The Gibraltar Magazine - May 2016

Page 1

May 2016 Vol. 21 # 07 FREE

Beards & Bowties - Hipster trend Cosmetic Surgery GIBRALTAR MAGAZINEideal NOVEMBER 2015 - Chasing self

Corporate Image - Dress for success

The Green Fairy - Absinthe ventures

Wearable Technology - Work smarter

Mum on the Rock - Gender-neutral

3


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

MAY ISSUE T

his month has been dominated by self-image which prompted heated discussions around the office about the perception of ourselves and chasing the model fed to us in the media. We spoke to child psychologist Freddie Trinidad about the concept of ideal self (p. 35) and approached several Gibraltarians about their reasons for having gone under the knife (p. 38). Even Mum on the Rock entered the image debate by weighing up the pros and cons of gender-neutral parenting (p. 96). When it comes to our identity what we wear plays a big role. For me, it has always been about being comfortable (I’m the founding member of the Bring [cute] pyjamas to the streets movement), potentially looking good is just an added bonus. I managed to blank out all social pressures of fitting into a subculture until I heard about hipsters. Working with Nicole on understanding the movement, we discovered that whilst it is almost impossible to define, hipsters do follow certain patterns that allow us to identify them (p.67), for example,

4

through their fashion choices. After much research we selected a wardrobe which appears to be appropriate (p.70) and I now feel like an expert on what a hipster should look like. I can spot a checkered shirt a mile away and judge you based on the shape of your stubble. If beard maintenance ranks high amongst your interests, Marcus takes us back a few centuries to his university days when he first dabbled in facial hair growth (p. 46). Image in business is equally as essential; Ian talks about the importance of brands looking good for their target audiences (p. 21) while Riaan discusses how the way you look might impact your finances (p.24). Eran and Ayelet warn readers against taking statistics too seriously, due to biased sampling, unfair poll questions and poorly chosen averages (p. 26). Callie gives us an insight into how the takeover by wearable technology devices can boost workplace productivity (p.28). Also on the technology front, entrepreneur Alex Capurro’s payment solution start-up wins the GFSB’s innovation award (p. 80).

Shane Dalmedo’s cheeky family of Neanderthal animations will soon take Gibraltar by storm. She gives us a sneak peak of her beautifully unique work (p. 54). After a month of sitting on the complicated concept of self-esteem, how people portray themselves, and what cosmetic surgeries they would have if they were given the opportunity (this question was asked a lot here), we took to the streets to find out how others would change their image (p. 18).

Anna

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION CHARLOTTEINGRAM2010@GMAIL.COM +34 626 781 554 +34 956 615 350

OR VISIT OUR OCEAN VILLAGE SHOWROOM

SOTOGRANDE CHARITY OPERA GALA 2016 SATURDAY 25TH JUNE/ 19:30h SANTA MARIA POLO CLUB LOS PINOS - SOTOGRANDE

“A MAGICAL NIGHT OF OPERA UNDER THE STARS” Associacion Arturo Darch CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION AND GOURMET BLACK TIE DINNER FOUR INTERNATIONALOPERA STARS ACCOMPANIED BY THE PROVINCE OF MALAGA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MEDIA PARTNER LIVE COVERAGE BY TICKETS: €250 PROCEEDS IN FAVOUR OF: GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

3


the_gibraltar_magazine_apr_16_diges.indd 1

12/04/2016 13:15:44


contents 8 NEWS 14 Spring Festival calendar 16 Around town 18 Hello there: Image

FINANCE, BUSINESS, PROPERTY 21 24 26 28 30 32

Corporate Image - it’s all about the brand... Dress for Success - or should you even bother? Giving a Wrong Image - don’t be fooled by statistics Wearable Technology - work smarter, not harder Prejudice Filters - overcoming cultural bias Brexit - impact on the Gibraltar property market

LIFE 35 38 44 46 48 52

Look at me! - the development of self-image Cosmetic Surgery - vanity and a deeper insight Dying for a Six Pack - pressures of the Olympics Beard Ventures - zen and facial hair maintenance Frontline Intelligence - Major Peter Ferrary The Last Squadron - a history of RAF unit 224

SCENE 21#07 May 2016: Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga & Nick Acris © DM Parody (www.dotcom.gi/photos)

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

www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com

@gibmag

Magazine & website archived by the British Library

! ADVERTISE

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.

! GET INVOLVED

If you are an artist with an exhibition, a club or charity with an event coming up, we’d love to hear from you. This is a community magazine with no VIP area. Everyone is welcome to contribute so drop us a line.

! GET IN TOUCH

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 MAY 2016

54 58 61 64

What a Doll! - Shane Dalmedo toys with art Lady of the Month - Madonnas of the world Childline 10th Anniversary - safeguarding children Weekend Breakfast - with Lucinda Snape

LEISURE 67 74 80 82 84

UnBoliviable! - engulfed in bursts of colours Beards & Bowties - hipsterism: trend or subculture? Business Innovation - Gibraltar start-up success The Green Fairy Strikes - absinthe adventures Recipes: Sweet Potato & Chunky Choc Caramel Bark

86 Guides and Information 96 Mum on the Rock - gender-neutral parenting 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


news

SMOKING BANNED IN CARS

A

t the beginning of last month, a change in legislation under the Smoke Free Environment Act 2012 made it illegal to smoke in an enclosed motor vehicle in a public place with a child present. This change in legislation is designed to protect children and young people from the damaging effects of second-hand smoke, which can put them at risk of serious conditions such as meningitis, asthma, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia. The law dictates that ‘a child’ constitutes anyone under the age of eighteen. Similar legislation is already in place in UK, France, South Africa, much of Australia, Canada and the USA, and several other countries. Commenting on the move Dr. Cortes, Minister for Health noted, ‘The new law applies to any private vehicle enclosed wholly or partly by a roof, even if the window is open, the air conditioning is on or the smoker is sitting in the open

doorway of the vehicle. Research in UK has shown that levels of dangerous chemicals are over 100 times higher than recommended safety guidelines. No matter what the situation, children will always be

exposed to dangerous chemicals which can put them at risk of developing serious health conditions. People often wrongly assume that opening a window, or letting in fresh air, will lessen the damage.’

MONKEY PROOF RECYCLING BINS

T

he Government has adapted a concept invented by local student Jared Peralta to exist in real life. New, wooden recycling bins, made with four separate compartments for the disposal of glass, paper and cardboard, plastic, cans and Tetra Briks are now located at the Trafalgar Cemetery, Queens Balcony, Apes Den and Princess Caroline’s Battery. The concept was part of Jared’s Design & Technology A-level coursework, and after being presented to Environment minister Dr. Cortes, it was produced with the help of Jared, the Tourist Board, the Macaque Management Team and Monkey Talks’ Brian Gomila. They include informative panels, detailing information on Gibraltar’s recycling strategy and the Barbary Macaques themselves. The bins open via pedals, making them entirely monkey proof. 8

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


news

ONLINE BUS TRACKER LAUNCHED

P

ublic transport users will now be able to track the movement of Gibraltar Bus Company buses via a new web app launched by the Ministry for Transport. Currently, it only features route 2, which runs from Market Place to Europa Point and route 3, which runs between Referendum House and the South District. The app allows individuals using a desktop or mobile device to select their chosen route and locate the relevant bus on a map of all the stops on its route. The new website currently offers information on available routes and bus fares. As part of the Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan, the government is following the recommendations made during their period of feedback and modifying routes 4 and 9 ‘for an enhanced

and more efficient service’. A spokesperson claims that ‘in light of these modifications a new pilot Route 6 will be commencing Monday 18th April. It starts at Market Place

Terminus, going down Waterport Road to Mid-Harbour Estate via St Bernard’s Hospital, turning at the roundabout and back along the same route.’

A Celebration of Opera

ST. MICHAEL'S CAVE ANGEL BLUE soprano ANTONIO GANDÍA tenor DAVID ARONSON piano

Tickets priced at £20.00 available from Sacarello’s coffee shop – restaurant in Irish Town and The Silver Shop at 222 Main Street. A limited number of tickets at £10.00 are made available to senior citizens and students via the John Mackintosh Hall at 308 Main Street. Price includes a bus shuttle service departing from the Public Market and opposite the Cable Car as from 6:30pm Further information + 350 200 72134 or www.philharmonic.gi

The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

Designed & Printed by Roca Graphics Ltd. Tel: 200 59755

26th May 2016 8pm

9


news

JOHN EVERETT MILLIAS GIB DFAS LECTURE

O

n Wednesday 18th May, the Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society will host their final lecture of the season, discussing the works of John Everett Millias, a child prodigy who studied at the Royal Academy and played a part in the founding of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The Brotherhood consisted of a group of English painters, poets, and critics from the 1800s, focusing on classical poses and elegant compositions. Boycotting the Royal Academy of Arts’ founder Sir Joshua Reynolds, the group associated their work with John Ruskin, an English critic whose influences were driven by his religious background.

Millias one of the wealthiest artists of his day. While early 20th century critics reading art through the lens of Modernism viewed much of his later production as wanting, this perspective has changed in recent decades, as his later works have come to be seen in the context of wider

changes and advanced tendencies in the broader late nineteenth century art world,’ comments a GibDFAS spokesperson.

Gibrael Vice President Ayelet Mamo Shay noted that the goal of chamber of commerce is to ‘strengthen the relations

between Gibraltar and Israel, not just on commercial aspects but also from a cultural perspective.’

The evening will commence in the Eliott Hotel with drinks at 6:30pm, leading up to lecture at 7:30pm.

Lecturer and author Suzanne FagenceCooper, an alumnus of Cambridge University with great knowledge on the era will discuss John Everett Millias, his time with the Brotherhood, and his later works that developed a new and powerful form of realism. ‘The works were enormously successful, making

ISRAELI ARTIST EXHIBITION

I

sraeli artist Ilan Itach exhibited some of his unique work in Gibraltar last month. The show was organised by the GibraltarIsrael Chamber of Commerce and offered a taste of the Jerusalem born self-taught artist, who hails from an immigrant driven, working-class neighbourhood. Much of his career has been spent drawing inspiration from unique areas abroad where he immersed himself in different cultures, particularly the rich and colourful Spanish traditions of music and dance in both Granada and Seville. He brought elements of his Moroccan heritage, the beauty of Jerusalem and his love for his flamenco dancer wife into all of the work displayed in the exhibition dubbed ‘Dreaming of a Hebrew Flamenco’. Itach draws technique from the well-honoured masters of the renaissance, creating his own paints using different pigments.

10

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


news

2016 LITERARY FESTIVAL PREPARATIONS

F

ollowing on from the encouraging success of the past three events, the fourth edition of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival is set to run from 20th to 23rd October 2016. Headline speakers have already been approached and are in discussions with the Gibraltar Tourist Board. An announcement outlining some of the chosen speakers will be made soon. As announced last year, the festival’s Patron HRH the Princess Royal will open the event, for the first time. Tourism Minister, Samantha Sacramento comments on the Government’s plans to ‘build up on the success of the previous editions and deliver another prestigious festival packed with leading authors and celebrities.’ She adds, ‘the festival is an example of our events led tourism strategy, which has demonstrated our capacity to organise quality international events.’ The Tourist Board is currently offering sponsorship opportunities for companies

and organisations, as well as the potential for individuals to form part of the event. The GTB is equally interested in receiving

suggestions or feedback on the festival at info@gibraltarliteraryfestival.com or facebook.com/gibraltarliteraryfestival.

www.thewatefrontgib.com

Stylish Unique Elegant

Located in the heart of Queensway Quay Marina serving the finest local and international cuisine Large conservatory for 100 people and private VIP room available

4/5 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 45666 - Fax: (+350) 200 45665 waterfrontrestaurant@gmail.com | Open daily from 10 am till late | Convenient parking is available nearby thewaterfrontgib

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

@Waterfront_Gib

11


news

SPRING FESTIVAL 2016 LAUNCHED

W

ith the recent launch of the 2016 Spring Festival, Gibraltar Cultural Services also announced the winner of the festival logo competition. Over one hundred and twenty entries were submitted, resulting in seven highly commended awards being presented to Maddy Hill of Loreto Convent,
Shelli Abudarham of the Hebrew Primary School, David Tapiero of the Gibraltar Boys’ Secondary School,
David Benady also of the Boys’ Secondary School,
Adina Malka Spier of the Girls’ High School, Sofia Diez

Homatyano of St. Bernard’s Middle School and Ryan Clinton of St. Joseph’s Middle School. The overall winning logo was designed by Stuart Barea, who was presented with £300. The Spring festival runs between 1st May, introducing the May Day Celebrations and 18th June, ending with Calentita. Culture Minister Stephen Linares explained that the festival events all share the common purpose of promoting art and culture in Gibraltar.

U-MEE MOBILE TV APP LAUNCHED

I

nternet service provider u-mee this month launched their free television app for both iOS and Android, allowing TV+Go customers to access u-mee television on their smartphone or tablet provided they are connected to the internet. The TV app is available to anyone in Gibraltar with an internet connection, regardless of their provider. The service offers over one hundred and forty channels with catch up and recording capabilities. It can be used with the new free TV app and is also compatible with a u-mee set-top-box. The app and the 3-device TV+Go service are included in the u-mee plus residential fibre broadband bundle at no extra charge.

NEW CULTURAL SERVICES CEO

C

ivil servant Seamus Byrne has this month taken on the role of the Chief Executive Officer of government organization, the Gibraltar Cultural Services. Seamus Byrne commenced his employment as a civil servant in 1999 at the Department of Social Services. He was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Culture, where he worked up the ranks for

12

over 12 years. During this time, Mr. Byrne has been responsible for the organisation of many major cultural and social events in Gibraltar and abroad, both as Events Director of GCS and during his years as PA to His Worship the Mayor. Mr. Byrne graduated from the Open University with a Degree in Humanities in June 2015.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


news

KPMG ON GAMING AWARD SHORTLIST

K

PMG Gibraltar and Isle of Man have been shortlisted for eGaming Review Magazine’s 2016 annual B2B Awards, within the Corporate Service Provider category. The awards, now in their seventh year, are designed to reward and celebrate the best service providers within the gaming industry. They recognise the achievements of suppliers within a variation of areas, from software to networks, mobile payments, recruitment, IT and infrastructure. The award ceremony will be carried out at the Tower of London on 1st June 2016, following a final judgment made by a panel of industry experts. KPMG has worked within the industry for 14 years. Director

Micky Swindale expressed the company’s commitment to support the sector. She added, ‘we have a dedicated eGaming team with a vast amount of experience across all aspects of the business and who bring different perspectives, sound judgment and extensive multi-disciplinary collaboration to provide innovative approaches and deliver real results for our clients’ most complex challenges. As well as offering our professional services to eGaming companies, we have been pro-active in offering thought leadership on topics within the industry and, with the support of some very loyal sponsors, have organised and funded twelve eGaming Summits across Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.’

NEWCASTLE FUNDS FOR LOCAL CHARITY

F

ollowing two years of fundraising, Gibraltar’s branch of Newcastle Building Society presented a cheque for £3,700 to local children’s charity Pathway Through Pain having voted to make it the branch’s dedicated charity. PTP provides financial assistance to families of children suffering serious illness and requiring treatment outside of Gibraltar. The charity, established in 2005, also offers funding to parents seeking treatment, whilst having to support young children. It also offers education on helping and assisting others to school children and older students.

and competitions amongst customers. Newcastle’s Senior Operations Manager Stephen Maloney added, ‘Pathway Through Pain helps so many ill people and their families and it’s been fantastic

to have the support of all of our generous customers and our committed staff, in our fundraising efforts for them. We’re delighted to be able to hand over such a terrific amount.’

Chairman of PTP Darren Grech expressed his gratitude towards Newcastle, insisting that they had ‘clearly embraced the philosophy, which underpins the charity: we must all travel through our own little pathway of pain in order to achieve something. Patients in chemotherapy are a shining example of how to remain positive and fight on another day despite overwhelming odds.’ The funds were raised through staff casual Fridays raffles, baking contests GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

13


spring festival 01.05 - 18.06 MAY Sunday 1st: 11am - 12 midnight May Day Celebrations Organised by the Gibraltar Cultural Services, Featuring 2014 X Factor Winner Ben Haenow, The Undesirable 141, Shot Break, Karma 13, The Kubes, Omnibus, The Gibraltar Youth Choir, Kristain Celecia, Stylos Dance Studios, Mediterranean Dance School and DJ No Limits Entertainment and a Fun Day for all the Family, Casemates Square Tuesday 3rd to Friday 13th: 9am - 9:30pm ‘Colours’ Art exhibition organised by Giorann Henshaw, Free entrance John Mackintosh Hall Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th: 8pm ‘Back to Our Roots’ Organised by the Gibraltar Academy of Dance, An original production celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Alameda Gardens, Tickets £12 on sale at the John Mackintosh Hall, For further info contact 20079788, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Wednesday 4th to Wednesday 18th: 10am - 6pm Art Exhibition by Willa Vasquez Entrance Free, For further info contact the Fine Arts Gallery on 20052126 or: finearts@gibtelecom.net Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Square Friday 6th to Sunday 8th: 12 noon onwards PDC Gibraltar Darts Open Organised by the Ministry of Sport, Tickets from buytickets.gi and at the door, For further info contact Ministry of Sports at 20047592 or mchy.events@gibraltar.gov.gi Tercentenary Sports Hall

4pm - 1am

Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th: 8pm

Sunborn Top Deck Summer Party Tickets £50 including open bar & VIP packages with own private area, £100. For more info contact 20016939 or kerrianne.massetti@sunborn.gibraltar.com Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel

Zarzuela – ‘Alma de Dios’ & ‘El Bateo’ Tickets £5 from the John Mackintosh Hall Reception from Tue 3rd May 9am-4pm, tickets limited to 10 per person, For more info contact info@culture.gi or 200 67236 John Mackintosh Hall Theatre

Tuesday 10th May to Friday 10th June 8am - 7pm

Wednesday 18th: 7.30pm

Mario Finlayson Art Exhibition For more info contact: info@sacarellosgibraltar.com, Sacarello’s Coffee Shop Wednesday 11th to Wednesday 18th: 8pm (No Performance on Sunday 14th) ‘Kaleidoscope’ Original musical comedy organised by LOL Productions, Tickets £12.50 on sale at the John Mackintosh Hall or at www.facebook. com/lolproductionsgib, For more info contact: lolproductionsgib@hotmail.com Ince’s Hall Theatre Friday 13th: 7:30pm Spring Fling Organised by Urban Dance, Featuring Urban Dance, Academia de baile Eva, Academia de baile Nando, Jujitsu Academy and Janine Pons, Tickets £12 on sale at the Urban Dance Studio from 3rd to 13th May 5pm-7pm, For further info contact: yaltapons@gmail.com or 54012212 John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Saturday 14th: 9am – 5pm Med Steps 5 Challenge Organised by Gibraltar Prison Service, Fundraising event in aid of Cancer Relief Entrance fee is £10, For more info visit their Facebook page 10am to 3pm Arts & Crafts Market Casemates Square

Friday 6th to Monday 9th: 9am - 10pm

10am - 6pm

Gibraltar Face and Body Painting Festival Organised by Gibraltar Face and Body Paint Association, For further info contact Hamish Dalmedo at gibraltarbodyart@ hotmail.com, Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery

Museum Open Day Gibraltar Museum, Bomb House Lane Free Entrance

Saturday 7th: 10am – 3pm Arts & Crafts Market Casemates Square 10.30am - 1:30pm Junior Dog Show Organised by The Rotary Club of Gibraltar, For further info contact: info@rotaryclubgibraltar.com, John Mackintosh Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square 14

11am- 1pm Calpe Band Lobby of Parliament, Main Street 11am – 4pm Annual Mental Health Awareness Family Fun Day Organised by Clubhouse Gibraltar, Includes the Mental Health Walk along Main Street as well as a family fun day, For more info contact admin@clubhousegibraltar.com Casemates Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square

Art Lecture on John Everett Millais ‘The Pre-Raphaelites and After’ Organised by the Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society, For more info contact Claus Olesen on 20002024 O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel Saturday 21st: 9.30am onwards 27th Annual Heritage Painting Competition Organised by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, The Theme for 2016 is the Northern Defences, Registration to take part on the day from 9.30am-12noon on site – via Road to the Lines entrance, For more info contact the Heritage Trust or check their website: www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi 10am to 2pm Gibraltar National Team Dance Presentation Organised by the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation, Lobby of Parliament 10am to 6pm Gibraltar International Classic & Vintage Car Rally Organised by the Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association, Casemates Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square Sunday 22nd: 10am Relay for Children Organised by EY, For more info contact: info@gi.ey.com or tel: 20013200 Casemates Square Monday 23rd to Friday 27th Young Shakespeare Company School performances only at Educational Establishments, Sponsored by the John Mackintosh Hall Trust and the Parasol Foundation Tuesday 24th: 6.30pm Spring Visual Art Exhibition Official Opening & Prize Giving, By invitation only, Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery Wednesday 25th May to Friday 3rd June 10.30am - 6.30pm Spring Visual Art Exhibition Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates Free Entrance GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


01.05 - 18.06 spring festival Thursday 26th: 8pm A Celebration of Opera Featuring soprano Angel Blue, tenor Antonio Gandía and pianist David Aronson Arranged on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society, Tickets at £20 on sale from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, Irish Town and the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street or directly from the Society on + 350 200 72134, A limited amount of tickets at £10 for Senior Citizens and Students available from the John Mackintosh Hall reception, Ticket price includes a return shuttle service from the Public Market and opposite the Cable Car from 6:30pm, St Michael’s Cave Saturday 28th: 10am - 3pm Arts & Crafts Market Casemates Square 11am – 5pm Health & Fitness Event Fundraising event in aid of The Guardian Angel Foundation, Organised by Ocean Village Health Club, For more info contact: membership@oceanvillagehealthclub.gi or 20044242, Casemates Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square JUNE Wednesday 1st June: 4.30pm Short Story Competition Prize Giving At the Charles Hunt Room All Winning stories will be printed in The Gibraltar Chronicle, By invitation only Wednesday 1st to Friday 10th: 10am - 6pm Art Exhibition by Westside School Students Entrance free, For further info contact the Fine Arts Gallery on 20052126 or: finearts@gibtelecom.net Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Square Saturday 4th: 10am - 3pm Classic Vehicle Static Display Organised by the Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association, Casemates Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square Saturday 4th: 8.30pm Miss Gibraltar 2016 Pageant Organised by Stage One Productions Tickets £30 on sale at Boux Avenue For more info contact james@stageone.gi John Mackintosh Hall Theatre GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th: 12 noon Gastronomy on Queensway Quay A great programme of cooking demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family, For more info contact sonia@ thelounge.gi, waterfrontrestaurant@gmail. com, tel: 20061118, 20045666 Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th: 10am - 10am 24hr Walk in aid of GBC Open Day Organised by Lodge Al Moghreb Al Aksa Lobby of Parliament, For more info contact: islopez@gibtelecom.net Wednesday 8th to Friday 10th: 9pm The Witches of Oz & the Ruby Slippers Organised by Mediterranean Dance School Tickets £15 on sale at On Pointe Dance shop in Casemates Arcade from Thursday 5th May, For more info contact Genyka Celecia on 54019104 or meddance72@ gmail.com, Alameda Open Air Theatre Friday 10th: 10am – 2pm GHA Heart Week Awareness Day Organised by the Gibraltar Health Authority, For more info contact: dayadewfall@gha.gi, Casemates Square 7pm-11pm Maxi Priest – Birthday Celebration Concert Organised by Fortunato Azzopardi & Steven Mascarenhas, Tickets £30 or £95 for VIP’s on sale at Gibraltar Tourist Board Information Office, For more infocontact 56641000 or 54005729, St. Michael’s Cave

Saturday 11th: 10am - 1pm Prostate Cancer Awareness Day Organised by Prostate Cancer Support Group, For more info contact pcsg@pcsg.gi or 58009161, Lobby of Parliament 10am to 3pm Arts & Crafts Market Casemates Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th: 8pm GAMPA Showcase Organised by Gibraltar Academy of Music and Performing Arts, For more infocontact: info@gampa.gi, Ince’s Hall Theatre Saturday 18th: 10am - 2pm Gibraltar National Team Dance Presentation Organised by the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation, Lobby of Parliament 7pm to 1am CALENTITA Organised by Word of Mouth for the Ministry of Culture, A gastronomic celebration of Gibraltar’s Multi-Cultural Community, Casemates Square Gibraltar Cultural Services info@culture.gi, 20075569

15


around town

16

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


around town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

17


hello there

Frank Devincenzi, 15 Student, Bayside Comprehensive

Tom Emery, 31 CPO, Lindum Services

Eyesight - I’ve had glasses since I was about nine years old - I believe they are a part of my image but they can be inconvenient in certain situations and scenarios. I don’t like contacts!

Tattoos - I would change the fact that I started smoking and that I have tattoos. It’s an addiction I can’t break! If my mother knew about my tattos she would burn them off with an iron!

HOW WOULD YOU

Joseph Louis Vecino, 45+ Technician, Gib Elec

James Mena, 28 Filing Clerk, Isolas

Age and weight - I would change my age to have a longer life to enjoy with my family, and my weight to be more attractive!

Height - I would like to be taller, as being short has been a disadvantage when playing hockey. Having longer limbs would give me the ability to run that bit faster and have a further reach for the ball.

18

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


hello there

Scarlett Humphreys, 26 Claims Handler, Tradewise

Alexandra Trinidad, 19 Receptionist, Gib Savings Bank

Eyebrows - I would like to have Perfect Eyebrows so I would never have to pluck them again... not like I do normally mind :P

Teeth - I would like to have perfect teeth and a wider smile so people can see them.

CHANGE YOUR IMAGE?

Sally Newman, 49 Legal Secretary, M & M Management Services

Christine Figueras, 51 Lettings Agent, BMI Property Matters LTD

Age - I would like to be a few years younger. It would give me a few more years to enjoy life, but I try to live my life to the fullest as best as I can.

Dress size - I think I’m perfect... Joking! Ok, so I would want to go down 2 dress sizes without dieting and have my skin back to when I was 30 (no wrinkles, glowing) but this would have to be without effort, as if by magic! We all want to look as young as we feel, so there you go! I still feel 30 and often act 20!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

19


£


business, finance, property

CORPORATE IMAGE It’s all about the brand...

I

mage percolates through every aspect For me, corporate image is all about the of our lives and this is as true for the brand. What a firm – or even the jurisdiccorporate world as it is for individuals. tion as a whole – stands for and how it is However, this will not be a piece about perceived in the wider world can on occaart or fashion, dear reader, but sion mean the difference between rather about our image as a a sale and a lost opportunity. In A purchase jurisdiction in which to do busidecision might these days of relentless advertisness and especially the financial ing, a purchase decision might be be based on services sector, which has to based on several factors and not several factors at all just related to price. “You get compete on a global basis. and not at all what you pay for” is probably more just related to valid today than at any time in the A large part of my role involves price. past. marketing – by which I mean the communications side rather than direct advertising. I am passionate Regular readers will know that I am proud about getting messages out to my target to promote Gibraltar at every opportunity. audience, be that the readership of The I hope my small contriGibraltar Magazine, our clients or even just bution has helped over Industry generally in my life. There is, of course, a the years but what “surveys” gap between how I go about presenting image does for our tershould always Sovereign in a formal setting as opposed ritory transmit abroad be taken with a to just ensuring that my shoes are polished and, indeed, how does pinch of salt... and hair combed. But of course, they are it wish to be presented not, in fact, that far apart. in the future?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

When comparing jurisdictions, I always advise caution. The much-vaunted statistic about Gibraltar’s GDP per capita being the third highest out of 187 countries on the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook Database is a case in point. It may not always seem to be reflected in life as we know it on the Rock but without doubt, it enhances our international credibility. In the finance services arena, Gibraltar competes with a number of other jurisdictions worldwide not just for corporate and trust services but also for pensions, insurance and funds – to name just three. Those of us working in the sector, supported of course by Gibraltar Finance, expend a great deal of time and effort in fine tuning what we have to say about ourselves – in other words, refining our image. In the context of competition from other countries, the image Gibraltar presents is

21


business

vitally important. Few of our competitors are as well run or as well regulated – and some fall a long way short. In an era of enhanced transparency, Gibraltar has gone to great lengths to ensure that it is well ahead of the curve in respect of compliance with international standards and that our regulation is considered first It has never rate. It is therefore essential that been easier we back this considerable effort up or quicker to by making certain that it is transdisseminate mitted on the international stage a message as positively as possible.

increased certainty and familiarity, as well as the unique feature that Gibraltar is part of the EU (alongside the UK) but there is no VAT. The image is further enhanced by the range and depth of our serto the world. vice providers (of which Sovereign Industry “surveys” should always is, of course, one!), more lawyers be taken with a pinch (or maybe a larger than you’d think possible in such a small quantity) of salt because it often turns out place, hugely experienced accountants and that the “independent study” isn’t that all the rest. It’s a good news story – and it impartial after all. But by all measures, doesn’t end there. Gibraltar stands up to the competition. Let me take just one example – the simple The corporate service and trust providers Gibraltar company. Our corporate entity are complemented by robust insurance and enjoys a decent – and improving – repufund sectors combined with a wide range tation within the industry. It is based on of ancillary services. Of course, firms are English Legislation and has been amended only as good as the people who to include relevant EU Directives, but it work in them and, again, we You can has also been given the flexibility and utilare blessed in this jurisdiction protect ity that is needed to compete internationwith good, well-trained bilingual almost ally. When combined with the low headline Gibraltarian staff. Moreover, anything corporate tax rate of 10%, which can there is a willingness among within reduce to zero if a company’s profits are finance firms here – and our reason... not derived from nor accrued in Gibraltar, government – to attract highly it is highly attractive vehicle. qualified staff from around the world. People want to come. And on the But that is not all. There are many counwhole, they like it and want to stay. tries worldwide that offer companies with tax neutrality. To our version, we can add All this helps create an image that is an English law-style system, which offers something of which we can all be proud. Image can even be protected. A trademark is a good way to start – those with Gerald Ratner said his stores’ earrings were good eyesight should look for the “TM “cheaper than an M&S prawn sandwich but probably wouldn’t last as long”. logo” in one of our ads. You can protect almost anything within reason – it’s called intellectual property or IP for short. Since 2012, it has even been possible to register your “image rights” on a bespoke register in Guernsey. These extend from a natural or legal person, to a joint personality (Brangelina anyone?), a group or even a fictional character. But it is no good creating a positive image 22

if you don’t look after it and, indeed, adapt it as times change. Social media is an important new image projector for many people and brands. Blogging and tweeting means that it has never been easier or quicker to disseminate a message to the world. But that is only part of the story. It can also be a time-consuming and costly exercise to maintain that image and can result in a range of legal liabilities and other unforeseen consequences. In the corporate world, all sorts of issues must be considered and any one aspect can do enormous good – or harm. I will conclude with one of the most spectacular examples from the not-too-distant past – the luckless Gerald Ratner. The chief executive of an extremely successful chain of jewellers during the 1980s, Ratner was speaking at an Institute of Directors event in 1991, but when what he said – in what was meant to be a tongue in cheek aside – was reported in the press, it wiped around £500 million off value of the Ratner group and very nearly resulted in the firm’s collapse. What word did he use to describe one of his firm’s products? I can’t say. I am too well brought up to utter the word – and it would not be good for my image!

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


www.gibraltarlawyers.com

ISOLAS are supporting #GibStrongerIN For further information contact: info@isolas.gi

Portland House Glacis Road PO Box 204 Gibraltar. Tel: +350 2000 1892 Trusted since 1892


economy

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Or should you even bother?

Tried to make it little by little; tried to make it bit by bit on my own. Quit the job, the grey believers; another town where I get close to the bone… I’m gonna get dressed for success; shaping me up for the big time, baby. Get dressed for success…’ Down by the Jetty

Each generation will at best, not like, at worst, hate the music of others.

Recently, I learned that there was a third certainty in life, in addition to the infamous death and taxes. A trilogy of certainties. The third relates to music. Apparently, each generation will at best, not like, at worst, hate the music of others. If anything, as good a deed as you might think it to be, please do not try to convince others of the merits of your generation’s musical tastes and preferences. It will definitely not end well - for all concerned. Just in case you are not of my generation but are curious enough, the introduction 24

student from Minneapolis heard The Look on radio and took the Look Sharp! album to America during the 1988 holiday break. There, he gave the album to this local radio station who started repeating the song due to positive audience feedback. The popularity of the song saw it spreading A Cushman to other radio stations. The song became a radio hit before any Roxette record had When, The Look, the third single from been commercially released or promoted in their second album Look Sharp! became America. As a consequence, EMI decided yet another top 10 in their home counto release and market the single worldtry, Sweden, Roxette was still unknown wide. In early 1989 pressed copies of The internationally. Their Record Company, Look were released to record stores EMI, had already rejected and radio stations, and it became them as unsuitable for Their story Roxette’s first No. 1 in America and the American market and could well have named as one of Billboard’s 20 biggest as a consequence, they ended here singles of that year. did not have a recording if something contract there. extraordinary The exchange student that startdid not happen. ed it all was Dean Cushman, who Their story could well have derived no financial benefit from his ended here if something action. Roxette went on to record 33 extraordinary did not happen. Call it luck, chart-busting singles, with record sales call it fate, or a divine intervention. Whilst studying in Sweden, an American exchange exceeding 75 million. is an extract of the lyrics of the pop-rock single, Dressed for Success, by Roxette from their album Look Sharp!. The name Roxette is the debut single of blues rock group Dr. Feelgood’s debut album Down by the Jetty.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


economy The Look Think Looks Don’t Matter? Think Again, is an article that appeared in the American business magazine, Forbes, in 2009. The article concludes that ‘If you want to get a raise or a promotion, you might want to … suck in that belly. Your looks can help–or hinder–your chances of getting a well-deserved promotion, regardless of qualifications, especially in a sour economy when advancements are few and hard to come by.’ According to the Firebrand Group, experts at brand marketing, you are your own brand. Appearances do matter, that assuming that you want to be successful. They contend that appearance is just about as important as body language, so make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. But it is not only the clothes that you wear, nor your accessories, but also the colour of your attire that defines your brand. To be truly successful, you need to be cognizant of your audience and your client preferences. Be careful, you’re sending messages without even realizing Appearances it. Even as you are reading this. do matter, that The Firebrand Group contends that ‘Physical branding isn’t about having good looks; it’s about having the right look.’

assuming that you want to be successful.

So, what does this have to do with Economics? Well, Daniel Hamermesh, a labor economist, who has extensively studied physical beauty and how it affects employment and earning potential, published his findings in a book Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful. There is even a word for the economics of beauty – pulchronomics. According to his research, below-average-looking men earn 17% less than those considered good-looking, while below-average-looking females earn 12% less than their attractive counterparts. To quantify, over the span of a career, good-looking workers earn a total of £163,300 more than those with below-average looks. But it is not only in the office where above-average-looks provides increased economic fortune, in the National Football

League (NFL) quarterbacks with good-looking facial features earned almost 12% more, and in TV game shows below-average-looking contestants tend to be voted off, even though they are just as good at answering questions. Talk about the weakest link - goodbye.

Though you might contend that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in other words that what one perThere seems son finds beautiful or admirable to be a may not appeal to another, there seems to be a consistency in the consistency in the general general perception of beauty.

A parting wish

Here, if anything, is wishing that you too will experience the intervention of a Dean Cushman who perception of will unwittingly change your desbeauty. tiny, but whilst awaiting this interIt’s not you but who vention, you should, at least, look sharp, dress for success and network for In a 2012 article, It’s not what you know, It’s who you know Forbes considered a website contacts to get you going, or progressing. called www.klout.com that uses social media analytics to rank its users according P.S. If anyone from the Gibraltar Music to online social influence via the Klout Festival is reading this, you might want to Score, a numerical value between 1 and jot down Roxette as a possible act for this year’s festival. It would be most fitting for 100. In determining the user score, a band formed 30 years ago, this year, to Klout measures the size of a user’s Be careful, social media network and correlates celebrate on the Rock. you’re sending the content created to measure messages how other users interact with that without even content. Klout uses Bing, Facebook, realizing it. Foursquare, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Wikipedia data to determine a unique Riaan de Lange Klout Score. is Managing Director of Caloche Economics According to Mark Granovetter of Johns Hopkins University, you should network constantly, and your goals should be to (i) meet new people; (ii) maintain connections; (iii) create opportunities; and (iv) to do something for somebody. The topics of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

conversation to avoid are (i) politics and religion (unless you hold similar views); (ii) kids (unless you both have them and want to talk about them); and (iii) intimate details of your personal life or theirs. Also, join organizations that give you ‘permission to network’ such as: (i) church events; (ii) charity events; (iii) political campaigns; (iv) conferences; (v) clubs; (vi) volunteer; (vii) community events; and (viii) work events

Tel: +350 540 38793 Email: caloche@ gibtelecom.net

25


statistics

???

“Do you feel you should be taxed so some people can get paid for staying home and doing nothing?

???

GIVING A WRONG IMAGE How not to be fooled by statistics?

M

sweeping statements, like “25% of comark Twain once wrote, “There view. Here are some common examples are three kinds of lies: lies, of how statistics are used to portray the panies plan to deploy cloud-based email damned lies, and statistics.” wrong image: this year” becomes suspicious when the With the Brexit referensample size is only 16 companies. dum coming up in June, we Biased sampling: this involves pollare bound to see much media Opinion polls ing a non-representative group. For Poorly-chosen averages: This often attention focused on Brexitexample, a survey that finds “76% involves averaging values across non-uniand survey related opinion polls and related of retail bank customers would use form populations. For example, if four researchers statistics. However, one should separate people donated to charity, £2, £4, mobile banking if it was available,” tend to use a always treat statistics with £10 and £1,000 it is misleading to say that becomes meaningless when you wide array of find out the survey only polled peo- the average donation was £254. caution as opinion polls and techniques to ple using smart-phones. Another survey researchers tend to use manipulate a wide array of techniques to form of bias is area bias, whereby Results falling within the standard error: statistics... manipulate statistics in a way the sample surveyed is non-repNo sampling or measuring technique is that would reflect the image that resentative of the population, yet perfect; all inherently incorporate a degree they want to portray. Unless we is being used to portray a result for the of error. This means that a survey can only have good access to the data and know entire population; for example a be as accurate as its standard error. how it was obtained, we should always No sampling Without getting technical, the statesurvey that claims that “79% of recognise that statistics can misrepresent Brits like to live by the seaside” or measuring ment, for example, “tourists prefer what is going on. If we get our information is misleading when you find out to enter Gibraltar by foot than by technique is from a group that has a strong political or the survey only polled people car” may seem remarkable until you perfect... philosophical agenda, we can almost take who live in Bournemouth. find out that 52% of tourists prefor granted that their statistics (as well as ferred to cross the frontier by foot the rest of their arguments) have been versus 49% by car and the standard error Small sample sizes: Picking an adequate carefully chosen to promote their point of sample size is part science and part art, but of the survey was +/-5%.

26

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


statistics Change in Med Sea temperature

⁰C

⁰C 0.5

25

0.45 0.4

20

0.35 0.3

15

0.25 0.2

10

0.15 0.1

5

0.05 0 1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

+20

0 1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

Graphing data creatively provides a lot of room for creating false impressions.

sive capital in the world”. Since rankings to highlight the arguments for one Using graphs to create a Polls can are based on comparisons with other misleading image: Both of the side of an issue before presenting easily be quantities rather than specifying specific the question about how the poll charts above show exactly the rigged to get amounts, there are special problems we same information - depicting the responder feels about that issue. a desired need to be aware of. A common problem If it is important to know whether change in the temperature of the answer by with ranking is that it is not always clear the results of a poll are reliable, one Mediterranean Sea from 1970 the way the should try to find out exactly what what are the categories that are being to 2005.But, while the chart questions ranked and how the weighting of those was asked in the poll. on the left gives the impression are phrased. categories was assigned. It could be that that there has been virtually no on 8 out of 10 parameters London is acchange change over the 35 years Percentages versus absolute tually cheaper than Moscow, but on 2 paperiod, the chart on the right numbers: Sometimes statistics are given rameters the difference was so great that portrays a dramatic increase. The only difin absolute terms and other times they it pushed London’s ranking above Moscow. ference between the graphs is the scale. are given in percentages. We might hear Similarly, diabetes might be said to be the that Company X laid off 10 people or we third leading cause of death in the United might hear that they laid off 25% of their Unfair poll questions: Statistics based on States, but its rank could change depolls can be faulty if the poll is constructed workforce. Typically, a news source will try pending on whether cancer is considered in such a way as to encourage a particular to make the number sound as dramatic as one disease or many (lung cancer, breast it can, so if Company X is a huge company answer. If a question is worded “Do you cancer, colon cancer, etc.). Diabetes might - say it has 2000 employees - the source feel you should be taxed so some people be more common than any particular type can get paid for staying home and doing might find it more impressive to say it laid of cancer, but less common than cancer in off 200 people rather than 10% of the nothing?” it is likely to get a lot of “no” regeneral. Part of the problem workforce. If Company X is small, say sponses. On the other hand, the question with ranking is that it does not “Do you think the government should help 20 employees, it sounds more impresStatistics sive to say they laid off 50% rather than enable us to tell us much about the actual people who are unable to find work?” is amount involved. just 10 people. Which figure we should likely to get a lot more positive responslook at the prefer as responsible thinkers depends es. Both questions could be about the big picture... While there are many ways on why we care about the information. same policy of providing unemployment to be fooled by statistics, we assistance. Polls can easily be rigged to get a desired answer by the way the questions should be aware of how valuable they are. Ranking statistics- Often we hear The alternative is to make guesses from are phrased. Another way of rigging a poll statistics in the form of rankings, such the knowledge of individual cases, and this is to have a series of questions designed as “London is ranked third most expenis likely to be very misleading. Statistics enable us to look at the big picture and get a more accurate way of understanding what is going on in the world than what we could get from individual observations.

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

27


business

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Helping businesses work smarter, not harder

T

he iWatch, Google Glass, Fitbits, running shoes with built in GPS… It seems that for wearable tech is the in vogue choice for the image conscious digital native.

Wearable technology can boost productivity in the workplace by as much as 8.5%.

The pace of change in the consumer market has been breathtaking. In tourism, hotels are moving away from key cards to RFID enabled wristbands which give guests access to rooms, facilities and allows them to pay for food and drink. We saw this technology in action at last year’s Gibraltar Music Festival and can expect it to start making an appearance at more public events this year.

GPS tracking technology is also widespread in natural sciences, with animals, particularly endangered species, wearing collars or other devices to help researchers locate them. This technology has been used here, in Gibraltar, to track the local macaque population’s movements. 28

But, how will businesses use these technologies and will 2016 be the year that management teams bet big on wearables? This is a hot topic for international business analysts. Research has recently been carried out to see if wearable technology can improve productivity as well as a number of other broader business issues, including job satisfaction and employee well-being.

A recent study by the Institute of Management Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London suggests wearable technology can indeed boost productivity in the workplace by as much as 8.5%. The same research also found that wearing wearable technologies in the workplace also increases job satisfaction by 3.5%.

Encouragingly, a separate study carried out by technology research specialists Vanson Bourne found that nearly a third (29%) of businesses in the UK are already looking at the benefits of wearable technology. These projects are focused on employee well-being (16%), gaining instant access to important information (15%), and improving customer service (14%). However, data collection and analysis and IT infrastructure are the biggest barriers to entry for businesses looking to introduce wearable technologies.

Wearables have an increasing role to play in today’s competitive business environment...

Wearables have an increasing role to play in today’s competitive business environment and have the potential to fundamentally change the way we work. Real value is found in the interpretation of the data, so the challenge for management teams will be about having the right IT infrastructure in place to analyse the data effectively. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


business However, if these challenges can be overcome, the benefits, particularly for those in desk-less industries, will be tangible. Technology companies are at the vanguard of the workplace wearables revolution but, interestingly, so are the maritime and energy industries which have started to use wearable technology to support employees based in extreme locations.

they are a fully incorporated part of your business. Without real value or integration, companies run the risk of smart tech being just another tool.”

“Companies that get a head start in wearables will have a distinct advantage in the years to come.”

“If there’s a demonstrable lift in productivity, leaders can use this success to justify a larger investment. Companies that get a head start in wearables will have a distinct advantage in the years to come.”

While experiments with these tiny able devices into the office because of cytechnologies have the potential ber security concerns. However, with sales to be transformational for the industries of wearable technology exploding, it means using or trialling them, the concept of businesses are already seeing an influx of wearables in the workplace also opens up younger employees entering the workforce new privacy risks for businesses, especially who think nothing of integrating those looking to use devices with For a growing their personal and business lives built-in cameras. This could stand with the help of their smart technumber of in the way of wider acceptance nology. Businesses also need to of body-borne devices within businesses ask themselves what employees business, but in most cases it is this is not with their own smart technololegal for firms to kit their employBut it isn’t just businesses with employees technology gy record in the workplace and ees out with wearable devices as in far-flung outposts which are warming for tomorrow share with colleagues or friends. long as they are clear about what up to benefits of wearable technology. At but for the How can you be sure employees is being tracked and why. its distribution centre in Ireland, Tesco has workplace of won’t record or share proprietary given employees armbands to wear which today. information? This is a compelling track goods collection, allocate tasks and If employees understand the reason for businesses to start measures workers’ movements around the benefits they are also more likely considering both the applications and conbuilding. to accept the risks. “It’s about informed siderations and get ahead of this trend. consent,” explains Bleddyn Rees, Nonexecutive Director of the European Other industries have been experimenting For a growing number of businesses Connected Health Alliance and internawith Google Glass, including the travel this is not technology for tomorrow but tional digital healthcare lawyer. “Privacy industry. Virgin Atlantic ran a pilot using technology for the workplace of today. the technology to try and improve traveller is also generational. “If you look at the Understandably, some businesses will want average 20 year old today, they’ll regularly comfort for its Upper Class passengers. to see evidence of a return on potential be using social media and they’ve come Ground staff were able to provide passeninvestments, either monetary or in terms to accept that giving up their privacy is a gers with flight details and check their seat of productivity. But, as the technology price worth paying for the convenience or meal preferences without looking away becomes more widely available and the of these services. With older to check a screen, giving the evidence base builds, it will begin to make employees, it’s about building impression of a far more person- If employees business sense for an increasing number of trust and working with them to alised level of customer service. understand the companies given the potential for meaunderstand the benefits.” benefits, they sureable increases in productivity, employElsewhere, academics in the US are also more ee well-being and job satisfaction. Rees continues: “It’s also about have been exploring how pulse likely to accept being transparent as to what is oximeters – technology already Many businesses in Gibraltar already ask the risks. being asked, why the data is beused in the healthcare sector – staff to wear a uniform. Is it such a leap of ing collated and what the benefits can be fitted to helmets used the imagination to see businesses asking are to employees. Most information will on construction sites to monitor carbon their employees to wear outfits which be anonymised so there shouldn’t be a monoxide levels in workers’ blood. In a include smart technology? Surely, it is only privacy issue. similar way, manufacturers can extend a matter of time. safety measures by using wearable tech as a sort of modern-day version of a canary “However, what we’ve seen so far is that in the cage, to notify employees of toxic the companies at the forefront of current substances or improve efficiency by letting adoption are the ones which have fostered workers know when there is a faulty a positive working culture. One in wire on a production line. which trust between employees and their employer is strongest.” Brent Blum, Wearable Technology Lead at Accenture, Callie Lombard is stresses the importance of selling IT security is the other Chief Country Officer the benefits to employees. He risk that businesses are already of Barclays (Gibraltar) says: “The most effective place having to grapple with. Further to start is ensuring wearable research from Vanson Bourne suggests Tel: +350 200 15150 deployments are seen as a tool to help that 39% of British businesses discourage Email: callie.lombard employees do their job better. Make sure employees from bringing their own wear@barclays.com For example, the technology is being used to connect employees in the field with specialist colleagues elsewhere, who can use their expertise to help problem solve, whether it’s fixing machinery or responding to medical emergencies. In Gibraltar, this could be especially relevant to those business involved in shipping or logistics.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

29


business words | Sylvia Kenna, The HR Dept.

PREJUDICE FILTERS “A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices.” -Edward R. Murrow

E

veryone sees life through a personal filter that includes age, ethnicity, culture and gender. It is good practice to identify and recognise your filters in order to improve your communication with a greater It is good variety of people.

different things. If you were born pre 1960, your perspective will be different to someone born 1960 to 1975 and again to someone born 1976 – 1990.

practice to identify and recognise your filters...

Try this: draw a circle that represents you. Then, draw circles representing the groups to which you belong (age, race, culture, gender, education, politics, clubs, etc.). Be honest with yourself and note that these groups may represent your own prejudices. This will help you identify your prejudices and recognise the influence they have on your communication.

If we take age, for example, the conditions and events of your life, particularly in your youth, provide you with a perspective that you assume is ‘normal’. This is regardless of historical data. As people get older, their perspective changes as they experience 30

What about ethnicity and race? People of different races and ethnic backgrounds have different values. You will have your own perspective of what is normal and this will be a filter to how you perceive others. Here are some cultural and racial values to consider: Being up-front

Being discrete

Being harmonious

Being a devil’s advocate

Modest

Boastful

Taking orders

Thinking for yourself

Not making eye contact

Making eye contact

Asking about family

Not discussing family

Being passive

Being active

Want less

Want more

Glorify plainness

Seek luxury

Poverty is a sign of spiritual elevation

Poverty is a sign of not making it

Accept the world

Change the world

Be direct to be clear

Be indirect so as not to offend

Talk about personal history

Be closed about personal sharing

Start to consider values as not better or worse, but just different.

Culture Culture is our ‘default’ setting. It is what is our we feel is the way things should be done. ‘default’ setting. Dr Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions describes six dimensions of national cultures which can help explain values in the workplace: https://geert-hofstede.com/ national-culture.html. This information is

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


business particularly useful if you are working with a diverse range of cultures as is often the case in Gibraltar. The dimensions are: Individualism - is frequently valued in many parts of the rest of the world. Individuals tend to see themselves as independent; collectivism fosters interdependence. Interdependence requires that people act as though their fates were intertwined with others. Uncertainty avoidance – is a more formal culture, there are more rules regarding how social situations should be handled, tend to be more emotional, and believe in absolutes. The opposite culture is more tolerant and view ambiguity as curious rather than dangerous. Power relationships - Some cultures believe that access to power should be distributed unequally. Others believe it should be distributed equally.

defiance. Some cultures exaggerate as a matter of course.

If you took two people, one from a culture in which power is unequally distributed, and one from a culture in which it is equally distributed, you could expect them to have different expectations about team work, their boss, and their roles in the company.

“Please, please have more, if you don’t, I’ll know you hated it.”

“Would you like more food?”

Masculinity - High masculinity cultures tend to value things, having power over others, and assertiveness. They have highly differentiated sex roles and one gender has little contact with the other. Femininity cultures tend to value quality of life and nurturing. High/Low Context Communication High-context communication tends to be indirect, whereas low-context communication is direct. Yes means yes. Some cultures communicate through silence. It can mean truthfulness, social discretion, embarrassment or

“No, I couldn’t possibly: I’m stuffed.”

People do what makes sense to them...

“Well, okay, but I swear I’ll have to lie down until tomorrow noon.” How might someone from a different culture understand “no” in the American culture? When individuals with different perspectives communicate, the credibility of one person can suffer or the other may be viewed as inconsiderate. And lastly, gender differences. When you talk about teamwork, what kind of team are you referring to? Golf, where everyone’s score is independent; or football, where everyone’s effort is interrelated; or rugby, where everyone does anything to score?

Both women and men know as much and learn as quickly.

adjust their personal filters:

Human Resources professionals should be aware of the following communication differences to

Both women and men know as much and learn as quickly. Men think full disclosure is unnecessary; women feel compelled to confess their shortcomings.

It is acceptable, even revered, in some sports to “fake.” Men know how to “hide the ball” and think it is fair play. This is similar to exaggeration in other cultures. This means that when an announcement is made about a job vacancy, even when men and women have the same qualifications, men tend to figure out how they can look like they can do the job, rather than figure out if they are qualified. Women tend to worry about their qualifications. Depending on who is doing the hiring and who is applying for a job, under-qualified men may receive a promotion over a more qualified women, because of the communication during the interview. How does the following affect reviews or performance appraisals — formally or informally? Women often attribute success to task ease and luck; men often attribute it to their ability, which means that performance reviews have a different focus and result for men and women. This is similar to boastfulness in race/culture groupings. Example: if a woman’s pants don’t fit, she may think she should lose weight. If a man’s pants don’t fit, there may be something wrong with the pants. People do what makes sense to them based on what they understand and what they have experienced. Everyone is running their own software. It is up to you to figure out what it is so you can work with it.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

31


property

?

BREXIT & PROPERTY Impact on the Gibraltar Property Market

O

n 14 April 2015, which is this in when the referendum was called. The time last year based on the Leave campaign is garnering support as day that I wrote this article, Ed time goes by but according to the financial Milband was odds-on favourite prediction markets, they still do not have to be the next British prime minister. By enough support. Surprisingly, in my view, polling day in May 2015, opinthe highest probability of leaving has ion polls and bookmakers had been 39% which was last November. The Leave Labour and the Conservatives campaign neck and neck. As we know, Reverting back to opinion polls, is garnering they got it wrong. Remain holds a one-point lead support as according to an online opinion poll time goes by... by YouGov released on 15 April. The Polling for Brexit is in my opinion more interesting than poll found support for Remain stood the general election from last year because at 40%, while 39% intended to vote Leave, the opinion polls are at odds with the 16% were undecided and bookmakers. 5% did not intend to vote. Makes me Opinion polls show a near even split between Remain and Leave. Whereas the betting markets (on 14 April) have Remain at 2/5 on and Leave at 15/8 against. This translates into a 67% chance of remaining in the EU and a 33% chance of leaving. This compares with a 29% chance of leaving and 71% probability of staying

32

? - 60% (favourite at the bookies at 15/8) which is low in my view for such a vital issue. Makes me wonder who does not find this issue important enough to vote. The Gibraltar vote has been forecast by the Chronicle at 88% to Remain on an 85% turnout. Probably predictable given the wider issues that will be faced by Gibraltar if there were to be a Brexit. The question increasingly asked by our clients now is what will happen to the Gibraltar residential property market post 23 June.

Firstly, it is comforting that Chesterton’s first quarter results were wonder who The conclusion at this stage, ahead of target by some margin as does not find some two months ahead the Brexit conundrum did not seem to this issue of the vote on 23 June, is have any impact on buyer’s intentions that it’s too close to call and important and this was across the price specenough to vote. trum value wise. Furthernore, buyers perhaps the outcome will be dependent upon which were the normal spread of local, side can best entice their supporters to the British and European whilst properties polling booth. Turnout is predicted at 50% purchased were both resales and off-plan, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


property which demonstrates confidence given that off-plan can take two years (well beyond 23 June) before completion. However, we have now received offers on properties subject to there being no Brexit. So, it would appear that the referendum is impacting the property market. Indeed, in one case we have been able to work with a client to enable an offer which varies subject to the referendum outcome. The vendor can then hedge some of the purchase price on the financial markets to reduce his exposure should there be a Brexit. Just about the worst thing for a property market (other than taxes) is uncertainty. During periods of uncertainty decisions are delayed and there is a general slowdown in activity. Vendors refuse to reduce prices and purchasers are unwilling to raise their offers so nothing happens. Everyone sits tight. Hence, as we near 23 June, we would expect activity to slow, or, at least offers to be based upon a completion after 23 June and only if there is not a Brexit. If there were a Brexit, uncertainty would remain. No one knows for sure what deals the UK could negotiate with our current trading partners and how these deals might impact Gibraltar. It is thought that Spain would immediately cause problems at the border which would hinder, or even prevent, the 12,000 frontier workers from their right to freely enter and exit Gibraltar daily. It would

appear that

In the short term, that the referendum could place the local is impacting property market under huge strain as even if just the property market. 10% of the non-Spanish workers wanted to move into Gibraltar from Spain, that’s 600 workers (plus their families) who would enter the property market. Gibraltar would struggle to cope with that, prices would rise.

Just about the

Yet conversely, existing ex-pat resOur view is in line with that of worst thing idents may move out of Gibraltar, Jeffries. There will be a tempofor a property rary slowdown in completions unwilling to wait to see how the market is new trade deals and political negofor a short while. However, assuming there is no Brexit, we tiations would take shape. This may uncertainty. be forced upon them if employers predict further price growth take early decisions to exit Gibraltar. So, until the new buildings under construction are completed which will partially restore there could be a property surplus. some of the supply demand imbalance that we have at the moment. If there is a Brexit, The impact of these two opposite forces the market will stagnate until such time may mean no great change in prices rethat there is certainty about the future. gardless of the outcome of the vote. Indeed, there are some predicting a migration from an employee led economy to a more high net worth Monaco style economy if there were to be Brexit. Released from the shackles of the EU, Gibraltar would have a degree of flexibility in its own tax laws which could prove advantageous in the longer term. But back to property prices. In a recent article in The Daily Telegraph, there was an analysis of UK property prices before and after an election undertaken by global investment firm Jeffries. The analysis, dating back to the 1983 UK general election, showed that on average, prices 12 months before an election are 4.9pc lower, while 12 months afterwards they are 8.6pc higher.

Brave investors will purchase now and prey on worried vendors. Smart vendors can hedge their bets on the financial markets. As for everyone else reliant upon Gibraltar’s economy, they should vote to stay in the EU on 23 June as that gives Gibraltar the most certain future.

Mike Nicholls is Managing Director of Chesterton Gibraltar

Professional Property Management GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

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

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

33



life

LOOK AT ME! The development of self-image

W

fuss in reaction to young children experriting about cosmetic surcept is broken down into three elements; imenting with things that could cause gery and sub cultures stirred self-image, self-esteem and the ideal self. a desire in me to unfold The three concepts are married and progpotential danger. ‘The child’s first instinct is the concept of ‘self-image’. ress throughout the lifetime of us humans. to think, “my mummy and daddy don’t love me because they shouted at me”, and chilMeeting with educational child psycholodren begin to misread their parents. ‘When gist Freddie Trinidad to discuss The emergence of self-esteem their self-esteem is being established, it’s the process by which self-image Kids also start is developed, we touched on a a fundamental rule that they shouldn’t The first sign of self-image appears to realise that vast number of relevant matters, misread you. If your love is conditional on between the tender ages of two them behaving well then young children from the influence of the media, they fall into and three when a child begins to categories... will be defensive. Every good psychologist pageantry and our obsession realise that they exist as an entirely would agree that high self-esteem comes with beauty, how upbringing separate entity to their mother from having unconditional love.’ Parental affects self-esteem and the way in which (existential self-image). At this age, kids our family orientated culture differs from love gives children a sense of security. also start to realise that they fall into catIn the development of the self-esteem, others, in the development of self-image. I egories of gender, age, nursery class and establishing clear parameters is discovered later that it really is a complex others (categorical self-image) integral in ensuring children are concept with many branches growing out as they build up their sense of “my mummy secure in themselves. ‘Children of it, like many concepts in psychology. self worth. Self-esteem emerges and daddy Having spent many hours with Freddie, with high self-esteem usually have slightly later. ‘It’s really your own don’t love me delving into the fascinating world of social a wider repertoire of things they evaluation of your self-image,’ because they get praised for,’ Freddie confirms. psychology and the study of self-concept, Freddie divulges to me, ‘when shouted at me” The academic self-esteem grows I could write an entire thesis without children are establishing their into a very significant part of the scraping much under the surface. He tells self-esteem, they can’t really children’s’ development. Helping children me, thankfully in layman’s terms, that the read their parents.’ In a Latin culture like fundamental understanding of self-conto overcome fear is an exercise carried ours, it is common for parents to make a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

35


life unrealistic. Realism has to temper perception of yourself. If your self-esteem is inordinately high, then your self-image isn’t a true one. For example, some children harbor a frustration that they are not as good as they would like to be.’ If there is a mismatch between how you see yourself and what you’d like to be, this will likely affect how you value yourself. ‘When we see children behaving badly at school, wrecking their class, or girls doing serious damage to themselves like plucking their eyelashes, there is an issue of not liking who they are because they are disappointed that they are not who they were told they would be.’ The self-image is very vulnerable to criticism, particularly within a small community like Gibraltar. ‘We are very defensive, and that is a self-esteem issue. When you are developing your self-image at a young age people project to you your ideal self, and that starts off with superlatives and expletives from family members like “my niño es el mas As teens mature, they start to find value out by psychologists to help enhance their guapo”. Gradually, the ideal self is shaped self-esteem and put a child on in other traits, such as friendship, by parental expectations and later on by loyalty, kindness and other things to the pursuit of real happiness. “Adolescence teachers’ expectations.’ It also develops in with deeper merit. ‘Adolescence is is a time response to an individual’s special skills. a time when you are learning about As they get older, the principal As people mature and their aspirations when you are human values. By the time you get focus shifts from personal inner change so does their ideal-self. It learning about into serious relationships, self-worth to physical appearmust be based on a degree of rehuman values.” and the more deeply you ance. Girls become more so“Some children alism, drawing from personal and know a person the more cially skilled and they begin to harbor a professional aspirations. It is later you are going to identify values pick up on non-verbal language and start shaped on the basis of how much frustration that are not shallow.’ to understand flirting. In this stage, girls we value certain professions or that they are become very conscious of their appearroutes to take in life. Some may not as good ance, focusing on wider aesthetic issues The concept of the ideal self see their ideal self as a brilliant as they would like body shape. Often, their image can be mother, or ideal bride. For highly The ideal self is the image against like to be.” very distorted. ‘Your perception of yourself successful people who appear to which you measure yourself. ‘If in the mirror is not always rational. Somehave already reached their ideal my ideal self is David Beckham times our perceptions of fear are irrational. self, their goal is to develop more skills and for example, it can be a realistic ideal self, If these perceptions are not in line with break down their weaknesses. reality, you will never satisfy your ideal self.’ or totally unrealistic, if your self-image is

36

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life In the 80s, a research psychologist named McCrae observed that dissatisfaction with the body had never been so widespread ‘because’ he said, ‘we are bombarded with hints as to how we should look, and inevitably will fall short.’ Today, this rings truer than ever with sites like Facebook, Youtube, BuzzFeed and Instagram playing such a prominent role in the lives of adolescents, particularly girls. ‘What we read has an enormous impact on us.’ What teenage girls are subjected to on social media and in glossy fashion magazines makes them vulnerable to body ideals. ‘Girls are profoundly influenced by what they see. You are more vulnerable when you’re younger; you think you’re very mature but you confuse your sense of maturity with real maturity. In our liberal western culture, adolescents are not the best judge of their own maturity. This is why The influence of the media it’s important in our culture to “We are very have supportive parents who can The media’s heavy influence on defensive, and distinguish between support and self-image and self-concept is popular means that it is part of our culture. that is a selfencouragement.’ In other cultures, un-doubtable. Whilst it once We’ve valued good looks more than anyesteem issue.” girls of thirteen and fourteen are referred to television, advertising thing else.’ Commenting on the Miss World considered psychologically mature and print publications, thanks to pageant he notes that by competing with enough to have children because they are the Internet, media is entirely widespread such big names affords Gibraltar ‘some physically mature enough to do so. Freddie now, particularly in the form of social degree of validation, because we have this insists that it is incredibly important for networking websites and applications. aspiration to nationhood.’ girls to be discriminating against ‘Being beautiful has become so important advertising and media bias, and be as a result of the media,’ Freddie laments. The growth of our self-image “I think able to distinguish what the media His professional background is a vast one, everybody has and self-esteem most certainis trying to put across and when having obtained a Masters Degree in ly comes into question when an element of considering cosmetic surgery, or Educational and Child Psychology from the it is trying to be manipulative and biased. University of Nottingham and then workexhibitionism identifying with and attaching ing in Child Development Research. in them...” yourself so vehemently to a He was the first Gibraltarian to qualify as an Educational Psychologist and has worked in the field for over 25 years now. Freddie believes that the influence of the press ‘is pretty insidious’, subtly damaging the masses. ‘The more it becomes popularised, the more susceptible the audience is. They don’t want a discussion on philosophy, so what are the masses subjected to? Certain role models that are found on these gossip programs are going to have more impact than someone featured in the Independent.’

Pageant obsession

Another topic we discussed is one that has previously stirred differing opinions within the community. Pageant culture plays a big role in the life of a Gibraltarian. For many young girls being Miss Gibraltar is their ideal self, undoubtedly because we have such great interest in the pageant and it has a central role within the community. With the emergence of other similar pageants over the years, the opportunity to strut across a stage and be judged on the basis of how “Being beautiful you look is now widespread has become so to all ages and backgrounds. important as ‘I think everybody has an a result of the element of exhibitionism in media.” them, up to a point, otherwise we wouldn’t feel good in our clothes,’ Freddie tells me. ‘The Miss Gibraltar pageant has become a defining feature of our culture, attracting as it does widespread support from all tiers of society.’ He comments on the endorsement from top politicians, who witness the show and identify with the culture. ‘A pageant shows that people value good looks. I think that the pageant culture in Gibraltar has very strong roots. The fact that it is so

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

sub-culture. Whilst the study of social psychology is massively more elaborate and complex, my discussion with Freddie helped me understand the foundations of self-image, a concept which I’d been struggling to come to terms with in this issue.

37


© DM Parody - www.dotcom.gi/photos

life

38

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life

COSMETIC SURGERY Quality assurance, vanity and a deeper insight

L

surgeries recounted. 51,000 were docuike many other industries that have in Gibraltar. Dr Marco Vricella, a highly previously been given a bad rap, regarded surgeon on the Costa del Sol tells mented in the UK in 2015. North America cosmetic surgery is surprisingly well me it is fairly ubiquitous in the surrounding is still counted as the largest market for received and prevalent areas. ‘It’s a very active industry; cosmetic surgery, with Europe coming in these days. Having recently the request for cosmetic surgery in second. The report’s most popular proceIt is very much dures cover breast augmentations, eyelid discussed the stigma associated associated Spain is one of the highest in Euwith women with tattoos and rope, and the world. The amount surgery (blepharoplasty), liposuction, nose with vanity lean and well-built muscles, this of people who live on the coast is reshaping (rhinoplasty) and tummy tucks but often not month, I endeavored to explore very high, and wherever there is (abdominoplasty). as blatantly as the intriguing world of cosmetsuch a situation, people are very the media have conscious of how their body looks, Dr. Vricella acknowledges the global trend ic surgery, which is outlined and notes that locally, breast augmentasuggested... by the British Association of and the desire for looking good tions are also the most requested procePlastic Reconstructive and and feeling good is possibly higher dures. ‘It’s a very important area for the Aesthetic Surgeons as ‘a range of surgical than other places because of the weather woman, the appearance of breasts is often procedures that are carried out to alter and we enjoy here. We are more exposed.’ related with self esteem, it’s a very femenhance a patient’s physical appearance’ inine part of the female body. It’s totally through reshaping the normal structures A global trend and an affinity to Gibraltar normal that a woman wants to feel good of the body. The outcome of my research about the way her breasts look. has resulted in a personal conclusion that Globally, the demand has certainly The request Since this part of the body is due yes, it is very much associated with vanity, risen. The American Society of for cosmetic to change a lot during a woman’s but often not as blatantly as the media Plastic Surgeons’ 2015 Plastic life, in pregnancy, and changes surgery in and exaggerated reality TV have suggested Surgery Statistics Report notes that in the body shape and weight. Spain is one in the past. It turns out cosmetic surgery the number of procedures carried of the highest It’s an area that we can treat is a lot more commonplace than perhaps out in the US rose 2% from the from when you are eighteen to many of us had thought, at least here, previous year, with over 1,700,000 in Europe... seventy years old. However, once

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

39


life you’ve done a rhinoplasty, for example, at HC International Hospital on the Costa them.’ I was surprised to hear the volume that is the final result, it will not change del Sol, and at College Clinic in Gibraltar. of Gibraltarians who undergo cosmetic over the next forty or fifty years.’ Blepharo- His visits are often related to patient aftersurgery is large, we follow the global trend plasty is a close second in the care, which Dr. Vricella insists, is for most sought out surgeries, including popularity race, revitalising ‘fundamental’. tummy tucks and breast augmentations. “The appearance and rejuvenating tired and of breasts is often Equally as important is the initial old looking eyes. Dr. Vricella Understanding the psychological impact related with self says this is the most popular consultation in order to let inesteem...” procedure amongst men. dividuals know about what can Body contouring surgery is notably popular be done for them and what the within Dr. Vricella’s practice, particularly Cosmetic surgery has matured over time potential complications are. ‘Just tummy tucks, either with or without after surgery, the patient is in a and now covers an extensive array of work liposuction. Liposuction of the hips Aftercare including non-surgical procedures, like moment of weakness, the recovis, interestingly, a popular procedure continues botox and laser hair removal. Unlike plastic ery, depending on the type of suramongst men as ‘this is an area for a year surgery, cosmetic procedures are optional gery, can be very quick and easy, where men tend to accumulate fat following and entirely central to helping an individor it can take longer. During that and sometimes they cannot get ual enhance their appearance. Dr. Vricella time, the patient needs to feel like the surgery. rid of it. Men tend to take care of found his way into the industry during his they are surrounded by a team of themselves more now, in terms of residency in the US at state hospitals. ‘I de- professionals that can take care of them.’ how they look, than thirty of forty years cided to concentrate on cosmetic surgery. Aftercare continues for a year following ago. The number of men who have cosThere are the two fields, reconstructive the surgery. ‘It doesn’t only include physimetic surgery now is much more than besurgery and cosmetic surgery. Sometimes, cal care, but the psychological help that we fore, although they are usually interested in order to improve the aesthetic, we also provide. There is a lot of empathy between in more discreet and less visible surgery.’ have to do a reconstruction, but there is the doctor and patient and so the relationIn particular, non-invasive treatments like a separation, although in both you always ship grows as the months go by and you botox, and less blatant changes like eyelid aim to achieve the best cosmetic result. I continue to see the patient. That happens surgery, which helps the area around your realised, in order to achieve the a lot with the Gibraltarians because eyes appear rejuvenated and refreshed, best result possible, you have to it is a small environment, compared ridding it of baggy skin and a permanent People are dedicate yourself to one of the to maybe London or Madrid. In a look of fatigue. Probing Dr. Vricella on the obsessed two. I wanted to concentrate way, it’s like a big family.’ Dr. Vricella superficial nature of the industry, he claims with beauty on cosmetic because it’s the feels an affinity to the Gibraltarians, that people are obsessed with beauty in type of work that enables me to in many he tells me, ‘they are the right mixmany facets of life, ‘beauty is an important control my life and take my own facets of life... ture of the British, wanting to know part of our lives and there is nothing wrong decisions. I’m free to work the everything about the procedure and with that, we have to be aware of it.’ As it way I want.’ The surgeon formerly attended being very realistic, but at the same time becomes more commonplace, the decision medical school in his home country of Italy they have a little bit of the southern Euroto undergo a procedure is taken more and now divides himself between Madrid pean way of being, it’s very easy to relate lightly than before. and his practice, Aria Medical Group, based yourself and build a good relationship with

The volume of Gibraltarians who undergo cosmetic surgery is large...

40

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life Speaking to Forbes magazine on the dangers of surgery, Anne Wallace, Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego says that it should be taken very seriously, like any invasive procedure. Psychologist Ros Taylor, author of Confidence at Work, last year told the Guardian that ‘the availability and accessibility of cosmetic procedures, the lack of stigma about having work done and the rise in women’s disposable income has meant the gateway is clear for this to become normalised. And it is only going to increase.’ She perceives it negatively, adding ‘Women are always blaming themselves for their lack of success, or not being tall enough, slim enough, beautiful enough. We constantly compare and contrast ourselves to other women, and although we are mostly fine as we are, we constantly desire to be different. The psychological impact of seeing someone different in the mirror can’t be underestimated.’ Liposuction

of the hips

A campaign dubbed Think Over is a popular Before You Make Over was launched procedure in the UK by BAPRAS in an effort amongst men... Their procedures to address the worrying lack of consumer awareness in choosing safe and appropriate cosmetic surgery. The Speaking locally to women who had undergone cosmetic surgery, a fascinating disscheme urges individuals to research their cussion about the appropriate age at which chosen treatments thoroughly and weigh to have a procedure done came about. up their options in terms of practices, We agreed that a woman in her early procedures and surgeons. There are risks associated with all procedures, as with any invasive surgery. Dr. Vricella adds that individuals should be advised on all risks during their consultation. ‘There is a tendency, especially in Spain, for low prices, but that has to be related to lowering the quality of service. The package has to be right, you cannot lower it too much without reducing quality somehow.’

twenties has not developed her self image or confidence well enough to take on the psychological impact of cosmetic surgery. Forty-eight year old Elaine had a breast reduction, tummy tuck and small amount of liposuction two years ago after having lost a great deal of weight one summer.

Affiliate member of BAPRAS and a consultant psychologist within the health industry, Dr. Eileen Bradbury is adamant that surgeons ‘should have an understanding of psychological issues that may be affecting their patient, and if the treatment is psychologically appropriate.’ Commenting on the very few experiences he’s had with unsatisfied patients whose expectations of the procedure were too high, Dr. Vricella told me ‘I don’t agree with somebody who is obsessed with cosmetic surgery and pathologically does not accept themselves. I’ve only found this once or twice in my career, people are usually realistic. The doctors should detect these wrong motivations and try to talk a patient out of it. A person cannot have a procedure because she has a problem in her personal life with her partner, for example.’ He believes that almost 99% of patients wish to go ahead with procedures because they are treating a specific issue to do with their bodies. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

41


life Steph had always been comfortable with ‘Your body’s changing until after you have looked. I’m not really vain but with wearing the idea of having surgery. She had her children, your thoughts about yourself are bikinis, you’re conscious of yourself.’ constantly changing,’ she explains, initial breast enlargement surgery in 2012, ‘you need to know yourself more In an extract from her new book but a penchant for strength training and Surgeons and how you’re going to respond gymnastics changed the appearance of ‘should have an Animal: The Autobiography of a her breasts and so, upon the advice of her and react until you make such a Female Body, British Comedian understanding surgeon, based in Malaga, she underwent monumental decision.’ Thirty-sevSara Pascoe compared cosmetof psychological en year old Steph agrees, adding a second operation using silicon cohesive ic surgery, specifically breast issues that may enlargements to ‘self-harm’ gel. ‘I had two consultations, I wasn’t conthat as you move out of your be affecting vinced by the first surgeon because I wanttwenties, you become more self expressing her belief that ‘we their patient... aware and better at making adult ed the least scarring possible, which meant are all complicit in making it my breasts couldn’t be reconstructed.’ decisions. Both women shrug off an understandable response any stigma. ‘It’s my life and my body, and I Her decision to undergo surgery stemmed to body issues’. She adds, ‘we continue a never cared what people thought of me. If from being fed up with the way her breasts culture where women who don’t depend looked. ‘After having my son and breast it improves the quality of your life, it’s got on men wanting sex with them for income to be worth it and for me, it was definitely feeding, and then losing weight, they behave as if they do. I used to be so outhad sagged. This was a major decision, I the best choice I ever made,’ Elaine asserts. raged with friends and relatives who had They are delighted by the result of their thought about it before but just waited on enlargement surgery. I believed that when surgeries. ‘I think if I’d have known how I it, until I couldn’t anymore.’ a woman felt her figure was insufficient was going to respond to it all, I probably or incorrect, she should be would’ve done it earlier. Some people furious with the culture that As you move Both Steph and Elaine express their have bad experiences, but mine has been generated those feelings, out of your 20s surprise in how little pain they felt nothing but positive.’ not change her body.’ Sara’s after the surgery, noting that the you become insight provides a differing recovery period was more uncommore self aware fortable than anything. Another of and very welcome angle to Her initial apprehension was towards the and better at Vricella’s patients, forty-nine year old surgery itself, admitting a fear of needles the discussion on cosmetic making adult Sharon was conscious of the loose and being put under. Before making up surgery. It’s a difficult feat to touch on all angles when decisions. skin underneath her eyes for much her mind about what she wanted, she those I’d spoken to locally of her life. ‘Having this procedure organised a consultation with Dr. Vricella were very complimentary of the industry. has meant so much to me. I have lived after having heard of him in local circles. Undoubtedly, we are all drawn to what with the issue my whole adult life. I still Impressed by his directness, she made her society considers physical beauty to be, remember how when I was young somedecision quickly. ‘What prompted me to but when does it stop being healthy? one was cruel and said I had ‘suitcases’ go for it was being unhappy with the way I

42

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life

under my eyes, not bags. That has lived with her procedure, sharing before and and pressurised vulnerable patients. GMC with me all these years,’ Costa after photos on social media and Chair, Prof Terence Stephenson told the del Sol based Sharon tells me offering advice to other women media that whilst the majority of doctors “What her experience was very positive, prompted me interested in the operation. who practice do so to a high standard, the particularly in being able to see move is to safeguard vulnerable patients. to go for it was results after only a week. Her It is advised that individuals In an effort to tidy up the being unhappy “We continue a should do their research bebiggest apprehension was the industry, new guidelines with the way I published under the Genpain of having stitches removed fore considering a procedure culture where looked.” both under and above her eyes, and deciding on a surgeon eral Medical Council (GMC) women who but she admits that the process who is recognised under the last month dictate that cosdon’t depend was not as unpleasant as she’d thought. GMC in order to ensure qualmetic surgery clinics must stay away on men ‘This operation was just so important for ity. These new guidelines will from tempting irresponsible adverwanting sex me. It was not about a superficial desire to come into force as from June. tising and allow a two-week ‘cooling with them for be prettier. I just wanted to rid myself of off period’ before surgery. The crack*All patients’ names were those eye bags, which I had lived with all down comes after apparent claims in income behave changed to protect their as if they do.” my adult life.’ She has been entirely open 2012 that some practices exploited identity.

COSMETIC SURGERY - HOW MUCH? Liposuction

€2,6 - 6,6 depending on the size of area(s) to be treated - 1 or 2 night stay

Breast Augmentation

€5-6k depending on the shape/make of implants used - 1 night stay

Blepharoplasty

€4,5k - 1 night stay

Rhinoplasty

€7k - 1 night stay

Abdominoplasty

€7k - 2 night stay

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

What’s included: - Pre-operative tests - The procedure - Overnight stay - Follow up appointments - Revision surgery if needed - 24 hour medical helpline 43


life words | Eve Maddock - Jones

DYING FOR A SIX-PACK Pressures of The Olympics

T

dations of a healthy lifestyle; the equivahis summer, Brazil will play host attitudes are becoming increasingly to the most high profile sporting dominant in our local cultures and daily lent to a committed study-education ethic competition across the globe, The routines. Nowadays, people have started for mental development. The issues arising 2016 Olympic Games. to become more fixated on their internationally, however, are when these In London 2012, eighty-eight diet-lifestyle-exercise image. In the team and personal pressures are taken to People remain an unhealthy level of extreme obsession. countries competed; with London 2012, we saw the youngoblivious to equal or higher number set to est ever competitor; thirteen year the grassroots participate on the sunny plains old swimmer Rebecca Adzo Kpossi Previously, the chiselled out of marble, of body image of Rio de Janero. Against a of Togo. Whilst it initially appears six-pack body were the properties of elite issues occurring shocking that a thirteen year old backdrop of the most conOlympic or other professional athletes; legdensed multicultural interacgirl was an Olympic competitor, if endary bodybuilders who could collectively to younger tion outside of politics, the rest and younger we take a moment to recalibrate, put the world into a serious protein shortof the world is set to watch then, in fact, it is not so uncomage, if attempted. But, moving onto today, generations. top athletes exemplify their mon to see children of young ages this is no longer the case. With social sporting prowess; a build-up have intense sporting habits even changes continuously occurring, this once from years of dedication and commitment. in our own community. ethereal physique of a toned body, But, with the hyperactivity of the Olympics Olympic athletes has become the idealised Western beginning to descend upon us, many more Gibraltar has a deeply social norm. are physical people remain unknowingly oblivious to rooted sporting culture, representations the grassroots of body image issues occurelevated over the years Body issues have become increasingring to younger and younger generations. with our momentous UEFA of strict training ly more recognised, which is indicated and diet. induction in May 2013. by more research and charities than Olympic athletes are physical represenFrom increasingly infantile ever targeting body image. Whilst the tations of strict and, at times gruelling, ages children are enrolled into sporting most common trend has concerned female training and diet. But these lifestyle groups. Exercise is one of the basic founbody issues, there has been an unacknowl-

44

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life culturally-self prescribed preference edged rise of men’s body dysmorphia too. Since women have been the long-term dis- of a ‘clean lifestyle’; entailing a diet of non-processed, advantaged gender, a highwhole foods free of er profile has been given to It is not so no added sugar. gaining help and deconuncommon to Converting from structing social demands see children of their favourite inflicted upon them via the multiple waves of feminism young ages have order of a douintense sporting ble cheeseburgand women’s movements. habits... er, chips and But, in our intensely media large Coke to driven society, charactera grilled chicken, istically deemed the “Online Generation”, kale and quinoa pressures to fit into the socially detersalad. mined idealistic figure have been more widely and forcefully spread than ever. The developA free access to largely unrestricted, varied ment of these body-social-imcontent online combined with the younger age pressures age groups having internet awareness has led to an in incestuous intoxication of body have, like all cultural issues, been realised image. too late. Going back to our esteemed Olympians, Not to denounce a healthy nowadays, pictures of everyday commonlifestyle in anyway, clean eating alty people with rivalling physiques are - sport coupling is obviously the common place. Looking back on our parbest lifestyle for anybody; even if it is ent’s generation today, the dominant culthe first time, we have simultaneously rechard to remember when you feel your legs tural thinking was not who had the biggest ognised an occurrence of female-and-male cramping up mid-run. The problem is the muscles or eating a “clean diet”. Not that body dysmorphia. With the these concepts were non-existent but they extreme level of obsession we have Olympic torch glowing not too allowed to intoxicate this ideal lifewere far from commonplace in standard Clean eating far in the distance, we need style. We now live in a world where middle-working class lives. Today, we see sport coupling to retract from our analysis of we have the highest ever steroid far younger generations becoming aware is obviously the their extreme commitments use, combined with the widest age of diet and lifestyle habits characteristic of best lifestyle and abuses; realigning our range of users. People can professional athletes. The for anybody... immediate concerns to aiding pay thousands to have a sixgyms are increasingly full There has been an pack surgically enhanced onto and educating, to a now vulof younger members; with nerable, diverse gender and age groups of their core for the rest of their lives. 16, even 15 year old boys unacknowledged rise of men’s body the importance of balancing exercise with looking more developed dysmorphia too. health - a coupling which appears to be a than their own fathers. Although these examples are exnow increasingly life threatening. treme, their increasing occurrence is indicant of our societies’ sport-lifestyle-diThe age of online peer competition is et relationship spiralling into a crisis. For dominant, coupled with our societies’ Thirteen year old swimmer Rebecca Adzo Kpossi at the London 2012 Olympics

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

45


life words | Marcus Killick

BEARD VENTURES Zen and the art of facial hair maintenance

I

ginger people. They have a tough enough have generally regarded beards with perimented at various points in my life a degree of suspicion. Whilst lacking in sporting one. The first time was as an time as it is. But I am not ginger. My hair, Margaret Thatcher’s hatred of them, act of teenage rebellion, growing what from the top of my head to my calves, (she refused to have anyone eventually passed for one during shows no inclination of being anything in her cabinet who possessed my A-levels exams on the principle other than a drab dark brown. My parents Beards have are not ginger, I have no known ginger relsuch an abomination) I always I could not be expelled or susmore germs secretly thought they may act as pended so late in my school career. atives and my genetic roots to the best of a mask, perhaps for a weak char- breeding in As an act of rebellion, it failed on my belief are ginger free. So why my face them than a acter, or at least, a weak chin. multiple levels. The most obvious decided to sprout in flaming red, I have no French toilet... was that, by the time I appeared to idea. If it hadn’t been so obviously home grown, people would have believed I had be anything other than unshaven, I This suspicion is not based on had finished my exams, left school and my bought it from a joke shop. recent pseudo-science stories in the press, rebellion was therefore entirely unnoticed for example that beards have more germs let alone cared about by my, now former, Yet, I still believed it to be cool, cool that is breeding in them than a French toilet; that Head Master. the food collected in beards, if harvested, until I arrived at university and realised that rather than it representing would collectively end world hunger; or My genetic that the Middle Age plague was spread to However, by far the most serious my being part of a trend setting elite, roots to the it made me look like a knob. It lasted Europe by the returning Crusaders bringing failure was the growth itself. I best of my back the beards of old Persian women as two days, just long enough to be could live with it being patchy, belief are included in the photo on my student an ancient remedy to the chaffing caused stubbornly refusing to appear in by chastity belts. various places on my chin. What I ginger free. identity card, thereby haunting me long after the growth had gone. could not understand was why so much of it turned out to be ginger. It is just that I am not sure I like beards. I did have one further flirtation, albeit Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against accidental, with the ginger world. This was Despite these reservations, I have ex46

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life when, in my second year, I agreed to a bet unaware of what this is, it basically makes about dying my hair blond. I would like the beard look like you only started a week to say it was for charity, but it was for a ago, but it is neat (for about two days). pint. I duly bought the appropriate, or so The beard has doubled my cost of going to I thought, hair dye from Boots. the barbers as they spend as long on I remember it now and the box that as they do my hair (more a reflecI would definitely said “Ash Blond” NOT like to say tion on the lack of hair than the growth “Ron Weasley Orange”. Yet, one it was for of beard). I have discovered there is hour and two ruined towels later, such a thing a beard moisturiser, yet charity, ginger I was, again. But I digress. still do not know its true purpose, as but it was my beard has many issues but a lack for a pint. of moisture is not one of them. I have I have tried a couple of other also learned of a mysterious substance times, normally until the irritation barbers use as aftershave. (mine, not others) gets the better of me after about three or four weeks. I found the itching unbearable and made it look to the This substance, spread liberally over the world that my scratching was due to some parts of the face denuded of hair, comes in hair lice with a bad sense of direction. I two litre bottles and has a pungency that have to admit though, at the end, there stings the eyes and makes the slightest is a secret pleasure in shaving a beard off razor cut feel like an amputation. It is not oneself. Ok, yes, it is a bit painful but it is a aftershave in the “advertised by a semi time to experiment with different shapes. naked David Beckham in colour magazines” The Anchor, Goatee and Soul Patch (they sense, it is after shave in the “gets put on all exist, Google it if you don’t believe me), after a shave to satiate the sadistic tenall can be tried out in the privacy of one’s dencies of all barbers as they have been bathroom. Small tip, don’t photograph stopped from turning their customers into of Montana look, and those who prefer yourself at each phase doing so, you will pies” sense. If asked if you want this liquid, the slightly less butch but more elegant regret the hilarity it causes to others, I did. do not be seduced by the warm towel variety. I know the Revenant swept all bewhich precedes it, like with drugs just say fore it won the awards but Di Caprio was “no”. Remember, on the label sporting that sort of beard when being At this point, I should point out that the of the bottle hidden from attacked by a bear, not walking down description, “growing a beard” is inacAs an act view is the warning “if content curate; all one does is simple stop “not of rebellion, Main Street looking for an after shave comes into contact with bare that doesn’t burn through steel. It is a growing a beard”. There is no effort, it failed on choice thing, but do make the right one. indeed, you simply cease to make an effort. skin wash in water immediately multiple and consult a physician”. Admittedly, you should cease making an levels. effort in very specific way. Ceasing to Well, I have no idea how long I will make any effort, which no doubt will lead I have also learnt that there keep this version of my beard for, it may to a growth of facial hair, may also lead to is such a thing as “beard envy”. There are be gone by the time you read this. At least, unpleasant side effects such as sleeping on different types. Firstly, the teenage one; there is no ginger this time; those bits are park benches, shouting at pigeons and a between boys who can produce facial now white which make me look either disdiscernible reduction in personal hygiene. hair and those whose efforts after several tinguished or old, depending on whether weeks produce less visible hair than a you agree with me or everyone else. I must also distinguish between beards and witch’s mole. their diminutive and generally pale comOn the bright side, if I keep it, I will at parison, the moustache. “Movember”, the Then, there is the adult version, between least be able to respond to any Movember annual ritual of sane men to spend those who sport the wild man requests this year with “I already gave”. a month seeing how close they There is no can look to a 1970’s Italian porn effort, indeed, star or the evil robber baron in a you simply black and white silent movie, in the name of stopping testicular cancer, cease to make is worthy and blessedly short-lived. an effort. Aside from this, moustaches, like pipes, are best avoided by most and certainly by the under fifties or unless you are called Salvador Dali or fly Spitfires. Minister Bossano may look good with his forested upper lip, but he was left his moustache in Stalin’s will and is, I am reasonably certain, over 50. And there is no excuse for the pencil moustache, not ever. Anyway, on Christmas Eve last year, I stopped shaving. No reason, just stopped and waited. I have now had three trips to the barbers for a trim. I am given what they call a Number 1 cut. For those GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

47


life words | Mike Brufal

FRONTLINE INTELLIGENCE Major Peter ML Ferrary

P

the School Debating Society and is proud eter was probably the first locally barely able to look over the balcony of to have invited Major Bob Peliza, Leader of educated Gibraltarian to attend the the family home overlooking Main Street, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst he watched the Royal Sussex Regiment, IWBP at the time, to address the society. (RMAS). He achieved this ambition having disembarked in the dockyard after in September 1967. On the service in the Far East, marching down In 1966, he was selected in a group very day of the Referendum, From an early Main Street in their jungle greens to of eight to represent Gibraltar at the Peter voted in the morning their barracks at Casemates. Commonwealth Youth Movement which age, he had and the same evening flew involved a six week tour of Great Britain, had the notion to UK to join the army. Belgium and Malta. Peter was educated initially at the of wanting to Loreto Convent and was later a foundbe a soldier. From an early age, he had ing pupil of the Catholic Private School Outside of school he was active in the had the notion of wanting for boys run by Father Mayer which Scout Movement, first becoming a wolf to be a soldier. Gibraltar in the 50s-60s was located in the old priests’ house of the cub in 1958 and later rising to be Troop was very much a military town with Sacred Heart Church. He later moved to Leader 1st/4th Group. Summer camps were soldiers and often sailors aplenty in the Bishop Fitzgerald’s School. He held at Coll’s Farm, Campamento, streets. Casemates Barracks, such a buzzy then attended the Gibraltar but with the border situation worsHis blazer to relaxed place today, was the home of the Grammar School which was ening, camping was later limited to this day is resident battalion. Military parades and run by the Christian Brothers the Upper Rock. An early passion was adorned with with the Northern Defences and, Ceremonies of the Keys were held regufor whom he retains much Calpe Rowing together with a school friend and a larly and as a young boy, Peter revelled in respect and fond memories. Club buttons! dim torch, he explored all the galleries watching these. In the 50s, the Outpost The later arrival of new lay Platoon at the Ceremony of the Keys teachers such as Maurice and nooks and crannies of this hithwere dressed in battle order wearing steel Xiberras, Kevin Dobson and Adolfo Canepa erto military area. Whenever on the Rock, helmets; very different now. Another imwas, nevertheless, a welcome change. In a pilgrimage to this site has always been pressionable moment was in 1958, when his last year at school, he was Chairman of a must. Another interest in his teens was 48

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life rowing and he became a keen member of the Calpe Rowing Club. His blazer to this day is adorned with Calpe Rowing Club buttons! After many years of not rowing, he has recently taken up sculling along the river Cam. In general, life in Gib, in the mid to late 60s, was pleasant and fun with socials in the Grammarians and St Mark’s Youth Club, the latter sited in what is now the Gibraltar Crystal shop in Casemates. Having maintained his interest in joining the army, the challenge was now to achieve it. His application to Fortress HQ involved a series of local interviews culminating with an interview with the Deputy Fortress Commander, Brigadier Chambers. Then followed attendance at the regular Commissions Board in UK which he passed, gaining entry into RMAS Major Peliza in September 1967. Major Peliza would have would have been proud of him.

With Col Faloticoat Lexington

been proud of him.

In those days, Sandhurst involved a two year course and had a complement of some 900 Officer Cadets. Peter was in Intake 43, posted to Dettingen Company, Old College. RMAS was a tough place and, initially, a culture shock after the relative comforts of Gibraltar. But this was overcome and Peter was commissioned on 25 July 1969 into the Royal Anglian Regiment; a regiment he had applied to join because of its historical links to Gibraltar. An initial nine month posting to Bahrain with frequent deployments to the Trucial

States and Oman fulfilled all his boyhood notions of frontier soldiering. Then followed a long tour in Londonderry, in the early days of the ‘Troubles’, which was exciting and fun and which has remained a memorable tour. Two further deployments to Ulster followed in 1974 and 1977. In 1976, Peter was selected to attend a year long technical course at the Royal Armoured Corps Centre in Bovington, Dorset. The course proved significant as he met his future wife who lived nearby. Subsequently, they had two daughters, Alice and Emily who are now both married.

Peter’s life in the army has been long and varied. Accompanied postings abroad included West Berlin, Madrid, Germany, Australia and Gibraltar interspersed with home postings and unaccompanied operational tours abroad; in Northern Ireland, Belize, and with United Nations Military Observer missions in Cambodia, Georgia and Iraq/Kuwait. Staff jobs have been varied but a recurring theme have been intelligence appointments at different levels. One such early job was as Staff Officer Grade 3 Intelligence & Security in HQ British Sector West Berlin; this proved a hugely interesting job with the occasional sneaking into East Berlin.

Major Peter ML Ferrary

Being a fluent Spanish speaker, Peter was selected to attend the Spanish Army Staff College in Madrid – a rare event at the time (1981). The 18 month stint Peter’s in Spain was not uneventful. His time life in the covered the infamous Tejero coup of army has 23 February 1981 and the invasion been long of the Falkland Islands by Argentina and varied. the following year. At the time of the sinking of the Belgrano, the Spaniards closed ranks and vented their anti-British feelings by ‘sending Peter to Coventry’ or in their parlance ‘dandole la espalda al Ingles’! This went on until the war ended which was about the same time as the end of the course. Throughout his time in Spain, the frontier with Gibraltar remained closed. But the Belgrano incident reinforced the impression that his fellow officers (with some exceptions) retained more of an underlying resentment of Britain than against Gibraltar per se. In fact, their general lack of knowledge of Gibraltar, unless they hailed from the local area or Ceuta,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

49


life per se but belonged to an officers’ trust. The problem was that there were not enough officers now to support the library. Together with the then Chief of Staff who was interested in heritage matters, much good work was achieved in improving the fabric of the building. Important works included the building of a kitchen, which enabled the building to provide catering for socials and parties; as well as the re-wiring of the building. Much of this work was done with the help from visiting army units. Following Gibraltar, Peter was posted to the MOD’s Central Staff in the Directorate for Central and Eastern Europe - responsible for the MOD’s bilateral defence relations with the countries of the former Warsaw Pact including Russia and Ukraine. This was a demanding job involving briefing ministers and some very senior officers/officials. One of his first jobs was to write a keynote speech for the army’s With colleagues gone native in Ghor Chief of the General Staff visiting Ukraine. He panicked as he had never written a speech of this sort bewas quite surprising. However, one officer, talion had been withdrawn in 1991 The 18 fore, however, it was successful who had served in La Linea recounted an with a considerable reduction in the month stint and was the first of many similar amusing story. As many will garrison. HQ BFG had become a in Spain efforts to be prepared over the recall, at the start of the blockThis proved tri Service command. The future was not next two and half years. ade, Britain reinforced Gibraltar a hugely role of the Gibraltar Regiment uneventful. and strengthened the border was not well defined at a time interesting defences including deploying when the Permanent Joint HQ The reward for this hard work job with the in UK had not yet been established. a couple of Ferret scout cars. was to achieve another six months A ceremonial guard mount was occasional Peter was tasked with a mentoring role operational tour with the United Nations routinely held also to ‘show the sneaking and in this capacity was able to make Observer Mission in Georgia. Peter was into East flag’. One day, without prior a contribution in developing a way appointed Deputy Sector Commander of warning, the Spanish, not to be Berlin. ahead for the Gibraltar Regiment. the Abkhazian side of the peace line. As outdone, decided to stage their such, he became friendly with the Russian own guard mount complete Peter also became involved with the future general commanding the Russian peacewith band. The officer who told me the keeping troops in the area. This would of the Garrison Library and was appointed story, was selected to be the officer to lead a trustee. It was not an MOD property often involve summons to attend the the first parade. And with band playing, Peter’s personal Security Detail in Iraq they set off from La Linea marching down the ‘neutral ground’ (which at the time was not built up). The British guard, taken by surprise at this fanfare and not knowing what to expect ‘stood to’, positioning one of the Ferret scout cars at the frontier gates with its machine gun pointing straight at the approaching Spaniards. As my friend told me, “we carried on marching but were scared stiff that the British soldiers were about to shoot at us”! Fortunately, all ended peacefully with both sides in retrospect enjoying the incident. In 1994, an unexpected staff job in Gibraltar was offered which presented a wonderful opportunity for a real home posting. The job, as Staff Officer Grade 2 Land Operations, involved working in the Joint Operations Centre inside the Rock with an office close to that occupied by General Eisenhower during the Second World War ahead of Operation Torch. It was an interesting time as the resident bat50

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


life general’s mess for a bout of vodka drinking to eternal friendship et al. Excuses not to attend were not tolerated. The friendship later paid off when Peter was able to recruit the general’s help in dampening down threats by local militia men to raid the local (Georgian) inhabitants left in the area. A further tour in the MOD’s Defence Intelligence Staff involving dealings with allied intelligence services and UK government departments was again followed by another UN tour in Iraq/Kuwait. This was Peter’s last tour before retirement and a fitting end to a long, interesting and oft exciting military career, in the same theatre it had started in - the Gulf. Peter duly retired from the army in 2003 and went to live in France. However, thoughts of a quiet, sedentary existence there did not last long and within six months he began a second ‘career’ in security consultancy.

“We carried on

The Comdand Deputy Comd Multi National Division (South)

In 2004, he became a semarching but curity manager with Global General/Regional manager working army, of work in often harsh and hostile were scared Risks Strategies supportfor a Kenya based security company environments. stiff that the ing the United Nations (KK Security) providing security for UN British soldiers Voter Registration and organisations, Diplomatic missions and Peter maintains a strong affection for Election Project in Western were about to NGOs in Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda Gibraltar and is much interested in Afghanistan. This proved an shoot at us”! and South Sudan. The work was chalGibraltar’s military history and heritage. He enormously interesting and lenging, in oft difficult surrounds, but is also a keen collector of Gibraltariana. exciting job involving information gatherrewarding. An interesting highlight of this ing, report writing and liaison with both period was a trek in 2008 up the active The interview ended with this observaUS and Afghan Security Forces (SF). When volcano of Nyiragongo in Eastern DRC as a tion. ‘I think Gibraltar today has become rioters mobbed the main UN compound in guest of the CO of an Indian Army a fantastic place. It is vibrant, Herat, Peter and his team coordinated the battalion serving with the UN. entrepreneurial, with all sorts One of his first evacuation of the UN staff. The highlight of exciting projects coming of his time in Afghanistan was right at jobs was to Over the next three years, he to fruition. The establishment the end when he made a trip (with a US write a keynote provided security advice/support of a superb literary festival escort!) to the mysterious and wonderful to mainly oil and gas companies speech for the and the setting up of the Minaret of Jam set deep in a valley in the operating in Nigeria, Tunisia and University of Gibraltar as well army’s Chief Ghor Mountains. more recently Cameroon. as the creation of various of the General sporting tournaments are Staff visiting The following year, he worked as a UN Today, he has effectively retired, wonderful initiatives.’ Ukraine. consultant in Iraq supporting the UN thus ending a long period, post Electoral Assistance Division and the Presentation to GLRA 2007 Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq. His job was to mentor (5) provincial election coordinators in difficult areas Karbala; Najaf; Babil; Qadisiyah and Wasit and to provide liaison with UN staffs back in their safe havens in Bagdad and Amman. The job also entailed the supervision of the storage/distribution of election sensitive materials and collection of election tally sheets; as well as liaison with Multi National and Iraqi SF. Though not directly involved with security, the job was dangerous as it involved travelling, mostly by vehicles, through difficult areas. Peter had his own armed security detail and travelled in armoured Toyotas – probably supplied by Toyota Gibraltar. Between 2006 and 2010, Peter was the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

51


military

THE LAST SQUADRON A history of RAF Unit 224 in Gib

O

widely used seaplanes of World War II. ur airfield has often been later, RAF Gibraltar Commander Air Vicenamed amongst the most Marshal Alick Stevens Commander Emmett No. 210, 223, 248, 544, 813 and 1403 unusual and spectacular in the J. Sullivan took a short blimp ride in the squadrons followed. In May 1948, UK world, at 1,680 meters long, jut- Goodyear K-112, which was the first to coastal squadron No. 224 dispatched a detachment to Gibraltar, but by August 1951, ting out into the Bay of Gibraltar land in Europe. This was Gibraltar’s The strip of the entire squadron moved to the Rock. on the west side. The prefirst introduction to the antisubmaFormer Navigator for the Squadron Nigel dominantly military airfield is fre- land between rine technology of a USN K-ship. quented by aircraft and Air Force the Rock and Their purpose was to patrol and Thompson explains that they were the last units hailing from the UK and squadron to be based in Gibraltar, adding, neighbouring carry out anti submarine warfare ‘the motto of the squadron was FEDELE US, but it is used for the landing operations. Spain was ALL’ AMICO, meaning faithful to a friend. and taking off of civilian comonce the local Its squadron badge today hangs in the mercial airplanes. Constructed RAF Gibraltar played an integral racetrack. Royal Air Force Club. The squadron saw during the Second World War, role in protecting the seas around the strip of land between the service in both world wars and was it. Throughout the war, it Rock and neighbouring Spain was once was home to No. 48 Squadron RAF Gibraltar based at RAF North Front with Avro Shackleton Mark 1 and later Mark the local racetrack. Initially, in 1939, the and their aircraft the Lockheed played an 2 aircraft, until it was disbanded on airfield was an emergency airfield used Hudson, an American-built light integral role 31st October 1966.’ only by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm but bomber and coastal reconin protecting once it was extended using reclaimed land naissance aircraft, then No. the seas and rock left over from blasting, to make 179 Squadron and the Vickers The Shackleton was a long-range around it. military tunnels, larger aircraft were able Wellington a British long range maritime patrol aircraft used most to land. In February 1943, RAF Gibraltar medium bomber used in the often in search and rescue missions, took on the role of ‘major sub-command early years of WWII. After this, No. 202 anti-submarine warfare and maritime of the Mediterranean Air Command‘ under Squadron followed with their airship, patrol. In an article entitled 224 Squadron Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder. A year Consolidated Catalina, one of the most Coastal Command, A Brief History written

52

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


military

for the Shackleton Association’s magazine The Growler, Phil Styles notes that the squadron, made up of ten men, extended their area of operations to a large part of the Eastern Atlantic and Western Mediterranean. During its time in Gibraltar, 224 were involved in NATO maritime surveillance and search and rescue within this area, particularly in the bay.

Phil Styles insists that a significantly glamorous exercise sprung from their time on the Rock. ‘Operation ‘Southern Cross’ [was] a goodwill tour of South America, lasting from March to April 1957. It was to cover no less than six South American countries and took in Senegal, Florida, Bermuda and Azores along the way. A flight of four aircraft was duly polished and prepared suitably embellished with Union Jacks and individual nose numbers. Each aircraft had a flight crew of nine and a ground crew of eight. The visit was made up of both flying displays and static display visits by locals in each capital visited.’ 224 was disbanded on 31st October 1966, becoming the last unit to be stationed on the Rock before it became RAF Gibraltar, as we know it today.

“I was posted to Gibraltar as a navigator flying over 900 hours...”

‘I was posted to Gibraltar as a navigator from October 1952 until November 1954, flying over 900 hours on both the Mark 1 recognised by the bulbous radar dome in the nose of the aircraft and the Mark 2, which had a protruding radar under the fuselage,’ Nigel keenly reflects. One of his most memorable experiences was an escort flight for the Royal Family’s HMY Britannia, during Her Majesty the Queen’s visit to the Rock. ‘Another recollection I have is my one and only flight in a de Havilland Mosquito, on the same year we searched for MV Mons Calpe off the coast of Portugal, during her delivery voyage from Scotland to Gibraltar. Unfortunately, we didn’t find her and instead returned empty handed some two hours later.’ The squadron often exercised with submarines most notably, the last Royal Navy Battleship HMS Vanguard, the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal and American aircraft carrier USS Midway. In a haze of nostalgia, he describes the time they ‘searched for and shadowed some famous transatlantic liners like the SS Constitution and the SS Independence of American Export Lines, sailing from Genoa to New York via Gibraltar. Not to mention the SS Andrea Doria of the Italian Lines, which later sank in 1956 as a result of a collision off the coast of Nantucket. Low level flypasts were the order of the day, giving passengers on board something of interest to watch.‘ In 1954, 224 assisted with Red Cross relief following the Orleansville earthquake that killed over 1,500 people and seriously injured 5,000. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

53


art

54

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


scene words | Elena Scialtiel

WHAT A DOLL! Shane Dalmedo toys with art

A

gadgets, which tourists mainly identified new family has moved to Their merchandise will soon be available Gibraltar, at its most around town for the discerning tourist Gibraltar with. Yes, the Rock is the only historical address. in search of handmade souvenirs, place in Europe where any primate other They are whether the top-of-the-line signed than humans roam free, but is also one of relatable, the oldest human dwellings in the world, statuettes elegantly presented in a Actually, an old adorable and Shane dreamt of promoting this aspect box and accompanied by a leaflet family. A very old family. With and (pre) illustrating the history of Gibraltar’s of our rich history. a predilection for fur fashion historically prehistory, or the more affordable and weaving feathers into their as accurate postcards, books, bookmarks, pen“Every time I went to the east side, I environmentally-friendly teased as possible. cil-tops, coasters, badges etc. hairdos. They are the Gorhams, couldn’t help my imagination run wild along the planes that stretched outside a Flintstone-style family of five Neanderthals with Baby Beans-like The Gorhams are the brainchild of figurathe caves so many thousands of years features, residents of Gorham’s Cave of tive artist and animator Shane Dalmedo, ago, and I wondered what it would be course, designed to promote Gibraltar’s like living there, with the Neanderthals,” a creative talent who never fails to amaze she reminisces. “So, I sculpted unique paleontological past. the local artistic community with her upstream nonconThe Gorhams are my own Neanderthal couple. I still have the original figurines. I formist work, often dismissed The characters, with oversized heads the brainchild of as ‘spooky’, surely cryptic revived my Gorhams project more crowned by mops of prehistoric tresses, figurative artist and metaphysic as well as than six years ago, a long time chubby gender-undefined bodies, cheeky and animator before the UNESCO bid was made multi-layered and three-difaces with huge inquisitive eyes, constiShane Dalmedo... known, in fact. It has been a huge mensional all around. tute your average nuclear family of father, coincidence.” mother, a boy, a girl and a cute blueeyed baby wrapped in deerskin. They are She says she first created the Gorhams And now, with the UNESCO bid for the relatable, adorable and (pre)historically as in her late teens, as a novel souvenir to Caves to be declared World Heritage accurate as possible. counteract the spread of ape-shaped GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

55


art © Shane Dalmedo 2013

She first created the Gorhams in her late teens, as a novel souvenir...

Site making headlines, the Gorhams are reborn and presented to the community as the poster family for a distant past brought back to life in the notso-distant future, thanks to the cultural and educational initiatives in the pipeline.

in pigtails and Castle-and-Key-print dress. Digitally enhanced from a sketch, the patriotic meme has the looks of a rag doll, hand-stitched with chunky yellow seams and Shane doesn’t rule out her handcrafting collectibles with fabric, thread and buttons in the near future.

Shane has reprised her youthful dream and injected entrepreneurial vibes in it. She started anew with sculpts and she even trademarked the logo inspired by the famous ‘hashtag graffiti’ discovered at Gorham’s Cave last summer. It’s a simple yet memorable design: the charcoal Rock profile as it could have been viewed by the Neanderthals from the east side frames the characters’ surname in a few firm strokes.

In fact, she is an accomplished doll maker and seamstress, thanks to her academic background in animation: following seamstress... the producers’ directions, a And if this revelation about shy and few years back she worked on the ‘pupretiring artist Shane isn’t jaw-dropping pets’ for a fabric conditioner commercial enough for those who know her just as broadcast on prime-time British TV and the ‘dark-circles-eyed bald kids’ painter’, printed in colour magazines. Shane was she is not ‘just’ a UK TV star: she is also an instructed to work on two puppets, Lisa international cinema star, having made the and Darren, whose faces and bodies could opening sequences for TVC’S GRANPA, be animated during the stop-motion video the same company that produced The shooting, and she was recommended to Snowman, and having worked with Nick use a variety of textured and fabrics to Park in the production of the feature films portray their soft tactility. She went for Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit!

This is just the beginning for Shane, who is also launching her digital creation Gibraltar Girl, Gigi for her friends, a lovely character

56

velvety fabrics, denim, jersey and stretch satin, with added texture in the curly hair, the obvious stitches, the ping-pong ball eyelids and button embedded eyes. She painstakingly cut out and sewed the many pieces that made up the puppet, from their eyebrows to their lips, which were wired inside, like the rest of She is an their foamed and armatured bodies, accomplished to allow the animator to adjust their doll maker and pose for each shot.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


art

“Once, I found a legless, hairless doll thrown away in the street. She was filthy as she had probably been run over, so I cleaned and re-homed her in a box that won third prize at a Gibraltar International Art Exhibition and it is now property of the Ministry of Culture. As I love dolls, I am proud I could give a second chance to a doll that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill.” And when she cannot find the right doll, she makes one with sculpting materials, like the pretty girl in a red dress, ribbon tied in her golden curls, pris“I am proud I oner in a real hand-grenade crate could give a sealed with a metallic net, aimed to second chance raise awareness towards refugees, to a doll...” warzones and neglected childhood.

Besides being mentioned in the final credits, she is also credited with the trouble-shooting of a big dilemma created by Mr Tweedy’s... tweed jacket. “As the character name suggested, he was supposed to be dressed in tweed, of course. But that fabric has a tiny pile texture and when the puppet was moved from one frame to next, the pile was disturbed and created an unnatural effect in the frames’ succession, so we had to brainstorm for a smoother alternative that could salvage the tweed look. Eventually, I found out that using silk on which the pattern was painted by hand would eliminate any fluff from the picture.” Shane has pursued her unique style of animation in the series of ‘boxes’ that are very iconic of her fine arts production. She collects toys, ornaments, old lace, figurines, knickknacks and whatnots, and then up-cycles them in original dollhouse-like compositions, somewhere in between

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

© Shane Dalmedo 2014

sculptures and installations, often electricity powered to add light and movement to the little automatons inside.

Gigi

decoupage and patchwork, with draped and stuffed layered elements popping out of the background in the concoction of a fairytale illustration, similar to medieval stumpwork.

Whereas they have often been dismissed as disturbing or downright ‘creepy’, Shane describes her boxes as a snippet of reality frozen in time, and reality is not always pretty – or perhaps it is at first glance, like A versatile artist who is not afraid to push her boxes indeed are, but at a closer look the boundaries of multimedia (in 2015, the oddities begin to show, she won the installation prize and loneliness and abuse come with her piece ‘The whole story’ a through uncompromisingly raw. Shane describes close-up video of a talking mouth her boxes as a on a TV screen lying on a bed of snippet of reality printed A4 sheets, now on display There’s a brighter side to her frozen in time... work as well, with her charmat GEMA Gallery in Montagu ing doll-size vintage wedding Bastion), Shane is known for gowns, all hand-gathered, hand-stitched her assiduous participation in the Royal and hand-embroidered. Embroidery is her Academy search for international talent, forte shown off in a series of three-dibut mostly for her colourful allegoric paintmensional tableaux, elegantly framed into ings whose oneiric world mostly inhabited a work of art, made from scratch with by children seems to portray mankind’s precious fabrics, beads and ornaments to desperate quest for lost innocence. materialise a metaphorical ‘blankie’ for our vacillating egos. She calls them ‘tapesVisit www.shanedalmedo.com. tries’ but they actually are a mixture of Shane in her studio

57


art words | Elena Scialtiel

LADY OF THE MONTH Madonnas of the world

I

with Isis

us Hor

Nowadays, the cult spreads as far north n the month traditionally dedicated to Muslims were temporarily expelled from the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gibraltar celthe Rock, and their Mosque converted into as Iceland, where a church was recently consecrated to her, but in the late fifties, ebrates the feast of its patroness, Our a shrine in 1309. when the EEC was conceived, a large statLady of Europe. On the 5th of ue had been already placed in the Italian May, which also happens to be Gibraltar celebrated the devotion’s Our Lady Council of Europe Day. seven-hundredth anniversary seven Dolomites at what was believed to be the of Europe hydrological centre of Europe. years ago, and Pope Benedict XVI protects not From the Shrine at Europa Point, awarded the Golden Rose to the just Gibraltar, Shrine, where it is proudly on disThis year, the May Marian devotion will Our Lady of Europe protects but the entire play to date. be extra special, because Pentecost falls not just Gibraltar, but the entire on Monday 16th. The annual Romería del continent, as her grace irradiates continent... Rocío takes place on that day in Almonte, eastwards and across the Strait, Our Lady of Europe, or La Huelva. This is an event of high religious which she co-overviews with her counterVirgencita, how it is affectionately known and ethnological interest, with an estimatpart on the southern shore, Our Lady of in the Bay, is a much beloved patroness ed participation of one million devotees Africa, housed in Ceuta and echoed in the and her feast is celebrated each year. Pilgrims, whether on foot, grandiose neo-Byzantine basilica in Algiers, with processions, novenas Rocío’s only horseback or horse-drawn carriage, famous for its apse inscription ‘Pray for us and masses advertised carved parts wear traditional costumes - women in and for the Moslems’. in the media or in the are her polka-dot frilly frocks and men in taut Shrine’s informative webcontemplative pants, boleros and hats. They sleep in The ancient Pillars of Hercules have been site - www.ourladyofeuface, hands and makeshift encampments or straight under Marian protection since 1421, when rope.net. Despite Europa the Holy Child... under the stars, and enjoy improvised a statue of Mary was placed in Ceuta, not being a popular given or well-rehearsed flamenco gigs around recently captured by the Portuguese, to name in the region, Africa the campfire. Criticised for having grown indeed is, with her feast celebrated three mirror and fortify the cult established too commercial, and even ‘pagan’ in this months later, on the 5th of August. over a century earlier in Gibraltar, when 58

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


art Romería del Rocío

Pilgrims, whether on foot, horseback or horse-drawn carriage, wear traditional costumes... Spanish invasion, were actually fair-haired originally devised that way on the preand blue-eyed. sumption of how the woman Mary might have looked like, but the majority have ‘tanned’ for environmental reaOur Lady of Montserrat, near Many of her sons, such as the natural deterioraBarcelona, is known as ‘la representations tion of lead-based pigments or the Moreneta’ in Catalan. The are ‘black’... degradation of the wood below the abbey complex is well worth The wooden statue itself is a small one. layers of paint, as well as from the a visit for the bird’s-eye views Unlike Our Lady of Europe - sculpted in accumulation of soot from votive candles. afforded from the peak of Sant Jeroni, that every detail in her sitting and crowned may reach the Balearic island of Mallorca glory - Rocío’s only carved parts are her on a clear day, and for its art museum and contemplative face, hands and the Holy The explanation that dark-skinned publishing house, one of the oldest in the Child, while the rest of her body is covered Madonnas were introduced in Africa, Asia, world. in rich garments, brocade and embroidery. Brazil and the Caribbean to make them In Gibraltar, the only example of this style more akin and therefore congenial to the is the statue of Our Lady of locals proved to be a weak one, There’s a Lady of Atocja in Malta too: it’s a Sorrows at the homonymous since they are way more common in medieval painting depicting the statue of She is believed quaint church in Catalan Bay, Europe than the rest of the world. Atocha, in Madrid, imported by a merchant to have turned believed to have brought to in the early Seventeenth Century. She black after Gibraltar by the Genoese is widely known as Madonna tas-Samra, In Spain, the most famous are Our a miscreant immigrants who settled there, the tanned Madonna, or more probably Lady of the Candelaria, Our Lady of threw her in a although her real history is Montserrat and Our Lady of Atocha, ‘Madonna from Samaria’. shrouded in... fishermen’s tales. bonfire... but Virgen de la Regla in Chipiona, Virgen de los Milagros in El Puerto The statue in Oropa, north-western Alps, She is a true Lady in her dark cloak, when de Santa María, and Nuestra Señora de la was introduced by Saint Eusebius to reshe goes out at sea on a boat for the emoMerced in Jerez de la Frontera deserve a place the cult of a Celtic goddess thriving tional procession of Santo Entierro held on mention at least for their proximity. in that spot for centuries. She is believed Good Friday at sunset. This is a little-adto have turned black after a miscreant vertised ceremony happening every year threw her in a bonfire because The first is affectionately at the Village, and you may want to make a she refused to walk towards nicknamed ‘la Morenita’, and Catholics around the note in your diary if you’ll be spending next is venerated on Candlemas him. He was instantly convertworld will perform Easter break in Gibraltar. ed as he watched the flames and on 15th August. She pilgrimages, novenas is the main patronesses sparing her. and special prayers to of the Canary Islands, in Mary Mother of God is venerated around the Virgin this May... particular Tenerife where the world in many sanctuaries, monasThe Madonna Bruna of Tindari, she resides. The cult is said teries, cathedrals and churches, with the Sicily, is inscribed with a quote to have started when she appeared to same spontaneous affection that draws from the Latin translation of the Song of some Guanche shepherds. The theory that children to their earthly mother. Songs Nigra Sum Sed Formosa (I am dark the colour of her skin originally matched but beautiful). Archaeologists believe that the one of the Guanche supreme godthe Mother of God’s devotion in Sicily reWhat is interesting though is the fact that dess Chaxiraxi (her identification with the placed the ancient and deeply rooted cult many of her representations are ‘black’, Phoenician Taanit is disputed) may crumble of grains, harvest and soil fertility Greek namely depicted with dark complexion, in light of the notion that the Guanches, goddess Demeter, connected to the one of perhaps to denote an ‘oriental’ origin. In Berber tribes inhabiting the Islands prior to Phrygian Cybele. reality, a small number of statues were consumerist era, the journey starts at the kick-off of the weekend and culminates in a Mass at the Hermitage of Our Lady of Rocío, a beautiful church complex in whitewashed Andalusian and Mudéjar style.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

59


art

The Black Madonna of Częstochowa

historians dismiss this, and date it forward to the Byzantine period, they agree that it was consecrated to the monastery in the fourteenth century. She was crowned for the third time by Pope John Paul II as a tribute to his homeland. Our Lady of Europe

Italy and France pullulate with black Madonnas, while the characteristic is less common in Eastern Europe. Famous is the church in Kosovo where Mother Teresa heard her calling.

Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria 60

Our Lady of Africa

Legend says that the icon now in Częstochowa, Poland, was painted by Saint Luke on a table top from the Holy Family home, so it would portray the true likeness of Mother and Child. Although art

Virgen de la Regla in Chipiona

An estimated one and a quarter billion Catholics around the world will perform pilgrimages, novenas and special prayers to the Virgin this May, crowning her with lilies and roses garlands, keeping alive the mother goddess cult started thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean, from the Maltese Ġgantija and the Cycladic cultures to the Egyptian Aset (Isis in Greek) nursing her infant son Horus, a posture that influenced the traditional Marian iconography for centuries.

Virgen de los Milagros in El Puerto de Santa María GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


events

CHILDLINE 10 ANNIVERSARY

TH

Safeguarding Gibraltar’s children

P

‘As there isn’t a youth offending service in roficiency, meticulous governance volunteers, including a board of trustees, Gibraltar, we started the Appropriate Adult and a driving desire to grow and all with very versatile backgrounds and develop their services has led to immense loyalty. They have adopted a service in 2007, offering special assistance a hugely successful ten years of business-like model and it runs impeccably. to detained minors.’ It is a legal requirement to have another person present life for local charity, Childline Their main during a police interview with a juvenile. Gibraltar. Honouring their landmission is to Appropriate adults The AA scheme’s course was set out by mark anniversary in June, two women at the forefront of the the UK National Association of Appropriate protect and ‘The charity is scrupulous about charity are particularly humble Adult Network, of which Childline is a the way in which it is governed,’ safeguard member. AA volunteers, and their on duty about what the charity has Trustee Annie Green tells me as we children on manager, can be called at any time of the achieved within the community. look back on their most prominent the Rock by day or night. Since the scheme’s incepTheir main mission is to protect developments over the past decade. eliminating tion, the percentage of callouts has risen and safeguard children on the The original telephone helpline cruelty... Rock by eliminating cruelty, annually. Fortunately, the charity receives was launched in 2006 by Dame pro-bono legal assistance from a highly rewhich can manifest itself in many Esther Rantzen & John Cameron, garded local lawyer. In 2014 and 2015, the forms of abuse and exploitation. Childline the current Head of Helplines for the offence most commonly commitGibraltar follows an NSPCC model, offerNSPCC. ‘The way in which we ted by juveniles assisted by the ing a myriad of services to troubled young- have developed is in response to “To be active, sters as well as adults who faced abuse in AA scheme was burglary. ‘What the needs we’ve identified locally.’ you have to their youth. The UK branch of the charity, we find with a lot of these kids is John Cameron’s role in the UK is that they’ve got issues that need initiated thirty years ago by Dame Esther extremely high profile,’ Annie notes. be current.” to be resolved, and if we had a Rantzen, now falls under the NSPCC’s ‘He helps us a great deal. He keeps youth offending service, they could be reumbrella, whilst our local brand stands on us abreast of things, and we have a lobbysolved through that.’ In the UK, these proits own. Here, on the Rock, Childline has ing system into the NSPCC,’ adds Connie six part time employees and over eighty grammes are widespread and offer crime Atwood, Childline Gibraltar Chairwoman, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

61


events and our email address. We respond to them on a regular basis. The number of online referrals are increasing every year.’ Moves to implement the live chat offering are underway and almost ready for launch. One employee recently spent time in London with the NSPCC Childline helpline, learning about how the service operates. ‘The only issue is, on the phone you lose a significant amount of communication, online you lose it even further. With live chat, we’ll lose a bit more because it can become monosyllabic. You get so many clues from non-verbal gestures, about 60% of communication goes when you’re on the phone. Our training does touch on ways in which to respond, during the eight-week course. There is no way we would have a trainee on the phone without having undergone the appropriate training.’ This is provided by the Senior Duty Manager, with the child protection training modules carried out by Connie herself. Blue Nose fundraising 2015

A wealth of skills prevention schemes and closely work with the Family and is invitingly ‘jargon free’ On top of all of this, the charity offers a youngsters in order to rehabilitate them allowing parents to learn from each other pro-bono counseling service, delivered by following offences against the law. ‘It’s an as well as the mentors. Advertised via volunteers in the rented offices of Liberty opportunity at that age to turn Childline Gibraltar’s Facebook page, Counseling. ‘We have many volunteers them round. We’ve offered to the workshop is always over-subVolunteers who are also counselors. Sometimes, there take on board the voluntary scribed. The charity’s offering is are problems that can be solved via the bring a component of the service.’ perpetual and up to date. ‘Our telephone, but sometimes it goes beyond wealth of training is dynamic; every year we are different skills adding bits to it. Last year, we had to that and so we set up our own service.’ Educating the masses to the charity. add the adult survivors of child abuse Volunteers bring a wealth of different skills to the charity. ‘On the topic module, and this year we’re The third of the three core of skills, we have a very active Fundraising putting in live chat. In 2014, it was services, and another landmark achievecorporate social responsibility the online service. To be active, you is carried out ment for Childline, is their education proprogramme. It’s not just about have to be current. We take profesgramme, which rotates between schools, throughout giving us money; it’s also about sional development very seriously,’ youth organisations and parents through the year via expertise. Stephen Preston, says Connie. workshops, lectures and seminars. ‘We a calendar of who is helping us with the live have a preventative strategy under which chat comes from 888.com.’ On The move online followed a delibera- events... we discuss things like Internet safety, bulthe fundraising front, Connie tion on youngsters and how they like lying, cyber bullying, relationships and bestresses that the charity costs around to communicate. ‘People refer themselves ing a friend.’ On top of this, the charity has £60,000 to run, and that’s without adding online, from there they access our website offered a ‘Positive Parenting Course’ since 2011, delivered by a locally based couple Childline Flag Day outside Morrisons with award-winning chef, Martin Blunos who share backgrounds in child-care and counseling. ‘When we trialed it, we invited the social work department and department of health to come along and give us their views. It was massively well received and many of the welfare nurses were particularly on side. It’s enabling parents to be better, sometime just by giving them the confidence for things that have to be done, like setting boundaries. In response to feedback from earlier participants, the workshops were reconfigured two years ago into age-need specific courses under recently discussing time outs for parents of children under five and then for eight to twelve year olds, then teenagers and those with special needs.’ The course, which runs over six to eight weeks, is accredited by UK Care for 62

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


events new offerings to their slate. Fundraising is carried out throughout the year via a calendar of events devised by Childline’s more creative minds. ‘Mansion has chosen us as their charity of the year for 2016. Bassadone and Saccone & Speed have been sponsoring us for years, they look after our computers and they do little bits of handy work around the office. Pwc runs the Appropriate Adult scheme two days a week.’ The local community support also extends from other charities, particularly Kusuma Trust, who organised a lunch for Childline trustees last November with Dame Esther Rantzen following her talk at the 2015 Literary Festival. She extended her delight in the success of the local charity. The Trust also offers Connie and an annual donation towards the Annie are too running of the helpline. ‘The Parasol modest when Foundation funds our Educational it comes to programme and the GBC Open outlining their Day Trust currently funds the success... Appropriate Adult Service.’ All of these feats have shaped Childline into one of the leading charitable institutions on the Rock. Connie and Annie are too modest when it comes to outlining their success, mid-way through our chat, Annie recalls that Connie was recognized publicly by the Governor in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday honours. She was presented with the Gibraltar Award for services to Childline after having her name put forward. Before helping bring the charity to fruition, Connie worked within the nursing and healthcare industries, having built an impressive repertoire of skills in childcare and management. Annie’s past includes a role as a volunteer coordinator in a prison for sex offenders. Her skills are drawn from working with families of sex offenders and formerly abused adults. Since launching the service and the widely known 8008 phone line, a dedicated

Chief Minister presents prizes to the winners of the anti-bullying poster competition

Probing Connie and Annie on their unrelenting dedication over the past nine and seven years, both admit that whilst Childline takes up a big chunk of their well earned retirement, it’s an ever rewarding role to play. Their upcoming 10th anniversary will be honoured with a reception The anniversary aboard the Sunborn, on 17th June. John Cameron will be the guest speaker, and The issues most commonly faced by sermusic will be provided by the Soul Mates. vice users are ‘difficulties experienced with Lady Richards, the charity’s patron and family relationships, emotional, physical wife of former Governor of Gibraltar Sir and sexual abuse, self harm, peer relaFrancis Richards, will be invited to share tionships, bullying, alcohol abuse, eduthe charity’s success, along with the Chief cation, health issues and neglect’. A total Minister. Tickets cost £70 of 249 individuals were assisted by including dinner, and are Childline’s helpline services between In 2014/2015, available to the public. 2014 and 2015, representing an in52% of service crease of over 57% from the previous The helpline free phone 8008 year. Statistics are collected each year users proved to be adults. is open between 5-9 pm every for the comprehensive annual report. day. Online facilities are availConnie expressed the importance of able via the charity’s website www.childline. thrusting this information into the public domain, particularly as the charity is entire- gi or directly to their email address help@ childline.gi ly funded by public money. service for adults who experienced abuse as youngsters has been set up. Interestingly, in 2014/2015, 52% of service users proved to be adults.

Childline Christmas Raffle 2015, drawn at Kings Bastion

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

City Line Church raises funds for Childline

63


radio words | Richard Cartwright

WEEKEND BREAKFAST with Lucinda Snape

I

t could be described as a, `window However, far removed from broadcasting chances and went for it. I’ve got to say, when I first heard her, she sounded as if of opportunity...’ That’s what brought with no intention of sharing her dulcet she’d arrived with some radio experience Lucinda Snape and husband David tones with the local populace, Lucinda and to the Rock about nine years ago. husband David came over jobless, but after for she came across as a confident, fluent presenter... “Well no, I had no experience Becoming a radio presenter was another a couple of months both found jobs in the ‘opportune moment’ Lucinda took adRock’s gaming industry... “Oh yes, funnily at all and getting used to the equipment was a bit daunting through my short vantage of, and now she tells enough, with my dad being in the period of training,” she recalls. Now, she’s ‘lies’ on her Sunday morning military, we were never posted She deliberately a real pro! ‘Breakfast,’ Radio Gibraltar to Gibraltar but we’ve been here confuses show!! now since 2003 and my job in the listeners by gaming company was in Marketing, Lucinda is English, but because her dad offering false Training and HR and I did get the was in the military moving around the It’s all about the ‘Sunday information... opportunity to travel with the world every two years or so from posting morning LIE-in’ competition company to Canada, Australia, to posting, living amongst different comon Lucinda’s show where she Romania and other places ormunities with so much uprooting deliberately confuses listeners by offering ganising events. My job became false information about an event or news from a very young age - although She gave it redundant when the company at 11, it was felt she needed some item: ‘True or False’ in other words, is what a thought or merged with another.” But her stability in terms of her schooling Lucinda fans ring in for to try and win two, fancied unplanned opportunity to join and went to a Norfolk boarding some fabulous prizes... “I’ve been doing her chances Radio Gibraltar came by one school in the UK - she may considthat show for about two years and I really day listening to the station in enjoy it. Interacting with the audience is and went for it. er describing herself as a ‘citizen the car when an opening for a what I enjoy doing and during the comof the world’ and on completion radio presenter was advertised. of her studies and degrees etc petition especially, I get to chat to quite a She gave it a thought or two, fancied her thought she might have a go at Graphic few listeners.” 64

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


radio whatever the event may be, and also says doesn’t envisage going anywhere and the people at radio are great to work with, seriously plans staying right here in Gib. “Yes, I find they are the most creative, aniTravelling from place to place during her dad’s military days probably helped Lucinda mated and slightly bonkers (I can vouch for that) people I’ve ever worked with which arrive with the right mindset to settle in a makes for a vibrant workplace that doesn’t different environment and much smaller feel like work!” The important thing in place and to willingly integrate, “When I this kind of work - apart from first arrived, I joined a BATUKA class being good on air - is to show at Glacis Estate and got on very well She provides commitment which becomes with the other girls there who were the weather a vocation if you really have mostly locals...” I would describe voice over for it in you. From listening to that as a baptism of fire and clearly GBC Television her on air and what I know of demonstrating a willingness to mix just after the Lucinda at work, that commitand be part of the community. “I’d news. ment and interest in giving her lived on The Isle of Man for some all, whether it be in shows or time and had an understanding of other tasks, is evidently there. Hopefully, what it was like living in a small place. I when Isla and Cora are a little older, an respect the politics and am wary of what I opportunity for Lucinda to become a full say and in that way get on with everyone Design, and studied Linguistics also, but time member of the Radio Gibraltar team so there isn’t an issue.” So Radio Gibraltar her job hunting fortunes led to an interof presenters will hopefully come her way. is now her main interest, apart from David esting job as an Intelligence Analyst with and Gibraltar born daughters Isla, who’s the South Yorkshire Police, “That involved four and three year old Cora. The 36 year old mother of two tells me analysing situations in hotspots and anti she’s been on a journey and considers social behaviour and studying there are just two or three windows in Apart from her early Sunday morncriminal profiles and the prevenShe may your life you have to take advantage of and ing commitment, Mrs Snape comes tion of some of those issues. I consider decide whether to gently let yourself out in for another few hours a week, did that for about four years.” describing of, or sometimes not stop to think about it deals with some administration, proBut flying abroad beckoned and herself as too much and simply jump through! Either duction work and provides cover for after coming over to the Rock on a ‘citizen of other presenters who go on leave or way, always hoping it’s for the best and a reconnaissance trip or ‘recce,’ things will work out just fine. Clearly, so Lucinda and husband David - who the world’... are sick. Oh, and she provides the far, Lucinda and hubby David are happy weather VO (voice over) for GBC had always said he wanted to here and not planning to move. Lucinda Television just after the news. “But what emigrate – smashed open their piggy bank sounds very adamant about that. I also enjoy doing very much is going out after a hard slog at saving as much as possible for 18 months and decided Gib ticked and talking to people, especially on OBs (Outside Broadcasts) to the Piazza on all the boxes and this was the place. “We Well, she’s doing fine on Radio Gibraltar Open Day and other events or down to arrived with just one suitcase each with and no doubt scheming about what little Casemates and of course assisting James little more than the clothes we wore and lie she’ll craftily present her audience with at the GMF (Gibraltar Music Festival).” one of my first purchases was a hairdryer,” next Sunday morning. Tune in for a ‘Radio She clearly loves the interaction with Lucinda declares, and our lady presenter Gibraltar Breakfast’ this Sunday morning the crowds, getting them to chat on air tells me she’s really taken to the Rock and at 8!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

65


YOUR TIME MAY BE LIMITED, BUT YOUR SHIPPING OPTIONS DON’T HAVE TO BE ·······

Premium door-to-door delivery for document shipments by your choice of 9:00hrs or 12:00hrs on the next possible business day from Gibraltar to all major European business centres, or by 10:30hrs to New York.* For further information please contact: DHL Gibraltar, Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Tel: 200 72210 Email: GIBSN@dhl.com www.dhl.com

*DHL Terms and Conditions apply 2

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015


leisure

BEARDS & BOWTIES Is hipsterism a trend or a subculture?

H

even worse, they leave lights on all day. ipster has proven incredibly a true hipster is. These proposed middle Post-war was the baby boom and peodifficult to define. The concept class millennials are often given a bad rap is a vague subculture with many in the media and without good reason. ple were actually doing some good, they different elements associated to Sifting through a chunky stack of relevant were really cultural and questioned a lot of things. Young people who are creative it, from being overly and irritatingly envinewspaper articles, opinion pieces and and passionate about what they enjoy are ronmentally and ecologically social studies on hipsters in the conscious, to having a peculiar UK, the US and even Sweden, my wrongfully accused of being hipsters by Don’t forget creative streak and unnecessar- chequered discussion guinea pig and friend the generation above and below them. ily boycotting big brands and Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga and I Now, we’re really self-aware and want to shirts, unruly fix the things that we realise are a problem.’ leading corporations in favour conclude that the majority of the of local businesses. Don’t forget beards, bowties, journalists writing on the subject chequered shirts, unruly beards, flesh tunnels, are bitter towards the hipster A common hipster trait often laughed at horn rimmed bowties, flesh tunnels, horn culture. ‘It’s been demonized like by the masses is the concept of avoiding glasses, scarfs... everything else. It’s not really a rimmed glasses, scarfs, a prefbig corporate merchants in favour of small, erence for cycling, a pedantic bad thing. There is more local coffee shops and food attitude, a slight air of superiority and the good to the culture. It’s about These proposed markets and even charity shops. tendency to keep their favourite musicians, young people that are passionate It has been suggested that middle class books, films to themselves in case they get about what they enjoy.’ Stefano these tendencies stem from the millennials are picked up by the mainstream media. believes that the negative stigma backlash against wealthy corpooften given a stems from Generation X. ‘The rations following the financial bad rap in the problem is that we are stuck crash. An article in the Guardian Drawing from my various discussions on media... between two terrible generain 2014 asserts that Hackney hipsterism with local social commentators tions, that’s what it all boils down is the hipster epicenter of the and individuals that could be deemed to. The generation before us was super world. ‘Once a byword for grit, oddness hipsters by others, it’s been a struggle to and social deprivation, it is now known for tie down any definitive description of what wasteful and the next generation are GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

67


trend. Stefano and I came to the conclusion that there are two types of hipster in the world; the true conventional trendsetter (Type 1 if you will) and the wannabe (Type 2). The difference, we decided, is that Type 1s do not define themselves as hipsters, or anything in particular, but genuinely feel passionate about the causes associated with the trend. Type 2s, however, are crowd followers and wish to subscribe to the trend because it seems trendy. Type 2s are responsible for causing the trend to snowball into a cultural group within a larger culture. ‘If you emulate other people and you’re the kind of person that copies others to follow a trend, then you’re a bit of a sociopath. Those people are considered hipsters,’ Stefano professes. Ronnie Alecio, a local Religious Studies graduate who expressed interest in my outcry for help in producing this article, suggests that the label has been imposed by non-hipsters. ‘I think the minute you Hipster Type 2: perfect vision but wears glasses Hipster Type 1: sports one of his own tshirst designs define yourself as a hipster, you stop being a real hipster,’ he adds. We bask its spiraling house-prices and the subscribe to the following of the trend.’ He in the midday pleasantness of friction caused by gentrification. If “The problem lists off everything he’s hoping to bring to the Garrison Library garden, gentrification could be imagined in is that we are his new establishment, from vegan friendly where he is currently an assoavatar form, it would look an awful stuck between ciate researcher for the Borderfood to acoustic live music, poetry nights, lot like a hipster,’ James Walsh, language exchanges, and a comedy club. ‘I two terrible ing on Britishness oral history social and community news editor think hipsterism is a reluctance to be affilgenerations...” project. ‘It’s not clearly defined, writes. The tie between hipsters iated with or form part of any one specific it’s anyone’s word, really. I get and gentrification, the act of imgroup. Modern society, especially in the mad at myself because the term proving an area to conform to middle-class West, has honed in on a narcissistic culture has infiltrated its way into my head, and standards, ties in with a comparison Stefaof individualism. We all want to be I do sometimes think, “oh that’s no makes between creative entrepreneur individual, and we affirm certain so hipster”.’ Ronnie is currently in A common types and hipsters, noting that both are identities. Personally, I think that the process of opening a café, ‘it’s hipster trait open to innovation and collaboration. the real hipsters try to reject going to be a real hipster dive, is the concept that need to present oneself in a but no hipsters are allowed’ he of avoiding specific way. It’s rejecting these jokes, playing up to the paraTwo types of hipster big corporate voices in the media that are telling dox. ‘The conscious awareness you to stand out; it’s about being merchants... Stefano has built himself a solid reputation of calling it hipster would be to so ordinary that you’re deemed for witty and unforgivingly honest social extraordinary.’ commentary through his blogs for Your Gibraltar TV, and is often deemed a hipster himself for being different. As an artsy type Defining a subculture he’s set up an online store for his photography and graphic print t-shirts in an effort How far has the hipster subculture spread to offer his work to the world. It can be to Gibraltar? Ronnie reveals that he does found in the dark corner of the internet know people who ‘have likes and dislikes that is stefanoblanca.com/moreshop. ‘The like the people we call hipsters have but hipster thing is a bit like the arts, some it’s still an underground culture here. people are taking the piss and seeing how Gibraltar is always three or four years far they can push things, and some people behind whatever trends are going on in are serious about their art.’ the UK, for example veganism is only now becoming a big thing here. We’re so small that there isn’t enough people of any one The term first stemmed from the 1940s, group to form a subculture.’ That’s not to the Guardian says, in a feature that say that Gibraltar is entirely void of trend predicts we are near to the end of the subfollowers and micro cliques belonging to culture. The word once defined individuals wider subcultures. Thinking back seven or who rejected social norms. The concept eight years my age group definitely fell into reappeared in pop culture in the 90s to dea number of fads, from goths and emos, to scribe middle class youths with an interest chavs. Either I’ve become out of touch, or in ‘the alternative’. Today, it has morphed such blatant trends just don’t appear to be into a vague term, representing a social around anymore. class that has apparently set a widespread © DM Parody - www.dotcom.gi/photos

68

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

© DM Parody - www.dotcom.gi/photos

© DM Parody - www.dotcom.gi/photos

trends


trends ‘natural way society develops and communities evolve. Yeah, you have the status quo and the norms that everybody follows and then you have people who offshoot and meet people of similar mindsets, and I think that’s all influenced by global politics and local trends and personal tastes. The influences are coming from everywhere.’ Acknowledging the more obvious downsides of subcultures, Stefano suggests that they can lead to ‘impairing interaction with others, in that if you get too stuck in and don’t look outside of your social circle you’ll never really interact with anybody with different ideas and ideals to your own.’

The purpose of subcultures is important in the construction of an identity...

In his book The Sociology of Youth Culture questioning what makes up the culture of a complex society; all of and Youth Subcultures Michael Brake notes its subcultures, or the most domthat the purpose of subcultures is iminant subculture. He also asked portant in the construction of an identity, whether subculture completely which steers clear of the ‘ascribed identity displaces culture, or just offers components in adolescence.’ Subcultural an alternative. ‘Any vagueness theorist Yinger wrote in 1960 that the subover the boundaries of the overall culture concept had been used to focus culture will automatically extend to attention on the wide diversity of social subcultures,’ he adds. norms found in many societies, including those of deviant behavior. He insisted that the concept of subculture has been inadRonnie claims that equately defined, often used to describe subcultures are the behavior that differed from a general standard. ‘The result has been a blurring of the meaning of the term, confusion with The word other terms, and a failure to distinguish between two levels of social causation.’ once defined In 1966, sociologist Downes commentindividuals ed on the blurred line between where who rejected culture ends and subculture begins, social norms.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

In a sense, the hipster concept defines the meaning of ‘subculture’ in that it is difficult to determine and distinguish the attributes attached to it. ‘People shouldn’t be put down for what they’re passionate about, and that’s what I generally find with this whole hipster thing. If someone’s really passionate about dressing in a certain way, people will accuse them of being a hipster,’ Stefano laments. Ultimately, I’m convinced that hipsterism is more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle choice that was never deliberately and consciously “Hipsterism is morphed into a subculture.

a reluctance to be affiliated with or form part of any one specific group.”

69


trends

DRESS LIKE A HIPSTER

Fashion in the world of hipsters is often changing and evolving, but here are some staples that will get you through the festival season... Oversized flannel shirt H&M £7

Cheap Monday Sunglasses Asos £22

Goorin Eric B Straw Fedora Hat Asos £32

Black Brooklyn Bodysuit New Look £12.99

Pure Cotton Tailored Fit Short Sleeve Block Checked Shirt Marks & Spencer £25

Polka Dot Bow Tie eBay £1+ Blue Crochet Hem Ripped Denim Shorts New Look £17.99 Over The Knee Socks Claire’s £5.50 Converse All Star High Top

Braces H&M £7.99

Black Slim Fit Denim Shorts

Trends £36.99

Topman £28

Vans Marble Arch £44.95

70

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


Regain a Flatter Stomach; with an Abdominoplasty Dr. Marco Vricella can enable both men & women to lose that sagging skin and fat around the abdomen Aria clients say: Clothes fit so differently, and I can enjoy wearing so many more styles It sounds a cliché but I do wish I had done it years ago Psychologically I feel like a different woman, so much more confident!

Sometimes referred to as a ‘Tummy Tuck’, an abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens muscles, and improves the profile and shape of the body. Suited to women who have had repeated pregnancies, as well as men and women who have aged or lost a considerable amount of weight, leaving over-hanging skin. Read our latest client case studies online. If you want to find out more, then Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks.

Book your FREE consultation

(+34) 951 276 748 in English

FREE Aftercare Remember, Aria Medical Group also offers free aftercare, with post operative visits in Gibraltar and free revision surgery if necessary.

(+34) 671 639 353 in English

(+34) 662 936 058 en Español When choosing your surgeon check their credentials. They should be registered with the UK General Medical Council (GMC), the Spanish CGM and also on the UK Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons (SRPC).

www.ariamedicalgroup.com



travel words | Andrew Granville

UNBOLIVIABLE! Engulfed in bursts of colours

A

s Poniente and Levante winds We touched down in Santa Cruz de la Sier- Sucre is a much better starting point in getting to grips with Bolivia. Dug into a battle it out over the Rock and ra, Bolivia’s most populated city. Founded leave an uncertain climate this in 1561 as a transport route for supplies to valley surrounded by low mountains, the Spring, one country the Spanish colony, it has become constitutional capital city oozes history. There is a wealth of museums to visit that boasts blazing hard blue Its inner soulful one of South America’s fastest including the Museo de Arte Indigena (for skies is Bolivia. Armed with a growing cities and commercial and dreamy anyone interested in Indigenous groups backpack and a will for advenhub to the country. While it will landscapes are never be one of the main attracture to somewhere less known of the Sucre area) and the Museo de quite simply and talked about, I found that tions of this country with a lack Etnografia y Folklore (which displays the great diversity of Bolivia’s ethnic cultures). this land-locked South American breathtaking... of sightseeing, a night here is still A must trip to La Casa de la Libertad in the country, a ten and-a-half hour worth a go to get over any jet lag direct flight away from Madrid to Santa and to plan where to head off to next. Take Plaza 25 de Mayo gives you an excellent background into the long struggle with its Cruz, may well have the certainty of the in at your leisure the lively streets of busy sunshine, but is full of pleasant surprises. cafés and coffee houses – try a chicha, a Spanish conquistadors in a long and bitter war, resulting in the Bolivian declaration sweet non-alcoholic corn and cinnamon of independence being signed in this very drink to ease yourself in to the culture. Rough and rugged around the edges, its building on 6th August 1825. Inside, Reasonably priced internal inner soulful and dreamy landscapes are flights to La Paz, Cochabamba, portraits of the founder of the quite simply breathtaking while diverse, The tricolore Sucre and Uyuni leave from Republic, Simon Bolivar, (hence the with colours as vibrant as its indigenous flag of Bolivia here, for which instead of a 15 origin to the name) and his closest cultures. While the east of the country hour bus ride in to mountainous is important friend and ally Antonio José de Suborders Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina to its history... cre (after whom the city is named) areas to Sucre, we decided on and is dominated by the Amazon basin, my a 30-minute plane ride looking hang from the walls behind the journey was to go in the opposite direcdown on the rugged peaks and dried-out pulpit, along with the charter of indepention, west and south. river beds as a much better option. dence which takes its place at the base GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

73


travel

of a granite column. Such is its importance, it has been designated a national memorial and considered the birthplace of the nation. This history, along with the immaculate, whitewashed colonial buildings really gives you a feel for the importance of

74

Sucre is a much better starting point in getting to grips with Bolivia.

Sucre

the city – a World Heritage Site since 1991 - to what Bolivia stands for and is not so different to the struggle Gibraltar faced in the siege wars in the face of the Spanish. While red and white paint Gibraltar on National Day, the

A vast open white sprawl of hexagonal, concrete-like salt blocks is quite a stunning sight.

tricolore flag of Bolivia is important to its history with red symbolic of the blood poured in the struggle for independence, yellow symbolising the richness of minerals and green representing the nature, flora and fauna. Piles of Salt in Salar de Uyuni

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


travel

Salar de Uyuni

Salt worker in Colchani

The highlight of my two week trip was streets as tourists get ready to kick off the prehistoric lakes between 25 000 and 40 quite easily the three-day venture by tour of the nearby salt plains. 000 years ago, which when they dried up jeep up and into the Southern left a sprawling salt concentration left from Altiplano and the Andes. Heading It is illegal minerals leaching from the surrounding Heading out in a three-Toyota Land for high ground, this whole trip mountains and deposited at the lowest Cruiser convoy at 3700 metres to sleep had been based around the available point. The Salar is now a centre above sea level, a vast open white anywhere bucket list desire to stand in of salt extraction and processing; with sprawl of hexagonal, concrete-like in the plains the middle of the Salt plains of our guides forever full of information, we salt blocks is quite a stunning sight. themselves... Set against the cloudless sky, to Salar de Uyuni, which pleasingly walked through the salt block buildings of turned out to be just the feature Colchani, a small settlement dedicated to see nothing else around for miles of the holiday I had wished for. The small this trade, watching locals work the salt all is quite an eerie, yet almost liberating isolated town of Uyuni is the tourist base the way up to it being shovelled into small sight, like it is all yours to run wild in. In here, which sits in almost defiance against periods of rain, the film of water across the bags, which serve as a nice little souvenir the plateau, enduring high winds, where for a small token gesture. In recent surface becomes mirror-like shirt sleeves during the day are fine but and surreal as it reflects the Isla Incahuasi years, lithium has been discovered hats, scarves and mountain jackets are beneath the plains, estimated to be clouds and the blue Altiplano is a large quickly donned once the sun goes down. around 50% of the world’s deposits sky. When in the wet season mound of There is a Wild West-like feel to this town which has the potential to power up (generally November to April), rock covered upon arriving, where you feel you should our smartphones for the next 100 it is no wonder it is known as in cactuses be riding in on horseback and heading to years and pave the way for electric car the border between heaven like an oasis... batteries to come. the nearest saloon instead of being in a and earth. It was formed as bus. Still, there is a buzz around the wide a result of transformation of Isla Incahuasi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

75


travel Climbing higher in to the Altiplano and the Andes is no less dramatic; topping 4500 metres above sea level and in to the remote area of Los LĂ­pez, rolling deserts unfold as our 3-Jeep convoy marches on further into the middle of nowhere like ants on a mission, following beaten trails and laying down new ones in the dust and sand. With the thinner air altitude, sickness can threaten, but even the slight dull headache, shortness of breath and the necessity to walk slow is well worth it at every stop. These landscapes alone without the altitude take your breath away, where vivid colour reigns supreme with its oil painting-like, mineral-rich peaks and plateaus contrasting the forever hard blue sky. Bright pink and red Flamingoes feeding at several milky lakes, including the spectacular Laguna Colorada, are the sugar colour icing to this cake. The rusty Sol de MaĂąana burnt appearance of the water which is Climbing Still, a 20-minute hike to the top gives Right in the middle of the less than a metre deep is due to the algae higher in to the you 360-degree views of the Salar you Salar is the Isla Incahuasi, that thrive in the mineral-rich water, while Altiplano and a large mound of rock have to just simply sit, gaze and get lost white deposits of sodium, magnesium and the Andes is no in regardless. Leaving and driving outcovered in cactuses like an borax fringe the shoreline. Another oasis, breaking the expanse less dramatic... wards, we spent the night on fifteen minute scuttle in the jeeps With the the edge of the salt plains (it of white. Once this outpost brought us to the postcard-picture is illegal to sleep anywhere in the thinner air was deemed as a strikingly lonely and spirĂ rbol de Piedra, an isolated rock forplains themselves) in a very basic altitude, itual place, but now with so many agencies mation in the shape of a tree due to but homely and cosy hotel, made sickness can the erosion of the stone from high in Uyuni offering tours, it can get quite out of, yes, you guessed it, salt. hectic at times, especially around midday. winds blowing across the desert. threaten... Flamingoes in Laguna Colorada

76

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


travel

Árbol de Piedra

At the end of the second day, just before beeping horns and microbuses reign sustrewn over their backs, chewing on coca sunset, we reached 5000m above sea level preme. Despite the chaos like many other leaves. Through a small hidden offset from and to the Sol de Mañana. It bustling cities, the steep inclines Calle Linares and amongst the mass of is an area characterised by and daily life are to be taken slowly stalls, you can find the Museo de la Coca, It is an area volcanic activity and smelly and digested with gusto. Stay here a which gives some fascinating insight in characterised sulphuric spring fields. Once night or two to take in the daily life to the leaf’s role in traditional Bolivian by volcanic again, warm attire is donned and its sloping artisan streets full of societies, its use in soft drink and pharmaactivity and as the biting cold is contrasthandmade pure Acapa Llama wool ceutical industries and of course, the more smelly sulphuric products and traditional jewellery. ed by the hot, bubbling and infamous use in the growth of cocaine. steaming cauldron of the mud spring fields. We strolled down to the Iglesia Venturing out, look up to the deep valley pools, with intermittent holes de San Francisco and the plaza of walls that hold the city to see the sprawldotted around letting of the earth’s natural the same name, built in 1548 and ing terracotta mass of adobe gases and often shooting up to 50 metres which reflects a charming mix of houses of El Alto, an area that What kind of high. As the sun soon sinks to its hiding Spanish and Mestizo influences. trip would it be grew and became a melting pot place behind the surrounding mountains, Elderly Indigenous women plod the of campesinos from the surin these parts we stayed at the same height for another streets in their traditional dresses rounding countryside, is almost without seeing a city in its own right. night in a very basic hostel where the temand bowler hats with large brightperature plummets to near freezing. This ly-coloured blanket-cum-rucksacks a Llama! is soon forgotten after dinner prepared by Llama in Laguna Colorada our indigenous hosts as you strip to your swimming costume, step out in to pitchblack surroundings and wallow in the natural hot springs with water a Jacuzzi-esque 40-degrees Celsius to relax under the clear night and sharp stars above you. The morning after, I have never been so happy to be up and walking about at 7:30am in the mountain and volcano surrounded barren nothing of the Salvador Dali Desert. The name rings so true, it really resembles a surreal Dali painting, there is simply nothing more to add. Then coming back down to 4000m, it is back towards our Uyuni base, passing more desert, rock formations and grazing-in-the-green Llamas (what kind of trip would it be in these parts without seeing a Llama!) along the way. An over-night comfy bus ride brought us to the government de facto capital of La Paz, where remoteness is left behind and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

77


travel

La Paz

Another three-hour bus ride to Lago TiticaFor the most adventurous cent years due to overconfidence The steep ca is the next stop, a welcome sight of watravellers, the World’s Dangerknowing that it is now traffic free ter and the world’s highest lake at nearly ous Road is just a 45 minute following an average of over 25 inclines and 4000m above sea level. Shared with Peru, minibus trip away. Organised vehicles a year plunging over the daily life are to with the border slicing through the middle, mountain bike tours are availprecipice – the most notorious be taken slowly it is credited to be the birthplace of The able through many agencies in incident being a bus carrying over and digested Inca civilisation according to legend. To the La Paz to this well documented 100 passengers in 1983 which is with gusto. South-East, the snow-capped Cordillera 56km road from Coroico (it described to you like some kind Real mountains of over 6000 was featured on the BBC’s of morbid tourist atmetres above sea level almost Top Gear program) quite simply known traction. Choose your agency Museo de la as Death Road, it should go a long way to wisely and check the bikes fall in the background to let the Coca gives some satisfying your adrenalin kicks. With 600 you will be using (especially fascinating insight impressive crystal waters shine. It is said that early inhabitants of metre drops and few safety barriers, it the brake pads) along with in to the leaf’s the area believed that the sun goes without saying the caution needed the experience of the guides role in traditional itself rose from the depths. here, around 15 cyclists have died in re– no skimping here!

Bolivian societies...

Iglesia de San Francisco, La Paz

Stopping over in Copacabana, even though not as prestigious as the more famous Brazilian namesake, the small town is nonetheless appealing. Settled between two hills on the lakeside with plenty of hiking routes on offer, it becomes a hot spot for fellow travellers and where many places offer their Menu del dia of fresh trout (cooked in a myriad of ways) and quinoa soup. With a chocolate coated banana for desert at a mere 25 Bolivianos (about £2.50), you quite simply cannot go culinary wrong. Half way down the main drag of restaurants and hostels, we sank a few local Paceña beers in Nemos Bar, a popular late-night haunt of many passing travellers and backpackers. In little more than an hour boat ride across the lake from Copacabana sits Isla del Sol. As the name suggests, it is the legendary birth place of the sun for the Ancient Incas

78

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


travel

Lago Titicaca with Cordillera Real mountains in the background

and there is certainly no lack of back to Yumani, we stay the night, level, take time out in the more cosmorays. A small traditional community It is the where the reward for tired legs is a politan city of Cochabamba and go wine lives on the 70 square metre island legendary room with a romantic lakeside view tasting in the very southern vineyards of with no cars but many donkeys. By birth place and a welcoming, cosy dinner of hot Tupiza. With an excuse to return to devour choosing to dock in the south of and marvel at the rest, it hammers home of the sun soup and more succulent trout to the island in Yumani (you can also ward off the incoming evening the vastness and beauty of this for the The World’s world, and just how ant-like get the boat to Cha’llapampa in wind. Ancient Dangerous the north), an all-day 19km round and humble it makes you feel. Incas... hike of the island gives you asThere was still so much to see Road is just If you are looking for adventure tounding views of the lake and you and do, and my non-stop two a 45 minute and want to feel alive, Bolivia can gaze across to the coast of Peru, with weeks could have easily been doubled minibus trip has certainly got it all to make ruins and an Inca temple to be taking in your pulse surge every minute to delve in to the Amazon jungle, climb away. on the way. As this challenging day winds of the day. volcanoes at over 6000m above sea The North Yungas Road from La Paz to Coroico

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

79


technology

BUSINESS INNOVATION Gibraltar start-up success

I

old, established business, the standard was nnovation is described as either the bit different, pushed it out there using all very good and we were very impressed.’ process of changing something already the tools possible and building a strong established, particularly by introducing brand to promote. It’s important to see new ideas, methods or products, or people taking that risk. Some of us will fail EPG take the title introducing something entirely but within that risk, we’ll all learn a new. The Gibraltar Federation The prize of £2,000 worth of IT and tele“Some of us lot. By entering an award scheme of Small Businesses, with the like this, it helps you physically put communications equipment from Gibtelewill fail but support of Gibtelecom, reached together what you’re doing and com and a year’s worth of advertising in within that out to local start-ups late last conceptualize and write down what the GFSB’s inTouch magazine was won risk, we’ll all you’re trying to achieve.’ The 2015 year in an effort to ‘highlight enby Alex Capurro’s stunningly successful learn a lot.” trepreneurship and wider-based awards were scored by a panel start-up Easy Payment Gateway ‘a one stop innovation in the way local made up of Julian, Gibtelecom Cuspayment solution’ that offers upwards companies do business’. The five shortlisttomer Operations Director Peter of 250 payment solutions online ed Innovation Award entrants stretched Borge and Partner at Deloitte worldwide. ‘We offer the lowest EPG offers across a myriad of industries, from retail, Stephen Reyes, all with their prices and the highest conversion,’ a simplified to hospitality, health and technology, a own unique experiences in the Alex tells me. EPG offers a simpliwelcome response that really expresses world of start-ups and business service using fied service using software that he how diverse our local business community management. ‘It is difficult to software that designed himself during his time is. ‘It’s good to see entrepreneurship in compare companies which are working in IT within the gambling he designed Gibraltar, the entrees were so original and very different from each other, industry, specifically integrating himself... the people behind them have got a real but it was interesting to see payment solutions and building heart for making their businesses succeed,’ how everybody had integrated fraud prevention tools. ‘I saw how competition judge and GFSB representainnovation, offering a new approach to the difficult it was for business to add new tive Julian Byrne expressed. ‘Every entrant way things are done in Gibraltar. Whether solutions and technologies, so I came up has similarly found a concept that was a it’s a start-up or a new way of doing an with this concept that is very easy to use 80

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


technology and offers all these solutions to take care of every single payment. The software offers a service to those not knowledgeable in the IT arena particularly ‘to run day-today operations and third party integrations of their business. This includes the ability to add new customer payment methods and other third party service providers, define and implement rules and workflows to utilise them efficiently, define real-time customer communications and messaging methodologies, and monitor the entire system to ensure that all components are fully optimised.’ Innovation through making life simple In the year since EPG’s com“I’m hoping to mencement, Alex and his team show people have managed to lure in a mass that one guy Alex Capurro presented with his prize by Gibtelecom’s Peter Borge of international interest through with an idea their well-formulated marketing Future of payments can create an strategy. ‘Instead of going to the Before delving into the entrepreneurial international end businesses, we approached EPG has forged a partnership with world, Alex obtained a Computer Science company...” the platforms that businesses Paypal, making it the only company degree from Leicester University and use. For example, when you in Europe that is paid a commission moved on to work in the film industry in open an online shop, you use Shopify, so on the transactions made through their artificial intelligence. ‘I worked on the new we went to them and asked them to intesoftware. EPG has also been linked to Star Wars and a couple of Stallone movies. grate with us and offer their services to the the Government’s e-government pledge, From there, I went into the gambling merchants. By doing that in different secassisting them in taking necessary forms industry because I used to develop games tors, we were able to reach many clients.’ online and the Gibraltar Music Festival, using artificial intelligence, and then, I They remain current in the ever maturing processing all of their credit card paymoved into fraud.’ The industry’s future is industry of fintech by attending conferments, in conjunction with Wirecard. Alex auspicious. ‘There are going to be more ences and exhibitions all over the world, found a niche link in the financial technolalternative solutions, people will be able particularly in the start-up nation of Israel. ogy industry and exploited it, innovation at to pay more with their mobile phones, ‘By partnering with big companies like its finest. ‘By winning, I’m hoping to show electronic wallets and prepaid cards. I don’t Santander, we have access to merchant people in Gibraltar that one guy with an think credit cards are ever going to go, needs and latest trends. Both merchants idea, who is then joined by three friends people still like to use something physical. and platforms keep us up to date with can create an internationContactless is very useful, but also danwhat they need.’ al company that is now gerous in the wrong hands.’ What about “People will worth millions of dollars. crypto currency? I probe, keen to hear be able to pay The judges were wholly impressed by the As EPG, it’s taken us two more with their a professional give their stance on the start-up’s recent investment of £1.5 milyears to get where we industry. ‘I’m not a fan to be honest, it’s lion, which they will use to increase their are, but I’ve been working mobile phones, un-regulated and the banks don’t like team by six or seven members, in customer on this for many years. I electronic it. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but it’s support and business development. Alex failed many times but I wallets and linked to negative connotations.’ says this will also help them establish new believe you have to fail to prepaid cards...” offices in London, Madrid and Tel Aviv. succeed.’ A runners up prize was awarded to Elke Hurtado’s hugely desirable Muscle Bakery Winners Alex and Elke and the judges treats which offer healthy recreations of some of the more popular branded chocolates on offer. She also caters to dietary requirements and takes personalized orders, often offering up new, healthy and delicious recipes to those who like to maintain a healthy lifestyle. £1000 in technology and telecommunications equipment was further donated by Gibtelecom for the first time in the history of the Business Innovation Awards. ‘The Muscle Bakery is a very different business but it was a big bold step for Elke’s to leave her secure job to move into the big world of business start-ups. It’s a very good idea; different and with very good marketing and online presence, achieving innovation and success and building up a brand.’ GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

81


wine words | Andrew Licudi

THE GREEN FAIRY STRIKES Absinthe adventures

O

Absinthe all sensations are perceived by all n the 28th August 1905, at In 1865 Phylloxera had arrived from the senses at once” wrote a French doctor in their home in the Swiss village Americas. This minute, lice like creature of Commugny, Jean Lanfray, attacked the roots European vines gradthe late nineteenth century. It was inevitafinding out that his boots hadn’t ually killing them and eventually bringing ble that Absinthe became highly associated with poets, bohemians and artists who been cleaned, pointed his the European wine industry to its believed that that the louche process of Vetterli rifle at his pregnant knees. The ensuing wine shortA wormwood adding water to alcohol released essential wife’s head, pulled the trigger ages soon had everyone looking infused and shot her in the head killing alcoholic drink for affordable alternatives and oils in the wormwood creating a strange her instantly. On hearing the before long, Absinthe or la fee verte alertness in the mind and unlocking hidden was meant to creative powers. commotion, his four-year-old became France’s most fashioncure all manner able drink, eventually spreading daughter Rose run into the of ailments room screaming whereupthroughout Europe. Celebrity absinthe drinkers included from flatulence on Lanfrey shot her too. He post-impressionist painters Vincent Van to malaria. then went into the bedroom Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Gaugin Absinthe had been invented by and shot his two-year-old though perhaps the most famous associPierre Ordinaire, a doctor who was daughter who was in her cot. Lanfrey then ation between artist and Absinthe the first to make a wormwood shot himself intending to end his own life falls to the impressionist painter (Artemisia Absinthium) infused “After drinking but because of the length of the rifle he Degas. Edgar Degas was one of the alcoholic drink which was Absinthe all missed and shot himself in the jaw. He meant to cure all manner of founders of the Impressionist movesensations are staggered into the garden where the Swiss ment and was known for his difficult ailments from flatulence to perceived by all character. He also liked to portray police found him unconscious. malaria. Absinthe is a highly senses at once.” Parisian society with all its flaws alcoholic drink but it was and this also made him unpopular. Thus started what is probably the most wormwood, or its active His painting titled The Absinthe Drinker was eventful day in the history of drinking and ingredient Thujone, which was attributed to its mind bending powers. “After drinking universally criticised as it was felt that this marked the end of a multi dollar industry.

82

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


wine day after the trial ended. A petition for the banning of Absinthe was signed by 28000 Swiss citizens culminating in the banning of la fee verte throughout Europe.

The Absinthe Drinker was universally criticised...

The EU re-allowed the use of wormwood in alcoholic drinks in 1988. Absinthe is no longer illegal with Germany being the last country to legalise its consumption in 1998. It is now considered that as long as the active ingredient Thujone is kept within certain limits, Absinthe can be considered largely ineffective. There are many that disagree and believe that science does not fully understand the effects of Absinthe and its mind shifting abilities. Many believe that Absinthe is a powerful aphrodisiac. Recently, Paula Manners, a holistic practitioner, caused controversy when she stated “Imagine living your life in black and white, in a world where you don’t even have The drinking any concept of coof Absinthe lour. You just don’t was linked to a know what colour darker side of is, all you know is Parisian life... shades of grey. Then, imagine your whole world suddently brighthened up with greens and reds and yellows and blues -- how would that feel? This is what absinthe does to your senses, all five of them. Now imagine how this translates into the bedroom.”

Wines to try at least once in your life

was not a suitable subject for fine art and that it was the portrait of two degenerate people who should not be in public view. At this time, the drinking of Absinthe was linked to a darker side of Parisian life and was blamed for prostitution, the forming of controversial trade unions and the general disintegration of the bourgeois lifestyle enjoyed by many Parisians. It also affected sales of Degas work in England as The Absinthe Drinker was seen as a bad influence on the young. It would appear that there was widespread unease with Absinthe drinking and the Lanfray murders brought the matter to a head. Lanfray was shown to have been drinking Absinthe on the day of the murder in addition to large quantities of wine and brandy. He was eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison but hanged himself the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

Palacio de Bornos Verdejo - Rueda Spain Rueda is a white wine region around the village of Rueda. Verdejo is the grape variety synonymous with this village though Sauvignon Blanc is now also widely grown. This wine offers outstanding value whether their barrel fermented or tank fermented version, it is clearly a wine made with attention to detail such as picking the grapes at night to prevent heat oxidation. The wine is lemon to pale gold in colour with pear, green apple and cut grass notes. I recall Richard Sanz, son of the owner, coming to Gibraltar for a tasting only to find he had not realized a passport was required! Richard is one of life’s happy-

go-lucky persons with more than his fair share of charisma. I recall tasting young, purple coloured wine from the barrel with him in the Toro region and him commenting that this, the first wine to be released by this new bodega, would be called Orot. I explained to him that it was probably not an ideal name but the labels had already been printed. The Rueda bodega was suddenly sold by his father and since then, Richard has had to make his own way in life. I hope to meet him one of these days and perhaps he will tell me how he manged to come into Gib sans passport. I never asked him at the time but perhaps he had brought it along after all! 83


recipes Recipe by Sweet Enough Cub www.sweetenoughcub.com

INGREDIENTS 2 medium-sized, sweet potatoes

SWEET POTATO

4 tbsp pure cashew nut butter 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Baked with Peppered Cashew Butter, Sautéed Spring Salad with a Three Mustard Dressing

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper Pinch of smoked (or regular) sea salt 2 small courgettes (or 1 large one) 2 cups frozen peas handful fresh mint For the dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp raw cider vinegar 1 tbsp thick balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp dijon mustard 1 tbsp grainy mustard 1 tbsp horseradish mustard 1 tbsp agave nectar or raw honey 1 clove raw garlic Salt and pepper 84

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 220⁰C (fan), place sweet potatoes on a baking tray or in a dish and bake for 40 minutes or until super soft inside and with crispy skins. In a bowl, combine the cashew nut butter with teaspoon of freshly ground pepper and pinch of salt. Stir until fully combined. Whilst the sweet potatoes are baking, make the sautéed Spring salad. Dice the courgette and boil the frozen peas for two minutes, drain water away and in a frying pan, sauté the courgettes in a teaspoon of olive oil for 3 or 4 minutes then add the peas, sauté for a further two minutes. Then remove from heat.

Now, make the dressing. Peel and halve the garlic. All you need to do now in combine all the ingredients and shake vigorously in a container with a lid that seals well. In a dry frying pan, on a high heat, toast your pumpkin seeds for a minute or two, until they start to turn slightly golden brown at the edges. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, cut in half, add two tablespoons of the peppered cashew butter to the centre of each sweet potato, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and add a little more pepper and salt to taste. To the side of the potatoes, add the sautéed courgette and peas and drizzle dressing over the salad. Finish by scattering torn mint over the dish. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


recipes Recipe by Sweet Enough Cub www.sweetenoughcub.com

CHUNKY CHOC CARAMEL BARK There are three layers to this delicious and decadent bark. It’s easy to make, no cooking, no baking, just mixing and layering! Chocolate base:

Caramel layer:

Chocolate topping:

2 tbs cashew butter

2 tbs cashew nut butter

2-3 tbs coconut oil

1 tbs rolled oats

3 tbs agave nectar

1 tbs (or slightly less) cacao

¼ cup cacao

1-2 tbs unsweetened almond milk

½ - 1 tsp agave nectar

1 tbs cacao nibs (or 2 for a crunchier base)

Vanilla Pod - just scrap a ¼ tsp (or slightly less) - or use ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tbs coconut oil - melted ¼ cup agave nectar Combine all in a bowl and beat, it should be a thick consistency that is spreadable. Line a tin or tray with baking paper and spread mixture until it’s roughly a centimetre or more thick. Refrigerate whilst you prepare the caramel layer. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

Pink Himalayan salt - a pinch or two Whisk the nectar and cashew butter together until it’s super smooth, gradually add the almond milk and slightly translucent, sticky and thick caramel-like. Now pour / spread this over the base layer.

This should be a runny bitter chocolate. Pour over the caramel. Sprinkle cacao nibs for decoration and extra crunch! Refrigerate or freeze for an hour or so then, it’s ready to eat. It’s very rich so cut tiny squares off the bark and enjoy when you need a chocolate fix. Keep in the freezer and slice up as you go! 85


appetite

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

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

Casa Pepe

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

The Lounge Stylish Lounge Gastro Bar on Queensway Quay Marina serving best quality food prepared by passionate, qualified chefs. Popular quiz on Sundays from 7pm and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. A separate Lounge Bar Area serving a wide range of hot drinks, wines, beers, spirits and cocktails at reasonable prices, with large TV’s for sports and events coverage. Open: 10am-late Mon - Sun Be sure to arrive early to ensure a seat! The Lounge 17 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 info@thelounge.gi

Nunos Italian

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

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

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

Sacarello Coffee Co

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

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

Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

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

86

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 MAY 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 MAY 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

87


C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

K

CMY

09:27

5

6

7

Queensway Quay

18/12/2015

3 4

ZONE: QUEENSWAY QUAY Queensway Road

1

2

QUEENSWAY QUAY MARINA

7 Casa Pepe 18 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

APARTMENTS

1

Raj’s Curry House 1 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar 4/5 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

Ipanema 14 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

Le Bateau 14 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

The Landings Restaurant 15 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

(Lunch & Dinner)

The Lounge Bar

Comorant Wharf

map-qq-details2.pdf

1

2

3

4

5

6

17a Ragged Staff Wharf

The Lounge Gastro Bar 17b Ragged Staff Wharf

Telephone: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com

GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINEJANUARY MARCH 2016 GIBRALTAR

2

(Breakfast, Lunch & Snack) Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Telephone: 200 61118 Email: info@thelounge.gi

THE SAILS APARTMENTS


ole R oad

OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA

SUNBORN

ZONE: OCEAN VILLAGE

Nort hM

MARINA BAY

is

Gl ac

ad

Ro

3

W at

E AT W RP OR

er po rt

AR

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2016

DS

Ro ad

IN AD TR

ad

de ysi Ba Ro all

te

Ro ad To feature your restaurant here, call 20077748

d

LL

AG E VI N EA OC

EW W e Lin

Ro

ad cis Gla oa lR rra Co

ta Es g eg ll B ry Va

TG DE NS


services FROST LANGUAGE CENTRE (registered in Gibraltar)

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

Gibraltar Taxi Association

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

GUIDED ROCK TOURS

19 Waterport Wharf Main Office Tel: 20070052 Fax: 20076986 Radio service: 20070027

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp

186 Main Street, PO Box 453, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 61053 Fax: + 350 200 60953 www.corinthian.gi

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop 46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653 Computer / network giving you a headache? Call us for a swift, reliable cure. 17 Convent Place Tel: 200 4-999-1 Fax: 200 4-999-2 www.pc-clinic-gib.com Email: info@pc-clinic-gib.com

Tel: 200 73786

• Support Contracts • Network Installation & Troubleshooting • Web Design • PC Repairs, Upgrades & Construction • PC Maintenance

33 Main Street Gibraltar

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

6 Pitman’s Alley Tel: 200 76544 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi

7 days a week 5pm-9pm

tel: 200 700 47

Need somebody to talk to? 90

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


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

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC in the ICC building, now offers latest, state-of-the-art technology

LASER LIPO

that will help you lose inches & TONE UP! Laser Lipo has shown to be much more effective than many other resculpting programs and is guaranteed to achieve results fast. Combined with a healthy eating and exercise program, it kick starts weight loss so you can achieve the shape you desire, shift fat from stubborn areas and see a difference from the very first session. It was recently featured in OK! Magazine and is now the favoured treatment for many celebrities, including Lizzie Cundy and Amy Childs. It is non-invasive, gentle and painless.

Special Offer!

1 HOUR Laser Lipo Session for just ÂŁ49 Offer valid until 20th May 2016

The Chiropractic Health Clinic, 1st Floor ICC, tel: 200 44610

HEARING PROBLEMS? Alan Stone RHAD, FAAA British Qualified Audiologist consults at the Specialist Medical Clinic each month. Services offered include: Free computerized hearing test and consultation No obligation to purchase Full range of the latest digital hearing aids Money back gurantee if not satisfied Repairs to all makes of hearing aid Batteries, accessories and swim plugs at keen prices

Next visit will be:

Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th May ase Ple ne the pho book e l te ic to ent clin ointm app

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

9am - 7pm Specialist Medical Clinic Unit F7 First Floor ICC, Gibraltar

Tel: 200 49999

91


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: weekly at Danza Academy. Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced. 68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111. Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593. DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901. Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion. Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125. Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm. Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to 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

92

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. Muay Thai and Muay Boran Club: Tues & Thur at Boyd’s Kings Bastion Leisure Centre at 6:30pm, Tel: John – 54024707 FB: Gibraltar Muay Thai Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association. New members welcome. Tel: 54002652. Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs 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 MAY 2016


Risk: It’s a gamble Look before you leap Risk is inherent to business - without it there’d be no reward. But dealing with it effectively means taking action to make your business risk-resilient. Which, to us, means building strength and value into your business so that when the unexpected does happen, and at some time it surely will, you’ll be better prepared to weather the storm and come out fighting. For more information, call Stephen Reyes or Joseph Caruana on: Tel: +350 200 41200, Fax: +350 200 41201, info@deloitte.gi www.deloitte.gi Merchant House, 22/24 John Mackintosh Square, P.O. Box 758, Gibraltar © 2016 Deloitte Limited. A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

Savills. Flying the flag for our clients’ properties all over the world.

Have you thought about a loan with the Gibraltar International Bank? Have you recently purchased a new property but your budget will not stretch far enough to furnish it? Let us help you make your dream home a reality If interested please phone us on 200 13900

traditional banking with a modern feel gibintbank

@gibintbank

www.gibintbank.gi | +350 (200) 13900 | Gibraltar International Bank Ltd, PO Box 1375, Ince’s House, 310 Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA

With over 600 offices and associates globally, we are perfectly placed to find you the perfect buyer.

Sammy Armstrong Savills Gibraltar Suite 1B, 1/5 Icom House, Irish Town GX11 1AA sarmstrong@savills.gi + 350 200 66633

savills.gi

Gibraltar International Bank Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Company Registration Number 109679

gibintbank

@gibintbank

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

93


information

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

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

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

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

94

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

Support Groups 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 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 MAY 2016

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

Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193


Masbro Motorboat & Yacht Insurance Masbro Marine Insurance provides competitive & comprehensive cover for your Motorboat or Yacht. Designed to cover marine pleasure craft operating from Gibraltar, our policy is wide ranging.

We cover: • Hull & Machinery • Accidents • Fire & Theft • Removal of wreck • Grounding

INSURANCE

So for a comprehensive free quote on your existing or new Motorboat or Yacht,

Call on 200 76434 x226 email info@masbro.gi or call into our shops at 143 & 241 Main Street

For All Your Insurance Needs Masbro Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission FSC00026B.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

95


parenting

PINK OR BLUE What’s it to you?

G

ender-neutral parenting seems to be a hot topic in the parenting world these days, but is it just another parenting fad or is there substance behind this trend?

gender-neutral parenting simply means allowing one’s child to dress as they wish (whether that’s in a tutu or a Batman costume), encouraging play with “boys” and “girls” toys, and decorating play Gender-neutral areas without obvious gender bias.

We take pride in how we present our beautiful babes, and why wouldn’t we? While previously I would have put all of these decisions down to a matter of personal taste, the trend to put dinosaurs on girls dresses and to put boys in a larger variety of primary colours other than blue got me questioning - just how big an impact do these choices have on our children as they grow up and develop their own identity?

When I became a mum almost parenting in two years ago, I was confront- it’s complete In Sweden, the trend of gened with parenting lingo that der-neutral parenting is so strong, form is raising I was previously unaware of. a child without that one large children’s clothing I had naively imagined that company has done away with the a gender. you had a child, loved it, cared boys’ and girls’ section and become for it, protected it, provided a gender-neutral outlet. Even the for it, and that was that. But no, there is a Swedish language has adapted. In 2015, When I had my daughter in 2014, I bucked vast array of titles for different parenting hen was introduced to the country’s vocab- the trend of finding out the sex. However, styles, “Attachment Parenting”, “Positive ulary, a gender-neutral personal this time round, temptation got the Parenting”, “Authoritive Parenting” and the pronoun, allowing for people better of me, as well as the desire to Even the list goes on. My immediate reaction was to to identify themselves without be prepared, and we found out that Swedish shun being bracketed as I think it’s unnecrevealing their gender. we are expecting a boy. language essary, however, I do think there is value in has adapted. With my first pregnancy I was learning about each of these methods. Here, in Gibraltar, we love our tradition, many baby girl prams perfectly happy to have a stash of Gender-neutral parenting in it’s comare adorned with pink frills and pretty gender-neutral products so that we could plete form is raising a child without a trinkets, while baby boys are often pushed be prepared for either a baby boy or a girl. gender. However, in its lesser practice, around in dark or pastel blue pushchairs. When we discovered that indeed she was 96

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


parenting a girl, I didn’t go crazy buying pastel pink as I have to confess, I am not its biggest fan. I am not a girly girl, so while I still enjoy dressing my daughter in pretty dresses, I was quite happy to push her around in a green buggy and avoid piercing her ears. Now, I am expecting a boy, I have found myself drawn to everything that is either nautical, dinosaur, or train related - and yes, most of these are blue! While I know my newborn will be oblivious as to what I dress him in, am I conveying a message to my daughter in the choices “Genderthat I make for my son that I haven’t neutral revolts made for her? More importantly, is against narrowthat message a damaging one?

minded sexism wheeling around with his toys If a mum wants to deck their newborn I’m no specialist, so I consulted local and gender in it. People found it funny, I head to toe in pink or blue, Mum has stereotypes.” Chartered Educational and Child just told them I was teaching earned that right after nine months of Psychologist Freddie Trinidad who him to be a good daddy.” physical endurance. However, as that child has some incredibly interesting thoughts grows, I think it is good to follow their flow on the matter. “Gender-neutral is not a Talking on the subject of raising young girls and not stigmatise their choices. If my fad. It is a frame of mind. It revolts against son starts walking around with one of my rather than toddlers, Jade Diaz had this to narrow-minded sexism and gender stereodaughters dolls, I will not take it off him. say: “I do think that girls are taught from a types. It teaches our children to be more young age that skirts and frills and pink are Likewise, if my daughter only wants to play discriminating and to express themselves with cars or dinosaurs, she is given the sexy and that is what they should strive through their way of dress and, indeed, opportunity to. They will both ultimately for. It’s in the media, it’s everywhere. More through their choice of play. Gendermake their own choices, and like other so, it is in young girls’ clothing lines. I look neutral can also be an extreme fashion children, inevitably, they will be lead by back to how I dressed as a 12 year-old statement for parents who can lose sight example. Acceptance is what is paramount compared to girls now and it is depressing of the children’s rights to express themto me. to see that they are completely sexed up. selves and to enforce a “trendy” and totally Saying that, if a young girl genua-sexual way of looking at things.” He went inely likes frills and skirts and the So, with everything considered, “Selfon to say: “the real world may be placing colour pink, there is nothing wrong expression is what are my final thoughts on too much emphasis on gender stereotypes, with that either. It’s the perception gender-neutral parenting? Well, I a reflection but to deny gender is tantamount to denyam inclined to agree with Freddie: around these concepts that needs of personal ing a core element of the self.” “Self-expression is a reflection of to be changed dramatically.” autonomy...” personal autonomy, so it is the As I am limited in my experience as a SELF dimension that has to be On the broader issue of gender, parent, I was intrigued to know what other protected and developed, and not used as Emma Peach shared: “When the discuslocal mums thought, and how they choose an ideological tool.” While I don’t believe in sions arise about marriage or couples as to bring up their children. gender-neutral parenting as a statement, they do, I never specify husband and wife. I do believe in freedom of expression for I generalise, some girls have girlfriends and my children. Negative gender stereotyping Local mum of two, Sophie Callinghamwives and some boys have boyfriends or isn’t created by children, but by adults. Pask, had this to say on the matter, “We husbands and that’s ok. Normalise what We, as parents, have a responsibility to are not raising our kids either ‘gender-neushould already be accepted so they don’t raise the next generation to be accepting, tral’ or gender-specific. We are trying to grow up with blinkers on. I hope none of open-minded and tolerant. I don’t believe raise our kids without making unnecessary my kids ever have to feel like they need that means we need to shun gender, issues. Surely, it’s just common sense to to hide who they are, whether that’s their instead, we need to change our perception allow a child to express themselves how personality, sexuality or any part of their of it. This starts with us and the society we they choose? If that’s gender-neutral, then identity. So long as they are happy and not create, not with our children. so be it. Although, I think going out of your hurting anyone, all will be well and I will way to make a point of raising your child as defend their right to be who they are, no ‘gender-neutral’ is wrong. That is making a matter who around us may disagree.” social statement at your child’s expense and not allowing them “To deny gender My personal experience? While freedom of choice.” it’s still early days for me, I am is tantamount of the opinion that, to a large to denying a On the matter of choice, Leanne extent, children make a lot of Polly core element of these decisions for themselves Delaney had this to say about Lavarello the self.” her son: “Connor sometimes once they approach two years is Editor asks for pink stuff and I just let old. I think prior to this, they are of Mum him get on with it. I don’t try to influence pretty oblivious to the colour or the style on the Rock his choices at all. That said, he is a boy’s of the clothing they are wearing, and soon Email: polly@mumontherock.com boy and loves his trucks, cars etc, but I also enough, they will be telling you just what Web: www.mumontherock.com bought him a buggy which he used to love they want! GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016

97


Coffee Time 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

5

9 8 9 3 5

4 5 3 8 7 8

2 7 1

1

11) Old name for bingo (5) 10

2 1

11

13) Familiar but not real monickers (9) 15) What, initially, Cockneys do! (4,5)

12 13

18) Arrive at (5)

14

21) Relating to the stars (7) 22) Died (7)

15

16

23) Aerial (7)

17 18

19

20

21

3

4

8) Miler, marathon runner etc. (7) 10) Lift a siege perhaps (7)

9

5

1) & 24) Victorian author (7,7) 9) Unknown person or object in French (7)

8

4

Across

7

6

Down

1) Cool down; relax (5)

22

2) English race course (5)

23

3) A hit of the Clash (6,7) 24

Notes

24) see 1ac

4) Type of platemail in Knights & Dragons (6) 5) Charitable (13)

First Prize

6) Save; repay (6) 7) Niche (6)

Lunch for 2 at

12) Unique object; single pound note (4) 14) Boy’s name (4) 15) Alarm (6) 16) Mafia vow of silence (6)

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

Last months winner:

J.Chincotta Alameda House

17) Yarn (6) 19) Correspond (5) 20) Underworld in Greek mythology (5)

Flight & Cruise Schedule - May 2016 Day Flight

until 12th

22nd time change to 15:45-16:15 29th time change to 15:00-15:30

98

Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

ZB7240 EZY8901 BA492 BA490 ZB446 ZB064 ZB574 EZY8905 EZY8901 BA492 BA490 EZY6299 ZB064 EZY8901 BA490 ZB064 ZB446 ZB574 EZY8905 EZY8901 ZB7240 BA492 BA490 AT990 EZY6299 EZY8901 ZB062 BA490 ZB446 ZB574 ZB7244 EZY8905 EZY8901 BA492 BA490 EZY8901 EZY6299 BA492 EZY8905 BA490 AT990

Airline

From

Monarch Gatwick easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow British Airways Heathrow Monarch Birmingham Monarch Luton Monarch Manchester easyJet Gatwick easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow British Airways Heathrow easyJet Bristol Monarch Luton easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow Monarch Luton Monarch Birmingham Monarch Manchester easyJet Gatwick easyJet Gatwick Monarch Gatwick British Airways Heathrow British Airways Heathrow Royal Air Moroc Tangiers easyJet Bristol easyJet Gatwick Monarch Luton British Airways Heathrow Monarch Birmingham Monarch Manchester Monarch Gatwick easyJet Gatwick easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow British Airways Heathrow easyJet Gatwick easyJet Bristol British Airways Heathrow easyJet Gatwick British Airways Heathrow Royal Air Moroc Tangiers

Arrives Flight 10:15 10:55 11:05 16:15 19:10 19:10 20:10 20:35 10:55 11:15 16:15 17:20 19:10 10:55 16:15 19:10 19:10 20:10 20:35 10:55 10:55 11:15 16:15 18:45 21:25 10:55 11:30 16:15 19:10 20:10 20:30 20:35 11:40 15:05 16:15 10:55 11:05 11:15 16:10 16:15 18:45

ZB7241 EZY8902 BA493 BA491 ZB447 ZB065 ZB575 EZY8906 EZY8902 BA493 BA491 EZY6300 ZB065 EZY8902 BA491 ZB065 ZB447 ZB575 EZY8906 EZY8902 ZB7241 BA493 BA491 AT991 EZY6300 EZY8902 ZB063 BA491 ZB447 ZB575 ZB7245 EZY8906 EZY8902 BA493 BA491 EZY8902 EZY6300 BA493 EZY8906 BA491 AT991

Departs

11:00 11:25 12:05 17:00 20:00 19:55 20:55 21:05 11:25 13:05 17:00 17:50 19:55 11:25 17:00 19:55 20:00 20:55 21:05 11:25 11:40 12:05 17:00 19:35 21:55 11:25 12:20 17:00 20:00 20:55 21:15 21:05 12:10 15:55 17:00 11:25 11:35 12:05 16:40 17:00 19:35

To

DOA Vessel

ETA ETD Pass

Gatwick Sun 01 Rotterdam 08:00 Gatwick Mon 02 Mein Schiff 3 13:00 Heathrow Mon 02 Koningsdam 13:00 Heathrow Tue 03 Royal Princess 07:00 Birmingham Tue 03 Thomson Majesty 08:00 Luton Wed 04 Thomson Dream 09:00 Manchester Thu 05 Ocean Endeavour 07:00 Gatwick Sat 07 Ocean Majesty 09:00 Gatwick Sat 07 Brilliance of the Seas 12:00 Heathrow Sun 08 Ovation of the Seas 08:00 Heathrow Mon 09 Royal Princess 09:00 Bristol Tue 10 Jewel of the Sea 07:00 Luton Tue 10 Seadream 1 08:00 Gatwick Tue 10 Aurora 08:00 Heathrow Wed 11 Star Breeze 12:00 Luton Thu 12 Koningsdam 10:00 Birmingham Sat 14 Thomson Spirit 09:00 Manchester Sun 15 Ventura 08:00 Gatwick Sun 15 Horizon 14:00 Gatwick Tue 17 Arcadia 08:00 Gatwick Tue 17 Independence of the Seas 10:00 Heathrow Fri 20 Crystal Symphony 08:00 Heathrow Fri 20 Costa Magica 12:00 Tangiers Wed 25 Emerald Princess 09:00 Bristol Wed 25 Black Watch 10:00 Gatwick Thu 26 Oriana 07:30 Luton Fri 27 Seven Seas Voyager 08:00 Heathrow Fri 27 Oosterdam 08:00 Birmingham Sat 28 Queen Elizabeth 08:00 Manchester Sat 28 Thomson Spirit 09:00 Gatwick Mon 30 Thomson Spirit 08:00 Gatwick Mon 30 Royal Princess 09:00 Gatwick Heathrow Heathrow Gatwick Flight Airline From Arrives ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:10 Bristol ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:10 Heathrow ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 20:30 Gatwick ZB7244 Monarch Gatwick 20:45 Heathrow Tangiers

14:00 19:00 23:00 18:00 23:00 17:00 13:00 16:00 17:00 17:00 18:00 16:30 23:00 13:00 20:00 18:00 22:00 13:00 20:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 18:00 16:00 18:00 13:30 23:59 23:00 13:00 22:00 17:00 18:00

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

Capacity 1,316 2,500 2,650 3,600 1,462 1,494 380 530 2,500 4,180 3,600 2,112 110 1,975 208 2,650 1,214 3,100 1,400 1,968 3,600 960 2,720 1,600 798 1,975 714 1,848 2,092 1,214 1,214 3,600

www.gibraltarport.com

Flight ZB575 ZB065 ZB447 ZB7245

Departs

19:55 20:00 21:15 21:40

To

Manchester Luton Birmingham Gatwick

www.gibraltarairport.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2016


u-mee_300_GibraltarMagazine.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

1

05/02/2016

10:10 AM

300 FREE speed boost to 300Mbps with u-mee family

CMY

K

Introduce a friend to us and when they sign up to u-mee home, we'll boost YOUR bandwidth to 300Mbps and THEIRS to 200Mbps u-mee family delivers Gibraltar’s FASTEST residential internet speed ... and it’s completely FREE to u-mee home customers

Fibre broadband + TV + talk (fixed-line telephone) u-mee.com

u-mee home - 50Mbps now 100Mbps + over 180 channels of next-generation TV + talk: £39/month (free installation + 3 months FREE) Subject to availability | Terms & conditions apply | Visit our website for details


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

RESHAPE

A N E W B E N C H M A R K I N P H Y S I C A L A N D M E N TA L E V O L U T I O N T H R O U G H E X E R T I O N . S E S S I O N S W I L L C O N S I S T O F H I G H I N T E N S I T Y I N T E R VA L T R A I N I N G , C A R D I O F I T N E S S , R E S I S TA N C E A N D F L O O R W O R K .

R U M B L E

S E S S I O N S D E S I G N E D T O B U R N A N D H I I T H A R D. N O H O L D S B A R R E D C A R D I O B O X I N G AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR BAG.

A L L W I T H M U S I C P L AY L I S T S T O M A X I M I S E Y O U R E X P E R I E N C E A N D H E L P Y O U S M A S H E V E R Y W O R KO U T.

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E T O D AY T O C L A I M Y O U R F O R H A L F P R I C E S E S S I O N

W W W.R E S H A P E-R U M B L E .G I F O R R E C R U I T M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S P L E A S E C O N TA C T N I K @ R E S H A P E-R U M B L E .G I

 FACEBOOK.COM/RESHAPERUMBLE  TWITTER.COM/RESHAPERUMBLE  INSTAGRAM.COM/RESHAPE_RUMBLE


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.