December 2016 Vol. 22 # 02 FREE
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2015
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Gibraltar’s Gastronomic Award Winning Italian Restaurant Winner of the 2 Rosette AA Culinary Award since 2006
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JYSKE BANK (GIBRALTAR) LTD. • 76, Main Street • P.O. Box 143 • Gibraltar Tel. +350 606 33322 • Fax +350 200 76782 • info@jyskebank.gi • www.jyskebank.gi Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE 2016 to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US. Services and productsDECEMBER are not available
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editor’s note
DECEMBER ISSUE C
hristmas again. Time has flown by and we are faced with Christmas decorations, Christmas rush to buy, rush to cook, rush to finalise everything before the festivities begin… There is an increasing pressure on us to make everything bigger, brighter, better… Polly tells us not to give in and reminds us of a simpler time when family, not the presents, was the focus (p. 96). While family is what Christmas is really about, family reunions might stir up some hidden emotions as Elaine, our in-house relational psychotherapist, explains. She tells us about the impact early relationships can have on our development as an adult on page 80. For most of us, Christmas is the most enchanting time of the year, and for those in retail, it is also the most important as December brings more profit than any other month of the year (p. 33). A Christmas tree, the central decoration of them all, needs to be procured and since we don’t
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have enough land to grow them here, we bring them over from northern Europe (p. 38). Once decorated, alluringly smelling Christmas trees make the magic happen… Speaking of magic, Gibraltar’s first international magic festival comes to fruition this month so we let the rabbit out of the hat on how illusionists can make you believe anything (p. 61). In Business, Marcus advises not to believe what you’re told but what they write about you. He introduces 360° performance reviews as his employees anonymously turn the tables on him and assess his work conduct over the past year (p. 28). Eran and Ayelet analyse the business of giving, comparing how much each country donates to charity through registered entities (p. 24). Ian brings back Mrs. Rock who, in turn, brings another happy oldster to live on the Rock (p. 21).
in the Rock (p. 15)... Congratulations to Wendy Franklin who wins £50 voucher from the new Trends store for her take on Magic of Christmas in Gibraltar. Should come handy for the Christmas shopping… We also ask the community what makes Christmas magical for them during what is a highlight of the year for children, family and friends as we all come together to create a wonderful Christmas spirit (p. 18).
Anna
Through our literary competition, on the other hand, you can find out who lives GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Wishing you a white Christmas and plenty days of skiing in 2017!
El Lodge Ski & Spa C/ Maribel, 8 - 18196, Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain T (+34) 958 480 600 ellodge.com / reservas@ellodge.com
contents 8 NEWS 16 Around town 18 Hello there: Christmas magic
BUSINESS 21 24 26 28 30
Mrs Rock’s New Beau - In for a Happy Christmas Business of Giving - Worldwide donation ranking Thriving Work Culture - Magic of HR 360s & All That - End of year performance review Gib Day in London - A post Brexit polished concept
LIFE 33 36 38 40 43 46 48
Christmas in Retail - All aboard the gravy train December Sales - Time to sell, sell, sell! Tree Hunting - The journey from forest to home Hanukkah for Kids - Celebrating the Festival of Lights Dr Sam Benady - Literary endeavour Sheltered student 2 - Making friends Marine Nuisances - Plastics in the marine environment
SCENE 22#02 December 2016 Contributing writers: Ian Le Breton, Eran Shay, Ayelet Mamo Shay, Leah Carnegie, Marcus Killick, Nicole Macedo, Richard Cartwright, Mike Brufal, Lewis Stagnetto, Elena Scialtiel, Julia Coelho, Elaine Caetano, 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
52 By Hook or by Book - Paysage to India 56 What the Funk?! - MalFUNKtion 61 Rock Illusion - Gibraltar’s first Int’l Magic Festival
LEISURE 64 68 75 80 82 84
Magic of Individuality - Be true to your personal style Genial Galapagos - Discovery waiting to happen Lincoln Red Imps - From part-timers to CL legends Family of my Origin - Impact of early relationships Paired Wines - and some Christmas Port Recipes: Ginger Latte & Mince Pies
Magazine & website archived by the British Library
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We’d love to hear from you. Sometimes we get a bit lonely in our office, and we like to get letters, phone calls and emails with your feedback and photos. We might even publish the best so keep them coming. This is your magazine so get involved.
86 Guides and Information 96 Mum on the Rock - How not to organise Christmas 98 Coffee Time and Schedules
Editor: Anna Kolesnik anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Journalism, Sales & Marketing: Mark Viales mark@thegibraltarmagazine.com Distribution: Jordan Brett jordan@thegibraltarmagazine.com Accounts: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com
Email: anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Tel: 200 77748 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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news
‘GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK’ INITIATIVE SEES LOCAL SHOPS DONATE
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n the lead up to December, Kusuma Trust and The PJI Foundation have been busy working on an exciting new charitable giving initiative which will see popular local retailers making sizeable donations to Gibraltar charities in the form of vouchers and stock goods. The ‘Gifts that Give Back’ initiative aims to offer local shoppers hassle-free ways of giving back to the community this season as they go about their Christmas gift shopping by encouraging them to visit participating stores over the month of December with the incentive being that, in return for their purchases, each retailer will make a charitable contribution to a local non-profit organisation. Genevieve Bossino-Soussi, Isabella Linares, Lois Soiza and Angela Almeida have been working to establish the scheme locally and are thrilled by the response they have received from local shops so far. Speaking with Genevieve who first came up with the idea, she tells us that the team hopes the
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community will embrace the initiative as a fresh way to celebrate the true spirit of the season by giving back: “I think all of us are especially mindful of those less fortunate than ourselves around Christmas time, and while we are lucky enough to live in such a prosperous place as Gibraltar, it’s sometimes easy to forget that for certain members of our community it’s a real struggle to make Christmas the special time that everyone wants it to be. The ‘Gifts that Give Back’ initiative has been adopted by local retailers in different forms, with some shops making donations in the form of vouchers or stock items, and others earmarking a percentage of December sales which will go directly to their partner charity in the form of relevant stock goods. We are hoping that participating stores will be supported by the community, and would like to take this opportunity to encourage all your readers to keep an eye out for our logo in
local shops and stop in at these retailers knowing that they can feel happier about spending their money on gifts which will ultimately give back to local charities. We are really pleased that so many philanthropic local businesses are prepared to help our community in this way.” The local stores participating in the ‘Gifts that Give Back’ initiative are: Marks and Spencer, Next, F&F, Marble Arc, Express Convenience Stores, Eroski, U-mee, Music Corner, Vijay, Digital Corner, Netgear, Kaycee, SM Seruya, The Toy Box, L Sacarello, The Cellar, Isolabella, and Top Choice Appliances. The organisers feel encouraged by what is already looking to be a very positive and successful first year for the initiative, which they are hoping will only continue to grow over the coming years. You can find further information on www.kusumatrust.gi and on Reaching Out’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
news
GTB AT WTM IN LONDON
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Gibraltar Tourist Board delegation exhibited at the 37th annual World Travel Market in London last month alongside five local companies coexhibiting at the event. The WTM is the leading global event for the international travel industry and a unique opportunity for tourist trade representatives from across the world to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business. It is estimated that WTM generates more than £2.5 billion of travel industry contracts and attracts the participation of over 180 countries and regions. “Our participation at the World Travel Market, once again highlights the importance of tourism in Gibraltar which has been given renewed impetus by the current administration,” said Minister for
Tourism Gilbert Licudi. “The improved tourist product has had an impact across the tourist industry and we have seen a steady expansion across key sectors, including aviation, with total passenger numbers at the Gibraltar International Airport exceeding record levels in recent years.” It is also a great opportunity for leading industry executives to address a diverse range of relevant issues affecting the development of the global industry in the years ahead. “Our successful and pro-active marketing strategy has placed the Rock in a strong
We are
hiring
position as the ideal short term holiday destination,” Mr Licudi said. “The growth in the tourism industry reflects the political commitment of the Government which sees tourism as one of the main economic drivers of Gibraltar.” The local companies involved were The Sunborn Hotel; Gibraltar Taxi Association; Parody Tours; The Bland Group and MH Bland. Also on the stand were Tracey Poggio and Ian Leyde from Gibraltar House in London and, on one of the days, Gillian Casciaro of the Ministry of Tourism, Employment, Commercial Aviation and the Port.
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he Gibraltar Magazine team are excited to announce a new parttime vacancy for a Sales and Marketing Executive with experience and knowledge of the local industry. Key tasks:
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Selling advertising space
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Managing social media and website
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Event photography
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Proofreading
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Ad hoc admin duties
Key competencies: •
Planning and organisation
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Achieving targets
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Building relationships
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Proactive promotion
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Excellent written and spoken English
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Communicative Spanish
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Working knowledge of Photoshop
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Advanced photography skills
If you are creative, resourceful and hard-working, please email anna@ thegibraltarmagazine.com to apply.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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news
‘FLAGSHIP’ DEPARTMENT STORE OPENS
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new multi million pound investment in Main Street to create a ‘flagship’ department store saw its official launch last month, showcasing multiple well-known brands. ‘Trends’ saw a furore of activity in its first few hours of opening and has seen a steady stream of shoppers since then with business set to increase as the holidays approach. A spokesman for the company said that the project will provide a major contribution to the local retail sector, reenergise the Gibraltar shopping experience and boost the Rock’s tourist product. “As an established retailer for over 20 years, I am confident that Gibraltar can survive any challenge it faces,” said Bhisham Nihchalani, Managing Director of Bharat Ltd and the driving force behind the initiative. Mr Nihchalani managed to attract some of the biggest players in the fashion industry to supply his store such as Armani, Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren.
“Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Gibraltar economy and within that the shopping experience is one of the principal attractions for both day visitors as well as longer stay travellers” he said. “This megastore is not only a destination for locals and tourists alike, it also places Gibraltar on the map alongside Marbella, Puerto Banus and other shopping destinations in the region and I am really excited at the opportunities it will bring in terms to economic activity and employment.” Gemma Vasquez, Chairperson of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Business, praised the ingenuity shown by a local business to complete a project of this stature. The restoration of the ex-Barclays Bank building in the middle of Main Street will
enhance the look of the façade and blend in naturally with the Cityscape. “The transformation of this notable building – the former Barclays Bank building in Main Street - with a strong commercial tradition in the heart of our city into a shopping icon epitomises the adaptability and resourcefulness for which the local trading community has always been renowned,” she said. Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister, showed support for a local entrepreneur undergoing such a project despite ‘Brexit’ concerns and was pleased to see such confidence in Gibraltar’s future. “It will serve as a powerful and visible statement of intent that is sure to boost confidence in this important pillar of the economy,” he said.
WESTONE ‘TOPS OUT’
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he award winning WestOne residential apartment project, situated next to EuroTowers has reached its full construction height in record time. The final remnants of concrete were poured onto the final level midway last month for the traditional builder’s rite ‘topping out’ ceremony. Evgeny Cherepakhov, the man behind the developer, Bentley Investments, spoke to the assembled guests that included Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. “It gives me great pleasure to be here today to witness the results of a great many professionals’ hard work over the past 18 months,” he said. “I am hugely grateful to all those who have made the WestOne project a reality and this would not have happened without the dedication of my team”.
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Mr Cherepakhov said that the next challenge for the company was the ‘ambitious’ EuroCity project for which it now has outline planning. “I want to make this fantastically designed scheme one of the best mixed use projects Gibraltar has
seen, and of which I can be very proud.” WestOne was completely sold in just five days and won a European property award in London in October for a local high rise development. The project is fully on target to be delivered in Jan 2018. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
news
CHIEF MINISTER OPENS VINOPOLIS GASTROBAR
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ver 70 people attended the grand opening of the Vinopolis Gastrobar last month where guests were treated to a range of 40 Mediterranean tapas and 60 international wines. Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister, inaugurated the official opening and followed with a warm congratulatory speech before serving himself a glass of Picardo Reserva from an Enomatic wine serving machine. In his speech at the opening John Isola, Managing Director of Anglo Hispano, spoke about the company’s long association with the premises and explained the concept. “It was with great pleasure that we officially launched the Vinopolis Gastrobar concept in the company of the Chief Minister,” he said. “Our team have worked really hard to develop this new venture and to make it a reality. My thanks go to them and to all those involved.”
Vinopolis Gastrobar combines a modern concept of serving wine ‘by the glass’ with delicious food. Everything from an international healthy breakfast to small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist are on offer throughout the day and night.
Opening hours are from 8am to 11pm and all wines can be tasted by the glass using the latest technology in wine serving and preservation systems. A prepaid wine card can be purchased to try different wines at ease and all staff have received specialist training to help guests with their choice.
60 wines by the glass 40 small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine
30 John Mackintosh Square GX11 1AA Gibraltar Tel: 200 70201 info@vinopolisgastrobar.gi www.vinopolisgastrobar.gi GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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news
NEW GRAD ACCOUNT & LOAN PRODUCTS
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he Gibraltar International Bank will launch new graduate account and loan products specifically aimed to benefit the students of Gibraltar as well as their parents and legal guardians. The Grad Account will allow students to access their funds by using all the latest technology including Ebanking and Mobile Banking. The bank will give account holders the option of applying for a ‘Grad Loan’ that aims to make the move to university less financially stressful for students and parents/guardians. “We are in the business of creating long standing relationships with our clients; it is not just about opening an account. We firmly believe that as a bank we need to accompany our clients in their journey through life, providing support where required and always aiming to make life easier for them,” said Derek Sene, the Bank’s Chief Operating Officer. “The youth are our future and we have invested heavily in creating a suite of products that
can accompany clients from the date of their birth, through their teenage years into the time when they further their studies”. In order to be eligible for a ‘Grad Loan’, a ‘Grad Account’ will need to be opened in the name of the student wishing to continue their studies at a degree level. This account will be a standard current account with online banking and mobile banking access, and the added feature of a Grad Loan if the financial assistance is needed. In those cases where financial assistance is required, the parents/ legal guardians of those students wishing to continue their studies after the age of 18 will be eligible to apply for the loan. The bank will require confirmation from the Department of Education that the student will be continuing their education. The interest rate on the loan is 4.5%p.a above the base rate and the loan will be drawn out in tranches of a maximum of £5,000 per academic year throughout the student’s period of study.
In terms of repayment, there are two options: interest only to be repaid monthly during the period of study to be converted to a capital and interest loan with monthly repayments once the student has completed their studies. Alternatively, it can be repaid by way of capital and interest monthly repayments from the outset. “The delivery of this product is part of the Bank’s commitment to introduce new products which will make a difference to members of our community,” said Lawrence Podesta, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the considerable numbers of students that opt to further their studies in the UK we are confident that this product will be attractive. We are conscious of the need to be innovative in the development of new products with focus on the specific needs of our community.” You will be able to apply for a Grad Account and Grad Loan via the Gibraltar International Bank website www. gibintbank.gi.
HASSANS WINS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
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assans was awarded Law Firm of the Year at the European Captive Review Services Awards 2016 held in Luxembourg on 7 November. Nigel Feetham, a Hassans’ Partner and captive expert, led the submission which resulted in defeating a leading UK law firm, Ince & Co, to take home this year’s award. The international law firm was also shortlisted for Cell Captive Initiative and Solvency II Initiative. “The judges were impressed by the commitment of Hassans, and partner Nigel Feetham in particular, for their commitment to the captive insurance and insurance-linked securities (ILS) markets in Gibraltar,” a spokesman for the judges of the competition said. “Feetham was recognised as a leading mind in cell captive and ILS business within the unique
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Gibraltar market, as well as his thought leadership concerning cell company legal issues around the world.” This latest accolade completes a hat
trick of awards for Hassans and Nigel during 2016 having received a ‘Highly Commended’ last month for ‘Innovation in Business Development and Knowledge Sharing’ earlier this year. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
news
TAEKWONDO MEDALS AT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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ibraltar returned home with medals in five different categories at the British Taekwondo National Poomsae 2016 Championships held in Nottingham last month. Local martial artist Ilya Rodionov won gold in the British National Championship K2 Peewee Male Individuals in what was an emotional affair for the youngster. But the records kept rolling as seven-yearold Gabriella Garcia became the youngest local competitor to recieve a medal. “Poomsae is a game of very fine margins and subjective decisions. The level of the competition was truly amazing and it is getting harder and harder each time,” said Master Ernest Garcia from Gibraltar Taekwondo following the best ever medal tally achieved by the team. “It was a very emotional weekend as this is the first time Gibraltar Taekwondo has returned home with so many medals. For some, it was their first international competition. All that is left is to congratulate the team for their hard work and achievements and for making Gibraltar proud.”
The results were as follows: Ilya Rodionov GOLD MEDAL for 1st place in K2 Peewee Male Individuals; Macy Cornelio BRONZE MEDAL for 3rd place in Dan U14 Pairs; Kelsey Cornelio and Ilya Rodionov BRONZE MEDAL for 3rd place in K1 Cadet Pairs; Gabriella Garcia and Leland Cornelio BRONZE MEDAL for 3rd place in K2 Mini Peewee Pairs; Macy Cornelio
6th place in Dan U14 Female Individuals; Kelsey Cornelio 5th place in K1 Cadet Female Individuals; Leland Cornelio 10th place in K2 Mini Peewee Male Individuals; Gabriella Garcia 5th place in K3 Mini Peewee Female Individuals; Megan Ruiz 6th place in Dan U17 Female Individuals; Megan Ruiz BRONZE MEDAL for 3rd place in Dan U17 Female Teams.
CALVENTE TAKES ACQUARIUS TRUST TROPHY
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locks of parakeets flew overhead in the warm sunshine at the Malaga Parador Golf course as a gentle breeze set up perfect conditions for last month’s Acquarius Trust Trophy. This was the third event of the 2016/17 Med Golf season and the course presented a good but fair test for the players who had travelled further than they were accustomed to. In spite of the long travel distance, 48 players turned out to contest the trophy where the challenging nature of the course ensured no runaway scores and unusually close results.
Both players were off handicap 14 so, for the benefit of non-golfing readers, when scores are tied in Stableford competitions, the decision goes in favour of the lowest handicap. If still tied, the last nine holes are counted back, then the last three holes and finally the last six holes.
Club Old Course and a significant move up the Jyske Bank order of merit.
The competition went to the wire as Louis Calvente and Paul Nash each scored 35 Stableford points, leaving them level on the last nine and last three holes.
It was only the count back on the last six holes that decided the result and put Louis in front by one point to give him the Trophy, two 2 green fees on the San Roque
Top ten: Martin Burns; Roger Griffiths; Javi Hunter; Louis Calvente; Joe Sanchez; Steve Stonefield; John Hunter; Stuart Ferguson; Josh Hunter; Mike Cowburn.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
“It doesn’t get any closer than that,” a spokesman said, “However, Paul did not go home empty handed as he was the Category 2 winner.”
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news
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
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n evening of Christmas music and traditional carols will take place on 7 December in a concert at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned at 8pm. The Harmonics Chois and InCantus, two local choir groups, will perform three pieces, one of which is the eight-part, double choir arrangement of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ by 21st Century composer Ola Gjeilo. Harmonics Choir, formed and led by Phillip Borge, has been performing in Gibraltar for a number of years now and generally performs two or three concerts locally each year. InCantus is a small local chamber choir who have been singing together since 2013. They sing both accompanied and unaccompanied music and hope to introduce something new and interesting to their audiences.
“I think carol singing provides a wonderful opportunity for people to really feel that Christmas is on its way,” said soprano singer Lucy Hart from InCantus. “It takes us back to our childhood and is obviously a wonderful way to teach our children the Christmas story too.” Ms Hart said that for some people, singing carols may be the only time they sing outside of the shower, so carol singing provides an opportunity to feel part of something special and exciting. “There really is nothing like singing in a group. As well as retelling the Christmas story, they also carry a message that we can all relate and aspire to which is generally one of love and caring,” she said.
“I think this comes across even more when you are sharing the experience and the message with everyone else around you.” Ms Hart said that Christmas is always a traditionally fun-filled and happy time, but what comes out in Gibraltar is the real sense of community and caring. “People in Gibraltar are always generous with their time and money, giving to those less well off than themselves, and this is never truer than at Christmas time. Add to this the wonderful events and concerts that are run throughout this magical season and you always feel you are never far away from an opportunity to enjoy time with your friends. It is definitely a great place to be at Christmas time.”
JMH COMPLETES THEATRE REFURBISHMENT
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total of 408 new theatre seats, new flooring and a new light and sound system has been installed at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre following an extensive refurbishment over three months. The refurbishment project also included new curtains; painted walls; varnishing of wooden panels; a new carpet; stage floor sanding and new LED lighting to the auditorium.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE BEFORE
AFTER AFTER
A designated wheelchair area has been included in the redesign of the seating plan and the two front rows, which had been unavailable for a number of years, have now been re-provisioned. “Every effort has been made to preserve the original 1960s design details,” a Gibraltar Cultural Services spokesman said. “The Management of the hall is confident that users and visitors alike will appreciate the new and enhanced facilities this historical theatre has to offer.” 14
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
literary competition Sponsored by
MAGIC IN THE ROCK T om and Sally lived within walking distance of the great Rock of Gibraltar.
Their bedroom faced the Rock and for some time now, after the sun had set, they would sit gazing at lots of little lights dancing at the base of the Rock.
£50
winner | Wendy Franklin
“Come on Harold,” said Fimba elf. “We are nearly finished.You don’t want to disappoint the children do you? We are nearly done for another year!” “Ok, ok,” replied the reluctant Harold. “But I will need a holiday after this.”
Tom passed the lights off as being fireflies. “After all Sal, we live in a semi-tropical climate” he said unconvincingly.
This bought another burst of laughter much to the puzzlement of Harold. With renewed vigor they all went back to work.
What Tom and Sally didn’t know were the magical things happening right before their eyes far below St Michaels cave. The lower caves were a hive of activity as over a hundred elves and fairies were working hard for St Nicholas’ coming. He had secret workshops all over the world but the Rock was a very special place.
As Christmas approached, everyone was getting excited. Tom was hoping for a new bike and Sally hoped she would get all the arty stuff she wanted.
As the fairies flew by dropping trails of stardust, lights deep within the rock escaped through tiny holes and this is what Tom and Sally could see. They would watch for hours not knowing they were living with elves and fairies. Then one night, the lights seemed particularly busy. First darting one way, then another, or performing circles, they looked like a miniature fireworks display. “What do you think it could be?” Sally asked wide-eyed. “Probably the military” Tom said trying to be nonchalant, “they always mess about when people are asleep.” As they continued to watch in wonder, deep inside the cave the Head Elf called a meeting. “Come on men, we are running out of time. We need to work harder!” “Harder!” exclaimed Harold elf, “if I work harder my hands will drop off!” This created a burst of laughter. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
The night before Christmas Eve, everyone was working flat out. Fairies were flying everywhere, some colliding with each other, elves were singing at the tops of their voices as they worked, the sound bouncing off the cave walls. That night, Tom and Sally were watching as usual, after gazing at the lights for a few minutes, Tom said, “Is it me Sal, or are there more lights than usual?” Sally thought for a moment, eyes never leaving the Rock. “I think your right Tom, there is definitely something happening.” “Right,” he said firmly. “We’re going to take a look tomorrow night.” “What?” exclaimed Sally, eyes wide. “Christmas Eve!” “Yes,” Tom said. “Christmas Eve we will find out what’s going on.”
Waiting until everyone was asleep, they quietly crept out of the house and began heading towards the Rock. Soon their eyes became accustomed to the dark. “Are you ok Sal?” Tom asked steadying her by the arm. “I think so Tom, it’s a bit darker than I thought!” Suddenly, a flash of light trailing stardust whizzed past her head. “Wow,” cried Sally. “Did you see that?” “I did” Tom cried. “Follow it; it might lead us to the lights.” They followed the glowing trail until they entered a small cave. Feeling their way, they followed the stardust until they were aware of singing and noises and lights getting louder, they hid behind a rock barely able to take it all in. What they saw had them in total awe. There were elves making toys, fairies flying around dropping stardust on the toys to make them sparkle. All around them was bathed in golden light. It really was a jaw dropping sight. Barely able to breathe in the excitement, their eyes widened at the scale of things they had found when they uncovered for the mystery of the lights. “They’re fairies!” Sally breathed. “Hundreds of fairies and elves and they live here, in the Rock… And nobody knows!” She took a breath and turned to Tom. “What are we going to do Tom?”
Sal gazed at Tom noticing how grown up he looked and sounded.
“I think we should go home and wait for Santa, we must not mention this to anyone”. Tom gazed at his sister before continuing. “This is truly a magical Rock and the best thing is it’s our Rock Sal”.
Christmas Eve arrived and Tom and Sally were getting excited. Santa was coming and tonight they would solve the mystery of the lights.
As they turned to go home, one of the fairies flew past, tipping her wings in a thank you gesture as she had heard Tom and knew that they would be safe. 15
around town
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
around town
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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hello there
Mark Anthony Emmett, 7 St Mary’s First School
Daniel Adamberry, 43 Sales consultant
I love Santa and that he can get me the toys on my list, but I know I have to be a good boy, so I’ve made sure that I do well in school and show my love to my family. I love my mummy and my family one-hundred and infinity thousand times.
The most important message during Christmas is sharing and it becomes quite magical during the festive season. People make each other feel better and come Christmas, members of the family gather together and make something special which is reflected in the whole community.
WHAT IS MAGICAL
Jay Callejon, 38 Entrepreneur/ musician
Alan Gonzalez, 31 Site Officer in the Upper Rock
The food, the toys and, most importantly, the milk and cookies are what it’s all about. I’m on a part-time contract with Santa and I end up having the cookies and milk while he busily prepares the toys. It’s a healthy arrangement I made with him.
Spending time with the family is the most important thing and what makes Christmas magical for me. It’s my son’s second Christmas and to see the joy in his eyes when opening presents and being with family is all I can ask for.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
hello there
Eli Morente, 35 Shop assistant at Don Gold
Dakota, 20 Interior designer
The most magical thing about Christmas for me is the family togetherness that occurs. But let’s not forget all the lovely sweets that appear around the house. Chocolate and turrón are my two favourite treats and what satisfy me the most.
It makes me happy to see the magic of Christmas reflected on the kids. It’s probably the most exciting time of year for them and it can be contagious. It makes me nostalgic about my own childhood which is nice.
ABOUT CHRISTMAS?
Lali, 52 Head of HR at Wave Crest Holdings
Joanne Gonzalez, 30 Full-time mummy
I like the idea that everyone turns their own house into a little grotto and it just looks magical. You walk down the street and there is excitement in the air with all the Christmas lights on and the decorations around the high street.
Believing in Santa is the magical thing about Christmas, maybe a little less for adults, but certainly for kids. Of course I believe in Santa and we need to leave cookies, some milk and a carrot for Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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business
MRS ROCK’S NEW BEAU In for a Happy Christmas
I
right place. Mrs Rock was keen on keeping t’s time for Sheridan’s early-Decemrather too jauntily she felt. She was not his ber luncheon with his mother. It’s a auntie. In fact, he was rather unkempt and up appearances. They greeted each other prospect he relishes almost as much as looked in need of a wash. “Mum says you and Sheridan noticed immediately that his going to the dentist; but like need a new tablet,” he said loudly. mother seemed agitated but also strangely happy. Maybe he should tell her immedigoing to the dentist, it had to be Mrs Rock has ately about his Christmas plans; after all, done. “And don’t be late, dear,” Mrs Rock seethed. True, she’d had embraced Mrs. Rock had pleaded. “We Auntie Cloti had told him that his mother one or two minor medical issues widowhood have to have a little talk”. He could “go round hers for Christmas Day”. recently but she thought Cloti could stoically but groaned again. He was trying to But before he could even frame the words, have been more discreet. “No dear, time has Mrs Rock jumped in. find the right moment to tell his that’s my business thank you,” she dragged. widowed mother that he was said brusquely. “What I need is planning to spend Christmas in some sort of portable computerm“Now dear, I don’t want you getting upset,” Sitges and not with her. This was likely to abob. Just so I can get on the line and use she said, “but I’m afraid you’ll have to do end up being “one of those lunches”. the interweb. And cheap, your own thing this Christmas for I am otherwise tied up”. She giggled. dear.” Cloti’s son was a little It turned out Regular readers might recall that old Mr taken aback by her attitude that Mrs Rock “That isn’t a euphonium though. I mean I’ll be spending the holiRock had passed on in early 2015. Since but thought it best not to cor- had been then, Mrs Rock has embraced widowhood rect her and, in no time at all, day with someone else”. Sheridan using her new stoically but time has dragged. Her son Mrs Rock was back at home couldn’t believe his luck. Good old tablet to log Cloti; she had obviously spoken to thought that she was technologically illiter- getting familiar with her new on to a seniors his mother already. “So you’ll be joinate so some time ago she had gone alone acquisition. It really wasn’t as dating site... ing Auntie Cloti’s family lunch, right?” “to the shop named after a fruit in Irish difficult as Sheridan had said. he said. “Wrong, dear,” she retorted. Town”. She did this after speaking to her best friend Cloti, whose son worked there. “Cloti can be soooooo dull and that son of Lunch. Sheridan made sure he was on “Hello Auntie”, the son had greeted her, hers is very scruffy. No, I’ll be with Gerald.” time, with everything brushed and in the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
21
business
this man? He could be a dangerous rolling with exasperation, “Gerald might Sheridan took the bait. “Who is He must be maniac.” He suddenly had a horrible have lived in England for years without Gerald?” he demanded. It turned into farming thought. “Or after our money,” he being domiciled. It really could be quite out that Mrs Rock had been because he important.” He knew that his mother was using her new tablet to log on added. “My money, dear,” Mrs Rock says he’s confusing “domicile” with the Spanish word to a seniors dating site and this corrected him. “And no, I think he’s “domicilio”. Gerald had got in touch. Not just going to put rather sweet and we haven’t really talked about finances. Yet.” That last that. They had taken to speaking one of his word worried Sheridan. every day by Skype and he was Mrs Rock was enjoying this. She might be pensions flying in to Gibraltar from London in her twilight years but she could read into crops. for Christmas. Depending on “Well, where’s he from? Sheridan like that Mills & Boon Could this how they got on, Mrs Rock on her bedside table. And she How old is he? What does “silver surfer” knew all about Sitges – Gibraltar conjectured, Gerald was considering a he do? I mean … ” Sheridan saw permanent move to the Rock. only trouble ahead. “For one thing, be the same really is a very small place and is he UK domiciled?” “Of course you could find out anything on lady who Sheridan was nonplussed. “You didn’t tell he is,” said Mrs Rock firmly. “That’s once put the these new computermabobs. She where he lives.” Sheridan could me you were buying an iPad,” he splutTV remote in thought it was time to put him out of his misery. After all, lunch tered, rather missing the more important be very silly at times, she thought. the freezer? point. “I mean, what do you know about “Mother,” said Sheridan, his eyes was going cold. Well, gazpacho does that! She smiled at her own Mrs Rock and Gerald enjoying retirement in Commonwealth Park little joke. It was time for her “prepared statement”, a phrase she had read on the BBC website that morning. “Calm down, dear,” she said, echoing David Cameron on one of his better YouTube performances. “Let me tell you all about Gerald. First of all, he arrives tomorrow”. Sheridan gulped, but kept shtum. “He’s quite well off, I think. He must be into farming because he says he’s going to put one of his pensions into crops. And he must have a large wine collection because he tells me he also needs to be careful about his sips.” In fact, Gerald had actually spelt these as “qrops” and “sipps” on Skype text and Mrs Rock made a mental note to have a word with him about his typing. Sheridan couldn’t help being distracted by the thought of his mother having an online relationship. Could this “silver surfer” 22
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
business be the same lady who once put the TV remote in the freezer? He struggled to get back to the conversation but his mother was still talking. “And there was a wife. But she died years ago without any children and Gerald is now all alone. He knows all about Gibraltar being caught up in the Brexit thingy but I’ve told him we’ll be fine. Mrs May says so.”
We don’t just
Sheridan started to relax a have civil little. “He fully intends to partnerships come to Gibraltar and move here in Gibraltar, in here with me,” she went we even have on. “And don’t worry what limited liability people will say, dear. Things are much more relaxed than partnerships... they used to be. After all, we don’t just have civil partnerships here in Gibraltar, we even have limited liability partnerships according to the Chronicle. And they sound very progressive.” Sheridan smiled inwardly. Bless her, he thought. It reminded him though that soon, he and his mother would need to have another conversation – but not today. If he was honest, Sheridan was beginning to get a little bored with the subject of Gerald by the end of lunch. Nevertheless, he promised to meet him when he arrived the next day. It had been an illuminating couple of hours and not at all what he had expected. Maybe there was more to his mother than he‘d thought. Perhaps that is where his own intelligence came from, he mused. It certainly hadn’t come from his late father. Gerald duly flew in the next day and Sheridan was summoned to the big reveal. To his surprise, his mother’s new beau was amusing, very well “turned out” and was clearly doing his best to impress. “Gibraltar is the place for me,” he declared. “No CGT, no VAT and, if I play my cards right, I might mitigate my IHT too.” Sheridan’s ears pricked up at that. “I’ll probably do something with my investments here,” continued Gerald. “Your mother is going to introduce me to that chap in specs who writes all those articles. We are going to discuss my Cat 2 residency application.” Sheridan was nonplussed for the second time in two days. He hadn’t known that his mother even knew the chap in specs. He felt like a parent suddenly becoming aware that their child had a life of their own. He had that bridge still to cross but, then again, at least he could go to Sitges without feeling guilty.
He felt like a parent suddenly becoming aware that their child had a life of their own.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Sheridan departed eventually; Mrs Rock was very happy with how it had all gone. She took Gerald aside. “Look dear, a message on my computermabob from the chap in specs.” “On behalf of all Sovereign staff in Gibraltar, I wish readers and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year,” it read. “Isn’t that nice, Gerald?” said Mrs Rock. “Yes,” he replied. “I’m already beginning to like it here.”
Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com 23
statistics
BUSINESS OF GIVING Worldwide donation ranking
C
hristmas is known as a time for among this year’s top 200 givers. Among Gibraltar and across Europe have devised giving; a time to consider those them Alisher Usmanov, the second largest various financial incentives to make giving less fortunate than ourselves. shareholder in Arsenal football club, has to charity more compelling, such as Gift When it comes to charity, the Aid and inheritance tax relief. donated more than £100m in the past people of Gibraltar are known for their year. Indeed, you’re never too old to give: generosity and willingness to volIndeed, the business of giving, or Sir Mike Uren, now aged 92, has stepped unteer and hardly a week goes by, up his giving in the past few years. Imperial It is also philanthropy, is a huge industry throughout the year, without a major possible College London has gained most from worldwide, comprising of not charity fundraising or volunteering his generosity with a £40m commitment. only the donors or charities, but to set up event taking place around the Rock. Among the top 25 donors, the most also family offices, asset managa charity popular time of life at which to give was ers, investment bankers, interto create between 69- and 79-years-old with 52% According to the site here2help.gi run national tax advisors and Trust awareness... companies. Philanthropy relies of the top 25 falling into this age bracket. by the Gibraltar Citizen Advice BuAmongst donating celebrities, One Direcreau, there are 32 registered Charon economic success, and can tion led the way with more than ities in Gibraltar. In Gibraltar, a charity is differ from charity in the sense We all have £842,000 gifted to charity in the registered with the Charity Commissioner that it is strategic giving. Global past year. This included £480,000 at the Supreme Court. One of the advanphilanthropy is experiencing a moral tages of registering as a charitable organigrowth but is not keeping apace responsibility to the Believe in Magic charity for seriously and terminally ill children. sation is being exempt from paying certain with the acute need for it. to help the Moreover, David Beckham raised taxes once certified. It is also possible to needy and over £5 million in the first year of set up a charity to create awareness for a For fifteen years now, The less fortunate his Beckham Unicef Fund. particular cause as well as to use it as a ve- Sunday Times Giving List ranks in society… hicle to fund an activity. Trusts and bodies the top 200 donors in the partly established for charitable purposes However, you don’t have to be UK. The 2016 Giving List is are likewise from time to time considered as rich as those on the Rich List to make topped for the third successive year by as, or treated as, charities. There is also tax a difference. For over seven years, the Lord Sainsbury and family. They generated relief for donations to charities in GibralCharities Aid Foundation (CAF) has been £220.5m for charity; 40% of the family’s tar and successive governments, both in publishing its World Giving Index- recresidual wealth. There are 32 billionaires 24
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
statistics ognised as the world’s leading study of generosity. Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a leading international charity registered in the United Kingdom, with a presence in nine countries covering six continents. Its mission is to motivate society to give ever more effectively and help transform lives and communities around the world. The 2016 World Giving Index, published in October, includes data from 140 countries across the globe that was collected throughout 2015 by the leading survey firm -the Gallup Group. The report looks at three aspects of giving behaviour. The three questions at the heart of the report are: You don’t Have you done any of the following in the past month? 1. Helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help?
At the other end of the ranking are the bottom 10 countries in terms of the percentage of the population who have donated money to charity, see second table. Globally, the age group which is mostly involved in donating money to charity is those of the Over 50, as can be seen on the graph below.
have to be as rich as those on the Rich List to make a difference.
From a gender perspective, 46% of women in developed economies said that they recently participated in donating money, compared with only 40% of men.
The involvement of the public in donating and raising funds for various causes is important in filling gaps where the government or local authorities are not currently providing. It demonstrates our care and responsibility to others as part of the wider global humanity.
2. Donated money to a charity? 3. Volunteered your time to an organisation? The Index then ranks countries according to the percentage of the adult population who have demonstrated any of the above three giving behaviours.
Some of the recommendations made by the CAF, are that Governments around the world should:
Looking at the “Donating Money” dimension of the Index, the first chart presents the Top 20 Most Generous countries, with the score depicting the percentage of the population who have donated money to charity in a given month. Unfortunately, Gibraltar is not included in the survey, but if it was, we have no doubt it would have featured amongst the very top countries. Myanmar in South-East Asia, has certain characteristics which have helped it achieve its top ranking. Anywhere from 80% to 90% of people in Myanmar are practicing Buddhists with as much as 99% of those following the Theravada branch of the religion. In Theravada Buddhism, followers donate to support those living a monastic lifestyle – a practice known as
•
make sure not-for-profit organisations are regulated in a fair, consistent and open way
•
make it easy for people to give and offer incentives for giving where possible
•
promote civil society as an independent voice in public life and respect the right of not-for-profit organisations to campaign
•
•
35
ensure not-for-profit organisations are transparent and well governed and inform the public about their work encourage charitable giving as nations develop their economies, taking advantage of the world’s growing middle classes. 33.9
31.9 30
Sangha Dana. Giving in this way carries significant religious meaning and small, frequent acts of giving are the norm.
31.6
29.9 31.0
32.7
34.0 33.3
Country
Ranking
Score %
Myanmar
1
91
Indonesia
2
75 ˄
Australia
3
73
Malta
4
73˅
New Zealand
5
71
Iceland
6
70 ˄
United Kingdom
7
69 ˅
Norway
8
67 ˄
Netherlands
9
66 ˅
Ireland
10
66
Canada
11
65
Thailand
12
63 ˅
United States
13
63
United Arab Emirates
14
63 ˄
Denmark
15
62 ˄
Uzbekistan
16
62 ˄
Sri Lanka
17
61
Sweden
18
61
Singapore
19
58
Germany
20
58 ˄
Country
Ranking Score %
Greece
131
9
Senegal
132
9˅
Palestinian Territories 133
8
Togo
8
134
DR of Congo
135
8˅
Zimbabwe
136
8˅
Tunisia
137
6
China
138
6
Yemen
139
5
Morocco
140
4
Source: The CAF 2016 World Giving Index
Nevertheless, we all have a moral responsibility to help the needy and less fortunate in society… After all, there are no guarantees in life, and there is always the risk that we would find ourselves one day at the receiving end.
30.4
% People
28.8 26.8
25
15-29 25.6
24.2 22.3
2011
50+ 22.1
20
15
30-49
2012
2013
2014
2015
Source: The CAF 2016 World Giving Index GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Eran Shay is Managing Director & Ayelet Mamo Shay is Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. Tel: (+350) 20073669 Email: general@benefitgibraltar.com 25
business words | Leah Carnegie
THRIVING WORK CULTURE Magic of HR
I
f there is one thing business leaders can be certain of its uncertainty. The world is continuously changing and businesses are constantly having to adapt to new ways of working.
People-focused businesses profit through people instead of from them. By fostering the proactive involvement of all the people critical to an organization’s success — customers, employees, distribution People-focused partners, suppliers, communities, The rate of change may seem etc. – and by consistently acting businesses with integrity by delivering their unmanageable, but it is the profit through magic of HR that will enable promises, these people-focused people instead companies outperform their combusinesses to achieve the of from them. impossible. Whether that is petitors and create a more prosperin delivering performance ous, engaged society. People are the through people, or in ensuring the workmagic in a business. force is agile and adaptable enough to The importance navigate the changing environment. With so many facets of of establishing the business vying for and nurturing a In such a fast-moving world, HR needs to your company’s valuable people-focused empower leaders, anticipate the future time, from compliance culture is everand inspire an entire workforce in order to imperatives to containing increasing... allow for successful transformations. With costs, it’s more important the global landscape changing, the bigthan ever to focus on gest shift that a company can make is to enhancing your organization’s culture and become a people centric company, where creating a workplace in which people want their people are first. to work and grow. However, being an em26
ployer of choice that attracts and retains industry all-stars can be difficult and stands to impact far more than just recruiting. The importance of establishing and nurturing a people-focused culture is ever-increasing, and HR has to take the lead in bringing forward a more person-focused approach to the employee experience in the workplace. Lack of employee engagement remains the top issue that affects the bottom line. If we could wave a magic wand this is what we would make employers do. Great Culture = Great Talent Build partnerships Focus on creating sustainable, long-term profitability and return for shareholders based on having strong connections with loyal customers, distribution partners, employees, vendors and communities. Value your people and continually seek out new GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
business ways to “wow” customers and attract talent and partners. Build trust
If we could wave a magic wand this is what we would make employers do.
Share a clear sense of mission of what the organization stands for in terms of its brand and culture, as well as a commitment to keeping promises. Strategically focus on achieving goals by fostering the proactive involvement of everyone critical to success, and demonstrate integrity by consistently walking your talk. Trust will be built through your company’s follow through of actions and not its intentions.
money on training even through the bad times ensures employees are equipped with a toolbox to deliver their roles to the best of their ability, this adding to the bottom line. Be open-minded
Inspire collaboration and innovation so everyone in every team is inspired to look out for new ideas, opportunities, new products or ways to improve service or cut costs. Show appreciation
Establish clear goals and share with your employees, clients, partners and stakeholders. There’s a general understanding of where the organization is headed and how its community contributes and benefits, building a brand that unites all of their people with a common underFoster two-way standing of the value proposition communication to and promises. Power of people
Invest in capability, continually work to make sure everyone is able to do what is asked of them through effective learning and development strategies. Spending
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Support a greater cause
Support their communities. Understand that one way to inspire people, have fun and create an emotional bond is to bring people together to work on a cause that helps people – the most natural form of team-building.
uncover ways to improve or address problems...
Monitor and measure results and track engagement to make sure that managers are fostering positive workplaces and customer experiences, and that people are able and willing to do what is asked of them.
Inspire collaboration and innovation so everyone in every team is inspired to look out for new ideas...
Create a sense that what “I’m doing has purpose”, honour the importance of every task – even entry-level people or others with tough jobs feel a sense of task value, because they understand how doing even so-called “menial & processed” jobs well are critical to a smooth-functioning, profitable organization.
Build a brand
Engage with your people
Reward feedback
Foster two-way communication to uncover ways to improve or address problems and to give meaningful suggestions on how to better the performance of themselves, others and/or the business. People-focused organizations are better to do business with and are more gratifying to work for. A Thriving Workplace Culture is the Best Trick Research shows, time and again, that organizations with a thriving workplace culture tend to grow significantly faster than peers, and the “best” companies that we study year after year offer valuable lessons on building an organizational strategy that puts employees at the centre such as Apple, Google & Facebook.
If you’d like us to share some of our magic tricks, then contact us on hradvice@thehrdept.gi.
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business words | Marcus Killick
360s & ALL THAT End of year performance review
T
ting strategic direction, creating alignment, his month is a time for reflection report to you, to give their feedback on of the year past. For some this is your performance (hence why they are delivering results, team working and leading. In the wonders of HR euphemisms, I done in the sobriety of the pew, called a 360 degree review). It is not about cannot fail in any of these. I can, however, listening to festive carols, prefwhether you hit your targets or met varibe marked as having an “opportunity for erably sung by the trained and talented ous quantitative objectives. It is about you rather than an end of term carol and how others feel you are doing development”. This places the emphasis concert with its unique chorus Anonymity is your job, and they give their views on me. Not only am I being told I need development but I have an opportunity to of the unwilling. Alternatively, it anonymously. important as do so. So I have hope. So much nicer than is a reflection that results from a it promotes alternative wordings, like “incompetent” or lack of sobriety, usually with new This anonymity is important as it honesty in “must do better”. “best friends”. promotes honesty in the assesthe assessors. sors. It prevents sycophancy (no The other two main categories are “ComIt is now that time of the year, the point in sucking up to the boss if petent” which is the one that everyone month before the reflections turn to reshe doesn’t know it is you). It also prevents olutions. Some resolutions will come too reprisals from an individual whose ability to should be on and “Exceeds Expectations”. late, like resolving not to call a referendum take criticism, however constructive, is less This, which is the top grade, is a bit double edged. If everyone’s expectations of or resolving to actually go and vote against than Donald Trump’s. The Trump rather than simply saying you will to result is that the person In the wonders of you were so low to begin with, any a pollster. In my case, these reflections are assessed gets an honest HR euphemisms, flicker of competence should catapult you into the A grade. There is a third of me, not by me, and have been handed critique across a range of I cannot fail in “Not Demonstrated/Not Observed”, to me by my colleagues, anonymously. behaviours. Sometimes it any of these. which broadly translates into; “we Welcome to the 360° review. is searing in its honesty. sent the form to the wrong person”. For those who do not have these types of As a CEO, I have seven “behavioural comA further twist to this is the fact you are assessment, it is the opportunity for your petencies” against which my colleagues superiors and peers, as well as those who make their judgement. These include: setalso asked to score yourself. This is your
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
business chance to demonstrate self-awareness as to how you perceive yourself compared to how others do. Too big a gap indicates, if you score higher, a shocking lack of awareness or, if you score lower, an irritatingly false display of self-depreciation. Getting it right is no panacea either. The football fan chant of “You’re s@$t and you know you’re s@$t” is hardly going to impress the board when displayed in your honest analysis of your behavioural skills. I have been doing annual 360s for a number of years, having introI have had duced them into my old organimore than sation for all senior members of 360s become one colleague staff. They are never pain free. I an excellent have had more than one colleague in tears after tool to measure in tears after reading a particular reading a improvement. comment made in their assessparticular ment, despite the fact the review comment... overall was actually rather good. I have seen people use them for the purposes of retribution, sometimes over the most trivial of matters. However, my overwhelming experience is that they are taken seriously by the reviewers and should be taken seriously by the reviewed. one instance where a CEO, whose 360 Furthermore, familiarity with the process They are bare knuckle destroyers of an was less than rosy, cherry picked sentencwill result in it being less painful. Underexecutive’s complacency. They certainly es (even parts of them) for the report the standing the perception of others improves destroy illusions of how one is perceived board received on the assessment. In my self-awareness. If you feel the results by those one works with on a daily basis. case, the Senior Partner sees the don’t reflect reality, then show it report before I do. to someone outside the organisaThey are tion. Perhaps a long term partner, In the case of a CEO, the results should taken your ex-wife or husband, indeed, be disclosed to the Board. This should be Some CEO’s also seek to ensure seriously by anyone who knows you well and is disclosed in full, including the raw data those being asked are the ones the reviewers happy to give a candid view. There on which the report is based, if the report they believe are most favourable is a pretty reasonable chance that and should itself is produced internally. I am aware of to them, keeping out feared you display some of the same traits dissenters. Aside from rendering be taken outside the office as well as in. the process less useful, it has seriously by sometimes misfired as perceived the reviewed. loyalists turned out to be anyEven the most impressive of thing but, “Et Tu?” Having those results will reveal areas which can who are not like minded as part of the then be built into an individual’s personal process is vital. It can draw out issues; it objectives for the year ahead. Clearly, 360s allows individuals to learn why there may won’t work as well in small organisations be friction or disagreement and adapt their but, by the time you get to a few dozen, behavioural style accordingly. they can demonstrate their worth, even in Owner Managed Businesses. Once the process is ingrained in an organisation, 360s become an excellent tool There are numerous versions available on to measure improvement. An individual the market with full support on analysis who has moved from “An Opportunity For and comparisons to other organisations. Development” to “Competent” had clearly Alternatively, you can, as we did, create an seized that opportunity. Indeed, the score in house version. The one critical element should move towards the competent box. is it has to be led from the top, from board Exceeding expectations on a consistent level. Without this lead and support, the basis should be impossible, as the expecta- 360 will simply end up going around in tions will grow year on year. circles.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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politics words | Nicole Macedo
GIB DAY IN LONDON A post Brexit polished concept
H
photographs of the Rock emblazoned with onouring the long standing fitered paintings of military triumphs. Denancial and political ties between scribed as the home of ceremonialism, the the hashtag #GibraltarIsOpen. The new Gibraltar and the city courtyard’s gothic façade provided svelte reception setting fitted the eloquent of London has until the most appropriate backdrop and intriguing post Brexit brand that the The Guildhall Government is trying to portray. most recently been an event of for the Gibraltar regiment’s annual setting had epic proportions. From a lunch marching display. This former Gib always accommodating hundreds of fiDay venue shares a direct link with Speaking to his intimate crowd of former offered an air nancial services sector employthe Rock through its flagship art Gibraltar Governors and their wives, Giof traditional ees, to an evening of elegance, piece, John Singleton Copley’s huge braltar based business folk, UK politicians, British-ness high profile schmoozing and painting The Defeat of the Floating global ambassadors, and the local press, to the evening Batteries at Gibraltar. Considering all the Chief Minister reiterated Gibraltar’s honourable military marching. reception... This year though, in the GSLP/ of that, I was sceptical the Gherkin commitment to stick with Britain through Liberal Government’s second would provide an equally as approthe process of leaving the EU, adding, ‘We term in office and still facing the aftermath priate setting. That was until are entirely satisfied that Gibraltar of the Brexit vote, the dynamic for Gibralthe doors of the high-speed lift I was sceptical is being involved in the process tar Day was shifted, including a smaller opened at the 39th floor, the of Brexit. We have ensured that the Gherkin budget and less invitations. Somehow I pinnacle of the pickle, revealing would provide our “heat mapping” analysis has managed to nab myself one of the few floor to ceiling three sixty views provided the necessary intelligence an equally as available, continuing my legacy as a true of the entire city skyline, reflecton our current interface with the appropriate Gibraltar Day veteran. The change in venue ed off gleaming black marbled EU to Downing Street, the Forsetting. intrigued me, although I was keen to get floors and a singular lectern illueign and Commonwealth Office, inside the well-loved Gherkin building, the minated by an low orange glow. The Department for Exiting the Guildhall setting had always offered an air The dim and seductive lighting further European Union and the Department for of traditional British-ness to the evening added to the ambiance and spectacular International Trade. It has also disclosed to reception, with its vast ceilings and scatviews. The room was dotted with curious us in objective statistical terms how much 30
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
politics more important Britain and access “‘We are to it is to Gibraltar than any other entirely market. And if so pressed to choose satisfied that between London, Britain and the Gibraltar is United Kingdom on the one hand or being involved Brussels, the European Union and in the process the Single Market on the other, we of Brexit.” know what our choices will be. We will choose our relationship with Britain every time.’ Apologising for Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s lack of presence, Fabian Picardo instead introduced the Minister for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker who spoke of Gibraltar’s impressive feats in the world of sports this year. He further honoured our recent UNESCO World Heritage Site achievement adding that the move towards Brexit ‘does not change anything when it comes to the UK’s continued commitment to Gibraltar.’ Minister Walker added, ‘the UK is also committed to maintaining a strong armed forces presence in and Gibraltarians based within London, in a Gibraltar.’ setting that was incredibly dear to so many of their families during the Second World Along with the low-key evening reception, War, when many Gibraltarians were evacuthe annual church service and financial ated to London. The Guildhall based lunch services lunch were also carried out. Held is a staple of the autumn calendar for many at the Our Lady of Dolours Roman CathLondon based financers, and instead of olic Church, the service draws in students sending out hundreds of invites this year,
CM with Minister for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker
firms and individuals were offered the opportunity to purchase tickets. The sell-out event saw Dr. Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade within HM Government assure lunch goers that ‘although we are leaving the EU, we will not turn our backs on Europe. This will be the start of a new and strengthened relationship with Europe.’ He went on to express, ‘our partner countries in the EU will continue to be essential to our prosperity, including Gibraltar, whose cross border commercial and societal relationships remain so important. It’s reassuring the vital and economic links between Gibraltar and the UK are already so strong, particularly within financial services.’ Commenting on the ties that have bonded London and Gibraltar, he explains that it is down to our shared ‘language, culture, friendship and economic links.’ Dr. Fox touched on the presence of so many UK companies in Gibraltar, and how it further deepens their ties.
Mr. Picardo put change in the longstanding event’s format down to a feeling that the traditional structure ‘was more about what Gibraltar had been in the past than about what Gibraltar is or what we ‘The UK is also are gearing up to be in the future.’ He further hinted that ‘there may committed to be more yet changes on the way for maintaining next year’s Gibraltar Day in London.’ a strong The Deputy Chief Minister spoke of armed forces the downsizing in his Budget speech presence in this summer, during which he noted Gibraltar.’ that the event had reached bursting point and was so heavily subscribed he had questioned the cost effectiveness of the mammoth three-day-long event. Despite the shift in scale, the quality of the evening’s events was even more impressive, towering above the city in the Gherkin, reinstating the message that Gibraltar has the world at its fingertips. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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life
CHRISTMAS IN RETAIL All aboard the gravy train
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relationship with the staff also,” said Head ood is a big part of Gibraltarian preparation for the ‘mad rush’, with retailculture and it is during the festivities ers now possessing infinite amounts of Office Manager Daniel Massias. “They may want to have a chat, share a recipe or get that families pull out all the stops stats on the community’s shopping habits. to fabricate a dazzling Christmas is here and licensed some advice. You can ask our fishmonger how to cook a particular fish or our butchdisplay of mouth-watering traders are preparing to crank the The excitement er about the best way to prepare each cut. Christmas goodness. The very numbers and give service with a is brewing as thought of a traditional Christjolly smile. The pressure to satisfy They are more than happy to share their tons of new personal recipes, and they are pretty good mas dinner sends the mind every customer’s need in a store down memory lane, generating stock come buzzing with activity sparks scenes I might add.” Daniel takes personal service warm feelings inside, perhaps of pandemonium as emotions peak, to another level and takes it upon himself pouring in to manage the supermarket’s Facebook picturing the calm, serene glow through the tensions rise, but ultimately, everyof the fireplace and the call of one (by the most part) manages to page, always trying to find a solution for border... ‘dinner’s ready!’ summoning get what they need to have a mem- each customer, “This is a ‘truly Gibraltarian’ you to feast on the culinary orable Christmas. supermarket where we aim to satisfy the needs of every customer and are masterpiece. But that is the final product. Some of the always trying to improve.” All the ingredients to this glorious concocstock would Both worlds tion have to come from somewhere. have been From ‘jamón ibérico’, turrónes and Locally run Basque supermar- ordered up to polvorónes to the exquisite mince It’s the busiest time of the year for retailers ket chain Eroski evokes the a year ago in pies, turkeys and Christmas gammon as the holiday season enters the fold. The best of both worlds in terms preparation for from Waitrose, Eroski has the lot. excitement is brewing as tons of new stock of the products they offer to the ‘mad rush’... But absolutely everyone is catered come pouring in through the border within a community that demands for which means that there are prodhuge containers and distributed amongst top quality goods and seructs that are gluten free; vegetarian; the myriad of mega stores and shops on vice, “People don’t just look at prices, even vegan; lactose free; halal; kosher and many the high street. Some of the stock would though we are one of the most competiothers. They are all clearly marked and the have been ordered up to a year ago in tive in Gibraltar, they want to have a close GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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life staff is prepared to offer any information to aid your choice. The people of Gibraltar stay loyal to the British in many ways, but a lesser known love is that of the mince pie. It is quite typical to find some minced pies coupled with a few pieces of turrón in the same sweets bowl. Perhaps a few long-term British expats up the coast might recreate something similar, but it is widespread in Gibraltar, “It is challenging to bring the best Waitrose products to Gibraltar, but it is totally worth it when you receive such positive feedback from the community. These guys leave no stone unturned in terms of quality. It has been a wonderful marriage between Waitrose and Eroski.” A new toy shop will also open up extra options for customers, and it is a nice addition to the customer’s shopping experience. All the Main Street Fresh Christmas trees from merchants forests in Germany and Denmark (see p. 38) are once again will lose out available to give an even more in one form service to deliver food right to your authentic feel to the holidays, or another kitchen, “We have taken orders all “Customers were asking for to this ‘buy the way to the top of the Rock and them in our first year, so when online’ trend... have never said no to a customer.” the next season rolled around, we had them in stock. Every year we order more and there is nothing British Flavour like the smell of a fresh Christmas tree.” Finding a parking close to home in GibralThe local franchise of Marks & Spencer tar after a large shop can be a challenging sees around 10,000 transactions per week affair to those who don’t own a private during the Christmas period, but they also spot. Eroski goes that extra mile with their sell a lot of cookies (es-
“We are also thinking of getting some carol singers to come down to add to the festive spirit...”
pecially with Santa around), so that figure can be a little deceptive. Nevertheless, the popularity of the store is absolute and the quality the product exuberates ensnares customers and allows them to shop with confidence. With questions of morality and accusations of breaches of human rights surrounding the controversial supply chain of materials, especially clothing, people are now more cautious than ever of what they purchase, “Everything comes from Marks & Spencer UK. We are not the cheapest but we are very confident in the fact that all the goods are ethically sourced and we go about doing business in the right way,” said General Manager Chris Walker. “The whole supply chain is managed properly and it is about gaining that trust. None of our food has artificial colours and none of the cosmetics are tested on animals. We have been doing this for years. We also try to reduce our carbon footprint.” M&S Christmas food is very big in Gibraltar. Mince pies, turkeys, Christmas puddings, cakes and chocolates are the norm, but, according to Chris, it depends
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life on what Eroski and Morrison’s run out of when his store tends to pick up the additional business, “One of these ‘classic situations’ takes place on Christmas Eve and it involves men rushing around looking for ladies lingerie. This year, it falls on a weekend so on Saturday morning, we expect to have more men than women running around on our first floor (women’s section) trying desperately to find a present for their partner.” “We are not
the cheapest
Online purchases have grown but we are exponentially over the years as very confident people search for cheaper alternain the fact that tives to their Christmas shopping. all the goods The reality of the situation is a are ethically smack in the face to retailers who are in a constant struggle to remain sourced...” competitive in this increasingly digital world where your favourite product is merely a click away, and maybe a couple of weeks in the post albeit. All the Main Street merchants will lose out in one If the cost of postage is under a certain We change the display at the front of the form or another to this ‘buy online’ trend, amount then it is likely going to be free store and then we calculate from the sales which is showing no signs of diminishing, for the person collecting it. As a licensed how much to give to charity. We give a do“It is difficult to compensate and we try to trader, we need to pay import duties on nation for every jumper sold. It ranges in the make ourselves as competitive as possible. all our products down to the last penny. It hundreds of pounds,” he said with his smile Ironically, people pay less than us to bring is tough to compete and we are now broadening. “It’s about getting things over when they purchase online. actually at a disadvantage.” into the Christmas spirit and having “None of a bit of fun. Throughout December our food One of the main features for M&S has artificial and certainly during Christmas week, we will also have mulled wine and Gibraltar to look forward to is the colours and mince pies for our customers to try. prospect of another year involved none of the We are also thinking of getting some in the Charity Christmas Jumper cosmetics carol singers to come down to add to Campaign that raises money to the festive spirit, so we are all looking help save children’s lives, “This are tested has become a highlight for us. We on animals.” forward to a very merry Christmas with all our customers.” buy the product well in advance.
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life words | Richard Cartwright
DECEMBER SALES Time to sell, sell, sell!
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plus. There are no cons on offer here and usinesses too, just like you and me, being the preferred choice for many of look forward to Christmas in order us. Wine and liquor stores do well at this experience is of the essence. This period is great for us.” Card shops - of which there to boost their income to time dare I say, with expensive are two or three in town - for obvious compensate for the, ‘less bottles of wine or whisky gifted to “We need reasons do well... “There are other events than brilliant’ sales experienced your favourite business colleague or to make the professional, not to mention cafes, like, birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, over certain periods during the rest of the year... “You have to be most of the bars and restaurants, they do exDivali with the Hindu community, Jewish feasts and other celebrations but, during on your toes and get going soon,” Christmas tremely well, of course. Competition Christmas, sales double I’m happy to say,” one toyshop owner told me, is rife in this sector with Christmas season and a happy business lady informs, “We do well “Once Christmas is over, come menus appearing in the press once having the with expats from up the coast too who February or March, we’re already summer’s over with restaurants and right toys ordering goods for the next eateries competing with each other don’t seem to find the variety and price and gadgets for reservations to fill in all those range of English Christmas cards they find yuletide event and many long is a must.” here. Wrapping paper and other gifts evenings are spent watching the December weekends sell well also.” Travel agents have a bite commercial breaks on cartoon when work place and “We almost of the cherry also (or should it be the and children’s TV channels to see what’s other parties are planned. totally rely mince pie). They tell me some couples new. We need to make the most of the and families spend Christmas in a hotel Christmas season and having the right toys It’s a busy time of the year with on local and gadgets is a must.” Talking to managers residents and visitors darting customers, close by on the coast or elsewhere and and store owners around town, the general around town from shop to and visitors some elderly loners may choose to go impression is a good one when it comes to shop with a coffee break in to the Rock off on a cruise or for a short stay somewhere during Christmas time. sales at this time of the year. Gone are the between, trying not to forget are a plus.” days when there was very little or no comanything. One of Gibraltar’s petition from the hinterland, catalogue, or By and large I’m told things start to roll top watch and jewellery stores the very popular and user- friendly internet explained, “We almost totally rely on local by mid-November and during December, it to compete with – the latter increasingly customers, and visitors to the Rock are a gets much busier with some stores staying 36
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life That gentleman also made the valid point a year and nowadays, ‘affluence is in the open till late. There is a trend in many of about kicking off the Christmas season so air!’ However, traders do say competition us to leave things till late and that’s when early, it diminishes the expectation and is a reality with punters buying on some businesses beef up their excitement we would get in previous times the internet, from catalogues and Christmas sales during the Toys and with the season’s ambience starting later purchasing goods from nearby in last week or so before the gadgets must Spain... “Some don’t seem to have as the date drew nearer during December, ‘Big Day.’ Anecdotally, a shop slowly building towards a more condensed an issue buying for Christmas in manager recalls when one year, surely be the biggest sellers the shopping malls and department Christmas time atmosphere. a dad realised he’d left it really stores in Spain and still purchaslate; Gibraltar, being what it judging by is, where we practically know Should signposts be required to remind us the amount of ing goods here too. There’s extra spending power so they spend on everyone else, he rang her on Christmas 2016 is drawing ever so close, a gifts children both sides of the frontier,” a clothes Christmas morning pleading stroll down town serves as a good remindreceive these retailer declared, but added, “Many she open up for him and she er and hint to have your ‘plastic money’ days... items in Spain these days cost pretty easily accessible to get ready to spend. did! But hey...It’s Christmas much the same as in Gib although and that was an extraordinary, Christmas lights are shining up above, with the drop in sterling’s value and conkind hearted, goodwill gesture towards an shop window and interior displays are in sequently less purchasing power, fewer absent-minded individual who would have full splendour, diners in restaurants and shoppers may be going over to ‘Christmas otherwise been in his children’s bad books revellers in wine bars and pubs are making shop’ there. We’ll have to wait and see at such a special time of the year! merry and customers in stores, shops, how things have panned out outlets and street markets busily on when the season’s over.” the go seeking out what to buy a Toys and gadgets must surely be the big“Many items gest sellers judging by the amount of gifts in Spain these family member, partner, boyfriend or sweetheart, a colleague, close friend Another businessman sugchildren receive these days – I can vouch days cost or special person and for the kids... gested displaying Christmas for that having experienced my grandchilpretty much more toys or the latest electronic or goods so early in the autumn, dren hastily going through their individual the same as digital thing... whilst not forgetting it affected sales for other piles of presents. An elderly lady I met in Gib...” also, the yuletide season is the icing recalled being given a doll at Christmas but retailers in some ways and on the (Christmas) cake for our Main jokingly remarked, “Supermarwas happy. So these days no complaints kets especially begin selling Spanish Christ- Street and back street traders to see them from toy shops selling quantities of expenthrough the year’s leaner, less profitable mas confectionery and even Christmas sive toys and other electronic ‘thingamaquieter moments! puddings whilst we’re still on the beach!” jigs’ but then, Christmas comes only once
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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life
TREE HUNTING The journey from forest to home
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revolve around decorating the house and he delightfully crisp pine smell of and bob up and down with excitement barn with evergreens at the New Year to a freshly cut Christmas tree makes as the shiny ornaments are pulled out of scare away the devil. In Gibraltar, however, you roll back your eyes and peer the box by an elder. The flashback of the into your nostalgic, previous year and the fantastic toys people tend to follow the Latin American tradition of setting up Christmas trees on magical memories of festivThe Christmas they received come flooding back the 8 December (the day of the ‘immacuities gone by. It kicks off the and their sparkling eyes become tree is the late conception’) and are left standing until spirit of Christmas and fills the positively infectious to all around centrepiece 6 January. In line with the global commerhouse with a nice ambiance them. of most cialisation of Christmas, the Rock goes all of family togetherness that is Gibraltarian’s The Christmas tree we know out to provide the full experience for locals difficult, if not impossible, to living rooms... and love was developed in early who are enchanted by Christmas lights and replicate at other times of the year. The Christmas tree is the modern Germany before eventually huge ten-metre-high trees. centrepiece of most Gibraltarians’ living or spreading to the rest of Europe. However, dining rooms and is decorated accordingly, evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands The Basque supermarket chain, Eroski, with many families harbouring their own were a symbol of eternal life which is run locally, will provide traditional Christmas baubles, colourful to the ancient Egyptians, Gibraltarians the opportunity to The Christmas tinsel and wreaths. It is without a doubt a Chinese, and Hebrews. The tree as we know purchase two types of Christmas family affair when relatives search through worshiping of trees was also it was developed trees, the picea abies (grown in the depths of old cupboards for that box customary amongst pagan EuGermany) and the picea glauca in early modern that has everything from Christmas ornaropeans and the tradition sur(grown in Denmark). Gibralflora, ments to the figurines used to decorate vived the conversion to Chris- Germany... a local florist and garden centre the ‘nacimiento’ (the Christmas cribs). tianity. In reality, there are that has supplied Christmas trees Once the collection of a year’s worth of many countries with their own culture and to Gibraltar for the last 25 years, are at the dust is blown away, it is time to gather folklore attached to the ‘Christmas tree’, heart of this business on the Rock. The round this year’s tree and begin the magic. and in many circumstances they are linked picea abies, or Norway spruce, is a species The little ones rub their hands together to magic. Some Scandinavian customs native to Northern, Central and East-
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
life ern Europe and is one of the most widely planted spruces, both in and outside of its native range. This is the traditional and most common green Christmas tree and is distributed all around the world. The Picea glauca, the white spruce, has a blueish gray tinge to it and is a species native to the northern temperate and boreal forests in North America. It was introduced into England and parts of continental Europe in or soon after the year 1700 and into Denmark around 1790.
“All the trees are presold and they arrive in Holland three days before they depart for Gibraltar...”
Gavin Viñales, Gibralflora owner, said his supplier from the Netherlands has provided Christmas trees to customers around Europe for the last 80 years, “They hold plantations of these trees and take care of them meticulously. I have been with them for the last 25 years and they are the best in the market. You cannot beat the Dutch when it comes to knowledge about plants, they are the experts. They are also extremely conscious of the environment whereby they plant three new trees for White spruce Norway spruce every one that they cut down,” he said. This is very important nowadays with more concern surrounding Evergreen the environment and it puts tree around the dinner table.” One of and the mad rush before the doors people’s minds at ease that they trees, wreaths are open for business is rather the more light-hearted moments Gavin and garlands are not harming the earth by remembers was when one particular cusdaunting for staff, but nevertheless purchasing a Christmas tree. It were a symbol very exciting, “Some people prefer tomer who called him in a panic demanded is an ongoing process for the that he rush over to his home immediately, the thicker ones or they check of eternal life supplier which, as from January, “There are three spiders on the tree and to the ancient every branch to make sure it is the begins planting new trees as both my husband and I are terrified’ she right one for them. Grandparents Egyptians, well as tending to the others told me. It was hilarious, but was a come with their grandkids Chinese, and throughout the year, “We bring one off. Although these trees are and sometimes we have “You cannot Hebrews. over trees as high as ten metres screened meticulously, they are whole families gathering beat the and we will put one of them still out in the wilderness and the around to pick a tree as if Dutch when outside the Sunborn when the time comes. it were a ritual. I suppose it is in a spiders might have been very small it comes to The trees come over in a 20-foot truck. when they were in the plantation way. I’ve had clients tell me, ‘hey, Everything is packed in neatly with the big and grew as they were transportI don’t want such a thick one this knowledge ones at the bottom and each tree has its year, it was touching the dining about plants, ed. It shows that a fresh Christmas own colour scheme that signifies its height, room table and left us with no tree can hold many treasures, they are the so it is easy to tell them apart.” All the some perhaps a little unexpected space’. I suppose every family has experts.” trees are presold and they arrive in Holland discussions about the Christmas as it was in this case.” three days before they depart for Gibraltar in order to be packed onto the transport truck. Gavin has a database of clients who place their orders for trees year in year out and the list is ever-increasing. The trees are delivered right to your home and it gives that personal touch people want during the festive holidays, “We take them out by hand and if we have a ten metre tree we need ten men to lift it out. It is almost like a Christmas workshop when the trees arrive. We need to close off the whole area and spend around four hours unloading.” Crossing the border, searching for a Christmas tree and then lugging it into your car is not the most attractive prospect for locals. They would much prefer a hassle-free process, which Gibralflora and Eroski provide. However, the company still calls customers in to choose their tree. They would have already selected their size but all the trees are natural, so no two are the same. People have their own preferences GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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life
HANUKKAH FOR KIDS Celebrating the Festival of Lights in a modern way
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into a Sephardic family and is adamant that ith a thunderous blow, ly known, was born. Jewish belief celeher own traditions must not be forgotten, ‘Judah the Hammer’ sent brates the festival as a triumph of good especially during Hanukkah, “We celebrate the slow and cumbersome over evil and this comes with a whole host it differently to most Jewish families in Giarmies of the Seleucid emof different traditions commemorating the braltar, but it is changing and more people various acts during this period. pire into retreat. The year was are embracing these sorts of traditions to 165 BC and the Maccabean It contained make it more fun and engaging for chilRevolt had broken through the In Gibraltar, more traditionalist just enough dren,” said the preschool teacher currently defences of Jerusalem to finally views are held by its closely-knit oil to sustain on maternity leave and turning briefly to topple the tyrannical reign of Jewish community that has its check on her extremely energetic fifteentheir Hellenistic overlords. The the flame on foundations in Sephardism (Jews month-old, Tzofiya, who was rather occuholy city and the temple inside from the Iberian Peninsula). Howthe Menorah of it had been liberated and ever, with the influx of people from pied in feeding the pigeons in the area. “It for 1 day, but was a bit boring for me when I came over ritually cleansed, re-establishing it miraculously other Jewish backgrounds who twenty years ago, but younger traditional Jewish worship. Annow call Gibraltar their families are taking it in a new cient texts reveal that the victo- lasted for 8... “Sometimes home, some families are direction, even though Sephardic rious Maccabees found only a bucking the traditional change is small jug of oil that had remained uncontrend and mixing some of their good, but I also religious tradition in Gibraltar is very strong and set in its ways.” taminated by virtue of a seal. It contained own spices into the cultural pot. respect the Malka describes Gibraltar’s Jewish just enough oil to sustain the flame on the traditionalist community as ‘solid’ and said that Menorah (a nine-branched candleholder Malka Attias, a mother of six mentality in the community rallied together used for religious ceremony) for one day, whose children range from a when the Dictator Franco closed but it miraculously lasted for eight days, by one-year-old to eighteen-years- Gibraltar.” the border between the Rock and which time further oil could be procured. of-age, is an Ashkenazi Jew Spain. They agreed at the time (originally from Central and Eastern Europe that their traditions shouldn’t change, “The It is within this story that the Festival of – in Malka’s case from Lithuania, but she Jewish community in Gibraltar is made up Lights, or Hanukkah as it is more commongrew up in Manchester) who has married 40
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life to their parents, “Sometimes we write the can tally up quite a bit. She lives in Israel of people from many different places and I blessings on a card and laminate them. I and sends the money over to me to disthink that the older generation don’t want still have hundreds from my kids and then tribute on her behalf. At the end of it, they the traditions of the past to be forgotten. have eight pounds each and are well happy we put them on the wall so that daddy can My in-laws tend to laugh at me when I get read them. It is very cute.” At home, Malka’s – even the older ones.” up to my own things. Sometimes children, like many other Jews in Gibraltar change is good, but I also re“My mother and the world over, play a traditional game spect the traditionalist mentality Inviting different guests to her gives £1 for called ‘Dreidel’ that uses a four-sided spinin Gibraltar.” home every evening is another way every night of ning top and is played during Hanukkah. In that she ‘keeps things fresh’, almost Hanukkah for as fresh as her delicious deep the past, when Jews were reading the Torah But in Malka’s opinion it cannot each child.” during Hanukkah, they used to have the fried oily treats that are completebe ‘bog-standard’ for kids as game close by and would close the book ly homemade. One of the main they could find themselves diswhen soldiers came, pretending that they themes surrounding Hanukkah is the miraconnected from the celebration. Although were playing instead of praying. It became cle of ‘the oil’, so everything is fried. Latkes it is not traditional to hand out gifts to chiltradition and children play it as an act of potato pancakes, jelly doughnuts sufganidren on Hanukkah, it has always been the remembrance, “They are all taught from a yot, churros and Sephardic bunuelos are case in Malka’s household to do so and she very young age what it’s all about and there claims that it is a good way to compete with some of the typical dishes served on the is even a song that goes with it: ‘spin little dinner table, “Personally, I get migraine the internet, computer games and televidreidel, spin, spin, spin’- reads one of the from so much oil, so ironically, I don’t really sion as a way to engage with youngsters, lines in Hebrew.” “Just lighting candles can be boring for kids, like the food that I cook, but the kids love it so I have no choice. I think that they apso I think what we do allows them to enjoy Malka considers her family as one of the preciate the work that I do and they have the blessings also. The whole family sings only Jewish household in the whole of special songs together and it makes the kids very high standards in their eating habits.” Gibraltar to have a Christmas tree right The kids will also take part in the cooking very excited, probably because they know outside her front door as well as Hanukkah and each one has their own designated that they will receive presents,” she said decorations. She feels that it is important station. Some, she says, are good in the while also explaining that her eldest child to share with one another, regardless of rekitchen, some are good with their younger has managed to negotiate himself a new ligious beliefs, and encourages her children siblings, and others with decorations. Eimotorbike in the process. “My kids get one to follow the same philosophy, ther way, it is mandatory that big present at the end of Hanukkah, but I they take part in everything am very good at bargaining with them. It’s A traditional game “All my non-Jewish neighbours give my children Hanukkah during the festivities, “When the only way. My eldest has been waiting called ‘Dreidel’ presents on Christmas and that someone comes over and the two years for a motorcycle, but he paid that uses a fouris very nice. They also leave it house is beautifully decorated, for it himself. I paid for the insurance and sided spinning under the tree for them, so my that’s all I was willing to do. I am very strict.” and the food is great, it makes top and is played children receive both Hanukkah us all very proud.” Having said that, Malka gives more modest during Hanukkah. and Christmas gifts. They are presents to each of her children on every very privileged and we are very night of the festival, such as bouncy balls As a teacher in the Jewish respectable about Christmas. I also send that she would hide around the house, “My school, Malka gets her enthusiastic studonuts to our neighbours. We all get on kids are happy with things like that, but dents to make candle crowns out of paper, maybe others might not be. My mother occasionally adding glitter. The children use very well with one another and I am very proud of that. We have to live together gives £1 for every night of Hanukkah for toilet paper holders to make the candles harmoniously.” each child. She has 27 grandchildren so it and paint them before taking them home
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life words | Mike Brufal
DR SAM BENADY Literary endeavour and medical expertise
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On arrival, the family home was deemed to am Benady, 79, was born in GibralThe family moved to the Midlands for a be uninhabitable due to the many soldiers tar into a family that had been on year to stay with a cousin who lived near who had lived there during the war. His the Rock for more than 280 years. Willenhall. His father managed to secure a father rented a flat in Cornwall’s Parade The family was immortalised by job in a factory. A rumour was heard that James Joyce in “Ulysses”. Molly, those on the evacuation list were and the family stayed there for five years, in her final soliloquy, mentions soon to be sent back to Gibraltar. moving to the then new Shorthorn Estate The ship in 1951. He went to Brympton School, that she has burst open a bag of His father swiftly returned the limped into biscuits from Benady Bros. family to evacuee status and they which at the time was at Castle Road Gibraltar before it moved to South Barrack Road. were sent to Northern Ireland – The teachers who made an impression Camp No 4, Saintfield, County harbour with The Second World War saw the included Miss Enid Simpson (headmistress), Down – where they were billeted family evacuated to London via a a large gash Miss Benzaquen (French), Reverend Basil in a Nissen hut. short diversion to Rabat. The fami- just above Ney (Religious Education and Music) and ly stayed first at King’s College and the waterline. After time in the camp, the family the art teacher Mr Brinton Lee, who was a then North End House, two large member of the London School of Painters blocks in West Kensington. His famoved to digs in Belfast and and a collector of books on Gibraltar. After ther subsequently rented a flat in a house waited for their number to come up when his death, Sam was able to buy this collecnearby which in 1943 suffered a direct they returned to Gibraltar on a converted tion from his estate. Pupils he remembers hit by a German bomb. Providentially, his French freighter the Cap Touraine. During include Robert Seruya, Tony father had entered hospital and arranged the voyage home, there was much Loddo, Augustus Reyes, Daisy that his family would return to the evacuexcitement when out in the Bay of Sam was not and Yvonne Seruya and Doration scheme at North End House whilst Biscay a tremendous thump was daunted and ita Montegriffo. He also behe was away. The next day, Sam saw that felt everywhere in the vessel. The lieves that a fellow pupil was so he took the the wall of the flat had collapsed onto his dreaded word ‘Torpedo’ was heard the late Peter Cook whose bed. It so happened that a cousin, Juggie which resulted in much panic. ForA level Science father was the Financial Benady, was sleeping in the basement and tunately, it turned out to have been courses by Secretary. Mary Loddo was managed to survive. A photograph of him caused by an escorting man of war with a bandaged head standing outside the who had bumped into its stern. The correspondence. a fellow pupil but he has no recollection of meeting her at collapsed building with his wife Violet was ship limped into Gibraltar harbour the time, although her brother Tony was a sent round the world as propaganda. with a large gash just above the waterline. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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life obtaining first MB, followed by two years second MB and then three years clinical study. In his final year, he was awarded the paediatrics prize. During these years, he met, became engaged and married his wife. Sarita came from Tetouan and was in London to learn English at a Secretarial College. Their eldest daughter, Ilana, was born shortly after he qualified. He returned to Gibraltar and worked as house surgeon for six months, assisting Mr Toomey in the old St Bernard’s Hospital. In those days, there were few consultants and there was an enormous amount of surgery to be done by Mr Toomey. Sam’s 6th birthday party in London
good friend, as she was a couple of years younger. After meeting her many years later, they decided to write the Bresciano stories together and by this time she had married and became Mary Chiappe.
by correspondence. His studies were helped by Brother D’Arcy’s brilliant teaching and that of Mr Harvey at the Technical College. His history and Spanish results were enough for a place to be offered at London University.
He entered the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem which resulted in him working in welfare clinics in town.
The Eleven Plus was passed and he enBy this time, he decided that he wanted tered the Gibraltar Grammar School which to read medicine and the subsequent A was first at Plata Villa and then at Sacred levels enabled him to enter the medical Heart Terrace. Brother Foley was Headschool. At this time, there were only two master, later succeeded by Brother D’Arcy. scholarships available. The Gibraltar GovThe latter was a brilliant teacher of matheernment scholarship had gone to someone matics which enabled Sam to pass A level who had been promised it from the premaths at scholarship level. He remembers vious year. This left one John Mackintosh Brother Taylor who gave him his love of scholarship which was divided between the English language. There was only one lay teacher in the school, Mr Hermida, who Paul Gomez and himself; both were to read medicine and both were to taught art. Sam never took become eminent paediatricians. The part in competitive sport but Both were to next year, the half was made up to a was an active participant in the read medicine full scholarship. At that time, other Debating Society, the Chess Club at the Calpe Institute and and both were than those on teaching scholarships, there was no Government table tennis. He wanted to to become requirement to work for a number take sciences at A level but at eminent of years on the Rock. that time the facilities to teach paediatricians. these subjects did not exist. Instead, he took and passed Sam, aged 19, went to St. Mary’s history and Spanish. Sam was not daunted Medical School, Paddington, which is part and so he took the A level science courses of London University and spent one year French Hill, Jerusalem, Israel, 1970s. Sam, Ilana and Sarita with two visitors from the US
In order to be a specialist, the young doctor had to practise to gain experience and to be a member of the Royal College of Physicians. This required a written examination in adult medicine. He moved for a year to a hospital in Lincoln as a senior house officer in medicine and then moved to a position as registrar in a hospital near Middlesbrough. In 1999, he passed the exams and became a member of the Royal College of Physicians. Now he was able to practice as a paediatrician and so was appointed a registrar at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. During this time a second daughter, Yael, was born. Unexpectedly, Aurelio Montegriffo, Minister of Health, called on him asking him to consider returning to the Rock as Dr Henry Triay, the local paediatrician, was about to retire. He would be appointed his assistant with a view to succeeding him. He agreed and so in 1969 became a Medical Officer Grade A. Upon arrival, he found that he was to be also an assistant to Dr Jaime Giraldi at the KGV hospital. A house was provided in Mount Road and his neighbours were Solomon and Francis Seruya. Solly’s decision to move to Israel influenced him in his next career choice.
By 1971 Sam decided that his practice was going nowhere and, with Sarita, decided to move to Israel. As a result of the Six Day war in 1967 both had become emotionally involved with the future of the State of Israel. A short visit confirmed his desire and so a job was arranged and the move completed. After some initial difficulties with the Professor who had offered him the job, he entered the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem which resulted in him working in welfare clinics in town. They lived in a rented flat for about a year and then bought a flat. By this time he was fully occupied as a paediatrician and also with assessing children with learning and physical difficulties. By the start of the 1973 Yom Kippur War Sam was not yet an Israeli citizen as he had 44
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life visit handicapped children living round the not completed the three year domicile reSpain. Hospitals were visited in Jerez and South West of England. quirement. As the majority of doctors had Malaga. Both were good but Sam opted been called up, he found himself in charge for Malaga hospital as it could deal with of a large medical paediatthe problems of young children in addition In 1977, he flew to Gibraltar for his ric department assisted by to babies. Sam could now transfer children father’s 70th birthday. Whilst there, he He served in a few female doctors and to a hospital in Malaga although he had met Dr Ernest Imossi, the pathologist the medical those too old for military to accompany each patient. He retired in who was the chairman of the Society reserve and service. This was hard work. 2002 on his 65th birthday. His successor for Handicapped Children. He told After becoming a citizen, he was Dr Higgs, a South African. Today there was sent to Sam that Gibraltar needed a paediaserved in the medical reare three paediatricians, a luxury that Sam trician and asked if he would consider be the doctor serve and was sent to be the could only dream of! returning to Gibraltar. Sam said that at a military doctor at a military training if this is what the authorities want training camp. then he would return. It so happened camp. He moved to be the In 2007, he was appointed M.B.E for medical officer to a battalion that Aurelio Montegriffo was still the services to health care and voluntary work that was not a crack unit as its soldiers Minister for Health and readily agreed to for heritage. were recruits who had managed to avoid the suggestion. Sam returned to Israel to the call up. As Sam had never taken the wind up his affairs and started his position As if his work load was not enough, Sam, military medical course, he never became in 1980 after doing a locum in England to in 1994, wrote a history of the Colonial an officer and was probably the oldest prilearn all the latest techniques in paediatHospital, subsequently St Bernard’s. He vate in the Israel army. Had he completed rics. Sam spent the next twenty two years also, whilst practising, wrote two Sherlock the course, he would have worn two dull as the only consultant paediatrician on the Holmes short stories and a historical novel green stripes as a Lieutenant. As it was, he Rock. He insisted that he would only accalled ‘The Keys to the City’ recently transproudly wore a white stripe prominently cept referrals from a G.P. This was because lated into Spanish and published in Spain inscribed “Medical Officer”. At the time the when he started, every family who had a as ‘Las Llaves de Gibraltar’. After retireway for soldiers to travel within Israel was sick child thought that he should be dealment, he wrote the biography of General to hitch a lift, so Sam’s medical insignia ing with it. At first, this did not go down Don, followed by a couple of books on ensured lifts as the drivers always wanted well but was eventually accepted. the Yellow Fever epidemic, to talk about their health problems. Sam did both hospital and welfare co-authored with Professor It made much clinics which was hard work and was Larry Sawchuk. Larry had more sense for Eventually, there were problems in his having to work both night and day. started the book but asked sick civilian and Sam so many questions that place of work, The Centre for Child Development, as the professor who had given He was also appointed consultant to military children he told him that ‘as you have Sam his job disappeared without trace. the Royal Naval Hospital. Mr Lionel almost written half the book to be sent for Ultimately, it was discovered that he had Jarvis was the consultant surgeon you should be co-author’. treatment in been in a serious car crash. The funding at the RNH and the visiting paediaSpain. ran out and the centre was taken over by trician, Dr Chris Kershaw, had been In 2006, Sam was apthe Ministry of Health and Sam appointed Sam’s registrar at the Hammersmith proached by Mary Chiappe its head doctor. In 1975, the Professor Hospital. Sam and Chris decided that there to discuss writing together a detective turned up after extensive convalescence was a problem. Sick babies at the Naval story set on the Rock. As she would need and was furious to find he had been Hospital who required specialist treatment so much historical background and medical replaced by the Health Ministry. Sam encould be put on a Hercules aircraft and knowledge, Sam was invited to co-write joyed the job, but it had nothing to do with flown back to a military hospital in England the story. It has turned into a remarkable his true love, acute paediatrics. but would have to be accompanied by a literary partnership. They would meet to doctor. Patients from St Bernard’s Hospital discuss the book, what the crime was to A sabbatical year came in 1976 and were even worse off, as they could only be be, the characters who would appear and Sam returned to London as a locum for sent to Britain if they were fit enough for a an outline of the plot. The main character Professor Dubowitz at the Hammersmith commercial flight. is Giovanni Bresciano, a Gibraltarian of Hospital. The Professor was a specialist in Anglo-Genoese descent. For the first novel muscular problems in children. After six Chris and he came to the conclusion that it Sam wrote the first chapter, sent to Mary months, he moved to the Bristol area, as made much more sense for sick civilian and for her comments. She wrote the second another Professor had arranged for him to military children to be sent for treatment in chapter, he the third and so on until the final chapter. Mary wrote the first chapter of Sam with co-author Mary Chiappe the second story and so it went on until the final book in the series. In 2015, the He is at two authors were awarded a heritage award by the Heritage Trust. As a result present of popular demand, Mary and Sam reinvolved in took fans on a walk visiting most the research cently of the places mentioned in the book.
into the cemetery...
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Sam has nothing definite planned although he might update the history of the hospital. He is at present involved in the research into the cemetery which was discovered when the old hospital building was being re-commissioned as a school. He looks back on the Gibraltar which has been his home for most of his life, and reflects that while some things have improved for the better, the traditional nature of his home town is being irretrievably lost, with ugly, oversized and intrusive buildings being like aloes sprouting up all over the place. 45
life words | Nicole Macedo
SHELTERED STUDENT 2 Making friends and student Christmas hacks
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residence, I’ve joined in on trips to the pub n life I have made the conscious choice ideals I’d spun in my head in the months of surrounding myself with lots of peoleading up to coming to university were with flatmates, I’ve deliberately sat next ple. I like having a big group of friends, pretty grandiose, and for the most part, to new faces in lectures, and I’ve dragged it allows for versatility and have been left unfulfilled; but that’s myself to a myriad of fitness classes at the the ability to more often than I have ok, that’s an issue I’ve long battled campus gym. Call me negative (people often do) but it seems to me that everyone not find someone willing to with. People are frequently telling me successfully accompany you to a radical to lower my expectations, or I’ll be here has already made their friends for life mustered up new fitness class, obscure doomed with disappointment, and I’m and couldn’t possibly fit any more names an impressive vegan restaurant, pedantic always so defensive towards them. into their iPhone contact list. Maybe I’m cluster of close I’m an idealist, and very much most of just not sure how to approach people, informational talk, or impulcompanions. or I’m going about it in the wrong way, sively accept your initiation the time live in an imaginary world in to go clubbing at 1am on a my head. Now, this is by no means a or maybe, as my flatmate frequently tells Wednesday night. After a few solitary years self-pity party that I’ve invitme, I wreak of desperation. I’m in comprehensive school, and the realisaed you all to in an attempt to wondering if there is a particular People are tion, post A Levels, that most of my friends spark new friendships, I just frequently telling formula or algorithm to adapt to had up and left me to go off to university, thought I’d start with someall my first time conversations me to lower my with people that will automatically I really forced myself on people. Through thing a little bit self-deprecatexpectations, the nature of tightly formed bonds with ing and probably quite funny see the interaction evolve into or I’ll be colleagues and clinging on to groups of to anyone who is not me. the exchanging of phone numdoomed with friends of friends, I have successfully bers and the promise of weaving disappointment... matching bestie bracelets for each mustered up an impressive cluster of close Best friend algorithm companions. Moving to London and having other. I’m working on it though, I’ve expressed interest in at least forty to commence that process all over again Now, in all honesty, I have not yet made has definitely proved the most taxing part upcoming Facebook events advertising a real proper effort to make new friends. of this whole life switch. It turns out the super cool and quirky goings on around I have attended flat parties in my halls of 46
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life Campus. There are many. The arty and on an impressive number of boroughs, Student Christmas hacks creative types are rife. I love it, but it has chortled through a spectrum of standWith Christmas quickly looming, I’m left me with an ever so slight bitter taste up shows, bore through a great many fully embracing London’s nature of over of inferiority. You’d be astounded by how classical paintings, and chased an almost excessive holiday spirit. I have fourteen many super zany characters unconvention- embarrassing number of squirrels. I almost years of drab, mild Christmases in Spain to ally named Fire and Africa I have met. All feel over stimulated, whilst also having make up for. London offers a truly magical of which have grown up in obscure parts developed a new found anxiety over not sight throughout the winter, glittery tree of the world, amidst unheard achieving as much as I could be or lights, icy grey skies, raw, red fingers, and I’m wondering of cultures with a fascinating seizing every possible opportunity. layers upon layers of fake cotton wool myriad of life stories under There are most certainly worse if there is a snow draped across every shop window. their belts, at the tender age of particular anxieties to develop. For those, like me, who have to sufficiently something early twenty. The formula or lower their budget for Christmas spending gradience on my ‘special snowLectures and seminars play a relaalgorithm to this year, here are a few useful tips to keep flake’ scale is blurring more and tively leading role in student life, as you going; it is most certainly acceptable adapt to all more as the days go by. you’d imagine. They involve a lot to buy family Christmas presents at Aldi, as my first time of group interaction and personal long as you eradicate any suggestion that conversations... interpretation of texts and literary the items have indeed been bought in Aldi. Wondrous city themes, along with obsessing over Do recycle presents; this is undoubtedly essay questions and essay writing skills. All On an ever more positive note, the City of Christmas’ most worthy life hack. Finally, the studious discussions about London is growing on me more and more do not get wrapped up in big scale the homoerotic nature of some every day. Scholarly English writer and community events, like the Oxford “When a man of Shakespeare’s male characdictionary inventor Samuel Johnson very Street Christmas lighting, because is tired of ters, most blatantly observed in accurately pointed out that ‘no man, at you are doomed to suffer sore disLondon, he is the relationships between the all intellectual, is willing to leave London. appointment, when you are stuck tired of life; two leads in Othello. It’s such a No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, half a mile from the stage with a grown up learning environment, for there is in he is tired of life; for there is in London sea of equally as disappointed and until someone is caught out all that life can afford’. This is the city of London all that cold people wedged in front and for not reading the necessary opportunity! Every day I take the tube I life can afford.” behind you. Also, I have found that books and they shrink slowly take in more new faces than I would in with regards to booking flights back into the primary school three weeks of living in Gibraltar. Who home during the Christmas period, the child who had all the intentions of doing even knew this many people existed? The best possible dates to do so are in the days their homework, but really had no real vastness of the world is a concept I’ve just leading up to the 25th and just followdesire to. It’s hard to face the disappointreally only just come across, at the embaring. Finally, if you find you may have to cull ment of not being able to give rassingly ripe age of twenty-three. some people from your present list, again Lectures and an eloquent response to our My favourite spots in the city for the purpose of saving costs, friends range from Hyde Park, to Regent’s seminars play lecturer, particularly when he has should most certainly get the chop above all the familiarity of Giles, Buffy Canal, Borough Street Market and a relatively your dog. Always get your dog a Christmas the very apex of the Gherkin. In leading role in the Vampire Slayer’s kind and present. soft spoken Watcher. almost two months I have touched
student life...
Regent’s Canal
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environment words | Lewis Stagnetto, The Nautilus Project
MARINE NUISANCES Plastics in the marine environment around Gibraltar
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lobal plastic production is estimat- bottles will not disappear from the planet ed at around 300 million tons per until 2130-2330 CE. Now, add your eight year and this figure is million tons per year over 400 years on the rise. Half of that and you get a total of 3200 million A plastic plastic, around 150 million tons, tons of plastic in the oceans. This is gets thrown away and around bottle used before we even start to lose anything eight million tons ends up in the to biodegradation and that does not for mineral sea. Obviously, as production take into account an increase year on water takes goes up there is likely to be an year. The situation has become so around 450 bad that it has been predicted that increase to the oceanic input of years to plastic waste into our oceans. by the year 2050, there will be more “So what!” I hear you say, “that biodegrade. plastic in the ocean than fish! figure is around 2.7% of global production and the sea accounts Here, in Gibraltar we are pretty for over 80% of the planet’s surface, it’s a lucky because the prevailing currents are drop in the ocean” – excuse the pun. constant and efficiently move a lot of our waste out of sight. So, how Well, take into account the following infordo we see this problem man- By the year mation and see how it grabs you: a plastic ifest itself along our dynamic 2050, there bottle used for mineral water takes around coastline? Next time you will be more 450 years to biodegrade. Today’s modern walk along a sea front take polyvinyl chloride, low density polyeththe time to inspect what is plastic in ylene, polystyrene, and polymethyl methtucked away in between the the ocean acrylate were all developed in the 1930’s. rocky breakwaters we have than fish! Taking into account that these materials scattered around. You might biodegrade over a 200-400 year timespan well be forgiven for thinking on average, then the first plastic bottles I am talking about shore crabs or some ever made still exist today. Further, these other organism but you would be wrong.
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Unfortunately, before you catch a glimpse of any type of life, you will begin to make out plastic debris all over the place. The breakwaters are acting like a natural sampling net collecting some of what makes its way into our seas. Cleaning up the breakwaters is a step in the right direction but preventing the plastic from getting into the sea in the first place is the real goal. Plastic bags are a terrible offender and most people have probably seen the pictures of turtles and tuna who have mistaken them for a jellyfish and eaten them. Animals cannot digest a plastic bag and will consequently die from having it in their stomachs, but it doesn’t end there. Any animal that attempts to eat the dead turtle is running the risk of ingesting some of that plastic bag and a grim fate awaits them too. Hence, this cycle of death induced by plastic will continue for approximately 40 years before it will have completely decomposed; one plastic bag equals a lot of lost marine life! Microbeads, used in exfoliation creams and shower gels, are some of the worst GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
environment offenders. The beads are Preventing so small the human eye cannot see them without the plastic help and a single shower from getting can send hundreds of into the sea is thousands of them into the sea. Once there, they the real goal. float tantalisingly on the surface where fish in the planktonic stage of their lifecycle begin to feed on them. There are some horrific pictures of these juvenile fish with bloated stomachs filled with plastic microbeads. But if you think the issue ends there then you would be wrong as “out of sight out of mind” comes back to haunt us. The planktonic fish are slow due to a lack of energy and bloated stomachs. This makes them more likely to get eaten by a bigger fish. The beads find their way into the guts of that larger fish and as the saying goes “there is always a bigger fish”. Typically, the bigger fish cycle continues and as it does, the likelihood that said fish ends up on your plate increases. It is very ironic that the very beads we dispose of in the sea, end up in our own stomachs due to our indifference.
Juvenile fish with bloated stomach filled with plastic microbeads.
own waters. Catching it was impossible and the animal eventually died. Fortunately, one enterprising brewery in the USA, Saltwater brewery, has developed a completely biodegradable equivalent made out of the by-products of the brewing process. The result is something that is as strong as plastic but also safe for marine animals to feed off. Ideas like this demonstrate how companies can save costs on packaging and waste by-products simultaneously. This is exactly the type of thinking we urgently need.
Plastic six-pack can holders can become trapped on the rostrum of dolphins as they use it to play in the waves. Once it’s slipped down the rostrum, the animal is unable to open its mouth and with no hands to remove it and no ability to swim backwards, the dolphin will literally starve to death. Only this summer, local authorities were attempting to help a dolphin in our Plastic six-pack can holder trapped on the rostrum of the dolphin. Without help, the dolphin will starve.
Reduce, re-use and recycle are the three R’s which are core to this issue. Reducing the plastic you buy at supermarkets by choosing the loose fruit as opposed to the prepacked variety helps. Re-usable bags for supermarket shopping are a fantastic alternative to single use plastic bags. The ones made from natural fibres are the best as they biodegrade most easily. For our part, we only have to invest in them initially and then remember to take them with us when we go shopping. Recycling is an important defence against this marine pollution as re-using plastic will reduce the need to keep producing more each year.
Reduce, re-use and recycle are the three R’s which are core to this issue.
Ultimately, this is not an issue that can be solved single-handedly; we all need to work together if we are to pass on a cleaner environment to our children. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
scene words | Elena Scialtiel photos | Stelios Kyriakides - stelioskfototography
BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Paysage to India
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His latest Clarendon exhibition was sold pending time, buying time, wasting but the perfection of light and form on out within minutes from opening, with time: funny how the English canvas, as I paint in layers, practically and language shares the same verbs metaphorically. I paint through time. My what he describes as ‘queues outside like to talk about time and money. work is not just about movement, but I try the gallery owners had never seen before’ and collectors flying from all over the Perhaps because time is money for many, to depict a period in the life of that object world to catch a glimpse of the Gibraltarian and for others it is even more precious, or that person. Preparing an exhibition is maestro and snatch a piece of him. because money cannot always hard work, about one year flat out buy time. If you have time and for my recent one, but long hours “I am not in talent, and money is no object, doing what I enjoy aren’t a burden, Although nice to bask in, fame and pursuit of you can paint everlasting and I can allow myself to paint what fortune are not the fuel of Christian’s materialistic masterpieces whose prime I fall in love with.” research and creativity: excitement is, pure subject matter is the passing of luxury but the love is. “I choose a subject matter that time, like a time-lapse segment, perfection of So, how does it feel when positively affects me and I try to transmit light and form collectors sign five-figure cheques and eventually sell them for a my excitement to the onlooker. This way, on canvas...” handsome sum of money. the creative process is purely in a heartbeat for the enjoyable, and the result is pure privilege to own a Hoook “My work is art, as long as I work with myself Indeed, money is no object for superstar original? “Of course I like it when not just about and for myself and don’t have to artiste Christian Hook, who continues someone buys my work because movement, but it means to me they somehow compromise on my integrity.” his lifelong quest for artistic excellence I try to depict a and excitement with no greed for status agree to accepting and period in the life If art can be solipsistic, great acknowledging how valuable it symbols other than access to the top of that object or work speaks directly to the cultural venues where to meet and is. It sets a tangible value. When mingle with the finest creative minds. I sell out of a collection, it means that person.” soul, from the soul to the soul, Self-confessed free spirit, he says: “I I can move on and take a step without needing any further further from my previous volume of work.” am not in pursuit of materialistic luxury explanation, such as captions, historical
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art
Granny
data or time-framing within the author’s biography. “If you hear the perfect music, you don’t His latest need to know who plays it Clarendon or when it was composed: exhibition it just stirs memories you was sold didn’t remember to have out within stored, and emotions you minutes didn’t know you had in from you.” Similarly, figurative opening... art is more immediate than speech or literature because
Segovia
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it can universally communicate, whereas there aren’t enough words to express concepts or emotions, as art is distanced from verbalism and is transmitted directly, almost telepathically through the medium of shape and colour. “If you need to explain any artwork placing it in historical or geographical context then it means it is not good enough art or music, as those are meant to be universal and speak a language beyond space and time.” Exciting times ahead for Hoook, selected with other up-and-coming artists from many disciplines, revelations in their field during the past year, to attend a “The creative polo tournament process is purely week-long event in enjoyable, and India. He has already the result is attended the first pure art, as long do in Henley, in the as I work with UK, with ‘helicopters myself and for hovering from all myself...” directions’, and the tour will continue with a stop in St. Tropez and other glamorous venues that he hasn’t yet committed to.
“World Polo gets together the brightest creative minds and the finest things in life for these exclusive events, packed with jet-setters and celebrities: the fact they’ve chosen me makes me hope that I am being endorsed as one of the best minds on offer at the moment.” Not so impatient to rub elbows with the aristocrats as much as with his fellow creatives, Christian is seeking to mingle in the buzzing environment and looking forward to working on new paintings live while there, as well as watching other like-minded artists produce their own work. “This is a big opportunity for artists to network and work together.” Despite having shunned the obvious inspiration of his hometown’s quaint views, Christian recognises its influence: “We are here at the crossroads between Europe and Africa and yes, Moroccan architecture features in my early work, as well as my interest in painting Andalusian horses. And my ‘Bathers’ series is based on the Mediterranean light. Both horses and bathers are themes dear to traditional painting, but I am taking it a step further GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
art with my contemporary approach. I like to reprise classical subject matters and develop the legacy adding my voice to it. Bath time was a common theme in the past, perhaps because it wasn’t readily available to all and therefore seen as a momentous intimate ritual to cherish and a manner to include nudes in a graceful setting.” He denies favouring portraiture, as his broad fanship would be misled to believe by his stunning string of high-profile portraits both locally and in the UK when he won the Sky Arts show ‘Portraitist of the Year’. His inclusion in the catalogue of the best one hundred artists of all time consecrated him to his current status, and having pieces permanently exhibited at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Liverpool Museum even more so, and he is Portraiture becoming an habitué to British museums, with a fifth exhibit in the pipeline. After for me, it hasn’t been a case of overnight His journey so far is documented in his his painting of boxer Amir Khan made the sensation, because I’ve worked hard autobiography ‘La Busqueda’, an elegant permanent exhibition at and constantly all my life to attain coffee-table book featuring full-colour the Bolton Museum in this level. Obviously, the television illustrations of his most memorable works Art is distanced Manchester, he is now broadcast has raised my profile, but it and their genesis, with references to from verbalism commissioned with a those who walked along on his personal and is transmitted may also work against me in exposing documentary about his me as just another commercial artist.” yellow-brick road contributing to his arty directly, almost work on the joint portrait mission. It was presented telepathically “I’ve worked at last Literary Festival and of cyclists and Olympic He is now dividing his time through the hard and medallists Jason Kenny immediately sold out, but it between London, where he medium of shape and Laura Trott, who will be soon available from gets stopped in the street for constantly and colour. were recently married. autographs, and Gibraltar, where all my life to UK bookstores and online, alongside limited-edition he paints in his Horse Barracks attain this signed prints. On his shooting to stardom, Christian Lane studio and hasn’t let fame taint level...” comments: “It is a shocking experience, yet his boy-next-door affability. Exhibition 2016
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music words | Elena Scialtiel
WHAT THE FUNK?! MalFUNKtion
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xpect razzmatazz with funky quartet toe-tapping repertoire of funky tunes, from funk, 2% jazz’, and plenty of surprises are packed in that all-important 2%. MalFUNKtion, who were the true crowd-pleaser James Brown to saxophonsensation of recent auist Maceo Parker, Swedish tromtumnal musical nights bone player Nils Landgren, as well They meshed MalFUNKtion’s concerts feature a set list after an intense summer of as tunes by piano legend Herbie with a certain degree of improvisation and together in surfing the chiringuito circuit Hancock, performing both instruarrangements of well-known mainstream a heartbeat and establishing themselves mental-only tracks and classic hit songs that everyone would know, but noand went on as regulars at the aptly named songs featuring Ed’s smooth vocals body would expect to be performed ‘in a promoting local Jazz Café. with the ultimate aim of getting the funk’. “We try and accommodate our auditheir infectious, audience to their feet. ence’s requests, of course,” they toe-tapping say, “but we like to surprise them Formed by Gibraltarian Their website repertoire of with popular attention-grabbers, saxophonist Nick Gonzalez Despite their apotropaic advertises them funky tunes... and German bassist Burkhard name, the band is well like when we played a jazzed-up as ‘98% funk, 2% version of ‘Jingle Bells’ at our (Bee) Menn from the ashes of functioning indeed in a jazz’, and plenty September gig, and that just their previous Jazz Quartet, and inventively music scene where they feel of surprises are went down a treat.” rebranded after their favourite subgenre, funk is not portrayed extenpacked in that the duo soon recruited British musician sively enough, and seldom all-important 2%. With varied audiences whose Ed Mayo on vocals, keys and trumpet, and made the protagonist of live Argentinean Nestor Gomez on drums. gigs. They are here to disprove demographics depend on the Latest addition to the ensemble is Marbelthe misconception that wider audiences venue, MalFUNKtion’s style and repertoire lan guitarist Alejandro Hidalgo, who adds may linger on, and reclaim funk’s place is fluid and flexible in its selection of covfunky riffs to the sound of the band. in musical history, alongside blues, and ers, between which they sometimes slip finger-snapping bluesy rhythms which the their own composition ‘B Funk’, described quartet often indulges in. It isn’t a fluke as “our trademark funky line, rich in brass, They meshed together in a heartbeat that their website advertises them as ‘98% designed to get people dance away. It is and went on promoting their infectious, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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music
instrumental at the moment, but seeing its popularity, we don’t rule out the project of adding lyrics, since our vocalist has a solid range to complement the groove.” A customer services agent by day job, and one of the best saxophonists on the Coast, Nick is a versatile player whose first approach to music was indeed through jazz: “Once you master jazz, you can
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Ed Mayo is an internationally acclaimed trumpet and piano player, originally from the south-east of England. He rose through the ranks as a jazz soloist to become an in-demand session player and jazz soloist. His career has seen him perform at major jazz festivals and theatres throughout the world, alongside a steady stream of recording and writing projects. His love of music began at school, playing in the Big Band and later joining Geoff Miller’s Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra with which he played for five years in live shows, jazz festivals and tours, and he regularly goes back to play with them to support the up-andcoming talent the band still finds. Now he is the head of the music department of an international school in Marbella as well as a renowned musician along the region stretching between Cadiz and Malaga and a regular visitor to the weekly Eliott Hotel’s jamming nights.
quickly learn other styles,” he says. In fact, he also plays reggae with legendary local Burkhard, better known as ‘Bee’, has been act Heritage, and the Jamaican beat was playing guitar and bass (electric and uphis first love when he entered the world of right) for more than thirty years. He is used gigging thanks to Sista Dee’s to playing big stages and big audiences orchestra, where he met Bee “Once you during shows and festivals as well as Menn. Nowadays, he divides master jazz, small, cosy jazz clubs. When he came to his virtuosism between HerSpain more than ten years ago, he setyou can itage, MalFUNKtion and the quickly learn tled at an elegant resort hotel, where he Tito Chipolina’s Blues Band. other styles.” was supposed to open his diving school,
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music but as a thoroughbred musician, he soon was also responsible for the establishment’s band bookings and was often asked if he could fill in for bass players, so ended up playing averagely one to two gigs per week. Never too busy for music, he organised jam sessions in a chiringuito nearby, where he played with musicians from the region every Sunday for over a year. Being a sound engineer, he controls the speakers, amplification and mixing equipment his band uses for their gigs. However, he prefers big gigs with contracted sound companies, because, as he jokingly explains, ‘then he could hold someone else responsible in case of poor sound’. With some nine thousand gigs under his belt in his thirty-year career, Argentinean Nestor Gomez started to learn drums at a very young age, and was soon touring his country and Uruguay with some famous early age too, mainly influenced by blues songwriters and bands. Later, he decided and rock of the Sixties and Seventies. As to come to Europe looking for new horihe grew up, his interest shifted zons in his career and for many He is the head to other styles of music as funk, years, he played every night at jazz, folk, country and he has the famous “Navy” night club in of the music since played with a variety of Puerto Banús until it closed. department of an international bands and musicians exploring his versatility while staying true Alejandro Hidalgo, a self-taught school in to his style. guitarist, began playing at an Marbella...
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Logistics aside, MalFUNKtion makes a point to meet fortnightly for rehearsals, and more often when a gig is on the horizon. Furthermore, they dedicate most of their free time to practising on their own, as Nick is very demanding on the group meshing together and being on the ball – especially when there is a big ball coming up!
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ROCK ILLUSION Gibraltar’s first International Magic Festival
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magician Jordan Lopez from ‘Faster than The main objective for any magician is to agic is one of the oldest Magic’. “Thousands of illusionists make up get the audience to stop thinking about performing arts still in existhe network of magicians and the internet how the trick is done and just get them to tence. Illusionists, sometimes has revolutionised the industry, making it believe in it. That’s when the real incorrectly accreditmuch easier to get into magic. Even somemagic happens. It is a great feeling, ed with paranormal activity and Illusionists especially for youngsters and can thing on YouTube could spark someone sorcery, appear in many written don’t sell into becoming the next Harry Houdini.” instil nostalgia for older members scriptures throughout history, who are thrown back to their spanning back to ancient Greek magic as a power and younger years. This releases a feel times. There has always been Magic past good factor that people take with a social fascination with magic. disassociate People want to know how the The old Theatre Royal was the house of themselves as them after the show and can even magicians pull their illusions off. help them reconnect with their magic on the Rock in days gone by where a supernatural younger self, “The If there is a magic trick taking the realms of the unknown would force. aftertaste of a magic place on the street, even if you send unnerving sensations through show is great. I love to With the are not interested, it is hard the audience. Richardi, a famous internet and make this cocktail of illusion to pry your eyes away from something so magician who resided in La Linea, for the audience and it’s great social media, spectacular. Illusionists don’t sell magic performed scandalous acts on the to see adults come up to you as a power and disassociate themselves you are able Rock that had a real shock factor. He after the show grinning like as a supernatural force. These are merely would cut people in half and used lard to ascertain children and congratulating tricks on the mind. Harry Houdini would and cow blood on stage to make it how tricks you on your performance. attract thousands of people in major cities are done with seem real. He also used animal organs to his shows, but things have evolved since Sometimes they are even and pulled them out as if they were relative ease. from his ‘victim’, “After this, magic happier than the kids. You then. It was easier to fool people before, don’t get that in any other whereas now, with the internet and social just stopped because there was no show, but it only happens if you let yourmedia, you are able to ascertain how tricks continuity. We need more people to come are done with relative ease. self go and drop your scepticism,” said local out and take to the stage. That is what we GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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scene to. One of our acts uses a giant plasma screen that the illusionist interacts with. It is very current and very interesting how he communicates with it. I am sure that locals and tourists alike will really enjoy it. It’s a bit of fun and is the first time we are doing it. I hope that I can develop it year on year and encourage more people to take up magic as well as attending some great shows.” Magic origins Jordan said that this festival was the culmination of roughly ten years of work that all started with Dutch illusionist sensationalists Magic Unlimited, “I was in Spain around ten years ago and they had built a magical palace there. I met them out of the blue when I saw an international magic show advertised and decided to grab a ticket. I hadn’t realised just how big these guys were in Holland and I was blown away by their performance. I was eager to meet them after the show and it turned out to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The magical entourage have a summer home in Marbella and “It’s great to often perform in theatres there, Flying box see adults but as an international act, they work all over the world. come up to and in various other locations. The are trying to do with this festival, to create Over the years, as Jordan saw you after the main show kicks-off on Wednesday an atmosphere in Gibraltar where it is easy more of their shows and met show grinning them personally, they ended up and will run for seven nights with to get involved. I think the workshops this like children...” ‘magically adopting’ him. When seven magicians taking part. year will put testimony to the Friday and Saturday will see fact that people are interested The main he was shown into their magic the close-up shows come to the in magic if it is easily accessistore, Jordan became like a kid in a candy objective for stage through Dani Da Ortiz and Luis store as his eyes lit up excitedly with the ble.” Jordan says that this fact any magician Olmedo and there will be workshops is even more prevalent due illusionist props and tricks lying around, is to get the for different age groups available, “In to the massive magic move“They had large shipping containers where audience to this show, we have tried to bring in ment taking place in recent they kept all sorts of magic stuff. You could stop thinking modern stuff that people can relate years around the UK with imagine the look in my eye when they said more television programmes about how the Senza Titolo centering around illusionists, trick is done... “Magic was a bit stagnant and has gone through a boom recently. Nowadays, we have many largescale projects that essentially fool masses of people into disbelief. The environment where you are witnessing magic now is different. It has evolved exponentially.” The show The Gibraltar International Magic Festival will run from the 5th to 11th December with world class acts from around the world relishing the chance to bedazzle you. The reigning International Federation of Magic Societies champion for Close Up Card Magic, Shin Lim, is one of the performers and it is no wonder that this year’s show has raked-in so much interest. A self-proclaimed, “Sleight of Hand Artist”, Lim performs carefully choreographed routines rather than pretending to defy the laws of physics both in real and digital worlds. There will be street magic during the day with performers going up and down Main Street conducting close-up magic in cafés 62
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scene to me ‘go on, take whatever you want’. Are you serious? I thought… but before long I was roaming around in awe of these huge props like fire and tiger cages and other massive illusions. I took quite a few things but my favourite was the sword basket and I used it in one of the first shows I ever did with my sister Shailah. It was our first stage illusion. Now we build our own things, but it was a push in the right direction. We did a small thing with them in Gibraltar some time ago, but ten years later, they are now taking part in our first Magic Festival. It is thanks to them that this has become as big as it has here.” He would Card magic
cut people in half and used lard and cow blood on stage to make it seem real.
One of Jordan’s close friends hates card magic, but he was determined to change his perception of this through one of the masters, Dani Da Ortiz. He develops card tricks for the best magicians in the world, but is also a performer in his own right. Funnily enough, he also lives close by, in Estepona. It seems as if many magicians like the South of Spain and it is a great boost for local magic to get them to perform on the Rock, “You will never see anything like his close up magic before. He records his DVDs in a studio there and he always calls our team to head down as audience members. We literally stay with him until
Ouka
Jordan Lopez, Gibraltar International Magic Festival
5am because he is so passionate about it things. By his second trick, it is beyond and has a fantastic museum comprehension. Luis Olmedo is another who will take part in the show of magic there. He tries all his “My favourite new tricks with us and they and his tricks are jaw dropping. I was the sword would recommend anyone to head blow your mind, quite frankly, basket and I I can’t understand even half of on down to see them if they want used it in one of to see something special. It is a bit what he does as you need to the first shows of an emotional rollercoaster, but be a genius mathematician to be able to come up with these I ever did...” totally worth it.” Magic Unlimited, fire in the house
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fashion words | Julia Coelho
MAGIC OF INDIVIDUALITY Be true to your personal style
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met with slightly unconvinced ‘not quite f there’s anything that makes the chilly ourselves, aesthetically speaking. It may be sure if that’ll make the cut’ looks. With only weather more bearable, it’s the promise something to do with our small town mena few days left until the event, and a slight that the festive season is tality; the concept of keeping up rush of panic washing over me, I started to upon us at last, along with all It can be so with the Jones’s and attempting to second-guess myself and doubt my choice. of the food, family and dance easy to feel fit in – we all want to be different, Nevertheless, I had a gut feeling that the orientated get-togethers that but not too different. I always com- dress I was so set on would actually make come with it. It seems like only a pressured to pare it to that slightly guilty, yet for a great look, and it did end up being couple of months ago that I was adhere to the intrinsic desire to have the coolest so. The reason for that was because it on the hunt for those coveted norms that National Day outfit; ultimately, was me; my style. It can be so easy to feel Christmas night and New Year’s come with pressured to adhere to the norms that eve outfits; now nearly a whole we’re all wearing red and white, Christmas and come with Christmas and New Year related year ago. The organised among yet we still have that innate subtle fashion, but the fact is that we all have you may already be well on your New Year... rivalry and longing to stand out different tastes and individual styles. way to having it all figured out; from the crowd. Not everyone feels comfortable in from buying presents and stocking up on Not everyone sleek lace black gowns, just as we polvorónes and wrapping paper, to purEven though I love a good feels comfortable can’t all pull off a sharp suit, or rock chasing all event tickets and outfits. But if maxi dress and towering a funky sequined playsuit. But what’s you’re anything like me, none of the above pair of heels, I wouldn’t say in sleek lace black has been given much thought. It’s probably gowns, just as we certain is that we will always look our that I’m particularly glambest when we are true to ourselves, a good time to start browsing, right? orous by nature – which can’t all pull off a and embrace our individuality. doesn’t work too well sharp suit... Particularly in Gibraltar, the Christmas and with the party season’s Being different doesn’t mean New Year’s Eve parties are a fancy affair expectations. I recall, last rejecting the classic and archetypal styles for the majority of us. The only downside year, after asking a couple of my friends that are so associated with Christmas if a certain dress (less flashy than your that comes with all of that is the slightly party outfits. It means taking something typical option) would be appropriate for competitive and restrictive nature in the that draws you in, trendy or not, glitzy the yearly New Year gala, my question was way that we are expected to present or understated, and making it your own.
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fashion leisure life and hasn’t seemed to budge ever One style that’ll never go out of fashion since? I love trying to think outside is the little black dress, for instance. But the box, yet keeping my if you’re looking to take it to party look within the pathe next level, think subtle yet We will rameters of what I personeffective embellishments, such always look ally deem appropriate for as lace or sheer inserts, or even our best when the occasion. Equally, if a long mesh sleeves for a cool we are true to timeless metallic maxi dress contrast in textures. If you’re slightly more trend focused, did ourselves, and is right up your street, go for it! Don’t feel restricted you ever consider opting for a embrace our by these fabricated “rules”! co-ord; a style that burst onto individuality. the scene a few seasons ago,
Ultimately, the forthcoming festive party season should be fun, nothing less! Try not to over-think it, and wear something that makes you shine! You can never go wrong when you trust your gut.
Being different doesn’t mean rejecting the classic and archetypal styles that are so associated with Christmas party outfits.
Here are a few looks and ideas that are sure to get your brain ticking:
Brights
The urban tailor
Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties means a sea of black, and metallic dresses. Why not go bold in brights?
When it comes to shaking up the party wear formula, there’s nothing that can do it better than a timeless tailored silhouette. It can be a fun challenge to balance the feminine and masculine by teaming up a sharp suit with some awesome metallic heels and jewellery.
Missguided Silky Kimono Dress £25
Vila Tie Front Smart Co-Ord Set £65 Missguided Cut Out Panel Bardot Bodycon Dress £30 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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fashion Tops & Co-ords Tops and trousers seem to have to have been given the thumbs down over recent years, but there’s no reason why this look can’t be just as glam! If you’re slightly more daring, go for the ever-trendy co-ord!
Sparkle & Fade Metallic Ribbed Knit Jumper £39
Ariana Grande for Lipsy Lace Crop Top With Scallop Hem £38
Fame and Partners Nightfall Sateen Luxe Maxi Skirt £130
Fame and Partners Nightfall Lace Top with Open back £75 Ariana Grande for Lipsy Lace Mini Skirt with Scallop Hem £40
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fashion Sequins & embellishments
Playsuits & jumpsuits
Even though sequins are one of the most popular attributes of a Christmas or New Year’s Eve outfit, they’re not always easy to get right. However, succeed in striking the ultimate balance between inyour-face disco ball glam and understated cool, and you have yourself a winner. If you’re not so into the sparkly style, why not opt for a gorgeous yet subtle embellishment such as beading, studs or pearls?
Personally, I’m championing the jumpsuit this festive season. There’s nothing I love more than a bit of intricate beading on a statement piece of clothing! I wore a glam beaded Topshop playsuit a few years back, and not only did I look like a disco ball, it was also one of the most comfortable choices I could have made. ASOS Double Layer Embellished Playsuit
ASOS Night Armour Mesh Bodycon Dress
£55
£100
ASOS Boohoo Halter Neck Split Front Satin Jumpsuit £25
rs
xe
Quiz ASOS Pearl Cluster Long Sleeve Mini Dress
Black Pleated Culotte Jumpsuit £24
£100 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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travel words | Lewis Stagnetto
GENIAL GALAPAGOS Discovery waiting to happen
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ocated in the Pacific Ocean about “the earth that there, is like slag, worthless, Ecuador who subsequently renamed all the islands and gave them their present 970 km west of Ecuador, the Galabecause it does not have the virtue to pagos Islands are most famously ascreate a little grass…”. But don’t let that put Spanish names; a cheap price for the wonder they are. The capital, Puerto Baquerizo sociated with 19th century naturalist, you off going there as he only visited one Moreno, is located on the island of San of the islands after all. A less known Charles Darwin. Made up from Cristóbal and has a population of around 18 islands, this archipelago The eruptions fact is that the bishop is responsible for the name Galapagos which means 6000 residents. continues to be constructcreate saddle. The bishop used this name ed by volcanic activity deep volcanoes with reference to the large tortoise within the earth’s crust along Isabela, is the largest of the islands and shell and it stuck for the archipelago the Nazca tectonic plate fault which form Puerto Villamil hosts around 2000 resias a whole. line. These plates are presentdents. Total population of legal the island ly being forced apart which residents on the islands is estimatarchipelago The bishop is generates a massive amount of ed at around 25,000 making it The archipelago land mass land mass... responsible heat and volcanic activity. The very comparable to Gibraltar. is approximately 7,880 km2 eruptions create volcanoes for the name but the entire area is more which form the island archipelago land like 45,000 km2 with the total area Galapagos Weather mass; this is known scientifically as hot being designated as the first UNwhich means spot theory. On average, there are around ESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) The Galapagos have two main saddle. 13 eruptions every 100 years and the last in 1978. Of this land mass, 97% is seasons; the dry season from eruption happened on Fernandina in 2009. national park with the remaining June to December and the warm 3% being made up from the five inhabseason from December to May. The dry ited islands. Around the islands, a total season is typically blue skies and midday Geography of 133,000km2 is designated as a marine showers whilst the warm season is much more tropical with frequent daily showers The landscape is dominated by the igneous reserve which achieved the UNESCO WHS in 1998. and cloudy skies. Due to its location on the rock formations associated with volcanism equator, Galapagos can be visited all year and was once described by a bishop of round as the warm temperature only varies Panama, Fray Tomás de Barlanga, in a letter Taken from the Spanish empire in 1832, between 20-30oC. to the King of Spain in April 26, 1535 as the archipelago officially belongs to
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travel
Darwin’s finch
Black frigatebird male
Another rare site are the Galapagos penSpanish bobo, which means stupid. The guins which can be seen between the west birds received this name because of their coast of Isabela and Fernandina. The only blue feet and the association with circus penguins that live north of the equator, clowns. Blue is not a common colourathey nest between May and January. I tion in nature and the birds achieve this found the experience of looking out to through their fish diet which contains high sea and spotting a penguin leaping out the levels of anti-oxidants. As part of the ganwater to be pretty surreal especially as I net family, the boobies are impressive fish was in a t-shirt and shorts! catchers and plunge dive up to 35 meters under water. They actually flap their wings The most famous The iconic Galapagos tortoise is of these are the whilst swimming which has so large it can carry a man and to be seen to be believed. Galapagos Finches weighs in at around 270 kg. They have a lifespan of around 120 which Darwin years and it is said that many still Marine iguanas litter the himself studied. remember the buccaneers which coastlines of the islands and used to take them as food. Conare the only swimming iguana in the world. As with all ectotherms, sequently, they are not very comfortable around people but they are very safe to they need to warm up in order to get watch from a distance. Darwin discovered their metabolism going. As a result, can be visited that each island has its own species which their skin has a tendency towards dark Wildlife all year round colours to absorb as much heat as can be differentiated from the pattern of the animal’s carapace. Of all the species of possible from the sun before entering Most people are aware of the as the warm tortoise, the most famous is called Lonethe ocean to feed on green algae on temperature famous Beagle visit to Galasome George. George was the last survivthe sea bed. Although one might not pagos in which Darwin was only varies ing member of his species and attempts to expect it, marine iguanas are excepinspired to write his ‘Origin of between breed him with other females failed. On tionally good swimmers using their Species’ paper which broke 20-30°C. the 24th June 2012 the world lost another tails to propel them through the water evolutionary science to the in a snake like fashion. species and George was no more. world. As a result, one can expect to see some of the most unique wildlife in the world in a very small area. Blue-footed booby The most famous of these are the Galapagos Finches which Darwin himself studied. Local Island ecology has shaped the beaks of these birds depending on the food available to them. This genetic isolation has adapted the finches into unique species which are expert foragers on their island. An interesting fact is that the archipelago weather is determined directly by oceanic currents. As it’s located on the western Pacific, it is harshly affected by El Niño events which occur roughly once every four years. The winds change direction which alter the flow of the local currents. Upwelling in the region stops completely and as a result the surface waters warm. As the surface waters warm, a thermocline is established and this prevents vertical mixing with the nutrient rich deep water. The lack of these vital nutrients affect the distributions and densities of marine algae and in turn this has hugely detrimental effects on the rest of the food chain. In some of the worst years around 50% of the sea lions in Galapagos starved as a result of this phenomenon. Galapagos
Finches are not the only birds found on the islands and Galapagos is renowned for its bird life. Black frigate birds, with an impressive 2.3 metre wing span, dominate the skies. During the breeding season, the male puffs up a huge gular pouch which it uses to attract the females. Frigate birds are seasonally monogamous and lay a single egg. The level of parental care is amongst the longest of any other species and this is probably due to the fact that they breed every other season. Another famous Aves resident is the Blue-footed booby, which, as its name suggests, has distinctly blue feet. However, the name for the booby comes from the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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travel in turn by tending to grow to larger which is the opposite of what one would expect from island dwellers. For those with a more adventurous disposition, a dive trip out to Gordon Rocks is recommended. At this location, the currents are strong due to a geological formation which squeezes water through a narrow channel. It therefore becomes a bottleneck for marine life wishing to pass from one side to the other. Naturally, where there is prey, there are predators, lots of predators! Gordon Rocks boasts one of the largest known schools of hammerhead sharks and as a diver, you get to see them up close and personal. Travelling and trips One can only reach the islands via a short internal flight from within Ecuador. Quito Marine iguana and Guayaquil airports, service both Baltra and San Cristóbal with the former requirThe volcanic landscape does are filled with water and a natural Local Island ing an additional boat trip to the island of not allow much flora the food item for the iguanas. Here Santa Cruz as there is no settlement on chance to develop and as one ecology has comes the special bit; as with any it. Flights are typically between might expect, it is dominated arms race between predshaped the $500-600 and are subject to by desert specialists. There ator and prey, the cacti During the beaks of these change at a moment’s notice are some interesting differhave started developing breeding birds depending differences from its relareflecting the informal nature of ences that have developed in season, the arrangements in the region. on the food these plants which underpins tives on the mainland. For male puffs up exactly why Darwin’s evolua start, it has developed a available to tionary hypothesis was born long trunk to raise it from Some people prefer island a huge gular them. here. Many species of cacti the ground. The longer pouch which it hopping between Isabela, San are preyed upon by the land the trunk, the less chance Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Floreiguanas that inhabit the various islands. As there is of a hungry iguana eating uses to attract ana, as accommodation can be the females. members of the succulent plants, the cacti it. The iguanas have responded found on all and this avoids the Galápagos penguins
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travel
Galápagos giant tortoise
potential sea sickness issues associated with the cruises. Accommodation can be obtained relatively cheaply starting from about $15 a room per night. This figure will rise depending on how much you require your creature comforts but the entry level should be sufficient for most people. The downside of island The iconic hopping is that not all of Galapagos the 18 islands have settlements and you will be tortoise is so missing out on some of large it can the most unique wildlife carry a man that Galapagos has to ofand weighs fer. Private boat trips can be chartered for the day in at around but this option will prove 270 kg. to become increasingly expensive if you want to visit various islands. Each day trip will cost you around £150 per person and some of the remotest islands cannot be visited.
Once on a cruise, your food and accommodation is covered in the price you pay. The vessel will have a route it sticks to, generally, you visit a different island each day, and it comes with its own naturalist who guides you around the marked paths on the islands. Due to the UNESCO WHO and the nature reserve, travellers are not allowed to stray from the marked paths and repeated offenders will be prevented from making landfall on future island reserves throughout their cruise. In some extreme cases, a fine might also be imposed.
The Galapagos trips are not only focused at nature lovers as they also have a strong family theme. The “Treasure Chaser” cruise is designed especially for our young ones. The trip is pirate orientated with a focus on pirate history and their buried treasures, all whilst sailing in picturesque pirate territory. Whilst on board, there are whale watching excursions and even
The name for the booby comes from the Spanish bobo, which means stupid.
Land iguana preying on cacti
Charters of four, five and eight days are available and can be booked prior to you even leaving home. In my experience, arranging it in this way can be expensive, circa £1400 per person, and you run the risk of not liking the boat you end up in, as the pictures do not always measure up. I was able to negotiate an eight day trip on the dock side and had the advantage of physically being able to see what I was signing up for, at a fraction of the price. All the charters try to leave with a full boat so you might grab yourself a bargain. This option does come with its risks, as travellers tight on time might not have the flexibility to sit and wait on the dockside, especially with young children. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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travel
School of hammerhead sharks in Gordon Rocks
swimming with the wild sea lions to be experienced. On land, there are caves to be explored, volcanoes to be walked across and lava tunnels to crawl through. Rest assured they will drop like lead at the end of each day!
Gordon Rocks
Another notable boasts one mention goes to the of the largest Charles Darwin Research Station located known schools on Santa Cruz. The of hammerhead research centre has a sharks... tortoise conservation project taking place. The centre hatches and grows the different island species until they are large enough to be re-patriated to their respective islands. Visitors are able to enjoy viewing these magnificent creatures in the closest proximity although, as with most things on Galapagos, look but don’t touch!
Food and Drink All of the major settlements have a wide range of restaurants catering to various culinary and dietary requirements. As one would expect, there is a clear tendency towards seafood and this is always fresh and cheap as it’s caught locally by specially licenced fishermen. Fish is always a good option here as it is plentiful and very tasty. The only word of caution is that Pacific fish are not just different in name to the eastern Atlantic species we are used to. The flavour of the fish is also pretty distinct which will not be a problem if you are a seafood lover but, might pose an issue if you are particular. You will However, there are restaurants which service food more typical to South America. Ceviche is one such example and is made from
fresh fish which has been cured in citrus juices with raw onions, coriander and chili peppers. According to archaeological records, various versions of ceviche have been eaten in South America for around 2000 years, making it an integral part of local cuisine. If raw fish is not your thing, then there are various Italian style restaurants which serve dishes which are far more familiar to us. The downside of these restaurants is that most of the ingredients are not grown locally and have to be shipped in. This increases the cost of the food significantly.
inevitably bump into a green turtle or sea lion whilst you swim.
My favourite way of eating was to choose a restaurant which was serving up a set menu. Typically, there will be something on the menu that you have never tried before but the San Cristóbal Island
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travel
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
experience will set you back no more than $5 which is exceptionally good value for island tucker. Galapagos has no rivers or natural springs and this forces the importation of all water, making even a cup of coffee in the mornings, pretty extortionate. There is little to no party scene on the islands so dispel any ideas of Ibiza. However, there is a wide and delicious array of cocktails available ensuring a pounding headache the next There are morning should you whale watching indulge too much. General advice
excursions and even swimming with the wild sea lions to be experienced.
Galapagos offers some amazing photographic opportunities. You will find yourself in very close proximity to a lot of wildlife and the lack of fear towards man allows you to take shots which would be impossible elsewhere in the world. The scenery is volcanic and dramatic. The differences between the islands is pronounced, requiring any land-
scape photographers to constantly snap away. How about rocking up on a beach made up from black volcanic sand? Take a camera with A LOT of storage!
There are caves to be explored, volcanoes to be walked across and lava tunnels to crawl through.
of the encounter should you be without it. Disposable cameras are available for use but the quality is never great and you will have to develop them before you can see how the picture came out. In summary, Galapagos remains one of my favourite holidays for its pure magical experience. It is real life, up close and personal. Free from the trappings of technology and immersed in a wildlife experience, it is rivalled by no other. I found each island to be awe inspiring in its own right.
Further to that, it is also a good idea to take a waterproof camera, even if it’s only 5-10m resistant. The warm tropical waters are inviting, and you will inevitably bump into a green turtle or sea lion whilst you swim. They are friendly and curious and you will regret not having some snaps
Volcano caldera, Isabela Island
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Floreana Island
An observation by Charles Darwin jotted in his journal in 1835 is as true today as it was then “These Islands seem to be a little world within themselves, a perennial source of new things”. What better experience could one ask for from a well needed break? To describe it in my own words, I would employ one; Magic! Los Tuneles, Isabela Island
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sport
LINCOLN RED IMPS From part-timers to Champions League legends
C
elebrating 40 years of football Born from the Blue Batons police youth The rising stars soon battled their way to the top flight and became joint-league accomplishments could not have team combined with fringe players of come at a better time established clubs such as Glacis champions with Glacis United in the 1984/1985 season, the first of seven for Lincoln Red Imps. United and St Jago’s, an adPeople would titles in a ten-year spell, “That first league Heralded as one of the greatest olescent side was introduced say ‘don’t upsets in European club football, into the Gibraltar 4th Division in title was the most special one for me. We were a very young side and won it against their crowning achievement came worry, we are 1976. Charlie Poulson, a friend playing against and business contact of Lincoln this July when they defeated forthe odds. People would say ‘don’t worry, ‘los niños’ – mer European champions Celtic City’s Vice-Chairman at the time, we are playing against ‘los niños’ – the kids, but they were shell-shocked by the at the Victoria Stadium. Many Reg Brealey, agreed to a sponthe kids, but would say that the recent success they were sorship deal that would create technical ability and sheer determination that these lads possessed,” he said with of the 22-time league champions shell-shocked... the Lincoln Red Imps Football outshines that of their former Club, “Before that we had to blissful reminiscence in his tone before cracking a smile as he explained the ‘quite sponsors, Lincoln City, who now reach out to local businesses for languish in the fifth-tier of English football. small deals in order to stay afloat,” bizarre’ scenario where The Red Imps flew the flag for Gibraltar in said Charlie Head, Lincoln’s first Head They push the the Gibraltar FA was ready the Champions League and their exploits Coach (no pun intended, especially boundaries and to award Lincoln the title in Europe have pushed the Rock up the as his son, Steven, would become outright, unaware that they their players UEFA Club Coefficient above Andorra and the second Head Coach by name). were level in every aspect dominate San Marino. There is now an extra spot in “Poulson would run half of the youth with Glacis at the season’s the Europa League available to local clubs league from the back of his car where the national conclusion, “So, they double selection. as a result. They push the boundaries he stored the kits and footballs, but checked and it was agreed and their players dominate the national we started to build something special that we would share the title selection. They are Lincoln Red Imps, the when that deal was made and we changed instead. We had come from nowhere to powerhouse club of Gibraltarian football. our name to Lincoln Red Imps.” Gibraltar champions in merely four years.” GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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sport The list of star names in the first genersion and when he returned, he was very go on a spectacular run of winning fouration squad are impressive and too long teen league titles in a row. Gibraltar United much improved, eventually breaking into to discuss them all, but Charlie described the national team. He was very brave to was a well-established and successful club Mick McElwee, who was instrumental in dive the way he did on gravel and concrete whereas Lincoln had fallen slightly from the development of current surfaces.” grace and was considered once again as a stars, the Casciaro brothers, developing project. The top players were “We had come Roy Chipolina and many othgetting on and they needed new blood. from nowhere Most of the side doubled-up for Giers, as a midfield general for Along with Andrew Serra, Cumbo promotbraltar internationally, a trend found to Gibraltar club and country, “He would ed some of the youth players and instilled throughout the club’s existence. The champions in score goals out of the blue a ‘you train, you play’ culture, “Obviously above mentioned and many others and leave the keeper stranded merely four retain strong links with today’s outfit. the younger players were hungrier and with his superb free kicks.” An- years.” ready to take the reins, and so they did. The family roots of the seven-time other player, who when fully Lee Casciaro, Ryan Casciaro, Philip Davitt, treble winners extend very deep fit Charlie considered him the top right full John Paul Duarte and Jordan Perez, they indeed and continue to branch out to this back in Gibraltar, was Ian Payas, “He had and many others were knocking on my day. The next generation of youngsters good common sense and led the team very would take the baton and achieve even door and could not be ignored,” said the well, the same could be said about Francis more success under the auspices of former now under 13s head coach. “The kids won the premier division in their first season. It Caruana and Terence Polson, who was a players Mick McElwee, Steven Head midfield destroyer and could also take a lot as well as Charlie Cumbo, who had left was a fantastic achievement. We had Danof punishment.” Charlie considered Dennis ny Bonfiglio, Ernest Galliano and coaching the national team to Lopez as the best centre forward around at start a new project at Lincoln. that’s about it in terms of senior “He could the time who had two good feet and was players. These youngsters were to outjump influential in the air despite his height, “He become the best in Gibraltar.” 14-year-dominance practically could outjump practically anybody and it was very tough to knock him off the ball Cumbo, a Gibraltar United legend anybody Cumbo believes that only with hard as he used his strength very well, “Francis as a player, was approached to work can you become the best and it was [Caruana] was a jack of all trades and had take over as boss by Lincoln and and combining that with natural very tough sport in his blood. There were few left sidhis former club on the same day talent was a match made in heaven. to knock him ed midfielders with his ability at the time he retired after eleven years in They had all the raw ingredients to off the ball...” succeed. The team played incisive and he also had a wicked banana free-kick the national side coaching setup. held in his locker. My son, Stephen, was a He chose the exciting new projpassing football using technique fearless goalkeeper who would throw himect instead of familiar territory. It was the and flair and many local sides took a page self into the action. I encouraged him to new millennium, a new challenge and little from their book as they started adopting find another club to continue his progresdid he know that the club would eventually the ‘putting faith in youngsters’ philosophy. The first genertion set the tone for Lincoln’s success
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sport Although the side missed the chance to stantial lack of technique if this happened win the league in the next campaign, they and it was your responsibility to run down took the Rock Cup crown and returned to to the road, jump through the traffic and winning ways the following year, retrieve the ball. Sometimes, if achieving the double. Cumbo’s final more than one team would be They took year saw this generation take its the Rock Cup playing, it would count as a goal first treble, laying the foundations against you and the next team crown and for the club’s most successful period would come on in your place. returned to that is still being lived today as they winning ways chase a 15th league title in a row. the following Lincoln nursery
Crowning achievement
Beating Celtic was the crowning achievement and was beyond Lincoln’s and Gibraltar’s wildest dreams. It is there in the record books and the whole experience was a bit magical to be honest. The atmosphere around the Victoria Stadium was out of this world, “It gives me a deep satisfaction to see these players who I helped blood into the first team to represent the national selection against the best footbalyear... Cumbo was ready for a break lers in the world. I have no doubt that, if a Patio football from football but senior figures scout had seen Lee Casciaro in his younger The bulk of the locals making up today’s within the club, including Charlie, peryears, he would have been picked up and suaded him to get more involved with side were brought up on a culture of ‘patio become professional. His character before youth development. The ‘nursery’, as it is football’ where most training sessions a match is completely different to any othwould take place near the team’s clubknown within Lincoln circles, involves kids er player. He prepares himself in the best house in Humphries. Having small-sided as young as five-years-old training basic way and is fully focussed on achieving his games in very confined spaces around the ball skills at Hargraves before stepping up goal. His speed and strength are amazing into competition a few years later. estate helped the boys develop quick feet and he is always hassling defendCumbo has nursed the current and an elegant touch on the ball. Playing The bulk of ers, prowling for a goal.” under 13s team from their first your way through tight situations was the moments in football and is confident the locals Lincoln way. There was no hoofing the ball Current club captain Roy Chipomaking that the ‘Lincoln talent factory’ will up the field and this type of conditioning lina, who initially joined the club up today’s mass-produce another batch of top would encourage a more subtle approach, at five-years-of-age due to family players of the standard we see to“I used to have a size three ball that was side were connections, marshalled the deday, which will naturally benefit the weighted inside and it would push them brought up fence superbly against the Scotnational selection, “We have a huge to keep the ball down. We worked a lot on a culture tish champions as he helped the array of talent here who are working on transition from defence to attack and of ‘patio club etch its name into the record hard and progressing year on year. you need to know how to pass and move football’... books, “It’s amazing what races They need even more commitment effectively in tight situations to achieve through your mind in just a few now with the influx of foreign playthis.” In training sessions, if a player kicked seconds,” he said, reflecting on what went ers, but the progression I have witnessed the ball over the wall, all the players would through his head when L. Casciaro poked since I joined has been immense.” groan out loud. It was considered a subTreble Winners 2013-2014 season
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sport
Roy Chipolina responding to questions before captaining the side to victory against Celtic
Lincoln playing the ball out of defence
home the winner. “I was ecstatic for about of the possession. The team knew that Although there have been many highlights 30 seconds but at the same time, I also they had to work hard off the ball in order for Chipolina both in recent history and thought to myself, ‘right now, to achieve something special, “Our pre-UEFA, being the first club to represent for this moment to go down manager had constantly stated that Gibraltar in the Champions league was “I used to in history, we have to keep we would defeat Celtic at home and very special for him too, “It was achieved have a size a clean sheet’. It was all very with a 100% local team that also had a three ball that surreal. We had beaten the family bond. This was a special side and was weighted mighty Celtic. No-one could managed by lynch-pins in Lincoln’s history, inside and it actually believe what we had Mick Mcelwee and Stephen Head. It has would push achieved. Media attention taken a lot of work, not only them to keep was crazy and everyone from our current players and “No-one could the ball down.” wanted photos and intermanagement, but ex-players actually believe views with the players who such as Ernest Galliano, ‘Bonwhat we had had created such a historic moment. We all fy’, Graham Alvarez, Christian achieved. went back to the clubhouse for some food Sanchez, Daniel Duarte, Media attention Charlie Cumbo and Andrew and drinks and just talked of the amazing was crazy...” achievement we had all contributed to.” I believe that he had tactically preSerra to name but a few. If pared us perfectly on the night. We people saw how much hard knew if we could frustrate them enough, work and dedication has been put into Chipolina cites strong mental toughness we would get our own opportunities and our achievements throughout the years, and defensive solidity as the most importwhen you have someone like Lee in your it would make it easier to understand the ant aspect of their game, especially when ranks, a goal is always possible.” reason why we have been so successful.” considering that Celtic would have most
40
th
anniversary
Charlie Head (left) Charlie Poulson (right)
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Lincoln celebrate win against Celtic
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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health words | Elaine Caetano
FAMILY OF MY ORIGIN Impact of early relationships
S
o you are grown-up now. But do you find that when mum or dad shows up, you suddenly become twelve again? It’s not magic, it’s neural wiring!
The most meaningful relationships are initially with our parents and others close to us.
In this month of Christmas, most of us are preparing ourselves in different ways for family gatherings and parties. There are some people who say they love the festive season. Many put a lot of effort into making Christmas a happy time, and others have just given up and revert to the theory that “Christmas is for kids”.
My work involves helping people manage distress, so I am aware that despite the season of good will and cheer, Christmas can be the most stressful time of the year. Another aspect of my work is to help people understand why they experience life as they do and how they can change what isn’t useful to them. As a relational psychotherapist, I focus plenty of attention 80
on clients’ relationships and those with partners and family are the most relevant to their wellbeing. The most meaningful relationships are initially with our parents and others close to us. These are significant because they help us develop our personality, our views of and role in the world. They are important because later, we will model these relational dynamics in our close adult relationships and unless we pay attention and work on ourselves, it will also paint the windows through which we see the world and our role in it.
The individual’s personality is co-created in relationship with their parents or carers and significant others have important roles to play. We are not just born to a mother or a pair of parents but we are born into a culture, a language, a socio-economic reality and a family.
When a child comes into a family, there is already a system in place. Someone may set the rules, someone may be the main care giver within the home and another may have the role of provider. Beyond social roles, there are psychological positions that individuals take. Everyone has a role to play in the family structure, someone can play victim, another tends to bully and maybe you have one who likes to play the peacemaker.
Every group has particular dynamics that with consistency become engrained so that processes become familiar and predictable. The familiarity and predictability makes the individual feel safe. This doesn’t mean that the group is either fulfilling the individual’s We are born relational needs or allowing them to into a culture, flourish.
a language, a socioeconomic reality and a family.
Whilst growing up, we develop our character in line with powerful messages that we receive from significant others that surround us. For example, we may subtly or GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
health indirectly receive the message that we are scapegoat? Or maybe it’s the shame you to develop awareness in order to effect not important, that it is not OK to think get landed with, helping you fulfil the role change if at some point we think that the ourselves important and therefore act as of black sheep of the family? best ways we found of coping in our early if we matter or give ourselves much value. environment, are no longer helpful. We could have grown up with There are parents, especially in parents who were childishly Gibraltar, who never stop treating Families are very important to us as Every group competitive or siblings who their children as if they were still individuals. The human mind naturally has particular children, making it hard for the were determined not to let us seeks to make meaning of life experiences be more successful than them. dynamics adult individual to avoid reverting to and understanding where we come from thoughts, feelings and behaviours of is a curiosity that is in everyone who has that with Each family or established the past. Getting together with our the mental capacity to think about their consistency group will have its own families at Christmas can be fun but heritage. There is a particular thrill to become culture which in part emerged it can also be a nightmare. Being back being in the presence of others who look engrained... through the establishment in a close knit group can make us or walk or sound like you and have so of unspoken rules. Verbal regress to unhappy experiences from much intrinsically in common with you. communications are also used to dish out the past. It has to do with the ability to shame; the affect that keeps our behaviour understand ourselves in a wider There is a in check and safely in line with a group context as well as feeling safe in a Unfortunately, it’s not just our particular thrill culture. An exclamation of “Quién te crees group whom you sense as being family of origin that has this que eres?” or a criticism of “Ese que se ha protective of you and your loved to being in magical power on us. The role creío?” is usually effective in intimidating kinship. Further, we need to that we play at home we may the presence one from ‘rising above their station’. function in groups socially and in carry out into the playground of others who professional situations. and later into our more grownIn Gibraltarian families, where we are often up social circles. When we feel look or walk or sound like you... Without discouraging tolerance, close and drama is integral to our modus stuck in a particular position operandi, we regularly find ourselves like ‘the one who always gets if family gatherings this Christmas feeling with or on behalf of others. It is bullied’, it is easy to feel cursed. This can test your resilience, parts of you could be likely that there is one member who tends be seen most clearly in the relationships yearning for a change. Maybe you would to carry emotion for others, another could we form at work, hence why workplaces prefer to be less perfect, less tense, more be the most likely to express anger or can be riddled with such intense friction. assertive, more fun, joyful, more confident, injustice on behalf of others. Many family successful or more of a rule-breaker. If that issues we get worked up about, we really is your case then you might like to consider It’s how we are programmed in early life do not need to be involved in. Developing trying out group therapy in the New Year. that determines how we think, feel and awareness of group dynamics behave. And subsequently, the type can help us avoid feeling of attention and situations that we Participating in group therapy can help Developing drained by processes like these. unconsciously attract, are attracted bring awareness to how we project awareness to or recreate. Most of us don’t onto others and how we limit ourselves of group The tendency is to fit in to the have the luxury of deeply and lucidly by the ways we have learned to be in dynamics family culture and take a role understanding the processes of our relationships. Then we can begin to open that suits us and the others can can help us relational dynamics. Any process that ourselves to the new opportunities of our accommodate. Do you carry current here and now reality. avoid feeling remains unconscious will continue the group’s guilt and blame, to function through repetition as drained... performing the role of family an automated system. We need
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wine words | Andrew Licudi AIWS
FIVE GLASSES OF PAIRED WINES and some Christmas Port
I
briefly shows us the label but too quickly t’s almost Christmas and rain and sleet we are soon examining a shared menu no hit our faces. For a city awash with free larger than an envelope. In the dim light for me to be sure what it is. It may have energy, Reykjavik is badly lit, but even it’s difficult to read but with the help of a been Charlie Mignon, a name more suited in the dark, it’s obvious single, diminutive candle, we choose to a butcher than a wine producer and almost certainly a small grower rather than we are lost. A man, in perfect We choose our our dishes which come with paired English and immaculate suit, wines, a practice I have always found a Grand Marqué. The wine turns out to dishes which stops and asks if he can be of singularly unsatisfactory. To our left, be very, very good indeed with impeccacome with assistance. He sends us back an American couple are already a few ble acidity, tasting of ripe apples and the paired wines, a the way we came. The restaucourses ahead of us. They talk in low complexity of a well-balanced, mature practice I have wine. For all its glamour, Champagne has rant has no signs and we peer voices. On our other side, a young, always found a nasty habit of disappointing - perhaps into its dark, glazed facade attractive woman of indeterminate singularly we have been taken in by the Champenois relieved to see the habitual race, perhaps Japanese or Inuit dines unsatisfactory. alone. A camera on her table rhythmovement of waiters and ability to fabricate an image representing diners each playing their asmically purrs recording her chewing decadence, luxury and even sex when most Champagnes are bulk wines, signed roles in the theatre of public eating. and tasting. Inexplicably, Entering the narrow lobby, a sea of warmth a large pair of sunglasses For all its glamour, made in large quantities where master blenders, using hundreds of envelops us and a large, bald, bearded lie beside the camera. Champagne has reserve wines from different years, waiter stares impassively as in the dim light we drop our jackets and scarves wrestling turn out identical, acidic, lean and Our waiter, unsmiling and a nasty habit of disappointing... the small, narrow coat rail. He makes no mean wines year in, year out. Sales, severe, soon reappears no doubt perpetuated by marketing, move to help. I note we are surrounded by with champagne and dozens of jars full of specimens - reminispackaging and image aided and abetted by asks if we would like an aperitif. I start to willing customers. The tide is turning, howcent of a natural history museum where explain that five glasses of paired wines everything can be tasted, chewed or ever, and the Grand Marqués are being will be more than enough but his scowling swallowed. He points to a small table and challenged by hundreds of small growers face soon has me meekly agreeing. He 82
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wine turning out seriously good wines, usually from single years, at a fraction of the price demanded by the big boys for their more expensive vintage Champagnes. Socialist Frances laws dictated that Grand Marqués would be allowed to own no more than 20% of Champagne’s vineyards - ensuring that small growers could make a living from selling grapes to the large houses. After decades, many small growers, no longer satisfied to see their grapes made into overpriced vintage and rose Champagnes, are now making and marketing their own wine. Who says Socialism brings nothing good! Vive la Revolution! It’s clear
Opening a bottle of Port at Christmas will entail more drinking than tasting.
whoever
Our surly waiter soon starts to is in the bring small pre-dinner dishes made kitchen from an array of unusual ingrediis more ents some foraged by the kitchen crew - reindeer, yeast, moss, mush- magician than chef. in the Lambrusco, it was simply too rooms, powdered carrots. This is much. The dessert, however, was followed by more substantial dishes out of this world. like dung smoked trout, tomato with buttermilk and barley, wild goose with berries. The dishes are stunning. It’s clear whoever Last month, I wrote about older Riojas is in the kitchen is more magician than which I had acquired with a friend, from chef. The wines turn out to be a mixed an obscure auction house, for roughly the bag. An Austrian white wine made from same price as current vintages! We have Muller Thurgau is insipid, limp and simple tasted one of our purchases, a 1947 Cune with uncharacteristic low acidity. Austria Rioja, albeit unplanned. On route to our now produces seriously good wines from house, the street cobbles made the cork Riesling and Gruner Vetliner - white wines fall into the wine leaving the capsule intact that countries like Spain can only dream and me wondering why the bottle was about. We are also disappointingly served leaking. We had no choice but to drink a non-descript rose from the Languedoc. the wine immediately. We lost some wine The next wine, however, turns out to be but enough was left to taste this vintage a delicious Valpolicella Clásico from the Rioja accompanied by a hastily prepared Veneto region of Italy. That infamous resimple dish of pasta. Considering the age gion better known for turning out millions of the wine, it had a deep, vibrant colour, of gallons of cheap red wine destined to complex in the mouth, with good acidity be quaffed in countless trattorias around and pronounced mushroomy flavour with the world. Now efforts are being made to a touch of Port. I have read that Cheval increase quality and lesser grapes like the Blanc 1947, considered by many to be the Molinara has been outlawed. Only the subest wine ever, also has Port like qualiperior but lower yielding Corvina Veronese ties - perhaps a function of age common and Corvinone are permitted together to most older wines. Traditional Riojas, if with small proportions of Rondinella and properly cellared, can be eminently drinkCroatina. The Pieropan turned able even after decades. Of course, out to be complex, multi-layered The Pieropan one does not need to wait so long with that pronounced elegance turned out to and we are lucky that traditional so reminiscent of good Italian Riojas are widely available here. be complex, wines. I wonder if other producEven if you have no wish to cellar ers, seeing the likes of Pieropan’s multi-layered wines, you will not regret putting success, are tempted to go down with that some of these wines aside and pronounced the quality route or is bulk proenjoying mature Rioja four or five elegance... duction still profitable? years down the line. With dessert, we are offered another infamous Italian wine. A red Lambrusco with a severe case of Brettonomyces, a bacterial contamination usually associated with dirty barrels. Not that in this restaurant it would be considered a fault. I admit that many, including me, enjoy some degree of Brett as it gives older reds a meaty, oxo cube like quality to the wine though regrettably, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
If you hadn’t noticed, Christmas is upon us. The one time in the year when I can open a bottle of Port with a relatively guilt free conscience. Not that I don’t drink Port regularly throughout the year due to my wine group’s obsession with this most traditional of drinks. With them, I will just taste but opening a bottle at Christmas will entail more drinking than tasting. I have
always found that Port with all its variants, Vintage, Late Vintage, Crusted, Tawny and others, offers a huge amount of taste for your money and quality is universally high. After all, what better way to fall asleep in front of the telly than holding a glass of Port knowing that when you wake up, there will still be plenty left in the bottle.
Wines to be tried at least once in your life Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage 2011 Stagnettos - around £11.00 Late Bottled Vintage, LBV, is a cynical term invented by Port producers to confuse the less savvy. In other words, make the consumer believe it’s a Vintage Port they are buying at a bargain price. No matter, LBV is still a delicious, complex Port affording huge amount of pleasure. It’s filtered so no need to decant like Vintage Port which is full of sediment. Additionally, there is little to gain from keeping LBV Port which is bottled ready to drink. The reason for this is that, unlike the more expensive Vintage Port, which is bottled after only two years (the consumers are expected to cellar the wine at their expense), the LBV is matured in a cask for five years or so. When bottled, it is therefore more mature than the Vintage Port. Of course, the tortoise will eventually overtake the hare but at £11, who’s complaining... 83
recipes
GINGER LATTE
Recipe by Minimalist Baker
Perfect for slow mornings...
INGREDIENTS Ginger Syrup 1 ½ cups filtered water
DIRECTIONS
1 cup organic cane or raw sugar
To make the ginger syrup, bring the water, sugar and ginger to a boil, and stir to dissolve sugar. Then reduce heat to a low simmer and continue cooking for 45 minutes.
1 cup roughly chopped fresh ginger (~1 large knob) Latte 1 ½ - 2 tbsp ginger syrup 1 ¼ cups unsweetened plain almond milk Optional: ginger tea / ginger powder or cinnamon (or other spices) for topping 84
Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bottle or jar for easy storage. To make the ginger latte, heat almond milk in a saucepan or in a mug in the microwave. Then add 1-2 tablespoons of ginger
syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. For even more ginger flavor, first steep a ginger tea packet in your almond milk for 3-5 minutes before adding syrup. Sprinkle with a little ginger powder, cinnamon or any other preferred spices, and serve. Ginger syrup should keep in the fridge for up to a month. Use for lattes, as a ginger-infused sweetener in cocktails, or with tonic water to make “ginger soda.” GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
recipes Recipe by Viva! 2016
MINCE PIES Easily home-made!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Pastry
To prepare the pastry make sure to keep everything cool, including your hands.
The filling should be made in advance so flavours can mature in jars.
Add the sieved flour, margarine, white fat, salt and water to a food processor. Give it a quick whizz - a couple of seconds.
Put the suet, dried fruit, sugar, nuts and spices into a large bowl.
350g plain flour 90g white vegetable fat 90g vegan margarine Pinch of salt 2-3 tbsp cold water Soya or almond milk to glaze Filling 250g cooking apples 100g vegetable suet 200g raisins 100g currants 100g sultanas 200g dark muscovado sugar 1 orange 1 lemon 25g chopped mixed nuts ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp mixed spice A pinch of ground nutmeg 3 tbsp brandy
Remove the lid and check the texture. If it looks like it will form a ball of pastry easily, remove. If not, add 1 tbsp water and whizz again. Too much water makes pastry hard, so go easy! Remove, form into a ball and place in plastic bag. Wrap up and put in the fridge for 20-30 mins. Pre-heat oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. Grease tins. Roll just over half of it to about 3mm thick. Use each half to make 36 large circles and 36 smaller with cookie cutters. You will need to gather up pastry scraps and re-roll to make them all. Line each hole with the larger pastry rounds. Fill each with filling - to just below the pastry edge. Dampen each lid a little with cold water. Press them on top, sealing the edges. Cut out shapes. Brush each one with a little soya milk. Using a knife or scissors, make 2 little snips on the top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 mins until light golden brown. Cool and sprinkle with sieved icing sugar. Store in an airtight container - they can be rewarmed before serving.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
Peel and core the apples and grate them. Add to the bowl. Grate off the zest of the lemon and orange. Squeeze out their juice. Add both zest and juice to the bowl. Cover the bowl and leave it in the fridge overnight. The next day, preheat the oven to Gas Mark ½ or 120°C. Transfer the mixture to a baking tray and bake for three hours. Remove the tray from the oven and leave to cool. As it cools, occasionally stir in the fat so it coats the mixture. Once fully cooled, stir in the brandy. Sterilise some air-tight jars, fill with mince and seal. Store until ready to use.
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restaurants, bars & pubs
food & drink directory e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th
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.gib@gmail.com. Visit: www.casapepegib.com
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
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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. Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828
Café Solo Modern Itali a n e at e r y s e t in lively Casem a t e s s q u a re . 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 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
Jury’s Café-Wine Bar Next to the Law Courts, with a terrace seating area, Jury’s has a selection of Ciabattas, paninis, baguettes and wraps, plus popular sharing dishes, such as Your Honour’s platter. Jacket potatoes, main courses, pasta and some innocent salads too. For those with a sweet tooth, there are tantalising homemade desserts, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as well as Lavazza coffees and frappes. Open: 7am-midnight Mon-Sat, 9am-midnight Sun. Jury’s Café & Wine Bar 275 Main Street. Tel: 200 67898
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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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
Bridge Bar & Grill Located on the w a t e r ’s e d g e , Ocean Village, just across the bridge from 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
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
O’Reilly’s
Tr a d i t i o n a l Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 8am (Sunday f ro m 9 a m) . Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness pie, Kildare chicken, chicken brochette, gourmet burgers, wraps, children menu, homemade desserts, daily specials and more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.
e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th
Lord Nelson
Situated in the corner of Casemates Square, the bar is a celebration of the life of Lord Nelson. See the collection of nautical art & memorabilia, including a brass pin from HMS Victory itself. HMS crews’ breakfast served from 10am, full menu including steak & ale pie, traditional fish & chips & much more served all day until 10pm. Jam session Thursday, live top local band on Friday & Karaoke Saturday nights.
O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888
Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi
Star Bar
Picadilly Gardens
Gibraltar’s oldest bar, just off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 8am (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
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
Solo Express
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 4:30pm daily. Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be.
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.
The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 FB: The Three Owls
Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828
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QUEENSWAY QUAY MARINA
7 Casa Pepe 18 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar
APARTMENTS
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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
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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
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(Breakfast, Lunch & Snack) Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Telephone: 200 61118 Email: info@thelounge.gi
THE SAILS APARTMENTS
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For Property Advice, contact us 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi
Tel: 200 73786 PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists
Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop 46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653
6 Pitman’s Alley Tel: 200 76544 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi
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• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers 266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757
CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO
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
HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp
tel: 200 700 47
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1. Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865. The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm. The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Affiliated to UK NADFAS meets third Wed of month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK talk on Art etc. Contact: Chairman Claus Olesen 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros.com. Membership Ian Le Breton 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome. The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall. Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714. Art in Movement Centre: Hiphop/Break Dance,Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip Hop: 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
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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 DECEMBER 2016
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information
Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.).Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards.Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/ Children under 12 - £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery. Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon.
Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc. John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am 11pm Mon-Fri. Gibraltar Public Holidays 2016 New Year’s Day Friday 1st Jan Commonwealth Day Monday 14th Mar Good Friday Friday 25th March Easter Monday Monday 28th March Workers Memorial Day Thursday 28th Apr May Day* Sunday 1st May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 30th May Queen’s Birthday Monday 13th Jun Late Summer BH Monday 29th Aug Gibraltar National Day*Saturday 10th Sep Christmas Day* Sunday 25th Dec Boxing Day Monday 26th Dec In lieu: Mon 2nd May, Mon 5th Sept & Tue 27th Dec
Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance �������������������������������������Tel: 190 Police �������������������������������������������� Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number Tel: 112 94
Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station �������������������� Tel: 200 75728 Police.......................................... Tel: 200 72500 Emergency Nos: �������������� Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598
ADHD & Learning Difficulties (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Meetings at Fellowship Bookshop Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Road. Coffee, chat, books and resources on display. Tel: 54027551 or 54014476. Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774. A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. (Summer Hours 8:30am – 2pm) Tel: 20040006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000. Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet weekly on Thursdays at 9pm at Gladys Perez Centre, 304A Main Street, Tel: 54007676 or 54014484. 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 DECEMBER 2016
The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Rock Publishing Ltd, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 200 77748
Support Groups
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parenting
ELF ON THE SHELF How not to organise Christmas
W
alive another day, ideally with a large glass hen did the celebrating of to create havoc around the house for their of wine - not up to pranks like unwinding Christmas become such an children to stumble upon in the morning. elaborate chore? Why is the From the 1st December up until Christmas reams of loo roll and wrapping it around onus on us as parents to Day, the Elf creates mischief around the the Christmas tree. Not only is this a waste of loo roll and time but it also creates extra create all the magic? I know house while also reporting back to Father Christmas on the children’s housework for the next day. Why would I might be at risk as coming It’s about anyone choose to do this? across as a Scrooge, but I behaviour. time we sat think it’s about time we sat back, enjoyed back, enjoyed a cup of tea and a cup of tea The cynical side of me can’t help but quesNice idea? Yes. Expensive idea, yes, a mince pie, and let the chiltion how much of this new tradition is for that too. While admittedly you do get and a mince dren create their own magic. the kids, and how much of it is for keeping bang for your buck, this simple doll pie, and let up with friends online. It’s an unofficial retails at two to three times the price the children If there wasn’t already enough of other similar dolls. For this you are gauntlet thrown into the ring of parenting create their basically paying to have the same doll at Christmas. I know this can’t be the case pressure to be the Pinterest own magic. for all parents, but there is a perfect Mother - new trends that you see on the rest of your social media feeds. slight element of keeping up seem to keep popping up on Christmas Eve with the Joneses. “Your elf got an alarmingly regular basis that ultimately The one that everybody else should be about mean lots more work for us parents at an has. No other doll will do, bedrunk with Barbie?! Well mine the anticipation of is going to take a joy ride in already tremendously busy time of year. cause all elves have to look the same, right? However, what irks the next day, not action man’s tank tonight, ha! another reason My Facebook friends, I mean.. me the most, is the most costly For the last few years, every December, for presents. element and that is time. The kids will love it!” these cute retro looking elf toys keep popping up on my Facebook timeline, all of After bedtime, parents should be rewardWhilst Elf on the Shelf bothers me, them up to no good. Each parent has dutiChristmas Eve boxes confuse me the fully thought up a creative way for their elf ing themselves for having kept the kids 96
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
parenting most. Christmas Eve should be about the anticipation of the next day, not another reason for presents. The examples of Christmas Eve boxes crammed with chocolates, Christmas pyjamas, movies, books, drinks and toys seem to get even bigger and more extravagant every year. No, I am not going to buy my children Christmas themed pyjamas for Christmas Eve rendering them useless within less than two weeks. They certainly don’t need a personalised trunk for the occasion. My Christmas Eve budget goes towards mulled wine and mince pies and I have no intention of changing that.
Boredom is the
My memories of Christmas Eve best catalyst So next time you feel the urge to indulge However, my memories of as a child is eating my mum’s for creativity. Christmas are completely the kids in a deluxe calendar, an elf on freshly baked sausage rolls while We don’t need magical. The wait, preparation the shelf or Christmas Eve trunks, take a listening to the Kings College and suspense were all part of moment to reflect on your own Christmas choir, greeting my parents friends to do the hard work for them. it. While some could argue that celebrations as a child. What is it that you and making the most of their tip“Elf on the Shelf” is good for remember best? sy state to sneak under the tree the children’s imagination, I’d argue that and “squeeze and guess the present”. In it is the culmination of a modern way of the evening, we’d watch “The Snowman”, While commercial companies would urge parenting where parents handhold their leave out a mince pie and a carrot for us to do otherwise, I think it’s time that children excessively. Boredom is the best Father Christmas and Rudolf, then excitedwe strip Christmas right back. There are so ly chat with my brother Bill in our bunk bed catalyst for creativity. We don’t need to do many elements to the Christmas season the hard work for them. until we fell asleep. My main entertainthat already make it hugely exciting; the ment would then be watching Bill set up lights, the music, the Christmas trees, the some elaborate and generally ill-conceived abundant use of glitter, the food, the fairs, Yes, my parents’ Christmas celebrations booby trap to catch Father Christmas the shows, the parties and get togethers. were not just about us kids, but about (needless to say, they never worked...) friends and family too. What did that teach me? It taught me one of Do your kids still find that boring? There was no Elf on the Shelf to make sure the most important things Great! Let them chisel away into their Left to their about Christmas time, it we behaved. We had no trunks of goodies own resources and find creative ways own devices is about the family and on Christmas Eve. We were lucky if the to celebrate the Christmas period. I bet most children community as a whole. Christmas tree was up much before the left to their own devices most children can come up Where the “haven’t you 20th. Our advent calendars didn’t contain can come up with ideas that would top with ideas that grown” comments bored Lego or toys, and our first opportunity what can be sold to us in the shops. It would top what is those thoughts and memories that to over indulge in chocolate arrived on me, I would use my own can be sold to Christmas morning when we’d unwrap our imagination to entertain they will cherish over the years. us in the shops. Terry’s Chocolate orange. The unofficial myself and transport me to more interesting places. staple Christmas breakfast. After all, I couldn’t tell you most of the toys I got in my stocking on Christmas Day over the years, but I can remember my brother setting up those ill-fated booby traps for Father Christmas as if it were yesterday. Those are my magical Christmas memories.
Polly Lavarello is Editor of Mum on the Rock Email: polly@mumontherock.com Web: www.mumontherock.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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1) Common fern found on hillsides etc. (7) 8) According to rules of decency (7) 9) Storehouse for corn etc. (7) 10) Over sentimental (7) 11) Utensil for serving soup (5) 13) Types of Swiss aircraft or anti-aircraft cannon (9) 15) Area of north London: England’s temporary soccer manager (9) 18) Panic (5) 21) South American desert (7) 22) Type of primates (7) 23) Eminent musical conductors (7) 24) Italian aperitif flavoured with herbs (7)
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1) Hard leavened roll; 6-0 in a set of tennis (5) 18
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2) Grant; prize (5) 3) Jack of a red suit at cards (5,2,6)
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4) Brazilian member of Barcelona’s forward line (6)
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5) LP by the Beatles (3,5,5) 6) Prefix meaning split or divided (6)
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7) Letters of the Greek alphabet (6)
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First Prize Lunch for 2 at
12) Too (4)
Completed crosswords to be returned to the Clipper by 19th Dec
Last months winner:
M. Yome Red Sands Rd
14) Close by (4) 15) Crowds (of insects) (6) 16) Practices (6) 17) Middle Eastern language (6) 19) Pleasant smell (5) 20) Argentian member of Barcelona’s forward line (5)
Flight & Cruise Schedule - December 2016 Day Flight
Airline
From
Arrives Flight
Mon ZB7240 Monarch Gatwick 10:40 ZB7241 EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 18:55 ZB447 from 19th ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:10 ZB065 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:20 ZB575 Tue EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:10 ZB575 th from 20 EZY6299 easyJet Bristol 19:30 EZY6300 Wed EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 st from 21 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 11:35 ZB575 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 EZY1963 easyJet Manchester 16:55 EZY1964 ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:00 ZB065 Thu ZB7240 Monarch Gatwick 10:45 ZB7241 EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 from 22nd ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 17:20 ZB447 AT990 Royal Air Maroc Tangier 17:30 AT991 from 22nd ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:00 ZB575 EZY6299 easyJet Bristol 20:25 EZY6300 Fri EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 17:55 ZB447 ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:00 ZB065 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:05 ZB575 ZB7240 Monarch Gatwick 19:50 ZB7241 Sat EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 11:50 EZY8902 BA492 British Airways Heathrow 14:20 BA493 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 th EZY1963 easyJet Manchester 18:45 EZY1964 on 24 only th from 24 ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:00 ZB065 from 24th ZB574 Monarch Manchester 19:10 ZB575 th Sun EZY6299 easyJet Bristol 11:00 EZY6300 till 18 EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick 11:05 EZY8902 till 18th th EZY1963 easyJet Manchester 11:05 EZY1964 till 18 th BA492 British Airways Heathrow 14:20 BA493 till 18 BA490 British Airways Heathrow 16:30 BA491 till 18th th AT990 Royal Air Maroc Tangier 17:30 AT991 till 18 th till 18 ZB7244 Monarch Gatwick 17:45 ZB7245 th till 18 ZB446 Monarch Birmingham 18:55 ZB447 till 18th ZB064 Monarch Luton 19:00 ZB065 th till 18 ZB574 Monarch Manchester 20:35 ZB575
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Departs
To
11:25 Gatwick 11:25 Gatwick 17:20 Heathrow 19:45 Birmingham 19:55 Luton 20:05 Manchester 11:25 Gatwick 17:20 Heathrow 19:55 Manchester 20:00 Bristol 11:25 Gatwick 12:20 Manchester 17:20 Heathrow 17:35 Manchester 19:45 Luton 11:30 Gatwick 11:25 Gatwick 17:20 Heathrow 18:10 Birmingham 18:20 Tangier 19:50 Manchester 20:55 Bristol 11:25 Gatwick 17:20 Heathrow 18:45 Birmingham 19:45 Luton 19:55 Manchester 20:40 Gatwick 12:25 Gatwick 15:05 Heathrow 17:20 Heathrow 19:15 Manchester 19:50 Luton 19:55 Manchester 11:30 Bristol 11:35 Gatwick 11:35 Manchester 15:05 Heathrow 17:20 Heathrow 18:20 Tangier 18:30 Gatwick 19:45 Birmingham 19:50 Luton 21:20 Manchester
Arrival
Vessel
ETD Pass
Thu 08, 07:00 ZENITH 14:00 Spanish Fri 09, 08:00 PACIFIC PRINCESS 17:00 American Fri 16, 09:00 OCEANA 23:30 British Mon 26, 09:00 MAGELLAN 13:00 British Mon 26, 12:00 MARCO POLO 02:00 British Wed 30, 08:00 QUEEN ELIZABETH 13:00 British
Operator
Capacity
Pullmantur SA Princess Cruises P & O Cruise & Maritime Cruise & Maritime Cunard Line
1425 672 2000 452 850 2068
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016
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