The Gibraltar Magazine - March 2016 by Rock Publishing Ltd

Gibraltar’s Gastronomic Gem presents

A Brand New À La Carte Menu

Impressive presentation and divine taste combinations make Nunos the top class destination for a true gourmet experience. Drawing on the culinary heritage of all the Italian regions, a King Prawns Carpaccio with wasabi caviar may sharpen your appetite for Nunos’ classic dish Fette de Manzo en Padella Calda – a sizzling beef tenderloin. A contemporary Sous-Vide Venison, a traditional Osso Bucco, Fresh Grilled Sea Bass Fillet or a vegetarian risotto, may be followed by a choice of desserts that range from the dramatic Chocolate Sphere to the more homely Rhubarb Crumble. Nunos fine wine list is equally adventurous and sophisticated and our sommeliers have created it

RESERVATIONS

in such a way that there are a number of suitable wines for every dish on the menu. Add, the option for either indoor or al fresco dining, both with stunning sea views to this winning restaurant and we have no doubt that whether you want a romantic dinner for two, a corporate dinner with business guests or a more casual night out with friends – Nunos offers culinary perfection! Plus, if you have a special dietary or allergen requirement, you only have to contact Nunos in advance and we’ll create a menu selection to suit. Our menu already has vegetarian options and dishes containing nuts clearly marked.

Nunos at The Caleta – A Theatre of Fine Italian Dining

T: (+350) 200 76501 · E: reservations@caletahotel.gi www.caletahotel.com

When it comes to legal advice Hassans stands out from the crowd With a global reach, Hassans provides legal solutions, both locally and cross-border, to individuals and major multinationals. We deliver a service consistent with old world values of customer care whilst combining professionalism with pragmatism. Our clients get what they need, when they need it. Personal or business solutions. Efficiently delivered.

57/63 Line Wall Road, PO Box 199, Gibraltar. T: +350 200 79000 F: +350 200 71966 business@hassans.gi www.gibraltarlaw.com

“Hassans is widely considered to be the market’s leading firm, both in terms of size and depth of experience…” Legal 500 EMEA, 2014 Edition.

editor’s note

MARCH ISSUE

his year, spring arrives on March 20th at 5:30am so for the next few months, we get a little more daylight every day. Traditionally, flowers begin to bloom and babies are born making this season a symbol of renewal and reawakening. We don’t see this as clearly in Gibraltar since there is no snow to melt or bears to wake up from their hibernation, plus umbrellas must stay on stand-by, at least till the end of March. Ian spotted those rainy clouds in his coffee as he wrote about tax avoidance by big corporations (p. 21). Riaan opens the new season with a breakdown of the cruise ship tourists industry on the Rock (p. 24), while Mike gives us an insight into the hotly discussed mystery of the ‘tenant’s deposit’ on rental apartments (p. 32). As Callie offers advice on developing life skills for employment (p. 30), the HR Dept. introduces the ‘feedforward’ concept used by employers to give upward feedback focusing on the future (p. 28). The upcoming Easter holidays celebrate a spring renaissance through various beliefs (p. 50). In pagan tradition, Flower Women were often portrayed with spring

flora in their hair serving as symbols of fertility and rebirth. Eoste, the Germanic divinity said to be Easter’s namesake, links both themes of spring and strong women, who we celebrate with respect and appreciation on International Women’s Day, when no female should go without receiving a bouquet. We introduce some truly intriguing statistics on the gender gap closure in different countries during conversation with Samantha Sacramento, one of few determined, successful women in the male-dominated professions of law and politics in Gibraltar (p.35). Marking the British Dyslexia Association’s 10th International Conference, the condition is outlined on page 46. Also, the final chapter of our three part series on Anarchy in Gib sees the anarchist group Círculo Obrero beaten and deactivated (p. 48). In Scene, Elena introduces the innovative graffiti-inspired art of Lloyd George (p. 54), she also probes Drama Festival entry ‘Constellations’ director, Daniel StrainWebber (p. 60) and spends time with the elusive Gibraltar Scientific Society, whose motto is to ‘never accept but always question’ (p. 62).

This month, spring bird migration across the Strait is officially in motion! Seasoned bird watcher Andrew Fortuna takes us through their journey on page 65. As March’s Commonwealth Day bank holiday is often referred to as ‘the Gibraltar skiing weekend’, read about my experiences in Sierra Nevada before hitting the slopes (p. 72). Andrew offers his top tips for bargain hunting when buying wines on the Rock (p. 84) and, finally, check out our Easter recipes of choice, including a firm favourite from the Muscle Bakery (p. 86). All this talk of rebirth, pagan beliefs and superwomen has made me wonder... What if we could have superpowers too (p.18)...

Anna

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Direct access Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is important to us that our clients have direct access to their relationship managers. Therefore we have no call centers. Instead, each of our clients has their own personal relationship manager who they can contact anytime - to quickly make good decisions. There are no obstacles or barriers between us. Welcome to a bank out of the ordinary.

Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. Tel. +350 200 72782 Follow us on facebook jyskebankgibraltar Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B. Services and products are not available to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US.

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03/03/15 08.53

contents 8 NEWS 14 Adopt a dog 16 Around town 18 Hello there: Superpowers

FINANCE, BUSINESS, PROPERTY 21 24 26 28 30 32

Clouds in my Coffee - Corporation Tax Spring Forward - it’s the season of... Business in Blossom - How to care for your enterprise FeedForward - How to give & receive better feedback Life Skills Defined - Planning for the future The why & the wherefores of the tenant’s deposit

LIFE 35 39 42 46 48 50 21#05 March 2016: Samantha Sacramento and Blanco

Special thanks to Eddie Mandleberg. Contributing writers: Ian Le Breton, Riaan de Lange, Sylvia Kenna, Eran Shay, Ayelet Mamo Shay, Callie Lombard, Mike Nicholls, Mike Brufal, Chris Grocott, Gareth Stockey, Jo Grady, Elena Scialtiel, Richard Cartwright, Sophie CliftonTucker, Andrew Licudi. 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.

www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com

@gibmag

Magazine & website archived by the British Library

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

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

Email: info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Tel: 200 77748 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Girl Power - Marking International Women’s Day Full Circle - Helen Mercer (nee Mifsud) New Faces - Serving the public When Life Gives you Melons - you may have dyslexia Anarchy in Gib - Part Three Easter Tradition - Honouring death and new life

SCENE 54 58 60 62

Graffiti & Graphite - Lloyd George Chasing Success - Nigel Palmer Direct Praise & String Theory - Constellations It’s all in our Skull - Never accept, always question

LEISURE 65 68 75 81 84 86

Spring Birds - Migration through the Straight Winter Sports - Snowy Season in Sierra Nevada Untouched Uruguay - dogs, theatres and horse-riding Cyber Superheroes - the world of hacking and security Wines on Sale - where to find a bargain Recipes: Spinach Pie & Carrot Cookies

88 Guides and Information 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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news

HASSANS AWARDED ‘FIRM OF THE YEAR’

ibraltar’s largest law firm Hassans was awarded the Captive Services Awards ‘Offshore Law Firm of the Year 2016’ last month, at a gala dinner held in London. The award recognises ‘contributions to the captive market through legal expertise and innovation, strategic vision, business winning client care and participation in discussions with regulators to support (or resist) regulatory developments’. The firm was shortlisted for the award, along with Appleby, one of the world’s largest providers of offshore services, Carey Olsen, a market leading firm and Mourant Ozannes, which advises on the laws of the British Virgin Islands.

position in the use of innovative structures for Protected Cell Companies. Years of hard work have also given us a deep understanding of the markets our clients operate in and have helped us become a centre of knowledge development.’ Nigel has authored and co-authored books in the area of Protected Cell Companies.

Senior partner at the firm, James Levy CBE QC honoured Nigel’s tireless work in promoting this sector. ‘This formal recognition also comes hot on the heels of Hassans winning Law Firm of the Year – Mediterranean at the CityWealth IFC Awards in January, making this a very good start to 2016 for the firm,’ Mr. Levy added.

Partner at Hassans, Nigel Feetham expressed his delight in receiving the award. He added, ‘over the last 12 months we have been out meeting existing and prospective clients in all the major insurance centres around the world including Bermuda, Paris and London. A particular strength is our market leading

DRAMA FESTIVAL 2016 LINE UP

he 2016 edition of the Gibraltar Drama Festival will present fourteen plays at the Ince’s Hall, between Tuesday 15th and Saturday 19th March. The Trafalgar Theatre Group will perform a comedy drama called ‘Constellations’ on Tuesday, along with the Rock Theatre Group and their 18+ trilogy segments by Harold Pinter, dubbed ‘Power Plays’. On Wednesday, GAMPU will present two plays, firstly ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ a non-competitive entry by infant players, written by Maurice Sendak and another piece by Aaron Sheppard called ‘Peddler Polly and the Story Stealer’. White Light Company Juniors will also put forward ’Hoodie,’ a play by Lindsay Price. Also on Wednesday, the Trafalgar Theatre Juniors will present ‘Let’s Go to London’, by Kaye Umansky and Fresh Wineskins, a company from the UK, are showing an original comedy by Nick Fromings, called ‘The Gospel According to Scrooge’.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Other plays on offer on Thursday and Friday include ‘William and the World’, an original play written by Julian Felice, to be performed by the Bayside and Westside Drama Group, ‘Black Adder II – Bells’ a famous Richard Curtis and Ben Elton comedy, a thriller dubbed ‘Checkmate’ by Robert Scott and an original drama by Christian Santos named ‘Insert Label Here.’ UK based group Medway Little Theatre Youth Company will perform ‘A Point of Law’, a Mystery Drama by Bob Cooke. On Friday the Bayside and Westside Drama Group will present ‘In Jesus’ Name’, another

original drama by Julian Felice, and ‘The Trial’ a drama by Steven Berkoff. Saturday, the gala evening will offer the audience the final presentation of a selection of plays chosen by the Adjudicator, including the winning play. Following this the Minister for Culture, Steven Linares will present the awards. Tickets for the festival, priced at £5, £10 and £30, are on sale on weekdays at the John Mackintosh Hall, between 9.30am and 4.30pm. During performance days tickets will be on sale at the venue an hour before the session begins. 9

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news

BROADBAND SPEEDS UPGRADED BY U-MEE

ocal broadband provider u-mee last month launched an upgrade in speed for their customers. This means that home connections have doubled to 100Mbs for the same price, and plus services have tripled to 300Mbs for a reduced price. A u-mee family package was also set in motion offering home customers a boost in broadband speed, for introducing friends to the service. Friends will receive a starting speed of 200Mbps. The technology is supported by ‘Sapphire Networks’ high-availability and high performing fibre optic backbone.’ A spokesperson for the company noted that the move ‘benefits the local market by encouraging higher quality of service and increasing value for the consumer.’ He added, ‘FTTH technology from u-mee means that fibre optic cable is run directly

into every customer’s home, providing an extremely high-quality and fast broadband service, even during the busiest periods.’ u-mee’s entry level package offers free installation and three months of free service at 100Mbps. Their new and modern IPTV service provides over 180

NEW ENGLISH NOVEL ON GIBRALTAR SIEGE

ullivan’s War, a new historical novel, follows Gibraltar’s Great Siege through the eyes of a young Irishman who leaves home to join the British Army, eventually finding himself amidst the battle in 1782. Author Andy Clancy is a former Metropolitan policeman living in Hastings in East Sussex. Having visited Gibraltar and its famous Great Siege Tunnels, Andy was overwhelmed by the stories they tell, and so decided to base his novel around the era. Commenting on the book, Clancy says the tale follows the main character Tom ‘through to his rapid rise through the ranks, and the pivotal role he’d eventually play on the British side of the American War of Independence. I hadn’t given the ‘Great Siege’ a second thought until I found myself in Gibraltar and visiting the actual tunnels used that day. I decided that the siege needed attention and prominence in the history books, and there was no better way to do this than tell the story at a very grassroots level, through the eyes of one man who actually fought. In all, it’s a compelling novel and I’m delighted to be doing my bit to keep the siege’s memory alive.’ The book, published by PublishNation, can be ordered via Amazon. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

television channels in HD, with the ability to record shows, catch up on something you may have missed and pause live TV. Their fixed telephone lines provide free calls between u-mee subscribers and low cost calls to all local and international numbers. Customers are able to transfer their home numbers to the new service.

HERITAGE TRUST DEBATES

series of debates covering a vast range of issues and topics that affect Gibraltar’s heritage environment, management, preservation and improvement are to be held at the Heritage Trust’s headquarters in John Mackintosh Square, throughout this year. The first will explore whether ‘a sensitive balance between preservation of our Heritage and the drive for urban development can be achieved’. It will take place on Tuesday 1st March at 6:30pm, moderated by the Trust Chairman, Mrs. Delilah Smith. Further meetings will be held on the 3rd May, 20th September and 29th November, all free and open to the public. Commenting on the debates, a Heritage Trust spokesperson noted, ‘the heritage subject can be a hugely divisive issue but it is also immensely powerful in bringing communities and nations together. We hope to stimulate new thinking on the benefits of our heritage to us all and transmit new ideas to ensure that the new perspectives generated are understood and taken into account when formulating policy and practice in relation to heritage and the major challenges facing its protection and survival.’ 11

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4G+ LAUNCHED BY GIBTELECOM

ibtelecom very recently launched its Gibtel 4G+ service offering mobile broadband speeds of up to 225Mbps. The new service supplements the existing 2G and 3G mobile networks, and will provide customers with even higher speeds, improved coverage and less buffering. Director of Technology at Gibtelecom, Jansen Reyes explained that ‘mobile users will be able to access the web up to 30 times faster than on 3G. It’s not just about download speed but how fast websites can react; this is instantaneous with 4G+. A third benefit is enhanced coverage, because 4G+ operates on lower frequencies, it works better inside buildings where traditionally, you may have struggled to maintain a connection.’

The launch also saw Gibtelecom announce new mobile services that will increase the data available on existing packages by up to four times. 4G+ will not cost any extra for those who already use 4G ready handsets with either pre-paid or post-paid services, however, they will need a new SIM card. Customers can sign up online

and have the SIM card posted or pick it up from the Company’s John Mackintosh Square shop. Gibtelecom also revealed a new set of pay monthly mobile plans which for the first time include a bundle of local minutes, text messages and data, with options for customers to top up with more.

The network was set in motion by Chief Minster Fabian Picardo, Gibtelecom CEO Tim Bristow and Ericsson Iberia CEO Jose Antonio Lopez Muñoz. Gibtelecom partnered with technology giant Ericsson on the project, marking the next step in their long standing relationship, which spans over twenty years, dating back to the introduction of the mobile in Gibraltar.

AWCP CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL MACAQUE AWARENESS DAY

oinciding with the Chinese Year of the Monkey, 16th March will mark International Macaque Awareness Day, to be celebrated at Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park in the Botanic Gardens. The staff is providing free entrance to the park and an opportunity to meet Gibraltar’s own Primatologist, Brian Gomila, whose Monkey Talks tours offer a unique and up close experience with the macaques of the Upper Rock. As from 3pm, Brian will be discussing the macaques and offering up interesting facts. Park Manager Jess Leaper, will talk about her role as a BMAC Ambassador for Gibraltar and the conservational work being carried out in Morocco to save the threatened species that still lives in the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

wild. Throughout the event they will be collecting funds for the Barbary Macaque Awareness & Conservation charity. For the kids, a bouncy castle, monkey face painting, mask making workshops and food and drink will be on offer. The park’s extremely inquisitive long tailed macaques will work with keeper Simon Looms on some ‘enrichment activities’.

laboratories. Although the long-tailed macaque is not threatened species, it is actually becoming one of the most highly trafficked species in the world.

The Barbary macaque is the only macaque species to still exist in Africa, all other 22 species are found in the warmer climes of Asia. The long-tailed macaques were illegally taken from the wild in Indonesia and were thought to have been destined for animal testing laboratories. These macaques and many other species of macaque are sadly, frequently used in 13

news

MEET JESS

orn in the adoption centre as part of a litter that have almost all been adopted, Jess is a very well tempered Collie cross. She is three years old and likes to spend a lot of time with her brother Crumbs. Jess loves to play and socialize with everyone; cats, dogs and humans alike! She’s an all round really lovely dog.

MEET DUNNO

lthough he might come in a small package, Dunno has a very big personality. At just over seven years old, he has been with the adoption centre for a year. His name is a reflection of his breed, which no one’s been able to tell! Dunno is feisty and cuddly and having grown up with a family, is comfortable around children.

ADOPT A DOG TODAY

Can’t adopt? Foster. Can’t foster? Sponsor. Can’t sponsor? Volunteer. Can’t volunteer? Donate. Registered Charity No. 127 Can’t donate? Educate. Everyone can do something to save a life. 14

t an awareness day in February, the GSPCA found new homes for two of their dogs and raised over £600 in donations. They’re always looking for volunteers wishing to walk, groom and play with the dogs. Call Rob on +350 54013723 if you’re interested in helping. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

news

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around town - gibraltar women’s association 50th anniversary

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

world cancer day - around town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

hello there

Param Nagrani, 9 St Bernard’s Middle School

John Walker, 63 Shop Owner, Flash

Teleportation - I’d use it to teleport anywhere in the world for a holiday so I don’t have to use a plane. I would also use it to go to school so I can sleep in longer.

The Power of God - I would stop everybody praying, and make everyone understand that actions speak louder than words. I would also make a Planet Earth Peace Committee to stop poverty and wars in the world.

WHAT SUPERPOWER

Aidan Montero, 20 Sales and Rentals Executive, Property Zone Gibraltar

Bruno Callaghan, 51 Insurance Broker, Callaghan Insurance Brokers

Mind reading - I would like to know what people are really thinking!

China - Bring them to Gibraltar. Inward investment required. They could use Gibraltar PLC as a springboard into Europe, Brexit permitting!!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

hello there

Audrey Sales Assistant, Sacarello’s Newsagency

Suhana Nagrani, 7¾ St Mary’s First School

Super Hearing - So I can hear what people are saying when they leave the room, then I can blackmail them HA HA

The power to harness Ice - I would use it to freeze my teacher. I would also use it to freeze people’s mouths when they’re boring.

WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Chloe Benezrah, 31 Sales Assistant, BHS

Stephanie Smith. 25 HR Officer / PA to Chairman, Tradewise Insurance Company

Teleportation - I am too clumsy to drive so teleportation would be my preferred method of travelling. I would teleport my friends and family to all my favourite locations around the world so they can enjoy them with me.

Healing powers - I’d like the ability to heal people and I would use it to keep everyone happy + healthy + make the most of life. There are too many bad things happening to good people!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

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business, finance, property

CLOUDS IN MY COFFEE Corporation tax

but structured in the most tax efficient his is a story about Internet As a taxpayer, I don’t want to pay any manner. companies and coffee shops. I more tax than is legally due. I’m sure I’m should point out immediately that not alone in this. What then is wrong with I am writing this column from my companies seeking to minimise their taxes? What these companies have been doing temporary home in Amsterdam, where I A tax bill is, after all, a negative cost to a – and the large multinationals with the have been seconded for a short period. business alongside other costs like premhousehold names are probably just the tip “Coffee shops” mean something quite ises, raw materials, transport, manpower of the iceberg – is legal. They have simply different here so, to avoid any and energy. No one should fault a been utilising the tax rules as laid down confusion, I am referring to a financial director for seeking to control by a variety of different governments What is large multinational chain where or reduce these costs – that is, after worldwide. If the net effect is “generous”, wrong with coffee just means, well, coffee all, their job – provided, of course, that and allows companies to avoid tax, then companies the methods employed are legal. – even when it is called a pistathe onus is on governments worldwide to seeking to chio and rose mocha. And the rectify the situation. It is not realistic minimise Internet company I am thinking to expect companies to pay more Genuine tax planning is not All global their taxes? only perfectly legal but, in of? Google it. tax than is due. brands will the context of company fiarrange Alert readers may have a sense of where nance directors, it is an essential No doubt there has been some less some form of I am going with this. One cannot these part of their remit. For example, than legal stuff going on as well – international there always has been and always all global brands – from soap days read a newspaper or watch a news royalty programme without at least one reference powder to digital technology will be. But, as we always say at structure... – will arrange some form of to large, multinational companies – the Sovereign, any tax planning that is above mentioned being just two examples international royalty structure not fully compliant or that simply – that are being pilloried for “playing” the to ensure that their “intellectual property” relies on not making required disclosure to international tax framework to minimise – trademarks, copyrights, patents, industhe relevant authorities is not tax planning trial design rights – is not only protected their tax liabilities. at all. It is evasion – or to use another

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

finance were paying virtually little or no tax in countries where they doing a lot of business. There was also the perception that multinationals were enjoying an unfair tax advantage over their domestic competitors because their international operations allowed for substantial tax management to minimise the corporate tax burden at group level.

al operations. The UK, meanwhile, has been roundly criticised for its unilateral £130 million tax settlement with Google on back taxes. Business Secretary Sajid Javid conceded that it was “not a glorious moment” for the government. He said that the agreement has fuelled a “sense of injustice” that big businesses receive preferential treatment.

To me, there is another side to the argument. First, the critics generally cite the “statutory” rates of tax – for example 35% in the US or 20% in the UK. However, the statutory rate does not reflect It is often said that there is no word, fraud. Being clear about this differthe tax expenditures that reduce There are a ence is important; as former UK Chancellor such thing as bad publicity. the “effective rate” on corporate number of I can’t help thinking that the the late Lord (Denis) Healey so succinctly valid reasons profits – that is, what corporations finance directors of some of put it, “the difference between tax avoidactually pay in taxes as a share of for the these firms who have had to ance and tax evasion is the thickness of a their profits. Secondly, one of the differences defend their practices might disprison wall.” largest corporate tax expenditures is between tax “deferral of income from controlled agree. They are only doing their obligations job and are only working within foreign corporations”, which allows So, why all this fuss over multinational and tax the parameters laid down by multinationals to delay paying tax corporations now? After all, there was payments... governments around the world. on their foreign profits. Companies precious little outrage prior to the global get a credit against their home taxes financial crisis in 2008. Well, every country for the taxes they pay to other countries, The reporting of these cases has often running significant budget deficits – as and they pay no home taxes on the profits verged on the irresponsible. Joe Public has nearly all were in the aftermath of the they earn in other countries unless they been whipped up into a frenzy of indigfinancial crisis – was deemed at imminent “repatriate” them. nation against multinationals and their risk of becoming another Greece unless it advisors – and, indeed, offshore financial immediately began cutting spending and centres. All this indignation should raising taxes. Fiscal probity, In other words, there are a number of valid “The difference more properly be directed against we were assured, was the reasons for the differences between tax the various onshore governments way out of the mess. obligations and tax payments and those between tax that created the environment, who point to the gaps between statutory avoidance and through legislation and secret tax rates and effective rates are uninformed or So, in this context of national tax evasion is rulings, whereby multinationals disingenuous. These companies are followbelt tightening, people were the thickness of could pick and choose the most ing accounting rules. They are not doing shocked to learn that some of a prison wall.” amenable base for their internation- anything illegal. the world’s biggest companies

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

finance

World governments are currently attempting to bring the international tax framework up to speed with the modern, digital business world. The OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting – “BEPS” for short – initiative is designed to combat tax-planning strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to make profits disappear for tax purposes or to shift profits to low-tax locations. It aims to give countries the tools they need to ensure that profits are taxed where the economic activities that generate those profits are performed, not least through a proposal to introduce

country-by-country profits reporting. The BEPS initiative will require close international cooperation, transparency, data and reporting requirements from all countries and multinationals.

Maybe it is time for corporation tax to be seriously overhauled...

There is however a more radical solution. Maybe it is time for corporation tax to be seriously overhauled – or perhaps even scrapped altogether in its current form? I am not alone in this view. Former UK Chancellor, Lord (Nigel) Lawson, joined the debate by suggesting that corporation tax has “had its day”. He argues that it would be Maybe it better to levy a tax on corporate is time for sales, stating that “while multinacorporation tionals can artificially shift profits tax to be to whatever tax jurisdictions seriously they choose, sales are where overhauled... they are, and can’t be shifted.” I expect to see continued fallout from these stories although it worries me that the result will be yet more regulation and complexity and that will affect business, individuals and their advisors. The important point, as always, is to keep a close eye

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

on these developments, particularly those of us whose job it is to advise clients on such matters.

Jurisdictions such as Gibraltar, where so much of our financial sector – and the employment and revenue that goes with it – is dependent on our role in the legitimate structuring of international investments, need to watch any ill-advised comments and respond to them when we can and as robustly as possible. We should not be reticent or defensive but instead must play a full and active part in the global corporate tax debate.

Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com 23

tourism words | Riaan de Lange Economist, Author and Lecturer photo | DM Parody www.dotcom.gi/photos

SPRING FORWARD it’s the season of...

arch, the third month of the cash flow. The long wait is nearly over, the year in both the Julian and season is starting - the one that you have Gregorian calendars (yes, it is no doubt been awaiting significant), is the meteorologiin a…n…t…i…c…i…pation. 236 cruise cal beginning of Spring, profess to start on (Apologies to Richard O’Brien’s ships are the first day of the month. It is the month Dr. Frank N. Furter.) expected of much celebration and religious festival to call in in Gibraltar. First off, Commonwealth Day, Cruise ships calling 2016. celebrated on Monday, 14 March 2016, which offers the first long weekend of March heralds the annual the month. Then there is Easter start of the cruise ships calling on weekend which commences with March the Port of Gibraltar also known as Good Friday, 25 March 2016 Gibraltar Harbour. Any guess how heralds the and continues to Easter Monday, annual start many cruise ships called on the 28 March 2016. But that is not Port of Gibraltar since 1st of January of the cruise all that is happening in March. It 2016? Only two. One on January ships calling is also the month when Daylight 12th and the other on February 27th. on the Port Saving Time starts. On Sunday, How many cruise ships are expectof Gibraltar... ed to call on the Port of Gibraltar 27 March 2016 at 02:00:00, all clocks need to be turned in 2016? According to the Abstract forward an hour. This practice, known as of Statistics 2014, 180 cruise ships called ‘March Forward’, ‘Spring Ahead’, ‘Spring Up’ in 2014, the Gibraltar Port Authority list or ‘Spring Forward’, serves to remind us to extends only until 2012, whilst according set our clocks (also read watches) forward to the Gibraltar Tourist Board, 204 arrived by an hour, heralding the arrival of Spring. in 2015. Any guess for 2016? For this you need to do a calculation, using the But March offers additional celebration Gibraltar Port Authority’s cruise schedule to Gibraltarians. Well, at least it should, for 2016 – not an easy exercise. If you particularly if you are a business owner make the investment, you will conclude who places some reliance on tourists to in- that 236 cruise ships (adjusted for duplicrease your turnover, and to improve your cation) are expected to call on the Port of

Gibraltar. This, according to the Abstract of Statistics 2014, with a dataset extending to 1984, is second only to the 238 cruise ships in 2009. Tourists calling In addition to the cruise ships annually calling on the Port of Gibraltar, have you ever questioned how many tourists they bring, or, for instance, their nationalities? This information would be of value - economic value - particularly to shop owners, since tourism is considered one of Gibraltar’s main four economic sectors. In addition to going to source, Gibraltar Port Authority’s cruise schedule, The Gibraltar Magazine publishes monthly schedules on page 98. Yet, is it not interesting how few shops in Main Street, not aware of any in Irish Town, have a notification on their shops windows welcoming cruise ship tourists? Those that make the effort tend to offer these tourists some form of discount. In lack of this, is the consideration that a shop’s display offers enough of an allure to entice tourists to enter your establishment? Surely, more should, and could, be done, particularly, considering that tourist expenditure in Gibraltar have been decreasing in recent years - since 2009. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

tourism But I digress. Answering these questions are by no means an easy endeavour as it requires the correlation of a number of statistical sources. It requires the employment of the statistics of the Gibraltar Port Authority, the Statistics Office, and the Gibraltar Tourist Board. Cruise ships and passengers calling 236 cruise ships are expected to call on the Port of Gibraltar in 2016, which are collectively able to carry 419,527 passengers. It is of course not certain whether the cruise ships would be filled to their respective capacities and also not whether all passengers would be disembarking. According to the Statistic Office the highest number of visitors arriving by sea in Gibraltar was 363,213 in 2009. In 2014, there were 359,293 visitors, and according to the Gibraltar Tourist Board’s in 2015 it was 342,942. Average time of calling (stay in port)

Why would so many cruise ships call over weekends?

Calculations using the Gibraltar Port Authority’s cruise schedule indicate the average time that a cruise ship spends in the Port of Gibraltar is just under eight and a half hours. But averages are deceiving. The average time, accounting for the frequency of number, spent by a cruise ship in the Port of Gibraltar tends to be around five hours. Nationalities of passengers calling Collating the Gibraltar Ports Authority‘s cruise schedules, 46.64% of passengers are expected to be British and 28.57% American. Collectively, European Union passengers account for 64.29% (Italian 7.14%, German 6.72%, Spanish 2.52% and French 1.26%), and international passengers account for the remaining 7.14%. Top months for calling According to the Gibraltar Port Authority’s cruise schedule, the top month for calling is April, accounting 15.97% of all passengers, followed by October with 15.55%, September with 14.29%, May with 12.61%, and November with 10.08%. Collectively these five months account for 68.49% of all passengers. The quietest months, in 2016, for passengers are expected to be January and February accounting for 0.42% of all passengers, and December which accounts for 2.94%. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Although, according to the Statistics Office, there was a slight increase in 2014 of tourist expenditures from cruises (4.31% increase on 2013). However, the challenge for Gibraltar is to ensure that these expenditures levels recover to the 2009 levels (if only in nominal terms), which it lags by 23.87%. Weekend calls

These cruise ships are expected to carry 17,040 passengers, or 4.06% of 2016’s passengers. 13,356 of the passengers will be arriving on a cruise ship on 11 March 2016, two on 16 March 2016 and two on 17 March 2016. This amounts to 3,100 passengers on 11 March 2016, 5,286 on 16 March 2016 and 4,970 passengers on 17 March 2016, or for 9.35%, 15.95% or 15.00% of Gibraltar’s population. These cruise ships will on average spend just under eight hours at the Port of Gibraltar, marginally shorter than the 2016 average. Only one ship, Sirena will be visiting over the weekend, on Sunday, 20 March 2016, arriving at 05:00, staying for 7 hours.

Of the 236 cruise ships, 59 or 25.00% are calling over a weekend, and of these 37.29% arrive on a Sunday, when most of Gibraltar’s shops are effectively closed. Of the cruise ships arriving on Saturday, 13.51% arrive after 12:00, There must be which means that 50.80% significant value of cruise liners that call on the Port of Gibraltar on the anticipating weekend call when most these visitors’ shops are either closed or arrival. are in the process of closing. The obvious question is, of course, why would so many cruise ships call on the Port of Gibraltar over weekends? Is it due to poor scheduling on the part of the shipping lines? Surely, they should be aware of the shopping hours in Gibraltar? Or is there another reason? A reason not attributable to tourism? Bunkering? If so, then surely their calling on the Port of Gibraltar could not be considered as a tourism call, but rather a bunkering call. Arrivals in March No less than 10 cruise ships are expected to call on the Port of Gibraltar – up from 3 in 2015. The Ventura (16 March); Magellan (16 March); Costa Pacifica (16 March); Sovereign (17 March); Costa Magica (17 March); Sirena (20 March); Seven Seas Navigator (29 March); Silver Cloud (29 March); L Austral (31 March) and; Oceana (31 March).

Still cruisin’

If you are a shop owner, you might well have missed out (not received your optimum return) on the first two cruise ships of 2016, or 1,441 tourists, which have already passed through the Port of Gibraltar. The good news, however, is that 234 cruise ships are still due to call on the Port of Gibraltar, and if assumed that it is equal to the 2009 record, which is not as farfetched as you might think. It would equate to another 361,772 tourists - assuming full capacity and that 86.58% of those on board would disembark. What are you, or your establishment, doing to ensure that these tourists - let’s be honest it’s a captured market - would be transacting with you? Surely, there must be significant value anticipating these visitors’ arrival. Do you have a cruise ship schedule on hand that offers you some insight into the arrival? Keep page 98 close by. I leave you with the lyrics of the iconic Beach Boys’ song ‘Still Cruisin’, ‘Hey baby come on; Come on let’s cruise ya got nothin’ to lose; Baby come on… I know a secret spot; Paradise by the sea’. Could this place, Gibraltar be? ‘Still cruisin’ after all of these years’. 25

business

BUSINESS IN BLOSSOM How to care for your enterprise

ith the advent of spring, businesses across Gibraltar are preparing for another busy season. Running a business is in some ways very similar to looking after a garden. Just like plants in nature, businesses too need the right conditions to grow, as well as the attention and the help of fertilisers. Below are some gardening tips that will help your business flourish:

Watering

Fertilisers

Water is the lifeblood of all plants. Without Fertilisers help your soil grow plants faster proper control over water supply your garand stronger and can give an importden will not survive. Cash is the lifeblood ant boost to your garden in times when organic growth is proving too slow. of every business. Knowing how to Investments, Business Accelerators effectively manage your cash-flow Cash and business nurturing schemes are will ensure you will remain in busiis the ness even if you are not making lifeblood the fertilisers of business. Whether profits. it is “seed money” you are after to of every launch your start-up, or the right business. contacts to help you “clinch that deal”, Organic vs Inorganic turning to the right advisors could Getting the right Mix fast-track your business to success. Running a Some gardens grow naturally in an What makes many flowerbeds organic way without the use of pesbusiness looking so attractive is the right is in some ticides or fertilisers. If your business Customisation mix of flowers as well as knowing has reached a point of stagnation, ways very what plants are best suited to the consider growing inorganically You may really like the look of red tusimilar to through a merger, acquisition, local soil and weather conditions. lips next to a row of pink roses, but did looking Similarly in business, researching you check to make sure they both grow joint-venture or alliance with other after a and surveying your market propto the same height? How often does businesses to increase market share garden. erly, understanding local business each need to be watered? Do they need and stimulate growth. But make dynamics, and preparing a business fertiliser? Everywhere, we keep hearing sure you do a thorough due-dilplan, would assist you in getting the right igence… after all not all plants coexist about a customer centric business model. product or service mix that would sell. Personalisation is a sign that we recognise successfully. 26

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

not only the needs, but the aliveness of our customers. Plants make a garden same as people make a business. Pay attention to the needs of your clients and your business will be booming. Or blooming!

Google’s attention, and more importantly, your customer’s attention. Weeding

systems and processes and ensuring key performance indicators are sound will keep your business in good shape.

Have you weededout the less profitable products?

Nothing kills the health and beauty of a garden faster than Exposure an overgrowth of weeds. It’s tempting to focus on the flowers Without sufficient exposure to light, your plants will simply not grow. Similarly, online and fruit, but if you do that, the exposure via social media is fundamental weeds will sneak up on you and become unmanageable. Where is the to your business growth. Online social meclutter in your business? Have you weeddia is a truly powerful, and often free, way ed-out the less profitable products? What to reach millions of potential customers sends you out into the weeds? Is it growwith your brand message. Simply having a few functional social media acing costs? Margins being cut due to counts with contact information competition? The little things pile up Not all and before you know it, the entire for your business isn’t going to plants business is compromised. Reviewing cut it though – you need to build coexist a social media campaign to catch successfully. your business strategy will help you focus on steering your business in the right direction, navigating around obstacles in your path.

Harvesting

If you take care of the garden, you’re sure to yield the fruits of your labour. It might be years before a seedling becomes a tree capable of generating juicy peaches, but that day will come. Make sure you plough-back some of the profits back into the business to stimulate growth into the future. Indeed, new businesses are sprouting all over the place. The green shouts of recovery that started some time ago are now spreading with confidence, promising that Gibraltar would continue to blossom.

Maintenance All of the plants look so spectacular at first, just like a freshly painted shopfront. Over time, however, the grass overgrows and the hedges lose their shape. Regular trimming and maintenance is essential. Similarly, businesses need the same attention. If the paint is peeling and anything is allowed to rot, the whole business will be affected. Maintaining adequate business GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Eran Shay is Managing Director & Ayelet Mamo Shay is Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. Tel: (+350) 20073669 Email: general@benefitgibraltar.com 27

employment words | Sylvia Kenna, The HR Dept.

FEED FORWARD

Thank you!

How to give and receive better feedback...

arch – Easter time and the beginning of spring, a time for considering change, spring-cleaning, a new beginning perhaps? With this thought in mind I’d like to share a successful concept from Marshall Goldsmith about feedback, or as he calls it – feedforward. The aim is to help you and your colleagues focus on what you would like to achieve, or would like to change, or would like to improve on. It’s a couple of months now since you set your goals for 2016. By the way, how’s that going?

The aim is to help you focus on what you would like to achieve...

The idea of this exercise is for individuals to be able to ask for and receive in a positive way, and for individuals to listen carefully and provide future focused feedback. Sounds easy doesn’t it? And it is, when you know how. 28

Most important to realise about this exercise is that feedback is a gift. ‘Feedforward’ is a positive and upbeat way of giving and receiving feedback. To do this, people need to be in one of two modes. First, they want to learn as much as possible from the exercise. Second, they want to help as much as they can.

like that.” or “That’s really not a great gift.” So, don’t argue or critique the feedback, just say thank you. To get started, gather people together into a group, it doesn’t matter how large the group is. Everyone should choose something they want to change or to achieve and this idea should come from their heart.

There are only two rules: first rule is no Then you ask the group some questions: feedback from the past. We have all experienced the time when you Are they helpful people? did something wrong and regularly We spend too much Are they smart people? your partner, friend or colleague reminds you in very specific details time of everything you did. You don’t looking at Are they nice people? need to be reminded of the past. the past... We spend too much time looking The answers to these questions are at the past which we can’t change. usually YES. So, focus on the future instead. So then ask the group: Second rule is, you can’t judge or critique feedback. Treat feedback as a gift. When Does everyone here want to learn from a you receive a gift you don’t say: “I don’t group of smart people? GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

employment

Does everyone here want to help a group of nice people? Again, the answer to these questions is usually YES.

some feedback for you, your first thought isn’t usually that this is going to be fun or this is going to be positive.

The reason this works is because it is quick. Unlike coaching where a meeting can last an hour, people talk far too too So what are we waiting for? Let’s get long and the coach can end up started on this positive feedback giving you more than 50 ideas. You process. There is will often go away remembering no need to the last few which were probaAsk people to break into groups of debate the bly the worst ones and the least twos. The instructions are simple. suggestions helpful. The first person says; “Hi my name or argue is …….. and I’d like to …………………… about them. Another reason this works is because the individual only has in the future.” The other person to listen and say thank you. There is no listens and gives one or two suggestions need to debate the suggestions or argue on how to do that and says no more. The about them. If I argue with you to prove first person says: “Thank you.” you wrong what do I learn? Nothing. If you Then the second person says; “Hi my name argue with me to prove you are right, what do you learn? Nothing. Too much time is is …….. and I’d like to …………………… in the wasted on arguing to try and prove how future.” The first person listens and give’s smart someone is or how dumb someone or two ideas on how to do that and one else is. That is why this exercise is so no more. The second person says: “Thank positive. you.” They then move off to join with someone else. The goal is for them to talk to as many people as possible, usually in five minutes. When everyone has finished speaking and listening, ask the group to complete this sentence with one word: “This exercise was …..” The most popular answers are ‘fun and positive’. Now, normally when you ask someone to come and see you for feedback or, someone tells you they have GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

People will comment that they were able to listen better because they don’t have to think about making smart comments about the feedback. No one has to prove they are smarter in this exercise.

The coach has to be smarter or superior to you to help you. Neither are true. In this exercise individuals will receive valuable help form people who don’t know them or their job and from people who are equal to them. The last question to ask the groups is: How many had the same or similar problem? It can be surprising that a lot of people have the same or similar problems. Ultimately, we are all only humans with similar hopes and fears. The focus of this exercise is on helping each other and not judging each other. So what do individuals learn from this? You learn:

It can be surprising that a lot of people have the same or similar problems.

Marshall Goldsmith says there are two common misconceptions in coaching: The coach has to know you to help you.

• to ask for input • to listen without judging • to listen without being defensive • to thank people for giving you a gift • that you don’t have to use the feedback

More information about ‘Feedforward’ and Marshall Goldsmith can be found here www.marshallgoldsmithfeedforward.com 29

employment

LIFESKILLS DEFINED Planning for the future

s with most things in life, the term ‘life skills’ is well known to us all, but there is no universally accepted definition for it. It is arguably best defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable in- ‘Life skills’ are dividuals to deal effeca set of human tively with the demands skills acquired and challenges of everyday life’. Wikipedia via teaching or direct describes ‘life skills’ as experience... abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable people to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life, in other words, psychosocial competency. ‘Life skills’ are a set of human skills acquired via teaching or direct experience that are used to handle problems and questions commonly encountered in daily human life. ‘Life skills’ aid individuals to develop into active and productive members of their communities. 30

LifeSkills - Key Skills Young people face an array of challenges when leaving school, or university for that matter, embarking on a quest to start a career. No matter what you have been told, it is a daunting task. Adding to the challenge is that they might rely on the experiences of their parents and let’s be frank- the world of work which they entered years ago, is markedly different from the one that the next generations will be entering.

LifeSkills was created to help young people to get the skills and experiences they need to enter the world of work. • Discovering your people skills You may not know it, but you’re already using and practising some of the valuable people skills employers are looking for both in class and out of school. • Growing your people skills

Getting a job, or even an interview, With this in mind, where to is all about being able to demonYoung people strate the skills you have. By develstart? Well, the youth is in a face an array oping new skills and brushing up on more fortunate position than their parents were. You do not of challenges the ones you have, you’ll be able to have to lift your feet, merely when leaving show yourself in the best light. your finger – assuming you type school... with only one. Help is just a few • Building your confidence keystrokes away. Simply go to Your confidence will grow over time, but LifeSkills created with Barclays by typing you can give yourself a head-start by www.barclayslifeskills.com/key-skills, which becoming comfortable with your own will provide access to the key skills that personality, understanding and learning will help you get where you want to be. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

employment about other people’s, and following a few confidence-boosting tips. • Putting your people skills into practice

that hard at all. • Researching businesses

Once you’re in the workplace it’s time to start demonstrating your skills. By understanding how the way you dress and behave can affect how you come across at work, you’ll learn how to use your skills in the right way to create a good impression.

o Whether you’re applying for work experience at a local firm or a place on a school leaver’s programme, it pays to know about a company before you contact them. Being able to show knowledge of a business in your application or interview could give you an edge and help you get the job.

• Demonstrating your enterprise skills

• Gaining experience

Enterprise is all about using creativity and initiative to reach goals and targets you set for yourself. An enterprising person uses their skills and positive attitude to make things happen – and not just at work.

Work experience is based on a simple truth: the best way of knowing what a job is like is by trying it. Not only will you get a good sense of what it involves, you’ll also develop your skill and expand your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Using internet and email skills Using the internet and email is common for all of us, but it’s a skill that can be developed like any other. In the digital world it’s important to think about what you say, how you say it and where. • Understanding Coding What makes your computer tick? Find out how websites, apps and search engines are created as well as understand how coding can help you land your dream job both in and out of the IT industry. • Getting to know yourself

It’s never too early to start thinking about your financial future.

• Writing your CV Your CV exists simply to get you to an interview, where you can speak for yourself. So it needs to work hard on your behalf, sell your skills to your potential employer, and stand out from everyone else’s. • Making connections

Not all jobs are advertised. In fact, a lot of people find out about vacancies through word of mouth. That makes personal relationships important: the more Once you’re in people you get to know, and the the workplace more ways you can demonstrate your it’s time to start abilities, the better.

Knowing what job you want can be tricky, and some of demonstrating the choices you make now • Understanding job ads your skills. could affect what you do in the future. Getting to know Job ads are the most obvious way to find out about opportunities that might yourself better, understanding what makes you happy, and discovering your strengths suit you. They can also help you decide will help you prepare for what’s ahead. whether the vacancy is right for you, and give you the information you need for a strong application. • Researching what you want to do Do you already know what you want to do when you leave school? Even if you have a job in mind or plan to carry on studying, learning more about your choices can help you decide which direction to take. • Understanding culture and different roles Work’s a different environment to school. You’ll be joining people of different ages, with different skills and from different backgrounds. It’s vital that you’re prepared, feel comfortable and get along with your colleagues. • Making the most of your time School doesn’t last forever. While you’re there, why not use the time to make some positive decisions about your future? Decision-making can be tricky but - with a bit of planning and thought - it needn’t be GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

• Getting to grips with money and banking words

• Building self-confidence The key to confidence is trusting yourself to do your best in challenging situations like an interview, performing on stage or speaking up in class. It’s something most people have to work on at some point in their lives.

The language of banks can seem like another language if you’re not used to it. But by understanding what happens to your money you’ll be better equipped to stay in control of it.

• Spending, saving and borrowing money We’ll all need to spend, save or borrow at one time or another. Knowing the ins and outs of all three can help you plan for what you need and avoid potential pitfalls. • Planning for your financial future It’s never too early to start thinking about your financial future. Knowing what to expect when you enter the world of work – and beyond. Conclusion With spring in the air, as March is the month of reawakening, and rejuvenation, let us collectively strive, as part of the Gibraltar village, to support our children and to prepare and to groom them for a world, which at its best will require that they use all their wits to navigate its treacherous waters. At its worst, well, may we never see another 2009, but let us also not forget it – ever. Since LifeSkills is focused on the young, and since they might be more akin to social media, you can simply direct them to www. facebook.com/YourLifeSkills - now there’s a thought.

• Preparing for an interview Interviews can be scary. But if you spend time preparing beforehand, you’ll give yourself the best chance of creating a good impression, and getting that job. • Understanding money basics

Callie Lombard is Chief Country Officer of Barclays (Gibraltar)

Developing a healthy attitude to money early on will help you save more effectively and leave you more to spend on the things that really matter.

Tel: +350 200 15150 Email: callie.lombard @barclays.com 31

property

THE WHYS & WHEREFORES of the Tenant’s Deposit

ho owns the tenant’s deposit on a residential apartment? What happens when there’s a dispute? What role does the agent play?

with your name on it. Check it. If it is not in a Client Account, your estate agent is in breach of the Fair Trading Act 2015.

for four different reasons: damage to the property (unless it is fair wear and tear); missing items from the original inventory; cleaning; and unpaid rent.

The terms by which an agent holds the Residential tenant’s deposit should be set out in a tenancies Wear and tear After much lobbying, I was pleased that Tenancy Agreement between landlord must allow the Gibraltar Office of Fair Trading introand tenant, the estate agent should Unlike commercial leases for fair wear which can require tenants to duced an Estate Agents’ Code of Conduct provide this. The mechanism by which and tear. in October 2015 implementing a series the deposit is released back to the leave the property as they of measures to improve the standards in tenant should be clear. Do not accept found it, residential tenancies a hitherto unregulated estate a tenancy agreement which avoids the must allow for fair wear and tear. agency industry. issue as this is sure to create problems The deposit at the end of the tenancy. There is no legal definition of fair wear must be If you are a residential tenant and tear although the House of Lords (UK) released to and your tenant deposit is held It should be remembered that the defined fair wear and tear as: “Reasonable the tenant in tenant’s deposit is the tenant’s money use of the premises by the Tenant and the by a Gibraltar estate agent, then that deposit must now be a reasonable until it is proven otherwise by the ordinary operation of natural forces”, which timeframe... held in a properly segregated landlord or agreed by the tenant is only averagely helpful. Client Account at the agent’s that it is not the tenant’s money. The bank. You should seek confirmation from deposit must be released to the tenant in a There are, however, some obvious your agent that this is the case if you are reasonable timeframe following the end of considerations when considering what is in any doubt. This protection ensures that the tenancy. wear and tear and what is damage. For your deposit is not used to assist the cash example, the longer the tenancy, the more flow of that estate agency or is not lost The landlord can legitimately make reasonnatural wear and tear to be expected. should the estate agent have financial diffi- able deductions (often but not always recFurthermore, the more occupants there culties. The deposit should be ring-fenced ommended by his agent) from the deposit are, the higher the wear and tear in all the 32

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

property communal areas, such as the lounge, hall, bathrooms and kitchen. And a property occupied by children or pets will undoubtedly encounter more wear and tear than from an absent tenant. The landlord must accept this additional wear and tear if he consents to children and pets. When considering a particular fixture or fitting, the original condition, age and quality must be taken into account along with the expected useful life of each item. In terms of what is damage and the decision as to what is wear and tear must be made taking into account the above considerations.

Photographic evidence is hugely advantageous. at the end of the tenancy as found at the start (allowing for wear and tear) as listed on the inventory report, the law does not allow landlords to claim ‘betterment’ or ‘new for old’ from the tenant’s deposit. The tenant deposit is absolutely not a “new for old” insurance policy.

Very light marks on the carpet might have to be viewed as unavoidable ie “the operation of natural forces”. However, damage such as nail To avoid To avoid “betterment”, there is a varnish spills on the floor or technique called apportionment. “betterment”, iron burns that have occurred Apportionment is the process of there is a due to negligence would see breaking down the costs of ‘fair technique called wear and tear’ into measurable the tenant liable for repair. apportionment. chunks and thereby allowing a The landlord has to consider whether the item which has landlord to fairly assign a monetary been damaged has worn out through natu- value to items in a very subjective process. ral use or from sheer negligence. So, if the tenant starts a tenancy with Fair wear and tear does not apply to cleana three year old sofa, expected to last liness though. A standard tenancy agreeeight years in total, and at the end of the ment should ensure that the property is tenant’s two year tenancy the sofa is damreturned in its original state of cleanliness aged beyond repair not through wear and (not better than its original state). If it’s not, tear, the landlord has suffered the loss of the landlord can use the tenant deposit to the remaining three years of the expected fund such a clean. eight-year life of the sofa. So, the tenant must pay three eighths of the replacement cost of a like for like sofa. Betterment According to the UK’s Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (“AIIC”), landlords are still pushing for ‘betterment’, or ‘new for old’ at the end of tenancies and many have unrealistic expectations of what they can claim against tenant deposits. Whilst the tenant has a duty of care to return the property in the same condition

Avoiding conflict The worst disputes arise when there is no inventory or schedule of condition undertaken at the start of the tenancy which is agreed by both parties. Photographic evidence is hugely advantageous. Being able to refer to such a document with

photographic evidence at the end of the tenancy helps everyone know where they stand. Landlords and tenants should insist on one as it protects them both. Landlords beware If you do not have the evidence to support your claim to any or all of the tenant deposit, your claim against the tenant deposit will fail. Your estate agent should keep comprehensive records on your behalf. The moral of this story for tenants is twofold: firstly, not to allow your landlord to hold your deposit personally. Secondly, tenants should choose a properly licensed estate agent, who knows the rules, uses a comprehensive tenancy agreement, adopts a thorough inventory process at check-in and check-out and who explains the rules to both landlord and tenant prior to the possibility of any misunderstanding arising. Don’t risk your tenant deposit.

Mike Nicholls is Managing Director of Chesterton Gibraltar

Professional Property Management GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Tel: +350 200 67434 Email: mike.nicholls@ chesterton.gi

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

life

GIRL POWER Marking International Women’s Day and celebrating female success

IWD around the World arch is the month for unanSacramento, shares a similar view, adding Globally, International Women’s Day has imously honouring women, that locally we have ‘made huge strides marking both Mothering over the years.’ ‘It is clear that many wombeen observed since the early 1900s, Sunday in the UK (March 6th) en have broken the glass ceiling and are through a spectrum of unifying events. In and International Women’s Day (March London, a showcase is often held, bringing now in senior management and top jobs. 8th), both stirring up a staunch together women who made their mark There are more women in what have in many disciplines, to touch on some sense of celebration towards March is the been considered to be male domithe demanding roles of being a nated professions such as the legal of the issues still faced today. This year, month for and accounting professions. More with technology having proved to be a mother and a women, in what unanimously driving force in business and commerce was for many centuries, a man’s women are also seen to progress to honouring and just general global development, the world. This year’s IWD themes senior roles in the public sector as women... fourth Tech City International Women’s emphasize the success of well,’ she tells me eagerly. We agree Day Showcase will be conducted, women culturally, economically, that many issues, which were socially, and politically, with a particular prevalent in former generations, are displaying ‘women-led businesses “Locally, and projects across technology focus on the driving force behind gender much less so today, including powe have and the creative industries’. Both litical rights in voting and standing equality. The celebration offers an opportunity to look back inspiringly on some for election, and other entitlements made huge Nottingham and London will host of the more successful and career driven within the workplace. ‘It is a time to strides over career fairs for students and school the years.” women in recent history, hopefully pushing reflect on progress made but also leavers to explore what’s on offer. to highlight issues and barriers still Hosted by global campaign I am the younger generation towards finding Visible the event intends to ‘inspire the their own international success, particularfacing women and girls such as stereotypnext generation to dream without boundly in fields still considered to be male domi- ing, domestic violence, empowerment and aries’. Visible Women, the driver behind nated. Minister for Women and Equality, ensuring that everyone has a level playing the movement, has created a platform for and the only female face in a slate of cabfield in the opportunities offered to them inet Ministers here in Gibraltar, Samantha that will not amount to a disadvantage.’ positive role models to showcase their GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

life maximise their potential. Another prevalent issue is to make sure that we have modern, flexible workplaces so women do not have to choose between work and family life, as well as affordable and reliable child care.’ Scandinavia tops the rankings It comes as no surprise to me, the self-professed Scandiphile (lover of all things Scandinavian), that Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden are consistently rated the top countries in the World Economic Forum‘s global gender equality index. The index measures the economies of over 140 abilities and help create new possibilities and sexual abuse and unfair workers rights countries, according to how well they are for women. In Ontario, Canada, a gathagainst women. Sickeningly, stats suggest leveraging their female talent pool, based ering will honour women in that one in three women will be on economic, educational, health-based aviation, a profession that is beaten or raped in their lifetime, with and political indicators. Perhaps most “It is clear seemingly dominated by men. Britain ranking very highly against noteworthy, in politics, the industry that is that many Hong Kong will see in IWD other European countries for sexual globally dominated by males, two of these women have with a Gala Lunch, at which abuse against women. I also discountries have the highest female involvebroken the American educator, author, covered that in the UK women on ment, with around half of the cabinet roles filmmaker and cultural theorist glass ceiling...” average earn £5,000 a year less than filled by women. Both Iceland and Finland Jackson Katz Ph.D., renowned their male counterparts. have closed 60% of the gender gap for his pioneering scholarship and activism, Interestingly, already addressed in the context of political empowGender will speak. Here on the Rock, an exhibition within the very pages of this erment. According to the Index’s equality in the report, which ranked Iceland at the will be launched by Face Frames Gallery magazine, only 20% of senior workplace is showcasing local female talent. Minister management roles in Gibraltar very top in 2015, for the fourth Sacramento is also lined up to address are filled by women. On this consecutive year, these four Nordic about giving A Level Westside students who will be matter, Minister Sacramento countries have closed 80% of the everyone a competing to produce their own creative stresses that gender equality in level playing gender gap across all areas. The UK content under the theme Gender Equality the workplace is about ‘giving ranked 18th out of the 145 countries field... Means Progress for All. The local Girl Guides everyone a level playing field documented. The bottom on the faction are set to explore how girl guiding in the opportunities offered to global index is occupied by Yemen, has empowered them ‘to do the things them that will not amount to a disadvanPakistan and Syria. Fittingly, the concept they would not otherwise have done’, tage. Some women feel they need to work of IWD was first coined in Scandinavia, at through the creation of a short film. twice as hard to prove themselves and that a meeting in Copenhagen forging hunit is still a man’s world. The question dreds of women from across the world, all is whether women have progressed agreeing that this day would annually aim One in three Harrowing statistics to achieve an increased measure at pushing forward the rights of womwomen will of equality.’ She is keen to also put en. Although Gibraltar is not included in In my research for this piece, across her belief that, ‘as part of the Global index, and I cannot make an and through speaking openly to be beaten or raped in their removing the barriers, it is important accurate estimation on what percentage other women about the issues lifetime... to raise the aspirations and ambitions of the gender gap has been closed, I don’t that are still very much ubiquiof women and girls so that they can believe that we have defeated all of the tous to females everywhere, I have found myself immersed in very many harrowing statistics relating to domestic The Minister visiting the Waterport Terraces Day Centre Samantha supporting Special Olympics team

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life

Samantha Sacramento standing in as Chief Minister

stigmas that existed within our community make a difference. ‘People should aspire to add, ‘we need to recognise that there under older generations, particularly the to achieve to maximise their potential are sometimes issues like inequalities in ideology that when a woman wishes to through hard work without letting anyone the workplace and people not recognising start a family with her spouse, they forgo or anything get in the way, particularly bethe value women contribute to certain any former desires to follow a demanding cause they are a woman. I hope that I can roles. In Gibraltar we have the opportuprofessional career. During our discussion, inspire people to recognise that nity to do lots of things. We have Minister Sacramento touches on the topic, anything is possible if you work excellent educational system Strive to an noting the difficulty in progressing in the hard and set your mind to it. I and everyone has the platform to workplace, as a result of absence under wish that more women could launch themselves. Our priority make a maternity leave. She also brings up the be encouraged to join politics,’ be to make sure everyone difference! should issue of domestic abuse, a matter that she says defiantly. Growing up, is encouraged to take the lead and predominantly affects women and has her female role models varied take the plunge because there are been high on the agenda of the Equality from her mother ‘because of her strength important roles that can be done equally Ministry, ‘the Department of Equality is of character and socialist principles’ to her by women, as they can be done by men.’ undertaking meaningful work on policies favourite teacher, Gina Cortes and her Perhaps we could take note of the celebrato support victims and also, importantly, to colleague in the legal profession, Gillian tion of Women’s Day in Central European introduce strategies to raise Guzman; ‘she mentored me professioncountries and adopt the charming tradition awareness and prevent this ally when I was a student and is now “I wish that of giving flowers or small gifts to the girls problem. The Government Gibraltar’s youngest QC, and the first we know... more women established a domestic woman to take silk.’ She also mentions could be abuse forum comprised Fabian Picardo who, whilst not a womencouraged to an, did inspire her to pursue a career in of all key Government join politics.” Departments and interthe legal profession ‘and beyond.’ ested parties. The forum ‘The thing women have yet to has been discussing working practices at What about International Men’s Day? learn is nobody gives you power. a strategic level and is in the process of developing the strategy in this area and With all this talk of gender equality, I can’t You just take it.’ - Roseanne Barr improving coordination between relevant help but wonder why so much fuss isn’t departments. The ministry continues to made over International Men’s Day, which support the Women In Need charity and lands on November 19th each year. The in particular, the work done by staff there day marks similar themes to IWD, promotto help victims of domestic abuse.’ Other ing good gender relations and equality, and work being carried out by the ministry highlighting positive and successful male includes meeting with the girl guides and role models. It also places a focus on men’s female faction of the Gibraltar Football health, as it falls in the midst of Movember, Association to discuss issues of empowera month dedicated to prostate illness ment and body image. awareness. Questioning the Minister on why we don’t celebrate IMD with such With an impressive legal background and spirit, she smiles inquisitively, ‘that is a staunch position within the Government, very good question. I personally believe Samantha is easily seen as a role model to there should be no difference between other women who aspire to work within what women do and what men do and we her fields of profession. Her message to are in the process of planning something young women is that they should strive to for International Men’s Day.’ She goes on GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

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bio words | Mike Brufal

FULL CIRCLE Helen Mercer (nee Mifsud)

When the building of the new school elen Mercer, 51, was born in flames. Henceforth, she refused to walk in Queensway was completed in 1982, Gibraltar. She regards herfrom her home in the South District to self as one hundred per cent town via Grand Parade. Instead, a cirshe moved there for her final year as a Gibraltarian despite having cuitous route was used via Lovers’ Walk sixth former. The girls’ school was called unimaginatively the Girls’ Comprehensive decided to make her home in the Mother which is in a different location to the more school until it became Westside. Country. She and her sister, popular Lovers’ Lane which abuts Gabrielle form part of a unique She found that onto the Convent gardens. family quartet of practising The John Mackintosh Educational Trust the base of lawyers. During her career awarded her a scholarship to read law in Her schooling began at the age of the large trees Helen has been a barrister, London. The process involved an interview four at Loreto Convent where the overlooking then a solicitor and finally by a panel of five and upon being asked teachers were secular Grand Parade reverted back to barrister. Her what she intended to do with her deand not nuns. She has The John had been husband Neil is a barrister, her fond memories of Mrs gree, she replied to qualify as a lawyer Mackintosh sister a barrister and indeed, so painted a lurid Mary Bond and Mrs and practise at the Gibraltar Bar. In Educational shade of red... is Conn, her brother in law. those days both the Government and Fabre. It was a mixed Trust Mackintosh scholarships were means school with the boys awarded her tested. The award was for three years One of her earliest memories is being leaving at eight to go to the taken by her nanny on regular walks to the Christian Brothers preparato- a scholarship and covered the fees plus a living alto read law ry school in Line Wall Road. lowance. No air fares were reimbursed. Alameda Gardens via Grand Parade to her in London. grandmother’s in Prince Edward’s Road. She did not have to take the eleven plus as the system Once a year there would be a military Helen decided to read business law parade to celebrate Sortie Day and to her was changed to comprehensive education at the City of London Polytechnic and horror, she found that the base of the large the preceding year. First years were taught was offered a place after a telephone trees overlooking Grand Parade had been at the John Mackintosh Hall and remaining interview. After a year she decided that years including sixth Form, in Town Range. painted a lurid shade of red to resemble this was not for her and so withdrew. She GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

bio

Helen with her husband Neil

plan came to naught as Helen met Neil grant written permission for her to leave. decided to move to read straight law at during the final year at Bar School. They the South Bank Polytechnic. From the start Fortunately, the Master did and as the (inbegan seeing each other that summer and terrupted) short dinner counted all ended her decision had been to study in London well. In reality, it was the physical presence became engaged after four months. Helen rather than apply for a place at a provincial decided early on she would not take up university. The Mackintosh Trust that was required and the dinner did extended her award by a year to not have to be eaten. her post at Vasquez Benady, rather she She sat would practise in London. take account of the new circumdown and stances. She was awarded her Her studies were at the Inns of Court suddenly LLB and it remained her intention Now, the question of pupillage reared School of Law and upon successful fainted. to return to the Rock where the its head because as she had intended to completion of her exams, she was system of practice meant that called to the Bar in Middle Temple. In practise at the Gibraltar Bar, no pupillage most law students returned as barristers those days practical exercises had to be had been arranged and all the pupillages rather than taking the solicitors’ exams. at the various Chambers had been filled. completed alongside the Bar exams. She had her Call to the Bar ceremony at Middle Good fortune came her way and a friend heard that Robert Willer, a respected Helen became a member of the Middle Temple attended by her parents and Neil. Common Law barrister, had a vacancy for a Temple and almost came unstuck over the It had been an early intention of Joseph Mifsud, her paternal grandfather pupil. She was interviewed by him matter of eating the required number of to read Law, however, in the light It was the and was asked two questions. ‘Is it dinners in Hall which in those days was true that you do not wish to pracof the events of World War I, he 24 spread over three dining terms. Helen physical revised his plans and eventually tise in Gibraltar?’ Upon being told overlooked her dinners with the result that presence that that it was true, he then asked at the end of the Trinity term, they had to returned to Gibraltar after years was required be eaten in a condensed period of time. in New York to run Shorthorn ‘When can you start?’ Helen startand the dinner ed six months pupillage in the 3 Farm, the family dairy concern. On the last qualifying day she had her did not have As a tribute to him, Helen wore Temple Garden Chambers where final dinner to attend and felt ill immedito be eaten. the head of chambers was Allan his collar studs on her Call day. ately before the dinner commenced. She Levy QC, a renowned silk. She sat down and suddenly fainted. In those decided against remaining for a second days it was not even permitted to visit the Her future on the Rock appeared secure smallest room without leave. Although she six months pupillage as she did not want as she was to start work in the Chambers to practise at the Bar. Her husband had had passed out, she was not allowed to of Vasquez Benady & Co. She had, in fact, by then started his career as a barrister be helped out of the Hall until the Master already spent her summers as a student of the Bench had been prevailed upon to specialising in criminal law. in their offices. However, in the event the 40

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bio Sussex. It so happened that her sister and a barrister meant that there were restrichusband had decided to move too tions on the work that could and practise in Gibraltar. Conn joined be done and no prospect of Being a Hassans and Gaby joined the Attorney partnership. The answer was to barrister General’s team as Crown Counsel. take the qualified lawyers trans- meant that fer test to practise as a solicitor. there were She had to sit an exam which In 2004 Helen and family moved to restrictions covered the three subjects of a village near Brighton with her sons on the work gaining places at Brighton College. accounts, ethics and financial that could services. As a solicitor she was She needed to work and so became be done... exempt from articles because a legal locum, specialising in planof the six months pupillage and ning, employment and education law the fact that she had worked in private covering for those who were on maternity practice. She applied to disbar herleave. She is independent and self-employed which was her wish given that In 1990 she married Neil in She loved the self and was admitted as a solicitor because up until 1997 a lawyer Neil’s practice is predominantly in London the Cathedral of St Mary the job because could not be both, a member of an and Helen felt keenly that she wanted to Crowned with Bishop Devlin her Spanish Inn and on the Roll of Solicitors. practise close to the family home at least officiating. The reception was came into until her younger son left for university. held in the Garrison Library. She advises Panels across West Sussex. Her next post was at John Bays Neil was not a Catholic but con- play... Neil does regulatory work for bodies such and Co, a firm of solicitors in Wood verted in 2007, took a part time degree in pastoral theology and in 2011 as the General Medical Council and the Green, North London. Fortuitously, the was ordained a Deacon. He is a bencher of office was relatively near the family home Nursing and Midwifery Council. However, Lincoln’s Inn and practises in London. he also specialises in serious crime, both in Islington. Helen’s expertise was used in defence and prosecution. As a barrister he legal aid work, crime, matrimonial matters, is self-employed in Chambers where injunctions and ancillary relief. Helen decided that Commercial Law was he is deputy head. Helen returned to She is one not for her and left Teredo to join Durnford Such was her success that the Bar in 2009 and relinquished her she was made a partner at Ford, a firm of solicitors who in 1990 were of the few registration as a solicitor. She is one the early age of 30. In 1995 the eighth biggest law firm in South East lawyers of the few lawyers who have alternatshe took time off to have her England. The head office was in Hastings who have ed between practising as a barrister son, Hugo, intending to return with the London branch in Kingsway. She alternated and solicitor. Now, with one son at after six month, however, loved the job because her Spanish came between University and the other in the Sixth when the time came to into play as the firm had a large practising as Form, she may consider returning to do so decided that she Spanish client base and her work When the a barrister the Bar full time. would stay at home as a involved crime and common law. time came full time mother. Barnabas and solicitor. By coincidence, the board meet- to do so (Barney) was born in ings were held in Gibraltar. Gaby and Conn decided to return to decided 1998. Throughout this time she kept England after five years at the Gibraltar that she in contact with the partners at John Bar. Incredibly, they have also moved to Helen never completed the would stay Bays. After a seven-year gap when the the South Coast and their garden can be remaining six months of the at home as boys were attending Charterhouse seen from the Mercers’ house. The wheel pupillage as there was no longer a full time Square School in the Barbican, she has turned full circle. a requirement to do so. In 1991 approached the senior partner to see she qualified as a solicitor. Being mother. if he would allow her to return to her former post. She returned on reduced Helen with her father, Joseph Mifsud Helen’s Call to the Bar in July 1989 hours 10 until 2 term time only which was ideal since she was able to take the boys to school and collect them as well as being at home in the holidays. Marinex Petroleum advertised in The Times for a barrister to work as In-house Legal Advisor. Although it was for a specialist in commercial law, in respect of which she had no experience, an application was sent and after a gruelling two hour interview, she was offered the post. As the in-house lawyer she drafted documents such as consultancy agreements and joint operation agreements and negotiated their terms. The company also used lawyers such as Clifford Chance. Marinex went public and become Teredo Petroleum.

At that time, happily, her sister Gabrielle and her husband Conn bought the house next door to Helen’s which was idyllic in many ways. Ana, Helen’s niece, was born and there was a great deal of close contact between the respective families. Neil hankered after moving out of London as he felt that north London was not an ideal location to bring up two boys. A shooting near the John Bays & Co office settled the question and set in motion the process to sell up and move to the South coast. The family opted for Sussex because Neil was working a great deal in the Lewes and Hove Crown Courts which meant much commuting from North London to GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

politics

NEW FACES Serving the public, and other parliamentary antics

cause to parliament, it’s a very rewarding aving spent many hours as a asked what it meant to them to be an experience,’ mother and journalist Marlene young teenage playing the UK MP, their answers were personal and well Parliamentary website MP for a thought out; ‘It’s about creating those Hassan Nahon alluded. ‘It is undoubtedly Week interactive game, offerbetter opportunities, particularly for young a great privilege to listen to and advice the public, and take the matter up on their ing a vague insight into the life of a UK people,’ seasoned barrister Elliott Phillips behalf if there is a way to do that through Member of Parliament, I was told me. ‘I’d like to think that now politics. . That privilege comes with rekeen to meet with the slate of I’m sitting in the house, I’m putting “‘It’s about brand new parliamentarians forward those arguments.’ Former sponsibility but also allows you to influcreating facing the Government from civil servant, and now full time ence on behalf of others,’ said Manager of those better Air Traffic Control Trevor Hammond. the Opposition benches in parliamentarian Lawrence Llamas Gibraltar’s Parliament, in order opportunities, explained that for him ‘it was about to discuss with them what particularly for whether I sit back and Varied backgrounds they hoped to inject into their young people.” watch things happen, or “It was about role. With the Government I try and make a change The parliamentarians’ backgrounds whether I having been sworn in immeand intervene.’ Financial deviate from the commonly upheld sit back and diately after November’s General Election, sage Roy Clinton believes that league of legal professionals that watch things the first session of Parliament was held in parliamentarians ‘are servants usually fill the benches on either happen, or I January 2016. Gibraltar’s five new MPs, of the people, so we must side. ‘We bring such a wide range of try and make experiences to the opposition that are drawn from very diverse and differing never forget that our salaries a change and we can look at a problem in different backgrounds, beliefs and professions, all are paid by taxes deducted sharing the collective role of representing from the most lowest paid ways and really tackle it in depth. intervene.” the members of their community. As they employee in Gibraltar. We are Theirs is probably not a portfolio that have just entered the political arena, I there to represent the interests one of us doesn’t know something took the time to get to know what drew of the tax payer.’ ‘I’ve now got an official about; it brings a skillset to the opposition them into the democratic process. When platform to help people and bring their that has been limited in the past,’ Trevor in42

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politics sists. Marlene stood as a candidate initially Elliott Phillips discovered a natural marLawrence during the 2013 by-election, following the riage between his two chosen professions, death of minister Charles Bruzon. ‘A lot of people say, why are lawyers Her father, Gibraltar’s first Chief attracted to politics? I think parlia“We need Minister, Sir Joshua Hassan, mentary democracy is almost an exto focus impressed a staunch bipartisan tension of what we do. For example, political belief in her. ‘We’re living mainly on as a lawyer I go to court and try to what brings give an interpretation of what the in a small community and we need to focus mainly on what us together, law is to a judge, and persuade them brings us together, rather than of my legal arguments. Many of rather what divides us.’ Marlene feels that’s made by judge based law, but than what particularly passionate about her also that’s based on interpretation of divides us.” shadow portfolio for education. statutes made and created by parlia‘The fact that I have four kids ment. As parliament are effectively also spread around different ages and the law makers, there is a natural instinct years of schooling, helps me to underfor lawyers to be attracted to politics.’ stand what students may be needing. And His interest in politics matured during clearly, I have a vested interest in wanting his University years in Plymouth, during to see children flourish. It’s an important which Elliott joined the Conservative Party part of our community life.’ Elliott agrees and found himself enthralled by debating that politics ‘is neither about left or right’. and theatre groups, both elements that ‘I think that if you do the right he claims have a great impact thing for Gibraltar, a lot of the on the role of a parliamentarian. “A lot of the political discourse we have is Having initially wanted to pursue a political not really about ideology, it’s career in drama, he settled on law, discourse we Lawrence Llamas, the former tax office civil about different ways of doing ‘after reflection, I thought it best servant is the newest face of the opposithings. That’s why there is such have is not to get something to fall back on. tion party. A father to young children and a political divide between poThe legal profession gives you an really about a Chihuahua enthusiast in his spare time, litical parties. There are things environment within which you can ideology, it’s politics is an entirely fresh endeavor for that could be done to improve fulfill those theatrical desires in a about different him. He took a complete leap of faith when our system, for example the way. It applies to politics also. The ways of doing leaving his role in the public sector during addition of backbenchers to most important thing both law and last year’s General Election campaign, to the house to add fluidity to the things.” politics has taught me is to make stand for the GSD. Lawrence emerged whole thing. There are things sure you are measured in what you from the rubble of the GSLP/ Liberal that you can do to free up debate and free say, because there are always alterative landslide election victory with a up people that may be bound by party arguments to put forwards, seat in parliament and a passion for allegiances.’ you can always present a “You have to leading Gibraltar in a different direcstrong argument if you are watch every tion. Raised in Gibraltar, he spent measured and mature and word you say to his late teens in the UK studying intelligent in the way you Animal Welfare and Management present it.’ Elliott stood in ensure it’s not at Northampton University. ‘I didn’t the 2011 General Election Elliott interpreted in with the third political option the wrong way.” have a clear path, not being a career politician or having studied anything of the time, the Progressive to do with politics. I felt I’d be more Democratic Party. When comfortable being up there and holding leader Keith Azzopardi left, so did Elliott. the government to account, rather than When Marlene ran in the 2013 by-eleclistening to the news and not being able to tion, Elliott stood as her election agent. be at the frontline. My life has completely Being quizzed on juggling two high profile, changed.’ Lawrence, who shadows the and demanding professions, Elliott insists that he has had to seriously improve on his Government’s social services and tourism time management skills. ‘I’ve become much portfolios, is keen to take a very personal approach to the role. ‘Social services is more conscious about how a particularly human portfolio and really, I use my time, when I see “You don’t politics shouldn’t play a part in it. You people in political clinics, I need to be don’t need to be a career politician to tend to try and see people a career understand people; you just need to have at lunchtimes and after politician to an open mind and an open heart. My role work and I try to be accessible online all the time. It’s understand in this is to see why this person is being left out of the system.’ Much of his time is all quite challenging but I people...” spent meeting members of the public, prerelish the opportunity to paring for monthly parliamentary sessions move forward with it all. and coordinating opposition policies. His I really enjoy the interaction. Part of my first official parliamentary session, held in work has always been pro-bono, so I see this as an extension of my legal profession.’ January, proved overwhelming. ‘If you’re GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

politics quality of debate could be improved. It was similar to causes she has been taking on a lawyer,’ he explains to me, ‘you have the the Chief Minister’s New year’s message for years, but now it’s in a more official cacourt experience and you have the public in 2015 that really tipped me over the pacity. ‘I feel like I can see the fruits of my speaking experience. I was so aware of balance to take the plunge, although I had labour more than I did in the last couple the situation, it’s live, you’re on radio and toyed with the idea in the 2011 elections of years.’ Her shadow portfolio television, and it’s all being recorded. as well.’ Roy’s background follows him from covers health, a facet which she The ambience is not aggressive as “We have the Rock to the University of Birmingham insists affects everyone within such; I found it really quite entertaina week to study at the same place as Joe Bossano, the community ‘it’s all about the ing. I was seduced by the whole situto submit training to become fully qualified in the UK individual so there is a lot of ation. It’s a very clinical and controlled questions to dealing with people involved. It and eventually coming back to Gibraltar to environment where you have to be asked in work with local firms in auditing, and subgives me a lot of fulfillment in watch every word you say to ensure the house.” sequently, banking. He moved his way up finding out how to help people it’s not interpreted in the wrong way. the pyramid to become CEO of a Gibraltar in a health capacity, which is a Once you get over that though, it’s based private bank. ‘I believe it was a just like being in a normal meeting.’ Moving life or death thing.’ Marlene believes her necessity to leave, having gone through a role can potentially help to improve the forward, he believes he is starting to build quality of life for local citizens, and that she general election it’s impossible to carry out up his role, gaining an insight into ‘how this type of role properly without can be a voice for the vulnerable. things are working and what isn’t working. She also shadows the portfolios Through building up my experience I feel I “Not knowing devoting yourself one hundred percent. I chose to retire and purfor broadcasting and media, fields can produce more in parliament.’ whether you’ll sue something I’ve always been that she has a personal interest be any good interested in.’ He also uses this in, having recently successfully Marlene at it is quite time to write about his favoured completed a postgraduate diplofrightening...” subject, Gibraltar’s heritage. ma in journalism. ‘The moment There is no typical day for an MP, I came in to the GSD, I knew I although it does follow a monthly cycle. wasn’t going to follow up any journalism ‘We have a week to submit questions to in Gibraltar as I was no longer impartial be asked in the house. There is a lot of so would be unable to work in any media homework to be done in terms of followoutlet here. I do write non-political pieces ing up from questions at the last session every now and again for publications and researching the bills that are coming abroad. Also, I use my journalism formaup for debate,’ Roy tells me. He draws his tion and education to enhance the media information from analyzing answers given communications within the party.’ to him by the Government and referring back to the Principal Auditor’s Reports, Roy Annual Budget Estimates, and other information made available by the Government. ‘I also speak to people, mainly in the finance centre, accountants, lawyers, and research debt levels in other jurisdictions in order to compare notes.’ Roy was drawn to the role after having dabbled in lobbying and forming associations of like-minded people, as a student. Another election candidate who has taken up her new role on a full time basis is Marlene Nahon, a dedicated mother for whom politics is almost second nature. ‘It feels like I’ve seen it all before. The way I saw my father doing politics is exactly the way that I feel I need to do it now, by listening to people’s concerns and finding out what’s really going on, on the ground, then presenting those issues to parliament. I grew up in a house where I saw my father helping people resolve their hardships on a very face-to-face level.’ She praises the opportunity to kick off her political career in opposition, noting ‘I can find out what’s going on in a different way than if I was cocooned in a ministerial office. I feel closer to the ground and I can actually lobby with people and get to know what the issues of the day are.’ Having worked closely with the party since 2013’s by-election, Marlene tells me that this role today is 44

Trevor

With a penchant for finance, retired banker Roy Clinton takes on a less personal role in Parliament, using his extensive knowledge and experience as a qualified accountant and banker to inject a fresh new element into the public finances debate that often engulfs the House. ‘I felt that there was something missing in terms of the input of a qualified accountant. I found the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

politics

New MPs being sworn in

After having spent two years as a member than they are at present.’ He finds himself did ask where directly asked of me by the of the party’s executive, Trevor Hammond, particularly passionate about public safety, public, or based on things I’d been told General Manager of Air Traffic Control dealing with it as part of his profession. and thought I could frame into questions. for the Gibraltar Airport was ‘I’m very keen that things are done It is a real opportunity to act quite literally asked to put his name forward properly and no corners are cut as a public servant.’ In order to switch off “I’d like to see to stand in the 2015 Election. when it comes to public safety.’ from the busyness of his day-to-day life, things moving a ‘Standing for election, and havPolitical interest fell upon Trevor in jumping between two demanding careers, bit more quickly his thirties having been a member ing to do things that were so Trevor is a keen walker and nature photogthan they are far out of your normal experiof the party for over fifteen years rapher. ‘It provides a complete distraction,’ ence, and not knowing whether at present.” now. ‘Politics is something that he remarks. you’ll be any good at it is quit touches everybody’s lives, nobody frightening,’ the keen social media frecan escape it. I’m very much for The Gibraltar Parliament is quenter reveals. ‘I did receive a lot of supthe view that I would rather be described as ‘the heart of “If the port, so many people were encouraging, so involved in influencing things than democracy in Gibraltar and the consensus really at that point, you feel like you have detached and moaning about rock foundation of the soverto do it.’ Trevor’s shadow responsibilities them. I can go to bed at night and is not in my eignty of the Gibraltarians.’ The cover the Environment, transport, utilities, think, well I’ve done everything I view, I have to Parliament building was origihealth and safety, planning and a topic that possibly can at this point, to affect nally erected in 1817, initially accept that.” is hotly debated both inside and out of the a particular issue. If the consensus housing the representational parliamentary walls, the LNG power stais not in my view, I have to accept body of the civilian population tion. ‘They are all sort of interwoven and that.’ Much like the other newbies on his that pursued civil right. In 1969, when are quite technical, but technical is what side, the first session of Parliament was ‘a the Legislative Council merged with the I do professionally so I can understand bit of a whirlwind’ and hugely enjoyable. ‘It City Council, the building was established the principles. Environment I do considwas a real opportunity for direct engageas the House of Assembly, consisting of er a very important topic, very much an ment. I was surprised already by how many fifteen members elected by the electoremerging issue, and very wide ranging. I’d people had stopped me and given me ate. As from 2006, it was renamed the like to see things moving a bit more quickly ideas for questions to ask. A lot of what I Gibraltar Parliament. Parliament in session

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

The Parliament building built in 1817

life words | Riaan de Lange Economist, Author and Lecturer

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU MELONS ...you may have dyslexia

pring is considered the season of But what if life gives you melons? reawakening, rejuvenation, renewal, There is a disability, estimated to occur in resurrection, and regrowth. It is about 10% to 15% of the world’s populaarguably best personified by the tion. In the United Kingdom it is estimated BZN song ‘Spring is in the air’, its lyrics ‘The to occur in 10% of its population, 4% spring is in the air; I’ll see lovers severely so. This would mean that everywhere; … I know there’s It should also at the very least, there are 3,314 a love to share; Maybe here or Gibraltarians that have this disabilbe a time for there; It could be everywhere; …’ contemplation ity (1,326 severely so) - knowingly or unknowingly. Do not be fooled, At such a time of much celebra- and reflection 10% is not a low number. It is quite of one’s own tion, it should also be a time for possible that you, a family member, blessings... contemplation and reflection or a friend might well be a sufferer. of one’s own blessings, and to The greatest concern is that it is, think of those facing their own challenges, not tested for, and hence it tends to genwhich are not of their own making. Even erally go undetected. if life is going your way now, things can change quite quickly. Life is never without Can you relate to any its challenges. You are no doubt familiar of the following, or with the proverb ‘When life gives you lemDyslexia is do you have a child, ons, make lemonade’. It’s said ‘to encourage not a disease a family member, or a optimism and a positive can-do attitude so there is friend that display the in the face of adversity or misfortune.’ As following signs? no cure. you well know, lemons are by nature sour, whilst lemonade is a sweet drink. Source: WebMD

In young children: • A late talker. • Pronunciation problems. • Difficulty rhyming words. • Impaired ability to learn basics such as the alphabet, colors, and numbers. • Problems with handwriting and other fine motor skills. • Confusing letters such as ‘b’ and ‘d’; and ‘p’ and ‘q’ or the order of letters within words. • Trouble learning the connection between letters and their sounds. In older children or adults: • Trouble with reading, writing, and spelling. • Ongoing trouble with schoolwork. • Difficulty learning a foreign language.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

life • Poor handwriting. • Difficulty remembering numbers. • Trouble following a sequence of directions and telling left from right. If any of these signs are evident then, in all probability, you/they might well have dyslexia, pronounced dɪsˈlɛksɪə. Answering the question in jest, ‘When life gives you melons, you may have dyslexia’. But then, many a truth is spoken in jest. The intention is not to trivialise dyslexia, which is considered a disability - a learning disability - of which the author suffers. dɪsˈlɛksɪə

the voice of dyslexic people. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexics of all ages to reach their full potential. It has three campaign areas, namely (i) To encourage schools to work towards becoming dyslexia-friendly; (ii) To reduce the number of dyslexic young people in the criminal justice system; and (iii) To enable dyslexic people to achieve their potential in the workplace.

March is also the month in which the BDA is hosting its 10th International Conference, a key event in the dyslexia calendar. A three-day conference hosted at The Kings Centre in Oxford from 10 to 12 March 2016. This high-profile conference, Dyslexics covering all aspects of research have to related to dyslexia, including identifiovercome cation, theoretical views, intervention numerous and support for children, students barriers in and adults, serves to link academic order to researchers with practitioners. The make a full theme for 2016 is ‘Moving Forward: contribution Challenges and Transitions’.

Dyslexia is not a disease, so there is no cure. It’s a learning disability that includes difficulty in the use/processing of linguistic and symbolic codes, alphabetic letters representing speech sounds or number and to society. quantities. The word dyslexia originates from the Greek ‘Dys’ Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group meaning difficulty with, and ‘Lexia’ meaning Gibraltar also has its own Association, the language, thus difficulty with language. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group (GDSG). The activities of the GDSG are funded Dyslexia is a general term for disorders entirely by donations, revenue collected at that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, its Annual flag day, sponsors and membership fees. It also relies on volunteers, as an but that do not affect general intelligence. extra pair of hands is always welcome. The Dyslexia often runs in families. membership fee for 2016 is a mere £10. According to the revised definition from The GDSG’s website list its objectives to the International Dyslexia Association, facilitate the detection and provide supdyslexia is a neurologically-based, often port for the individuals and their families familial, disorder which interferes with the suffering from dyslexia and other acquisition and processing of related specific learning difficulties. language. Varying in degrees of With the severity, it is manifested by diffiright supports In supporting the community culties in receptive and expresand aids, an of Gibraltar, the GDSG has a sive language, including phonoindividual Homework Club, which takes place logical processing, in reading, can learn to every Wednesday afternoon from writing, spelling, handwriting, manage their 5-6pm at the John Mackintosh Hall and sometimes in arithmetic. dyslexia... run completely by volunteers. As the name suggests, the intention is In the UK dyslexia is identified as a disability as defined in the Equality Act to help young children (pupils) to cope with and overcome any difficulties they may 2010. Many of the dyslexic people across have with homework, or any other school the world, whether adults or children, are work if no homework is brought. The unable to fulfil their potential as a large GDSG strives to bring to the attention of percentage of the population still do not understand what dyslexia is, the difficulties the community of Gibraltar issues relating to dyslexia in all age groups, it has donated which the condition presents and do not a number of books on dyslexia to the John know how best to support them. Dyslexia Mackintosh Library, which you are able to is not an obvious difficulty - it’s hidden. As lend from the library. a consequence, dyslexics have to overcome numerous barriers in order to make a You can contact the Gibraltar Dyslexia full contribution to society. Support Group on email info@dyslexia.gi, visit www.dyslexia.gi or www.facebook.com/ British Dyslexia Association gibraltardyslexiasupportgroup or follow them on Twitter @GibDyslexia. The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Conclusion The Dyslexia Association of Ireland states that ‘Dyslexia is a life-long condition. It does not go away. However, with the right supports and aids, an individual can learn to manage their dyslexia and become an independent self-sufficient learner and worker.’ In effectively treating dyslexia you need to create awareness of its existence. In 2014 the Malaysia Dyslexia Awareness ran a campaign, ‘Dyslexia Did Not Stop Me’, featuring doddle portraits of accomplished people who suffered from dyslexia. The campaign was nominated for a global advertising award. Some of the more famous dyslexic sufferers were/are Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Edison, Graham Bell, Henry Ford, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Agatha Christie, Walt Disney, Muhammad Ali, Tommy Hilfiger, Cher, John Lennon, Steve Jobs, Steven Spielberg, Richard Branson, and Tom Cruise.

The Symbol for Dyslexia Representing the letters “p q b d” this design is symbolic of dyslexia. Commonly misunderstood as merely reading backwards, dyslexics process information in ways that provide advantages in reasoning, making connections, and understanding relationships. 47

history words | Dr. Chris Grocott, University of Leicester

Dr. Gareth Stockey, University of Nottingham Dr. Jo Grady, University of Leicester illustrations | Chris Zammit

ANARCHY IN GIB Part Three

hen we were researching number of Gibraltar’s most prominent the dramatic history of anarchists were, in late 1902, massacred in anarchism in Gibraltar, one an ambush laid by the Spanish military. obvious question occurred to us: why has no-one written about this? By early 1902, Gibraltar’s anarchists had In the past two issues we have seen the achieved a considerable amount, includdevelopment in Gibraltar of a strong and ing, de facto recognition of their organactive anarchist movement isation, the Círculo Obrero, by during the 1890s. And on that both employers and the Colonial During the basis, we might expect that the Authorities. They had also gained strike, the history of the movement would a number of concessions on pay be more visible in the writing of Círculo’s public and conditions. Gibraltar’s entremeetings were preneurial community did not want the history of Gibraltar. highly charged. such victories to go unchecked. In That there hasn’t been much April 1902, employers in various written about anarchism in Gibraltar is industries organised themselves into the probably down to three factors. First, the Gibraltar Employer’s Federation (GEF). archival material is patchy and took us a Recognising that the tremendous amount of time to put togeth- coalheaver’s section The Círculo er. Second, the later success of Britishof the Círculo was decided to take style trade unions, notably the Transport the strongest, the and General Workers’ Union, now UNITE, GEF set out to force the fight quite has over-shadowed the history of earlier a confrontation and literally to the organisations. But, as we shall see, the hopefully break the employers. third reason is the most dramatic – a good union’s power. 48

On 4 April 1902, the GEF issued a statement in which they outlined new terms of employment for coalheavers. Workers were to join an official union, established by the employers, and any worker who did not join would not be permitted to work. The Círculo was de-recognised by the employers and in future pay was to be issued not by union representatives but by supervisors in the pay of the coal companies. Anticipating - indeed hoping for strike action in response to their terms, the employers began to ship in strike-breakers from Morocco and housed them in hulks moored in the bay of Gibraltar. Additional labour was definitely required. Between 1000 and 1500 coalheavers came out on strike and at a meeting of 18 April 1902 the Círculo resolved to stay out for at least two months if necessary. During the strike, the Círculo’s public meetings were highly charged. In one meeting, a speaker worked himself up into such a fervour that he finished one of his GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

history speeches with the promise to ‘eat the liver of Gaggero’, a prominent merchant.

Turning a corner, he happened upon and in collusion with the Spanish military a group of twenty or so pickets who authorities in the Campo. immediately set upon him, tearing up the wooden block pathing of the road to beat Certainly, violence was on the cards. The In Gibraltar, the Círculo was squarely beathim with. Capurro managed to escape, now familiar campaign of intimidation en. It lost its rights to negotiate on behalf but nevertheless was admitted to hospital of blacklegs and employers began in of its members, many of whom were now with a fractured skull and other earnest. One foreman, John Azzorpardi, far too poor to contemplate strike acinjuries (remarkably, he survived was attacked on several days by striking tion. Indeed, many workers from both The crowd and returned promptly to work coalheavers who waited, concealed behind sides of the frontier emigrated to decided to during the strike). walls, for Azzorpardi to go to, or return South America to escape the poverty go to the from, work and barrage him with rocks. they found themselves in. Ironically, mayor’s Police patrols were increased and soldiers As June and July rolled on, the the ships they went in were owned house and from the garrison were sworn-in as special number of workers on strike by the very merchants against whom attack him... they had taken strike action. On the constables to help keep order at the dwindled. The GEF’s members entrance to the commercial dockyard and had more resources to draw Campo side of the frontier, several along the routes upon which workers who upon than the Círculo did and eventually of the anarchist movement’s ring-leaders were not on strike walked to work. starvation forced those on strike were dead or else severely wounded and unlikely to want a further run-in with the The next time back to work. Defeated but not broken, in October the Círculos authorities. There was also a considerable Despite the Círculo’s efforts, the Capurro went on both sides of the frontier crack-down on political agitation by the employers would not contemplate around the arranged a rally in La Línea. The Spanish state and the anarchist movement any form of compromise. At first town, he took local mayor banned the meeting in the area – and throughout Spain – was the merchants were able to keep a a concealed and when the Círculo in La Línea routed. minimum service running for passrevolver... decided to go ahead regardless, ing ships needing fuel. When this they were met at the rallying was no longer possible, they simply In the years after 1902, there was very point by a detachment of Civil Guards who little of the violent and revolutionary activclosed down their operations and locked opened fire. Incensed, the crowd decided the workers out. The GEF was resolute ity we have seen in this series of articles. to go to the mayor’s house and attack him that it would win the strike, whatever the Nevertheless, there was a resurgence of – only to find a detachment of infantry cost. Given this intransigent position, the anarchism in Gibraltar and the Campo in lying in wait. The troops opened Círculo decided to take the fight quite litthe years of the Great fire, killing at least five War of 1914-18. erally to the employers. In particular, there people and injuring are extensive records both in Gibraltar and many more. Workers at the Public Record Office in London of on both sides of the the game of cat and mouse frontier suspected that that took place between the massacre had been several members of the provoked and orchesCírculo and the secretrated with the assistance tary to the of employers on both GEF, Arthur sides of the frontier Capurro.

During the strike, most of Gibraltar’s employers were escorted around the town by Police escorts. Capurro refused to be protected in this way, and in early May 1902 a group of striking coalheavers attacked him by throwing rocks. The next time Capurro went around the town, he took a concealed revolver with him. When a group of pickets tried to assault him again, he opened fire, though no-one was injured. The incident was not forgotten – in June 1902, Capurro was out alone in Irish Town. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

For us, this makes the fact that the Transport and General Workers’ Union was able to establish itself so quickly in Gibraltar in 1919 seem strange. Indeed, it was this mystery we set-out to tackle with our project on anarchism in Gibraltar, only to realise we needed to investigate the back-story covered here. With only a small portion of Gibraltar’s history properly studied, such detours are common. Historians of Gibraltar have only really uncovered a fraction about the ordinary Gibraltarian worker, their lives and aspirations. But, what’s been outlined in this series does much to tell a previously unknown story of the lives and political beliefs of people in Gibraltar and the surrounding area at the turn of the twentieth century. 49

traditions

EASTER TRADITION Honouring death and celebrating new life

and public celebration. The biggest and aster: celebrating both life and in the very early hours of the morning. most well-known carnival is carried out in death through the consumption of Needless to say, my feelings towards the copious amounts of chocolate and holiday were forever changed. Rio de Janeiro, hosting approximately two the solemn remembrance of the million participants a day as the entrance into spring, carnival drives out winter spirdeath of Jesus Christ. Having Religious observations its, marking a rite of passage from darkness spent my early childhood Easter was into light. Outside of the religious context, years at a Church of England Easter is marked by a period of religious welcomed by school in the south of Kent, carnival was a period of time during which reflection. In early spring Christians flourishing Easter was welcomed by the stores of winter foods were used up observe the forty-day period of Lent, daffodils and leading up to Holy Week, and then and eaten, particularly animal fat and meat flourishing daffodils and chocolate that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last into the warmer weeks. chocolate egg hunts. Moving Easter Sunday, the day on which they Germanic tribes would also use this time to Spain in my pre-teen years egg hunts. celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. to toast the return of daylight. In Poland, and experiencing the emotive Lent kicks off with Shrove Tuesday, the processions of Semana Santa, I was met Shrove Tuesday is replaced by Fat Thursday day best known for over-eating pancakes, a day of doughnut eating, still maintaining with a very odd confusion towards the a tradition that stems from consuming all the tradition of using up leftovers before Easter holidays. My family always celethe dairy in the house before the period of Lent. The Shrovetide peribrated them with hearty meals and the fasting for the lent period. Ash Easter is od (preceding lent) has been lost in the baking of mini egg chocolate cornflake Wednesday follows, marking marked by UK celebration of Easter. cakes, marzipan shapes with very little the commencement of Lent, a period of religious attachment, accept for upholding which is usually honoured with religious the tradition of eating a meatless meal on sacrifice and fasting to mirror reflection. Egg obsession Good Friday. In Andalusia we discovered Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forty-day and nights in the haunting delights of Semana Santa the desert. Carnival is observed Approaching the spring season, the and its string of penance processions that just before this period in many countries. Easter egg obsession stems from the often marched through our neighbourhood This involves street parties, dressing up celebration of the end of the lent fast, 50

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

traditions hot cross buns

allowing for eggs to be eaten again. In Eastern Christianity it is suggested that Mary Magdalene shared cooked eggs with the other women at Christ’s tomb, on the day of his resurrection. From this story, the egg became a symbol of resurrection, with new life sealed inside the shell. Through the eras, The egg the connection has led to became a the eating of chocolate eggs symbol of on Easter Sunday. Boiled resurrection, egg is often added to the with new life typical Spanish Easter cake sealed inside bollos de hornazo, which is the shell. a firm favourite in Gibraltar too. This was a way of using the eggs that were still being hatched during Lent so that they didn’t go to waste

It’s the

during the dairy fast. In Central Easter Bunny the celebration as they signified fertility and spring. The decoraEurope Easter eggs are hidden for that brings tion of eggs also holds religious children to hunt outside. Folklore children their connotation, with red symbolizing says that it’s the Easter Bunny that chocolate the blood of Christ. The colour brings children their chocolate eggs... green, however, was meant to eggs, after deciding whether they signal new life after a long and have been virtuous throughout barren winter. The dying of the eggs is the period of Eastertide, similar to Santa traditionally achieved by boiling them with Claus at Christmas. The custom, interonionskins, or other plants. During this peestingly, dates back to German fables. riod, eighty million chocolate eggs are sold The connection of rabbits and hares to in the UK annually. Some suggest that the the Virgin Mary stems all the way from word Easter stems from the pagan holiday the medieval times, when they were honoring Eostre, the goddess of spring and thought to be hermaphrodites and could rebirth. Differing in date every year, the reproduce without losing their virginity. holiday falls on the first Sunday following Hares occasionally featured in Northern the full moon on the Spring Equinox beEuropean paintings of the Virgin and baby tween March 22nd and April 25th. Jesus. Rabbits continued to be used in

bollos de hornazo GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Ēostre, Germanic divinity said to be the namesake of the festival of Easter 51

traditions Semana Santa Here, in Gibraltar we’ve adopted traditions from both the UK and Spain, with both bollos de hornazo and hot cross buns featuring in our weekend feasts. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada and South Africa. The cross across the top of the spiced bread packed with currents, marks the crucifixion. The first record of hot cross buns stems from the 18th Century, when buns were known to have been sold in London. An old street cry from Poor Robin’s Almanack in 1733 said, ‘Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs. With one or two a penny hot cross buns.’ The cries were also documented in Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Later they developed into a well-known nursery rhyme sung by children in the UK during the Easter period, with chants of ‘Hot cross buns, one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns.’ In Spain Holy Week and Easter mark the most prominent of all religious celebrations. The Semana Santa penance processions are orchesMadonna of the Rabbit - Titian, 1530 Hares trated by different church ‘brotherhoods’, dating back occasionally many centuries. The dress marchers carry floats depicting different Andalucia is known for its particularly mafeatured in is perhaps most striking, scenes from the Holy Week. The floats jestic processions. In Malaga the sombre Northern consisting of a long tunic, are often ordained with elabmood is dismissed for clapping European a hood with a conical tip, orate intricacies and hundreds and singing and enjoyment. The paintings of obscuring the wearer’s face, of candles, they are carried by The Semana Semana Santa celebrations are a the Virgin Santa penance and a cloak designed in a members of the brotherhood significant theme in Spanish culdistinctly baroque style. The and baby processions are ture, often appearing in Spanish through the streets until late Jesus. melancholic music perinto the night. The procedure orchestrated by artists’ paintings, films, literature formed by marching bands. is practiced for many weeks different church and music. Depending on the day of the procession, before the Easter period. ‘brotherhoods’... Spanish Holy Week procession

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

traditions In Bermuda, Good Friday is spent flying home made kites and eating hot cross buns and codfish cakes. The tradition stems from a British teacher who used a traditionally cross shaped kite to explain the concept of the ascension.

In Jerusalem, Holy Week is marked with a procession involving up to 10,000 people and follows the same path that Jesus allegedly walked before the crucifixion. Christians then attend a mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to have been the site of Jesus’ burial before the resurrection.

EASTER AROUND THE WORLD

Norwegians use this time of year to catch up on their crime reading. Påskekrim is the tradition of escaping to the mountains on holiday for the duration of Holy Week, and watching and reading mystery series and playing board and card games.

The Philippines celebrate Holy Week with a melancholic display of penance during which half-naked penitents relive Jesus’ suffering by having their backs whipped with blades and bamboo sticks. The act is believed to cure illness and cleanse sins.

Ninety million chocolate rabbits are made and sold in the run up to Easter. The Easter bunny concept made its way to America via German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the 1700s. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

art

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

scene art words | Elena Scialtiel

GRAFFITI & GRAPHITE Lloyd George

ith his style inspired by graf- with the law, Lloyd soon channelled his tal- to set up a suitable studio after he recently fiti and anime, Lloyd George ent into helping underprivileged children of returned to settle permanently in the is introducing an innovative his neighbourhood have a space to express Gibraltar of his ancestry and adolescence. outlook to fine arts, weaving themselves, and he held some impromptu But he is exploring the new avenues of fine art thanks to his encounter with the commercial with poetical in his collection workshops where his pupils could spray rich local fauna. His depiction of birds is of human and animal portraits, away at their heart’s desire on large and interfacing gentle pastels boards provided for it. delicate and classical, with the acrylic paint His figurative with bold block colours. diluted to a watercolour effect, and an atsometimes tention to detail, highlighting every nuance “It felt a bit like being one of those borders on in the vibrancy of the plumage, worthy of Minimalistic and contemporary, Renaissance masters working on an Edwardian nature diary. his figurative sometimes borders abstract for large frescoes, with a posse of on abstract for its cartoonish its cartoonish apprentices, but unlike traits, yet the subject matter is in that case, my kids Dragons take centre-stage in his traits... The subject bestiary with their hispid scales, captured in the quintessential were getting all the matter is fierce yet hollow stare, stabbing symbolism of a single overpowcredit and would gain ering emotion flashing from the accurate pride and accomplishment from captured in the claws and sinusoidal stance, clearly quintessential inspired by Chinese iconography, aesthetic and technical research. the experience. I used to draw a suggested outline and allow whether outlined by the sharp symbolism them to fill in the blocks so the contrast of complementary coAlthough he did some coursework back in of a single lours, or stark monochrome, with image would pop to life thanks his native Bristol, Lloyd professes himself a overpowering the forked tongue spotlighted in to their work and choice of self-taught painter, and describes his style emotion... red. Dragons appeal to everyone, colour,” he tells. as ‘urban’. The real teacher was the street, he claims, and are a symbol of where he practised the often misunderstood art of graffiti. Although frowned Working on large surfaces is on hold at the strength and resilience that bridges the culture and age gaps. upon and causing him the occasional brush moment for logistic reasons, as he still has GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

art “I am fascinated by the colours of small birds and fish...”

In fact, Lloyd is interested in digital artistry, juxtaposing and mixing the photographs he takes, layered with computerised manipulation until the original image has morphed into a new concept. The downside of this work lies in printing costs, so this collection exists only virtually, and it can be viewed on a screen. He is cautious about going abstract all the way: artists must make sure that their abstract work stays true enough to the subject matter to be able to effectively and immediately communicate the intended message, instead of raising doubts that the canvas was just bombarded with random splatters for the sake of pursuing some exoteric novelty aimed to shock and awe. Lloyd’s nudes are mainly explored from the anime angle. Figure drawing is purposely drained of its mathematical respect for proportion and chiaroscuro, and it is turned into a cartoon, but never a caricature, often with an enhanced sensual charge or a nod to superhero comics, both in the distorted anatomy and in the rendering of clothing and hairdos.

“I am fascinated by the colours of small birds and fish. Unfortunately, it is not easy to get close enough to take photographs. I am not into drawing birds of prey as much I am interested in passerines, domestic sparrows for example,” he explains, pleased to see how they don’t shun human presence around Gibraltar, and afford the right close-ups to start his work from. Gibraltar offers him fresh inspiration, and he’s been out and about exploring the Mediterranean landscape and its habitats with the naturalist eye, in search for quaint corners off the trodden trail, to photograph and then transpose on canvas or digitally.

“It felt a bit like being one of those Renaissance masters...”

Dragons take centrestage in his bestiary...

Girlfriend’s portrait

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art directed at the viewer while her body is double reclining ovals to shift the attention caught in profile, spinning on itself and not just on her intense eyes, but also to wrapped in the twirl of her long luscious structure the composition into an X shape mane, as if she was turning with her tilted head suggestive of around to greet him in a motion an over-the-shoulder glance. Artists must of pleasant surprise. make sure that As if walls, computer screens, their abstract Lloyd’s accurate penmanship canvas and papers weren’t work stays irradiates from his charcoal and enough, Lloyd likes to hand-dectrue enough pencil sketches and portraits, orate and customise items of to the subject again excelling with female clothing, from baseball caps and matter...” sitters. His pensive self portrait hoodies to jeans and T-shirts, like bounces off well the one of the true writer he is at heart. The his girlfriend, where her beckoning gaze paint is durable and it endures years of above the spectacles expresses an intense washing, unfortunately, the long hours of emotion, underlined by the wave of her painstaking work with thin brushes make Cupid’s bow. Sketching glasses is often the final price soar for these unique pieces tricky, but Lloyd masters it, as he uses their of wearable art. Her Legs

One of Lloyd’s smallest graffiti

The graffiti style is transferred The real on canvas and on paper. It teacher was streamlines to just a sketch, the street... with a thin black outline over a smudged pastel background in ‘Her Legs’, a lopsided study of a young woman’s backside with focus on the soles of her tiptoeing bare feet, the back of her knees, and the curvature of the legs dynamically playing off each other to keep the figure in balance, eventually drawing the eye towards a miniskirt stretched across over-emphasised buttocks, altogether conveying a sense of youthful expectation and longing. Despite the youthful and sexual exuberance portrayed in one of Lloyd’s smallest graffiti, the impression of genuine happiness is palpable in the girl’s smile,

Lloyd likes to hand-decorate and customise items of clothing...”

Lloyd George

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

music words | Richard Cartwright

CHASING SUCCESS Nigel Palmer

you feel you’re ready as he was, heading spiring performers, whether they “I spent more than 18 months in Madrid for where it’s all happening, where the be singers, songwriters, actors, writing songs and working with a number artists, dancers or others need of top professional musicians and writers action is really counts. “A person’s characto know when the time is right but not very much materialised from that ter,” Nigel states, “is also a very important factor to be prepared mentally.” In my to, ‘take the plunge’ as it were and venture.” Nigel says he didn’t really throw themselves into the fray have to be there and that the import- experience with Albert Hammond, tackling The dejection when doors remain closed and before heading down the profesant thing is to keep at it wherever important you are. With today’s technology and the forlorn feeling of getting nowhere sets sional route to a capital city. The experience can be daunting, a very thing is to the internet, you can get your work in. There’s no doubt it’s a tough journey ahead especially when there’s so much daunting one so the correct state keep at it out there easily enough. Ed Sheeran strong talent you’re compelled to compete of mind and attitude is a must and and others are proof of this, but I feel wherever against. Dancer Jonathan Lutwyche and an all important ingredient... the difference is, they are actually you are. other local dancers are out there treading in that all important environment. In Sheeran’s case - the UK, the boards and in that genre too, That necessary healthy approach and just a train ride away from and determined frame of mind is so vital “A person’s there are thousands of dancers vying one of the world’s most importthat springtime, at the start of a new year character is for a place in some production or other... It’s a tough world... “That’s ant capitals, London, a mecca for could well be the ideal period to set off also a very right, and the way to prepare for the world of popular music and for pastures new. Nigel Palmer has been a important performance of any genre. But the outside world is first of all, being semi-professional singer and prolific songwriter for more than two decades now and then, there are others who, when factor to be honest with yourself. Sort out your mind and priorities and decide, as they’ve felt the time is right, have prepared the success he yearns for has eluded him in my case, what kind of singer/ set off to have a go: Local singer/ mentally.” to the present in any great measure, not songwriter I want to be. Gibraltar songwriter Guy Valarino is an unlike the springtime elusive butterfly you being a close-knit community, it’s someexcellent example of being out there and might say, proving success difficult to pin having that right attitude, but only when times difficult to get out of your comfort down... 58

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music

Guy Palmer Snr, Adrian Pozo and Stephen Mclaren, Nigel Palmer

zone and you tend to agree to take on is thriving and there are a number of local projects you don’t really want to take on. groups and singer songwriters who really It’s good to be humble but sometimes it’s seem to be on the right track producing necessary to be hard, if you really want to fine songs and heading for the bright lights concentrate on what you really want to in search of fame and fortune. On the be doing.” There’s no doubt there’s lots to Rock a great boost to local performers has think about in order to go out been their inclusion at a number of into the professional world with top international concerts, espe“I’m brave a fighting chance. Nigel went on cially those who’ve been chosen to enough to to tell me how he’s now ‘on the perform at the GMF (The Gibraltar job’ working hard to put together destroy my Music Festival). Working with proown work.” fessional technicians and equipment a catalogue, or even a large bulk of songs which will stand the test and on a professional stage must with the best! “Yes, I’ve got to the stage really get the adrenalin going. Local band now where I know why my songs have not Frontiers (formerly This Side Up), although been registering and I’m brave enough to going through university and holding down destroy my own work. I need to concenlawyers jobs, seem pretty determined to trate and apply more effort in structuring go all the way and give it a real try. They and arranging my work and so far, in this are now in Manchester... And what is, new venture, it seems to be coming along. giving it a ‘real try?’ How long do you give In the past I’ve been involved in projects that are not really me.” But, although Nigel is involving himself in this work now, he’s not thinking anymore of music and performing as a fulltime career, which I found surprising to hear... “ I’m in my 40s now and committed to family life but having music in my blood and having done this for so many years – I started to learn piano aged five – I just have to produce something unexpected and mature, time is your best teacher.” Nigel has great faith in what social media can do for an artist nowadays, giving Ed Sheeran as a prime example, “Yes, the internet is very powerful and putting great effort through that medium is the way to go, in my opinion.” But the fact still remains that for many other songwriters, artists and performers being there and knocking on doors is the best way to tackle potential success. The local scene GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

it, three, five, ten years, or more? Well, if you ask yourself those questions, you’ve not got that mindset we’ve been going on about and Nigel agrees, “There hasn’t got to be a limit to the time you give chasing success. You just have to keep going at it trying different things and, very importantly, believing in yourself and be determined to make it happen.” And you know what? It may never happen. In a way, it’s like playing the lottery. It’s a gamble, and you have to let it run its course. We all have, or have had our dreams and Nigel Palmer is pretty much convinced there is a window of opportunity ‘waiting’ for his music... So far, it’s been a long wait. Now, it’s simply a question, with that right approach and attitude of course, of waiting some more!

“The way to prepare for the outside world is being honest with yourself.”

stage words | Elena Scialtiel photos | Ian Dignam

DIRECT PRAISE & STRING THEORY Constellations

story unfurls through these never-ending play about universal love and a they do, used to speaking in public and director who relishes the chalI am confident too they are the winning possibilities. It can be slightly confusing at lenge: ‘Constellations’, one of the pair for my project. They hadn’t met prior the onset, when the same scene is repeatTrafalgar Theatre to the casting, which I believe is an ed over and over again, only with slight changes. The idea of string theory is soon Group entries to the 2016 advantage in developing their on-stage “It keeps both explained by the female protagonist who Drama Festival is a full-length chemistry, as they can get acquainted characters two-hander that will no in real life while their characters do the also happens to be a quantum physicist. doubt prove the acting prow- on stage for same in the play.” The hardest part of this play is not just its entire ess of newcomers Samantha learning one hour worth of lines, but also duration; remembering how and when each scene Barass and Jean-Paul Lugaro. After his directorial debut at the 2005 over an hour.” Drama Festival with teenage drama is repeated, and enunciating the small but all-important variations in the script that “Jean-Paul has been involved ‘Multiplex’, and ‘Chatroom’ the followdifferentiate one universe from the next. in local drama for years, especially as a ing year, Daniel returned to directing three teenager, while Samantha is making her years ago: “In my university Daniel’s choice of ‘Constellations’ Gibraltar debut, but with a wide experiyears, I studied Theatre & Media “Growing came after a number of considerence in UK amateur dramatics under her and I was more of an actor older, I feel ations, not least length, since each belt,” 27-year old director Daniel Strainthan a director. But growing more at Webber introduces his stars. “Samantha is older, even though I still enjoy entry is allowed a strict time slot: “In ease with actually my boss at work and I am pleased treading the boards, I feel more fact, I believe we’ll have to cut out directing.” some lines to be able to squeeze it all she trusted me enough to audition for this at ease with directing.” in,” Daniel says. “I had been considpart and to let me direct her in a demandering this specific play for a while now, ing production.” So demanding, in fact, ‘Constellations’ is a 2012 play by Nick not only because it’s brilliantly written but that it keeps both characters on stage for Payne that tells a love story based on its entire duration; over an hour. “Both also for the scope it gives the director and the string theory. The play’s plot is set Samantha and Paul are confident in what actors to experiment.” across parallel universes and the love 60

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stage His stars are doing a promising job, and Daniel, a hands-on director who constantly interrupts the action at rehearsals, to polish the scene off at the cost of being pedantic, is optimistic that their work will be rewarded: “We won the Adjudicator’s Choice twice so far, and one Best Set award, but no individual awards for my actors, and I would like to see them recognised for their talent and commitment.” This year, Daniel is departing from the format he has become instantly famous, or notorious, for in the amateur dramatics circuit: gone is the multiple entry of short experimental plays, and gone is the minimalistic set with imaginary props, but the post-modern, metaphysic and surreal edge remains still, despite being encased in the realistic surroundings of a proper complex set. “I needed a break from the big cast plays and the multiple entries I went for last year, because managing many which the actors would drag around people and many scripts can “The play’s and use as beds, studios and swimbe hugely changeling, although plot is set ming pool (no wonder there was no I am all in favour of giving the water!) challenging the audience across largest number of amateur actors to keep up with their pretence of parallel possible a fair chance to their five existing as one and many, all in it universes...” minutes in the spotlight, especialtogether or each man for himself. ly in a competitive show, where there is international recognition at stake.” On the other hand, a lush set won Daniel Daniel likes to pick entertaining but thought-provoking pieces and before selecting any play, he takes his time to read a hefty number of scripts, some of which are discarded for their logistics, i.e. length, set changes, large casts, and other considerations that wouldn’t make them viable to the demands of a quick-paced festival. He favours scripts with little or no stage directions, so he can start with a blank slate, and see the written page come to life before his eyes, rehearsal after rehearsal. For example, the script of the mordant, sardonic and politically incorrect ‘Pool, No Water’, one of Daniel’s most talented and misunderstood productions, was just a list of lines and there was no definition or quantification of characters, so that he could cast as many as he wanted. He made it a choral performance with a bold artistic licence which maybe cost him the alienation of some of the audience, unfortunately: more than one actor played at different times what seemed to be the same character, and their role and position continuously shifted, making the action confusing at times, even if was efficiently kept fluid and focused on the mechanics of how vanity and ingenuity can turn an unfortunate accident into opportunity.

and his crew an award in 2014, when they temporarily turned the Ince’s Hall stage into a greenhouse of exotic plants to recreate the lights of Eden for the heart-warming play ‘The Diary of Adam and Eve’.

Daniel directing ‘Twilight of the Gods’

“Perfection is hardly achieved on opening night,” he admits, lamenting that each Drama Festival entry is performed only once, unless they are allocated an encore slot for gala night. “As a tribute to the months of hard work geared towards that one performance, this year I am planning to offer my cast and crew a second chance to take the limelight, as well as to the audience to watch them again. I will stage a number of extra nights in a more intimate setting, with room for some fifty spectators, in the Gibraltar Amateur Dramatics Association’s headquarters, with rows of chairs arranged in the round for an intimate feel.”

He admits he never watches other productions, professional or amateur, live or Yet, before that, companies cannot forget online, of the project he is working on, that the Drama Festival is a competitive before last curtain down, so that he’s not event and cards are kept as close influenced by their style and He favours to the director’s chest as possible whatever he decides with his in a close-knit community like directing, even the mistakes, are scripts with truly his own. “Of course, once little or no stage GADA! Secrets are shared but the show is over, I do watch directions, so he also guarded and ‘break a leg’ isn’t them and I realise I should have can start with a just a ritual, but the defiance to reciprocal upstaging. done this instead of that... but it blank slate... is a lesson learnt for next time.” ‘Yesterday an Incident occurred’

There, the set was non-existent and the only props were a series of plastic chairs GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

scene words | Elena Scialtiel

IT’S ALL IN OUR SKULL Never accept, always question...

up to date with developments. Whilst, of he glorious but short-lived ninethe tool we use to try to understand the course, keeping an eye on scientific progteenth century Gibraltar Scientific world around us,” says Dr Menez. “What Society has been resurrected in have changed dramatically since Dr Burrow ress in general. the 180th anniversary year of its set up the Gibraltar Scientific Society in foundation last 19th October, 1835, are the instruments and other The Gibraltar Scientific Society was foundresources at our disposal used to and in the 85th anniversary year ed roundabout the same time as other “Science is of the Gibraltar Museum’s insticarry out and share research.” scientific societies in Britain, including not static, tution, by two local scientists, societies concerned with geology, astronbut the main “And also, the fact that scientists Stewart Finlayson and Alex omy and zoology. The Gibraltar Scientific construct, Menez, with the aim of reviving Society, famously, was the custodian tend to specialise in one particular the scientific subject, after their education in its former glory and promoting of Gibraltar’s most precious fossil, the scientific research in Gibraltar. method, Gibraltar Skull, which became central to science at large, as opposed to the concept of the traditional ‘naturalist’.” our understanding of human evolution, remains and which remains important in this At the moment, its Council is Stewart adds. the same formulating membership criteria throughout “Scientists respect to this day. with a view to recruit those with scientific It was the case, said Alex, tend to an interest in biology, geology, As a tribute to this, the Gibraltar skull that many people working specialise practice.” astronomy, archaeology, and features prominently on the resurin science in the nineteenth in one other branches of the sciences. century were polymaths; rected Society’s logo - designed by The idea is to complement and collaborate Alex’s son, also called Alex - on the they had a wide grasp and under- particular subject...” with other societies and organisations, and background of the Rock’s North Face standing of many branches and not duplicate what they are already doing. surrounded by a scarlet banner with subjects. But as more and more the dates 1835 and 2015 to symbolise knowledge accumulated, as more data continuity, and a Latin motto that trans“Science is not static, but the main conwere obtained to explain phenomena, it became necessary to specialise in one, or lates into advice to scientists to ‘never struct, the scientific method, remains the accept, always question’. same throughout scientific practice; it is a very few, areas of study in order to keep 62

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scene The original Society developed an important museum and changed its name to the Gibraltar Museum Society for a significant part of its existence. And in 1930, the Gibraltar Museum was aided by the Gibraltar Society, set up a year earlier, in developing its collections and curating them. The aim of the resurrected Society is to keep very close links with the Museum, maintaining the historical traditions of former societies to be connected with such an institution. Alex Menez Of course, the skull is still very relevant, and it has just come out of secure storThe educational value of making science age to form a part of an exhibition on appealing to schoolchildren is underscored human evolution at the Natural History by the number of prospective members Museum in London; happily in the year that pursue it in their spare time: “I have when Gibraltar’s own UNESCO bid for its Neanderthal Caves and Environment Stewart Finlayson friends who work a 9-5 job all week and dedicate their weekends to scientific obis playing out, continuing the legacy of servation. If you have a passion, you make you won’t have to necessarily participate the Gibraltar Skull from the 1840s to the time for it,” says Stewart and he adds: actively: you may just want to present day, and sparking public interest “We are very new, but we would like “We would support us and to be part of in the role Gibraltar has played in human a scientific community, or be evolution. Maybe this topic will be the like to inspire to inspire young people to become kept updated on specialised starting point of a successful string of lecyoung people involved and interested in science. Yes, we will at some point maybe publications,” Alex says. tures that the Society is already planning. to become They will take on board and involved and consider the option of promoting in schools what the Society does locally, “It has a ‘relaxed’ invite specialists from a wide interested in maybe with lectures about science The Gibraltar approach, if you will,” range of fields to share their Scientific and the history of science.” Stewart adds. “A network science...” latest discoveries. Society was of like-minded people There’s lots of knowledge hidden in the and a platform to share thoughts There will not be any member- the custodian nooks and crannies of many Gibraltarian and discussion.” They add that the ship fees to join the Society: of Gibraltar’s skulls – so bring it on! Society remains open to suggestions anyone with an interest, no most precious and Facebook and Twitter discusmatter how small or sporadic, fossil, the sions groups are being set up, to For more info and to join the discussion, like in science is welcome to apply Gibraltar Skull. make it as approachable as possible. their facebook page GibraltarScientificSociety. for membership. “By joining,

Excavation - Vanguard Cave GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

leisure photos | Andrew Fortuna

SPRING BIRDS Migration through the Strait

A history of seagulls on the Rock s March arrives and spring sets during certain weather that migration is in, an annual animal renaissance visible in Gibraltar.’ With predominantly A common misconception locals have is occurs across the world, and westerly winds, we can expect a large that birds spend much time on the Rock very many birds flock to the passage of birds of prey throughout March. during migration; in truth, they are directed Rock in the midst of migration from Africa, These include eagles, storks, buzzards, here by the wind. ‘They don’t stay,’ Andrew on their way back to the long harriers and many other sorts of remarks, ‘but the beauty of it, here in days and tepid temperatures of species. ‘Every autumn, the whole Gibraltar, is the natural phenomenon of “It’s only Central and Northern Europe. the battle between the local gulls and birds during certain of Western Europe is invaded with The Gibraltar Ornithological North American birds or Siberian of prey. Gibraltar is likely to have the largweather that and Natural History Society has species. Generally, they are flying est population of yellow legged gulls in the migration recorded an extensive and comnorth to south, or south to north whole of the Strait.’ Andrew estimates that is visible in prehensive catalogue of birds depending on whether it’s spring or around eight or nine species of gull can Gibraltar.” that have been spotted on the autumn.’ The Strait, Andrew clarifies, regularly be seen in Gibraltar at different Rock. With over three hundred acts as a funnel between times of the year, but only the yellow species documented, it is evident that the Europe and Africa. ‘Not all species legged is resident. I probe further The Strait Strait is a familiar crossing, often offering found here concentrate on that into the topic of seagulls, a species acts as optimum weather conditions. Former small sea crossing, some of them that is most often regarded as a pest. a funnel police officer Andrew Fortuna has been a fly over the whole extent of the ‘There is one particular species that between keen naturist and bird watcher for much Mediterranean.’ The Barn Swallow, around fifteen years ago, was one of Europe of his life; more recently he embarked on common to this area, breeds in the rarest in the world. It migrates a business venture to take on his hobby as Northern Europe and travels as far and Africa. around Gibraltar in the Summer time a full time role. ‘I’ve been a bona fide bird south as Africa each year. Most and is a beautiful seagull, completely watcher since I was ten years old. I’ve built migrating species keep to their specific different to the one we have. It’s called up a lot of knowledge from local birders.’ timings, but are known to occasionally fall Audouin’s Gull. The gull problem is a made He alleges that ‘the Strait of Gibraltar out of sync. ‘That’s part of the excitement. man issue,’ he explains, ‘it derives from the encompasses a very wide area; it’s only The unpredictability makes it interesting.’ 1940s and 50s during which there was a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

nature

Swallow feeding young

Audouin’s Gull

Bonelli’s Warbler

lot of predators breeding in Gibraltar, parTrends often falter due to environmental two national parks in Andalucía, Doñana a ticularly large eagles, vultures and ravens. protection laws and climate and habitat hub for migrating birds due to its vast area The moment these were eradicated, the changes. Other frequenters of the Campo and wetland reserves. His outings cater gulls saw the area as a fantastic de Gibraltar area are storks. Is directly to clients, who often approach breeding ground and refuge, it common to come across their him with a desire to spot the resident “Gibraltar is particularly with a huge abundelicately built nests atop telephone birds of the area. His target market up to likely to have masts and pylons around the areas dance of food. It created the now has been foreign tourists, who travel the largest perfect scenario for a populaof San Roque and Jimena. Andrew from the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Holland population of notes that Iberian White storks tion explosion. They don’t have and elsewhere to relish in the lush fauna to rely on seafood, they eat any- yellow legged leave in the middle of the summer of Southern Spain and Gibraltar. ‘I show thing.’ Gulls aren’t the only regu- gulls...” during the drought, and return upon them other natural elements like habitats, lar feature around the bay area, the first rains in the autumn. Black flowers, dragonflies, all sorts. I generally other resident species are also storks, which do also pair up and work in the area of central Spain and in often found scattered across the Iberian breed in Spain, are summer migrants and Gibraltar, the Upper Rock, Europa Point, mainland, both along the Mediterranean are often found further inland. the eastern side and the botanical coast and further into the centre of Spain. There is always gardens.’ He reassures me that there The Rock’s resident bird collection includes is always a guarantee that he will a guarantee A keen lover of nature the Mediterranean Shag, ‘a distinct seabird come across certain species. ‘Being that he will species’ belonging to the cormorant family in the countryside is totally relaxing, A keen lover of all things come across and Peregrine Falcons, which are found in to detach yourself form urban life. nature related, Andrew found certain species. I get so much pleasure in doing high density; an unusual trend, considering himself drawn to birds after the small size of Gibraltar. Andrew notes something that used to be a hobby picking up a book about them that in terms of habitat, Gibraltar is fairly as my profession.’ During his outings in the library as a young boy. ‘Something limited due to there being ‘no fresh water Andrew has stumbled across some incredtriggered my will to identify what I’d seen. margins, or running water, which restricts ible sights, from deer poking their heads I met other people and it literally flew certain species. In terms of migration, into his car, to flamingos mid way through from there.’ He most enjoys the spectacle anything can land anywhere at any given migration. His clients occasionally request of a bird of prey migration in the spring, time, so you will get birds which are out of personalised tours for spotting butterflies, ‘the birds are very tired and they fly very habitat and come down either because of dragonflies, mongoose, foxes, ferrets, badlow. It’s beautiful to watch.’ Andrew offers the weather, or to feed. You never know gers, hedgehogs and other lesser known nature tours in both Gibraltar and the what to expect, which is the beauty of it.’ mammals that can be found in the region. surrounding Spain. He frequents one of Golden Eagle

Griffon Vulture

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

nature Songbirds and bird-ringing One skill Andrew has perfected in his years of bird spotting and patient photo snapping is birdcalls, a useful aid for drawing in migrating species, and seizing the opportunity to photograph them in a fleeting moment. ‘For smaller species of song birds you rely a lot on sound, particularly early in the morning when they are most active. There is a lull during the day and then they pick up again later in the evening.’ As from March, migratory songbirds that are commonly found mingling with resident species in the area include the Willow Warbler, Bonelli’s Warbler and the Pied Flycatcher. ‘Then, you have wintering species as well,’ Andrew informs me, ‘they are categorised into resident, summering, wintering or migratory species.’ Resident songbirds are often spotted on the Rock in a wide variety of species including the Sardinian Warbler, the Blackbird and the Greenfinch. Vulture bonding “A lot of ‘‘I do rely a lot on sounds and you Bird photography might suffer.’ Both levels of equipment and need to know a lot about bird calls preparation skill play important roles in the success of and bird songs as well, it’s not easy Andrew’s expertise also covers revolves bird photography. ‘The camera you have is to learn. It’s something you come bird photography and different around material, a lot depends on your field crafts to grips with over the years through knowing the approaches taken when photoand knowing how to use your equipment trial and error. For me, it works to graphing birds. ‘I teach clients species and to get the best out of it.’ He advises those the extent that I could be walking how to take on the static appreempting who are interested to get acquainted with one night and identify species miproach or a walking approach, their their camera and read the manual. ‘Once grating overhead.’ His keen interest using different lenses, and behaviour.” in birds has developed a relationcamouflage clothes. Some species you’re confident with the settings and all the different things your camera can ship with GONHS, whom he conare very difficult do, then you slowly become more tributes many of his sightings to. He often because by their nature, they “If you’re helps the Society with bird ringing, and col- are fidgety and nervous, so attempting to proficient and things start happening more instinctively.’ He briefly menlecting data for species found in Gibraltar. a lot of preparation revolves approach a tions the importance of respecting the They are trapped in nets and documented, around knowing the species rare species, environment and birds’ habitats, being before being set free unharmed. ‘It’s quite and preempting their beyou need a careful not to disturb breeding species. interesting to note down the routes that haviour. If you’re attempting permit. ” ‘I do believe they have souls like all they take. It does require a fair degree of to approach a rare species, living organisms; there’s a boundary training.’ Andrew has received much of his you need a permit. You can’t which you have to respect. I certainly don’t bird-ringing knowledge from both UK BTO just approach nests. You must be careful agree with caged animals and zoos.’ ringers and local ringers. not to scare away the adults as the young Visit Andrew’s website at www.aviantours.net

Red Fox

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

sport

WINTER SPORTS Snowy Season in Sierra Nevada

aking to the slopes

season is certainly February, with much of the lingo), and is much more inclined to be found spending tepid winter days hiking the surrounding visitors’ accommodation When pondering some of the up significantly smaller mountains, the fully booked up throughout the month. more attractive qualities of southprospect of writing an entire feature on Many keen frequenters of the resort insist ern Spain, winter sports do not that March is the preferred time of year for winter sports and why they are so popular often come to mind. For those amongst Gibraltarians, was daunting. Gibraltarians to venture up the mountains. who live in this hive of sunny, Thankfully, I didn’t have to reach The mid March bank holiday weekend is mild winter days and extended An escape to out too far before finding a myriad aptly dubbed ‘the Gibraltar Ski Weekend’ by hours of daylight, an escape to the gloriously of skiing and snowboarding enthusisome. Depending on the level of snowfall, powdery white the gloriously powdery white the season often kicks off in December asts who were more than willing to mountainous range of Sierra mountainous and stretches through January, February, sit down and excitedly run through Nevada is a highlight of the off range of Sierra March and sometimes mid way through their most recent experiences. season. Located in the county Nevada is a April. This year has apparently started of Granada, the name literally highlight of off in a significant drought. A warm March is the translates to ‘snowy range’. the off season Limited snowfall preferred time and dry January has meant that snowThe highest peak, standing at fall has been limited and much of the In late January, Luna of year for 3,478 meters is the most elewhite powder covering the resort has Szvitekova gathered a group vated point in continental Spain. Although Gibraltarians been shot from snow cannons, dotted of twenty keen friends; all it is one of Europe’s most southern ski to venture up about the resort. These remain on for of differing winter sports resorts, and quite often bathed in sunshine the mountains. twenty-four hours. Having taken to experience levels. They and beautiful skies, the extreme heights the slopes for the first time last year, journeyed up to Sierra usually attract a high snowfall and average Luna commented on the significant temNevada for a four-day frolic in the snow. winter temperatures of -2 to -4 degrees perature change from -11 degrees Celsius The first point worth noting was the Celsius. As an individual who has never to – 2. This shift meant that only twenty disappointing volume of snow that had set foot on a ski slope (sorry should this of the available 106 kilometers of slopes fallen over the resort, this year. The peak read piste? I’m still coming to terms with

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sport were open to the public. ‘Last year was my first time, I liked it and since then I’ve been organising trips. From our group of twenty, there were around twelve regulars and some new faces.’

“It’s a completely different feel to the Alps...”

The keen newcomers Beginner Anna Obst tried her hand at snowboarding for the first time, which both girls insist is harder than skiing. ‘Snowboarding is very hard on the first try, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I would recommend it to anybody. I’ve never liked winter before and this has helped me to rediscover an enjoyment for it!’ Winter sports are very balance orientated, Anna tells me she found slowing down the most difficult aspect. ‘For many people it’s balance, but I didn’t struggle with that at all. It was easy enough. The hard part is slowing your speed to stop, especially on the more icy parts. I was experienced skiers and boarders. ‘I know many people in my office here purposely falling down to stop Basic rental ‘You have to know how to fall, like in Gibraltar have never seen snow, and myself.’ Her principal piece of services cover when you’re a child!’ Luna explains, the resort is only three and half-hours advice for other beginners is to divulging some of the bigger chalaway. It’s snow, in Spain!’ Anna is almost use an instructor. Many schools boards, skis, and boots. lenges faced once your feet are slid surprised that the resort isn’t more popular are dotted around the resort, into your boots, and you take the with the locals. also offering equipment and chairlift to your desired summit. ‘You can clothing rental services for very reasonable hurt yourself quite badly if your body goes prices. Although Luna and Anna didn’t use A convenient spot for some skiing in one direction and the board twists a difa school, their rental equipment cost a toferent way.’ The group came across a numtal of €8 a day. Basic rental services cover For those more seasoned winter sports ber of familiar faces and other Gibraltarians lovers, Sierra Nevada has proved an boards, skis, and boots. The services also during their time on the slopes last year, offer helmets, goggles, gloves and extra incredibly convenient spot. Dave Collins, along with a fascinating host of internaclothing, but newbies are advised to pura mechanical engineer for the MOD in tional people, having travelled to Andalucia Gibraltar humbly dubs himself a ‘compechase all of these items before their trip, from far reaching corners of as it will certainly save costs. Luna takes tent skier,’ with his love for the sport Europe and even Australia to ski “You have to dating back to 1998. ‘It is very much me through the varying ski runs, explaining that the Green runs are for beginners, Blue and snowboard above stunning for beginners and intermediates, know how views of the Mediterranean sea, are easy, Red are difficult and Black are there are only a couple of black to fall...” extremely difficult and geared towards very and the Costa del Sol coastline. runs, but it’s a great family resort.

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sport to play with the kids in the snow and watch them learn to ski.’ Discussing other activities available to tourists, Dave tells me, ‘the rest of the resort pretty much consists of restaurants, bars and ski shops. There is a health club, which is open to anyone. I’ve seen people hiking and cross-country skiing. I haven’t seen any paragliding, which is popular in the Alps. Perhaps there are no suitable conditions. The resort is quite expensive. The ski pass is similar to the Alps, where you get a lot more for it. Everything around the main plaza, the level where the ski lifts go from, is quite expensive. The further you stay up the mountain, the cheaper it is.’ Dave’s top skiing holiday tips are; to try and improve technique, ski with someone faster and better, in order to pick up useful tips by watching and following them. ‘Have fun,’ he insists, ‘if you’re not enjoying it then what’s the point?’ The resort’s proximity and convenience allows for southern Spain and Gibraltar dwellers to drive the easy three-hour journey and even spend as little as a day at the resort. ‘Where else can you do that?”

More confident skiers are also offered night skiing...

El Río

More confident skiers are also offered They’ve got great wide green and blue night skiing on Thursday and Saturday runs, and the people are really friendly. nights, during which the ‘Rio’ piste is illuIt’s a completely different feel to the Alps minated by overhead floodlights offering for example; it’s not as intense. If you a relatively empty run for those less keen live here, I would definitely recommend to share the slope with an abundance of Sierra Nevada, it’s close by, you can take resort tourists. Dave tells me that scanning lots of stuff with you. You’ve got such a your ski pass at different points throughout big ski area and you can chose wherever the day will log your progress and the you want to go.’ Dave has skied at some spectacular Slalom involves distance you travel, with the statistics available to track online, ‘you type in resorts in Austria, Andorra, skiing or your ski pass number and then it links France, Switzerland and his snowboarding back to the system of gates you go personal favourite, Bulgaria. in-between a through and it tells you exactly when His advice to beginners is series of gates you passed through them. You can see to ‘try not to get into bad or poles. how many slopes you did in an hour habits, like I do.’ He adds, and the maximum height you got to. ‘I’m sure if I had lessons They’ve also got a slalom course there that they’d pick up lots of faults. We used to any one can have a go on. At the top of go for weeklong holidays, I would say it the slope you swipe your pass and they took me three holidays to learn how to ski relatively well and be able to be on my skis, video it. You can log in online and watch yourself.’ Slalom involves skiing or snowmore than off. You do need to be quite boarding in-between a series of gates or coordinated and have balance, but you poles. Eager to involve his two young childon’t have to be a super fit sportsman to dren in the fun, Dave expresses his delight do it, you can take it at any speed you like.’ in the family friendly mantra of the resort, A full day’s ski pass costs €46 during peak ‘when you go with the family, it’s good fun season, with a two day pass priced at €91.

“Ski with someone faster and better, in order to pick up useful tips...”

The adrenaline junkie Passionate adrenaline sports junkie Simon Morgan, St Josph’s Primary School Teacher, frequents Sierra Nevada to test out new tricks in the snow park. ‘Every time I’ve been, I’ve had an absolutely awesome time, the experience has never let me down.’ Having grown up in Gibraltar and taking off travelling after his studies, Simon developed his boarding skills in some awe-inspiring locations, most notably the French commune Val-d’Isère, on the border with Italy, Australia, and Canada. ‘For anyone who wants to start, snowboarding is the hardest to learn, but it’s the easiest to master. If you’re going to learn, I thoroughly recommend getting yourself some wrist guards, kneepads and padded shorts. You Snowpark Sulayr

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sport

“The slope is only as steep as you want it to be...”

can keep these forever if you want to later learn freestyle,’ Simon notes. His keenness for adrenaline-fuelled sports also includes kite surfing. The difference, he claims, is that on the snow ‘your ride is much longer’. His key advice is to invest in a quality pair of boots. ‘Your own pair of boots is really worth it, and be sure to get those with the quick release system rather than laces.’ Simon adds, ‘when starting out, do have the confidence to link your turns. After standing up, which comes quite easily, linking your turns is the biggest step, everything then becomes easier. Also, remember the slope is only as steep as you want it to be, if you’re on a steep slope, just go sideways backwards and forwards, linking those turns.’ He further recommends hiring a helmet and taking out insurance before your trip. ‘When stopping, either dig your heels in or your toes, use the long edge of your board to dig in.’

Borreguiles station

full of jumps and rails, and is a great place enced because there are less beginners on to learn how to fall. You can Youtube how the slope. At night the powder is all fresh to do tricks. It’s a bit more extreme than because the machines have just been on the slopes. Even now I still sometimes and redone the slopes. It’s a crazy experistack it. This last trip I hit a piece of ice as ence and pitch black outside the lights.’ I landed and ended up absolutely wiping out, it’s all part of the experience!’ Due When visiting as a family, or a with a group to the lack of fresh snow, the park is set of beginners, Simon’s best advice is to get to open later this year. Simon adds, ‘I a groupon for lessons ‘they usually include would recommend anyone to the hire of the skis or board.’ Clearly go Monday to Friday if you a lover of the sport, I ask Simon why “It’s a crazy can get some time off work. anyone who has never attempted to experience The queues are smaller than snowboard, should take the plunge; and pitch most other resorts. February to ‘It’s a pure adrenaline rush, on my March is generally the best time black outside last few runs on my last trip I took the lights.” to go, but it really depends on my GPS watch with me and we were the weather.’ Simon also praised going in excess of 50 kilometers an the new nighttime slopes offering, ‘it’s hour down the slope. Once they get up really good for those who are more experiand give it a go, they’ll see what it’s like!’ Snowboarding Simon

Simon holidays in Granada a few times a year, often between February and April. ‘Sierra Nevada has its merits. In fact, I like the snow park better than any other one because it’s got two really distinctive parks where you can go from one extreme to another, with some absolutely giant jumps that terrify the life out of me, and the learner jumps where you can get an instructor to teach you how to perform tricks. A lot of resorts don’t offer that. Last year I discovered it for the first time, it’s GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

sport

BEGINNER'S DIARY - SKIING A

year ago I was taken on a slope, fly off into abyss. I was doing the ‘cuña’ top, it was four degrees. There was hardly categorised as ‘blue’ and told so intensely that the knee kept any snow that I could see but I’d be fine. After arriving to the the artificial snow made good hurting, Ana Lucía diagnosed this “After you top I looked down and shudwork in hiding this fact. Friday disembark the as: ‘there is something wrong with dered. Trying to get down, I fell morning we went to find your knee, it shouldn’t hurt’ – great. main lift, you within seconds as I needed to Sometime halfway into the lesson I the ticket office with a “I finally are presented turn and didn’t know how else looked at the way the skiers around variety of options and banged and with a variety to do it. All I could hear was me were standing and something scratched my opted to buy a three day of slopes to ‘pizza, pizza, not french fries’ strange downed on me. ‘Should I pass which let us use all head so hard but I wasn't particularly hungry, the lifts unlimited number choose from...” be leaning into my boots?’ I asked. I took the responding "no thanks" to their of times for about 130 ‘Of course! Why did you think skis off and persistent efforts to feed me… they are so high?!’ she exclaimed. ‘Oh’ I euros - expensive, if you ask me, walked down but I was assured that the fun of So after falling at every turn, I thought. As I slid down the hill, leaning into the hill...” finally banged and scratched skiing comes with its own premiums. my boots, my knee was suddenly fine, my my head so hard I took the skis turns smooth and my speed completely There is plenty of ski / snowboard off and walked down the hill with no desire equipment rental places with competitive under control. I guess I learnt something..! to ever ski again - sure enough this slope I left the slopes very positive, feeling the prices, I paid eight euros per day for boots, did leave me feeling "blue", as promised. progress skyrocketing. skis and poles. Helmet, visors and clothing purchased in Decathlon prior to the trip This year, I got six hours of skiing classes ("semi-prepared" is my middle name!). After The third day brought very different emofor Christmas, I guess someone really tions. Ana Lucía wasn’t there. Neither was you disembark the main lift leading to wanted me to ski… Off we went to Sierra Borreguiles station, you are presented with anyone else. Sergio showed up 40 minutes Nevada, 300km from Gibraltar and just a variety of slopes to choose from: over three hours in a fast car from little bunny runs where "Should I be (overtaking quite a few fellow I decided to start, through Bring the leaning into GBZ-plated cars on the way). green (easy), blue (medium), red tips of your my boots?" The temperature was about (advanced) and black (expert). skis together The bunny runs turned out to be 17 degrees throughout the and backs journey in late January, as we super easy mainly because this time, I apart to form went armed with youtube knowledge. passed Granada and started climbing to Sierra Nevada, the a triangle. I watched a few videos on how to ski temperature was gradually which helped tremendously. I proceeddropping. By the time we reached the ed to the green slope. I still fell at turning points but gradually less often. After a full Skiing pass is scanned while in your pocket day of skiing (which isn’t a lot as ski lifts take forever, but allow you to soak in the views) my knees were killing me. There is a caféteria at the station offering quite a selection of food for extortionate prices but even I, a vegan, had something to choose from (chips, rice with mushrooms and vegetables and I even saw some tofu). There was a salad buffet too, and a few fruits. The next day, my first lesson started with ‘Ski3’. Lovely Ana Lucía was teaching me on the green slope giving me so much confidence and making me feel so safe as I never thought possible on the slopes. With her broken English, she couldn’t quite master ‘snow plough’ and used Spanish ‘cuña’ instead which is all the same for ‘bring the tips of your skis together and backs apart to form a triangle’ – this way you control the speed rather than just 72

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sport late and didn’t speak English. There were others learning with me. 'New Teacher' was clearly partying the night before and in no mood for teaching, he was simply skiing, occasionally waiting for us to catch up. The few instructions he did give us were on WHAT to do but not HOW to do it. I hated him a little feeling my confidence waning and any progress I made disappearing. At the end, he decided to take us to a RED piste. I didn’t go. I’d go with Ana Lucía. But not with 'New Teacher'. I was close to tears when I looked down the daunting precipice and saw him skiing away in the distance after commanding us to follow - I shuddered, provided advice on where he can insert his ski's and went off to chill in the beautiful sunshine instead. I knew I had to ski some more after lunch or else I’d never ski again. Trying to undo all the damage, I went down the green slope several more times restoring faith into my abilities. Skiing can be fun, I might just go again. With a different school this time. The whole experience would have been a lot better if there was more snow. Last weekend of January saw hardly any snowfall and a lot of sunshine which resulted in the slopes being very icy and you cannot control anything on ice (it does, however, make for a tremendous spectacle with bodies flailing and rag-dolling down the slope!). Friday was significantly less busy

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"Watch youtube tutorials before you go..."

Snow-plowing the green slope

than Saturday and Sunday so go during the week if possible. Take into account everyone is leaving Sierra Nevada resort on Sunday afternoon which adds to the journey time as there is only one windy road down to Granda with a 40 km/h speed limit. If you’re a beginner, do watch some youtube tutorials before you go as that saves a lot of unnecessary struggle. Definitely book some one-to-one lessons with an instructor who speaks your language, have confidence and enjoy. It is a wonderful sport providing spectacular views all around you... Now excuse me while I run off to get some Pizza & French Fries!

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travel words | Sophie Clifton-Tucker

UNTOUCHED URUGUAY dogs, theatres and inebriated horse-riding

Colonia de Sacramento he name Uruguay means ‘river America’s third smallest country had a Colonia de Sacramento lies on the of the colourful birds’ in Guarani, slightly different feel to it in comparison an indigenous language of South to the others I had visited, and I discovUruguayan side of the Rio de la Plata and America. This country, found nesered I’m not the only one who thinks so. is accessible via boat from the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires. The ferry journey tled in between (and often overshadowed ‘A more relaxed, toned-down version of lasts just over an hour, making Colonia by) bustling Brazil and alluring Brazil’, ‘full to the brim with some of quite a popular day trip for Argentinian loArgentina is deserving of such It’s a magical the friendliest people in the world a beautiful name. It’s a magical a great place to socialise with the locals and travellers alike. It’s a voyage similar place whose place whose cities are lined with cals, who are very open’ and ‘a slice to one most Gibraltarians have made, nipcities are ping across the bay to Tangier - a relatively art deco buildings, dotted with of paradise between two tourism lined with short journey but quite a shift in scenery colonial homes and where a giants’, were a few titbits I gathered. art deco and culture. After a pretty uneventful boat beach-lined coast is punctuated Being in the Southern Hemisphere, buildings... ride, I pulled up into the sleepy little beach by picturesque seaside villages. their seasons are the opposite way Where the entire country’s around. March is when autumn side town of Colonia. What this town lacks population amounts to less than all the begins; being slightly off-season but still on in size, it makes up for in charm by the bucket load. As soon as you take your first dwellers of London, and where cows the right side of summer, making Uruguay step down one of the winding, cobbled, outnumber people three to one. Uruguay an attractive option for an Easter getaway. tree-lined streets towards the very old, is a place where, regardless of your age, It’s easy enough to naviyourself and your travel companions will gate through the country but still fully functioning, lighthouse (the always be referred to as ‘chicos’. and form your own travel South America’s top of which provides some of the best third smallest views of Colonia), past some intriguing route, but here are some country had a old colonial buildings and round to the of the most captivating Before I started writing this piece, I places I found myself in, asked other Gibraltarians who had visited slightly different historic old quarter, it becomes clear why this enchanting destination has and you almost definitely feel to it... Uruguay what they thought about this should too. curious people turning up in droves. lesser-travelled destination. I felt South GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

travel What this town lacks in size, it makes up for in charm...

Calle de los Suspiros, Colonia del Sacramento

to a red rag after a long dry spell (ahem) at Remnants of the old stone city walls still Colonia has the distinction of being the sea. How the ‘sighs’ enter the relevance of stand, fully immersing you in the history only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the street’s name, I will leave up to your of a city stopped in time. I half expected a Uruguay. Founded in 1680 by Admiral imagination. Another, slightly less amorous horse drawn carriage to trundle by or Manuel Lobo, the Governor I noticed theory is that one moonlit night, a young the shopkeepers to abruptly launch of Rio de Janerio at the time, maiden waiting for her sweetheart into a sword fight. Colonia was not under full patches of was brutally murdered on this street control of Spain until the mid beautiful There are 1700s. A quick stroll half a kiloFrom the old quarter you mosaic dogs all over and, with her last breath, sighed her suitor’s name. There are also metre away from the ferry tercan mosey on down the patterns the shop, whispers that this street was where minal and you will find yourself Calle de los Suspiros (Street where the well fed and criminals were lined up before being approaching the Barrio Histórico of Sighs), eventually leading extremely drowned at high tide, which puts a - the old downtown quarter. The original you to the river. There are well fairy tale-esque streets are satu- floor tiles slight dampener on the street’s origia number of theories as to tempered... nal romanticised background. rated with history and flanked by were either why this thoroughfare is so broken... whitewashed buildings, as well called: centuries ago, sailors as beautiful vine-covered pastel Further perpetuating the archaic air about would dock in Colonia and disembark ones and artisan shops on almost every the place are the vast number of old after a long journey with intentions of corner. In certain spots you’d be forgiven fun and mischief. It’s said that the Street classic cars dotted around the city. During for thinking you were actually lost in one of Sighs was once lined with brothels, an economic upturn in the early 1900s, of Spain’s many beautiful little villages. Uruguayans were quick to snap up the latbringing libidinous sailors flocking like bulls Streets of Montevideo patched up by secret artists

Barrio Histórico, Colonia del Sacramento 76

Reminiscent of Cuba, these cars turn regular lanes into something of a vintage auto display.

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travel

Plaza Independencia, Montevideo

est imported models. However, a crash in one dog led me all the way down to the array of parillas. If you see tufts of smoke the 1960s soon put an end to this frivolity, main strip! It’s hard not to feel safe with all billowing out from one of the buildings, which saw locals choosing to preserve these little furry policemen about you. walk towards it - that’s where the magic rather than replace their beloved happens. But request the mixed grill at cachilas. Reminiscent of Cuba, these I half your own peril; it is the Everest of all meat Montevideo cars turn regular lanes into somemountains. expected a thing of a vintage auto display. They horse drawn A few hours east of Colonia are time-worn, full of character Montevideo is made up of an odd mix de Sacramento and positioned carriage to and still standing proud - much like of neoclassical buildings and art deco almost directly opposite Buenos trundle by... the town itself. While some cars structures, interspersed with various Aires (across the Rio de la Plata) have been left to the mercy of the monuments and statues. There are several is Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo. elements, others are still fully functional This city offers a complete change of scen- beaches, which attract throngs of people having been passed lovingly down from during the summer months, but travelling ery and pace, but still maintaining culture parent to child, through the generations. off-peak and wanting something a and entertainment in equal little different I started toward El measures. You can go for a El Ciudad Cars aren’t the only thing you’ll spot Ciudad Vieja instead. One of the stroll down by the sea along Vieja is a sporadically dotted around. If you’re not oldest parts of Montevideo and its famed La Rambla promcompact area a dog person, Colonia may either deter or probably the most popular tourist enade, visit the local artisan convert you. There are dogs all over the markets (where I panic-bought full to the brim destination, El Ciudad Vieja is a with beautiful compact area full to the brim with shop, but they’re not your typical strays; a relatively expensive car well fed and extremely well tempered, they number plate from a very con- architecture... beautiful architecture, animated are something of a bodyguard/tour guide market vendors and remarkably vincing vendor - why?) and eat hybrid walking alongside you as you get to talented street musicians. Despite being some traditional BBQ food. Head down to know the city. On my first night in Colonia a hive of activity, it has still managed to the city’s bustling port market, Mercado del I was walking down a badly lit street, when retain a warm, calm atmosphere and is very Puerto, where the main building houses an Teatro Solís, Montevideo

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travel Punta del Diablo

Ominous name, lovely place. ing area is warmed by a fire, there’s music is nobody around to patch up the streets. playing and a gigantic chess board to play This is just one of the reasons why this city, and the country in general, with. In summer you can learn to surf or is in a class of its own. There are take yoga classes amongst other things; off season you can go horse riding no real through the forest and across the beach. roads, Punta del Diablo Through the hostel, I booked myself in just sandy with the local ‘horse man’ Fabian. I was Tired from the excitement streets sad to see he wasn’t in fact a centaur of Montevideo and in search and a but we had a lot of fun anyway. Have of some relaxation, I headed rugged you ever been drunk on a horse? I have. further east to the old fishing shoreline. Horseman stopped all us would-be village of Punta del Diablo. gauchos during our forest trek, sat us Ominous name, lovely place. down on some tree stumps and whipped Head down one of the cities major roads, This laid back beach town is home to just out a few bottles of wine. He also gave me Avenida 18 de Julio, and you’ll end up at over 800 people, but this number swells the only horse with an attitude problem. the Plaza de Independencia. Here to an impressive 25,000 during the Aptly named Borracha, she decided to bite you’ll find the Palacio Salvo, It is such an summer season, with Argentinians any horse brave enough to come within probably one of the most recog- intriguing, and Brazilians hopping over for some chomping distance, which meant I spent nisable and arresting structures fun in the sun during their holidays. othermost of the trek off to one side on our in the area, due to its unique mix worldly own path for the inebriated while the othof architectural styles. Originally As had been a common theme spot that I er horses trotted on ahead, well behaved constructed to be a hotel, it is throughout Uruguay, a stray dog didn’t want guided me down sandy tracks to and in single file. now occupied by offices and to leave. private residences. On the edge my hostel. I was meant to stay for of the plaza you’ll find the Teatro Punta del Diablo is an example of pure just two nights but kept extending Solís, built in 1856 and holding the title of simplicity. Aside from the few hostels, in increments until it turned into five, not some thatched wooden shacks along the Uruguay’s oldest theatre. This is where you only because I didn’t look at the bus times beach and one local shop, it looks largewant to listen to live music, go to the opout of there properly, but because it is ly untouched by man. There are no real era or watch plays and modern dance. As I such an intriguing, other-worldly spot that meandered around the city, I looked down I didn’t want to leave. I warmly recommend roads, just sandy streets and a rugged shoreline. If you’re the type that can’t sit and noticed patches of beautiful mosaic El Diablo Tranquilo hostel; the bar is fully patterns where the original floor tiles were stocked, there are empanadas at the bar for still, you can head to Parque Nacional Santa either broken or missing. Apparently, these Teresa for a hike north of the town. The 50 pesos (about a quid), the communal livare examples of good deeds carried out by secret artists who come out when there near the top of my ‘places-to-see’ list. This area wasn’t always the prosperous hub it is today, and some of the disused and dilapidated buildings that still stand crumbling in these quarters serve as a reminder of this. A combination of the Argentinian financial crisis and an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the early 2000s severely impacted Uruguay and its meat exports. This saw many people fleeing the area in search of wealth and success, leaving El Ciudad Vieja practically abandoned.

Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, Punta del Diablo

Portuguese fort in Parque Nacional Santa Teresa

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travel Punta del Este

main attraction within this national park is a Portuguese fort built on the hilltop. This towering, rusty-mustard coloured fort was built by the Portuguese in 1762 but construction was halted during the SpanishPortuguese war, when ownership of the fort was handed over to the Spaniards who later finished the building works themselves. The bar scene in Punta del Diablo depends heavily on the season, but take a stroll down the wooden boardwalk of Plaza de Comidas which is a pleasant stroll no matter the time of year. If, like me, you’ve avoided the hectic summer period then you might find yourself without much to do - the perfect place to recharge your batteries!

by the shores of Montoya beach. Come here during the South American summer months of November through to March to immerse yourself in a simmering pool of enviably toned, tanned torsos, restaurants and discotecas.

Cerro Pan de Azucar

Working your way back down the coast of Uruguay to the east, and a little way in-land from the city of Piriápolis, is Cerro Pan de Azucar (or ‘Sugar Loaf Mountain’). The granite- This 423 metre mountain is the third Jose Ignacio is like La Barra’s highest in Uruguay, pipped to the post capped calmer, long lost sister (who by Cerro de las Ánimas and Cerro Catedral mountain only lives 20 kilometres up at 501 and 514 metres respectively. The the coast). This is the perfect is instantly granite-capped mountain is instantly recrecognisable ognisable from afar due to the large cruplace to watch the sunset from afar... from the iconic lighthouse cifix plunged into its peak like a birthday or grab a dulce de leche ice candle. This 35 metre concrete cross is cream from a local parlour before choosing the work of popular sculptor and poet Juan a place to eat. Be warned! Dinner is not Zorilla de San Martín. It is his face gracing usually served until around 10:30 to 11pm the front of the dark green and violet 20 (so best make your afternoon ice cream a peso note. You can get to the top of the double scoop.) cross via an internal spiral staircase, leading Punta del Este to some pretty breathtaking, vertigo-inducing views. Punta del Este - a premier beach resort ofIn 1516, European navigator and explorer ten referred to as ‘the St. Tropez of South Juan Diaz de Solis discovered the Punta America’. This peninsula is essentially a del Este region, and originally named it There are many more hidden gems on playground for the wealthy. Over a century Cabo de Santa Maria. Over the last five Uruguay’s 24 hour menu of ‘things to see ago, well-off Porteños began constructing decades, this peninsula has expanded into and do’, so enjoy discovering them for second homes here as a a series of small towns 40 miles along yourselves. On behalf of South America’s summer get-away spot. safest country and the affable people that This peninsula the Uruguayan coastline - and each Today, owning property in one is worthy of a visit, however brief. inhabit it, hasta entonces, chicos! is essentially a Punta del Este is tantamount playground for to having a holiday home in the wealthy. the Hamptons - yet another destination it is often compared to, due to its long stretches of beach and ability to attract the affluent like a money magnet. However, the doors to this slice of paradise are also open to those of us a little more monetarily challenged too. La Barra is arguably Punta del Este’s ‘trendiest’ neighbourhood. A popular nautical sports and fishing destination by day, La Barra’s sidewalks soon begin to overspill with party goers as soon as the stars clock in for the night. Stationed in the Maldonado region of south-eastern Uruguay, this is a place where surfers gather in the hopes of catching a wave GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Punta del Este 79

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

technology

CYBER SUPERHEROES Students explore the world of hacking and security

than coding.’ Breaking down the contest yber security is becoming tition, a platform that stands between the into layman’s terms, they explain that ‘it’s increasingly crucial in an unreCyber Security Challenge programme for mittingly and ever evolving world secondary schools, and the main challenge like starting up a new computer, inside a of technology. It competition programme. computer. They give us a virtual operating system like Windows or Linux, and we gain is often suggested that our It is often points for finding security vulnerabilities, lifetime is the Technology Age. Gap in the market suggested that kind of like a treasure hunt. We also have Following on from previous bronze, ice and industrial eras, our lifetime is the The group, split up into four to remove malicious software that already Technology Age. this generation has seen the exists, anything from trojan horses to teams, is a fiercely attentive batch files.’ It’s incredibly satisfying to see a most significant technological and intelligent one. The Bayside group of young, impressionable millennials advances of any before it. With the growA-level team, G-Sec_ propelled to the ing threat of cyber terrorism and hacking forefront of the competition rankings, after eager to learn and put their efforts into an element of technology that is ultimately ever prevalent, a demand for professionals only a few months of training, and with to take on the role of protecting data is for the greater good. They immedivery limited prior knowledge ately shoot down the glamourous also growing, and in an effort to develop in IT. ‘We’ve all got an interest A demand for Hollywood depiction of hacking, future leaders in the industry, a series of in computer science and professionals ‘people see films in which hackers competitions are run in both the UK and are very good at Googling,’ to take on are typing away at big computers; it the US encouraging youths, particularly the group tells me, eagerly the role of students, to delve into the complex world doesn’t even require that, someone huddled around a counter in protecting data can hack into a system using their of hacking and cyber security. Twentytheir Physics lab. ‘A lot of us is also growing. phone. You don’t need to be trained; three local students, varying between the never had the opportunity to anyone can Google how to make ages of thirteen and eighteen were last get into it because we didn’t a virus. That’s why it’s so important that year banded together by Head of Physics have the access before. In school you have we learn how to counter them. There’s a at Bayside School, Stewart Harrison to Information Technology GCSE but that’s compete in the ‘Cyber Centurion’ compegap in people who know how to secure more the application of computers rather

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

technology networks, not many people are employed in the industry. With us having the training, we can hopefully get jobs in cyber security in the future.’ Their training was provided by a team from locally based iGaming firm Bwin, ‘Research is a huge part of it. We had two hours a week with the trainers, but we worked separately with our groups to go through preparation checklists. Even though the competition has ended, we’re still going to work with our teams because there are other capture the flag type competitions to work towards, and if we want to run in this competition again next year, there’s no point in stopping.’ Gender gap & diligent preparation Stewart brought the concept to his students after the skills gap in cyber security was discussed by a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) gathering of different professionals that he forms part of. ‘The competition attacks. ‘We worked backwards to figure anything about cyber security is sponsored by GCHQ (UK “We gain out how to block the paths they would beforehand.’ The students admit Government Communications points for take to get what they want. There is a lot that there is a distinct lack of Headquarters) as well as many finding security of information that may seem complicated, females within the competition, major corporations including vulnerabilities...” and the field in general. ‘It’s but each thing is pretty simple, there is BT and Pwc. ‘There are many just a lot to remember. It’s not difficult to stereotypically more accessible very large organisations, not find the information, you can Google how to men,’ the Year 9 Westside team Bastion just commercial, but governmental as well, to secure things. When you start getting Defenders tell me. ‘Technology and science that are very interested in young people deeper into the network, like in the last are almost seen as a male dominated entering into careers in this. There is also few rounds of the competition, it gets a industry and that’s the wrong outlook, it’s the offer of a grant and bursaries from lot more complicated, but initially we were what probably puts many girls off in the GCHQ, for summer work and a contract just downloading anti viruses and removfirst place. These girls have stepped up at the end.’ Mr. Harrison initially brought ing unauthorised users.’ Cyber Centurion and pushed, and you’ve placed 20th out of the contest to Gibraltar last year, when ran for three rounds, all held months 42. For a group of girls who are fourteen he put forward one small team of seven apart and lasting for six hours each. This years old and haven’t done anything like students, who despite having very basic this before, that’s quite an achievement,’ year forty-two teams competed, varying knowledge in the field reached the finals Stewart insists. from other school students, of the competition. With last year’s finals being completely void of females, Stewart “Someone can to members of Scouts groups and Cyber Security clubs. During their initial training, the this year tried to integrate a small group hack into a Rounds also involved forengroup was taught to hack, in order of Westside students. ‘We just wanted sic questions on security and to discover how to counteract cyber system using to try something new. We didn’t know their phone...” computer codes, particularly cryptography and tracking IP and email addresses. ‘It’s a lot easier to hack than to stop someone from hacking,’ the group agrees. ‘They only need to win once, whereas the protectors need to win every time.’ Stewart says the competitors are tested on finding where in the network hackers will break through ‘and whether they have the knowledge to actually stop them.’ Generously, the group was awarded a host of desktops from competition sponsor, Pwc, and an Internet line by Gibtelecom. The US Airforce initiated the original concept for the competition. From North America, they branched out to the UK and the Government took it on. ‘The whole competition is like a recruitment programme, entities like GCHQ sponsor so that they can find people that stand out and take them on later. ‘All in all, it’s been a bit of an adventure,’ the boys grin. ‘This is 82

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technology an environment for kids that aren’t sporty, to have a really good chance at competing in something and feeling proud of themselves,’ Stewart adds, noting that the Governor had invited him to the Convent to discuss the students’ achievements. ‘A lot of people are in awe of these guys, and for an academic reason. They can excel in something that isn’t school related and feel good about themselves.’ ‘It’s like a superpower,’ one of the young team members chimes in. We can’t hack it anymore! We are all vulnerable to hacking, from personal social media and email accounts, to government systems. In August 2012, YGTV reported that the Gibraltar Government website had been hacked, ‘reportedly by Saudi Arabian Hackers’. Most recently, Lincolnshire County Council in the UK fell victim to a cyber attack that local media insisted “Technology the most infamous and damaging ‘brought them to a crashing hit, the release of private messagand science are halt’. The systems were held at es and images of some of Sony’s almost seen as a biggest stars. The attack came ransom, with online and email male dominated in a slew of leaks deeming Sony services for various governmental departments, including industry...” powerless against the hackers. the local Fire Service, crashing. Late January saw the marking of Perhaps most famously in recent times, Data Protection Day, which the Gibraltar Sony suffered a major cyber attack followRegulatory Authority said ‘coming the release of a teaser trailer for their memorated the importance of “It’s a lot easier controversial North Korean dictatorship data protection, a fundamental to hack than to parody ‘The Interview’. Over the course right for everyone in the EU’. In stop someone of a few weeks, back in 2014, 38 million Gibraltar, a campaign focusing from hacking.” confidential files were leaked to the online mainly on middle schools has media by the North Korean Government, imposed the mantra Control calling themselves ‘the Guardians of Your Privacy. This year Europe is set to Peace’. The files included high profile email adopt a new General Data Protection exchanges, personal information regarding Regulation, which will aim to ‘simplify the the salaries and social security numbers regulatory environment for organisations, of employees and actors, pilot scripts for and strengthen the control of citizens over upcoming films and television shows, and their personal data.’

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

“If you give a hacker a new toy, the first thing he’ll do is take it apart to figure out how it works.” - Jamie Zawinski

wine words | Andrew Licudi

WINES ON SALE Where to find a bargain...

95 not showing its age at all. The Lucien have a good relationship with my of squid and chorizo, as the cliché goes, is Boillot domaine is now run by Louis Lucien fishmonger. He is one of those fellows a marriage made in heaven, and I served who is seemingly incapable of the this as a starter at an informal get together who is married to Ghislaine Barthod, a lady telling even the most harmless white with two of my wine buddies knowing that who runs her own estate and has become one of the top producers in Burgundy with lies. Ask him how fresh his fish is and my culinary efforts would be more than her eponymous wines. I wonder what they he will point out which specimens were repaid by their generous and imaginative discuss when they go to bed at night! swimmers barely a few hours before and wines they would contribute to the evewhich weren’t. His honesty ning. To warm up, whilst cooking, we doesn’t seem to have harmed tasted a 1990 George Muller Riesling For dessert we had pear and almond tart his business in any way, quite Daggers were Spatlese. This is an extraordinary wine which was accompanied by a 2007 Quarts drawn in what which, having started life as a pale the contrary, and such is the de Chaumes by Baumard. These wines, was a bitter loyalty of his customers that lemon in colour, was now the colour made from Chenin Blanc in the Loire, feud in court... of an oloroso sherry. he has been able to reduce Anjou to be exact, can last for decades. his working week to four Vinopolis has, The half bottle of the Baumard we days. His shabby shop front tasted was hugely complex and quite an A 2010 Puilly Fuisse Grand over many and window display gives no clue as to the extraordinary wine. The appellation was Beauregard Homage a Joseph years, been culinary treasures within from wild turbot, awarded Grand Cru Status some years Burrier paired the squid. the source halibut, red mullet, numerous species of ago, however, daggers were drawn in Classic fine white Burgundy of some real sole and even the occasional and rare, wild Chardonnay. A rice and what was a bitter feud in court as the bargains. sea trout with its blue plastic seal through leading producer in the region, Baumard, chicken dish was accompaits snout showing its been caught legally. tried successfully to overturn the Grand nied by two red burgundies My last purchase there was good, old, deCru status for reasons I will explain. On a 2004 Robert Chevillon Nuit St. George pendable squid destined to be simply pan appeal from the other producers the Prulier and a 1995 Gevrey Chambertin fried with chorizo, a combination which Grand Cru status was reinstated in 2011. Cherbaudes by Lucien Boillot. Both excelSpain has yet to discover. The combination lent examples of red Burgundies with the Baumard had objected as he was the only 84

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

wine producer who froze the grapes to obtain the right sugar concentration, a method now prohibited under the new status. Who would be a wine maker! I am always on the lookout for older wines. Elsewhere older wines attract a premium but our local wine merchants tend to want to get rid of older vintages to make way for new and, consequently, have not only aged the wines for you but are happy to give hefty discounts on occasion! So, this month I went hunting for some older vintages, wines selling at a discount or wines which caught my eye. Here is what I found. (Please note that I do not accept wine gifts or discounts from wine merchants. I am under no obligation of any kind and my views are my own. Most of the wines below I actually bought. Others I have researched and found to be worthwhile considering.) Vinopolis (Anglo Hispano) Anglo Hispano has, over many years, been the source of some real bargains. They are currently running a “pot luck” section with all wines priced at £10. Ochoa Gran Reserva 2003 £10 Ochoa is a somewhat underrated producer with a touch of France about its wines. This bodega was making waves a few years ago but has sadly not captured the public’s imagination. It should have. Gran Colegiata Campus 2006 (Toro) £10 I haven’t tasted Gran Colegiata for some time now. Their wines tend to be dark and mouth filling made from Tinta de Toro which is Toro’s name for Tempranillo. Jancis Robinson gives the 2000 vintage 17.5 points out of 20. She doesn’t give her marks easily which places the 2000 into serious wine territory. I look forward to opening the 2006 and see if it lives up to the reputation of the 2000. Tondonia Gravonia White Rioja £10 Spain is a red wine country. There are few white wines considered top league though Tondonia have made a niche for themselves by giving their unique whites and rose wines long barrel ageing and hence the classical oxidised, lemony taste of these wines. There is ample underlying complexity with loads of savoury notes. Reminds me somewhat of those rare white wines from the Rhone Valley with added woody notes. Will not appeal to those whose idea of an ideal wine is a new world Sauvignon Blanc.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Stagnetto When I visited there were very few wines with price reductions. Stagnetto stock the classic Vega Sicilia, for many years the expensive but much sought after wine from Ribera del Duero. Sadly these are never on sale! What I did find is the Argentinian wine Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira 2010 which if the normal price of £48.50 is to go by, then it should be very good. It’s on 50% discount selling at around £24. I have yet to taste this wine but the Wine Spectator rates this wine at 96/100 and normal price in UK would be between £50 and £60. Other wine writers also propel this wine into world class territory. The Cellar (Irish Town) The Cellar has a wonderful selection of French wines. A classic wine lovers selection in many ways. Prices are generally comparable to those in UK. Domaine Cyrot Buthiau Pommard

in Gibraltar, we get a small but well priced selection. Quality throughout M&S range however, tends to be high. Riesling 2012 £3.00 (yes, three pounds!) It’s decades since I have bought a threepound bottle of wine. This wine had the producer’s name, a wine cooperative in Turckheim Alsace, well-hidden at the back. It’s a dry wine with distinct aromas of petrol or diesel, the signature smell of well-made and more expensive Rieslings. Stunning value for money though it may not appeal to everyone. Margaux 2009 £20 This is bottled for M&S by Chateau Notton which is owned by second growth producer Brane Cantenac. I have yet to open this wine but what attracted me to it is that 2009 is one of the top vintages in the Medoc ever. The 2009 Chateau Notton is practically sold out throughout Europe so this will be your last chance to try this. Wines to try at least once in your life

Classic, entry level, village wine. Reduced from £28.50 to £20

Capbern Gasqueton 2008 £25 (M&S UK)

Chateau Neuf du Pape Tardieu Laurent 2011 Reduced from £39.75 to £30.00

This St Estephe claret is not, unfortunately, on sale in Gibraltar but is available in M&S UK at £25. The reason I mention this wine is simply because it provides exceptional value for money. I have been drinking the 2009 and 2010 regularly though I should have had more patience as they will improve! Jancis Robinson, the most influential wine critic in UK today, claims to have bought the 2009 vintage to serve at her 70th birthday! Perhaps we shall see this on sale here soon?

Solid producer. Somewhat closed the last time I tasted this wine. Perhaps needs time. Montauberon Les Oliviers Reduced from £8.75 to £5 Some very drinkable roses come from the Languedoc. This producer has a good reputation. Marks and Spencer Anyone wanting to start in wine would be well advised to head to M&S. Their range represents most classical wine regions and

recipes

Recipe from The Great American Detox Diet by Alex Jamieson

INGREDIENTS

POPEYE’S SPINACH PIE

2 cups spelt white flour

Simple, Healthy & Traditional Easter Meal

¾ tsp sea salt, divided 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1–2 tbsps water ½ cup chopped yellow onion

DIRECTIONS

½ cup finely shredded red cabbage

1. Preheat oven to 190⁰C.

½ cup chopped zucchini 8 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried 1 clove garlic, minced ½ tsp dried marjoram ½ tsp dried basil ½ tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried mustard powder 1 tsp paprika ¼ tsp ground red pepper 1 large tomato, cut into 8 half-moon slices 86

2. To prepare the crust, sift the flour and ¼ teaspoon of the salt into a medium mixing bowl. Slowly pour in 1/3 cup of the oil while stirring to form a dough. Do not overmix or the dough will be too tough. Use up to 2 tablespoons of water to help form the dough. 3. Gather the dough into a ball and lightly roll with a rolling pin until it reaches a 22 cm diameter. Press the rolled dough into a 22 cm baking tray. Poke the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Set aside while preparing the filling.

4. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and the onion. Sauté for 2 minutes, add the cabbage and zucchini, and sauté an additional 5 minutes. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted. 5. Add the garlic, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, marjoram, basil, thyme, mustard, paprika, and pepper. Stir well to combine, and sauté for 1 minute. 6. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. 7. Bake for 35 minutes. 8. Remove pie from the oven and garnish with a ring of tomato slices. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

recipes

CARROT COOKIES Soft-baked with light notes of mixed spices INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 ½ cups ground oats / oat flour

1. Preheat oven to 170⁰C.

½ cup coconut sugar

2. Mix together dry ingredients in a bowl, followed by wet ingredients until combined.

1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger 1 large shredded carrot / 2 small ½ cup coconut milk handful walnuts 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted) 1 tbsp agave nectar ½ tsp baking powder Recipe yields 12 cookies GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

3. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonful of mix into a muffin mold (this will help the cookies retain a round shape and not spread too much). 4. Sprinkle more nuts and coconut sugar over the top if you want them with a bit more flavour. 5. Bake for approx. 15 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and leave to cool completely.

Coconut sugar contains good amounts of inulin, which acts as a prebiotic, feeding your intestinal bifidobacteria (a probiotic). It also has trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, however, you would need to consume large amounts to be able to get enough, which would mean taking a hit on your metabolism and liver. So, even though coconut sugar is retained in a healthier way than table sugar… it still IS sugar and contains equal amounts of fructose and glucose, therefore should always be consumed sensibly. - JJ Virgin, The Huffington Post

Recipe by TheMuscleBakery.com 87

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 MARCH 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 MARCH 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

The Tasty Bite Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken and everything else you can think of! Try the quiches, tortillas and jackets spuds with all kinds of fillings. This little place gets busy with those popping out from the offices for lunch so get there early. Open: Monday - Saturday. The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321

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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leisure & services

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GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

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

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

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp

health & beauty Health & Beauty Salon

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Services

Spring | Law Specialising in Wills, Estate Planning, Property Transactions, Employment Law and Company/Commercial Legal Advice Please contact: Chris Keightley-Pugh LLB TEP Tel: 200 64001 Email: chris.keightleypugh@springlaw.co.uk

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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

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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 MARCH 2016

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

Information Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.).Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards.Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/ Children under 12 - £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery. Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon.

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 MARCH 2016

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

Support Groups

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Coffee Time 1

Across 1) See 4)ac

4) & 1)ac She wheeled her wheelbarrow (5,6) 7) Shakespeare’s weaver; rump (6) 8) Hindu retreat (6)

Just for fun 1 7

8 5

7 8

4 9 4 7

7 5

3 5

9 7

12) Expose by way of spiteful gossip (4,3,4)

17) One who prestidigitates (8) 14

20) Rub against (6) 21) Subtle difference in meaning (6) 22) Command; organised sect (5)

23) Male or female, for example? (6)

2 1

10) Old TV series starring Chuck Connors The ------; armed soldier (8)

19) Dutch cheese (4) 12

9) Go; hit by a bullet 94)

Down

1) Lazed about (7) 2) Understatement being the opposite of hyperbole (6)

Crossword Competition

Notes

Closing date: 17 Mar th

First Prize Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

Last months winner:

Jane Pizarro Prince Edward’s Road

3) Figure on top of a fraction (9) 4) German wine region (5) 5) Old Leeds footballer; maker of metal parts of harnesses (7) 6) Citizen of Sana’a perhaps (6) 11) Not an egg from a battery raised chicken (4,5) 13) Took no notice of (7) 14) EU country to the west of the UK (7) 15) Public service vehicle on rails (7) 16) Paper size (6) 18) Beneath (5)

Flight & Cruise Schedule - March 2016 Day Airline

Flight No From

Arrives

Flight No To

until 14th Mon easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 11:05 EZY8902 11:35 until 14th British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:15 until 14th easyJet EZY8905 Gatwick 17:40 EZY8906 18:10 Monarch ZB574 Manchester 20:35 ZB575 21:20 until 14thh Monarch ZB068 Luton 20:40 ZB069 21:25 until 14th EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 11:25 until 15th Tue easyJet British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:15 easyJet EZY6299 Bristol 19:30 EZY6300 20:00 until 16th Wed easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 11:25 British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:15 Monarch ZB068 Luton 19:00 ZB069 19:45 Monarch ZB574 Manchester 19:00 ZB575 19:50 from 23rd Thur easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 11:25 Royal Air Maroc AT990 Tangier 11:50 AT991 12:40 British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:15 Monarch ZB446 Birmingham 17:55 ZB447 18:45 from 24th from 24th Monarch ZB574 Manchester 19:00 ZB575 19:50 easyJet EZY6299 Bristol 20:25 EZY6300 20:55 Fri easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 11:25 British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:25 Monarch ZB446 Birmingham 17:55 ZB447 18:45 Monarch ZB068 Luton 19:00 ZB069 19:45 Monarch ZB574 Manchester 19:00 ZB575 19:55 Sat easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 11:50 EZY8902 12:25 British Airways BA492 Heathrow 14:10 BA493 15:05 British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:15 EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 11:25 until 20th Sun easyJet Bristol 11:05 EZY6300 11:35 until 20th easyJet EZY6299 until 20th British Airways BA492 Heathrow 13:45 BA493 15:05 Royal Air Maroc AT990 Tangier 15:30 AT991 16:20 until 20th British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 17:25 until 20th Monarch ZB446 Birmingham 18:55 ZB447 19:45 until 20th Monarch ZB574 Manchester 20:35 ZB575 21:20 until 20th Monarch ZB068 Luton 20:40 ZB069 21:25 until 20th

Departs

DOA Vessel

ETA ETD Pass

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

Fri 11

08:00 14:00 British

3,100

Wed 16 Magellan

09:00 13:00 British

1,486

Wed 16 Costa Pacifica

12:00 20:00 Italian

3,800

Thu 17

Sovereign

11:00 19:00 Spanish

2,250

Thu 17

Costa Magica

12:00 19:00 Italian

2,720

Sun 20

Sirena

05:00 12:00 American

684

Tue 29

Silver Cloud

12:00 18:00 American

296

Thu 31 L’Austral

07:00 20:00 French

264

Thu 31 Oceana

13:00 22:00 British

1,950

Ventura

Capacity

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2016

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