nan in the stands tour of the home stadium at Carrow Road, The team made their way into the Premier supporting me. I won’t know any of the including the trophy room, with the other League, having beaten Ipswich in the thousands of people except the four there match day mascots. ‘I’m really excited to 74

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

sport supporting me. The spot was made for me.’ to make me think, “oh, I met this guy and This match is also pivotal for the team’s he was really nice in real life”. I’m nervous position in the league, as they about being on television with evstand just above Newcastle in the “‘I’m really eryone watching me, just as I usually drop zone. ‘Both teams have to am on a Saturday.’ The coolest thing excited win,’ they note. A keen devotee to see the about this opportunity, a sure dream to the sport, Oliver is more of a come true for any young football fan, grounds.” spectator than a player, but does is getting to share the attention with train once a week with the Lions the players, Oliver says, ‘also knowing FC, as both a left-winger and goalkeeper. that people will be looking out for me. It He’s also an eager fan of the local team, will be a really cool memory to look back Bruno’s Magpies who play in Gibraltar’s on. A mascot’s role is to make sure that second division and compete for the the team has all the support it deserves, Rock Cup. ‘The Magpies are going to be if we lose them, we’re going to lose that the best team in Gib very soon, I was a backbone of support. This role really makes mascot once for them and I quite liked it. me feel close to my team. It’s really special, It’s a different perspective from being a mascot isn’t something you the pitch. One of the things I still can do every day.’ “I felt my remember thinking is “wow these loyalty lay players are really tall” up on the with a local stands they look shorter! I really team.” enjoy the local games because I know everyone, even some of the local players.’ The father son duo catch the Magpies at the Victoria Stadium once a week. ‘I’ll definitely tell the Norwich players about the Magpies!’ Oliver asserts. He most looks forward to meeting his favourite players Nathan Redmond and goalkeeper John Ruddy. ‘One day I would like to play for a local team. Football really relaxes me and takes my mind of whatever I’m doing, just being able to go crazy with a football. I’m not too serious, I don’t want to be Ronaldo, just kicking a football around makes me happy.’ When they aren’t watching games together, Oliver and Paul are keen to have their own kick around at Europa Point. Meeting some of his beloved players will really bring realness to a team that up until now, he has only marveled at from behind a television screen. ‘It’s going The photo sent to Norwich that got Oliver selected

Oliver is more of a spectator than a player... GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Oliver with his dad, Paul

Norwich City vs Newcastle Utd 4pm Sat 2nd April “I don’t want to be Ronaldo, just kicking a football around makes me happy.”

Oliver supporting Bruno’s Magpies, with Devonte Tetesout

“It’s a different perspective from the pitch.” 75

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

travel words | Sophie Clifton-Tucker

BUSTLING BRAZIL its bountiful supply of beautiful women and black bean stew...

Florianópolis is the capital of the Santa must admit I have rather a soft spot for just over 2700 miles. That’s quite a lot to Catarina state situated in Southern Brazil; South America in general, and love to get through in just one holiday, so here find the unique and hidden are some carefully compiled mustthis capital falls mostly on Santa Catarina aspects of each country island, referred to by locals simply as Brazil is the see destinations and must-consume Floripa and is connected to the mainland contained by its borders; with victuals to keep you going. only country by the Hercilio Luz Bridge (or Ponte Hercílio Brazil, this is fairly easy. Did you in South Luz). This seaside city has yet another know, for example, that Brazil America Florianópolis is the only country in South nickname: ‘Magic Island’. Most sightseers to speak America to speak Portuguese? and sun-seekers tend to head to places The taxi ride into Florianópolis was Portuguese. eventful. There was an important like Natal with its extensive coastal sand Okay, you probably did, but dunes or the beachy neighbourhoods of what about the interesting case football match on at the time and the of the dolphin-cum-fishermen? Dolphins in driver, with true steely Brazilian determina- Fortaleza, overlooking the hidden gem that is Floripa. There are no less than 42 the coastal town of Laguna have formed a tion and a dash of witchcraft, had turned strong symbiotic bond with their fishermen his sat nav into a mini portable stunning beaches, ranging from sleepy coastal sunbathing spots counterparts, assisting them in rounding television. This meant he gave It is also the up schools of fish and driving them into most of his attention to the score longest country to remote windswept beaches that make for a surfer’s haven. their fishing nets, and having their fill of and cursing at the screen than to in the world Beaches are for sunning your the unlucky escapees. speed bumps, increasingly subfrom north to body, sipping on a cocktail and tropical temperatures in the car or south via land... strutting. While having a strut, Brazil is of an impressive size; it is the largthe fact that the boot of our car you will probably notice that est country in South America and shares flew open, exposing our luggage 99% of all males appear to have lost 99% a border with every other country within for a good ten minutes or so. However, of their swim shorts. These interesting the continent, bar Chile and Ecuador. It is as we pulled up to the coastal hostel and mini garments are known as sungas, proalso the longest country in the world from climbed the stairs to a room overlooking a nounced ‘soon-gah’ and worn proudly by north to south via land with a distance of long stretch of beach, all was forgiven. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

travel

Floripa has limits on how high beach side buildings can be... locals and brave tourists alike. The littoral fishing villages of Santo Antônio de Lisboa (supposedly known for the best oysters in Brazil) and Ribeirão da Ilha are a good shout for those who enjoy a spot of seafood, and living by the sea; I’m sure that’s most of us! Floripa has limits on how high beach side buildings can be, meaning the fishing villages have managed to keep their authenticity and avoid being built up into monstrously tall complexes. Before you leave Floripa, hop across to the left of the island to Praia Mole for some paragliding, culminating in a beach landing. The coastal strip of the Santa Catarina mainland beneath Floripa is equally as exciting and varied as the island itself. Here is a quick rundown of a couple of the more alluring spots: Guarda do Embaú - Hailed as one of the best beaches in Brazil, the Guarda do Embaú beach is nothing if not unique. The beach is essentially a finger-like strip of sand flanked by the Rio da Madre and the sea, and surrounded by the green Uruburu mountain range. This paradisical place is definitely one for the books - think wading past sandbanks, mangroves and paddle boarding.

ders - the Iguazú Falls. The falls, situated Garopaba - Once a quaint fishing village, in the Brazilian city of Foz de Iguaçu, are Garopaba has been victim to (or blessed made up of hundreds of roaring cascades with, depending on how The coastal you see things) tourism and (also known as cataracts) spanning across an astonishing 1.7 miles. Access to the is now arguably the ‘surf strip of falls is made through one of the cities that capital’ of Brazil. The little the Santa come together to form the tri-border of village is littered with surf Catarina Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Whether shops and, unsurprisingly, mainland to view the falls from the Argentinian or first-rate beaches. In winter beneath months (keep in mind South Brazilian side is often disputed, and though Floripa is they are striking from both angles, I would America has opposite seaequally as recommend the Brazilian side simply for sons to us) you can watch the panoramic views. whales breaching just off exciting... the Garopaba beaches. It Millions of people flock to the falls every was also in Garopaba that year to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking a curious traveller stated they were off to the ‘Enchanted Mountain’ to a yoga retreat views. That really is no exaggeration, even the weariest of travellers will soon perk which, after some sceptical googling, I up once they lay eyes on the staggering found to be a real place. Maybe next time. amount of water thundering down at From Garopaba you can head up to Siriú and hire some equipment to go sandboard- Iguazú. When longest-serving First Lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt visited ing down the Dunas do Siriú. There are a the falls for the first time, she exclaimed few places to grab a snack at the bottom “My poor Niagra!”, a reasonable of the dunes, to give you that comment given that they are extra incentive to fling yourself Dolphins in the taller than the Niagara Falls and down the steep slopes. coastal town almost four times as wide - and of Laguna have notably wider still than South Foz de Iguaçu - A relatively formed a strong Africa’s Victoria Falls. speedy three and a half hour symbiotic bond... plane ride away (or a slightly The legend behind the falls is less inviting thirteen hour car almost as alluring as the waterfall itself. journey) from Florianopolis and you will be In 1541, a Spanish explorer of the New next to one of the world’s natural won-

Santo Antônio de Lisboa 78

One of Floripa’s beaches

Laguna GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

travel Paragliding on Praia Mole

Guarda do Embaú beach is nothing if not unique... World named Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca maid. One year, a young girl by the name (seriously), stumbled across the falls while of Naipí was chosen for Boi’s specials supposedly on a search for El Dorado - the menu but when Tarobá, the leader of the mythical city of gold. It is said tribe, became aware of this that he was drawn in from several Legend has it fact he kidnapped her the night kilometres away by the sounds that an ominous before the sacrifice and escape of the falls. The name ‘Iguazú’ by canoe. This unsurprisingly serpent called is derived from the indigenous enraged Boi who in turn split ‘Boi’ used to language of South America the Iguazú river, turning Tarobá dwell in the Guarani - aptly meaning ‘big into the the forestation and Iguazú river... water’. Legend has it that an Naipí into the falls. ominous serpent by the name of ‘Boi’ used to dwell in the Iguazú river, only There are oodles of ways to enjoy the falls. to be placated by a beautiful sacrificial If you fancy getting completely drenched

you can opt for the jet boat excursion - a guaranteed front-row ticket to one of nature’s best performances. If you’d prefer a more hands-off-but-equally-as-alarming experience, you can opt for one of the daily helicopter rides which take you above and over the falls themselves. If these options haven’t completely scared you out of your tree, you can always opt to rappel down a vertical cliff face on a rope. A truly unforgettable experience; whether a good one or a bad one I am yet to decide. In short, as far as waterfalls go, it’s simply the best. Better than all the rest.

Sandboarding down the Dunas do Siriú GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

travel The falls are made up of hundreds of roaring cascades...

Iguazú Falls

São Paulo

São Paulo is also referred to as the culture capital of Brazil. Its numerous museums should convince you of the fact.

São Thomé das Letras

Craving a change of scenery and pace, I made a quick detour and moved on to what was promised by a friend and local The sportier among us may be to be a very spiritual location within Brazil: interested in the Ciclofaixas de Lazer, São Thomé das Letras. This municipality or ‘leisure cycle lanes’. On Sundays in south-eastern Brazil lies approximately between 7am to 4pm you are able 4.5 hours from São Paulo but despite its to enjoy over 140 kilometres of proximity, could not be farther from the car-free cycle routes through some city’s way of life. Walking around the small above and of the city’s best streets and parks. hilly town centre you are inundated with over the falls. Certainly one way to wake yourself seemingly identical tourist shops selling São Paulo, specifically the Vila up after a cultural night at the boates energy stones, hippie T-shirts and various Madalena area, has been put (the Portuguese word for nightclubs, other knick-knacks that wouldn’t be out of forward by travellers as the graffiti capital pronounced ‘bo-AH-chee’). I wasn’t in the place in one of the Feria de La of Brazil. There is a specific alley known city for very long, but still long enough Línea market stalls. as Beco do Batman which is adorned with São Paulo to recommend a fleeting visit to the beautiful, and sometimes psychadelic is the Edifício Itália - the second tallest buildMy overriding memories of this murals by Brazilian artists, each with their ing in São Paulo. Head up the Edifício epitome of place involve sitting on a hill to own special message to convey. However, Itália and onto the observation deck a sprawling spot UFOs (I didn’t want to upunderneath its endearingly scruffy surface for some unforgettable views of the concrete set my host), ‘cleansing my soul’ lies a city with a bounteous to-do list. pulsing, cosmopolitan city beneath you. jungle. in one of the coldest but most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever Playa de Garopaba had the pleasure of narrowly missing pneumonia in, and having my fortune told by a white witch who lived in the cabaña next to where I was staying. Everything you could possibly wish for from a mini-break. A hefty 1000km to the north-west of Foz de Iguaçu and you will arrive in São Paulo, described as ‘Brazil’s New York’. You can opt This city is the epitome of a sprawling concrete jungle. It for one of the is well-known for it’s cuisine, helicopter architectural landmarks, markets rides which and museums and is among the take you world’s most populous cities.

Rio de Janeiro If São Paulo is the New York of Brazil then Rio de Janeiro is Los Angeles. There is some rivalry between the Paulistas (residents of São Paulo) and Cariocas (natives of Rio). A side-by-side analysis of both cityscapes confirms that Rio holds the title for best natural beauty with its urban forest and stretches of white sandy beaches, whilst São Paulo is the place to see modernist architecture, skyscrapers and notable landmarks. Rio has a laid-back vibe that is lacking in some other cities such as São Paulo. For me, it encapsulates what Brazil really is: a city with a zest for life to be rivalled, where 80

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travel

Vila Madalena is the graffiti capital of Brazil. people samba in the streets and bake on the beaches. You and your Havaianas are welcome as from daytime at the beach right through to cocktails in town.

bunny ears - all kinds of embellishments Here’s your final Brazil-related fact: since are acceptable, and even encouraged 2009, prisoners are becoming professional when it comes to Carnaval. Be prepared knitters. Brazil’s Arisvaldo de Campos Pires for a solid twelve hours of is much like any other maximum security making new friends and losing prison in that it is home to criminals, only On Sundays these baddies have been given the opporThere are at the very least, four major you can enjoy your current ones in a haze of loud music, enthusiastic (and tunity to redeem themselves by picking reasons to stop over in Rio. over 140 perhaps questionable) up their needles and wool kilometres of dance moves and strong in exchange for a reduced 1. Copacabana. (Impossible to say If São Paulo sentence, modest salary and out loud without humming Manilow’s car-free cycle drinks. is the New routes... the lifelong gift of some good ‘Copacabana’.) The white sandy York of Brazil crocheting skills. 3. Cristo Redentor: Christ beaches are juxtaposed against the then Rio de the Redeemer sits atop Corcovado at leafy green vegetation of the mountains Janeiro is 2,328 feet and was built to celebrate So come on, intrepid traveller. lining the backdrop. This is where Cariocas Put on your Caipirinha-tinted of all walks of life congregate to swim, surf, the 100 year anniversary of Brazil’s in- Los Angeles. dependence from Portugal. It’s awash glasses and head on down to play football and futevolei - a game unique with tourists at all times so make sure you the gateway to South America, home to to Brazil that combines volleyball with beat the throngs at peak hours. It has besamba, lovers of football and founders of some football rules. come an iconic landmark for Rio, a religious the bikini wax. It’s not a question of why symbol, and a fantastic place for a selfie. you should visit Brazil, but when. 2. Carnaval. Colourful leis, face paints, São Paulo

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Rio de Janeiro

wine words | Andrew Licudi

CHATEAU GIBRALTAR Our own vineyard!

will be located outside the nature reserve t appears that Gibraltar will soon Mr Dreyfus went on to confirm that the boundary. Here, the fermentation process have its very own vineyard and wines. steep west facing slopes on the Upper French company Aritnem Siel S.A. have Rock will give the vineyards a unique will be completed and the wine matured in been carrying out detailed geological exposure allowing the vines to capture French Limousine oak barrels until eventual bottling and shipping to consumers. tests which apparently confirm that the maximum sunlight from about 11am right Upper Rock with its igneous limestone and through the day during the growing season shallow clay soils could potentially produce which at this latitude will extend from early Mr Dreyfus confirmed quantities of wine wines at least as good as Chateau Lafite or March right through mid October. When produced would be small by French even Chateau d’Yquem. The Upper Rock is asked if a commercial vineyard could exist standards and consequently the price will the only known site in Europe, apart from a within a designated nature reserve, Mr. be high. When questioned on the viabiltiny section of the lower Medoc, Dreyfus confirmed that a detailed ity of the proposed scheme, Mr Dreyfus Great wines Environmental Impact Assessment where the right composition of admitted that there were already some can only soil and climate is found. was being completed which would mature vines in a secret location in the show that a biodynamic vineyard be made in Upper Rock and the wine made from these would have no negative impact had exceeded all expectations, beating in Aritnem Siel’s managing director poor soils... whatsoever on the Upper Rock. Mr blind tastings Chateau Lafite and Chateau Pierre Dreyfus explained to an Dreyfus did concede Margaux. Mr Dreyfus went on to attentive Chamber of Commerce that the colour of the upper explain that these ape protected secret last week that, contrary to popular belief, The grapes slopes would change from great wines can only be made in poor will be pressed vines were the only ones in existence the present shade of green soils, like those in the Upper Rock, which in situ and the which had been planted without to a much lighter shade American rootstocks as Gibraltar is force the vines to grow deep root systems juice will be during the growing season. the only known place in the old world producing grapes full of salts and minerals pumped using which is Phylloxera free. Phylloxera, a To avoid lorries having to which are an essential feature of the best gravity... access the Upper Rock, the deadly louse which attacks the vine’s wines in the world. Fertile soils by compargrapes will be pressed in situ isons will produce dense leaf canopies and roots, came in from the Americas in and the juice will be pumped using gravity, 1860 and devastated the European wine few low quality grapes as the vines will not via stainless steel pipes, to a winery which industry which was eventually saved by be stressed by abundant fertility. 82

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wine

Steep, west-facing slopes on the Upper Rock give the vineyards a unique exposure

the EU. Simply they feel they will fare betthe discovery that European Vines (Vitis ter on their own without having to tow the Vinifera - the only vines suitable for wine line from centralised power committees making) could be grafted on to resistant whose concern for the majority inevitably American rootstocks (Vitis Labrusca). All sacrifices the needs and aspiracurrent vineyards in Europe are tions of individual producers. The grafted. Mr Dreyfus went on to Gibraltar most iconic, if relatively unknown explain that the few bottles of the Wines are by the general public, producer Chateau Gibraltar, as they have the first pre who has confirmed they will become known by a few world exPhylloxera be breaking out on their own is perts, are the first pre Phylloxera wines that Artadi resulting in widely reportwines that have been tasted by have been ed bitter exchanges between any human alive – the last pre tasted by any them and the Consejo. I recall I Phylloxera wine to be tasted was human alive... used to import Artadi wines into an 1859 Chateau Latour which Gibraltar before they became was found to be undrinkable when famous and I recall that at the time I knew opened in 1968. Mr Dreyfus added that that these wines were the best I had tastthis is causing huge excitement amongst ed from Spain. By a long way! Their wines billionaire collectors. On this basis, they are truly special and regretfully now highly had already sold the first year’s produccollectable and expensive overtaking even tion and whilst the price of these wines is the venerable Vega Sicilia. So, how has commercially sensitive, he confirmed that Artadi, a relative young winery, managed a bottle of this pre Phylloxera Gibraltar to place themselves amongst the elite in Cabernet Sauvignon had exchanged hands for tens of thousands of euros. Mr Dreyfus the wine world and why is this not compatible with the Consejo Regulador? confirmed that no wines would be available for local millionaires. Rioja is a large producing region, many times the size of Burgundy. Yet, proRemoval of trees and shrubs from the ducers look at Burgundy as a model for Upper Rock will commence on the 1st producing high quality wines as the April and will be followed by whole region is divided into small the mass planting of Cabernet Producers vineyards, some exceptional and Sauvignon, Merlot and Semillon. look at Burgundy as some not so. The great vineyards, clearly demarcated as Grand Crus or a model for War in Rioja Premier Crus, have been known about producing for hundreds of years thanks to the A bitter war of words has brohigh quality church and monasteries who were ken out in Rioja. It would seem wines... wine connoisseurs par excellence and that that not only countries knew when some ordinary small plot and regions want to break free could produce nectar whilst the one next from centralised power units and go their door could hardly manage vin ordinaire. own way but many wine producers want Producers in Burgundy can therefore sell to leave the Rioja Consejo Regulador, the their wines with the designated vineyard legal body which promotes and controls on their label, some attracting astronomical wine production in the region, thereby prices, some not. Rioja, on the other hand, breaking the legal and trade framework is just Rioja and producers would not be which has been the backbone of the allowed to label their wines other than region since 1926. The reasons these producers want to leave bear much resem- Rioja irrespective of quality or vineyard. Yet, Artadi has managed to make serious blance to why many in UK want to leave GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

wine from experimenting with small plots, eventually discovering which ones make exceptional wines and producing these as different bottlings. However, they would not be allowed to name the vineyard on the label and would need to sell these as generic Rioja together with hundreds of other, perhaps mediocre or even lazy producers. Consequently, Artadi will go its own way and will sell its wines not on the back of Rioja but with its small vineyards Pison, Pagos Viejos, Gain and others as its main selling point. Each vineyard attracting different prices. If anything, Rioja should be grateful to Artadi which has shown that Rioja can produce truly great wine if producers can be bothered to find out which plots are exceptional and which are not rather than blending good and bad together. If the Consejo tried to do this and instigate a Cru system, war would surely break out in Rioja not to mention accusations, rightly or wrongly, of favouritism and backhanders from those owners whose vineyards didn’t make the top quality levels. I seriously doubt that the Consejo has the stomach for such a battle and will no doubt continue to focus on total wine production and turnover. The Burgundians will no doubt be quietly sniggering over their Cote D’Or Pinot Noir at this. After all competition for fine wine buyers is the last thing they need! Wines to try at least once in your life El Pison, Bodegas Artadi I had a love hate relationship with Artadi. On the one hand their wines were truly magnificent, but I recall they were quite difficult to deal with. It comes as no surprise to me that they have the stamina and self-belief to go at it alone. El Pison is their top wine and one which has to be tasted at least once by anyone claiming an interest in wine. The wine is dark, multi layered complexity with a magnificent finish. It’s surprisingly easy drinking with a definite sweet edge resembling pureed black fruits but in a very sophisticated way. It’s a pity I didn’t keep a few cases of this wine, not because it would have proved a great investment but because drinking early vintages of this wine would have been a great talking point amongst my wine friends. 83

recipes

INGREDIENTS 200g beetroot

BEETROOT BURGER Full of antioxidants health-food titan

100g red onion 100g chickpeas 30g oats 10g coriander pinch of salt and pepper bun of choice a few spinach leaves a few slices of avocado a big slice of tomato hummus 84

DIRECTIONS 1. Peel and cut beetroot and onion and mix well in a food processor together with chickpeas, oats, corriander and salt and pepper. 2. Once processed, form burgers out of the mixture, place on a baking tray and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes at 180â °C. 4. Slice the bun in half and on the bottom, place spinach, burger, avocado & tomato, You can add any other vegetables but make sure you garnish with hummus before placing the top of the bun... on top! VoilĂ . GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

recipes

by Danielle Cahoon

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Rich ‘n’ creamy food of the gods

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup almond milk 1 ripe avocado 1 spoonful cacao powder 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1 banana Cacao nibs Sunflower seeds Berries

DIRECTIONS 1. Pour almond milk into your blender. Slice avocado in half and scoop contents into the blender. Add cacao powder, vanilla and the banana. 2. Blend on high for 1-3 minutes. Stir mixture with a spoon, then blend again until smooth. 3. Scoop mousse into a cup. 4. Top your mousse with cacao nibs, sunflower seeds, berries… you name it. 5. Dig in and enjoy… guilt free.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Avocado is high in healthy fats and incredibly nutritious containing 20 different vitamins and minerals. 100g contains: •

Vitamin K: 26% of the RDA.

•

Folate: 20% of the RDA.

•

Vitamin C: 17% of the RDA.

•

Potassium: 14% of the RDA.

•

Vitamin B5: 14% of the RDA.

•

Vitamin B6: 13% of the RDA.

•

Vitamin E: 10% of the RDA.

•

Also, small amounts of Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin). 85

appetite

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

Café Solo Modern Italian eatery set in lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas (eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and

Casa Pepe

A delightful terrace, bar, restaurant on the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Specialising in fresh fish caught locally with daily specials including seabass, dorada, sole, and bream, plus a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Also available are tapas and raciones (double size tapas) to share (or not!) prior to a main course. Mixed paellas also available, as well as fish cooked in rock salt, whole suckling pig and baby lamb to order. Open: Tues-Sat lunch & evening, Sunday lunch only, closed Mondays. Casa Pepe, 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe@gmail.com. Visit: www.gibtour.com/casapepe.

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

Nunos Italian

Nunos Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean, is popular with hotel guests, tourists and local residents. This 2 rosette rated, AA restaurant is renowned for its eclectic interior, intimate atmosphere and fine cuisine. Savour a wide selection of freshly prepared Italian delicacies, including bread, pasta, meat and fish, followed by delicious desserts. In the summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining for private parties in the Garden Grill. Sitting nestled in the colonial garden you can enjoy a mouth-watering menu of charcoal-grilled meats and freshly prepared salads in candlelit surroundings. Open: Mon-Sun 1-3pm lunch, 7–11pm dinner Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501 Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi

Solo Bar & Grill Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak. This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating. Well worth a visit, or two! Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event. Open: 12-8pm.

red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking. Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Sacarello Coffee Co

Located in a converted coffee warehouse, and famous for its great fresh ground coffee, homemade cakes/ afternoon tea, plus full menu and excellent salad bar with quiche selection, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Holds popular art exhibitions with the Sacarello collection and guest artists. Very busy at office lunchtimes (1-2pm). Sacarello's is available for parties and functions in the evenings. Open: 9am-7.30pm Mondays - Fridays. 9am-3pm Saturdays Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625

Raj’s Curry House Raj’s tasty Indian cuisine is now available to eat in or take away, from his new fully refurbished premises in Queensway Quay next to the Waterfront. Serving authentic dishes such as Creamy Butter Chicken, Bhuna King Prawn or Chana Masala, and so much more. There is something available to suit all tastes. Pop in or telephone for food orders or table reservations. Open: food served 7 days 11am- 3pm, 6pm-late Raj’s Curry House Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 46993

Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

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

desserts, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as well as Lavazza coffees and frappes. Open: 7am-midnight Mon-Sat, 9am-midnight Sun. Jury’s Café & Wine Bar 275 Main Street. Tel: 200 67898

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

restaurants, bars & pubs All’s Well Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practise of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod & chips and steak & ale pie plus a range of salads and jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke Mondays and Wednesdays until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm. All’s Well Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

O’Reilly’s Tr a d i t i o n a l Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday f ro m 9 a m) . Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness pie, Molly’s mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings), sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all. O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888

Bridge Bar & Grill Located on the water’s edge, Ocean Village, just across the b r i d g e f ro m O’Reilly’s. This bar & grill is a fusion of an American themed menu with Tarifa chill out style. Open for breakfast from 9am serving healthy options, freshly squeezed orange juice and Italian Lavazza coffee. Try the spicy Caribbean rum ribs, southern fried chicken bucket, the popular Texas burger or a selection of tasty salads and homemade desserts. London Pride, San Miguel & Carling beer on draught, live sports. Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

Gibraltar Arms On Main Street opposite the cathedral, enjoy a meal, coffee or a cool beer on the terrace and watch the world go by! Bar decorated with rare military plaques from regiments and navy ships visiting Gibraltar. Full breakfast menu served from 7am, draught beers on tap include Old Speckled Hen bitter, Murphys Irish stout, Heineken lager and Strongbow cider. Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133 Visit: www.gibraltararms.com

Mumbai Curry House Indian cuisine, eat-in/take-away, from snacks (samosas, bhajias, pakoras) to lamb, chicken and fish dishes such as korma, tikka masala, do piaza. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food. Outside catering for parties/meetings. Sunday Mumbai favourites such as Dosa & Choley Bhature. Open: 7 days a week 11am - 3pm, 6pm -late. Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 200 50022/33

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Star Bar Gi b ra l t a r ’s oldest bar, just off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 7am (9am on Sunday). A full menu including fish & chips, until 10pm. The home of Star Coffee, draught beers include Heineken, Old Speckled Hen, Murphys and Strongbow cider. Managed by Hunter Twins from Stafford, England, also home to Med Golf & Tottenham Hotspur supporters club. Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Visit: www.starbargibraltar.com

The Three Owls The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers. Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar, two match pool tables, poker machines, dartboard, bar, open from 5pm daily. Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends for the Rugby Union matches. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be. The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446

Picadilly Gardens Relaxed bar restaurant located near to the Queen’s Hotel and Cable car, it has a cosy garden terrace, which is great for drinks, tapas and food al fresco. English breakfast, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, paella by pre-order, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or takeaway. Open: 6:30am till late. Piccadilly Gardens Rosia Road, Tel: 20075758

Lord Nelson Bar/brasserie in Casemates. Done out like Nelson’s ship. Starters & snacks include fresh mussels, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses from chilli con carne and chicken & mushroom pie, to crispy duck burrito and fish & chips. Jackets, burgers and kid’s menu. Live music on stage nightly. Spacious terrace. Open: 10am till very late. Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi

Get Stuffed Very popular take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving all fresh and homemade sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta, pies, cup cakes, plus hot/cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties. Open: 8am - 4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat. Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006

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

Verdi Verdi All day coffee plus all homemade and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh baked bread and desserts. A selection of bagels (try the smoked salmon and cream cheese) and salads to eat in or take away. Try the light homemade pizzas, or the falafels and humous. Daily special soups are fabulous and filling. Ask for Idan's hot homemade chilli relish — sweet and scrummy. Open: Mon/Thurs: 7.30-6, Fri 7.30-5, Sun 10-3. Verdi Verdi ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 60733

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clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1. Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865. The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm. The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Affiliated to UK NADFAS meets third Wed of month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK talk on Art etc. Contact: Chairman Claus Olesen 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros.com. Membership Ian Le Breton 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome. The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall. Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714. Art in Movement Centre: Hiphop/Break Dance,Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip Hop: Classes held 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: Classes on Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm. Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@ salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418. History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon. Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000.

The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500. Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact: Award House, North Mole Road, PO Box: 1260. mjpizza@ gibtelecom.net, www.thedukes.gi. Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road - Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthtly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reillys Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696. Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808. Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society: devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Tel: 54008426 or Facebook: facebook.com/gibphilosophy Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front. Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: www.hdcgib.com Lions Club of Gibraltar: Meets 2nd and 4th Wed of the month at 50 Line Wall Road. www.lionsclubofgibraltar.com St John’s Ambulance: Adult Volunteers Training Sessions from 8-10pm on Tues. Tel: 200 77390 or training@stjohn.gi The Royal British Legion: For info or membership contact the Branch Secretary 20074604 or write to PO Box 332. UN Association of Gibraltar: PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club: Meets at Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check game is televised. Great food for a lunch if KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club: Meets match days upstairs at Time Out Café, Eurotowers. Gooners of all ages welcome. For info/news visit www.GibGooners.com Tel: 54010681 (Bill) or 54164000 (John). Gibraltar Hammers: Meets on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am &

Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788. Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages. Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338. Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricketleague & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@ gibcricket.com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info. Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion. Tel: 54011007. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m. Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association. New members welcome. Tel: 54002652. Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs through out the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel:

56000772 or Sally 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training for Colts (w+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division. Contact: secretary@gibraltarfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation. Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000). Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000. Commercial sports diving schools available. Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo. Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm. Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:305pm. Sat: 3-5pm. Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869. Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www.gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults. Mon-Thur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714. Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club. Junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues and competitions. Tel: Louis 200 77035. Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442. Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york.gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street. Tel: 20042237. Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

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information

Useful Numbers Airport (general info.).Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards.Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/ Children under 12 - £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery. Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc. John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am 11pm Mon-Fri. Gibraltar Public Holidays 2016 New Year’s Day Friday 1st Jan Commonwealth Day Monday 14th Mar Good Friday Friday 25th March Easter Monday Monday 28th March Workers Memorial Day Thursday 28th Apr May Day* Sunday 1st May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 30th May Queen’s Birthday Monday 13th Jun Late Summer BH Monday 29th Aug Gibraltar National Day*Saturday 10th Sep Christmas Day* Sunday 25th Dec Boxing Day Monday 26th Dec In lieu: Mon 2nd May, Mon 5th Sept & Tue 27th Dec

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

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

ADHD & Learning Difficulties (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Meetings at Fellowship Bookshop Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Road. Coffee, chat, books and resources on display. Tel: 54027551 or 54014476. Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774. A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. (Summer Hours 8:30am – 2pm) Tel: 20040006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000. Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465. Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at John Mac Hall, except for Jul & Aug. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553 SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, a UK charity, to assist serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. Email: Susan GIB-CSTJSWPA@mod.uk 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 APRIL 2016

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

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

Support Groups

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

parenting

MUM ON THE ROCK Polly Lavarello parenting online

zine entails. I took comfort in the fact that ave you ever been up at 3am, park dates that I had been thrown into. I soothing a colicky child, and found online forums to be a great comfort, as it was quite a niche area, the website felt quite alone? Have you ever but wondered why there wasn’t a bigger would develop organically and at a slow needed something for your child, platform online for local parents, as there pace. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only was the interest from readers and and been frustrated with what a long proare in so many other parts of the world. contributors larger than I expected, but cess it can be to find a simple answer? In a day and age where I started this Once my first child was close to turnoutside interest grew rapidly too. nearly everything you need to ing a year old, I decided it was time to project well know or find is just a click away, do something about it. Limited to nap I quickly realised that I was unable to acquainted finding out information as a times, I used my knowledge as a blog- juggle all the demands of the site, and was with parent new parent in Gibraltar was grateful when Bethan Perera and Laura ger to put together a website that I blogging... nearly always a fuss. believed would help local parents. I Wharfe agreed to come on board and ran the idea by several mums I knew assist me as Editors back in December. and they were all enthused by As mums also juggling parenthood If there is ever a time in your life when you and careers, one could never call our need minimal hassle, it’s when you’re in the the idea, some even offered I quickly throes of new parenthood. Sleep deprivato write articles to help get realised that organisational strategy conventional, but we always find a way - no mattion can make the most simple tasks seem the website up and running. I was unable mammoth. If I managed to wash, get to ter how many bugs come back from to juggle all the supermarket and remember what I had nursery with the kids! I wouldn’t have In September 2015 Mum on the demands it any other way, as it was important to gone there for, I was having a good day! the Rock was born. I started of the site... me that Mum on the Rock is written this project well acquainted by parents. People who understand As a new Mum I was overwhelmed by with parent blogging, but new firsthand what parents on the Rock need. the number of products I had to buy, the to the role of Editor and certainly new to conflicting advice about parenting, and managing an online community and nearly While both Bethan and Laura are parents this whole new world of playgroups and everything that running an online maga96

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

parenting to small children, the team also comprises of parents of teens, and grandparents. It is important to me that everyone is represented, and overtime, the team will expand further still, as will the variety of subjects we cover.

But why has there been so much interest?

Since January I have talked to the local news, both on TV and radio, I featured at Gib Talks, on the Powder Room and now I am writing for the very magazine that you are reading. To say that it has been quite a whirlwind would be an understatement. For somebody who generally prefers to express her thoughts with written word, I’ve had to learn a lot about public speaking very quickly! I’ve also done this all while pregnant with my second child who is due in May.

It was important to me that it was a neutral platform.

But why has there been so much interest? As I have let Mum on the Rock grow according to demand, its role as a resource is almost secondary to the fact that it is a platform for many local voices who, in many cases, would otherwise be unheard. We cover a large variety of subjects, so there really is something on there for everyone.

Polly with husband Alex and daughter Elena

well as features on upcoming or significant local events. The only consistent strand running throughout Mum on the Rock is one of respect and support, no matter what journey each of us chooses to take.

Mum on the Rock is not there to tell you how to parent, but to support parents by letting them know what is available to them. To give parents a platform to share It was important to me that it was a neutral opinions, where they can find support and platform. I chose the name Mum on the others who are likeminded. We underRock because every parent is unique, and I stand that there is not a one-size-fits-all wanted to help connect likemindfor children, and that’s exactly the ed parents without isolating othsame for parents. We celebrate it in I am ers. I am constantly learning as a fact, because wouldn’t life be dull parent, and I am always interested constantly if we all took the same approach to in hearing the opinions and beliefs learning as everything? a parent... of others. Some of the articles we feature are opinion pieces, but As my due date gets closer, things most of the time the features are like apps, developing our YouTube channel practical ones, about parenting locally, as and other collaborations are on the back burner while we give the website a facelift. Polly speaking at the GibTalks 2016 However, the team and I are hatching some very exciting plans which we look forward to sharing more about over the coming year. In the meantime, I look forward to sharing the latest parenting trends and news with you via my regular magazine column for The Gibraltar Magazine.

Polly Lavarello is Editor of Mum on the Rock Email: polly@mumontherock.com Web: www.mumontherock.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

Coffee Time 1

1 7

4 9 4 7

7 8

7 5

3 5

9 7

Across

1) Accent; hassle (6) 6

4) ... Flynn, old Australian actor (5) 7) ... Prospekt - Short story by Gogol named after the main street in St Petersburg (6) 8) Not the former (6)

9) Lady ... Superbowl 50 featured this singer at half-time (4) 10) Takes over under the terms of a will (8)

12) Graham Greene novel adapted into a film with Orson Welles (3,5,3)

17) Attitude of men who think they are especially virile (8)

19) Call; by what a person is known (4) 20) Communications sent or received electronically (6)

16 17

21) A 15 is this for another person (6) 22) Occurrence; sporting contest (5) 23) Harsh (6)

Down

2 1

1) Rod ..., rock singer (7)

Notes

2) Explain again (7)

3) Windows in a roof (9)

First Prize

4) Delete (5) 5) Greek wine (7)

Lunch for 2 at

6) Player of a stringed instrument, such as Orpheus (6) 11) Yorkshire spa town (9) 13) Land measure (7) 14) Sea creature (7)

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

Day Airline Flight No

Wendy Homewood Europlaza

15) Someone whose 19 is used as a stand in for another (7) 16) French physicist known for his work in electrodynamics (6) 18) A small bay in a coastline (5)

Flight & Cruise Schedule - April 2016 From

Arrives Flight No Departs

Mon EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA492 British Airways Heathrow 11:05 BA493 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 th until 11 ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 19:10 ZB447 EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick 20:35 EZY8906 th ZB574 Monarch Manchester 20:35 ZB575 until 25 th ZB064 Monarch Luton 20:40 ZB065 until 25 th until 12 Tue ZB068 Monarch Luton 10:40 ZB069 EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 12th time change EZY6299 easyJet Bristol 21:25 EZY6300 to 17:20-17:50 Wed EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick 20:35 EZY8906 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:00 ZB575 until 13th th until 27 ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:10 ZB065 Thur EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 until 7th ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 17:55 ZB447 AT990 Royal Air Moroc Tangiers 18:45 AT991 th until 28 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:00 ZB575 EZY6299 easyJet Bristol 21:25 EZY6300 Fri EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA492 British Airways Heathrow 11:05 BA493 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 until 8th ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 17:55 ZB447 th until 29 ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:00 ZB065 th until 29 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:00 ZB575 EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick 20:35 EZY8906 Sat EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 11:40 EZY8902 BA492 British Airways Heathrow 15:05 BA493 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 Sun EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 EZY6299 easyJet Bristol 11:05 EZY6300 BA492 British Airways Heathrow 11:15 BA493 EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick 16:10 EZY8906 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:15 BA491 AT990 Royal Air Moroc Tangiers 18:45 AT991 th ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 18:55 ZB447 until 24 EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick 20:35 EZY8906 until 24th ZB574 Monarch Manchester 20:35 ZB575 th until 24 ZB064 Monarch Luton 20:40 ZB065

Last months winner:

DOA Vessel

11:25 Gatwick Sun 03 Costa neoRomantica 12:05 Heathrow Sun 03 Oriana 17:00 Heathrow Thu 07 Britannia 19:55 Birmingham Thu 07 Horizon 21:05 Gatwick Sat 09 Mein Schiff 4 21:20 Manchester Sat 09 Zenith 21:25 Luton Sat 09 Silver Wind 11:25 Luton Mon 11 Corinthian 11:25 Gatwick Mon 11 Seabourn Quest 17:00 Heathrow Tue 12 Celebrity Constellation 21:55 Bristol Tue 12 Tere Moana 11:25 Gatwick Wed 13 Britannia 17:00 Heathrow Thu 14 Costa Favolosa 21:05 Gatwick Sat 16 Azamara Journey 19:50 Manchester Sat 16 Corinthian 19:55 Luton Sun 17 Costa Magica 11:25 Gatwick Mon 18 Saga Pearl II 17:00 Heathrow Mon 18 Ventura 18:45 Birmingham Wed 20 Viking Star 19:35 Tangiers Wed 20 Tere Moana 19:50 Manchester Wed 20 Le Lyrial 21:55 Bristol Wed 20 Star Legend 11:25 Gatwick Thu 21 Eurodam 12:05 Heathrow Fri 22 Azura 17:00 Heathrow Fri 22 Prinsendam 18:45 Birmingham Sat 23 Riviera 19:45 Luton Mon 25 Corinthian 19:50 Manchester Mon 25 Costa neoRomantica 21:05 Gatwick Tue 26 Tere Moana 12:10 Gatwick Wed 27 Thomson Celebration 15:55 Heathrow Wed 27 Royal Clipper 17:00 Heathrow Thu 28 Royal Clipper 11:25 Gatwick Thu 28 Seabourn Quest 11:35 Bristol Thu 28 Star Flyer 12:05 Heathrow Fri 29 Star Flyer 16:40 Gatwick Fri 29 Black Watch 17:00 Heathrow Sat 30 Thomson Magesty 19:35 Tangiers Sat 30 Corinthian 19:45 Birmingham 21:05 Gatwick 21:20 Manchester 21:25 Luton www.gibraltarairport.gi

ETA ETD Pass

07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 08:00 12:00 13:00 02:00 10:00 08:00 09:00 13:00 12:00 08:00 09:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 07:30 08:00 13:30 14:00 08:00 09:00 12:00 08:00 02:00 08:00 09:00 12:00 21:00 00:00 08:00 20:00 00:00 12:30 09:00 09:00

13:00 13:00 14:00 18:00 21:00 19:00 23:00 18:00 23:59 16:00 21:00 18:00 19:00 16:00 19:00 12:00 16:00 16:00 13:30 18:00 20:00 19:00 13:00 13:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 14:00 21:00 20:00 23:59 14:00 18:00 23:59 14:00 23:00 16:00 19:00

Italian British British Spanish German Spanish American American American American American British Italian American American Italian British Italian International American French American American British American American American Italian American British International International American International International British British American

Capacity 1,697 1,975 4,372 1,400 2,500 1,400 296 114 450 1,900 95 4,372 3,780 700 114 2,720 450 3,100 928 95 264 212 2,100 3,076 758 1,269 114 1,697 95 1,214 228 228 450 170 170 798 1,462 114

www.gibraltarport.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

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O P E N I N G S P R I N G 20 1 6

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