The Gibraltar Magazine February 2021

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE February 2021 | Vol.26 #04

THE

Valentine's Issue LOVE IS IN THE AIR

DEAD CITY RADIO

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

BEAUTY ADDICT

7 STEPS TO GLOWING SKIN

THE AMOROUS ALGARVE

LET’S TALK REAL

A TRAVELLER’S DIARY

A BLOODY VALENTINE

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

ST PETERSBURG TO BEIJING

SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION

TRADITIONS AND ORIGINS

from the editor

FEBRUARY ISSUE EDITOR'S NOTE Day 322 in the Big Brother house…

Okay, I’m being dramatic, but it does feel like we’ve been cooped up in some weird form of reality TV programme for almost a year. Eagerly anticipating a cameraman jumping out to tell us this has all been one big show.

YOU ALWAYS GAIN

BY GIVING LOVE.

Although life won’t simply snap back to normal post-pandemic, the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine has brought with it some hope for the near future. there will undoubtedly be new opportunities for us on the Rock (not least with the newly extended Schengen legislation that will allow us unrestricted movement into Spain). And who wants normal, anyway?

This month being all about chubby cherubs and declarations of love, we’ve adorned the issue with hearts, flowers, and varying hues of pink and red.

But do you know the origins of St Valentine’s Day? Neither did I, but luckily, I have a top-notch team of journalists who do – and it involves sacrificing goats, whipping rituals, nakedness, and, of course, a Valentine’s note (p. 36).

Whether you’re gifting your loved one a dozen roses, box of chocolates, or a goat for an African village (no I still haven’t forgiven you, Chris), this too stems from tradition as far back as the 15th century (p. 26).

Or perhaps a romantic getaway is more up your street? (Who am I kidding, it’s up nobody’s street right now, but one can dream!) Pete invites us to the amorous Algarve, with all its charm and diversity (p. 63).

Also tempting us with travel, Chris is back with part two of his ambitious attempt at travelling from Oxford to New Zealand, (as far as possible) by land (p. 69).

And of course, we have our much-loved regulars for you: 7 Steps to Glowing Skin by our beauty expert (p. 77), Reigniting the Spark by adding some key pieces to our wardrobes (p. 80), how to draw Le Pont des Arts (‘love lock’ bridge) in Art Club (p. 55), and 3 new books with a hint of romance in Bookish (p. 58).

With love,

facebook.com/gibmag twitter.com/gibmag instagram.com/thegibraltarmagazine

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

A DEFENDER, BUT ELECTRIC. THE NEW DEFENDER PLUG-IN HYBRID

The New Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid. The most powerful and fuel-efficient Defender yet. It can run solely on electric power for up to 43 kilometres. It goes from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds. And with 404PS it provides the same power as a 3.0 litre petrol engine, only with better fuel consumption and more torque for those tricky ascents. With high and low-range gears available in electric mode, zero tailpipe emissions comes with zero compromises off-road. Land Rover Defender. Capable of great things.

Build yours today at capurro.gi

Official WLTP Fuel Consumption for the 21MY Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid in I/100km: Combined 3.3 - 3.9. Official WLTP CO2 Emissions 74-89 g/km.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation with a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only.

Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted. EV range figures are based upon production vehicle over a standardised route. Range achieved will vary dependent on vehicle and battery condition, actual route and environment and driving style. Off-roading and low range use will substantially affect EV range.

EDITOR: Sophie Clifton-Tucker editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com DESIGN: Justin Bautista design@thegibraltarmagazine.com

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SPORTS REPORTER: Georgios Tontos SALES: Advertising Team sales@thegibraltarmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION: DHL martin@matrix.gi ACCOUNTS: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Eran and Ayelet Mamo Shay Sophie Clifton-Tucker Carmen Anderson Isobel Ellul Richard Cartwright Jess Leaper Gianna Stanley Jorge v.Rein Parlade Elena Scialtiel Iain Triay Clarence Joel Francis Bea Garcia Julia Coelho

63

Reg Reynolds Alex Orfila Chris Hedley Pete Wolstencroft Georgios Tontos Andrew Licudi Views and opinions within articles are contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly

by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 E: editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com Š 2019 Rock Publishing Limited.

All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine. www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Magazine & website archived by the British Library 6

80 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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86

content

44

08 Hello There: What's the secret to a long-lasting relationship?

60 Gibraltar in Film: An Early Talkie

10 News

63 The Amorous Algarve: Romantic Getaway

BUSINESS

66 As Good as Champagne, Better Than Prosecco

16 Beyond Borders: Exploring New Markets: Singapore 20 Gibraltar and the IMA

LIFE 22 Father Danny 26 Sweets for the Sweet: GiftGiving Traditions 28 Face the Music: Kerensa Palao 30 Let’s Talk Real: Sexual Health Education

85

69 A Traveller’s Diary: Part II – St Petersburg to Beijing 74 The Scoreboard: Latest Football News 75 Short Stories: Cinderella Reimagined 77 Confessions of a Beauty Addict: 7 Steps to Glowing Skin 80 Reigniting the Spark: Wardrobe Essentials

34 A Zookeeper’s Diary: It’s Silly Season

REGULARS

36 A Bloody Valentine

86 Recipes: Open Berry Tart & Vegan Torta de Patata

40 Fly Me to the Moon: Kira’s Opinion

88 Information 93 #GibsGems

SCENE 42 One Man and His Guitar

94 Kids Korner 95 Coffee Time

44 Dead City Radio: Album of the Year 48 Behind the Quill: Ken Edwards 52 Stories of You: Jonathan Pizarro 55 Art Club: Pont des Arts in 6 Easy Steps 58 Bookish: Our Monthly Book Club

16 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

LEISURE

Don't forget to find the Hungry Monkey!

7

hello there

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO A LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIP?

Pricilla and Henry Sacramento, Vicky and Winston Danino, Married 52 years "The secret to a longlasting relationship is patience, communication, understanding and the main thing - respect!” [Vicky and Winston celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary in 2018, renewing their vows at the cathedral.]

Married 25 years "After thirty-three years of togetherness and twenty-five years legally married and happily going strong, a question that we often get asked is: "What is the secret to a long-lasting relationship?" It may sound like a cliche but the words, love, mutual respect, trust, good communication, give and take, never taking each other for granted, come to mind!

Understanding that kitchen appliances, ironing board and mop don’t come with a gender label, in other words, sharing everything!” Henry adds: “Understanding who is the boss makes life bliss…!"

Photo © John Piris

Julio and Luisa Pons Married 55 years Luisa: “My faith in God has helped me all my life, but it’s all about finding a balance and making sure that the positives always outweigh the negatives.”

Julio: "The wife is the boss."

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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

hello there

Have you been allocated a new home at Hassan Centenary Terraces, Bob Peliza Mews or Chatham Views?

If so, do you need help with your monthly instalments?

Talk to us about our new Affordable Housing Bridging Loan to help you meet the deposit requirements and buy your new home Your Local Bank offering Local Solutions

For a free initial review with no obligation contact our Mortgage Specialists on 200 13900 or apply online via our website www.gibintbank.gi

traditional banking with a modern feel gibintbank

@gibintbank

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021 www.gibintbank.gi | +350 (200) 13900 | Gibraltar International Bank Ltd, PO Box 1375, Ince’s House, 310 Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA 9

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

news SIR JOE APPOINTED AS MINISTER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY

and post-Brexit Budget for our nation for coming years that will be designed to ensure our long term financial stability and the regeneration and sustainability of the excellent public services that the Government provides for the community. Our next Budget, which will be in early summer, will provide

an excellent opportunity for the Parliament to debate the measures we will propose for this basis in our Estimates for the Financial Year 2021 to 2022.’

REINSTATEMENT OF MOTORCYCLE BAYS ON LINE WALL ROAD

public, which has been ongoing before the project was announced, during the testing phase and after the practical aspect of data collection, it has been decided to restore these bays in the heart of town, which will facilitate access into the Town Centre for work and leisure purposes once Gibraltar is returned to normality.

For further information contact GCS Events Department on 20067236 or email: info@culture.gi.

In keeping with the statements contained in his New Year’s Message, the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, has advised His Excellency the Governor to add responsibility for financial stability to the Ministerial portfolio of the Hon Sir Joe Bossano MP KCMG. The Chief Minister said: ‘I stated in my New Year’s Message that I would be asking the Governor to appoint Sir Joe as Minister with responsibility for financial stability. I have now done so. I look forward to working with Sir Joe, my Cabinet colleagues and the Financial Secretary, Albert Mena, in casting a post-pandemic

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Gibraltar Cat Welfare Society is looking for volunteers to help feed and care for their cats. If you’re genuinely interested and are able to spare around 2-3 hours a week, please contact them on Facebook: Gibraltar Cat Welfare Society. Thank you.

Further to the Chief Minister's New Year's message, the Ministry of Business, Tourism, Transport and The Port wishes to announce the reinstatement of the motorcycle bays on Line Wall Road which were previously removed as part of the pilot traffic project. The existing motorcycle parking stock in this area has been monitored since the onset and has been found to be near close to full capacity, even during this recent lockdown.

As part of the consultation process with stakeholders and the

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

news NEXT DELIVERY OF COVID-19 VACCINES FOR GIBRALTAR Following a successful first week of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, on the basis of the confirmation of the delivery, further doses, as from the 1st February, 21 days after their first dose, the second dose of vaccine will start to be given to people in our top priority groups that received their first dose in our first group of people.

initially continue to vaccinate any remaining health and care staff and other key workers, including the Royal Gibraltar Police, the fire services, Customs, and airport staff. This will also see the vaccination of teachers, commencing with teachers from St Martin’s School, and this is aimed to commence this weekend. 21 days after their first vaccines, the

GHA vaccination unit will start to give second doses to all their first group of people to be vaccinated.

Anyone over the age of 65 who has not yet been contacted for a vaccine appointment can register their interest online using this form: https://www.gha.gi/ registration-for-over-65/

In parallel to the vaccines that will be administered at the public vaccination centre, the GHA vaccination centre will

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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news CARE AGENCY PROVIDES ERS STAFF WITH THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT The Psychology and Therapeutic Services at the Care Agency have extended therapeutic support to staff at the Care Agency and the ERS. Giselle Carerras, Head of Psychology and Therapeutic Services at the Care Agency, commented; “My dedicated team of counsellors are working hard to offer psychological support and advice to front-line staff, as well as continuing to offer our clients remote sessions. These continue to be very difficult times and it’s important to ensure that our frontline staff feel supported.”

Carlos Banderas, CEO, added; “Now more than ever before, looking after one’s own mental well- being is paramount. It is encouraging to see my department, under the trusted direction of our chartered psychologist, Giselle Carreras, extend its services to staff at the ERS. We must continue to work multiagency to support staff and services-users alike.”

Minister with responsibility for Health and Care, Samantha Sacramento MP said; “Our frontline clinical staff are working extremely hard and in very difficult circumstances. Everyone’s welfare is of paramount importance and I am very happy to see this multiagency support being offered to colleagues. I cannot thank our teams enough for their work to keep our community safe during these difficult times” 12

MANDATORY PCR TESTS FOR TRAVELLERS The UK Government has announced that passengers arriving at airports in England will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival.

Passengers will have to take a test up to 72 hours before departure. Negative antigen testing is available at the COVID Rapid Test facility at the Gibraltar International Airport, at a cost of £50 inclusive of the certificate.

For further information visit: www. covidrapidtest.gi.

Travellers who are travelling to other countries, which specifically require a PCR test, should contact the GHA’s Public Health Department by emailing travelcertificate@gibraltar.gov.gi with the following information: • Full Names (as printed on Passport) • Passport Number • Date of Birth • Scanned Copy of GHA Card

certificate for onward travel.

The standard rate for a PCR test is £150. A further £30 will be chargeable for the production of the certificate. There will be a reduced test fee of £30 for GHA eligible individuals only for their first private travel test, in addition to the £30 fee for their travel certificate. Any further PCR tests required for private travel by the same person will be charged at the standard rate.

Certificates will be issued electronically. Payment details will be provided in the response email to the initial application.

Non-compliance with the rules could lead to a £500 fine.

Children aged under 11 do not need to take a test. You do not need to take a test if you are travelling for urgent medical treatment, or accompanying someone who is travelling for urgent medical treatment, or if you have a medical condition that means you cannot take a test (a note from a medical practitioner is required). For further advice, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/ coronavirus-covid-19-testing-forpeople-travelling-to-england

• Contact Telephone Number • Evidence of the country of destination requiring a PCR test (e.g. electronic flight ticket) Public Health will make arrangements to have a test conducted at the Drive Through Facility, based on the information provided and on verifying the requirement for a PCR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

news FACE-TO-FACE & ONLINE CLASSES

English, Spanish, and French language classes for all ages and levels! Experienced tutors, dynamic content, and a friendly atmosphere.

INFO@LITTLEENGLISH.GI

+350 54076150

29 CITY MILL LANE, GIBRALTAR

50 wines by the glass 40 small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine 30 John Mackintosh Square GX11 1AA Gibraltar. Tel: 200 70201 info@vinopolisgastrobar.gi www.vinopolisgastrobar.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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news BRITANNICA VIRTUAL QUIZ SHOW FOR FEBRUARY Renowned international historian and author Christopher Lloyd will be teaming up with Gibraltar Cultural Services, as part of a new development and educational initiative that will be delivered as part of the Youth Arts Jamboree programme this month.

Christopher Lloyd has just launched his new book First Britannica Kids Encyclopaedia. Due to the current Covid pandemic and the impact on events and festivals, the author has developed a virtual Quiz Show to engage with his audience and maintain an interactive element. Full details on the YouTube video in the following link: https://books.britannica.com/ virtual-quiz-show/ GCS will reach out to educational establishments to take part, via Zoom, in what promises to be a fun and immersive way to learn about the world. The competition will be aimed at children and young people aged between 8 and 14 years old.

More details on the competition process will be released in due course. For further information, please contact GCS Development Unit on 20049161 or email: info@ culture.gi 14

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

news GIBRALTAR SPRING FESTIVAL 2021 SHORT STORY COMPETITION Gibraltar Cultural Services in conjunction with the Gibraltar Chronicle and the Department of Education will hold a Short Story Competition as part of the Gibraltar Spring Festival 2021. The competition is open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar who may submit one piece of work, in any subject.

There will be six categories: A. School Years 4 to 5 (250 - 350 words)

B. School Year 6 to 7 (250 - 350 words) C. School Years 8 to 10 (450 - 550 words) D. School Years 11 to 13 (500 1000 words) E. Best story in English Language (must not exceed 1000 words) F. Best story in Spanish Language (must not exceed 1000 words) The winning entries will be printed in the Gibraltar Chronicle.

The overall winner will receive the Ministry of Culture prize of £1,000 and a trophy. Additionally, the winner in each category will receive a voucher and a pen kindly donated by the Gibraltar Chronicle, plus a trophy from the

Ministry of Culture. The winners in the Best Story in English and Spanish language categories will also receive a one year online digital subscription of the Gibraltar Chronicle.

Entry forms and full conditions are available online on www.culture.gi or by contacting the GCS Events Department on 20067236 or email info@culture.gov.gi.

Entries can be handed in online, or if COVID-19 restrictions allow for it, they can be handed in at the City Hall reception. The closing date for receipt of entries is: Friday 5th March 2021.

Looking for Love...

Charming, tall, pleasant looking man, in his 50s, calm and collected, has integrity and GSOH seeks long term relationship with a Gibraltar based lady. He will be retiring there with his young daughter in early 2021 to begin a new chapter in his life.

He doesn’t play mind games, is emotionally open and quietly confident and has a wide range of passions - an eclectic taste in music from Soul to Rockabilly to Bhangra, history, art, antiques, travel, food, fashion, reading, good conversation, cinema from every decade, vintage lifestyle, visiting historic and romantic places - but is essentially a family man.

Though he has a good life now, he strives to make it better.

This man has many layers and is multi -faceted. He is totally passionate about those close to him - including his dog. Our client is one of life’s’ genuinely warm-hearted people with a lot to offer the right person in a serious, rewarding and fun relationship.

If you are kind, caring, and want to be treated with love and respect then you NEED to meet our client.

Contact: memberships@thecountyregister.com for more information.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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business

BEYOND BORDERS

Exploring new markets. Part III: Singapore.

I

n this third and final part of our trilogy, exploring new markets for Gibraltar businesses who are looking to expand beyond the EU, we travel further east and explore one of the world’s strongest city-state economies and international business hubs - Singapore!

Known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’ due its impregnable fortress, after being liberated by the British Forces in 1945 during a fierce battle with the Japanese during Second World War, Singapore has a unique position in the global economy and a pivotal role as a business epicentre in the heart of Asia.

Apart from its British colonial history, Singapore has many other similarities to Gibraltar: it is one of the world’s smallest countries with a land area of only 728 square kilometres and a population of 5.7 million, making it one of the world’s most densely populated countries. Located off the southern tip of Malaysia in Southeast Asia, it is positioned on a key maritime route used by many countries including Japan, Taiwan, and China. It is surrounded by countries such as Indonesia, and 16

a not-so-friendly neighbour to its north - Malaysia.

After gaining independence in 1965, Singapore’s economy has grown tremendously, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s making it an important global financial centre, with GDP per capita growing from a mere US$320 in

the 1960s to around US$60,000 in 2019. Indeed, the city-state has been consistently acknowledged as a global business hub, ranking top in many global business indices, including: #1 Best business environment in the Asia Pacific and the world: Business Environment Rankings GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

business

It is known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’.

(BER) 2019, The Economist Intelligence Unit #1 in the Asia Pacific and #5 in the world for Best global innovation: Global Innovation Index 2018 #1 in achieving human capital (knowledge, skills, and health) in the world: Human Capital Index 2019, World Bank #2 in the world for economic freedom: Economic Freedom Index 2018, Heritage Foundation #2 in the world for the easiest place to do business: Ease of Doing Business Index 2019, World Bank #2 most competitive economy in the world: Global Competitiveness Report 2018, World Economic Forum Singapore has one of the most stable political environments in Asia, offering entrepreneurs and investors a strong sense of security and comfort. Its judicial system has been recognised as one of the most efficient in Asia, enforcing anti-corruption laws so that investors can conduct business without fear of bureaucratic malaise. Moreover, through strict law enforcement, Singapore has a persistently low crime rate and offers residents a high degree of personal safety.

Like Gibraltar, Singapore has also adopted a territorial basis of GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

taxation. Foreign-sourced income is taxed only when it is repatriated back into Singapore. In addition, tax is not levied on foreignsourced dividends remitted back into Singapore.

When it comes to doing business in Singapore, it is important to remember that Singapore is comprised of many different cultures, and although English is the language of choice when doing business there, you should come prepared to meet Chinese, Malay and Indian Singaporeans, who all follow different customs.

As in the West, expect business meetings to take place in company offices or worksites as appropriate to your industry, but if talk over a meal is called for, lunch is always the winner in Singapore – not breakfast, brunch or dinner. While the unwritten dress code for

business remains formal, you’d be forgiven for ditching your suit jacket or carrying it over your arm rather than on your back, as there’s only one season in Singapore, and it’s known as ‘hot’.

Temperatures at midday tend to hover around 30°C year-round.

Singapore’s business activity revolves primarily around the following sectors:

ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE Singapore is crucial in Asia as it is both a primary hub of oil trading in Asia as well as the pricing centre. On its own, the oil industry contributes about 5% of the total GDP. As a result of the oil refining and exporting sector, other sectors such as the chemical 17

business industry and manufacturing of gas and oil equipment have also been promoted.

BIOTECHNOLOGY In the region, Singapore has the largest biotechnology facilities.

The government has been able to bring foreign investors through millions of dollars that have been pumped into growing the sector. Several international companies have established their manufacturing bases in Singapore.

These firms include the likes of GSK, MSD, Novartis, Abbott, and others.

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND FINTECH The range of financial services offered by the industry has evolved and expanded to include areas such as wealth and asset management, equity and bonds, foreign exchange and derivative markets. Today Singapore is one of the most established capital markets in the Asia-Pacific, with over 200 banks, and a reputable stock exchange (SGX). Moreover,

ERAN SHAY, Managing Director & AYELET MAMO SHAY, Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. (+350) 200 73669 general@benefitgibraltar.com 18

the country has become an increasingly attractive destination as a preferred gateway� into Asia for fintech start-ups.

Singapore’s vibrant startup ecosystem, supportive government, stable financial system, and business-friendly tax regime have helped turn the country into an attractive spot for fintech entrepreneurs.

So, if you are looking to expand to Asia and the Far-East, Singapore is no doubt the place to be. There

is no better way to enter a new market than through introductions and we would be delighted to introduce you to our business partners in Singapore, or help you explore business opportunities there.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

Providing high quality medical care. With consultations for Cardiology, Dermatology, General Practitioner, Gynaecology, Massage Therapy, Orthopaedics, Orthotics, Osteopathy, Paediatrics, Podiatry, Sport Therapy, Stress Management, Urology, Medical Investigations and Minor Surgical Procedures.

Visit us at 47 Irish Town, call us on 200 43602 or email us at reception@gibraltarclinic.gi www.gibraltarclinic.gi

business

GIBRALTAR AND THE IMA

In an exclusive interview with The Gibraltar Magazine, Ashley Fox, Chair of the IMA and former MEP for Gibraltar, highlights the role of the IMA and how it plans to ensure the rights of EU citizens in the UK and Gibraltar are respected.

BY SOPHIE CLIFTON-TUCKER

A

new, independent body set to protect the rights of EU citizens living and working in the UK and Gibraltar launched in Swansea at midnight on the 31st December 2020 as the transitional regime covering the exit of the UK and Gibraltar from the EU ended.

Sponsored by the UK Ministry of Justice, the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) will be responsible for advocating for the effective application of citizen’s rights.

We chat to former MEP for Gibraltar and Chair of the IMA, Sir Ashley Fox, for further insight into the organisation and his role within it.

Tell us a little about the IMA, and its aims.

The IMA monitors and promotes 20

rights for citizens secured by the Withdrawal Agreement and EEA EFTA Separation Agreement. The main focus is likely to be the rights of EU and EEA EFTA (people from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) citizens living in the UK and Gibraltar. We monitor public bodies in the UK and Gibraltar to make sure they uphold these rights and to identify any systemic issues.

Our aim is to gather the experiences of real people to guide the work of the organisation and work collaboratively with public bodies to ensure rights are upheld and to remedy any underlying issues.

What drew you to your new role as Chair of the IMA, and what does it entail?

I want to ensure that the UK has the best possible relations with

our friends and allies in Europe.

A key part of that is ensuring that the rights of EU citizens in the UK and Gibraltar are respected.

The Board of the IMA will set the strategy of the organisation and scrutinise the executive officers.

As Chair, in what areas will you be able to offer support to British territories?

EU and EEA EFTA citizens living in Gibraltar are covered by the agreements which underpin the work of the IMA. This means the IMA can receive complaints from those eligible citizens living in Gibraltar where they consider that they are not able to fully enjoy the rights secured by those agreements. Where such complaints indicate a systemic issue, the IMA will be able to undertake an inquiry to identify where things can be improved so GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

business Sir Ashley Fox

We aim to resolve issues at the earliest opportunity. that those eligible citizens fully benefit from their rights.

UK citizens have the same rights in EU countries as EU citizens have in the UK and Gibraltar. The EU Commission will be monitoring the effective implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement in EU Member States. Similarly, the rights of UK citizens living in Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland are monitored by the EFTA Surveillance Authority.

The IMA promotes the rights of EU, EEA, and EFTA citizens. What rights specifically will the IMA ensure are respected and protected by public bodies?

The citizens’ rights that the IMA covers are set out in Part II of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and Part II of the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.

Rights agreements between the UK and EU cover four areas including the right to live in the UK and Gibraltar, the right to work, recognition of professional qualifications and the right to access housing, healthcare, education, benefits and other state services.

The right to equal treatment and the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of nationality apply to all these rights.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

What sanctioning powers does the IMA have in the event that they find a UK or Gibraltar authority to have acted unfairly?

We aim to work with public authorities in order to resolve issues at the earliest opportunity.

However, we have the powers to launch inquiries and bring legal action, if appropriate, against bodies that don’t uphold the rights of citizens.

What is your opinion of the New Year’s Eve ‘In-Principle’

Agreement, affording Gibraltar Schengen rights?

We will keep a close eye on developments in order to fully understand the impact on the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens living in Gibraltar and how that will be relevant to the work of the IMA in Gibraltar. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the application of citizens’ rights in Gibraltar and will seek to listen to the experiences of people from the EU and EEA EFTA countries to assess whether they are able to enjoy the same freedoms as before.

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life

FATHER DANNY

He’s chatty, a smiler, and always pleased to see and greet you. As a youngster he enjoyed watching ships in the harbour, so joining the Royal Navy was the way to go, except those around him felt he had a leaning towards the church… and yes, he ended up in the military but swapping the blue uniform for brown!

BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT

"O

h yes, I had a love for the sea and used to enjoy watching the warships coming in and out of the harbour and really wanted to join the Navy, but I was also attracted to discipleship and people noticed that, so here I am today!”

Father Danny Hernandez, Chaplain to the Forces, declares all these years later, based at the King’s Chapel (bang opposite my apartment next to the Convent in Main Street - so I guess we are neighbours!). Danny tells me his upbringing was not unlike that of any other Catholic family on the Rock where they attended Mass every Sunday. “So come one Christmas Day when I was 15 or 16, the late Bishop Rapallo spoke to me about the possibility of joining the priesthood and I went away to think about it. I recall my parents weren’t too keen on the idea but after giving it much thought I took the plunge when I was 17 and ended up in the English College in Valladolid in Spain. I remember arriving there and noticing the building 22

looked like a prison, but despite that sort of initial shock, I knew it would be okay, because ‘if God wants me here, he will look after me,’ I thought.” Tough decision no doubt, considering studying to become a priest involves six years of hard graft swotting up on theology, philosophy and all that’s involved to help you become a worthy servant of Jesus Christ and the Church.

‘If God wants me here, he will look after me.’

Danny tells me he enjoyed his time there and there were studies in Spanish too, obviously second nature to a Gibraltarian whilst he saw some of the English

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life And that’s when the army, as opposed to the navy, came to be his choice of serving in the Armed Forces. “I remember being told that if you joined the navy you would have to go through a ‘dunking’ which I so feared – being held upside down in some contraption in water for however long scared me so much, so I chose the army.”

God in unexpected situations in the, ‘inbetweens’ from day to day.”

students struggling somewhat but Danny was always on hand to help out where needed. “It was exciting and on my return to the Rock, adapting from a monastic life to spending six years in the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned was interesting and challenging. Meeting and dealing with people and encountering GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

So during those years, not being old enough to become a fully fledged priest, Fr Danny was sent off to Reading in the UK to perform his duties as a Deacon in a church there. Eventually he was eligible to be ordained back home at age 23. “My mentor in Reading helped me broaden my mind, and on my return to Gib I was ordained and later became Chaplain to St Bernard’s Church at Europa, which at the time mainly served the military and their families in the area. I would visit schools too and take on pastoral duties for those who required it. I was also instrumental in the re-building of St Bernard’s chapel.”

Northern Ireland, Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, Cyprus, Kenya, and Canada were the countries Fr Danny served in, deploying to some of those theatres of war, for more than one tour... scary! “Yes, but first I went to the military academy in Sandhurst in the UK for a few weeks to sit for my Professional Qualified Officer Course, which meant I became a Chaplain of the Forces 4th Class

"Walls shattered as the shells hit our building with shrapnel and debris falling everywhere."

– more or less equivalent to a Captain in the army.”

First posting to Germany meant Father Danny met many individuals from all faiths as he got stuck into his work joining the 1st Catholic Fraternity which later became the All Souls Community.

And so the postings and tours to troubled hot spots began; off he went mixing with servicemen of all ranks, together enduring the cold and discomforts. “That’s right, completely out of my usual comfort zone talking to young 23

life tour near Baghdad, under the command of the Spanish, Fr Danny suggested concelebrating mass with a Spanish priest who initially hesitated to allow that. “It turned out he thought it would be slightly awkward because I represented the British Army and assumed I was an Anglican priest, but it turned out okay in the end.”

In Iraq and later on in Kosovo, again our bilingualism came in handy as Father Danny served mass with Catholics in the military, locally employed civilians and Catholics from other Muslim countries. Added to those there were Ecuadorian and South American individuals sharing his time on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings whilst attending to other Christian celebrations.

“Sometimes it turns out to be such a small world. There was a Spanish Brigadier who commanded the UN contingent with whom I became quite friendly with who offered me turrones (Spanish nougat) which made me think of home! There was also a Spanish Soldier who began to address me in English until I spoke to him in Spanish... he turned out to be from Algeciras!

chaps helping to reassure them.

Generally, they were excited about the task at hand, but all had fear, which was to be expected.

On my second tour of Iraq we were all on a bit of a downer as mortars fell within the compound, walls shattered as the shells hit our building with shrapnel and debris falling everywhere. You feel drained when it’s non-stop!

24

Going out on patrol with the young chaps was also not good.

I remember receiving a card from one of my fellow students in Valladolid round about then who helped to re-affirm my faith when he wrote, ‘it was what God wanted you to do,’ and that, gave me comfort.”

On the lighter side on his last

A Gibraltarian priest who clearly had his work cut out living real life experiences around the world.

Well, Fr Danny Hernandez is back on home soil now serving in the Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service as part of the Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS RN) based at North Front. He’s swapped his ‘browns’ for his ‘blues’ as you will now spot him in navy uniform in the street or in the King’s Chapel serving the Tri-service community on the Rock.

So in the end, he DID join the Navy!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

THINK PENSIONS, THINK SOVEREIGN Local, Overseas and Corporate Pensions tailored to your requirements.

Tel: + 350 200 41054 Email: SW@SovereignGroup.com Sovereign Wealth is a trading name of Sovereign Asset Management Limited, Sovereign Place, 117 Main Street, Gibraltar, PO Box No 564 “SAM”. SAM is regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission as a pension advisor permission number 5992.

January 2021

life

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET

Valentine’s Day is glowing on the horizon like a gorgeous, rosy sunrise; a day to celebrate relationships, to make gestures of love. But where did the gift-giving traditions originate from?

BY CARMEN ANDERSON

W

e are all familiar with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates bearing subtle messages of love, the eternally gorgeous single red rose (or better still, a dozen long-stemmed red roses) or a basket of sweet pastries with which to extoll a lover’s virtues, declare a secret passion or tempt an uncertain sweetheart.

Traditionally, at least in Western culture, couples in romantic relationships do something special on Valentine’s Day, from sending each other greeting cards, exchanging gifts, to perhaps sharing a romantic candlelit dinner or even going away on a secluded, intimate holiday for two. “Sweets for the sweet,” said Shakespeare, as familiar then as we are now to the traditions of giving sweet treats to our sweetest of lovers. Never one to turn my nose up at a hint of chocolate or fresh flowers, I wanted to learn a little more about 26

where these gifting traditions originate.

Chocolate is probably the go-to gift, not only at Valentine’s, but for other special occasions. We seem to have a constant love affair with chocolate; we eat it when we feel down to make us feel better, we nibble on a bit of it for an energy lift during a busy day and we offer it at Valentine’s as a symbolic way to tempt a special person into falling in love with us. Chocolate was introduced to Europe during the 16th century from South America, where it was revered as a gift of the Gods by the Aztecs. They thought it a source of wisdom, energy, an aphrodisiac and added it to many drinks and foods.

Learning this, I could not resist speaking to Bianca PeraltaTsagkatakis (the Binky of ‘Binky’s Kitchen in Turnbull’s Lane) to mine her knowledge on all

things chocolatey, sweet and delicious. She said, “One of the active ingredients in chocolate – theobromine – acts as a mild stimulant and has a mood enhancing effect, which is probably why it’s a go-to for occasions such as this.” For those who really do want a chemistry-based justification for gifting chocolate, it also contains phenylethylamine which releases the same chemicals into the body as the emotional response to being in love: dopamine and serotonin.

They thought it a source of wisdom, energy, and an aphrodisiac.

Flowers and Valentine’s day gestures are inextricably linked.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life Roses are usually the flower of choice as a gift. Roses represent love in all its forms and were supposed to be the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman Goddess of love. By the 17th Century it had become customary for people to give flowers to demonstrate love, in particular love that knows no bounds. There are other flowers which carry secret meanings and these, particularly in Victorian times when people were obliged to be extremely discreet about their feelings, can also be used to communicate love and care. For example, the daisy signifies purity, simplicity and innocence, something that one person might want to convey to a possible partner, while jasmine was symbolic of unconditional and eternal love. Colourful, delicate, with a fleeting beauty, flowers will almost inevitably brighten up anyone’s day and make a perennially welcome gift.

Of course, sometimes, it’s just easier to use the written word to get across exactly what you want to say to that special someone. The problem is, some of us can become quite tongue tied on those special occasions; that’s where greeting cards come in. People have sent cards with messages to each other for centuries. The tradition seems to date back to 1415, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, wrote a poem for his wife on Valentine’s Day while imprisoned in the Tower of London. By the 16th century, this gesture of giving cards with loving messages had become so common on Valentine’s Day that several religious leaders preached against them. By the early 19th century, it was the most popular way to show your love on that special day, and judging by the roaring trade at card shops in early February, this habit has not GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

abated. And who has not felt that sense of disappointment at finding their mailbox empty on the 14th of February, or the elation of receiving an unsigned message of affection in a card from an anonymous admirer?

I went back to Binky for some fresh ideas: “I think Chocolate appeals all year round, especially in Gibraltar where we seem to have an extraordinary sweet tooth (myself included). Valentine’s day is a good occasion to spoil a loved one, and what better than with chocolate? I’ll be making Belgian chocolate covered strawberries and a selection of handmade chocolates and praline truffles.”

There are always the grand gestures: a poem penned to mourn unrequited love, a song to win a heart, the slipping of an expensive diamond onto a finger or the abdication of a throne for love as Edward VIII did for Mrs Simpson…

Yet, it is usually those small, special gifts for that significant person in our lives, that are the most memorable, or those special little touches: “If you only have one smile in you, give it to the people you love.” - Maya Angelou.

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life

FACE THE MUSIC! Alongside drama and art therapies, already present on the Rock for a number of years, music therapy is a ‘psychological and clinical intervention’ internationally recognised as an invaluable tool to improve or alleviate some mental, and sometimes neurological, conditions, using music in a creative fashion to identify one’s issues and work them through.

BY ELENA SCIALTIEL The first fully qualified and Medical Board registered music therapist in Gibraltar, Kerensa Palao has recently founded Senti Music Therapy to provide ‘person-centred and psychodynamically informed approach to therapy’. A variety of clients dealing with diverse issues can benefit from this type of therapy, whether acute or chronic, such as bereavement, anger management, autism or dementia.

Kerensa obtained her master’s last August and immediately set up her business. At the moment, she’s freelancing with home visits and sometimes seeking rented space where she can hold group therapy in a safe environment, making as much noise as necessary without bothering the neighbours.

Kerensa carries around keyboard, 28

violin, ukulele, and several percussions as ‘tools of the trade’. Percussions are the most immediate go-to instrument for the first sessions, as one would instinctively underscore one’s train of thoughts with a beat.

Sometimes, guitar strumming and drum banging lead to musical harmony, and the group composes songs that they might even want to perform publicly and document as the tangible, or audible, token of their healing.

“In music therapy we value improvisation, so my clients play the instruments as they are inspired to, and sometimes they sing along,” she says. It doesn’t always sound easy to the ear, but random noise is part of the purpose, which is in fact the cathartic release of one’s tensions, the identification of challenging emotions to constructively work them out.

As universal a language as music is, each individual approach to music may change according to cultural background, and Kerensa has to keep this in mind when adjusting the progress of clients’ musical expressions; yet, all in all, music remains indeed the universal language that levels most differences by reaching out to the subconscious and

It doesn’t always sound easy to the ear, but random noise is part of the purpose.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life Kerensa Palao

giving voice to it in ways that one may not otherwise be able to, especially with non-verbal or verbally limited people, eager to compensate through notes any lack of articulation.

Kerensa gives her clients freedom to choose whether to verbalise or play music, but she encourages the latter, and often joins them in accompanying them on her own instrument, because she believes that music can facilitate channelling the right words candidly and directly, while speech alone may lead to avoidance behaviour, i.e. one ends up rambling around, without really confronting the core issue.

Therapy usually lasts three to four months, in weekly sessions best kept to the same day of the week at the same time. After a one-toone assessment first consultation, Kerensa devises a strategy plan for her new clients, and advises them whether attending group or individual therapy. She encourages group therapy whenever possible, because every participant will benefit from interacting with the others, and individual progress resonates and is amplified within the group.

those fifty minutes. I am like their anchor of stability.”

Most do come back after a break, while others would leave within minutes on the first session and then stay longer and longer in the following ones, so that their endurance in facing the therapist, the environment in which they interact, and the issues brought forward also become part of their progress.

Music remains indeed the universal language.

Should she evaluate individual sessions to be more suitable to any new client, Kerensa offers fifty-minute sessions which the client is allowed to leave at any time, if feeling overwhelmed: “It’s important for my clients to be reassured that I will stay put even if they leave, so they can return to me any time they wish during GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

Music therapy reverberates with the client’s family, especially if they are required to attend sessions as chaperons, and it improves the overall progress dynamics. Kerensa actually researched the ‘ripple effect’ of sessions on attendees who were participating as supervising teachers in schools or nurses in hospitals and institutions. She

noted how taking part in music therapy together with their charges changed their relationship for the better, instigated more effective healing for the client, and improved empathy in the professionals caring for them.

Of course, the relationship must be kept strictly professional; Kerensa cannot afford to get attached to her clients or identify in their issues, even if she’s going trough similar ones in her private life, otherwise her therapy’s efficacy would be eroded.

“Always keep one foot on the shore” one of her lecturers used to remind the class: so that, when she’s satisfied they’re ready to unfurl their sails, they will be able to fully move on.

Hoping to soon cooperate with local charities like Cancer Relief, ClubHouse, the Alzheimer and Dementia Group, Kerensa Palao can be contacted on her Facebook and Instagram or via email at SentiMusicTherapy@gmail.com.

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life

s ’ t e L lk...

Ta

Real

February and Valentine’s Day is associated with love, and for many, sexual intimacy.

It’s therefore appropriate, this month, for Let’s Talk Real to share information on their Instagram chat with, charity No More Shame activist, Rachael Jackson (Instagram @ racjax).

BY ISOBEL ELLUL

SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION

A

s part of spearheading the ‘Let’s Talk About Sex Safety’ campaign, Rachael talks all things sexual health, sex education, contraception, consent and pornography. This follows on from the successful distribution of free condoms at our Musical Festivals in 2019; promoting safe sex, enjoying sex sensibly, respectfully and consensually, gratefully supported by our Chief Minister.

The response to this was mainly hugely positive with adults saying: “Where were you when we were teenagers?”, lots of giggles from teenagers and many very frank and open discussions about safe 30

and consensual sex… not to mention a few blown up condoms floating through the air!

Gibraltar is privileged to have its own sexual health clinic as part of the Well Person Unit at the GHA, easily and anonymously accessible to all, offering sound clinical, informative and supportive advice to those who are sexually active. We have come a long way, as Rachael explains from her teenage years, in that the conversation has opened up… but we still have a way to go. From the age of consent at 16, it is crucial our young feel comfortable to know that their sexual health needs, information on sexually transmitted diseases and contraception, sexual

We have come a long way… but we still have a way to go. orientation identity questions and sex boundaries queries are addressed, and where to seek the advice. And crucially, so they can access sexual health education easily as part of mainstream learning. Even discussions on body positivity, sexual orientation and period poverty need to be had to empower our young to make the right informed and safe choices, especially if they are unable to talk to a family member about any of this.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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Discussions need to be had to empower our young to make safe choices.

Rachael feels strongly that nothing should be unspeakable. If young people are sexually active, they need guidance on ensuring sex is consensual, that there is dialogue about both wanting the same thing out of it and if it is not a yes, to respect that NO means NO; non-consensual sex is rape.

That they are aware of the wide range of contraception available, choosing the best option for them. And to highlight the importance of how pornography is not the real world, it is a huge money-spinning business and not a sexual activity guide on what to expect from a sexual partner as the norm. For example, things not seen in mainstream porn include shyness, cuddling, not getting in the mood, scars and stretch marks, intellectual flirting and pets watching!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

31

life Love safely, responsibly and consensually.

Importantly, sexual transmitted diseases can sometimes take a while to present symptomatically, so for those who have had multiple partners or unprotected sex, getting screened at the sexual health clinic is vital. And let’s be honest, not all sex happens in stable relationships and in heterosexual ones! Rachael’s message is consent, condoms, screening and a contingency, i.e. a back-up plan when all fails, such as emergency contraception, which she reiterates time and again.

Additionally, Rachael explains the charity No More Shame is able to signpost young people to the appropriate services, pass on information packages on safe sex if necessary and give out free

condoms.

Importantly, our LGBTQ+ community must be supported too, with a safe space for young people, exploring their sexual orientation, to be able to access information and advice without judgement.

In this regard, Let’s Talk Real also chatted to Angel Cornelio (Instagram @ angelarioo93) about his struggles, growing up as a gay boy in Gibraltar, with homophobia and discrimination; who supported him, what his coping mechanisms were and how he finally managed to get through it with confidence and pride to become the beautiful person he is today. Because after all, love is love; February is the month of love and our message is love safely, responsibly and consensually and enjoy! #letstalkreal #nothingshouldbeunspeakable #safesex #dispellingtaboos #pornnotmainstream #nomeansno #consent #letstalkaboutsexsafety #condoms #nomoreshame #enjoysexproperly #consentcondomscontingencyscreening #sexualhealthclinic #sexeducation #pride #loveislove

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

Can you find our spool logo in the sea of Valentine hearts?

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Maddie and John © Laurie Standen 34

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life

A ZOOKEEPERS DIARY Our monthly spotlight on the superstars at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park… and their keepers!

rey African G Susie the Leaper (c )Alma

BY JESS LEAPER

I

t’s February, and love is in the air at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park (AWCP), but for the keepers, this signals only one thing: ‘silly season’. Silly season is basically how the AWCP keepers refer to the bird, or more specifically parrot, breeding season, when and the quiet oasis of the Wildlife Park becomes a battle ground where mostly, only the parrots win.

Hormonal behaviour in pet birds is typically enhanced in the springtime. As breeding season approaches, the sexually mature birds experience natural hormone surges that can trigger some bizarre and undesirable behaviours. Hormonal behaviour in birds is typically enhanced in the springtime. As breeding season approaches, the sexually

mature birds experience natural hormone surges that can trigger some bizarre and undesirable behaviours that can make the keepers’ and volunteers’ work particularly challenging.

For many years, the bird section of the AWCP has been lovingly tended by the volunteers, under the watchful eye of the bird section keeper. The collection of parrots at the AWCP is a mixture of confiscated African greys from ships passing through the Straits by customs and unwanted pet parrots that their owners can’t look after any more.

Parrots are by nature highly

11 12 1 10 2 9 3 8 4 7 6 5

social and intelligent creatures.

In fact, scientists have identified the brain region responsible for parrots’ remarkable intelligence.

This neural circuit is similar to that found in primates, including humans, and is the source of their intelligence. Quite remarkable given the small size of parrot brains in comparison to primates.

Avian brains therefore have the potential to provide much higher ‘cognitive power’ per unit mass than do mammalian brains.

Both their higher intelligence and their highly social natures are reasons why parrots are seen as attractive and entertaining pets, but it is for this reason too that zoo professionals know they really don’t make good pets.

Unless kept in a stimulating and or natural environment with 35

life conspecifics or plenty of suitable company, most parrots become destructive, noisy and some can be aggressive. There is now scientific evidence to support the theory that isolation and lack of socialisation is damaging for parrots. Scientists have found that the telomere lengths [sections of DNA at the end of chromosomes] of single African grey parrots were shorter than those housed with a companion parrot, indicating that social stress and loneliness can interfere with cellular ageing and a particular type of DNA repair.

Parrots’ vocal ranges are vast; they have the capacity to mimic almost any noise, from car alarms to phone ringtones, or in one unfortunate case, mimic the voice of someone’s secret boyfriend (another good reason not to have one as a pet!). Things can get quite noisy down at the parrot section, with some interesting vocalisations, many of which the parrots learned before coming to the park, but they also mimic each other’s learned vocalisations.

The African greys often mimic the voices of staff and volunteers,

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much to their amusement.

Most of the parrots at the AWCP have been hand-reared. When they arrive at the zoo, most have no idea that they are a parrot. Instead, they act like little feathered toddlers with wings.

Much as happens to any animal raised by another species, the lines get blurred. Given their intelligence and ability to mimic the human voices to a tee, it becomes almost believable. It’s down to the keepers at the AWCP to gently introduce them to their own kind.

Jumbo, the blue and yellow macaw, came to the park when he was just two years old. He speaks English and Spanish, has a repertoire of three nursery rhymes, counts to four, suggests a cuppa to his hardworking keepers Jumbo

As far as possible, the AWCP will house parrots of the same or similar species together or as close together as possible. During breeding season, this comes with its own issues as when both male and female parrots enter breeding season, they become less tolerant of others, other than their bonded partner. It is not just their conspecifics that can feel the sharp end of their beaks!

heads, so much so that volunteer, Lynn has taken to wearing a cap whilst tending to Blackie’s needs.

Feeding time can become a traumatic time of day for those on the bird section from February onwards. The worst culprit is a gutsy African grey called ‘Pancho’ and his softer, but equally mischievous side-kick. From late December onwards, entering the enclosure with Pancho takes on a similar vibe to the hunter in Jurassic park, being hunted by three velociraptors. Some keepers even take to wearing protective clothing, such as a cap and thicker jacket or they will enter an enclosure as a team, with one as a lookout/bodyguard whilst the other quickly feeds and cleans in relative safety.

Some birds are amorous all year round. The black lory ‘Blackie’ has a habit of mating with keepers 36

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life and perhaps the most eerie of his habits, asks "what’s that?!” when he encounters anything new. It took two years for Jumbo to feel comfortable around other parrots. His favourite Keeper is Emily. Emily has been working with Jumbo for around seven years. Their bond is quite special.

In order to help manage such a large bird and to help keep Jumbo occupied, Emily has been training him to do a variety of actions on command. Jumbo can often be heard throughout the day, practicing the commands by himself.

The most recent love story is that between Susie the newest addition to the park, a young African grey parrot and Steve the Head Keeper. It is hoped that Susie will one day form a pair bonding with one of the male African greys in the group, when she reached sexual maturity in a year or two, but for now she is quite content receiving extra attention from Steve and the other Keepers. Although Susie has made a good adjustment to living near other parrots, she is not yet ready to move in with the gregarious and sometimes quite despotic group of African grey males!

makes up for his lack of stature, with his cheeky attitude and amorous advances. Although they are different species, they are actually able to produce offspring, hybrids. Not something the AWCP encourages, but they are more than happy for John and Maddie to practice!

Not all of breeding season is chaotic, there is also the softer ‘loving’ side. Maddie and John are an unlikely pair of parakeets.

Maddie is an Alexandrine parakeet, while her mate, John is a ring-necked or rose-ringed parakeet. Almost identical except for the fact that Maddie is almost twice the size of John. But John

2021 also signals the start of the UN’s Decade of Ecosystem Restoration; a decade to halt and try to reverse the damage done to habitats and ecosystems across the world. Generation Restoration is a chance to undo the damage that has been done and restore nature back to what it should be. Every year on Valentine’s

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

Day the AWCP takes part in the Climate Coalition’s #ShowTheLove campaign, to encourage people to show their love for the nature around them. This year the AWCP are asking people to paint, draw or photograph what you love about nature in and around Gibraltar, be it animals, flowers, vistas or snails.

There are three categories Ages 0-7, 8-16 and 17- 100+. There is still time to send your entries to the AWCP by 10th February, in time for the judging on the 14th of February. Visit the website at www.awcp.gi/events for more ideas for #ShowTheLove for nature this Valentine’s Day. 37

life

A BLOODY VALENTINE

The only day where PDA and smothering your face in heart-shaped chocolates go hand in hand is Valentine’s Day. However, the celebration of this day has not always been this love-centric celebration, for the very origins of it are rather dark, twisted, and kind of bloody.

BY GIANNA STANLEY

The traditions became even more peculiar.

They would then run around the city naked.

Now, what does this have to do with Valentine’s day? Well, the twins were found by a she-wolf who lovingly cared and rescued them until they were found by some shepherds who took them in. The twins soon became powerful young men and learned of their past - which led them to kill their uncle. Subsequently, they founded a town on the site where they had been saved, but most importantly, honoured the she-wolf’s memory by naming her Lupercal. Its thought that Lupercalia took place to honour her but also to please the Roman God of fertility, Lupercus.

(a group of Roman Priests) performed these sacrifices and participated in a rather unusual aspect of this tradition. After the sacrifice, the blood would be smothered on the foreheads of two of these naked Priests using the very knife that killed the animals - weird, huh? This blood was removed with a piece of wool soaked in milk, and it was something that the Luperci found particularly comedic.

You’d think that by honouring fertility and motherly instincts, the festival of Lupercalia would centre around love and appreciation like it does today.

However, the Romans just had to have their own take on it - it would not be a Roman celebration if not. The celebration began with the sacrifice of one or more male goats - a representation of sexuality - and a dog. Luperci,

Perhaps a more well-known part of the tradition because it has been seen in modern adaptations of film and TV - such as in Sabrina the Teenage Witch remake - is the random pairing of men and women who were coupled for the festival. Some couples stayed together until the next Lupercalia, some did not, and some even fell in love and married. It would be kind of a funny story to tell if you

- 4. Upon your sleeve 5. Romeo and Juliet

L

upercalia is an ancient Pagan festival that was held from the 13th to the 15th of February each year in Rome. We can trace its origins back to about the 6th century BC - long before the festival became exploited by capitalism. Romulus and Remus are the mythological twins who were the founders of Rome itself and sons of Rhea Silvia - daughter of the Alban King. The story has it that Rhea’s brother forced her to become a ‘Vestal Virgin’ in order to prevent any claims to the throne on her behalf. Nevertheless, she defied male superiority and mothered twins, whose father was the wargod Mars. Rhea’s brother learned of her defiance and ordered the twins to drown in the Tiber river.

Ironically enough, he sent them to their fate as being the founders of Rome, because they floated and came to rest at the site of future Rome.

Quiz answers: 1. Are meant to be - 2. The liver - 3. Cupid 38

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life He signed it off ‘From Your Valentine’. met your soulmate out of pure luck!

Funnily enough, the traditions became even more peculiar, stemming further away from the day that we know now. When the feast was over, the priests would cut strips of goat, also called thongs, from the freshly sacrificed goats. They would then run around the city naked, or partially naked, whipping the women with these strips of goats. Many women often welcomed this showing as much skin as possible, because these whips were viewed as helping fertility. We could link this idea of fertility to the current celebrations as it could be seen as a symbol of love - however, the Romans were rather bawdy for this to be merely about love. Over time, nakedness in the celebration lost popularity, probably because self-awareness increased. Women would then be whipped on their hands by clothed men, and the festival became less sexual and more ritual based.

These traditions continued up until the popularity of Christianity arose, and the Pope Gelasius ultimately westernised and created Valentine’s day. There are many stories on how this came about, however, the most popular version is that of a man named Valentine who was executed for secretly marrying persecuted Christians who were in love.

Another story describes that during Valentine’s imprisonment, he tutored a blind girl named Julia, who was found to be the daughter of his jailer. God miraculously gave GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

sight to Julia once she prayed with Valentine. It is said that on the night of his execution, he wrote her a letter and signed it off ‘From Your Valentine’. This sign off has become popular with people who wish to keep anonymity, but the very premise of the card/ letter is a tradition that carried on and is perhaps one of the largest consumer items bought on Valentine’s day.

Whilst the Christian origins contain the basis of our Valentine’s day - the romance, love, and worshipping fertility - there are some aspects that are rooted in the celebration

of Lupercalia. For example, the colour red, which signifies the blood of the sacrifices, is the first colour that comes to mind when you think of this love festival. The random coupling also signifies the strange thing that is love - to meet someone out of luck and celebrate Valentine’s with them for the rest of your life! Now, I don’t want you thinking about some crazy naked Romans covered in blood when you are celebrating with your loved ones this year - but I thought it would be an uplifting story to see how the rather comedic origins of this celebration came to be a commercialised ‘day of love’.

Valentine's Quiz

Some quick fun questions to keep you entertained whether you are happily single or coupled up!

1. Finish the lyric of this famous love song: Like a river flows, surely to the sea Darling, so it goes, some things … …. .. ..

2. Today, we associate love with the heart. Which organ was love associated with during medieval times?

3. Which Roman God is depicted as a rather chubby Cherub with a bow and arrow?

4. If you’re quick to show your feelings, where do you wear your heart?

5. Which Shakespearian star-crossed lovers chose to die together rather than live without the other?

Find the answers at the bottom of p. 38. No cheating!

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life

FLY ME TO THE MOON Kira’s opinion.

BY KIRA, THE JAGDTERRIER

K

ira is a female Jagdterrier.

She is young and has a good appearance with her flat coat in black and light brown. She is clever and well educated. A descendant of Kira the dog in my short story ‘The German Colonel and the Jagdterrier’. She is of German descent, coming from a Black Forest of Germany Schloss owned by the late Oberst (Colonel) von Stauffer, who was the main character in that tale. As a young puppy she was accidentally lost at sea whilst sailing off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, but only just made it to the white sandy beaches of Cadiz where she tramped here and there until she found Paco The Gipsy flamenco singer. Paco adopted her until one day she encountered my Setter and I walking through a pine forest of El Puerto de Santa Maria.

She just joined us deciding to stay with us. Paco the Gipsy kindly gave his blessing for her to stay with me 40

and she has been around ever since.

It is important to know that Kira has no political or ideological ideas.

She does not have a nationality either. Born in Germany, lives between Andalucia and Gibraltar, educated in Fontainebleau France, where she took a dogs’ master’s degree in Sciences of the World.

She regards herself as a European Mediterranean Iberian Gibraltarian citizen. – Jorge v.Rein Parlade.

It’s raining cats and dogs in Gibraltar and all over the Iberian Peninsula. My fellow Podencos of the Balearics tell me they have not had a chance of a decent walk in days. Filomena, which is a rather charming name for a lady, is what humans have called this snowy and rainy storm or cold wave which has been hitting us lately. Strange race these humans.

They have the most extraordinary

names for storms, hurricanes and climatic setbacks. El Niño, Zeta, Delta, Jorge, Filomena. I wonder who gives them these peculiar names.

Anyway, I got news as well from across the Straits of Gibraltar in Morocco, where my fellow Moroccan dog friends tell me it is cold there as well. Hopefully this will end sometime soon and the sun will shine again as it normally does in this enchanting Mediterranean part of the world.

I wish we could go somewhere for a change but due to the present pandemic, travel has become impossible unless you can produce a really good reason. In other words, your travel plans are very limited until things change.

In my view, this virus, which according to the news originated somewhere in the Orient, is here to stay - and from what I GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

life have seen it is driving everybody frantic.

According to conversations I overheard (we dogs can hear any conversation without any kind of limitation which is great and makes me wonder why they don’t employ us to work for the CIA or the Mossad or MI6) the virus is not quite under control yet. We thought we had it sort of controlled last summer but this is sadly not the case as we have all learnt from the latest news.

Meanwhile, lots of things have happened in our wonderful world.

Brexit has now gone through with Mr. Johnson achieving a reasonable deal. And from the EU, charming Ursula von der Leyen seems happy as well, so all is looking fine from that end. What a relief. Then everyone seemed a little neglectful about Gibraltar but in the last minute, just before the new year they seem to have reached an agreement which looks quite satisfactory for both sides. In my view, humans seem to like complicating things too much and they often take longer than they should. But I must admit that at the end of the day a decent deal is good enough and it is certainly a good departure point to move forward. And as it is often the case, not everyone is totally satisfied. But this is fairly common in negotiations between different nations. I am certainly talking about people here because we dogs would have probably reached a deal long before. But one never knows.

In addition to all these important events, the world economies have suffered a significant setback which will take a long time to recover from. But recover they will - I am certain about that.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

At this point in time, we are all in lockdown and my boss and I barely go out except for the odd walk or short trip to the supermarket or chemist. It looks like Gibraltar has a lot of cases of Covid. In my view this is because a huge amount of testing is taking place which shows a high degree of professionalism from the health workers and the Government. If such a large amount of testing took place in other places, I wonder what the results would be. Probably a high number of people who have the virus as well. It all seems very complex.

But one thing is gin clear to me and that is that a strict lockdown seems to cut down the virus from spreading. So the only way forward is to comply with the rules.

Another interesting thing that happened to Gibraltar since the early summer of 2020 is that this nasty pandemic has somehow placed this small part of the world on the destination list of a very considerable number of British tourists. We have been very busy up until Christmas, when the

second and highly contagious wave hit back the UK. I sincerely hope this changes again and gives us all a much needed break. It is wonderful news to have great numbers of British tourists and visitors in town.

The vaccine has now arrived as a possible solution to this nightmare, and according to some very reliable sources it looks like it is quite safe and efficient.

Vaccines are as old as the sea.

I get a rabies one regularly. Not very pleasant but it works and protects us dogs against that very dangerous disease. So I am inclined to think this new Covid vaccine should be good.

My boss and I were discussing where to travel when this nasty pandemic allows us to move about freely. He said all the world is fairly closed down. So I just suggested to go to a place where Covid is not present at all. ‘The Moon,’ he said.

'Fly me to the moon then. And let me play among the stars.'

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scene

ONE MAN AND HIS GUITAR

BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

G

uitar on his shoulder, ponytail, and wooden beads at his neck and wrists: twenty-oneyear-old Matthew Thomas is the contemporary bard who has just landed in Gibraltar from Newcastle, and is offering guitar lessons in exchange of a modest fee, which he calls ‘donation’, to spread the love for music and for the instrument.

“I only teach beginners because I want to get them started in music, on their feet and walk alone, so that when they are ready, they can follow their own path. I introduce them to guitar, like my Dad introduced me when I was eleven,” Matt says. “I am mostly self-taught, but in the past year I went to college to learn how to make music, not just play it.”

His students select him, either contacting him on his Facebook page or just stopping him in the street and hiring him for lessons: 42

“Students must connect with the teacher in order to channel their potential, so I often offer a free lesson to get a taster of each other, and my charge varies according to how much they can afford, and how willing they are to take guitar seriously.”

His philosophy is: “Music is as ancient as thoughts, as natural as air, but when you think about it, you lose out on its instinctual nature. When music becomes as natural as walking, you realise how essential it is to life, and you can hear rhythm and melody everywhere. The universe is one song.”

Matt conveys his feelings through music, for his audience to understand his world: “Music is fluid, and I like to change tempo mid-song, so it flows and adapts to the evolution of my feelings and life pace. Tempo changes control, and are controlled by, emotions, and the guitar allows to adapt it to your heartbeat, when

"With music, you never stop learning." your fingers move in synchrony with it. With music, you never stop learning.”

Music is therapy for him: “It is my emotional control, and I play it for those who want to feel what I feel. To do so, I need their ‘permission’ to share my feelings with them.” Here’s where busking comes into play: “Busking on your own is hard, because the audience can spot your flaws and be merciless in their comments.

They don’t just ignore you, not tossing any pennies in your hat, but they scoff at you. If you aren’t confident enough, it’s like bleeding in shark-infested waters.

On the other hand, busking with a friend, besides being more lucrative, is a life lesson about human interaction: showing how you are enjoying each other’s

music company and talent is pivotal to attract the attention of the audience into partaking in your enjoyment.”

Matt is originally from England, having lived in Kent, Devon, London, Sheffield and Newcastle, his last abode before moving to Gibraltar: “I was fortunate to come here for a month in August, so I explored the local music scene and made friends. I returned to England for another month, and finally moved here for what I expect to be a while.”

You don’t choose your guitar, she chooses you.

His guitar is Matt’s life companion: “You don’t choose your guitar, she chooses you, like wands do

in Harry Potter. My guitar was given to me by my roommate’s girlfriend: she didn’t know how to play it, so she lent it to me, and when she saw how we were made for each other, she let me keep it, because her guitar had chosen me. It needed repair, so I dissected it, adapted it to my style and made it an extension of my personality. A guitar will last you a lifetime if you treat it well, but as a musician, I’d like to collect more than one in my lifetime.”

Like Matthew Thomas on Facebook for updates on his music or to hire him for lessons.

Matthew Thomas

The northern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar is Matt’s home now, but he wants to expand his horizons and travel overseas, as soon as possible: “In England my vision of the world was limited, filtered by what media and education present to teenagers, but I’d like to experience different cultures first-hand.”

in the story (the children and the wicked witch) in different tempos and voices, but the witch wins, and Hänsel regrets his curiosity and gluttony, a real-life lesson to warn kids about accepting candy from strangers.

He wants to figure out who he is, while driving his caravan from country to country, continent to continent, busking and teaching for food; a modern minstrel, composing music about what strikes a chord with him: “Wouldn’t it be nice if I could write and record albums about the place I visit, and the feeling they inspire to me, to share it to my audience?”

He experiments with blues, and a bit of improv, as well as spoken word and storytelling for street theatre: his most treasured composition so far is a reality-check remake of a popular fairytale, titled Hänsel Regrettel, whose genesis he describes as “just me being silly and foraying well out of my comfort zone”.

Here, he plays all the characters GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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music

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Album of the Year.” Lead Singer, James Culatto, tells me the album's name with a glint in his eye. While released towards the back end of a year that most of us will want to forget, Dead City Radio's debut provides a happy little footnote to 2020 and, more importantly, sets down a significant marker in the band's history.

BY IAIN TRIAY CLARENCE

J

ames is joined by Robin Batchelor on lead guitar and Daniel Ghio on bass, with drumming duties split between recent addition, Nicholas Anson (who recorded “Fire” and “Up in Lights”), and previous member, Michael Gomez, who recorded the remaining tracks; Richard Camilleri features on bass in “Smoke and Mirrors”.

Some familiar names to anyone who's been to a live show on the rock over the past 15 years or so, and familiar sounds to fans – six of the album's eight tracks are a combination of existing singles and live favourites – with two brand new songs rounding off the tracklist.

It's with one of these new additions to the catalogue that Album of the Year shifts into gear.

Daniel's immediately memorable bassline on “Fire” leads the way on a track written shortly before Gibraltar's initial lockdown last

This personal touch adds a layer of depth which is not easy to come by. year. The worst of 2020 was not yet upon us, but the writing was already on the wall. Hearing the lyrics, “Abuse of hope, it's all too late, let's sh*t on their parade ...

This is the hour, the moment of truth, get them all to follow you”, certainly raises an eyebrow in the aftermath of Trump's Capitol Hill riots; they have proven regrettably prescient. Predictions of social disharmony aside, “Fire” tells us a lot about where the band are creatively. Robin puts his stamp on the opener with some easy riffing while James seems to warm up his vocal cords ahead of what's to come.

“Valkyrie” is next along, serving 45

music up a little essence de Zeppelin in style and lyrical content, but it avoids being derivative and this is key to the Dead City Radio experience. There are elements of various, genre-defining bands to their music, but they aren't trying to be anybody else. There's a nod to Black Sabbath here, a wink at Alter Bridge there, but the band takes these influences and works them into something that feels fresh. The lyrics for “Valkyrie” have a touch of Robert Plant's penchant for mythology, but they're also deeply intimate – written as James urged his brother, Rory, to continue battling the cancer which would sadly take him. There's no more fitting tribute to Rory's enduring

memory, and this personal touch adds a layer of depth and sincerity to the album which is not easy to come by.

This authenticity is again showcased in the album's other new track, “Up in Lights”. In it, James bellows defiance at unfulfilled dreams of grandeur.

There's real bite in the verses, and while “these dreams have faded and (he) dreams no more”, this comes from a peaceful place: that of a family man and father with different dreams to those born of his youth. Far away from hanging up his pen and his pad, the closing line reminds us that he still wants some fun. It shows. “Up in Lights” is defined by a more guttural tone

There's real bite in the verses. than we're used to hearing from James, and speaks to the band's continuing evolution.

The band's three core members are stalwarts of Gibraltar's live music scene and can guarantee the sort of technical excellence that audiences on the Rock have come to expect, but these days, that's the minimum requirement.

Fans want more, and on Album of the Year, they get it. Real care and craftmanship have gone into developing a characteristic sound; songs written across a seven-year span still feel like one, cohesive package. This is also, in no small part, due to the seasoned touch of Dani Fa (Melon Diesel and Taxi) behind the scenes. It may take a more cultured ear than my own to fully appreciate Dani's contribution, but his production clearly strikes a fine balance; apparent while never intrusive.

The addition of the Hammond organ throughout stirs up a small thrill – a cool polish on the entire affair that also serves to unite the tracks in feel and tone.

Yet there is still variety to be had.

Political musings, existential crisis and self-doubt comprise some of the lyrics in the remaining tracks, while guitar and bass feed off each other to great effect – I was a big fan of the exchanges in “You Want It” – with Robin also scattering a few virtuoso moments around for good measure; enjoyable if brief. He and Daniel are consistent in what they do: at their core, it's straightforward rock with big riffs, broken up by the more complex passages that punctuate most tracks. While not

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music often at the fore, the drumming is reliable accompaniment, with the occasional roll and splash adding touches of flair. James comfortably occupies that upper register in a manner he has made his own, while throwing in some vocal curveballs that keep your interest up.

If there is one song that departs somewhat from the formula, it's side two's “Adrenaline”. A joyful, fist-pumping interlude to the thematic depth of “Goddess” and “Smoke and Mirrors”, which sit either side of the this anthemic track. It could feature on a Tony Hawk soundtrack – anyone who grew up with the games will know exactly what I mean – and brims with raw energy.

The chantable chorus, the machine gun drum beat, the interplay between lead and bass; pure excitement in a can. But while it's more pop-punk than the rest of the album, it still achieves the band's express aim of being catchy, yet enduring, and is written with a crowd in mind.

yet. These are strange times. But Album of the Year reminds us of what we have to look forward to when normality returns.

In the meantime, I can only reiterate a message that we are hearing on the regular: buy local.

It's a no-brainer when locals are serving up content of this quality. As I write this, “Smoke and Mirrors” is once again drawing the album to a close with the sort of refined poignance that keeps me coming back. The tracks continue to grow on me upon

each playthrough and there's some real sophistication beneath the surface.

Those of you lucky enough to get your hands on one of the few remaining vinyls will also get a hard copy of Kane Matto's cover art – all demons and teeth, lightning and skulls; one would expect no less of the rock album of the year.

Keep up with the band on Facebook @ DeadCityRadioOfficial. Album of the Year is available to stream or buy on all digital platforms.

You can contact Dead City Radio on Facebook for enquiries on picking up a vinyl. For the rest of us, the album is available on Spotify and iTunes.

Because these songs will, of course, be best experienced live.

They're written for an audience, with the energy and emotion of a stage elevating the performance, with every member of the band able to feed off the electricity and atmosphere. We aren't there GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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literature

BEHIND THE QUILL A chat with poet, author, and publisher Ken Edwards.

BY SOPHIE CLIFTON-TUCKER

K

Ken Edwards circa 1980

en Edwards was born in Gibraltar in 1950 and grew up in a flat overlooking Main Street with his mum, dad, and younger sister Lesley. “One of my earliest memories is of being held up by my parents at the window to see the military band marching past on its way to the Convent,” Ken reveals. From a young age Ken immersed himself in drawing and painting, and as soon as he could read and write he produced stories and cartoons. He was considered a bright child at school.

He attended Loreto Convent as an infant, then the Irish Christian Brothers’ school at Linewall and, after passing the 11-plus, to the Gibraltar Grammar School, also run by the Brothers.

At the age of 16, having been inspired by one of the Brothers (Brother McGrath), Ken decided he wanted to study English Literature at A Level. “Brother McGrath was unusual in that, despite his name, he was not Irish but English. He was a bit of a maverick, actually. I remember vividly him saying to the class that the first purpose of literature is to give pleasure: ‘If it doesn’t give pleasure, it’s not literature.’ This was tremendously subversive, I knew; a teacher in a Catholic school speaking well of pleasure!

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literature "They were weird and fantastic, but with contemporary settings."

But, amazingly, he wasn’t qualified to teach A Level and so English was not offered as an option by the school at that time. So my parents applied for a John Mackintosh scholarship to send me to Prior Park College in Bath – also run by the Brothers! And there I spent perhaps the two most lonely and miserable years of my life, but since there was nothing else to do, I actually studied hard and got good enough A Levels to send me to King’s College London to read English.”

2019).”

Later, Ken branched out on his own and started a poetry newsletter, Reality Studios, at first appearing monthly in the form of a dozen mimeographed sheets stapled together, but growing over a period of ten years into an annual printed volume. “In 1993, this turned into an independent poetry press, a partnership at first

with another poet friend, Wendy Mulford. We named it Reality Street, and it published between 60-70 books until I wound it up in 2016.”

During the 1970s Ken was also writing short stories, influenced by writers like Kafka: “They were weird and fantastic, but with contemporary settings,” Ken explains. “I suppose today they

Once at King’s, Ken went on to co-edit poetry magazine Alembic, which led him to create poetry newsletter Reality Studios, which evolved into his poetry press, Reality Street. “Two other graduates from King’s and I formed a discussion group to talk about contemporary poetry. We met regularly to share what we were writing ourselves and also to discuss the exciting new poetry, associated with the small press movement, that was happening in Britain at the time, outside of mainstream institutions.

Influenced by all this, we started a magazine called Alembic, at first to have an outlet for our own poetry, but later to publish work by other poets we got to know.

This was way before anything like the internet, yet somehow we managed to make contact with other writers and poets across Britain and in the USA. This experience is documented in my memoir, Wild Metrics (Grand Iota, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

49

literature "I have a postcard pinned to my noticeboard simply saying ‘WRITE!'" would be called magic realism. I had some success with these. I even got paid sometimes! One story was selected for an annual anthology, New Stories, funded by the Arts Council of England. As a result, a commissioning editor for Chatto & Windus told me he’d like to see a novel from me. I had no idea how to write a novel, and spent the next few years trying, then finally decided the result was not good enough and binned it. So I missed that boat, but I went on to write better novels from the 1990s onward.”

When I asked Ken what poetry meant to him, he looked back fondly to his schooldays. “Whilst at the Gibraltar Grammar School, one of the lay teachers the redoubtable Maurice Xiberras, who taught us History and Spanish introduced us to the poetry of Lorca in Spanish. I was fascinated. When talking about the tremendous Romance de la Guardia Civil Española he warned us boys beforehand that there were some upsetting and gruesome descriptions. I felt I knew that poetic language intimately, and of course I had seen the Guardia Civil with their sinister, shiny black helmets and guns across the frontier in Spain, so I knew what all that was about.” Ken was also learning about the English 50

waiting for inspiration, nothing will happen. I have a personal rule that I must write something every day, even if I don’t feel inspired.

In fact, I have a postcard pinned to the noticeboard next to the computer on which I work, simply saying ‘WRITE!’ Just writing a sentence or a line fulfils that instruction for the day.

But I usually find if I write a sentence it will lead to another sentence…”

I was eager to find out what Ken’s favourite piece that he’d written was, and the story behind it.

“My favourite piece is always something I’ve done recently. I love the story about the great cellist, Pablo Casals, being asked why, in his nineties, he was still practising his instrument for hours every day. And he answered, ‘Because I feel I’m beginning to get somewhere!’ I’m amazed to find that I’m now in my seventies.

I can’t believe it. And I too feel I’m

Ken Edwards Romantic poets in English class, and listening to the lyrics of Bob Dylan and The Beatles. “For me, poetry was all those things and more. It’s pleasure in language, first and foremost.”

So how does inspiration find Ken? “All writers get asked how inspiration comes to them. And the answer is that if you sit around

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

literature Ken and his wife, Elaine, playing in their band 'The Moors'.

just beginning to get good. So I’ll nominate my most recently published novel, The Grey Area (Grand Iota, 2020). I really started work on that when my wife Elaine and I moved in 2004 from London (where I’d lived for 35 years) to Hastings on the south coast of England. We spent a lot of time walking in the country and along the shore nearby and I wrote reams and reams of observations, which started turning themselves into a mystery novel. The characters and the story just emerged out of the mist. A strange experience.

And what can we expect to see from Ken in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future? “Elaine has been taking these photos on her iPhone every morning when she goes out for a run by the sea. They are quite abstract: close-ups of rust-stained walls, shingle, moss. There is a homeless man who lives down there, near the beach, sleeping in a tent beside a public bench. I’ve GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

taken to imagining his inner life and writing his imaginary story.

We’re thinking we might put those pieces of work together one day and create a book with my text and her photographs on facing

pages.” Ken writes more prose than poetry these days, but his Collected Poems are soon be published by Shearsman Books: “I’m looking forward with some trepidation to that,” Ken admits.

He is also a partner (with a friend in Brighton, Brian Marley) in a new independent publisher, Grand Iota, which publishes new prose (fiction and non-fiction). “I do that purely for the love of it.”

I couldn’t finish the interview without asking Ken to impart some advice to those wishing to follow in his career footsteps.

“If you really want to be a creative writer, don’t ever expect to make a living from it. The vast majority of writers, even published writers, don’t.

In my case, I went into journalism to make ends meet, most recently working for the NSPCC and the Royal College of Nursing. But Elaine I’m retired from that game now, and Elaine, who’s a musician and music teacher, is on the point of retiring, so we’re happy to devote our time to creative pursuits. And maybe we’ll get somewhere!”

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literature

STORIES OF YOU

Knocking down literary barriers and prejudicial taboos, one short story at a time.

BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

D

escribing himself as a ‘queer Gibraltarian exiled in London’, Jonathan Pizarro is a published short-story writer who analyses in matter-of-fact, yet poetic, style the themes of love and longing, marrying elegant eroticism and glowing patriotism in brief portraits of young immigrant life, balancing cultural shock, racism, livelihood, love and lust.

He raises poignant sensual issues without overloading them with sensationalism, scandal, bitterness or condescension.

His short stories are published in several journals, such as EmergeLiteraryJournal. com, FruitJournal.co.uk, UntitledWriting.co.uk and Popshotpopshot.com.

The use of the second person in the narrative is a fresh change from traditional techniques of third or first person, since it can preserve some of the impartiality of the former, while adding some of the personal involvement of 52

the latter, still saving part of the objectivity of the observer. Close enough to show empathy but yet emotionally detached enough to be able to paint the bigger picture and view the motivations of all characters, not just the narrator.

Telling the story of day-to-day life trying to make ends meet throws open a window on the underworld of the metropolis’ cold unforgiveness, love as a business transaction, prejudice and stereotypes. In “Chorizo”, for example, the patriotic theme is predominant, as the Gibraltarian protagonist is profiled as Spanish by his looks and lilt, and becomes the Mediterranean object of desire of an English tycoon as much as a Spanish waiter, while his wandering thoughts are anchored to his own memories of the Rock.

In “You are not James”, a similar theme runs through, with the protagonist, patching through his bills as a cleaner and a barista who endears his patrons as ‘mate’,

and dyes his curls blonde in a bid to fit in the English ideal, while reminiscing about his homeland in a tactile manner, sparked by the scent of jasmine.

“My stories are about longing more than they’re about romance,” Jonathan says. “It may take the form of longing for someone, but I've also written about the longing for a homeland, or for freedom, or for a sense of belonging somewhere. When I first started writing, I thought maybe this wouldn't resonate, but I've realised that everyone longs for something, or has done so at some point in their lives.”

Writing homosexual romance isn’t any more or less challenging that any other type of romance, in his view, but he acknowledges that there still is stigma about it, despite his readership’s feedback being ‘overwhelmingly positive’.

He is unapologetic about his inspiration and his project of knocking down literary barriers GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

literature and prejudicial taboos: “If you have a problem with what I write, I am happy not to have you as a reader anyway. I am not looking for acceptance: I am here to tell any story I feel has been overlooked. Sometimes they have LGBT+ themes, sometimes a Gibraltarian slant, and often they overlap.”

Jonathan studied Creative Writing and started writing sci-fi and horror fiction, as he didn’t want to address anything personal in his writing. “I realised I wasn’t being honest with myself, so I took a chance and wrote about Gibraltar with a gay theme, which was closer to my personal experience.

And introduced bilingualism in my work with Spanish and Yanito.

That’s when people started paying attention, and I got published.

Jokingly, I was described as ‘Queer Mediterranean Sad Boy’.”

not always want to talk about.

Like with my short fiction, I am very pleased to be able to bring the Gibraltarian experience to a wider audience.”

The novel is set to be titled Sons of Lot: “It comes from the Bible and the Quran, where the story of Lot is at the basis of the negativity and prejudice surrounding homosexuality. Normally, the reference is to 'People of Lot', but I changed it to ‘Sons’ because I wanted to highlight the inheritance of shame, secrets and trauma that can happen within families.”

Jonathan also writes a non-fiction series titled Exiliado, talking about his experiences, and touching upon the Gibraltarian national and

cultural identity. They can be read at jspzro.medium.com.

He belongs to a community of writers called Out on The Page and he attends workshops and online meetings, doing well despite Covid restrictions, and he’s run his own workshops, with more hopefully coming this year.

Jonathan sees the literary scene in Gibraltar as ‘on the cusp of something very exciting’. “There are some amazing writers who have been working hard to form a community and get things done.

I hope that gets picked up a lot more next year, supporting and shining a light on Gibraltarian writers and our own stories. It's very sad we don't have a proper bookshop in Gibraltar.”

And now, he is expanding his horizons from short story to an ambitious project for a novel that will touch upon many themes of a recent past Gibraltarians still have vivid in their memories despite perhaps wishing they could sweep it under the carpet: 1995 Gibraltar and the summer riots, bouncing back in time towards Spanish Civil War and border closure, in the choral memory of the older characters in the story.

The main plot is set to follow the secret relationship between two teenage boys, next-door neighbours somewhere in the Upper Town, and how this affects their families. “In the background there are real-life historical moments happening, culminating in the riots that summer. It's also a multi-generational story about some of the trauma we have gone through as a people, that we may GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

art WHAT YOU WILL NEED: PAPER PENCIL ERASER RULER

RT CLUB

COLOURING PENCILS, CRAYONS OR PAINT (OPTIONAL)

How to draw Le Pont des Arts in 6 easy steps.

BY BEA GARCIA

F

or this month’s draw we are headed to arguably the world’s most romantic city, Paris. We are drawing the Pont des Arts which is the famous ‘love lock’ bridge in the French capital. Millions of people have adorned this bridge with small padlocks bearing the name of themselves and their loved one.

Paris isn’t the only place where you find these love bridges, with other European cities such as Amsterdam and Cologne also boasting their own.

STEP 1 For this draw we are going to start by locating our vanishing point. The vanishing point is the point where all the lines in your drawing converge to. Make an X on the left-hand side of your page.

This will be your vanishing point.

Draw in 4 lines that meet at your GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

55

art vanishing point. See image for reference.

Behind that row of semicircles, add in other semi circles to fill the gap.

Add in 3 lamp posts above this section.

STEP 4

Add in some detail to the semi circles within the bridge and some reflections below the bridge foundations.

We will now add in the foundations of the bridge. Find the points on your bridge where 2 semi circles meet. Your foundations will sit in these mid points. Using the image for reference, draw in 4 rectangles with triangle tops.

Rub off any excess lines.

STEP 2 We are now going to draw in the section of the bridge where lovers attach their padlock. To draw in that section, take the very top line you have just drawn and draw in a short vertical line on the far right of that line. Starting from the vanishing point draw another diagonal line to meet the base of this vertical line. See the image for reference.

STEP 6 STEP 5 Now to add the details to our bridge. Starting at the top of the bridge draw in vertical lines to split the large rectangle into lots of smaller rectangles. Start from the right hand side making the rectangles smaller as you move towards the left.

As a final touch why not add a splash of colour?

We would love to see your finished entries! If you have left a love lock on one of these bridges, we would love to see pics of that too!

Tag @thegibraltarmagazine and @b_ garcia_art on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

STEP 3 Now to draw in the central part of the bridge. This section is filled with a series of semi circles.

Starting from the right, draw in a row of semi circles, with the circles getting progressively smaller as they get to the vanishing point.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

Gigabit fibre Why wait?!

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*

SYMMETRIC

Available EVERYWHERE now!* All inclusive Plus bundle with Gib’s fastest Internet speeds...still the same price! * Terms and conditions apply - visit u-mee.com/plus for details

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• u-mee Plus 1Gbps download / 1 Gbps upload fibre broadband - £69/month • TV with catch-up, 50 cloud recordings and TV+Go for 5 iOS/Android devices • 5 telephone lines/numbers + apps + 500 ‘anywhere’ minutes + free local landline calls • Premium dual-band router with advanced Wi-Fi features • Apps require Wi-Fi or 3G/4G data - charges and service provider restrictions may apply

BOOKISH...

Join us for our monthly book club!

BY JOEL FRANCIS

I

t's February, and that means that it's the month of love. Although I am not a massive fan of romance novels, I have included two books that have some romance within their pages. In my opinion, these are all essential reading for anyone, and I'm pretty sure you will enjoy them all.

Even if they are not your primary style or genre of reading, I highly suggest giving them a try because you might surprise yourself. So, without further ado, my picks for February are...

TELL TALE: SHORT STORIES Jeffrey Archer Genre: Fiction/Mystery For Fans Of: Lisa Regan What’s in the pages? In this collection of short stories, Jeffrey Archer gives us an insight into his travels and the people he has met along the way. Lose yourself in tales of the young hitchhiker who gets more than she bargained for when she hitches a lift from a mysterious stranger.

Also, discover the ingenious parking scheme that made a couple extremely rich.

Each story is unique and exciting in its own right. However, the magic comes when the collection is viewed as a whole, creating an in-depth and complete look at the human condition and psyche.

Why should you read it? Jeffery Archer has an incredible gift when it comes to storytelling.

Writing from his experiences through the years, this collection comes together as snapshots of how unexpected those seemingly mundane moments in life can actually be.

I am not really a big fan of short story collections because they tend to differ in quality and style. However, in Tell Tale, every story stands on its own as a vital piece of narrative. Although they vary in length, even the shortest stories (which is only 100 words) is a complete story arc.

If you've never read any Jeffery Archer before, I would recommend starting with this fantastic collection of prose. You won't regret it!

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

TWO LIKE ME AND YOU Chad Alan Gibbs Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Romance For Fans Of: John Green What’s in the pages? Edwin Green's ex-girlfriend is incredibly famous, and ever since she dumped Edwin one year ago, he's spent those twelve months trying to become famous in the hope of winning her back. It hasn't gone well.

Edwin's whole life changes when an assignment introduces Parker Haddaway into his life. She, in turn, introduces him to a nursing-homebound World War II veteran.

They all escape to France to find the old man's lost love, in the process, they become media heroes. But when they become targets for the French authorities on suspicion of kidnap, it's a race against time to help an old man find his lost love.

Why should you read it? This is one of the best young adult books I have ever read. It's a wild ride of adventure and learning with an unlikely trio, filled with laugh out loud moments of craziness and heart-wrenching character development. This novel is also absolutely unputdownable, I read it in a day!

I would even go so far as to call Chad Alan Gibbs the new John Green, and when this book inevitably becomes a film, it will be as big or bigger than The Fault in Our Stars.

Even if you are not a fan of young adult novels, I would highly recommend this novel to enrich your life, it will make you a better person for reading it.

A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA Ursula K. Le Guin Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Classic

For Fans Of: Terry Pratchett

What’s in the pages? This is the story of Sparrowhawk, a reckless young boy with a hunger for power and knowledge. In his search for that power, he makes the mistake of tampering with dark forces and letting loose a terrible shadow on the world of Earthsea. This is the tale of how he mastered power, tamed an ancient beast and crossed the threshold of death to restore the balance and fight the shadow.

Why should you read it? At its core, A Wizard of Earthsea is a beautiful and magical coming of age story. However, it is not in the same vein as Harry Potter (even though they both contain a magic school and wizards).

Rather than being a traditional fantasy adventure, this is an introspective book. Its exquisite narration carries it forward and leaves you wanting more at the end of it.

Although it was written in the 1960s, this story has lasted the test of time and has endured into a cult classic among Fantasy novel aficionados. Although Harry Potter is the sensation, A Wizard of Earthsea is the predecessor and, in my opinion, the superior novel and story.

Le Guin takes what could've been a straightforward tale of good versus evil and turns into a lesson in self-discovery and acceptance of the duality of darkness and light that lives inside all of us. This is the perfect novel to introduce a middle grade (think 11 or 12 years old) to the fantasy genre, alongside Tolkien, Rowling and Pratchett.

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leisure

GIBRALTAR IN FILM: AN EARLY TALKIE

Spies and romance highlight the earliest films with a Gibraltar theme.

BY REG REYNOLDS

G

ibraltar has been featured in films for more than a hundred years, with notable examples being the James Bond movie The Living Daylights starring Timothy Dalton, Captain’s Paradise with Alec Guinness and Yvonne de Carlo and Operation Snatch featuring Terry-Thomas and the Barbary Apes.

The very first Gibraltar-based film was the silent film Inside the Lines, released in 1918 and based on the 1915 Broadway play written

by American playwright Earl Derr Biggers. The film was remade in 1930 as one of the earliest talkies [cinema films with speech and sound made during the period when most films were silent] and I watched it recently on YouTube.

It is billed as a spy thriller but is also a romance featuring stars Betty Compson and Ralph Forbes.

Without giving too much away 60

for those readers who would like to watch the YouTube version, the basic plot of the film has two spies sent to Gibraltar to assist in destruction of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet. There are some interesting twists and turns with a surprise ending. Compson and Forbes are fine in their roles but as can be expected from a movie released in 1930 the quality of the sound and filming is not of a high standard. Some of the best acting is provided by Montagu Love as Governor of Gibraltar Lord Crandall. The actual

She was dubbed the 'Prettiest Girl in Hollywood'.

Governor at the time of the 1918 version was Sir Herbert Miles and in 1930 the Governor was Sir

Charles Monro.

Montagu Love, his real name, was born in Portsmouth and was a newspaper man and illustrator before turning to acting. He covered the Boer War (1899 – 1902) and his realistic battle sketches gained him popularity among readers. On his decision to turn to acting Love’s biography describes him thus: “A robust man with a massive head of noble bearing and brooding lower lip, these ingredients well suited his goal. Love honed basic stage talents in London, and then made an early departure for the U.S. in 1913 with a road-company production of Cyril Maude’s Grumpy. An early stop was Broadway, and he returned to England many times to appear in a laundry list of important plays from 1913 to 1934. Silent film studios of the early days were originally based in the East, and Love started his film GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

film

career at World Studios, New Jersey in 1914. His silent career alone was prodigious – nearly a hundred films. His look and bearing were perfect for authoritative figures.

And, though certainly taking on a whole spectrum of roles (sultan, native chiefs, many a doctor and military officer, among many others) he became known for his bad guy characterizations through the 1920s. Some historians credit him as the best villain of the silent era.”

Compson was an attractive blueeyed blonde who made 209 films in a career that lasted from 1915 until 1948. She was born Eleanor Compson on March 19, 1897 to a mining engineer and his wife. Her father left the family to prospect for gold in the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898 and returned with an impressive haul of $25,000, (worth more than $600,000 in 2020). He managed to blow most of the money, however, and died when Betty was in her teens.

Betty had learned to play violin and launched her show business career with a vaudeville company at Salt Lake City. A producer of film shorts liked her look, and when she was eighteen, he signed her to a contract at $15 a week.

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Over the next five years she made more than forty short films before advancing to full length features.

She was dubbed the “Prettiest Girl in Hollywood” but she also started her own production company and a line of cosmetics. She married three times but had no children.

Betty died of a heart attack in Glendale, California on April 18, 1974 aged 77.

Forbes was a 6-foot tall, handsome leading man who worked Broadway before going into films and making 73 movies and acting in three television plays before his untimely death.

Forbes was born Ralph Taylor in London on September 30, 1904.

His family had planned for him to have a career in law or the Royal Navy, but he rebelled and chose acting for his career. He began with stage work in England before travelling to the U.S. to work in films. In the early 1920s he made movies in both Britain and America. He was recognised as potential star material in the 1926 version of Beau Geste where he played younger brother John Geste to fellow Englishman Ronald Colman’s Beau. From then on, he worked almost exclusively

in Hollywood until his death on March 31, 1951 aged 46.

I enjoyed the 1930 version of Inside the Lines but was disappointed that there weren’t more pictures of Gibraltar. The film was made at RKO Studios in Hollywood and obviously there was no allowance in the budget for travel to Europe so there are only three shots of the Rock, and all three are stock shots of the Mediterranean Fleet anchored in Gibraltar Harbour. Still, during this time of pandemic and lockdowns it is worth viewing.

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travel

THE AMOROUS ALGARVE A destination to satisfy the heart, and stomach.

BY PETE WOLSTENCROFT

I

had booked a meal in a restaurant with a romantic setting to celebrate a special anniversary. I wanted somewhere quiet. My wife and I were the only diners, so that was one wish granted. I also wanted something a little different. That was when the container ship hoved into view, passing so close to us that we could make out individual barnacles clinging to its grimy hull. Wish number two: granted.

The venue for our special meal was the Restaurant EstaminĂŠ on Ilha Deserta, a short boat ride from Faro harbour. If ever a place was accurately named, this has to be it. One of a chain of barrier islands that protect the westernmost tip of the Algarve from the worst of the Atlantic storms, and the only truly uninhabited island in the group.

These secluded sandbars are part of a fascinating ecosystem that makes up the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Once the current pandemic is over and, hopefully, a distant memory, if you have not been to this part of Portugal, drop everything and go. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

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If you have not been to this part of Portugal, drop everything and go.

Nature lovers will find a protected, pristine wilderness where the birdlife is exceptional, in terms of both variety and sheer numbers.

Snowy white spoonbills compete with rosy flamingos for dining space in the shallows of the estuaries and creeks that make up

the park. There are thousands of white storks and any number of busy little waders scurrying about in search of the various shrimps and worms that populate the shallow seas. The vast majority of the shellfish consumed in Portugal is harvested in these waters.

All of these offshore islands have stunning beaches. The sand is the colour of mother of pearl and the shallow waters are warm well into the autumn. In the height of summer, these beaches are as busy as you might expect them 63

travel cataplanas: stews of pork and clams cooked in the eponymous copper pans. Or you might want to try a tasty dish of rice with razor clams. Not for you? Then why not take on a tempting Açorda stew, made with bread, eggs and mussels. If you order it for lunch, you may as well cancel dinner, because you certainly will have neither the room nor the appetite to eat another morsel.

We reckoned a bit of fried rabbit would be just the ticket. to be. They really come into their own in December and January, when you are unlikely to have to share them with anybody else and the only footprints on the beach are those you have made.

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Judging by the vast number of shells washed up on these shores, the waters must be free from any major pollution, as most shellfish are filter feeders and thus act as a sort of canary in the coalmine: fewer shellfish equals more pollutants.

In such a location, seafood is a good bet when dining out.

Sardines are probably the most well-known piscine offering, but for the adventurous, there are

Faro is not only the capital of the Algarve, but also the gateway to it for foreign visitors. The airport is surrounded by marshes, and the views offered from the air are fabulous – whether arriving or leaving. The shame is that most visitors pick up their luggage and head for the big resorts further east. By doing this, they are missing out. Faro itself is a charming and laid-back town. If you need a bit of retail therapy, there are plenty of stylish shops on its busy streets. If, like me, your more pressing concerns are those around food and drink, you

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travel would be hard pressed to find a bad restaurant. The last time I was there, I had a splendid meal of roasted kid. Culinary experts reckon it is much tastier than lamb.

But if you want to really get to know this part of the world, I suggest you make your base in Olhão. Let me make it clear right from the off. Olhão is not some sort of Portuguese version of St Tropez or Portofino. This is a working port. It might be a bit rough and ready, but it has an undeniable, utilitarian charm.

Allow me to illustrate with a story…

My wife and I can both speak a bit of Portuguese (I confess, she is much better than I am), so when we saw a down home establishment on the sea front offering coelho frito, we reckoned a bit of fried rabbit would be just the ticket for a December lunch.

We ordered two portions and a bottle of local red wine. The proprietor – a robust woman in her sixties – duly brought out a large platter of rabbit and chips.

A while later she appeared again with another platter and an apology for having served such a measly portion at the first time of asking. I had not thought the original offering to be anything other than gargantuan. So with the sun shining and spirits high we thought a local brandy might be a pleasant way to round off

the meal. As the sun showed no signs of retiring for the day, we ordered a couple more brandies and set about some serious people watching. The bill, when it finally came – the princely sum of 20 euros.

I should, given the time of year, return to more romantic themes.

This western part of the Algarve is perfect for amorous getaways.

The villages and towns of the hilly interior, such as Silves and Estoi, are full of history and interesting architecture. If you can muster up a few words of Portuguese, you will be treated like a member of the family by all and sundry.

You might even like to treat yourself to a stay in a state run poussada, such as the one in Estoi, where the outside world seems but a distant memory and the service is amazing. For some people romance means roses and candlelight, but there are those for whom it means absorbing the atmosphere of a truly timeless place – like the western Algarve.

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wine

AS GOOD AS CHAMPAGNE, BETTER THAN PROSECCO

Cava has always been seen as the poor cousin of Champagne. With the rise of Prosecco many Cava producers are worried they will soon be pushed into third best in the minds of consumers.

D.O. Cava, the regulatory body, is under pressure to tighten regulations in the hope Cava’s reputation can be enhanced. Some of the better producers have now broken away and started on their own hoping their premium wines can escape Cava’s poor image. Cava land is now on the move, but will they ever convince us Cava can be as good as Champagne and better than Prosecco?

BY ANDREW LICUDI DIPWSET SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS CAVA? Cava is Spain’s sparkling wine. It’s a protected D.O. and makes its wine in much the same way as Champagne. Specifically, there is a second fermentation in-bottle unlike Prosecco which can be made in industrial quantities in large stainless-steel tanks with no bottle fermentation.

DOES CAVA USE THE SAME GRAPE VARIETIES AS CHAMPAGNE NAMELY IS PINOT NOIR, CHARDONNAY AND PINOT MEUNIER ?

Mostly Cava is made with local grape varieties including Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello.

HAS SPAIN ALWAYS PRODUCED CAVA?

CHAMPAGNE IS MADE IN A STRICTLY DELIMITED AREA OBVIOUSLY KNOWN AS ‘CHAMPAGNE’. IS CAVA SIMILARLY DELIMITED?

No. Production was started in 1874 by a chap called José Raventos in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia after visiting Champagne.

Yes and no. It can be made in the Barcelona area, Valencia, Zaragoza, Rioja and strangely at the other end of the country in

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Extremadura. Many feel these widely different geographical locations, with their varied climatic conditions, do nothing for either the quality of the wine nor its image.

YOU MENTIONED CAVA LAND IS ON THE MOVE. WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU MEAN BY THIS? There’s been widespread dissatisfaction amongst many producers with the poor image of Cava where quantity has ruled over quality. Many are trying to make premium wines out of selected patches of vineyards but under the Cava’s D.O. regulations GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

wine they have been unable to mention specific locations on their labels thus preventing wines, in their eyes, from acquiring a premium image amongst consumers. This is now changing, and it will be possible for producers to label their wines with specific sub regions. It is not clear from the D.O.s web site if specific vineyards will be allowed on the labels.

WHAT ELSE IS THE D.O. DOING TO IMPROVE CAVA’S IMAGE? Its bringing in a new type of Cava called Cava de Guarda which implies the wine can age gracefully. Look out for these on Cava labels: •

Cava de Guarda – Aged in bottle for at least 9 months.

•

Cava de Guarda Reserva – Aged in bottle for at least 18 months.

•

Cava de Guarda Gran Reserva – Aged in bottle for at least 30 months.

•

Cava de Paraje Calificado – Aged in bottle for at least 36 months.

How this will affect the ultimate quality of the wine remains to be seen. I for one, look forward to trying these out, after all who doesn’t want Champagne quality at more modest prices?!

DO YOU YOURSELF DRINK CAVA? Yes, occasionally, in summer with friends. Usually, pink. I consider Cava to be better than Prosecco but inferior to Champagne. My perception follows that of most consumers. Perhaps unfairly.

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ARE THERE ANY WINE CRITICS OUT THERE WHO CONSIDER CAVA TO BE UNDERRATED? I suspect that most wine critics outside Spain will have similar views to the average wine drinking consumer. After having said, checking scores on some critic’s web sites I was surprised to see some seriously high scores.

A producer called Gramona, amongst others, has achieved very high scores comparable to the best Champagne can offer. I was very surprised by this. Not surprisingly the bulk of Cavas received very low scores.

WHAT’S THE BEST CAVA YOU’VE TASTED? Hispano Suiza’s Tantum Ergo Cava 2009. This was back in 2013. It was served blind together with Gosset Brabant Noirs D'Ay NV and Gosset Brabant Cuvee Gabriel 2002 Champagnes. We all thought the Hispano Suiza was also a top-notch Champagne!

YOU ALSO MENTIONED THAT SOME PRODUCERS HAVE BROKEN AWAY FROM THE CAVA D.O. WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THIS?

As already mentioned, there are many dissatisfied Cava producers with the poor image of Cava. In 2019 five of the best producers decided to break rank with the Cava denomination. They go by the name of Corpinnat and hope that with more stringent requirements such as ageing, grape yields, adopting organic practices and manual collection they can elevate their wines on a par with the best in the world. It remains to be seen of course. The first breakaway group included Gramona, Nadal, Recaredo, Castellroig and Llopart. They were later joined by another five. It will be interesting how this develops.

THREE ‘CAVAS’ TO LOOK OUT FOR: •

Hispano Suiza Cavas (Try their Tantum Ergo Rose for 22 Euros.)

•

Gramona (Considered by many to be the finest sparkling wine maker in Spain. Can no longer be called Cava.)

•

Recaredo (Can no longer be called Cava.)

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travel

A TRAVELLER’S DIARY

Part II: St Petersburg to Beijing.

We rejoin Chris and Andy as they continue their overland trip from Oxford to New Zealand.

BY CHRIS HEDLEY

W

e left behind the sleet and the snow and the bitter, bitter winds of St Petersburg, and hopped on an overnight train to Moscow. As a general rule whilst travelling, you try to avoid the rough parts of town and scary looking people whenever possible. If you happen to be approached by a scary person, try to be polite with your mouth while your shifty eyes look for the nearest exit. There were no exits on our overnight train, and I was stuck with a particularly large, overbearing young man who wanted to talk about the death of purity in football, and how the Jews were infiltrating the game. I suddenly became very tired and feigned sleep. This, unfortunately, seemed to be a common theme in Russia. Racism born from nationalism spreads fast among the dim-witted. A powerful political tool.

Coming off the train we tried to negotiate the metro system.

London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong. I’ve been to some busy metro systems, but nothing like Moscow. Andy and I stepped

into the sea of people during the morning rush hour and had no choice but to ride the wave to a random platform. We eventually ended up near the city centre.

Moscow is less obvious in its beauty than St Petersburg, but blanketed in a thick layer of snow, it was at least something new.

The locals traversed the streets as though their shoes were made of spikes and grit while we slid towards our destination. Everyone seemed blissfully unaware of the 6ft icicles of death hanging from the eaves of each building as they continued on their way to work. We saw many chunks of ice smash into the pavement that trip.

Accidents must happen. I don’t want to Google it.

St Basil’s Cathedral looks like a postcard dusted in snow during sunset, that’s the building in Red Square with the colourful dome-y things next to The Kremlin. It’s handy having tourist hotspots in one space. I personally preferred the church in St Petersburg, The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Similar style, planted by a canal for extra aesthetics, and a

much, much cooler name.

We met our group, which had its pros and cons. Using organised travel companies like this is more expensive than doing it yourself, and in some cases takes away from the experience, but in this case, I think it’s worth it for many reasons. Firstly, I don’t speak Russian, my small encounter with a taxi driver in St Petersburg made it clear that communication was difficult. Secondly, we got

Accidents must happen. I don’t want to Google it. a lot of experiences thrown in the package without having to organise them separately. Thirdly, the train we were about to take lasted five days. It was nice to talk to other people in English during that time.

We met our honcho, who advised us to stock up on instant noodles and bottled water. Our stop was over five thousand kilometres to 69

travel Naturally, we ignored this advice and brought fresh fruit and beers. the east and would take five days to get there. Naturally, we ignored this advice and brought fresh fruit and beers. Andy and I were sharing a cabin with a mother and her young son. The five days went a little something like this.

DAY ONE This is such a fantastic way to travel! Look! When the train curves slowly you can see the front, it’s like Harry Potter but with loads of snow!

DAY TWO Well we’ve eaten all the fruit.

Bit annoying to have that child screaming through the night but it’s all part of the experience, ey?

That man on his own has ordered a huge jug of water, maybe the honcho was wrong and we can buy… oh wait, he’s drunk it all and looks like he’s going to be sick.

That was vodka wasn’t it?

DAY FOUR

DAY THREE

Give me shower. Give me vegetable.

It was nice stopping in Omsk for an hour or so and putting our feet on solid ground, couldn’t venture very far though because it’s minus 40 out there. Did you get much sleep? Me neither. Bloody child.

I haven’t gone this long without washing for a very long time, it’s not actually that pleasant. Do you have anything but noodles left to eat?

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I’ve never really considered murdering a child before. What do you want to do today?

Nothing? That’s handy.

DAY FIVE

The train ride is nice, looking back. The snow-covered pine forests and distant hills morphed into endless plains, which were (very) occasionally interrupted by an industrial city in the middle of nowhere. Probably the most middle-of-nowhere places in the world. Yes, the train ride was nice, but arriving in Irkutsk and

catching a bus to Lake Baikal was a welcome change. We met another honcho here, who informed us that the locals take a dip in the world's deepest lake each morning, and we could join them if we wanted. With things now heating up to around minus 30 degrees, it was tempting, but for some reason we slept in the next morning. Nice comfortable beds without screaming children or squeaky brakes.

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travel The solution?

Lift up the train, carriage by carriage, and change the wheels.

Lift up the train, carriage by carriage, and change the wheels.

You can choose to stay on the train for the ride or get off and watch, it’s become something of a tourist attraction over the years.

The next day, I genuinely felt like I was going to lose at least three of my fingers. The honcho had arranged a husky driven sled ride for each of us, for which my two pairs of thermal gloves were inadequate. Squeezing one hand into your mouth for warmth while struggling to stay balanced with the other, intermittently switching hands, somewhat detracts from the magic of the situation. Later, one of the group members asked if I’d like to go halves on renting a snowmobile. I declined and spent the evening in the warmth of the cabin, listening to the lake lap against the shore and watching the snowfall. Chas, the guy who rented the snowmobile, returned later with a mixture of pain and glee on his face. It was “fun but cold”. I’ll bet.

With everyone suitably rested, it GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

The other thing I noticed about this particular train was the amount of smuggling that was going on. When we first embarked, Andy and I had no space in the overhead compartment or under our tiny beds to store out backpacks.

Every crevice was stuffed with fruit.

Andy began furiously unloading the boxes of plums into the corridor while the attendants tried to placate him and carting the contraband off somewhere else.

He surreptitiously kept behind nine boxes of wine for the journey to share amongst the group. Optimistic man.

was time to press on; today we would be going to Ulaanbaatar.

The funny thing about catching the train from Russia to Mongolia is that the railway infrastructure is different. The biggest consequence of this is that wheels that fit onto Russian tracks don’t work in Mongolia. The solution?

Ulaanbaatar is fairly standard as far as capital cities go. It has a nice square with statues and monuments, overlooked by government buildings and a number of restaurants and bars to keep you sated for days. Once you get up on the hills surrounding the city you get a better picture of the place. There are a couple 71

travel of impressive buildings dotted around the valley, but overall, the city looks sparser than say, London or Madrid. Strange when you think that half of the country’s population live here, not so strange when you learn that the country’s population is around three million. Mongolia is massive.

Where are all the people? Things felt a little more like an organised tour here. One day we were taken to a factory where they made cashmere and encouraged to spend time in the gift shop. We feigned interest for an hour or so.

There was nothing else to do.

Our next stop was a ger camp outside the capital. I want to say it was a three-hour ride, but it could have been three days. I can’t remember. All I noticed was a rolling canvas of untouched powder covering the barren landscape. Gers are traditional Mongolian homes, similar to a yurt, circular and relatively easy to mobilise. There were around twenty of them lined up, camouflaged in the whiteness, with one large communal ger for feeding. A couple of outhouses on either side - not fun in the middle of the night.

The group of twelve or so adults reverted to children in the untouched snow. We had snowball fights between the pines and in the valleys, and tobogganed down the hills until the sun went down. The next day we were back in tour mode and taken to a local family’s ger for a meet and greet. It was awkward, having us all sat in a semicircle facing a husband, wife, and young child with our tour guide mediating. We were encouraged to ask questions, then various yak-based snacks were passed around for us to try. One such 72

snack was a pebble sized, rock hard, sour smelling thing. If you saw it on the ground on your way to work your first instinct would be to kick it into the gutter to get it out of the way. Here I was about to put it into my mouth.

My first impression upon touch - soured pebble - was confirmed and amplified as I rolled the thing around my tongue and tried to bite down. The local laughed, I gagged, and never again will I put the strange, hard, yak, cheese, milk, rock thing in my mouth.

On the way back we were taken to see a local landmark, Turtle Rock. The land-based equivalent of laying on your back while your brain shapes the clouds into familiar animals. We all took the bus back to the gers except Chas, the nutter who went out on the snowmobile a few days

Outhouses - not fun in the middle of the night. earlier. He accepted the offer to ride a donkey through the driving winds and whiteout snowfall. His analysis of the experience was similar to that of the snowmobile in Siberia.

With that, the group-tour section of our trip was coming to an end.

The final leg of our journey would land us in Beijing. Having made it halfway across the world, I was quite proud, although we still had a fair distance ahead of us.

By now we’d had enough of the cold, and the southbound journey ahead of us brought promise of lands without ice and frozen nostrils.

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sports

THE SCOREBOARD

BY GEORGIOS TONTOS

N

ew year, new goals and challenges for the sport of Gibraltar, and especially for the sport that has made the country proud in recent years and put them on the European map. This could only be football, after the recent successes of our national team and its general presence for the last four years, bringing victories to the Rock.

It was inevitable that success would be had by Gibraltar, from the team created by the Uruguayan coach Ribas, after the victories in Armenia and Liechtenstein. The reward came two years later.

After defeats in official matches against strong opponents, Gibraltar managed to take first place in their group of the Nations League, quite rightly, as it was the best team against San Marino and Liechtenstein.

Gibraltar played effectively without losing a single game, and this gave them dominance in the group, having two wins and two draws. They showed self-confidence in every match, 74

which was different compared to previous years. The most important thing now is that they have orientation and identity in the field, a plan, and the right tactics, which can only bring more positive results.

There is a lot of talent on the Rock, with the new generation adapting to the conditions, and players like Ronan and Torilla having their whole future ahead of them. Their recent achievements in the Nations League gave the team a more favourable but quite difficult draw for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.

Gibraltar will face Norway, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Montenegro in double matches to qualify for the World Cup. Undoubtedly a very competitive and interesting group. In the process, Gibraltar will gain a lot of

experience and become stronger for future matches. Qualifying may seem an impossible task with great teams like Holland and Norway fighting for the qualifying ticket. The most important thing for Julio Ribas' team is the decent participation in all the games, achieving the best outcome they can. They will go up against with Montenegro, being the weakest teams. The most important thing is that for another year, big national teams are coming to the country, something that gives us the opportunity to see some great football.

PREMIER DIVISION By the time they broke for Christmas, St Joseph’s were top of the table. The team was consistent, taking advantage of the ups and downs of Europa and Lincoln, ending up at the top with 22 points. They felt the threat of their opponents, making the championship highly competitive.

However, the new year hasn’t started off in the best way, as the Gibraltar National League was suspended indefinitely after the announcement of a lockdown.

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short stories

SHORT STORIES

As you may have seen in our January issue, author Ana Sharma provided us with a cliffhanger that needed a conclusion in her story The Reimagination of a Most Beloved Story. Thank you to all who sent in their concluding paragraphs! Below is our winner.

BY ELLA ANNE BARLOW-GREGORY The day of my step mother’s arrival did indeed herald in a new beginning, another step in my life, but not the step I was imagining and longing for. My thoughts of having sisters to chat and swap clothes and make-up with, to giggling about boyfriends and sharing secrets with, just didn’t happen. Oh, yes, my new step sisters arrived with their mother, my new step mother, but as they stepped out of the car and into my life, my heart sank.

The trio stepped into my life, with their cruel words and hands that were too handy with a pinch or a slap. The two young women pushed me out of my comfortable bedroom and sent me down to the kitchen alcove in the basement. When I protested that there were enough bedrooms for all of us upstairs to have one each, they looked at each other, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

and laughed. With a sneer they carefully explained that they needed walk in wardrobes and there certainly wasn’t any room for me upstairs.

Looking back, I realised that my father had been the victim of a narcissistic woman, and her two daughters had copied her behaviour. From that time on, I couldn’t do right for doing wrong.

They gaslighted me, played tricks on me, set me up to fail and told outright lies. They told me I was worthless and ugly, and however hard I tried to make life good for them, that I was lazy and good for nothing. They repeatedly said no man would want me, dressed as I was and as quarrelsome as I was.

And I should be grateful that they allowed me to stay in their house.

My step mother was like the Wicked Witch of the West, and

her daughters were her flying monkeys.

This house that used to be a warm, loving, laughter filled home, my home, was now my cruel and cold prison. No warm motherly hugs came my way. I felt lucky if they ignored me or if they went away for a while. With them gone, the house became a sunny, sweet place again. I lost weight. I couldn’t eat what little food they did leave me. I cooked the best I could for them, but around meal times they started to snipe at me, and I would get too upset to eat.

One day, I met a friend of my mum’s, while in the market shopping. She took me to a coffee shop and she listened to my out pouring. She suggested I pack my things, including my father’s new Will and to slip out of the house when the three were 75

short stories soundly sleeping. She met me by the garden gate and led me along the lane to her car. It was an orange car, and sitting in the driver’s seat was a man who had the features that reminded me of a rodent.

After going to college, where I saw a therapist, I secured a job in TV production and one evening I was at a Gala Party. At midnight, I was leaving to go home to check on my cat, Buttons, who had been poorly. I ran down the staircase to the waiting taxi, and the heel of one of my shoes snapped.

Impatiently, the taxi was blowing his horn, so I slipped off my shoe and limped to the open door of the car.

STEFAN’S STORY I watched this beautifully stunning girl running down the steps, swear, and fling a shoe to one side. She was in that taxi and away before I could catch up with her. I held her shoe. My security people looked on the CCTV, but nobody knew who she was. But how lucky was this! A friend rang me and invited me to a small party, and who should be there also, but the woman who had the problem with her shoe. We talked and talked, and talked some more and we went out many times. She is as intelligent as she is beautiful.

One day, Ella agreed to be my wife. I’m Prince Stefan of Saxon.

ANASTASIA’S STORY Drizella and I also went to counselling and we realised that we too were victims of our mother’s abuse. We moved into a women’s shelter, and a year later, we have jobs and our own flat that we share. Our relationship with Ella isn’t perfect, but the 76

three of us are working on it. Our step father was kind, caring and empathic, and he didn’t deserve our mother!

ELLA’S STORY It was good news when I took my father’s new Will to the solicitor.

The Will that he made after his marriage to Lady Tremaine stated that, on his death, he left his house to me. My step mother eventually moved back to her house. Definitely she didn’t want to let go of my father’s house to me, and it took three years to get her out, but now my warm childhood home belongs to me.

DRIZELLA’S STORY Anastasia and I see our mother on high days and holidays, but it’s not an easy trip for us. Her words snipe at us, and she is quick with a sneer and a put down. We

hold our tongues, knowing we are out of there soon. It’s best we visit together, as if just one of us goes on her own, our mother will spend the time saying negative things about the other daughter.

And what she says about Ella is unbelievable and nasty!

LADY TREMAINE’S STORY That man’s daughter is wicked!

She has turned my own daughters against me! I tried to be kind to that girl, gave her a home, I could have turned her out onto the streets! And she rewards me by stealing my second home from over my head. When she sneaked away in the middle of the night, I made her life was as difficult as possible, and made sure she didn’t get any money, and I love that girl as my own. But that’s how people repay your kindness. I didn’t do anything wrong.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

beauty

CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY ADDICT 7 steps to glowing winter skin.

BY ALEX ORFILA Glowing is not a word you would usually associate with the winter, when sunshine and tans are in low supply. The colder, bitter weather can wreak havoc on our skin leading to dryness and flakiness.

All in all, the opposite of that ‘good skin glow’.

However, the harsher conditions our skin is exposed to during the colder months demands a more rigorous skincare routine.

Just like our wardrobes are interchangeable depending on the seasons, so too is our skincare.

What works for you in the warm summer months may be totally different to what your skin needs now. After all, you wouldn’t sport a bikini in the winter would you?

Now you get the idea!

DOUBLE CLEANSE A good cleanse should be the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

foundation of any skincare routine. The cleaner your skin is the more effectively your products will work, as they will be more easily absorbed by your skin.

Double cleansing will ensure that your skin is perfectly prepped for

the steps which follow, especially when you have been wearing SPF or makeup. So what does double cleansing entail? You will probably assume this just means cleaning your face twice and if that’s your assumption then you’re halfway 77

beauty there. It actually means cleaning your face twice - but with two different products.

chemical exfoliants are BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) and AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Both these ingredients essentially act like peels, exfoliating away the surface layer to reveal smoother skin. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing with these types of active ingredients and moderation is key.

If you do decide to incorporate exfoliants into your routine then SPF is a must, as skin will be more sensitive and all the more susceptible to UV damage.

The first step of a double cleanse consists of using an oil based cleanser such as a balm. These kind of products are great at breaking down makeup or the residue of any other products which you may have used that day. The first cleanse does the heavy work, so to speak, and then it’s on to step two.

The second cleanse would usually consist of a gel or foam cleanser, such as a product which would lather or cleanse more deeply.

This ensures that any debris which was not cleared by the first cleanse will be washed away.

Cleansing Balm: Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm 100g, £44 Gel Cleanser: Fresh Soy Cleanser 150ml, £30.00

Physical exfoliator: Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher 30ml, £19 Chemical exfoliator: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 100ml, £28

EXFOLIATE There are two ways in which to exfoliate your skin and it’s important to find which one works best for you. Thankfully there are many minis available to help you try and test products. Exfoliating your skin once a week, or once a fortnight (depending on your skin type) can supercharge your routine by cleansing away dead skin cells and other microscopic debris which sit on the surface layer.

There are physical exfoliants – these are essentially scrubs which are textured and massaged onto the skin to physically remove dead skin cells. Much in the same way that body scrubs work.

The other types are chemical exfoliants, these are said to be more effective but are also much stronger. Therefore, start slow and pay attention to your skins tolerance. The main

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HYDRATION BOOST The colder weather can dry out even the glowiest of GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

beauty complexions, and for this reason it is important to ensure that you deliver an extra dose of hydration to your skin. Look out for products which contain ingredients which are humectant (meaning that they draw and lock moisture into the skin) such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalene.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% = B% Hydration Support Formula 30ml, £5.95

LAYERING

LIP CARE

Your usual hydrating moisturiser may not be enough to quench your skin’s thirst in the winter months. Therefore, consider layering your products.

Incorporate a serum to go under your moisturiser. You can also apply a face oil as a final step, a few drops can be lightly patted over your moisturiser to lock everything in.

Chapped lips seem to go hand in hand with cooler weather. In order to ensure your lips are kept healthy and hydrated indulge in lip scrubs and balms. Think of it as a mini skincare routine for your lips. Sugar scrubs are effective at cleaning away any flakiness and using a daily balm will aid hydration. There are also a range of lip masks available to keep lips luscious all winter long.

WEEKLY MASK

Lip Mask: Patchology Hydrating Lip Gels (5 pack), £14

Add a further step to your routine by incorporating weekly masks.

There is a plethora of masks available for every skin type and concern, whether it be congested spot-prone skin or dry lacklustre skin. My favourite masks to indulge in at this time of year tend to be overnight masks, these are usually heavy and deeply moisturising.

It is important to remember that while face masks are effective, they should not be used as a quick-fix and replace a full skincare routine. They work best as an added bonus to a routine which already works for you.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

your face on a daily basis can be off putting, however there is really is no excuse as there are a range of lightweight formulas which work fabulously even under makeup.

Many skincare experts advise that if you are going to commit to just one skincare product it should be SPF, as not incorporating this essential step to protect your skin from sun damage and aging can make all your other skincare steps quite futile.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream 50ml, £18

SPF Many may think this word is out of place in a piece about winter skincare but the truth is that unlike a bikini, SPF is not seasonal.

This product should in fact form a part of your skincare routine all year round. Don’t let the gloomy weather fool you, UV rays pierce the clouds and cause damage to your skin just as they would in the summer. Most notably UVA rays, although these do not cause immediate damage such as sun burn, have actually been found to penetrate deeper to damage the skin. I understand that the thought of piling heavy SPF on 79

fashion

REIGNITING THE SPARK

I think it's safe to say that we all need to fall back in love with our wardrobes again.

Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed lounging around in my trackies for the past couple of months, but it’s really starting to lose the novelty it possessed back in March 2020. I’m sure the majority of us have our hearts firmly set on moving forward at this point, so it's understandable if regressing back to last year’s loungewear feels somewhat undesirable.

I’m really trying to embrace 2021 and whatever it may bring, and make it a point of relishing in the art of getting ready again.

BY JULIA COELHO

D

eciding what to wear in the earlier months of the year can be a tricky feat to begin with.

We’re right in the thick of the chill at the moment, so warmth and cosiness still remain a top priority.

It’s always exciting to uncover new trends, of course, but a new year doesn’t mean that we should carelessly ditch everything from the year before, no matter how much we may want to put 2020 behind us. Luckily, there's a solution, and it's not just chucking everything away! A wardrobe detox is a great idea at this time of year, no doubt, but the real beauty of styling is taking items you already own and creating fresh outfits.

Whenever I succumb to the pull of a seasonal trend, I ensure that it aligns with my personal style as much as possible. There definitely have been plenty of situations, however, where I’ve found myself buying into something that leaves me totally stumped just a few short months later, unsure as to how to keep it feeling as fresh 80

and relevant as on day one. What we truly need are outfits that translate seamlessly, no matter what’s required of us, from lounging around at home, to jumping on a zoom call, or even a cute date somewhere (assuming the current situation permits it).

throwback and give your dresses a wintery lease of life by layering up. Long-sleeved knits and polo necks, as well as chunky flat boots, make for great combos, and knit jumper dresses are also pretty popular at the moment.

Warmth and cosiness still remain a top priority.

DRESSES I think it’s fair to say that plenty of our favourite frocks were cast aside in favour of comfies last year, and understandably so! But I reckon it’s time to incorporate dresses back into our day-to-day lives, and there are plenty of styles that are just as appropriate, whether you’re lounging around the house or venturing outside.

Why not opt for a little 90s GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

SECOND-SKIN TOPS

LEFT PAGE: PLUSH WAISTCOAT DRESS, BERSHKA, £12.99 TOP LEFT: CAMEL RIBBED BELTED MIDI DRESS, TOPSHOP, £35.99 TOP MIDDLE: PLUS CABLE KNIT JUMPER DRESS IN KHAKI, AX-PARIS, £42.00 TOP RIGHT: OPEN BACK BODYSUIT, BERSHKA, £15.99 MIDDLE: KNITTED DRESS WITH COLLAR DETAIL IN BROWN, ASOS DESIGN, £30.00 BOTTOM: PLEATED MOCK NECK TOP, & OTHER STORIES, £29.00

There’s nothing I love more than a versatile basic, and for this coming season, it looks as though ‘second-skin’ tops with cool patterns and colourways are joining the ranks. I don’t know about you, but these really take me back to my Hot Gossip days, and I’m very much looking forward to adding a few to my rotation. They’re adaptable across all seasons, and I dare say they’re more exciting than a standard longsleeved top or polo neck, adding a pop of colour or funky print, as well as a welcomed hint of elegance to any look.

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Give your dresses a wintery lease of life by layering up.

TOP LEFT:

KNIT RUGBY TOPS The knit polo is a style I'm very much on board with. Injecting a serious dose of effortless cool along with a pinch of prepiness, it's a great alternative to your basic T-shirt or simple knit jumper.

For an extra twist, why not opt for a jumpsuit version? I’m absolutely lusting over this slick Mango piece; so stylish but also lusciously cosy and versatile!

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EMBROIDERED STATEMENT COLLAR KNIT CARDIGAN, & OTHER STORIES, £95.00 TOP RIGHT: OVERSIZED RUGBY STYLE JUMPER WITH COLLAR DETAIL AND POCKET IN BEIGE, ASOS DESIGN, £30.00 MIDDLE: COLLAR DETAIL CARDIGAN IN GREY, MANGO, £49.99 RIGHT: BRALETTE AND CARDIGAN TWINSET IN SKY BLUE KNIT, SKINNYDIP, £36.00

KNIT CO-ORDS I’ve been seeing a lot of matching knit vest + cardigan sets floating around the interwebs this month; yet another 90s throwback. Most importantly, they translate well GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

fashion TOP LEFT: RHOMBUS DESIGN CARDIGAN, MANGO, £49.99 MIDDLE: RECYCLED POLYESTER HIGH NECK CABLE KNIT JUMPER IN OATMEAL, BERSHKA, £25.99 BOTTOM: PEARL EMBROIDERY APPLIQUÉ SWEATER, MANGO, £59.99

from simply chilling at home, to a lunch or drinks outing (remember those?). If you’re looking for a little extra something, opt for an oversized statement collar to really jazz up any look.

CABLE KNIT JUMPERS Cable knit jumpers have fast become a go-to in most of our winter wardrobes, and are without a doubt, one of my favourite ways to add some texture. They have a way of looking a little bit more put together than your average knit jumper, and not only are they perfectly appropriate for wearing around the house, but they’re suitable for pretty much any casual occasion.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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fashion LEGGINGS I’m about 8 years late to the party, but I’ve really been getting into leggings recently. Are they even a thing anymore? I have no clue, but what I’ve realised is that if paired in the right way, you can actually create some extremely comfortable yet deceivingly stylish outfits centred around a simple pair of leggings. A few of my favourite ways to pair them are: 1. With any of the abovementioned trends for a cutesy slightly grungy vibe.

For a preppy look, opt for knitted vests.

2. With a longline wool coat or duster jacket for very chic vibes. Chunky flat boots are also one of the key go-to pairings right now. You literally won’t be able to tell the difference between black skinny jeans and leggings (except levelling up in comfort).

3. With an oversized crisp white shirt, for a simple yet streamlined (and Nordic vibes) look.

TOP: DISCO LEGGINGS IN BLACK, COLLUSION, £15.00 LEFT: POPLIN SHIRT IN WHITE, PULL-BEAR, £25.99 RIGHT: TEXTURED PANEL LEGGINGS, MANGO, £19.99

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

WELCOME TO OUR

virtual classroom* Continue your current course (or sign up for one if you haven't already!) from the comfort and of your own home.

English, Spanish, and French lessons for all ages and levels, starting at just ÂŁ10/hour!

Email: info@littleenglish.gi / WhatsApp: +350 54076150

OPEN BERRY TART

Recipe by The Gibraltar Vegan, follow nstagram.com/thegibraltarvegan for updates

With red being the colour of love, what looks better on Valentine’s Day than an open Berry Tart?

They look and taste so delicious, so it’s no wonder that they say that berries are good for the heart.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • •

225g plain flour 100g vegan butter 1/2tsp vegan butter for greasing 1/8tsp table salt 110g icing or caster sugar 2tbsp water

•

200g frozen berry mix

METHOD 1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, 10g of the sugar and vegan butter together and rub in with your fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs.

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2. Add the water and mix until the dough is firm.

small bit of left over pastry that has been wet slightly to patch it up.

3. Remove from the bowl and knead it on a floured surface.

9. Using a knife trim the pastry off around the tin so that it is flush with the ridge of the tin.

Then using a fork place a little indentation on the edge.10. Fill, but not to the brim, the pastry with fruit that has been drained of the juice.

4. Wrap it in cling film and chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes.

5. Grease your pie tin with butter or greased greaseproof paper.

6. Preheat your oven to 200°C. 7. When the 20 minutes is over, remove it from the cling film and start rolling it out over a flat, floured surface. Do not roll it too thin as you do not want the berries to fall through the bottom once it is cooked.

11. Sprinkle the 100g of sugar on top.

8. Once you have the pastry rolled out to the size of your pie tin gently place it inside. Be careful as you pat down the edges to fit the bottom of the tin. If you do accidentally create a hole use a

13. Bake in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, until golden.

12. Cut out love heart shapes with left over pastry and place in whatever format you would like over the fruit.

14. Let it cool down before eating so the fruit does not burn your mouth.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

VEGAN TORTA DE PATATA

What? A torta de patata without egg you must be mad… well I might be but we still managed to make one and it’s so convincing in colour and similar in texture that it would do a good job fooling you. This torta de patata is soft and smooth and very much like the original considering we’ve replaced the main ingredient.

INGREDIENTS: •

Olive oil

•

4 medium potatoes

•

½ onion

•

250g chickpea flour

•

300ml water

•

Sea salt

•

1 green pepper

•

1 red pepper

•

½ tsp sweet paprika

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

METHOD:

1. Wash your potatoes and peel them, getting rid of any black bits, then dice your potatoes into small chunks, the size of a dice. Slice your onion and green pepper into thin strips. Season everything with salt.

2. Pour the olive oil into a large deep frying pan and heat up over a medium heat. Once the oil looks hot enough (test it by adding one potato and seeing if it bubbles right away) add in the potatoes.

Fry for about 15 minutes, until you see the potatoes soften, In a sepreate pan, fry the onion and peppers.

3. In a separate large bowl, mix together the chickpea flour and water together with the paprika and stir until it’s combined and smooth. Once the chips are ready remove the potatoes and

Recipe featured on MamaLotties.com

vegetables from the pan and drain the oil. Add the vegetables to the mixture and mix in completely.

4. Pour a bit of oil into a frying pan and tip the mixture into in. Fry over a medium heat for 2 minutes on one side, then using a pate flip over and cook for 2 -3 minutes on the other.

Sent in by Elizabeth McCarthy One of our readers has had a go at a past Gib Mag recipe - what do you think? Send in your snaps to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com for a chance to be featured!

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information EMERGENCY SERVICES EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY: ALL EMERGENCIES................................. 112 FIRE...............................................................190 AMBULANCE.............................................190 POLICE.................................................................199

NON-URGENT CALLS: Ambulance Station 200 75728 Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.) . Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards. . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information. . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777

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

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.

Police 200 72500

Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Mon-Fri.

Gibraltar Services Police Emergency Nos: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598 Gibraltar Public Holidays 2020 New Year’s Day Commonwealth Day Good Friday Easter Monday

Monday 1st Jan Monday 09th Mar Friday 10th Apr Monday 13nd Apr

Workers Memorial Day Tuesday 28th Apr May Day

Friday 1st May

75th anniversary of VE Day Friday 8th May Spring Bank Holiday

Monday 25th May

Queen’s Birthday

Monday 15th June

Late Summer Bank Holiday

Monday 31st Aug

Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10th Sept Christmas Day Boxing Day

Friday 25th Dec Thursday 28th Dec

SUPPORT GROUPS ADHD Gibraltar adhdgibraltar@gmail.com facebook.com/ADHDGibraltar/ Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth House Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support.

Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book

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Shop at 7.30pm first Thur of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work.

Tel: 57799000.

Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems.

Meet weekly on Thurs at 9pm at Family and Community Centre, Mid Harbours Estate, Bishop Caruana Road. 54007676 or 54014484.

Gamblers Anonymous Telephone: 54001520 Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tues of every month at 8.30pm at John Mac Hall, except for Jul & Aug. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: dyslexia.gi Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association Voicemail: (+350) 200 66755, Text Message (SMS): (+350) 54066055, Correspondence Charity P.O. Box 90220, Gibraltar. Email: info@ ghita.gi, Facebook: Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association (GHITA & BSL Club), Our support group meets the first Monday of every month at Suite 3, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre as from 5pm.

Gibraltar Marriage Care Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717.

Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553 With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities.

Women in Need Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available.

Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1.

Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865.

The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm.

The Arts Society Gibraltar: Monthly illustrated talks open to the public.

Registration from 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Guest fee £12.

We meet at The Garrison Library. Contact gibraltar@theartssociety.org or Claus Olesen on 54036666. Website with all informaiton is gibraltar.theartssociety.org Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall.

Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm.

Contact Dilip on 200 78714.

Art in Movement Centre: Hip-hop/Break Dance, Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip-hop: weekly at Danza Academy. Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced. 68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111.

Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593.

DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion.

Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125.

Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm.

Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844.

The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to the preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418.

History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon.

Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000.

The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com

Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500.

Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact: Award House, North Mole Road, PO Box: 1260. mjpizza@ gibtelecom.net, www.thedukes.gi.

Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road - Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reilley’s Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696.

Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808.

Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome.

Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front.

Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: 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 Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters Club.

Meet at The Trafalgar Sports Bar 1 Rosia Road when live matches are on. All Leeds United supporters and their families are welcome. Join Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters club at: facebook.com/luscgib Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am & Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788.

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages.

Cheerleading and street cheer/hip-hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association.

Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricket- league & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@gibcricket. com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info.

Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Ice Skating: Gibraltar Rock Stars Figure Skating Club lessons every Tuesday evening & Saturday morning, all levels including adults. Contact grsfsc@gmail.com or 58700000 Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319.

Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during the evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion.

Tel: 54011007.

Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m.

Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk.

Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211.

Muay Thai and Muay Boran Club: Tues & Thur at Boyd’s Kings Bastion Leisure Centre at 6:30pm, Tel: John – 54024707 FB: Gibraltar Muay Thai Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association.

New members welcome. Tel: 54002652.

Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs throughout the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@ gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby caters for all ages from 4 years old to veterans (over 35’s). It organises competitions and sessions for Juniors; 4 x Senior Clubs; Veterans team; Touch Rugby and a Referees Society. Email admin@gibraltarrfu. com or visit www.gibraltarrfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation. Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000).

Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/ tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000.

Commercial sports diving schools available.

Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m..

Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo.

Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm.

Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:30-5pm. Sat: 3-5pm.

Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869.

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www. gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults. MonThur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714.

Tennis and Paddle Tennis: Sandpits Club.

Junior and adult training available. info : www. sandpits.club. Tel (Louis) 20077035 Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442.

Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york.gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street.

Tel: 20042237.

Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm.

All welcome.

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R U N W A Y

Victoria Stadium

3

4

REFERENDUM HOUSE ←→ SOUTH BARRACKS

Market Place loop (Eastbound)

http://www.gibraltarbuscompany.gi

Routes operated by

BOTH WORLDS ←→ ROSIA

Rosia loop (Northbound)

MARKET PLACE ←→ EUROPA POINT

3

Midtown loop (Southbound) Midtown loop (Northbound)

Ocean Village

Glacis Kiosk

WILLIS’s ROAD

MOUNT ALVERNIA ←→ ORANGE BASTION

AIRPORT/FRONTIER ←→ TRAFALGAR

EUROTOWERS ←→ ROSIA

http://citibus.gi

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Bishop Canilla House

PLACES OF INTEREST

Coach Park

Cable Car

Airport

Lighthouse

Cathedral

Museum

BI

Taxis

Seaport

Castle

Beach

Stadium

Trafalgar Cemetery

QUEENSWAY

King’s Wharf

Queensway Quay

Referendum Gates

MAIN STREET

Commonwealth Park

Mid-Harbour Estate

Europort Building 8

A AN RU CA D OP A SH RO

Edinburgh House

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10

PRINCE EDWARDS ROAD

Eliott’s Way

48 BOTH WORLDS

ROSIA ROAD

Alameda Governor’s House Meadow House Victoria House

H KS RO AD

BA RR AC

Mount Pleasant

3

New Harbours

Cumberland Jumpers Road Building

South Gates

New Mole House

Garrison Gym

© VK (2018)

ce ur So

Gibraltar Bus Network

rg p.o ma et tre ns pe O :

Rosia Plaza

North Gorge

Eliott’s Battery

March 2019 version : correct at time of going to print

Map of Gibraltar

University of Gibraltar

EUROPA POINT

2

Schematic Diagram of Bus Network (not to scale)

Buena Vista

Mosque

BUS NETWORK

GIBRALTAR

9 ROSIA ROSIA 4

Brympton

EUROPA ROAD

SOUTH BARRACKS

SOUTH PAVILION ROAD

St. Joseph’s School

MOUNT ALVERNIA

Schomberg

SO UT

Shorthorn Farm

7

R e s e r v e

Rock Old Hotel Casino

RED SANDS ROAD

Lower Flat Bastion Rd Wilson’s Gardiner’s Ramp Road

Morello’s Ramp

TRAFALGAR Convent Place

Blackstrap Cove

N a t u r e

FLAT BASTION ROAD

Sacred Heart Church

Flat Bastion Rd

R o c k

Caleta Hotel

RECLAMATION Cathedral ROAD Square

King’s Bastion

Arengo’s Palace

PORT St. Bernard’s EURO Hospital GASA Swimming Pool

ROAD

Varyl Begg Estate

MONTAGU GARDENS

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British War Memorial

LINE WALL ROAD

BOTH WORLDS ←→ RECLAMATION ROAD

Artillery Arms

WILLIS’s ROAD

MAIN STREET MAIN STREET

Moorish Castle Estate

AIRPORT/FRONTIER ←→ RECLAMATION ROAD

Albert Risso House

Sir William Jackson Grove

Waterport Road

QUEENSWAY

Orange Bastion

Fishmarket Steps

1

William’s Way

U p p e r

SIR HERBERT MILES ROAD

1 2 MARKET PLACE

CASEMATES

Routes operated by

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Notre Dame School

Faulknor House

Constitution House

REFERENDUM HOUSE

WINSTON CHURCHILL AVENUE

Park & Ride

MARKET PLACE ←→ WILLIS’S ROAD

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BUS ROUTES

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AIRPORT/ FRONTIER

DEVIL’S TOWER RO AD

St. Theresa’s Church

GLACIS ROAD

Eastern Beach

CORRAL ROAD

WATERPORT ROAD

C A R C A B L E

Catalan Bay

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restaurants, bars & pubs THE LOUNGE

SOLO BAR & GRILL

ALL’S WELL

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.

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.

In the fashionable Casemates square stands Gibraltar’s last historical themed pub, named for the 18th-century practice of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’. Their food menu caters to all cravings; whether it’s fish and chips, a homemade pie, or maybe even a delicious sharing platter, they have it all. All’s Well have an amazing range of bottled beers as well as being the only pub in Gibraltar to offer craft beer on tap. Happy hour is daily from 7-9pm. Large terrace. Karaoke Mondays & Wednesdays until late.

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

Open: 12-8pm. Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

02 Feb ‘20 – 08 Feb ‘21

DUTY PHARMACY OPENING HOURS

09 Feb '21 to 15 Feb '21

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

16 Feb '21 to 22 Feb '21

For updates, check facebook.com/PharmaGuide

23 Feb '21 to 01 Mar '21

All’s Well, Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

Mill Pharmacy

21/21a City Mill Lane 200 50554

Trafalgar West One

Unit G1, Eurotowers 200 44406

New Chemist

19 Main Street 200 45039

Waterport Pharmacy

Unit 14, Crown Daisy House 200 68323

CHESS PUZZLE ANSWER: 29.Qxh7+ 1-0 The moves by which Anderssen forces mate are: 29… Kxh7, 30. f6+Kg8, Or 30 … Qxd3 31 Rh3+ 31. Bh7+ Kxh7, 32. Rh3+ Kg8, 33. Rh8 checkmate A sensational finale.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

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Show Us Your Mag!

SHOW US YOUR MAG! Send us a snap of with your copy of Gib Mag for a chance to win our next competition, and see your photo here!

Email editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com or tag us on social media. #ShowUsYourMag

Š NAOMI MARTINEZ

thegibraltarmagazine

Liked by you and 365,999 others thegibraltarmagazine in

Š Naomi Martinez. Have you taken a picture

or of Gibraltar? Snap and send to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com! thegibraltarmagazine #gibgems #gibraltar #thegibraltarmagazine #gibraltarmagazine #publication #visitgibraltar #therockofgibraltar #mediterraneanlife

Kid's Korner

Help Cupid escape the maze!

Try to find all 7 words!

CARD CHOCOLATE CUPID GIVING HEART LOVE VALENTINE

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

coffee time CROSSWORD 1

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1. _____ of love for a fairground ride (6)

1. Helen and her fellow citizens; people who work very hard (7)

4. Single unit being a subdivision of 8s (5)

2. Author of Lolita (7)

7. French rendition of English Sunday lunch; French term for a Brit (6)

3. French phrase meaning with ones kin (2,7)

8. Currency of Russia (6)

5. Large billed aquatic bird; road crossing (7)

9. Poor quality journalist (4)

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10. Al Capone’s contribution in 1929 to 12’s day! (8) 12. One canonised and celebrated this month (2.9) 17. Number associated with 12’s day (8)

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19. Former lovers; costs incurred (4)

4. Knots on a tree (5)

6. Pecks; many of these exchanged on 12’s day no doubt! (6) 11. Very old Scottish settlement now part of Stirling (2.7) 13. Delicacy which pigs are trained to root out (7) 14. Having an extremely low temperature (3-4)

20. Tenders (6) 21. French lovers (6) 22. At Halloween, no trick! (5) 23. Exhausted (4,2)

15. Liquid to relieve optical strain (7) 16. Physical input (6) 18. Card for fortune telling (5)

Best wishes for all you may wish for in the New Year but especially good health. - Alan

& YOU COULD WIN

SUDOKU

lunch for two at

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Write your name and either SNAP and SEND your completed crossword to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com or RETURN TO THE CLIPPER by 20 th February.

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NIMZO’S FAVOURITE

BY GRANDMASTER RAY KEENE OBE Aron Nimzowitsch, himself a contender for the world championship, and author of the massively influential book on chess strategy, "My System," singled out Anderssen’s games as a particularly formative influence on his early career. Nimzowitsch wrote: “When I was 9 years old, 6 months after I had first learnt the moves of chess, my Father, as a reward for my progress at school, demonstrated to me one of Anderssen’s Immortal games. I not only understood it, but at once fell passionately in love with it!”

This month, I try to relive this pleasure for my Gibraltar Magazine audience.

White: Adolf Anderssen Black: Johannes Zukertort Barmen, Germany, 1869 Evans’ Gambit 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5

4.b4 The Evans’ Gambit, introduced with this move, was all the rage in the latter half of the 19th century.

From the mid-1890s onwards, though, good defensive methods were found and it lay more or less neglected until Kasparov himself revived it in 1995 in two buccaneering games against Anand and Piket.

4… Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 Modern investigation centres on 6… Nge7 7 cxd4 d5 8 exd5 Nxd5. Although Black’s king is temporarily stuck in the centre, his position is solid enough to withstand White’s assault. In view of that, White might prefer the speculation 6… Nge7 7 Ng5 Ne5 8 Nxf7 Nxf7 9 Bxf7+ Kxf7 10 Qh5+ g6 11 Qxa5, with an obscure situation to compensate for Black’s extra pawn.

7.O-O Bb6 8.cxd4 d6 9.d5 Na5 10.Bb2 Ne7 Not 10 ...Nxc4 allowing 11 Bxg7, transfixing Black's rook in the corner.

coffee time

Now 11 Bxg7 Rg8 is less happy for White.

11 … O-O 12.Nc3 Ng6 13.Ne2 c5 14.Qd2 f6 The game has crystallized into a race between Black’s massive superiority in pawns on the queen's flank, and White’s slow build up of pieces on the other wing. Black's last move is designed to blunt the power of White's queen’s bishop operating on the long diagonal.

15.Kh1

master Louis Paulsen. In the later game Anderssen improved Black’s play with the immediate 18… c4, which gains a vital tempo to activate Black's pawns by attacking White’s bishop. Anderssen, in fact, went on to win that game too.

18… b4 19.Rg1 Bb6 20.g4 Now we see the full point of White's king retreat on move 15.

White’s g-pawn now acts as a battering ram, while its advance also creates the space for White to double his rooks on the g-file.

20… Ne5 21.Bxe5 It is better to trade this piece for Black's valuable knight on e5 White needs all of his forces in the vicinity of Black's king to stay at their posts.

21… dxe5

If 21...fxe5, White can consider both 22 g5 and 22 Ng5. With the recapture in the text, Black hopes to strike directly at White's centre with his newly liberated queen.

The start of a deep attacking plan.

White needs the square g1 for his rook.

15… Bc7 16.Rac1 Rb8 17.Ng3 b5 18.Nf5 Two days later, in the very same tournament Anderssen, now playing with the black pieces reached substantially the same position against the German GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

22.Rg3 Rf7 23.g5 Bxf5 24.exf5 Qxd5 25.gxf6

White avoids the tempting 25 Bc4 Qxd2 26 Bxf7+ Kxf7 27 Nd2, when White's attack has vanished and Black's dangerous pawns are more than sufficient compensation for the loss of the exchange.

25 … Rd8

Black would like to play 25 ...Rxf6, to eliminate the dangerous white pawn but then 26 Bc4 does not just win the exchange, it picks off the black queen.

26.Rcg1 A brilliant move planning to meet 26 ...Qxd3 with 27 Qh6 Qxf5 28 Rxg7+ Kh8 29 Ng5, exploiting the full murderous concentration of white force in the g-file.

26 … Kh8 27.fxg7+ Kg8 28.Qh6 Qd6

Puzzle: The puzzle this month is the conclusion to this game.

This is the position before White’s 29th move.

Answer on page 91

11.Bd3

Anderssen announced mate in five moves with the final move of the game. Can you find the winning conclusion?

97

WE GO TO IKEA FOR YOU contact

www.ikeagibraltardirect.com ikeagibraltardirect@gmail.com 19 City Mill Lane Gibraltar +350 200 76262

little dictionary

smicker verb to ogle and smile amorously

e.g. She scowled at her boyfriend after catching him smickering at a pretty girl on Main Street.

29 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar +350 54076150 / info@littleenglish.gi

finance

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31

AER/Gross p.a. (variable)

When you open a Savings Builder account and grow your savings by £50 or more each month, on balances up to £10,000 You must be 16 years or over and an existing current account customer to open an account.

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The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest International (NatWest International). Registered Office: Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PJ. Tel. 01534 282850. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. NatWest International is the registered business name of The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited under the Business Names Registration Act. Gibraltar business address: NatWest International House, 57 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Tel. 200 77737 or 200 73200. Regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar to undertake Banking and Investment Business from 55 and 57 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest International is covered by the Gibraltar Deposit Guarantee Scheme (‘GDGS’). The GDGS can pay compensation to depositors if a credit institution is unable to meet its financial obligations. Ordinarily, most depositors – including individuals, corporations and small businesses – can claim back up to EUR 100,000 of their deposits (or EUR 100,000 for each eligible account holder if it’s a joint account). However, there are important exclusions which apply to certain depositors, which are set out on the website of the GDGS. For further information about the compensation provided by the GDGS refer to: http://gdgb.gi/gdgbprocess.html NatWest International is a member of NatWest Group. NatWest Group plc - Registered in Scotland No 45551. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The latest report and accounts are available at Investors.natwestgroup.com. NatWest International places funds with other parts of NatWest Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of NatWest International and the Group based on publicly available information. The latest report and accounts are available at www.natwestinternational.com/ financial-results Under the scheme(s) customers are entitled to make only one claim per licensed entity regardless of the number of brands or trading names contained within that licensed entity and customers are entitled to make one claim only per licensed entity in the jurisdiction where the deposits are held. Therefore as NatWest International brand is operated by RBS International it is not licensed in its own right. A person with a deposit in NatWest International and a deposit in RBS International would thus only be entitled to make one claim. Further details of these schemes are available on request. AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate and illustrates the interest rates as if paid and compounded each year. Rates correct as at 14/01/2021. Gross is the interest paid before the deduction of tax. Calls may be recorded.