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Gibraltar International Literary Festival – Timothy Bentinck

in Culture Insight

“When my first son was a toddler, I came up with the idea of a ‘ledge’ to support him on my hip. In 1986 I filed a patent for the baby carrying device called ‘The Hippo’, it very nearly made me rich, but it didn’t happen!”

Fans of BBC Radio 4’s drama The Archers, one of the longest running soaps in the world, will be thrilled to know that David Archer will be making an appearance at the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival. 

Well, it is in fact Timothy Bentinck, the actor behind his fictional alter-ego who has played the part of David Archer since 1982 and who will be in conversation with Nick Higham talking about his autobiography ‘Being David Archer – And Other Unusual Ways of Earning a Living’.

Unlike the everyday stories of farming folk, Tim’s life has been extraordinary, although there is one similarity in that he was born on a sheep farm, albeit in Tasmania. 

Wondering why he decided to write his memoirs, Tim replies that it was simply that he was asked to by a literary agent. “He came out of the blue and said have you ever thought of writing an autobiography and funnily enough I’d already written about 23,000 words,” he explains. One of the reasons Tim was inspired to start writing about his life was because of his father, Henry Bentinck who spent the last seven years of his life writing his autobiography and  unfortunately died before it was complete.  “I didn’t want to let that happen to me, and the second thing was that if you Google me on IMDb, the international movie database, the top listing says that I provided the voice for the Conjoined Gnome Left in the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet – because it was the highest-grossing thing I’d ever done and that’s how they determine your listing, so I decided I wanted to put the record straight.”

His autobiography is a rollercoaster ride through an acting career that has encompassed West End musicals (he was the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance), thousands of TV and radio commercials, corporate voice work, talking books and computer games as well as several TV and film roles. Tim has also written a biography about his father and is the author of Colin the Campervan, a book for children that he wrote as a bedtime story when his two boys, William and Jasper, were small.  “It sat on my computer for about 25 years and then I put it on Kindle where it was found by a small publisher.” The story follows the fortunes of a VW camper van, much like the one the family spent their holidays in, brought to life with delightful illustrations by Owen Claxton. “I’ve written the sequel which is a full length book and I’m currently looking for a publisher,” Tim mentions. 

Truth can be stranger than fiction and it turns out that Tim is actually the 12th Earl of Portland, a peerage inherited by his father from distant cousin. Tim tells me that it came without any estate or income, but his father wanted to be able to stand up in the House of Lords and get his ecological views across. “When my father died I took my seat in the House of Lords in 1997, and it was great when it happened, but a title doesn’t define me.”  Last year, the man behind the ‘Mind the Gap’ announcement on London Underground’s Piccadilly line was also made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to drama.

Ever resourceful, Tim has turned his hand to many skills over the years, from travel journalism to website construction, and in response to what his favourite job has been along the way he replies that he loves making and inventing things. “When my first son was a toddler, I came up with the idea of a ‘ledge’ to support him on my hip. In 1986 I filed a patent for the baby carrying device called ‘The Hippo’, it very nearly made me rich, but it didn’t happen!” Tim is also a bit of a computer whiz and wrote some software when he was younger that at one point was the highest selling piece of shareware on the internet.  “In one way or another I’ve been very close to huge success in my life,” he laughs. 

 “I also love writing music and playing the guitar. Before I decided I wanted to be an actor, I used to really enjoy driving trucks and drove tourists round America, sold Mercedes cars in Morocco, got an HGV licence and a job delivering lorry loads of chocolate to South Wales.”

With so many accomplishments under his belt, does Tim have any unfulfilled ambitions? “I’ve always said that I would like to play James Bond – I’m fit, I’m willing and ready to go – but at the age of 67 I think I may be too old!”

There’s much more to find out about Timothy Bentinck that can’t be fitted in here, so book your tickets and make a date in your diaries to see him on Saturday 16th November at 10.00 in The Convent. 

Gibraltar Insight Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

Gibraltar International Literary Festival – Gavin Esler

in Features

“Whilst writing Brexit Without the Bullshit, I thought it was hilarious being described by old Etonians as a member of the elite – given my background,”
he laughs.

Gavin Esler

Coming to the Gibraltar Literary Festival to talk about his latest book, Brexit Without the Bullshit, Gavin Esler is an award winning television and radio broadcaster, journalist and also the author of five novels and two non-fiction books. His familiar face will be known to many who tuned into BBC 2’s Newsnight programme between 2003 and 2014.

What was it in his early life that shaped the man who went on to interview heads of state and government? “I was born on the outskirts of Glasgow in Clydebank, which was a big ship building community, and the first few years of my life were spent in a council house with my grandmother, parents and two aunties,” Gavin tells me. In search of a better job once it was clear that the ship building industry was in economic difficulty, his father moved the family to Edinburgh. “He was a typical aspiring working class man who eventually became a manager and did much better for himself and for us, but he was one of those who benefited from the post-war boom by getting on his bike and actually going to do something else.” 

Gaining a scholarship to George Heriot’s School at the age of seven, Gavin went on to become the first member of his family to go to University, and credits one of his grandmothers in giving him the determination to do well in his academic career. “Stick to your books,” he recalls her saying.   

“Whilst writing Brexit Without the Bullshit, I thought it was hilarious being described by old Etonians as a member of the elite – given my background,” he laughs.

A career in journalism wasn’t always on the cards though. When he was just three weeks old Gavin nearly died. A life-saving operation on their first born meant that he grew up in a household where his parents regarded doctors and medicine as the highest possible profession. “I thought that too and had made up my mind to go to Edinburgh Medical School”, Gavin explains, going on to say that at 17 he suddenly changed his mind and told his family that instead of pursuing that childhood dream of medicine, he realised he’d rather write.

“I did modern English and American literature at Kent University and then did a post-grad in Irish Literature, “he says. When he was offered a job on The Scotsman in Edinburgh, Gavin turned it down as likely to be a bit dull, preferring instead The Belfast Telegraph. “In the room with people from Thomson Newspapers, who owned The Times as well as The Scotsman, there was a bit of an intake of breath that some idiot actually wanted to go to Belfast, but I love Belfast and it’s like a second home to me.”

After working in the press, I asked Gavin how easy was it to move to broadcast journalism. “It was a quick transition,” he explains, “because I left the Belfast Telegraph after about eighteen months when the BBC in Northern Ireland were looking for a reporter to replace Jeremy Paxman and I managed to somehow get the job without knowing anything whatsoever about television.” Gavin continues by saying that he thinks the BBC gave him a chance because he said that he thought he could tell stories. “Fortunately it turned out to be alright and it was very good fun, and in fact the guy who became my boss is better known to people as Bernard Cornwell, the author of the Sharpe series of books, and we remain good friends.”

The subject of telling stories brings us nicely to his book Lessons from the Top, described as a mixture of anecdotes and ‘how to’ advice on story-telling based on leaders that Gavin has met over the years including Angela Merkel, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton and cultural leaders such as Dolly Parton, who when asked by Gavin if the dumb blonde jokes ever got her down, said ‘Nope. Because I’m not really dumb and I’m not really blonde.’”

Gavin gives the example of Mrs. Thatcher who brilliantly described herself as ‘just a grocer’s daughter from Grantham’. “Whether you liked her or not, every bit of those five words strikes a chord with us – she was many other things as well, but that was basically the story that she told and she did it relentlessly.”   

“One of the problems that leaders have is that if they can’t communicate who they are then people don’t really believe the next bit, which is who are we as a group, a political party or a country, and if you don’t actually buy in to those first two things then you’re not going to listen to ‘where is my leadership going to take us’ which is the third part of leader’s stories.” 

After four weeks campaigning in the European elections as an anti-Brexit candidate for Change UK in London (he didn’t win), Gavin began writing Brexit Without the Bullshit, outlining what Brexit will actually mean for our daily lives. “What really motivated me was not Brexit itself but the fact that lying – public lies – has become normalised on both sides of the Atlantic,” he explains. 

Having left the BBC in 2018, Gavin is now a freelance journalist and tours the UK and abroad giving talks and lecturing. When he’s not writing what does he do to relax? “The simplest thing that I do is take the dog for a walk along the beach here on the Kent coast – I divide my time between Kent and London because I am Chancellor of the University of Kent – and a walk along the beach usually makes me feel a lot better. I play tennis and I also swim in the sea – usually from April until the end of October, if it’s not too cold!” 

Never having been to Gibraltar before, Gavin say that he is still a reporter at heart and is looking forward to hearing local points of view regarding Brexit.  He will be appearing on Thursday, 14th November at 2.00 pm at The Convent.

Gibraltar Insight Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival 2019.

The speakers mentioned above are just a small selection from a full programme. More information about all the speakers and booking online for The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival can be found on www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

Gib Chefs Acclaimed by AA UK Restaurant Guide

in Culture Insight/Features

The world-renowned AA Restaurant Guide 2020 has been unveiled, and Gibraltar has scored three mentions in the acclaimed book.

Known as the food lover’s guide to the best cuisine in Britain, it contains over 2,000 restaurants that have been awarded Rosettes for culinary excellence by the AA’s professional inspectors.

We caught up with those who’ve been commended…


Alfred Rodriguez
Executive Chef – Rock Hotel

Why did you decide to become a chef?

Always new from the age of 5!

Where and how were you trained?

Gibraltar Technical College, Lancaster and Morecombe College of Art and Technology, and Queens Hotel Leeds. Later on, at Le Gavroche in London which had 3 Michelin Stars and Le Mazarin which had 1 Michelin Star, the Halcyon Hotel and the London Ritz.

How long have you been a Chef in Gibraltar?

I have worked in the industry for nearly 50 years and all of this in the same establishment.

What does your average day look like, what sort of hours are required?

My days are never the same. I could be doing my normal 10-hour day or 16 hours if there is a banquet. 

Which chefs do you admire the most and why?

The biggest human influence on my career is my mother, who is a fantastic cook, and Jimmy Bossino my first General Manager. The Gaggero family who own the Rock Hotel for their great support and encouragement throughout the years and last, but not least, the great Albert Roux.

What is your favourite cuisine to cook?

I like cooking fish for its delicate flavours and fresh pasta for some of our signature dishes.

What is your signature dish?

My saffron prawns with forbidden rice, and our wild mushroom ravioli are just a few signature dishes but there are many more.

What is your favourite wine?

I am not a wine buff, but I enjoy light German wines.

When are you happiest at work?

I am happiest at work when we are at our busiest there is a special buzz about the place fantastic.

What foods do you like to pair together and why?

When we pair food, we always look at trends and see whether they suit our style. At the moment there is a lot of influence Coming from Peru and other south American countries.

What would your ideal menu look like at this restaurant?

My ideal menu is a short one with fresh produce.

How often do you like to change your lunch and dinner menu?

Our À La Carte menus change summer and winter and our house menus change daily.

How do you go about developing a menu? What do you consider when
creating a new menu?

When developing a menu, one must consider the clientele you are serving, your staff capabilities, and the budget. The number of people you are catering for and how easy it is to serve; all this must apply and then it’s just about creativity.

Are you a hands-on chef where you work the line or more of a managerial executive chef and stay in the background? (to explain his role)

I am very much a hands-on chef but in my latter years I have started delegating to the supervisors. 

What does your ideal kitchen team look like?

I feel privileged to form part of the wonderful brigade we have at the moment and I consult constantly with my both my Head Chef’s Andres and Rachid, also with Abdeslam our Head Pastry Chef for whom I have the greatest professional respect. 


Mirko Scarabello
Executive Chef: The Sunborn

Why did you decide to become a chef? 

I was raised in a family involved hospitality business and cooking became my passion when I went to school.

Where and how were you trained?

I started with few internships and moved on working side by side with Michelin star chefs in Italy and England. 

How long have you been a Chef in Gibraltar?

4 years. 

What does your average day look like, what sort of hours are required?

I oversee all the culinary operation here in Sunborn with 2 restaurants and the banqueting team, all this involve a lot of planning, research and management of 40 team’s member. I work an average of 10 hours per day.

Which chefs do you admire the most and why?’

My mentor, Pino Lavarra, 2 Michelin stars chef at the moment in Doha. From the first time I met him in 1998, I often reflect on him as my guide in sense of tasting, quality, passion and calmness.

What is your favourite cuisine to cook?

Mediterranean. 

What is your signature dish?

Smoked risotto with seabass carpaccio and lime emulsion. 

What is your favourite wine?

Wildbacher of Collalto, autochthonous from my region in Italy.

What do you do to stay current on new trends? What are trends for this season?

I do research online, I travel to taste and see new things, I read culinary books. The trends for this and next season are mainly plant based menu, healthy option and sustainability. 

When are you happiest at work?

When I receive good feedback from our clients, that makes me proud of our work and my team.

What foods do you like to pair together and why?

At the moment, vegetables and vegan dishes, because it is challenging for me and I like the challenge.

How does your winter menu differ from your spring menu?

I follow the seasonality of products availability even though now we can have most the things all year around however not with the same taste and this is the key for me.

What would your ideal menu look like at this restaurant?

As it is. 

How often do you like to change your lunch and dinner menu?

Here in Gibraltar where the seasons are long, I am changing twice a year.

How do you go about developing a menu? What do you consider when creating a new menu?

For me everything start with 3 main question: 

Where?  Which Location and type of restaurant

When? Season, lunch or dinner

Who? Clientele target 

Then the research of products, the food trends and consideration of the potential available in terms of equipment, people and budget.


Javier Villero
Head Chef – Nuno’s Caleta Hotel

Why did you decide to become a chef?

Really it was purely by chance. When I was 16 years old and studying at high school, I started working in a tapas bar in Barcelona. As I really enjoyed the job, I decided I wanted to make a career out of it, so I went to study at the Escola Superior d’Hostaleria de Barcelona (ESHOB).

Where and how were you trained?

As I said, I was trained at the Escola Superior d’Hostaleria de Barcelona (ESHOB). 

The restaurant where I began my career was that of the late Santi Santamaria,”El Raco de Can Fabes’.  I started working there as soon as I finished my studies. At that time the restaurant had two Michelin Guide stars. The following year we were awarded three stars. I spent seven years at this restaurant and ended up becoming the second chef. I then went to work in the restaurant of Alain Ducasse in Monaco, which also had 3 Michelin stars. I have also worked in Pedro Subijana’s “Akelarre” restaurant in San Sebastian.

How long have you been a Chef in Gibraltar?

I was first a chef in Gibraltar 10 years ago at the Caleta Hotel. Before I left Gibraltar, I had been the Head Chef at Nuno’s Restaurant for two years. I decided I really wanted to come back to Gibraltar – as both my grandfather and great-grandfather were from Gibraltar – so I have now been the Head Chef at Nuno’s again for three months. 

What does your average day look like, what sort of hours are required?

You have to be dedicated when you work in the hospitality sector. My working days vary, but they are usually around 10 to 12 hours sometimes more.

Which chefs do you admire the most and why?

The chef I admire the most is Santi Santamaria because I shared a lot with him, he was a very important person in my life. I admire many chefs such as Paul Bocusse, Alain Ducasse, Michel Bras Juan Mari Arzak, Ferran Adria… But above all, I admire all the professionals who work in kitchens and love their profession.

What is your favourite cuisine to cook?

I like cooking everything, but above all I focus on the produce . If the produce is good, I love to cook it in different ways until I find the perfect way to prepare it. 

What is your signature dish?

To me all my dishes are signature dishes, so this question should really be put to the diners. In the end, my signature dish is the one diners will order frequently. 

What is your favourite wine?

Actually, I do not have one. Now that I in Gibraltar I opt more for regional wines such as port or sherry. Today we are fortunate as almost all the wineries make great wines. 

What do you do to stay current on new trends? What are trends for this season?

I am from Barcelona where there is a lot of competition, so you have to know the latest trends. I attend fairs like the San Sebastian Gastronómica or Madrid Fusion, I also go to great restaurants. It is true that cuisine has evolved a lot over these last years. Currently it involves changes of texture, foams, airs, sprays, low temperature cooking, etc. 

When are you happiest at work?

When I ask a diner how the food was and get a positive response … when you fill the restaurant and all the diners are satisfied. In the end our greatest gratification is the thanks from our patrons. 

What foods do you like to pair together and why?

There is a dish that I have been making for a long time and will feature on Nuno’s next menu.  It is scallop with sweet potato, they are two products that are now in season and I think that no flavour overlaps with the other in this way and I like that. 

How does your winter menu differ from your spring menu?

More than anything it’s the ingredients I use. I always try to use seasonal produce and, as you know, all vegetables have their seasons, as with the truffle, mushrooms etc …

In winter I like to use chestnuts, quince, truffle and mushrooms for example whereas in spring more vegetables, fruits, fresher dishes, more salads. 

What would your ideal menu look like at this restaurant?

The tasting menu, because it comprises different dishes and gives more of a global idea of the type of cuisine we prepare. 

HOW often do you like to change your lunch and dinner menu?

For me, I like to change the menu when the seasons change as this affects the choice of produce available and people’s dining preferences. 

How do you go about developing a menu? What do you consider when creating a new menu?

The first thing I do is look for the quality and availability of the main ingredients because in Gibraltar it can sometimes be difficult to obtain certain produce.  After getting the main ingredients, I study the dishes to ensure they do not look alike, and look for seasonal garnishes. I also ensure that my gastronomic offering is varied and able to please as many diners as possible.

Note: translated from Spanish

The 10th International Gibraltar Song Festival

in Features

It finally arrived, the ten year anniversary of our music institution song festival. I have said before that we should preserve and continue to nurture this festival because it serves as an important date in our social calendar and it gives our songwriters a chance to compete on home ground against international competition. I can’t quantify what it achieves in international publicity for ‘brand Gibraltar’ but it does come in at a very small fraction of the cost of ‘Gibraltar Calling’ and we are getting a better song festival each passing year. This year it was postponed in the spring and moved to this autumn date which unfortunately comes after so many recent music shows that it may have caused attendance to fall. 

This year’s show was technically superb and it was sad to see that many punters stayed away from the show because the Tercentenary Hall needs to be full to pack a punch and create the vibe that helps make these occasions memorable. Twelve songs competed for a cash prize of £6000 and a handsome trophy and among the twelve were two local songs. The show opened with last year’s winning song reprised by Morea from Italy who was denied her reprise moment last year due to a technical stand off by the Rosario Flores management.  She gave a rousing performance this time and then as further reward went to join the panel of judges. The panel this year was chaired by musician, producer and past winner Denis Valerga and also included Jetstream guitarist and past winner Stuart Whitwell, Enna from Spain and her fellow countryman Juan Carlos Arauzo, and the Italian Maria Penino (stage name Morea).

Andy Coumbe gamely did the presenting honours without a female co-host, which would have made the prize giving ceremony a little bit easier for him as he had to park his script and handle opening envelopes and keep a cool head while smiling too. He came through as he always does, but next year’s show should benefit from two presenters, that’s my suggestion. There were song entries from Spain, UK, Mexico, Venezuela and Gibraltar. There was well designed electronic information text on the backdrop to make the stage presentation smart, current and a joy to behold with the excellent lighting and themed electronic backdrops for each song. Sound was impressive and maybe just a tad loud at first but of course a less than half full sports hall which is not a concert venue has to be taken into account.

The twelve songs were performed without a break and my notes remind me that the winning song ‘Si no estas aqui’ by Ruben Cardenas Castillo and Sara Familiar Ruiz (Spain) sung by Sara Varela crept up on me from nowhere. As many in the hall also thought, a UK entry called ‘Life’ sung by its composer Tony O’ Malley came in second place when it might have come in a clear first. Third placed song was by Monica Gomila and Latvian co composer Kaspars Ansons. ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’ was given a very good reaction when it was announced as third placed. The best interpreter trophy went to Argel Campos from Spain who sang ‘Es por Ti’ which I had placed in my notes as a candidate. The dark horse song for me was ‘El Ritual’ (Mexico) sung by Paulina Pargas. I also have to say that the Venezuelan entry ‘Devuelveme mi libertad’ sung by Jennifer Leon, who delivered a powerhouse vocal, was for me also a contender for a placing.

After the prize giving ceremony and interval we were entertained by TVE ‘Operecion Triunfo’ star ‘Chenoa’ who had an excellent band but was not really the big draw ‘universal’ kind of artist who might have sold more tickets. She gave it all without holding back, accounting for her various hits and engaged in chat with the audience, among which were various contingents of her Spanish fans, who clearly enjoyed her more than we did as they were more familiar with her catalogue. She gave us a short acoustic set with her guitarist Alfonso Sanz and showed a ‘Rockier’ side to her otherwise poppy pedigree. A pretty stunning performer who might benefit from being less ‘Rocky’ and more powerhouse vocalist to which she is eminently suited.

Wrapping it up – it was a good show overall and definately a notch up technically from last year. There were some continuity issues outside the control of Director Joe Cortes and his team who work hard to bring this iconic show home every year. Chairman of GISF Joe Carseni promised exciting changes for 2020 and as a music writer I welcome the drive and optimism that his team brings to the song festival each year. We can’t win them all but we have to keep trying to please and improve all the time. Those two boxes were happily ticked in my book this time. 

The Gibunco International Literary Festival

in Features
The Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival

14th – 17th November

This year will see the seventh edition of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival taking place on the Rock. Jo Ward talks to Chief Executive of the Tourist Board and Festival Director Nicky Guerrero who together with teams from the Tourist Board, Gibraltar Cultural Services, The Gibraltar Garrison Library, The Convent and the University of Gibraltar are pleased to be welcoming a diverse and vibrant mix of speakers to take part once again in what has become a mainstay on the Gibraltar cultural calendar. 

The Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival

“We are all set,” Nicky tells me. “We continue to build on the success of previous years and have now achieved a tried and tested formula, so why change a recipe that is working really well?”   

Literary festivals are an opportunity for people to listen to established authors and speakers from many different spheres and to discover new ones who will educate, inspire and open minds. One of the things that Nicky wants to stress is that although you may not have heard of some of the authors, it doesn’t mean that they are not well known in their own right. “This year we have decided to categorise talks by subject, with themes including Contemporary Society, Philosophy, Politics and History to name a few, and that has drawn in people to sign up for events where they may not necessarily have known the name of the speaker.”

Amongst 2019’s excellent line-up are two life peers, Lord Chris Patten and Lord Mark Price, talking about two very different subjects. 

What we have got this year are very strong themes, a great range of subjects, with people who in their own right are very proficient. We have really found our feet and it will be a solid and mature Literary Festival.”
 Nicky Guerrero

Nicky Guerrero

As the last British Governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten is ideally suited to give his views about the current political crisis and the demonstrations taking place there, and as a former European Commissioner for external affairs it will be interesting to hear his views on Brexit. Lord Patten is also the Chancellor of Oxford University. “It is an exciting prospect to think that the Chancellor of one of the greatest universities on the planet will be going to visit the University of Gibraltar as part of his stay,” Nicky comments. 

After more than three decades working for the John Lewis Partnership; lastly as Managing Director of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman before joining the U.K. Government as Trade Minister, Lord Price is convinced that there has to be a better and fairer way of running a business. Something to note is that for people who have bought tickets for this event, buses will be available from The Garrison Library to the Gibraltar University where Lord Price will be speaking.

With a good contingent of women speakers this year, one iconic female guest, remembered by many of us as the ‘Green Goddess’ from the 80s, is fitness guru Diana Moran. Now in her eightieth year, Diana is still fit and active and an inspiration to many. “Unfortunately, Diana couldn’t make it last year so we are very happy to welcome her this time,” Nicky remarks. 

Entrepreneur, author and equality campaigner Paola Diana will be giving The Gibraltar Lecture ‘Saving the World. Women: the XXI’s Century Factor for Change’. “I saw her in Oxford and she is incredibly professional and very engaging. She talks about her life story alongside her philanthropy and anybody who is interested in women’s rights should go along to see her speak,” Nicky states. 

“We also have two entrepreneurial women: business coach, former dancer and choreographer Claire Dale, and performance improvement consultant Patricia Peyton, coming to talk to us about Physical Intelligence and how to improve your performance and wellbeing using techniques employed by top performers in the arts and sport.”

Novelists

Author of many highly acclaimed novels including The Librarian, Salley Vickers will be discussing her new novel Grandmothers. Telling the story of three very different women and their relationship with the younger generation, Nicky says that this is one that will appeal to all generations – from grandmothers to grandchildren. 

International bestselling author of Ice Trap, Kitty Sewell will be launching her latest thriller The Fault at the Festival. “For those who enjoy fiction set in Gibraltar, The Fault features St. Michael’s Caves,” Nicky comments.  

Music will feature when novelist Alba Arikha, in conversation with Suzi Feay, will be discussing her book Where to Find Me and singing a song she wrote about one of the two main characters, Flora Dobbs.

Bart van Es, author of the Costa Book of the Year winning biography The Cut Out Girl, which traces the life of a Jewish Girl who lived in hiding with his family in the Netherlands during World War II, will be in conversation with Suzi Feay.

Gibraltar Authors

Gibraltar authors and celebrated members of the community make up an important part of the Literary Festival. Nicky outlines just some of those who will be appearing. “Clive Finlayson is coming back to talk to us about his book The Smart Neanderthal, and in relation to that two people with whom he has researched the Neanderthals – biological anthropologists Dr. Larry Sawchuk and Dr. Lianne Tripp from Canada – will be talking about tracing the origins of the Gibraltar macaques and launching their book Monkey Tales.”

Someone whom Nicky has been trying to get involved in the Literary Festival for a while now is playwright Julian Felice, who is also Head of Drama at Westside and Bayside.  “Julian’s plays are published internationally and he will be talking about the Imposter Syndrome – and his attempts to overcome his initial insecurities with being labelled a ‘playwright’. 

Schools Programme

As in previous years, guests have been invited to take part in the Schools Programme and Nicky has been very pleased with the positive reaction, with some of them agreeing to go along to talk in the schools.  There are several events that will delight children who enjoy reading. Star of children’s contemporary fiction and author of more than 160 works for children, Geraldine McCaughrean will be talking about her Carnegie Medal winning novel Where the World Ends (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).

Ann Bryant, author of about 125 books, mostly children’s fiction but also some primary music resources, has been to Gibraltar before when she was brought out by the Department of Education. “As well as taking part in the Schools Programme, Ann will also be holding an interactive musical workshop which should be fun,” Nicky states. 

Gibraltarian author Sam Benady has recently launched a book with illustrations by Sarah Devincenzi – A Pictorial History of Gibraltar – a fascinating overview of Gibraltar history that will appeal to both children and adults alike. 

Literary Tribute to Mary Chiappe

At 5 pm on Thursday afternoon at the Garrison Library there will be a Literary Tribute to Mary Chiappe, celebrating her life and work as a writer, teacher, and – at only twenty five years of age – Gibraltar’s Minster of Education. “Mary participated in the Literary Festival several times since it began,” Nicky informs me. “There will be readings and poems from her work by Mary’s husband and daughter Gaby, and her great friend poet Ruth O’Callaghan. 

Guest Chefs

Always a highpoint are the popular lunches and dinners with food prepared by top chefs. “Jeremy Lee is very entertaining,” Nicky says. “He is a man with a lot of experience and a wonderful sense of humour Jeremy will be preparing the opening dinner alongside the team at the Caleta Hotel as well as a lunch with the team from Bistro Point restaurant at the University of Gibraltar the next day. 

Ching He Huang, known to many from the series she did with Ken Hom ‘Exploring China: A Culinary Adventure’, and a frequent guest on BBC’s  Saturday Kitchen, will prepare a lunch with the team at the O’Callaghan Elliot Hotel on Saturday 16th November at 1.00pm as well as the closing dinner at the Sunborn. Both chefs will speak to Donald Sloan of the Oxford Cultural Collective about their work during the two lunch events.

A final word from Nicky Guerrero:

“We think we have achieved a good balance of entertainers, politicians, journalists and writers from different genres, all incredibly nice peoplewith a lot of life experience who are all really pleased to be coming to Gibraltar.”

Michelle Harrison Wins the Audience’s Hearts

in Culture Insight/Features

There was a baffled buzz in the audience when the spotlights dimmed on the fifth edition of the Mrs Gibraltar beauty pageant at the Alameda Open Theatre, as delegate n.2 Michelle Harrison stood on stage sheathed in her starry-night sequinned gown, the only one of eight contestants not to be awarded any of the ten sashes in play.

Her composure on stage, while her peers were mobbed by relatives and friends for the customary selfies, didn’t go unperceived within the rest of the spectators who wished an extra Beauty Queen of Hearts crown was crafted for her blonde hairdo, and cheered her wholeheartedly.

The show opened on the empty stage dominated by a cinema screen that streamed a sepia montage of the eight delegates embroiled in a G.I. Jane-style rescue mission: we watched the reigning Mrs Gibraltar Kathleen Victory being parachuted over the Rock, and her two princesses diving from a police launch to swim across, shed their wetsuits, and free their successors from the dungeons, to finally have them strut up the Alameda Gardens George Don’s Gate steps in glam fatigues and stilettos.

As soon as the film, written and filmed by Ideal Productions’ crew, faded on screen, the contestants stormed the stage, sashayed all over the place in the very same boiler suits, with not one hair out of place after their mission impossible.

More cinematic prowess (with a purpose!) for the delegates to flaunt their acting skills followed. It raised awareness about domestic violence, the main aim of Mrs Gibraltar on the Rock, and Mrs Universe worldwide.

They re-enacted some of the true stories of domestic abuse that still plague our society, and advised to seek help through the local 8018 hotline: the short film was surely a chilling eye-opener that will hopefully inspire victims to break the code of silence.

After the high-impact prologue, the production was the usual pastiche of glitz and fizz that has become a household name for the Ressa ensemble, spread over two hours of catwalk and entertainment, sprinkled with the few hiccups and bloopers that, according to one of the presenters and former winner, is what makes live shows alive.

All previous winners were featured in the show, from the one who started it all, and is pretty much spearheading the beauty-with-purpose project, Serika Garcia, to her successors Rachel Martinez, Megan Danino and Kathleen Victory.

A couple of dance routines under their (tight) belt, the delegates faced the most dreaded moment for all aspiring beauty queens: the interview. This was replaced by individual presentations on historical women who, according to them, made the difference in the world, and why they inspired each delegate to pick them. So we heard about scientists, computer programmers, suffragettes and politicians, while their pictures scrolled on screen – and for many of them, and their discoveries or achievements, we wondered why we hadn’t heard of them before, in this all man’s world.

During the intervals, highlights were the vocal performances of Mrs Gibraltar 2017 Megan Danino and rising star Faith Scruton White. 

The first has proved in previous occasions how her understated, sophisticated, petite beauty can indeed go hand in hand with a powerful, warm, intense voice and innate performer’s qualities: and in fact she owned the stage with her harrowing melodies, flouncing about in black mock-leather pants, rock-star style.

Faith’s gig was poppy, dance-y, and freshly in-your-face, as is almost mandatory from a Millennial music graduate, and it broadcast cheeky energy vibes through the balmy night. Definitely a budding talent to watch out for.

A touch of eerie fairytale atmosphere was provided by Mexican violinist Cristina Ortiz who pranced around, gripped in her interpretation of some Hispapop classics, for the length of time that the jury was out.  

The jury was presided by local model and businessman Luisandro Moreno, and included a former beauty queen and an international male model, and other personalities of the world of showbiz and cosmetic industry.

An emotional Mrs Gibraltar 2018 Kathleen Victory, in silvery sequins and winey ruches, saluted the delegates before the prizes and their paraphernalia were handed by Rossanna Ressa, breath-taking in a Monarch butterfly-inspired outfit, and former minister Edwin Reyes in white tuxedo. 

Carla Fonseca’s emerald green frilled frock was draped with the Mrs Friendship sash; Christina Mendez, pixie-like in her powder-pink gown, received the ‘Ideal Productions award’; Chanel Walker, wearing an azure dress, the ‘Ana Lisa Ressa award’ for best achievement in her charity work; and Kathryne Borge got Miss Elegance in her shimmering forest-green garb. 

As widely expected, brunette Grace Baker, and her slashed ruby-red frock, stole the show. She was awarded Mrs Best Interview and Mrs Photogenic, and of course took the crown – and white cape – of Mrs Gibraltar 2019 and was invited to sit on the enchanted throne, with her first princess blonde Claire Rodgers in a white evening dress – also Mrs Catwalk – and second princess, brunette Karina Ortiz in her blush gown, at her sides.

Davina Barbara

in Culture Insight

Gibraltar Cultural Services Development Officer

Where did you first start your employment? 

“I recently changed jobs joining Gibraltar Cultural Services as their Cultural Development Officer, this after a seventeen and a half year career in Broadcasting working for GBC. It’s been a busy ten months where I’ve been involved in varied and exciting projects and initiatives. I am enjoying the challenges, missing my former colleagues, but embracing all the opportunities that the job allows for.”

How would you describe yourself? 

“Depends on the day lol but generally sociable, determined, hardworking and impatient.”

Which person has been the biggest influence in your life? 

“My granny Hilda, I think she nurtured my love of performing and I inherited her passion for life and storytelling. I miss her, she will always be a big part of my life.”

What’s the best book you’ve ever read? 

“Too hard to choose just one, but I’ve just finished reading the Salt Path, by Raynor Winn, which I’ve found inspiring and moving.”

What’s your favourite music track? 

“Again depends on my mood I will easily navigate form Coldplay to Alanis to Queen.”

What’s your biggest fear? 

“I don’t dwell on fears, but not having time to do all there is to do, that makes me very nervous!!!”

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be? 

“I am my own worst enemy, too self-critical at times. I wish I were a little more laidback and carefree but I’m a natural worrier.”

Have you ever been given advice that you wished you had acted on? 

“Always know what you’re getting into before committing to something.”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given? 

“I go to my sensible friends for this, seeing things from a different perspective is always important, their advice has always been sound although I haven’t always wanted to hear what they have to say!” 

What makes you laugh? 

“Silly jokes, reminiscing with my life-long friends, and children’s rationale; youngsters come up with the best comments and theories.”

What’s the best country you’ve ever visited and why? 

“I love travelling and I believe every place you visit has something special to offer. Cambodia was one of our honeymoon destinations, and it still stands out for its charm and beauty and rawness. The World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, is truly an awe-inspiring place, really special.” 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

“Happiness is a state of being, you need to be at peace with yourself to be truly happy. I struggle with my demons, but generally I try to appreciate all I have, wear a smile, be kind and just enjoy life, this way I keep the demons at bay, or try to at least.”

Have you had any embarrassing moments? 

“Let’s just say I’m glad social media wasn’t around when I was a teenager.”

Which word or phrases do you most overuse? 

“Actually and obviously, as my dad constantly reminds me.”

Do you have any regrets? 

“Don’t believe in them really, but I suppose I always wanted to do the travelling thing before settling down… might do it when I retire though.”

What keeps you awake at night? 

“Mosquitos, and a good Netflix series!”

What’s the best experience you’ve had in life so far? 

“I have brilliant memories from school and growing up, having being blessed in this way. Neverthless, I am a person who works hard and perseveres, and always try to make the most of the opportunities that come my way. Having my son is probably one of the most special experience that stands out, from pregnancy to child-birth and taking on the role of mother, your life changes forever, the journey is continuous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

If you didn’t live where you are currently located where would you like to Live (Money no object)?

“I visited Florence a few years ago, and it felt very much like home, the food the people the culture I was convinced I could speak Italian too. But if I had to choose a specific location, it would have to be somewhere where I am surrounded by nature and the sea.”

If you could change one thing about Gibraltar what would it be??

“Less traffic, I hate the congestion and the noise and the construction there’s just too much. Oops that’s two!”

What is your favourite hobby or interest? 

“I love nature and being active so I try to combine the two as much as possible. Walks on the beach, kayaking at sea, cycle rides etc. And a good read, you can always escape into a book.”

Eagles at Wembley

in Culture Insight

I’ve had this band on my bucket list for so long that sadly one of them passed on. The legendary Country rock band that wrote ‘Hotel California’, perhaps the most well-known song in the world, are still around albeit in the autumn of their years. They’re still filling stadiums across the world.

Thankfully I was helped by my son to secure a top seat fifteen rows away from stage front at Wembley Stadium on 23rd June. This after the concert had been sold out months previously. My stars had aligned for this to happen and I was beyond excited.

It was probably the finest concert that I have witnessed over many years and like their fans around me I was held spellbound by the sheer quality of their vocals and the impeccable renditions of their well-known song catalogue. ‘The Eagles Greatest Hits’ album of the seventies was the US biggest selling album of all time and they are still one of the best-selling concert bands in the world. They are now off my bucket list and I need to spread the joy about these musical dinosaurs in London this summer.

After a very good set from opening act Cheryl Crow and her band who said she had past help from ‘The Eagles’ in her early career (25 years ago), the legends took to the stage at 7.45pm and after a staggeringly impressive ‘Seven Bridges Road’ opening, promised a two and a half hour concert “because we can” casually said drummer and main vocalist Don Henley to a huge roar from the stadium now in full voice.

Appropriately ‘Take It Easy’ was led vocally by Deacon Frey, son of Glenn Frey who passed. His father was co- founder of the Eagles and has been replaced by Vince Gill, a Country music giant who is a superb vocalist, a gifted guitarist and a hit songwriter to boot. This double replacement has enhanced the band’s line up by two guitarists and they now have a keyboard player too.  In between song announcements Don Henley said “We opened for the ‘Beach Boys’ in the old Wembley stadium forty five years ago. We are proud to be dinosaurs. Dinosaurs may be old but they leave big footprints.”

‘One of These Nights’ followed on and then he gave a hero’s welcome to Deacon Frey “who stepped up to the plate” and to Vince Gill who had the biggest boots to fill. He did, with ‘Take it to the Limit’ and we all approved the new signing. Vince also sang ‘Tequila Sunrise’ which typifies the laid back melodic Country Rock sound of The Eagles and the giant colourful desert backdrop completed the illusion.

This was another spellbinding moment for me, which as I looked around at the sea of faces with expressions of awe at the majesty of the sound coming from that stage, confirmed that it doesn’t get better than this at concert level.

Many times during their concert, guitarist Joe Walsh traded solos with 2nd guitar Stuart Smith whose tasteful guitar mastery got all eyes riveted on the giant side screens. Later they would trade iconic solos again in ‘Hotel California’ perhaps the most anticipated encore of all time from any band.

One hour into their set the famous song catalogue kept on unfolding. Each song marked a moment in the lives (or the concert t-shirts) of the many thousands of fans singing along or lost in the Wembley moment. Vince Gill has a beautiful melodic voice with which he kissed ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Lying Eyes.’  The latter song was perhaps his finest vocal and one which would have seen Glenn Frey proudly smiling down. Each band member got their showcase, which saw bassist Timothy Schmit revisit some of his ballads and main man Joe Walsh belt out his quirky songs and blazing guitar solos. 

Nowadays the band uses two drummers so that Don Henley can move to stage front and play a bit of rhythm guitar now and again. It was Don who raised the roof with ‘Heartache Tonight’ and had everyone up on their feet and dancing in the aisles. At 10.15pm they left the stage to wait for the crowd roar that would bring them back again.  The intro to the most famous song in the world ‘Hotel California’ had all the mobile flashlights coming on and the crowd jubilation factor was off the scale! Security had long given up telling fans not to film and I’m sure that no one left the stadium that night without at least having filmed a minute of this iconic anthem crowning a perfect concert. They were called back again but I was hearing their roars from outside Wembley, now hurrying back to walk to my hotel avoiding the throngs.

This dinosaur went to Wembley to see ‘The Eagles’ and was simply overjoyed speechless and spellbound when a bunch of fellow dinosaurs (by their own admission) held the stage for over two and a half hours and left a full house Wembley Stadium asking for more. More of what may I ask? You couldn’t have extracted one more ounce of musical energy from this band! They gave it their all and this after a long and illustrious career that even saw them split up for eight years and then reform again, proving that the sum of its parts is not greater than the whole ‘Eagles’.

If you were around in the mid-seventies and have not yet seen them, put them on your bucket list now because I guarantee that there are not too many concerts left in The Eagles’ tank. They were certainly not running on empty but there is a limit to the reserve a dinosaur tank can hold. Till next time, remember to breathe music, it’s better than air and good for the soul.

National Day Celebrations

in Culture Insight/Features

It’s true we have Christmas, Easter, Calentita and any number of communal celebrations we participate in and enjoy, but its National Day that brings the whole of the community together in a big, big way!

Red and white is the order of the day on the 10th of September. At Casemates and in Main Street it’s a sea of cherry, crimson or even scarlet (it’s all red) and white – whiter than the proverbial ghost we often refer to when someone’s had a fright. Yes, you’ve got it, RED and WHITE everywhere. Even at the beaches, you now have to get up close to see if there’s sand under the two-tone blanket. In a way, it could be described as Gibraltar’s continued emancipation as more and more red-and-white-castle-and-key flags appear!

It’s 1992 and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister at the time, Joe Bossano, popped along to the United Nations to argue for the right to self-determination. That got the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group going. That same year, the SDGG generated the support of the community by holding our first National Day at the Piazza (John Mackintosh Square) a few months later on the 10th September 1992: the date chosen commemorated Gibraltar’s first Sovereignty referendum of 1967. The populace overwhelmingly voted to `remain’ – quite the word these days – under British sovereignty and there has since been another unsuccessful attempt on co-sovereignty with Spain. The 10th of September also coincides with the Rock’s Legislative Council becoming representative and responsible for its internal affairs way back in 1964, and things have moved on since. Gibraltar had actually been calling for self-determination since 1963 at the UN.

So the 10th of September became a holiday and John Mackintosh Square proved to be far too small as the event became more and more popular. Next stop was Casemates Square and later, as it became even bigger, moved to the Naval Ground in 1999, where the Mid Town development now stands. Gibraltar meanwhile was pressing for de-colonisation as per the UN Charter to eradicate colonialism by the year 2000: to this day, we remain as is! Joint sovereignty with Spain was then proposed for the Rock and our sense of national identity deepened, reinforced and promoted annually at our ever popular September the 10th National Day.

As administrations change, as dictated by democratic wishes, formats for the event changed from one government to another. There have been sometimes more, or fewer, political rallies over time. They’ve been quieter in terms of political input in recent times having fewer invited UK politicians delivering shorter speeches. During the Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD’s) reign, the political bits were done away with making it more of a civic celebration leaving politics for all the other days of the year during  which, you might say, we live and breath it! Celebrations then returned to John Mackintosh Square with the Mayor of Gibraltar running the main event as opposed to any politician. By this time the SDGG was not organising the special day as it was handed over to the incumbent GSD Government. The Self Determination for Gibraltar Group took umbrage and returned to Casemates Square organising a political rally inviting all opposition parties – GSLP, the Liberal Party and the Progressive Democratic Party – to give short speeches as well as that given by the leader of the SDGG who were the organisers. The affair lasted just 30 or 40 minutes and was not to overlap with the celebrations at John Mackintosh Square so as to allow everyone to attend and enjoy both. The rally was deemed a success. By then, in 2008, Britain had recognised Gibraltar’s right to self-determination as declared in our new constitution which is read by the Mayor, outside the City Hall on National Day. And we’ve also had the City of Gibraltar Flag flying over the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on September 10th.

Nowadays, the 30,000 balloons (representing Gib’s population), are no longer released in keeping with wild and marine life protection, but the celebrations continue in full swing with the children’s fancy dress outside the Gibraltar Parliament building, which is always well attended with many innovative ideas coming to the fore, starting the day. In John Mackintosh Square,  you’ll find food and drink stalls doing their bit to help along the celebrations and a Fun Day for the children with bouncy castles and other joy rides are set up, either there in the square or by then moving down to Casemates Square where things are revving-up, including the weather getting hotter and stuffier. Dance groups, and singers perform on either side of the political speeches which the attendees enjoy with all the pro Gibraltar references made by the visiting UK politicians, going down a bomb. The 35 minute rally ends with the Chief Minister giving his speech followed by the release of red and white confetti which apparently is harmless – for now, as we all sing the Gibraltar Anthem then, or at some other juncture. Meanwhile, a Rock concert usually follows in the evening after the 30 minute firework display from the Detached Mole and that’s the end… for some. No doubt celebrations continue somewhere on the Rock – at home or at some other venue, because fun and games, food and drink and happy times are not restricted to Casemates and Main Street. Apart from the beaches where much activity goes on and on till late in the evening, BBQs and other food combinations are prepared in many homes, patios and terraces everywhere. Governor’s Parade (by the O’Callaghan Hotel) comes to mind as another fun place to be. The Rock on the Rock Club tends to be rocking all evening round the back, at the end of Town Range. `Verbenas’ – food, drink and dancing at a more sedate pace – tend to be held for the not so young where you’re bound to hear `Llevame Donde Naci’ being sung by all present.

So whatever your plans are for this auspicious event, at the end of the day there’s no doubt you will have noted that on National Day, Gibraltar has celebrated a highly enjoyable occasion. At the time of writing you see, National Day has not quite arrived, it’s just shy of three weeks away, so if you read this by the time it’s over… I’m sure it’s been a good one!

Mount Snowdon

in Culture Insight/Features

The Second Leg of the Three Peaks Challenge

41 Club to hike up Mount Snowdon in aid of Prostate Cancer and Cochlear Implant Support Groups.

Following up on their ‘conquest’ of Ben Nevis a year ago, fifteen members of 41 Club will hike up Mount Snowdon  in mid-September, in aid of the Prostate Cancer and Cochlear Implant Support Groups of Gibraltar.   Both are causes that mean a lot to the Club members.

At 1085 metres, Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales. Some ‘41ers’ have been actively training for the climb by ascending our very own Rock on a regular basis.

Over £5,000 was collected for the PSCG last year. This year the members hope to reach or even surpass this amount in donations.

Each 41 Club member taking part in the climb will pay for their own trip, with all fundraising proceeds going directly to the two support groups mentioned.    

The Snowdon Challenge 2019 Team:

Charlie Russo, Charles Menez, Pepe Codali, Paul Victor, Manoj Nagrani, Paul Origo Gino Matto, Francis Rodriguez, Ramesh Karnani,  Derren Vincent, Claus Olsen, Selvan Soobiah, Colin Vaughan, Kristian Menez as well as Norbert from Round Table Airdrie (twinned with Round Table Gibraltar). 

Should you wish to make a contribution, 41 Club Gibraltar has set up a Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/round-table-41-club

 

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