The Peoples - Issue 35 web edition

the

PEOPLES Issue 35 June/July 2015

P

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW EDITION

ot magic

TM

COVER UP THOSE GARDEN EYESORES!

SAXBY ROOFING FIRST CLASS REPAIRS GEORGE PETCH NUMBER 1 FOR MOTORCYCLING TEETHBRIGHT FOR THAT PERFECT SMILE

POT MAGIC NO TOOLS OR FIXINGS REQUIRED

CAR CORNER AT GRAHAM CHAPMAN CLASSIC CARS

GEOFF’S GARDENS NO FRILLS, NO GIMMICKS

FREE

publication

PIMP YOUR DRAINPIPES IN SECONDS WITH

Fires • Fireplaces • Multi-fuel Stoves GUARANTEED BEST PRICES IN TOWN ON STOVE PACKAGES & INSTALLATIONS

GET A

new fire

4 SUMMER

and stay snug & warm all

The Durham Suite

The Barosa Suite

WINTER

17 High Street, Cleethorpes (next to So-Thai Restaurant) Telephone 01472 488908 www.inspirations-fireplaces.co.uk

The Mayfair Suite

The Ruby Suite

Inspirations

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK FREE HOME SURVEYS

Cleethorpes Mobility centre

For all your Mobility Needs...

Scooters Stairlifts Wheelchairs Powerchairs Riser Recliners COSYFEET Living Aids CALL NOW Servicing TO ENQUIRE ABOU “MOBILITY RT Rentals ENTAL” 11-13 High Street, Cleethorpes North East Lincs. DN35 8LA

Tel: 01472 600055 www.cleethorpesmobility.com

the

PEOPLES publication

L

incolnshire Show time comes round again and it looks like it’s going to be a good one. Britain’s sexiest farmer, whatever next?

Our apologies to anyone who was confused by our getting the date wrong for Tom Jones in the last issue. We try to avoid that happening, but it’s not unusual.

Inside this issue we have news of the Jazz Festival and the Carnival, some saucy seaside frolics and a look ahead to Festival8 which looks like being a great weekend. So have fun whatever you do over the next couple of months and we’ll see you again soon!

35

25

Publisher: Diva Publications, Grimsby & Cleethorpes 01472 238140 www.divapublications.co.uk Advertising Sales: Deborah Staff deborah.staff@divapublications. co.uk Distribution: Andrew Staff andrew.staff@divapublications. co.uk Design, Photography, Editorial: Ian Pickles

Look out for us in .......

Distribution by Self Select Distribution

ISSUE

All rights reserved. Diva Publications make every effort to ensure that content is correct. However we cannot guarantee responsibility for any errors or omissions. Diva Publications do not accept any liability which may arise or result from any error in any advertisement or editorial, whether relating to wording, position, space or artwork.

The Publishers cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from any material supplied, including advertisement copy, editorial, design and images.

No part of the People’s Publication may be reproduced, transmitted, (mechanical, electronic or photocopying) or stored in a retrieval system of any kind.

12

13

....... selected stores only!

www.bed-shop-grimsby.co.uk 10” OPEN COIL MATTRESS & BASE SET single £129.99 double £164.99

1000 POCKET SPRING MATTRESS & BASE SET single £149.99 double £199.99

GREAT VALUE! NO GIMMICKS! TOP QUALITY! FREE DELIVERY IN GRIMSBY & CLEETHORPES

10” OPEN COIL MATTRESSES single £79.99 double £94.99

UK delivery from £30

BESPOKE BED DESIGN - ANY SIZE TO ORDER

1000 POCKET SPRING MATTRESSES single £99.99 double £134.99

order online or by phone call Chris on 01472 505546 or 07887 621502

7

32

To advertise in The Peoples or let us know about forthcoming events or for general enquiries contact Deborah on 01472 238140

6

In The Know

8

Uganda Update

12

150 Years In Wonderland

13

Could You Give A Dog A Holiday?

14

Lincolnshire Show 2015

18

Health And Beauty

20

Welcome To Festival8

22

Cleethorpes Carnival Update

28

Vertical Gardening

32

Saddle Up For Summer

38

Graham Chapman Classic Cars

40

Creative Start

42

Motoring

What’s going on in our area?

News from our good friends at GardenAid

The anniversary of a classic

Dog loving hosts sought by local dog placement service

So much to see, so much to do, so much to eat

Just what are superfoods good for?

A new boutique festival of music, health and well being

Marina Richardson of Young’s talks to The Peoples

Ideas for growing up successfully

We report from Le Tour de Yorkshire

A look at their smart new storage and sales facility

An artists’ collective in Granville Street. Yes. Really

Powder check your vehicle for summer!

22

42

In The Know Your indispensable guide to what’s going on where you live THREE GREAT DAYS OF MUSIC

CLEETHORPES JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015 RETURNS TO McCORMACK’S BAR

T

JUN

JUN

26 28 TO

FROM

here’s a fabulous line up when Cleethorpes Jazz Festival 2015 returns to McCormack’s Bar at Pleasure Island from 26th – 28th June.

Among the highlights of the weekend will be Zambian singer songwriter Namvula (image right) whose blend of the musical traditions of her homeland and latin jazz have made her one of the most talked about fusion artists to emerge on the scene in recent years.

Other big names on the bill include the Sarah Gillespie Quartet who will perform The Life of Bessie Smith their tribute to the queen of the blues on the Friday, an evening of the songs of Johnny Mandel performed by Anita Wardell on the Saturday, John Horler with Winston Clifford & Alec Dankworth early on Sunday evening and two appearances by saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, (who recently joined Darius Brubeck at The Old Clee Club) and who will be appearing with his own quartet on the Sunday afternoon as well as with the Alan Barnes Octet as they bring the festival to a close on the Sunday evening.

It promises to be a wonderful weekend and tickets are still available from Gill Wilde on 01472 873730 & gill.wilde49@gmail. com, Cleethorpes Tourist Information Centre on 01472 323111 and Off the Beaten Track, 36 Aswell Street, Louth.

Go to www.grimsbyjazz.co.uk for further details and we’ll see you there.

IN THE KNOW

THE SPIRIT OF McGILL LIVES ON

MILLY AND WILLY THE POSTCARD POSERS

I

FROM SHENANIGANS THEATRE

f you’re down the prom this summer keep your eyes peeled for one of the resort’s newest attractions – the Postcard Posers.

They’re the creation of actors Sara Beasley and Joseph Parfrement, co-proprietors of Shenanigans Street Theatre who drew their inspiration from the seaside postcards of Donald McGill. With period props and a nice line in patter they’re sure to be a favourite with the whole family.

Postcard Posers will be appearing along the seafront throughout the summer so keep your eyes peeled.

Give the

Perfect Present

Available from the Customer Service Desk and online at www.freshneyplace.co.uk

Freshney Place

SHOPPING CENTRE

facebook.com/freshneyplace @freshney_place

freshneyplace.co.uk

7

8

MUSIC

MUSIC

Folk and Cider Festival 2015 Review by Josie-Anne Gray

O

nce again the Cleethorpes Folk and Cider Festival has choo-chooed up the track and into festival history.

I am sure I say the same thing every year, but we spend months looking forward to it and then the weekend really is like a flash in the pan, here and gone.

It's impossible for us to know how many people came because of the nature of the venue and the looseness of the event but it must have been several thousand over the three days.

Every session of music was well attended with most performers having a capacity audience to enjoy their sets. Every time I saw the Morris Men performing they were playing to big crowds and the queue at the bar never seemed to go down so we can safely say we were well supported.

The joy of the festival is that it is an event the public can enjoy for free as there is no ticket charge. Long may this continue because the festival provides the resort with a fabulous community event that really is for all ages to enjoy. From babies in their prams to very senior folk, the festival has appeal to all and it is always

a great pleasure to see families enjoying themselves.

There are always musical highlights but this year was of exceptionally high quality in terms of performances and it seems a bit too subjective to pick one act over another as they all delivered something special in their own unique ways.

Having said that, if I had to pick out a stand-out set I would say Headstander had it. They are young, funky, accomplished and with Amy Naylor at the helm, going places.

Already masters of stagecraft they had the lunchtime audience eating out of the palms of their hands.

More established acts like Leafblade, Steel Threads and the delightful Itchy Fingers were a joy to watch but every band or artist deserves their own accolades.

And so we look forward to 2016's festival. Planning will begin very soon and while the crest of the wave is high we will all be pouring our enthusiasm and energy into making sure the line up is at least as good and that some of our favourites from this year get a well deserved invitation to come back again and wow us once more.

9

10

AGE CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Life in Mukunyu can be very hard.

Few in this population are well enough or old enough to work in the local tea plantations so just finding shelter, food and clothing is a constant struggle.

The diet of the locals is mostly posho which is a maize flour.

Bread, meat or green vegetables are luxuries reserved for holidays and the nearest clean water supply is more than two miles away.

Even the most basic medicines like paracetemol are beyond the reach of the meagre resources of most people in the community and an education is all but impossible for children who do not have the money to pay school fees.

AGE CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

“WE’VE MADE PROGRESS BUT THERE’S STILL SO MUCH TO DO” HELPING TWO COMMUNITIES

F

rom time to time we like to bring our readers an update on one of our favourite local charities Age Care and Development which does so much to assist the disadvantaged in Western Uganda. ACAD is the brainchild of our good friend Mark Howarth of Garden Aid who donates 10% of his profit to funding projects aimed at helping a community of elderly adults and children, mostly survivors of civil war and HIV epidemics in Mukunyu Province.

At present Mark and Age Care Development are working to raise £10,000 for the building of a much needed hospital, workshop facility and residential centre. As you can see from our pictures some progress has been made on the building although there is still much to be done before the building is ready.

In the meantime an outbreak of typhoid and dysentery has lead to several deaths among the local population who were simply unable to afford the bottled drinking water that they were advised to drink. In large parts of the world dirty drinking water is one of the commonest causes of death and illness and the establishment of new clean wells is high on the list of ACAD’s priorities.

They are also seeking to raise money to pay the school fees for many of the local children to enable them to get the education which will help to raise them out of hardship.

If you’d like to help Mark make life better for the residents of Mukunyu he’d love to hear from you. You can contact him by telephone on 07742 638423 or at gardenaid2010@yahoo.co.uk

Got any

UNWANTED Got any or OLD GIFTS UNWANTED GOODS? or GIFTS OLD WE’LL BUY THEM GOODS? ARTS

11

XMAS005

Turn your items into instant cash!

WE’LL BUY THEM

XMAS005

Turn your items into instant cash!

WE ALSO PROVIDE

XMAS006

Buyback

Pawnbroking

PROVIDE Cheque WE ALSO Travel Western cashing money Union Buyback Pawnbroking XMAS006

Buying Services: Customers must be 18 and over. Verifiable proof of ID, address and ownership required.

We will test your items. T&Cs apply. Subject to valuation. †Storage and handling charge applies.

Finance Service: Customers must be 18 and over. Verifiable proof of ID and address required. T&Cs apply.

Cheque cashing

Travel Western money Union 32 Victoria Street, Grimsby, DN31 1DG Tel: 01472 35 7108

Buying Services: Customers must be 18 and over. Verifiable proof of ID, address and ownership required.

We will test your items. T&Cs apply. Subject to valuation. †Storage and handling charge applies.

Finance Service: Customers must be 18 and over. Verifiable proof of ID and address required. T&Cs apply.

Shop online at cashgenerator.co.uk/stores/grimsby 32 Victoria Street, Grimsby, DN31 1DG Tel: 01472 35 7108

12

TRAVEL

27th July New 5 day tour to the West Side with days out to Fleetwood and Chester and optional day trip to Blackpool.

4 nights DBB at the Daresbury Park Hotel

WEST SIDE DELIGHTS

£169

THE SOUTHERN LAKES

24th August New 5 day tour to Lancashire & the Southern Lakes with days out to Liverpool, Southport and the Southern Lakes 4 nights DBB at the Country House Hotel Didsbury

£169 3rd October 2 day Liverpool weekend with 1 night DBB at the Stockport Hotel and free time in Liverpool & Stockport

£59

LIVERPOOL WEEKEND

TRAVEL

4th July Mystery 2 day weekend with 1 night DBB and free time in a city location, the rest is a mystery!!

£59 14th November London weekend with B&B at Ibis Earls Court free time in London Saturday & Sunday morning.

Summer day trips FAMILY OUTINGS 5th August Legoland Manchester admission inc

£24

12th August National Space Centre Leicester admission inc

£25

per person

per person

FOR THE ADULTS 7th June Pickering, North Yorkshire Moors and Whitby

£13

20th September Harrogate Flower Show admission inc

£27

6th September Coronation Street

£33

per person

per person

£89 1st September Millstones, Harrogate with free time in Harrogate, 2 course lunch + tea/coffee, entertainment all afternoon and afternoon tea all included

just

£30

per person

Hough’s of Lincolnshire your first choice for coach holidays, city breaks and days out

80 Middlethorpe Rd, Cleethorpes DN35 9PR

 01472 601088

www.houghsoflincolnshire.info

13

14

IN THE KNOW Comedian Jimmy Carr is at the Auditorium on Sunday 8th June with his current tour ‘Funny Business’ and his PR people sent us this nice interview so we thought we’d run it for your delectation and delight so here is An audience with ....

Jimmy Carr Funny business is your eleventh tour show. How have you continued to be so prolific?

There’s no secret, really. A key part of it is the way in which I work. For some comedians, creating a show is very much a case of having a flash of inspiration and then building a show around that one idea. My process isn’t like that at all. For this tour I will have probably written in the region of a thousand jokes, but only use about 250. I think the trick to this job, if there is one, is to be writing constantly.

Chuck Close once said “Inspiration is for amateurs, I just get to work” – I think that’s a great attitude to have.

JUN

28

Does Funny Business have a theme?

Yes, the theme is wanting people to like you by telling jokes. Same as every stand-up show I think.

Does that extend to critics?

Just as much as anyone else I suppose. There’s a great quote from Keith Tynan: “A critic is a man who knows the way but can't drive the car”. That seems pretty accurate to me, but in the end it’s very much a binary thing: either you laugh or you don’t. You can’t please everyone.

You often joke about supposedly “taboo” topics onstage. Why is How do you whittle that original that?

1000 or so jokes down to the right Comedy is all about building up number for a two hour show? tension and then the release of that That’s the audience’s call. If a joke pressure. That’s what a laugh is, doesn’t get a laugh on stage, then the pressure valve bursting. Talking I can’t use it. I think I have a better about taboo topics is a fast way to hit-rate now compared to when I first build tension and the more tension, started, but I still have to test all my the more laughs. I’d also say that jokes at warm-up gigs before I can one of my favourite sounds in the consider putting them into the tour world is laughter turning into shock. show. Luckily, I think audiences are Laughter is instinctive – you don’t quite consistent - if it works in front make an intellectual decision about of thirty people, it will usually work in what you laugh at, it’s like a reflex. front of 3000.

After you’ve laughed, that’s when the moral compass kicks in and you start Will it be exactly the same show to wander “should I be laughing at every night? that?” But by then it’s too late, you I like to find a balance between the already have. guaranteed laughs of written stuff and off-the-cuff improvisation. The improv You often joke about supposedly is great because that’s the stuff I’ve “taboo” topics onstage. Why is not heard - that’s what keeps the that? tour fresh for me. Asking a comic to Comedy is all about building up improvise a whole show is like asking tension and then the release of that a magician to do real magic. You’ve pressure. That’s what a laugh is, got to have a show ready, just in case the pressure valve bursting. Talking no one wants to join in. about taboo topics is a fast way to build tension and the more tension,

IN THE KNOW

15

16

IN THE KNOW

IN THE KNOW the more laughs. I’d also say that one of my favourite sounds in the world is laughter turning into shock.

Laughter is instinctive – you don’t make an intellectual decision about what you laugh at, it’s like a reflex.

After you’ve laughed, that’s when the moral compass kicks in and you start to wander “should I be laughing at that?” But by then it’s too late, you already have.

Did you always want to be a stand-up?

I didn’t realise it was an option. My dream as a child was to play at Wimbledon. The closest I’ve got so far is watching Andy Murray win it, which I think is probably good enough.

You obviously combine doing standup with a lot of TV work these days.

Which do you prefer doing?

Is there anything you won’t joke They’re different experiences. Making about? television is very much a collaborative It all comes down to intent - there’s process - being the host is a great no point being made in my shows, I gig because there’s a whole team just want to entertain. I do worry that of people working to make you look people sometimes aren’t taking things good. Live stand up is very different. how I want them to, but it’s about You’re on your own, so you take full context. They’re paying members of a responsibility if things don’t go to plan comedy audience, it’s not like I’m just and that can obviously be stressful. going up to them in the street. Having You’ve got more freedom in a live said that, if you’re going to approach show though. With TV, even if it’s a difficult topic it has to be a funny late night, you’re ultimately a guest enough joke to justify bringing it up. in people’s homes. With a live gig, The pay-off has to outweigh the risk. people have paid to be there because they find you funny. That allows you to Do you worry that sometimes you go further. will offend people?

Not really. If you believe in free How do you feel about being speech, you have to allow people to famous? say things you don’t like – that’s the It’s great, thank you! It makes the whole point. If you say someone is world a really friendly place a lot of “offended”, what you’re really saying is the time. I think comedy brings a nice that they’re feelings got hurt. So what? kind of fame because you’re wellThat doesn’t put you in the right. If known but no one puts you on too you’re not laughing, you can just stop much of a pedestal. It’s not like being listening. That’s absolutely fine. an actor or a singer, where people are so in awe of your talent. Everyone – You came to stand-up or nearly everyone - has a sense of comparatively late at the age humour, so people just tend to come of 26. Was that a daunting up and tell me jokes. What’s not to experience? like about that?

Not as daunting as getting up at 6am to go to work every day! When I first Have you ever had a bad started out, I just remember having experience with a fellow celebrity lots of fun to be honest. There was you’ve joked about? less of an industry back then so it was No, people are generally great about just about doing stand-up purely for it. People I’ve made awful jokes about the fun of it, not as any kind of means come up and say hello and are fine to an end. I feel incredibly lucky to with it. I think that’s probably because do what I do. I think that’s the reason my material is so obviously just jokes I’ve worked so hard over the past ten – verbal constructs designed to get a years or so, the guilt that somehow laugh. It’s different for other comics. this isn’t a real job.

If Michael McIntyre or John Bishop not that they would – said something offensive about someone you’d think they really meant it, whereas with me I think it’s pretty obvious I don’t.

17

18

LEARNING

It’s Alice’s sesquicentenary which means she has spent

W

150 Years In Wonderland

ho’s the most celebrated character in children’s literature? Harry Potter?

Charlie Bucket? The Wimpy Kid? They’re all good but the greatest of them all is a young woman who first met the public 150 years ago and has remained a star ever since, not just in books but in film and theatre too.

2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a landmark in the history of children’s literature and one of the strangest and most enduring stories ever written.

It was originally

entitled Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, and came about as a result of a friendship between Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, a young Mathematics don at Christ Church, Oxford and the children of the Dean of the college, one of whom was Alice Liddell. Originally a story made up to entertain the children on a boat trip, Alice requested it be written down, which Dodgson did as a Christmas gift in 1864 with his own illustrations.

There have been special

editions, stamps and conferences to celebrate but we think the best thing to do is just to sit down, open the books and enjoy one of the greatest masterpieces of world literature ever created! And if you think you’re too old then read them to the kids!

Across the globe, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes advance students beyond their school level.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Grimsby, Healing Study Centre Sarah Prior 01472 884104 Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

kumon.co.uk

PETS

19

Would you like the pleasure of canine company without the expense or the long term commitment? Then consider being a doggy holiday host with

Barking Mad We all love a holiday but every dog owner knows how difficult it can be booking to go away and worrying about a beloved pet. Relatives can sometimes step in to help but for many people kennels are the only option and although they can be very good, it isn’t quite like home.

Fortunately now there’s an alternative. When a dog owner goes on holiday, their dog can have a holiday too - with Barking Mad. Barking Mad are travel agents for dogs, organising thousands of doggie holidays nationwide every year, and due to the popularity of their service the Grimsby office is looking to recruit new hosts.

To be part of the Barking Mad family all you need is to be a dog lover and to have sufficient free time.

It often suits a retired person or someone who works from home. If you have a sociable dog that enjoys company or if you just yearn for canine company this could be for you.

Barking Mad offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy all the companionship and exercise that comes with having a dog but without the expense. All visiting dogs arrive with food and bedding so there is no cost burden for the host and everything is arranged in strict confidence so you never have to worry about anyone other than a Barking Mad representative coming to your home.

The host role is very flexible. You can host as frequently as you wish and many hosts soon build up a selection of doggy friends that can become regular visitors. And you’re never left feeling on your own because your local office will always be available, 24 hours a day, for help and support if you need it. Collection and delivery is carried out by Barking Mad and they also provide Public and Employers Liability Insurance.

If doggy hosting sounds like something you would enjoy then why not give Claire a call at the number below to arrange an informal meeting. This will help her to match the right dog to your home and lifestyle. You can discuss the kind of dog that will suit you best so everything works just right for you, the owner and most importantly for your doggy visitor.

If you love dogs and would like to enjoy the company of a visiting dog then please contact: Claire Dutton 01472 822233 or claire.dutton@barkingmad.uk.com.

20

MUSIC

The Talks photo: Jamie Akrill

MUSIC

Tracey Edges: Girl About Town I’m very good at saying that I’m not really into a certain genre of music but then playing it a lot, going to a gig, thoroughly enjoying it and then declaring that band as one of my favourites.

So I’m just going to come out and say it.

I like music.

Lots of it.

All sorts.

Tracey Edges meets The Talks The Matrix June 6th I don’t necessarily know all the ins and out of it. I’m a listener and I play it out but I’m neither a musician or a music historian.

It appears that I now rather like Ska. I like the vibrancy and the energy of bands that take their influence from the music that originally came floating across the Atlantic from Jamaica in the decades after World War II, blending heady 50s reggae and calypso, mixing in jazz and blues to which the 70s added the anger and intensity of punk to give an edge to the faster rhythms. The result was 2-Tone and the epicentre of this new music was Coventry. The music was named after the record label created by Jerry Dammers of The Specials.

Other than growing up with and hearing the music, I wasn’t really into that scene

and my main connection to The Specials is that I love the artwork of The Specials’ bassist, Horace Panter, but that’s a whole different feature.

A recent Artist of the Week, on my Sunday Girl radio show, was a Liverpool band called Western Promise who describe themselves as Rockin/Reggae/Punk Soul Dancers. They have that Ska/Jamaican sound mixed in with a revolutionary political anger that pours out through their lyrics and as I really liked them I was instantly interested in hearing the music of The Talks, so I jumped at the chance to go and see them play live at The Matrix.

This Girl About Town doesn’t often do taxis and I made the mistake of expecting one to magically appear the second I wanted

21

22

MUSIC

it. Apparently that doesn’t work and, in this case, it would have taken 20 minutes. I was already running late so car it had to be and although I found a parking spot down Wellowgate the crossing was all cordoned off. Thankfully, the bridge was still useable but by the time I got there I was somewhat red-faced but, amazingly, spot on the time I was aiming for.

The Talks, formed in 2008, are a ska punk band from Hull but there’s a lot more to them than that and they don’t really deserve to be stuck in a box with just one label on the front. They have many influences; from 50s Jamaican calypso, through the 60s reggae and ska scene, 70s 2-Tone, reggae, punk, indie, hip hop and dub. That’s where their roots lie but their own tastes and influences have also crept into the mix anything from Blur to grunge.

The individual members all played in other bands before forming The Talks. Iain had been in an Indie band and Pat a punk band whereas Titch had been more heavy metal. Iain and Pat met up with each other while studying for their music degrees at Hull University. This diversity of influence carried on into their studies and, as Iain put it, it was all the really quirky, plinky-plonky music stuff that he liked – avant garde contemporary music. The type that they will probably never use but it was good to research and find out about.

I’ve been liaising with Richard ‘Titch’ Lovelock, The Talks’ drummer, so I give him a call and we head to the tour van for an interview with him, Patrick Pretorius, lead vocalist/saxophonist, and Iain Allen, bassist. Both the latter two studied music at Hull University and there’s an intriguing

MUSIC

academic and political awareness to their songwriting and musicianship, although it’s not in your face or party political and angles more towards social awareness. If you have a stage - you may as well use it and at this The Talks excel. The track Hacks, for example, is about the choice of language in journalism and how things are politically led or conveniently ignored.

My first question is why ska and they explain that it was partly due to projects that they had been in with other bands and artists and it felt like a natural progression.

When they formed in 2008 they had more of a Police feel to the music. It was project work and didn’t have that distinct ska beat to it. It was all experimenting to find their sound by discovering what worked and more importantly, what didn’t.

Even though they don’t write formulaic ska

the music industry always attaches genre labels and tries to stick artists in a box. It almost creates an obligation, as an artist, to conform and in one foul swoop that’s what you are, and nothing else. The Talks are keen to stress that they’re not a ska Band from Hull – more a band from Hull who are influenced by ska – and other things.

Pat sums things up - “I’ve always thought about music as freedom of thought – as being creative. That was the theory but it seems the absolute opposite in respect of everything else that is really happening.”

The music industry offers freedom with boundaries. Conformity has its place, but the Talks will always kick back and that is what gives their music life. You need to know the rules in order to get away with successfully breaking them. The Talks don’t want to be the band that churns out the

23

24

MUSIC

Above - photo: Danny Wageman Previous page - photo: SJM Overleaf - left: SJM, right: Danny Wageman

MUSIC same stuff, writing the same song again and again, like some very successful artists do – trying to convince themselves that it’s alright. We’re talking artistic integrity here and it is good to talk to a band that has some.

How do they go about songwriting?

They tell me that it comes from individual collecting of ideas, general noodling about and then, from all the disparate ideas, creating a structure, melding the ideas into one and trying to isolate the purpose and the point. They all have different tastes so it’s not necessarily easy. One person can be listening to folk or country, Titch listens to 1930s jazz and Jody listens to rave and hip hop. They love it but trying to make it all stick together into at least a rough thread is like something else! However, that’s the beauty of it. They’ve written plenty of songs that they dig but think other people wouldn’t, these songs get stuffed in a little corner waiting for their day to come.

For example, Tear Us Apart, on the new album, is a song they have had for four or five years until they decided to turn this funny little tune into something totally different by reggae-ing it up - and it worked.

The song came into its own and found what it should be.

The Talks believe that you have to take an open minded approach - without that things just wouldn’t happen. Think of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. How must that have sounded at the time to a public who had never heard anything like its outrageous brilliance before? It’s a classic album but even now it is fairly surreal. The genius was in making it accessible at the time.

There isn’t really a main songwriter in The Talks. It’s a collaboration and everybody puts their own bits in. Originally it was Pat and Jody but as they turned into a proper band with Iain and Titch joining it became a case of all getting together and creating music. Learning their own lines and respecting each other’s space, building on each other’s strengths and working with honesty is what makes it happen. At the beginning it was all a bit too polite and the “yes, that’s great” (sssh - quick, put it in the bin....!). That may be nicer but it doesn’t get rid of the weeds and let the real flowers bloom. They’re not that nice to each other any more.

I asked them if they had any intentions to move from Hull but the consensus was that they rather liked living and working there.

Pat is a mixing, mastering and production engineer and has worked as a studio engineer at studios including Shepperton,

working on Disney films. He is roots reggae at heart and thrives on getting that big sound but can turn his hand to any project and has an impressive list of artists he has worked with. He owns a recording studio, in Hull, A.O.O.R. (All Of Our Records) and provides voice overs and recording, and creates tracks for a video or radio projects.

They can also provide cost effective demo packages for up and coming bands.

Fellow Talk Jody Moore is also a producer, mixing and mastering engineer who has spent a lot of his time in top studios and is a creative force when it comes to mixing & producing. He has had many of his mixes played on Radio 1. Able to turn his hand to almost any instrument, Jody is definitely someone you want involved on your session. If it’s that massive guitar sound or off the wall programming it’s right up his street.

We talk about the pleasures of being from smaller places North of Watford, they believe that there is an immense amount of talent – just scratch beneath the surface and there is loads going on.

Pat thinks that wealth and prosperity don’t necessarily breed great art. Iain agrees, saying that it can leave you with nothing to strive for. Ambition comes from determination. They agree that, if you haven’t got much, you see things differently and this is why Liverpool had its moment and Manchester had its. Pat thinks that this region will have something special happen to it soon – there are too many good things for it not to.

The Talks have been good friends with Neville Staple, vocalist with The Specials and Fun Boy Three, for a number of years and have released a single with him, the rather brilliant Can Stand The Rain (about trying to put a brighter face on the recession). They toured with The Specials when they did a reunion tour. Pat says that it was quite an intense experience, as after 30 years the fans of The Specials were gagging to see them and The Talks felt that they were a bit in the way. It felt like they should get off the stage and let the fans have their long awaited moment.

Despite that pressure, they had a great time and keep in touch with the band. A lot of The Specials members have their own solo projects and The Talks play a lot with the members individually. Neville is their most frequent collaborator and he’ll be joining The Talks on stage at some festivals this year and they’ll be doing some more collaborations. Lynval Golding, also of The Specials and Fun Boy Three, guitarist and vocalist, has his own band, Pama

25

26

MUSIC

MUSIC

International. Horace Panter does lots of different things and The Talks tend to meet him a lot at various festivals – usually in the food tent!

As well as touring with The Specials, The Talks have supported Rancid, Madness, The Beat, King Blues and The Toasters.

The Talks enjoy collaboration and another artist that they work with is Itch, a rapper and former member of the King Blues.

He now has a very successful solo career and features on the Talks album track, Ceasefire. They are also involved in the Specialized project which raises funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Talks describe themselves as a slow burner band. They’ve worked and toured and built themselves up gradually. It’s is all about practising your art and the more you do it, the better you become, both as a unit and as individuals says Iain.

And seemingly little things can turn out to be big things. For example, Tim Armstrong from the Californian punk/ska band Rancid heard a track via a mate of a mate of a mate and played it on his radio show. The next thing that The Talks knew was they were on stage in front of 3000 Rancid fans, playing in Leeds at the O2 Academy and the band were really good to them.

You can buy The Talks’ music from all the usual digital platforms and they have just signed a contract with a record company in Germany who will be handling all the

physical distribution so their vinyl and CDs will be available in shops all over Europe and the UK. The latest album is available on a limited edition of 500 on red vinyl, and has sold really well so, if you fancy one of those, I wouldn’t waste much time. I’m tempted myself – I’m a bit of a coloured vinyl girl. After that the vinyl will be the same great music but black, so not as pretty to watch spinning!

They have also been selling physical music via their own website and through a couple of independent record shops. Pat really likes independent record shops. They are always run with passion and heart driven but tend to be up against it with high rents and other practical financial obstacles.

Although, despite downloading and competition from supermarkets and their tendency to quietly die away, there seems to be a resurgence as people are turning back to physical media as it is something real to have and to hold. The Talks have found that their sales of vinyl have gone through the roof. They couldn’t believe it.

When they started pressing the vinyl they wondered if anyone would actually buy it as it is more expensive, both to produce and to buy, but it has gone really, really well.

When you listen to a single you often just listen to it superficially but if you listen closer you realise that there are a lot of ingredients that have contributed to this particular auditory dish, and you can start to identify all

27

28

MUSIC

MUSIC the different flavours that make up the whole.

Pat says that he wasn’t expecting to feel the way that he did when he actually had a record to hold and Iain adds that, in a way, it is quite profound. It brings back memories of the records that Pat’s dad used to have and that Pat then went onto mess up by practicing scratching with!

We talk about how difficult it is to extend into different genres. Even though they love to experiment with different sounds and musical avenues it is something that has to be managed quite carefully and creatively in order to keep coherence and not alienate their listener/fan base. They have achieved this successfully in their latest album, 2014’s well received Commoners, Peers, Drunks & Thieves.

One standout track is called Don’t Look Behind You and the way The Talks are performing they certainly have got plenty to look forward to – as do we, the listeners.

They recently recorded a tribute to Trevor Bolder, a Hull native who was bassist for Wishbone Ash and Uriah Heap and for Bowie’s band, the Spiders From Mars. Iain knew Trevor from when he was a teenager.

He taught Iain how to play and was a big fan of The Talks, giving them some help with song writing and career guidance.

Unfortunately he passed away in 2013 and they wanted to record a track as a tribute to this man that had been such a big influence on them.

They chose Changes, the first track from the 1971 Bowie album, Hunky Dory. Trevor really liked that album as it was new and fresh – he loved the exciting stuff – not rehashing the old. You can find the video for The Talks tribute version on You Tube.

Finally, I ask them to say something about each of them individually. Iain admits to being quite heavy on the drinks part of the rider but has had his crown taken away from him by both the last two keyboardists who tend to be quite extreme and demolish it and have made him look a bit of a wet blanket in comparison! (The Talks have two keyboardists who take it in turns to join the band on stage and, at the Matrix, it was the turn of Joe Holt.)

Pat says that as he owns the recording studio, he tends to be quite involved in the production side and as he works with a lot of incredible bands, he gets to know what is going on in the Hull scene. The production for The Talks tends to be his experimentation space where he gets to try out all the crazy stuff.

As Titch and Jody weren’t around I left it to Pat and Iain to talk about them behind their backs. It turns out that Titch, who plays the

drums – he loves drums - drums, drums and yet more drums - is the quiet one. He is reserved and has gradually become the sheepdog of the band. The one that runs around nipping at their ankles herding them to get where they need to be – in the van after a gig. That seems to have become his role. Always useful to have one person who can do that!

Then there is steady Jody. He plays guitar and has been Pat’s rock for a long time.

He understands the sensible side of things and tends to rein in the craziness. He holds things together a lot of the time and has done for years.

They seem to have a good balance in the band and this has proved a strong attribute and kept them together even when they have been under immense pressure, such as on long European tours. In these circumstances you just can’t get out of anywhere, any space – you are stuck together. You’re stuck in a tiny space with four grown men, all their equipment and the rest of the kit/personal belongings needed for a long duration and the most mild mannered people are bound to get tetchy.

It can also get mildly bonkers and they get hooked up on running gags that go on for weeks.

When they found out that Jody had ridden a horse once, when he was 11, it escalated into ‘Jody does dressage’ (which sounds like a dodgy, 1970s film!).

Pat said that he doesn’t know of many bands that have stayed together as long as The Talks have under those conditions and with all the pressures that they have been under and, if nothing else they have stuck together through thick and thin and their ultimate triumph has been to have had that kind of personal relationship with people for that duration, under that kind of pressure. If they don’t come out of it with anything else they have always got that to look back on with pride. Iain agrees with that sentiment, absolutely.

And the future? They’ll go on with The Talks as long as everyone wants to. They are ambitious but they are not going to let anything rule them – certainly not something that they started as a love.

Thankfully, they have understanding partners. They have always been musicians, as long as they have been working and even from an early age. Pat turned his potty into a drum-kit. And they’re great fun to be with and to interview. A huge thank you to them for taking the time to have a long relaxing interview. It is certainly a bonus if people who make good music are amiable with it. No Divas here.

29

30

MUSIC

MUSIC

I thead back to the club to catch the live sets, starting with The Franceens, a 3 piece garage/rock and roll band from York.

They were entertaining and performed to the crowd. Dan Oliver Gott, on lead vocals and guitar, reminded me a bit of a crazed werewolf as he glared at the audience, often walking off the stage, while still playing, and getting as upfront and personal as possible. Naomi Westerman, bass and backing vocals, was the calmer side, in a nonchalant way, a punk puppet with attitude as she often just flopped forward and stayed there. Fast paced and loud there was still that rock and roll beat that carried through the set, grounding the more frenetic punk/garage side of things.

The Franceens are completed by drummer, Miles “Les” Morrison and being only a trio doesn’t diminish the noise as they crashed every track out with gusto.

And so to the headliners of the night, The Talks, who owned the place from the first and didn’t let it go until after the encore.

I can highly recommend going to see The Talks play live. Their music exploded into

31

the venue, from the first note, and their presence totally filled, not only the entire stage, but also the whole room. Trying not to move was futile. They asked for bounce and they got bounce with a capital B O U N C and E. The floor moved that night as did the enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

It’s hard to keep still when The Talks are giving it some, and they certainly didn’t stand still themselves for the entire duration of their excellent set.

Right from the immensely catchy Can Stand The Rain, Friday Night and Radio and, possibly my favourite track, Hacks, they had me through both the familiar and the unfamiliar and I would certainly go and see them play live again.

You can find lots and lots of videos on You Tube and they have a presence on all the major digital platforms.

Their website is: www.thetalks.co.uk.

They’re a band well worth talking about – and listening to.

And I’m still tempted by that red bit of vinyl....

Previous page - photos: Billy Seagrave SJM This page - photos: Jamie Akrill

32

MUSIC Cafe INDIEpendent is a coffee and music house, by day and in the evening transforming into an arts venue, hosting an ecelctic and diverse mix of the arts from international touring acts to local talent, with a healthy focus on the weird and wonderful. However, underpinning all this it's an employability project for young people, funded by The Big Lottery Fund. And this is perhaps what sets it apart from other venues. Because almost all that work there are volunteers, they want to be there and this shows in how they are happy in their work.

Placing young people at the heart of the community, working to better themselves and their town, it's a project that brings people together.

And puts on cracking events.

MUSIC

Folk Night @ Cafe Indie Friday 12th June with Coritani, Isembard's Wheel, Ramble Gamble & Holy Moly and The Crackers Josie-Anne Gray reviews Photos by Victoria Gray victoriagrayphotography.co.uk

T

his was my second trip to Cafe Indie, having visited a couple of weeks ago to see Joe Solo, and once again I was not disappointed. This exceptional venue is effortlessly charming and friendly with young staff who make you feel welcome and have more than the time of day for a chat and a smile while you disparage the offerings of international beverage corporations and go for a nice cup of tea. And indeed it was a nice cup of tea. Cafe Indie is part of the Suspended Coffee initiative so I took the opportunity to support that before settling in for a convivial evening of good chat and great music.

There were plenty of friendly folks about to provide Coritani with a good audience. The raw energy that comes off the three performers is positively visceral. In the year since their inception they have become a Taiko tour-de-force and have a growing repertoire of diverse pieces that range in tone from reflective positively warlike. I still think they should have taken me up on my suggestion of the name Taiko Warrior Princesses but as one of their members is a man they were probably sensible to go with Coritani. Said man was not present tonight due to having a date with heavy metal in a field somewhere but the ensemble did not suffer unduly by his absence.

After their performance they were approached by many admiring and interested audience members who were clearly impressed and keen to know more. Taiko is a powerful musical form, provoking strong responses in the audience and inspiring people to have a go themselves. Of course the teaching arm of Coritani is Humber Taiko, the organisation that has successfully spread the Taiko gospel across the region.

Billed as a folk night the evening was under the capable curatorship of Ramble Gamble. Following Coritani, Isembard's Wheel took the stage with their lively mix of contemporary and traditional folk styles. Led

by Alexander Isembard this Sheffield based band promise a 'rowdy, Bohemian and inventive' performance. They certainly deliver and

33

34

MUSIC

MUSIC

played a lively and danceable set of strong material. The sound man seemed to have a bit of a struggle with the cello and violin at points, losing them both once or twice. It's never easy for a sound man to set up and mix for band he/she doesn't know so he can be forgiven.

Ramble Gamble are a young, fresh band full of ideas and musical mischief. Cafe Indie clearly loves them and they give the love back from the stage. Their brand of folk rock puts fire in your feet and make you want to dance and run away with the fairy people. They wowed the crowd at the Folk and Cider Festival in Cleethorpes in May and seem to make it a point of honour to never play at anything less than full capacity. They proved a wonderful warm up and tough act to follow for Newcastle based Holy Moly and The Crackers who took the stage at 11.00 pm with a crowd that was more than up for it.

I chanced upon this lovely band somewhat accidentally in 2013 when I saw them at The Polite Room in Newcastle. Loved them then, love them still. They are a bunch of wild gypsy troubadours with more than a touch of magic about them. Their Puckish band leader Conrad Bird is a classic showman who gets the crowd eating out of his hand. He has added trumpet to his repertoire and it makes a fine addition to the sound. Every song is a powerhouse of storytelling and compelling musical arrangement. If they don't go very, very far then the world is both deaf and stupid.

Cafe Indie is a success story, a vision built on will and determination and it deserves supporting to become an institution of the Scunthorpe town centre. It caters for a broad church and offers a great evening out for tea drinkers and ale suppers alike. The end of the night came around too fast and I am already looking forward to my next visit. I won't be leaving it too long at all. photography by victoriagrayphotography.co.uk

Cafe Indie can be found at www.cafeindiependent.org.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cafeindiependent

35

36

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW COUNTY’S BEST ON SHOW

THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW 2015 IT’S BIGGER THAN EVER!

JUN

AND

S

ummer’s on it’s way and that means that the time is fast approaching for the Lincolnshire Show, which takes place on June 24th and 25th. who will be bringing This year’s show promises their “Get Active, Feel all of your traditional favourites including livestock Good” programme to the classes, equestrianism and show and a major new displays of vintage vehicles horticultural feature – the Show Gardens exhibit. but there’s plenty that’s Most importantly from our new to see while you’re there, including a visit from point of view, the show will be bringing together George Grant, officially Britain’s sexiest farmer, who all that’s best in our local produce, including delicious will be judging the ‘Show cheeses and preserves and Chic’ competition. superb local meat, fish and One of the highlights in vegetables. the show ring will be The There’s no Kangaroo Kid, Australian doubt that stunt rider Matt Coulter, Lincolnshire who’ll be thrilling the crowds with his spectacular is one of riding and jumping displays. the most important There will also be a visit centres from Macmillan nursing

JUN

24 25

online Advanced

TICKETS !

ON SALE NOW adul adults ts £ £118.90 8.90 kids kids £6.90 £6.90 f famil amily y £38.90 £38.90 Groups Groups £16.00 £16.00 y young oung person person £16.90 £16.90

For For more more info info or or to to buy buy tickets tickets visit visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk or or call call 01522 01522 522900 522900

@lincsshow #LincsShow15 @showglincs

/LincolnshireShowground

38

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW

of food production in the country.

From Grimsby in the north with its long tradition of fishing to the flat agricultural landscapes around Boston that supply so much of our nation’s fruits and vegetables, it’s a county where food matters.

Not just any old food either – the name of Lincolnshire is synonymous with quality and a ‘second place will not do’ attitude that means that when you buy Lincolnshire foods you know that you’re buying the best.

Our famous food heritage includes the succulently marbled beef from the Lincoln Red cattle which graze many of the county’s pastures, Lincolnshire sausages with their rustic texture and rich sage aromatics, and fine lamb and poultry, including ostrich, for whom the county has proven to be an ideal environment.

Grimsby fish is of course legendary but it’s not just a centre for cod and haddock. The local smoked fish was awarded protected geographical indication status by the EU in 2009 and the fish docks are also home many salmon specialist firms and to boats dedicated to the crab and lobster harvest, supplying top quality shellfish to customers all over the continent.

There are also a wide range of delicious artisan cheeses, and on the sweeter side of things let’s not forget Lincolnshire plum loaves, each made to the bakers very own secret special recipe and the centuries old favourite Grantham gingerbread.

We could go on. We haven’t even mentioned the fine restaurants and hotels which the county has to offer, nor the many craft breweries and wineries or the fabulous bakers, and confectioners but we’ve said enough to make the case that Lincolnshire is a county that’s all about quality food and when you but from Lincolnshire you know that you’re buying the best.

SPECIAL EDITION

RD AWA RTISAN ING A E WINN OCOLAT CH E IN

D DMA HAN RKET MA N RASE

CHOCOLATE gourmet artisan chocolate gluten free, nut free, totally natural made with the finest cocoa beans

chocolate bars • buttons • novelties • cocoa butter • lincoln imp mints .

The Chocolate Drop, Willingham Hall, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3RH 01673 844073

www.specialeditionchocolate.co.uk

40

MUSIC

MUSIC

Johnny Is A Stiff

Tracey Edges visits Anarchy Entertainments’ inaugural Anarchy Fest at The Yardbirds

T

here’s something ‘bout you baby, I like. At least, this Girl About Town likes the Yardbirds Club. It’s off the less salubrious end of Freeman Street but don’t worry about that – there are plenty of big butch bikers to make you feel perfectly safe. I was able to easily park on Church Street, itself and if you need a taxi home there’s a taxi office just at the bottom of the road. Only 2 minutes away, even if you are zig-zagging by that point.

On Saturday 27th June, Yardbirds played was a bit like watching Die ‘Ard, though the the part of convivial host to: Johnny Is A Stiff vest didn’t last long either. Saying that if you’re - Anarchy Fest 2015. A veritable feast of an covered in tattoos you probably do want to ear-cleansing punk fest. show them off. With tracks from their album, Promoter Anarchy Entertainment is headed by “the New Addicted,” Frank lived up to his name the lovely, helpful, and very popular, Ross Stark with strident, raspy vocals and he was backed who does a great job. up with hard unrelenting guitar. Fast paced, As the first band kicked off at 5.40pm, it was snarly and in your face. Definitely old school fairly unlikely that I was going to make it and, punk , maybe falling somewhere between the unfortunately I didn’t.

Sex Pistols and the I totally missed Dead Damned. With catchy Dads who were billed as tracks such as “Take ‘Grimsby’s very own, no The Money And Run” nonsense punk rock’ and, and harder more rather disappointedly, frenetic songs, it was rocked up just in time a well balanced set, to catch the final song that was performed from Not Tonight and the out, making The Headaches. From what I Reverends firmly on heard of the catchy, popmy to-see-again list. punk “Goodbye Kiss”, I They were followed would have liked to have

by Vanilla Pod, a five heard more. piece, ska-punk band Next up were The from Kings Lynn, Reverends, from Norfolk, who have Derby, who, according been together since to Anarchy are: 1995.

“Unashamedly old school “You Wanna Rock punk that’s hard hitting, n Roll? Let’s Party” honest, and in your and they did. The face with a fast growing first song of the set reputation for catchy was Saturday Night. songs that tell the world exactly how it is.”

I didn’t know this track but by the end of it I felt Frank Strident, on lead vocals could have been that I did. the bloke from down the local allotment, when Bassists are usually fairly somnolent in their he went from army jacket to grey trousers, red demeanour but the Vanilla Pod’s one was the braces and white vest. I wouldn’t want him opposite – he was enthusiastically all over the in my face though if he was holding a rake! It place. They had been ribbing him about being

41

42

MUSIC

MUSIC from Cambridge and being a bit health shoppy. The way he was moving I think he’d been on the quinoa!

I liked the band, the banter and the attitude but wasn’t familiar with the songs and it would have been better to have had some familiarity to distinguish the tracks. One had a great title though: Deaf Lugs! With 5 albums to their name Vanilla Pod have plenty for the new listener to discover and a quick flick through the albums shows a variance of style and plenty to get to know.

Next up - The Franceens who I had recently seen when they supported the Talks at the Matrix, Grimsby. I really like this explosive, garage band, from York, and a fair few tracks were now recognisable so I probably enjoyed this outing even more than the first time.

With only Dan Oliver Gott on lead vocals and guitar, Naomi Westerman on backup vocals and bass and Miles “Les” Morrison on drums, they manage to make an incredible, but coherent, racket. Dan said “Only Motorhead are louder!” The initial stand out tracks for me were Pledge, which happened to be the first song that they wrote as a band, and Attack, about nuclear war. Try is a good example of how the to and fro vocals of Dan and Naomi complement each other. They have a preppy, Beach Boys, retro sound which is overlaid with a more frantic punk rhythm.

The Franceens have a frenetically lively, tinged with madness, set which makes them a band that you really need to see live. Buy the music, get to know it and then lose yourself in one of their performances. They are one of those rare bands that you could see on a regular basis and keep on enjoying. The Franceens have a self-titled 4-track ep which as well as Try also comprises the tracks: Wish, Stone and Alarm. All strong which keep up the energetic pace held together by the crashing drum work.

Dan and Naomi are huge supporters of indie bands and local talent. They got fed up seeing the same old, same old by dull promoters, whose only passion was fiscal, and set up a non-profit organization, called ‘Behind The White Door’. They put on weekly shows for underground bands to give them a chance to play in York as it can be hard for people to get shows in that city, unless they have a mega-bucks management label, a serious online presence or are prepared to pay-to-play (don’t get me going on that one...) They work with rock and roll and garage/punk bands. The first night was in May 2013 and since then have built up a reputation for great nights with a friendly atmosphere. From August 2013, BTWD events became exclusive to The Fulford Arms pub which they now term the home of the real rock and roll underground.

Information can be found about, Behind The White Door and the events by going to www.behindthewhitedoor. co.uk and all else Franceens is at thefranceens.co.uk Following on from The Franceens were a duo, from Leeds and Guilford, Love Buzzard, whose noise argued against The Franceens claims of being next loudest to Motorhead! For two people they were LOUD and I have rarely been so fascinated with a drummer. For a start, Al Brown looked like he had escaped fresh out of a series of The Sweeney and just did not stop beating the hell out of that kit. I’m not sure where all that sweat went but there was plenty of it!

43

44

MUSIC

MUSIC I have to admit that these weren’t for me, on a first listen (hold on, hold on – read to the end...) and I did start to zone out. Nothing to do with them though, just my personal taste and probably as they followed on from the Franceens. However, they seemed to go down well with the audience. To use a highly technical term the vocals of Kevin Lennon were too waaaaah-shouty for me. Saying that, I felt that there was something about them and there were hints of the less-psyche-o-pathic which made me prick up my ears. Did a bit of Led Zeppelin creep in there?

On the other hand, combine their music with their videos and my interest is ramped up. A new single release in July 2015, Cash, is a great mad watch, directed by Youth Hymns and illustrated by Russell Taysom, it is a colourful clash of real and cartoon. Insane brilliance. Cash is from the Love Buzzard’s debut album, Antifistamines, released 7th August.

After enjoying the video I had a listen to their Soundcloud page and really like “Showtime” but with titles such as Heaven’s Got An Electric fence, Pop Tart (a good example of Love Buzzard’s signature diiiirty guitar here), and Guns Before Butter you want to investigate further.

I found the more I listened the more I liked them. I think live you probably lose some of the more subtle nuances and you get more detail from a recording. There is a lot to find interesting here – you just have to find your way in sometimes and it was the video for cash that opened the door for me.

I don’t think that I will be zoning out next time...

The Penultimate band were one that has been highly recommended to me so I was looking forward to seeing them. I like a band with humour and Wonk Unit has humour in spades. Wonk Unit are fun with no arsey attitude. I hate to say this but, with Alex’s vocals, and

45

46

MUSIC

MUSIC the glint in his eye, I kept getting reminded a bit of ‘Jilted John’ and “Depressed” reminded me of a more sweary, John Otway, but I’ll swiftly pass on from that as Wonk Unit are definitely their own, almost, ‘genre’.

Their songs are stories. Day-to-day stories with the quirky Wonk Unit spin to them and some punk poetry thrown in for good measure. They don’t sugar coat though and maybe a few people squirmed when they played their single, Je M’appelle Alex, with lyrics such as “Things were going so well until you asked me for guest list and I said sorry I don’t speak English... Je M’appelle Alex. Do I look rich??? And I would love to indulge your ego but suddenly you appear dead to me...”

Be warned!

The most recent Wonk Unit album is Nervous Racehorse and, among others, were played “Nan”, “Lewisham”, one of my favourites, and I have to admit to rather liking “I Love My Nagging Wife”. I tried hard not to but it is hard to resist this band so I just laughed instead and kept in the spirit. Plasterer, from the 2013, Muffy album was also a stand out track.

Head to wonk-unit.bandcamp.com where you will find plenty of Wonk-music and also seek them out on You Tube as, well, I’ll just say that their videos are of the same level as their music. Enjoy.

Finally and FINALLY, I got to see Immingham’s own blues-punk, love-child of AC/DC and The Ramones: Ming City Rockers. I’ve seen them flitting about gigs, watching other bands, like black-clad Dementors (as in they have a swooping presence and distinct image, but they do the absolute opposite to sucking life out of the dark places that they inhabit). Up to now I have never actually seen them play. That can be a pain and lead to disappointment.

Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed the whole set.

I already feel that I am listening to classic Ming tracks that in 20 years time (hopefully!) I will still be listening to on their Greatest Hits album. ‘Get Outta Your Head’, ‘Twist It’ and “I Wanna Get Out Of Here But I Can’t Take You Anywhere” (my favourite track/brilliant title) all come under this heading.

With their strong image and masses of attitude they, along with other favourites, Barb Wire Dolls, embody the renaissance of real punk – the good old school stuff. They don’t give a toss, they are wired and, most of all, they are damn good. Listen to them online, watch their videos on You Tube and buy their records.

Ming City Rockers are: Clancey Jones - Guitar & Vocals & Harmonica, Morley Adams - Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals, Jakki Walsh – bass and Wan Marshall - Drums www.mingcityrockers.co.uk Someone buy Ross Stark a few drinks for putting that lot together on one stonking, loud, adrenalin-busting bill.

Excellent night.

Tracey Edges is an artist, writer and presenter. Her website is at traceyedges.co.uk and she can also be found on Facebook and at Siren radio sirenonline.co.uk/section/shows/sunday-girl.

47

48

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SUPER foods?

all they’re cracked up to be?

Blueberries are the original superfoods.

They’re a fantastic source of Vitamin K and have been linked to improved memory and cardiac health and may have antiinflammatory properties.

Chocolate and cocoa are widely believed to have major health benefits.

It’s the main beverage of the Kuni indians of Panama and they have been found to have Goji berries come from Tibet.

Bittersweet and packed with Vitamins C, B2 and A plus iron and other anti-oxidants and they’ve been . Recommended by Madonna no less!

remarkably low blood pressure. Recent studies have also linked chocolate with lowered stress and anxiety. Tastes nice too and the bit of banana will do you no harm.

Mackerel. Sardines. Salmon. Just about any oily fish in fact, you take your pick. An essential part of the Mediterranean diet oily fish can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle plus they’re rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for growth and development.

Garlic contains vitamins C, B6, manganese, selenium and other antioxidant. More recent

SUPER FOODS FACT OR FICTION? It seems like barely a week goes by without a new food craze starting up. There’ll be banner headlines, promises of longer life healthier hearts, a reduction in the signs of ageing.

Suddenly the new miracle food becomes almost unobtainable as eager buyers descend on the supermarkets and shelves empty as fast as they can be restocked.

In fact “superfood” is a term that isn’t used by doctors or dieticians and since 2007 it has been illegal to use the term in marketing without solid scientific evidence.

The foods on this page have all had the superfood label applied at one point or another but these ones are all listed on the NHS website as being good for you as well.

So fill your boots but don’t go mad.

Moderation is the key.

How boring is that?

Pomegranate is a good source of fibre. It also contains vitamins A, C and E, iron and other antioxidants (notably tannins). There’s lots of research going on about its benefits to heart health, but as yet the jury is out.

research suggests garlic may be effective against high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol and colds.

Beetroot is full of iron and folates.

It has been linked to decreased blood pressure (but so has going for a walk) and also to improvements in dementia sufferers.

Broccolli is good for you.

That’s why it tastes the way it does. It’s got vitamin C and folate and vitamins A, K, calcium, fibre, beta-carotene and antioxidants. You should eat it more. But you won’t., will you? You’re a bad person.

The real superfoods.

It’s a bit boring but if you really want to dine on superfoods then get down to your greengrocers, and get your five a day.

There’s lots more information on so called superfoods at www.nhs.uk and they also have guidance on how to make sure that you, and your family, are getting their five a day.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Full Teeth Whitening Treatment Now Only

ÂŁ50 Have Brighter Teeth Today professional, personal and friendly mobile hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at prices much lower than salon prices

In Grim sby, Cleetho rpes, New Wa ltha Waltham m, and Holton le Clay

PENNY CHALLIS mobile hairdresser

07981 423480 | www.pennychallismobilehairdresser.co.uk

49

50

HEALTH & BEAUTY A festival that’s all about physical and mental wellbeing. A celebration of the senses.

Beautiful sights and engaging sounds, body tingling dance and tantalising tastes. Food for the mind, sustenance for the heart and inspiration of the spirit.

A new local festival that promises to be something a bit special, Festival8 takes place at Cabourne Parva from 17-19th July . So maybe we should all make a date for

FESTIVAL8 Josie-Anne Gray talks to Festival8 curator Sean Atkinson

T

o make an impact in today’s crowded festival calendar a new event has to be a bit special. Festival8 is that special event. It’s as much about wellness and finding happiness as it is about music, with a fantastic range of activities for festival goers to enjoy.

When I speak to Sean he tells me about the participatory ethos of the event. “We want people to be part of what they’re seeing, to become part of the spectacle.”

There’s certainly plenty of opportunity for that with workshops on cheer leading, circus skills, painting, lantern making, percussion and singing. There is also a place limited workshop on making LED jellyfish, I'll be booking early for that one.

This festival has a water theme and is the first of five, each dedicated to one of the four elements and the fifth in 2020 dedicated to spirit.

The skills learned in the workshops can be put to good use in the Saturday night festival parade, a water themed costume spectacular.

Sean and his team are certainly putting in the hours in terms of planning and preparation.

“It takes hundreds of hours to get ready for something like this,” Sean tells me, “there’s so much to do. From arranging PRS licenses and security to the six weeks of site preparation and the three weeks take down.

And the price for all this entertainment?

“In an era of austerity we are keeping the ticket price low at £55 for the weekend but we will have to increase it over the years to £75 in order to ensure that we are sustainable.”

The festival is genre defying. Punk bands share with classical musicians. There’s a healing area with massage, ear candling and aromatherapy will be on hand to soothe body and mind and booking a treatment gives you access to the wood fire hot tub. “Bring your swimming costume,” Sean advises.

His enthusiasm is infectious as he tells me about the art trail in the woodland that is planned, the water slide on the hill, the mud wrestling and the Holi colour fight planned for the Sunday afternoon. Giant chess and jenga will also be available alongside green woodworking and chainsaw sculpture.

They really have thought of everything. Tickets are selling fast and numbers will be capped so book now via the website www.festival8.co.uk for this unique boutique festival on one of the most beautiful sites in Lincolnshire.

GIFTS LARGE BOARDS 40 X 60 CM TO ORDER

£40

SONG LYRIC HEARTS ANY SONG TO ORDER

THE JOY OF TEXT ARE YOU GETTING THE MESSAGE?

£35

Unless you’ve been travelling around town with your eyes closed for a while it will not have escaped your attention that text is big right now. Clothes, furniture, home decorations - there’s nothing in the world that can’t be improved with the application of a fancy font or two. Which makes these lovely notice boards and keepsake boxes from Home Is Where The Heart Is bang on trend. They can be customised to order and make great gifts.

Just the thing to brighten up any stylish retro home but remember to allow up to 3 weeks for design and creation!

Home Is Where The Heart Is have a fantastic selection of fabulous gifts and decorative items to choose from including wall hangings, photo frames, clocks, handbags, kitchenware, jewellery and scented candles.

We have prices to suit all pockets and we’re only a short stroll from Top Town so why not call in and see for yourself.

15% off with this advert!

Hme is where the heart is so many beautiful things to choose from 25 Wellowgate, Grimsby DN32 0RA Telephone: 01472 453621

51

52

CARNIVAL

In 2012 the Cleethorpes Carnival Parade was officially over. Funding had disappeared and it looked as though the event would be consigned to history. Fortunately Young’s Seafoods had other ideas and they stepped in and rescued the event and the past few years have seen the parade go from strength to strength. We spoke to Marina Richardson, Marketing Controller at Young’s Seafoods about their role in saving the carnival.

How long have you been involved with the Carnival?

I’ve been with the team since Young’s started to support it in 2013.

Was the Carnival an important part of your childhood?

I lived in Yorkshire but I remember coming to Cleethorpes for the Jubilee and How did the Young’s link up watching the carnival. We had with the carnival come about? a wonderful day and it’s been The carnival began in the 1970s a fond and abiding memory. and is part of Cleethorpes and Grimsby’s heritage. At Young’s What is your role in the we believed that the carnival planning process? was vitally important to the local I help co-ordinate the Young’s community and we didn’t want support. We start planning in to see it end because of a lack August for the following year. of funding. So we decided that There’s a team of twelve at we would step in and support Young’s plus the Clee Events the event and in doing so we team and around a further 60 would be giving back something Young’s employees and their to the community that has been families help on the day. our home for many years.

What is your favourite How have people memory of last responded to Young’s year’s carnival? as carnival sponsors?

I was on the Young’s float with We have had some great my 10 year old son who had feedback and had nearly 100 a fantastic time! Just seeing entries last year with around everyone waving and looking 30,000 coming out to enjoy happy, really enjoying the the carnival. People come from atmosphere of the carnival was all around the country to visit amazing. It’s brilliant seeing the the carnival and local people whole community come together look forward to it every year and have a fun filled day. so we’re delighted that we are able to be a part of it.

What are you looking forward to most this year?

Hopefully even more people supporting and enjoying the carnival – plus we’ve got some amazing surprise acts planned this year! It’s going to be very special indeed so keep watching out for further news nearer the date!

Don’t let dirty carpets, floors and upholstery spoil your property One-call professional cleaning

BEFORE

AFTER

A professional carpet or floor clean can transform you home or business. Whether it is stained carpets, grubby upholstery or discoloured grout, we can bring them back to looking like new.

We can even handle flood restoration.

There are lots of ‘do it yourself’ options but often they not only give poor results, they can cause permanent damage such as carpet shrinkage.

We only use the latest equipment giving quality results, fast drying times, protection for your carpets, rugs, upholstery and flooring.

Our cleaning services at a glance Carpets (including 100% wool) Rugs (including antique rugs) Upholstery Leather Curtains Natural stone and slate Tile and terrazzo floors Laminate & vinyl floors

FAST DRYING

Call for a free quote today

HIRE machines available

(01472) 235 182 Mob: (07779) 791 347 carpetcleaned

Wet & Dry carpet cleaning options

Fully Insured

54

EXPERTS

There are times when a bit of DIY is perfectly acceptable, virtuous even. There are times when you can get away with a bodge job.

But when you’re up to your ankles in water or your roof is in the garden then what you really need to do is .....

Ask The Experts

DSB DAMP PROOFING

• • • • • •

Traditional Damp Proofing Dry Rot & Woodworm Treatments 25 Years Experience Sovereign Approved Free Estimates General Building & Insurance Work

 01472 593474

H 07806 881694 (Dave) H 07905 135856 (Steve)

DON’T LET THE WEATHER WIN!

…

DESIGN DESIGN && DESIRE DESIRE

IN PERFECT PERFECTHARMONY HARMONY

Finally what you need and want!

Finally there thereisisno noneed needtotohave havetotochoose choosebetween between what you need and want!

Our kitchens allow you to have it all and at a price you can afford.

Our kitchens allow you to have it all and at a price you can afford.

……¬

COME WON’T DISAPPOINT! COMEAND ANDSEE SEEFOR FORYOURSELF YOURSELF- WE - WE WON’T DISAPPOINT! Making the best kitchens in the world Making the best kitchens in the world

Logo Logo

Schuller-Design-Desire.indd 1

affordable affordabletotoall! all!

Kitchen Discount (Grimsby) Ltd Kitchen Discount 49 Wood Street, (Grimsby) Grimsby Ltd 49 Wood Street, Grimsby Call (off usFreeman today : 01234 567 St) 890 St, near Wellington Call (off usFreeman today : 01234 567 St) 890 St, near Wellington  01472 351989 www.dealerwebsite.com  01472 351989 www.kitchendiscountgrimsby.co.uk www.dealerwebsite.com www.kitchendiscountgrimsby.co.uk

Map Map

Open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Thursdays open ‘til 8.00pm Open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Thursdays open ‘til 8.00pm

19/05/2014 16:51

56

EXPERTS

TAYLOR MADE CARPETS Craig and Steve at Taylor Made Carpets are experts in the selection and fitting of floor coverings of all kinds. They stock a wide range of carpets, vinyls and laminates to suit all tastes and all pockets. And if you can’t make it to the shop just give them a ring on 07516 187378 and they’ll arrange for their mobile showroom to visit you with a full range of samples for you to choose from!

LOW PRICES EVERY DAY!

93 Cromwell Road, Grimsby, DN31 2DN

 01472 355153 H 07516 187378  taylormadecarpets@googlemail.com “Helping you choose a fitting memorial for your loved one” Gillian and Steve at Serenity Memorials take pride in providing a sympathetic personal service. They can supply new memorials, modify or renovate existing stones and undertake safety surveys and consultancy. With no obligation quotations and full layout drawings you know exactly how your memorial will look before you buy. Bespoke memorials are a speciality and nothing is ever too much trouble.

Serenity Memorials Ltd Showroom: 133 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7DG Telephone: 01472 269696 or 01652 633255 Email: enquiry@serenitymemorials.co.uk

over 50 years of experience

EXPERTS

Saxby

Roofing

DOES YOUR ROOF NEED SOME CARE AND ATTENTION? DON’T WAIT TILL IT’S TOO LATE! GIVE US A CALL TODAY!

FIRST CLASS REPAIRS THAT LAST FOR YEARS

• • • • •

free estimates re-roofing slating & tiling all roof repairs storm damage

• • • • •

insurance work slate and tile roofs gutters and fascias flat roofs and felting fibre glass roofing

 01472 267709 H 07980 962009

derrick.saxby@homecall.co.uk

Ian J Dalton

Plumbing & Heating - Boiler Servicing & Installation • • • •

24 hour service no call out charges combi boilers condensing boilers

• • • •

bathroom installations servicing and repairs competitive prices 30 years experience

01472 235096 H07721 785130 6 Hurst Lea Drive, Humberston www.ianjdalton-plumbingandheating.co.uk

Want to make life Stairlifts & Bathlifts • Lifts & Platform Lifts more comfortable? New & Reconditioned • Straight & Curved Installed, Repaired & Maintained A lift or stairlift Repairs undertaken to any make can increase your Supplied to Trade & Public Over 35 years experience freedom

Grimsby Lifts Ltd  (01472) 210200

grimsbylifts@hotmail.co.uk

www.grimsbyliftsltd.co.uk

we are not agents - we are engineers!

57

58

GARDENS

oh do grow

What do you do when your patch of ground is full? Why not take inspiration from some classic garden features that have fallen out of fashion and reach for the sky?

Don’t just put

Window boxes used to be naff but

Pergolas have

your pots on the

now they’re retro chic. Fill them

been out of

ground. Use them

with herbs

fashion for a

to fill your walls

or flowers or

while. But now

with colour! With a

decorative

they’re back as

bit of imagination

grasses and

retro gardening

you can extend

they’ll make

gains popularity.

your borders right

your windows

Cover them with

up to your roof.

a joy to behold.

roses for the

up

classic look And if you’ve got There aren’t many

ugly drains and

planting systems

posts that you’d

as versatile as a

like to cover

hanging basket.

those wonderful

recommend out

outdoors,

good friends Pot

annual or perennial,

Magic with their amazing planting

decorative leaves. Go

system. Turn your

mad and have them

eyesores into things of beauty in seconds.

leylandii hedges.

They can create striking verticality

full of flowers or

hanging in groups.

love conifers.

Just think of all

up? Then we’d

Indoors or

People used to

in the garden though - so don’t hate them, just use them sparingly.

Let the climbers take over! If left to grow plants like ivy and Virginia creeper can simply take over your Don’t abandon the good old fashioned

wall space. No pots

trellis. It doesn’t get much simpler than

or supports necessary.

this but trellis is still the perfect way to grow

Watch out for damages

climbers like clematis or passiflora and to give

to walls and roofs and

wisteria a start in life.

try to ignore the spiders.

Short of space for fruit growing?

Espalierise! Espaliers are a traditional way of growing fruit trees particularly in old fashioned walled gardens. It can increase yields and extend the fruiting season too.

Bored with gardens that just look flat and (a bit) boring? Try expanding into other dimensions and discover the joy of

vertical gardens

What if you could create a vertical garden in seconds?

e ip p in a r D r u o y p Pim

NO

TOOLS

NO MESS

NO FUSS

Before

After

At Garden Aid we offer a wide range of gardening services including landscaping, fencing, weed control, lawn care, general maintenance and all types of tree work.

We have over 40 years of horticultural experience and we promise the highest standards of workmanship, integrity and reliability.

We also promise to donate 10% of our profits to Age Care Development Uganda (www.agecareug.org), a charity based in the Kyenjojo district of Western Uganda which takes care of elderly people.

So when you use Garden Aid not only does your garden look great but you really are helping to care for two communities.

Garden Aid Caring for two communities 07742 638423 www.gardenaid.net

GARDENS

Roses The classic English garden plant

for summer scent and colour

I

magine a perfect day in a summer garden. The song of the birds, the gentle drone of the bumble bees, the screaming of the kids as they argue about the paddling pool. And the scent of roses. That’s an essential.

There is a rose for every garden situation, from hybrid teas to miniatures, climbers to floribundas, the choice is endless. They can be large or small, contemporary or traditional and boast both fragrance and colour. There are varieties for planting in flower beds, borders and planters as well as for walls and pergolas.

Recommended RHS AGM varieties include: Rosa 'Zéphirine Drouhin', Rosa 'Nevada', Rosa Golden Wedding 'Arokris' and Rosa Rugosa 'Alba' and if you’re looking for companion plants try one of the Lilium regale hybrids, Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’, Lavender ‘Munstead’ or Philadelphus ‘Beauclerk’.

Gardening Service

no fuss no gimmicks everything you expect and more  01469 569712 H 07904 006635 geoff.oneill.gardening@googlemail.com

61

ettridge cycles

62

SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER

of Cromwell Road, Grimsby

I

f you’re in the market for a new bike and you’re looking for some real quality, whether it’s for commuting or leisure, off roading or racing then you should make sure you pay a visit to Ettridge Cycles.

Founded in 1977 by Steve Ettridge, who as a professional cyclist rode in races across the UK and Europe and also acted as mechanic for top teams in events including the Kellogg’s Tour of Britain, Ettridge’s have a reputation for expertise and service that’s second to none.

They don’t deal in the budget end of the market – they’re specialists in high tech lightweight road and racebikes, off roaders and hybrids and their shop on Cromwell Road, Grimsby is bursting at the seams with quality cycles by the likes of Giant, Bianchi, Forme, Land Rover and Roux.

They scratch build bikes to order as well so if you’ve got a set of specs then they’re the people to take them to. They also repair and service and they’ve got a wide range of clothing and equipment, in fact they can supply just about everything a cyclist could need, from a puncture repair kit to a hand built carbon racer!

They also sponsor and support the Flex-Tech Ettridge Cycling Team which is made up of local riders and competes in road races and time trials all over the country. They’re having a very good season with three of the top four top placings in the April Lindsey Roads hilly time trial and a new star on the horizon in the form of National Schoolboy Time Trial champion Kieran Hotson.

So when your two wheels are due for renewal make sure you pay Ettridge Cycles a visit. You’re sure to get a warm welcome, good advice and there’s every chance you’ll bump into the bike of your dreams.

You might get a cup of tea as well.

SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER

Images courtesy of Giant, Roux and Land Rover cycles

CALL IN GREAT END OF RANGE OFFERS ON BIKES BY FORME & GIANT!

ettridge cycles

Giant • Bianchi • Roux • Forme • Land Rover Sales • Repairs • Equipment • Clothing 100 Cromwell Road, Grimsby DN31 2DF  01472 340755 www.ettridgecycles.co.uk

63

64

SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER

British cycling is on a roll and following the success of last year’s visit by the Tour de France the good people at Yorkshire Tourism didn’t want to let the grass grow under their feet, so this year we have a follow up. Three days of racing featuring some of Europe’s best teams and riders and we got an invite so we thought we’d pay a visit to Stage 2 of ....

Le Tour de Yorkshire T

he start is in Selby, next to the abbey and the streets are decorated with blue and yellow bicycles, bunting and balloons to welcome the race. From there the route heads east, passing North of Hull, through Beverley and north via Wetwang before ending up in York. It’s a total of 174km which is 108 miles in English money. It’s a cold day and even with all those layers of lycra thermocladding you wouldn’t want to swap with them.

In the paddock (which is a Morrison’s car park everything is remarkably free and easy. I’d expected the stars and their multi thousand pound bikes to be kept well away from the public but not a bit of it. We wander in and out of the team busses, spotting the big names. It’s not easy because there are thousands of club riders in full gear. The biggest crowd is around the team Wiggins HQ and the man himself pops out to shake hands and pose for selfies with his fans.

The excitement increases as the riders sign in and then gather at the start. At the front is Lars Petter Nordhaug, wearing the leader’s shirt with the blue and yellow of Yorkshire. Alongside is the sprint leader in green, the mountains leader in pink and the holder of the combativity prize in grey. Eventually the crowd performs a countdown and then they’re away and after a lap of Selby they head for open country and we set off to meet them at York Racecourse.

When they arrive there’s a group of seven who have managed to pull ahead. About three minutes later the pelotton arrives, coming down the hill past the racecourse at amazing speed,

SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER front wheels almost touching the rears wheels of the man in front. It’s over in a flash but it’s fantastically exhilarating and we settle in to wait for them as they come round for their second of four visits.

Gradually the lead group are hauled in by the pack and as the racers enter the final straight alongside the racecourse it seems like any of twenty could cross the line first. In the event it is Dutchman Moreno Hoffland of the LottoNL-Jumbo team who crosses first in a time of 3:57;58. To give you an idea of how close the race is the rest of the top ten finish on the same time.

We head off as the clear up teams start work.

It’s been a great day and it makes you think how great it would be if, in future years, the race could come South of the bridge for a while.

After all, if the Tour de France can visit Yorkshire it ought to be possible for the Tour de Yorkshire to visit North East Lincs. Somebody should ask.

65

If you’re thinking about getting into cycling .....

TAKE A LOOK AT THE

NEW

JC Cook

LTD

SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER

W

hether you’re already a keen cyclist or you’re just thinking about taking it up then one place that ought to be high on your list for a visit is the new JC Cook Ltd showroom on Jackson Place (down Wilton Road, take the first left and follow the signs).

When you enter and the doors glide shut behind you it’s like stepping into a big city prestige store with hundreds of bikes, massive displays of clothing and equipment, a repair centre, changing rooms and a first rate coffee shop. It’s the kind of place that makes shopping for your new bike a real pleasure.

JC Cook Ltd is a well known local name of course.

Founded by Jack Cook in 1954, present owner Adrian Blow took over twenty years ago. As an ex-army mechanic and keen cyclist he had a special interest in the repair side of the business and that department is still going strong both at the new showroom and at the firm’s shop in Ladysmith Road.

Cycling has been enjoying a boom in popularity lately following the UK’s Olympic success and every weekend finds hundreds of local people out on the Wolds roads or enjoying the thrills of off road riding or cyclo-cross.

Cooks carry a range of excellent machines by the likes of Cube, Orange and many others to meet the needs of the most demanding of sports cyclists but they also offer ranges suitable for commuters and beginners and a great range of kid’s machines. There’s even a selection of electric bikes for those who like to let the battery take the strain.

All of which means that if you’re in the market for a new bike or if you just fancy a leisurely look at what’s available and a great cup of coffee, you couldn’t pick a better place to start than the new JC Cook Ltd.

67

Orange are mountain bike specialists and they’re British. From their Halifax base they produce an acclaimed range of off road bikes that are tough enough to take on any terrain.

Cube bikes are manufactured in Germany and combine high specifications and superb quality with great value. They offer a range of bikes for all purposes from commuters to high performance sports machines.

www.jccookcycles.co.uk Grimsby 01472 342406 Humberston 01472 210384 sales@jccookcycles.co.uk

SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER

Don’t just sit there, get ....

On Yer Bike! with the NELC Bike Week

T

his week is national Bike Week and to celebrate the fact North East Lincolnshire Council, working in partnership with Cofely, has a series of events lined up to give people the chance to discover the pleasures of cycling.

Two town centre bike days have been organised for Friday and Saturday 19th and 20th June in Grimsby town centre. There’s a lunchtime try-a-bike session from 12pm to 2pm on the Friday and a cycle obstacle course and other activities from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday.

There are also guided group cycle rides have been organised on Monday evenings during June.

The next three are on the following dates and all rides start at 6pm: • 15 June - Weelsby Woods (8 miles) • 22 June - Grimsby Cycle Hub (12 miles) • 29 June - Grimsby Auditorium (12 miles) Organisations from around the borough have also signed up to the North East Lincolnshire Cycle Challenge – a free team competition to see who can get the most people riding a bike between 8th and 28th June.

North East Lincolnshire Cycle Challenge is part of the National Cycle Challenge - so organisations and departments can compete against other offices, colleagues and friends around the country.

There are some fantastic prizes that you could win including a trip for two to New Zealand, new bikes, bike gear, holidays around the UK and more.

This year’s Bike Week has a special focus and will encourage people to use their bikes to cycle to work.

Many people will use the events to ride and take part in ‘buddy’ rides with colleagues, scope out the easiest route to their place of work or take part in work place challenges.

For more details visit www.lovetoride.net/nelincs and www.bikeweek.org.uk

69

Sales Storage Hire Repairs Service MOT

I

f you’re a car enthusiast then the chances are you already know about Graham Chapman Classic Cars.

Based up on the Wilton Road Industrial Estate they’re our local classic car specialists and have a fine reputation for the excellence of their service and their skills as mechanics and vehicle restorers. The garage at The Old Bakery in Jackson Place offers mechanical repairs, bodywork, electrics, servicing and MOTs and not just for classic cars either. Any vehicle is welcome and is assured of the same high level of care that will be given to the Porsches and Morgans that they are sitting alongside.

What you may not know is that Graham has recently expanded his business so that in addition to his existing garage premises he also has a new storage facility and sales and hire department on the corner of Wilton Road and Jackson Place - you can’t miss it as you drive by because the forecourt is full of superb vehicles, many of them for

WELCOME TO CAR CORNER

THE COMPLETE CLASSIC CAR SERVICE CENTRE

AT GRAHAM CHAPMAN CLASSIC CARS sale at surprisingly affordable prices!

For owners of classic cars (and motorcycles) who need a secure place to store their pride and joy, for protection against the elements, or vandals, or for those who are simply looking to free up some space on

everything for the classic car owner all under one roof a crowded driveway there are four levels of storage care available, including options in which the vehicle is regularly checked for leaks and driven on a monthly basis to keep everything in tip top working order.

Owners who wish to take their

vehicles for a spin can pick them up and return them by arrangement and leave their other vehicle in their spot.

It couldn’t be more convenient.

Graham also has a range of classic vehicles for hire, starting at £195 for 24 hours. These include the famous Italian Job Minis, a gorgeous cream 1958 Morris Minor, and a 1980 T2 Bentley. There’s also a super elegant 1978 Azure for weddings - no self drive on this one). Perfect for weddings and birthday treats or just for driving around in to make yourself feel like a king or queen for a day!

The new premises are home to Vintage Lincs where qualified upholsterer Sarah Brown offers a complete vintage fabric service including upholstery and curtain and

CLASSIC CARS

blind making. There’s also a range of recycled and reconditioned furniture on display for sale.

All in all it’s a new venture which has a touch of class about it, and from the smart new reception area to the motoring film themes murals by Sam Delaney of Creative Start it’s always a pleasure to visit. So next time you’re in Humberston why not pay a visit to Car Corner. You’re sure of a warm welcome and there’ll always be something interesting to see and who knows maybe one day you’ll end up driving out in a swish new motor (or carrying a fine piece of recycled and newly upholstered retro furniture)!

Either way we know that you will have enjoyed your visit to one of the town’s most fascinating and friendliest businesses. Happy driving!

Sales | Storage | Hire | Repairs | Service | MOT

The Old Bakery Garage, Jackson Place, Humberston  01472 211522  01472 811522  graham@grahamchapmancars.co.uk Car Corner, Wilton Road, Humberston  01472 326533

71

72

ARTS

Creative Start Art - Clockwise from top - Another Fine Mess by Sam Delaney; Cleethorpes Pier Dog by Sam Delaney;Image 10 by Naomi Gilchrist; Marilyn

by Kev Atkins; Modson by Sam Delaney; Moment Of Peace by Sam Delaney; Art Gecko by Mark Tustain; Sid by Kev Atkins; Amy Winehouse by Emma Ling; Wild@art1 by Samantha Wilding; Remembering Robin Williams by Emma Ling Opposite page - Top - Creative Start artists at a workshop session; Right Progress on the Graham Chapman Cars mural

ARTS

CREATivE

While we were visiting Graham Chapman Cars we couldn’t help but notice the fantastic new mural on their wall.

It’s the first of six motoring and film related works

by Sam Delaney of Creative Start and it’s so great we thought we ought to find out more.

stART A

n artist’s collective at the top of Granville Street? Sounds a little unlikely? Think again. Creative Start is the brainchild of Sam Delaney who founded the group as an Arts In Health project, helping people in recovery from alcohol and substance dependency to find self confidence and a medium of self expression through painting.

In the past three years he’s seen the organisation grow from small beginnings into a thriving community interest company with premises in the industrial units at the junction of Granville and Ladysmith Road and a nice line in badges, t-shirts and of course murals.

The Creative Start group of artists We use art to help people engage specialise in pop art, using bright with their community and our vision is colours and the iconography of the to help members create works music and movie industries to create of art that can be exhibited locally, works that are both striking and helping to rebuild confidence and self familiar – and which would look great esteem. We encourage our members’ on anybody’s wall. creative ideas Sam isn’t big and aim to on the phrase provide the of art therapy. materials to He thinks the help them come name itself may to fruition. At be counter productive. “There’s a present the most popular medium is lot of stigma attached to mental acrylic on canvas. We promote new health and dependency issues” he ideas, collaborations and all forms of explains. “What Creative Start tries creativity in order to provide activities to do is to provide a basic training to and art that suits everyone. We aim allow people to express themselves to produce works of art that show through art. It’s the start of the quality and emotion.” process of feeling better about one’s He’s keen to stress however that the self and eventually making a recovery. group is not just open to those in Through art people can learn to take recovery. Anyone who has an interest responsibility for themselves and in learning basic art skills is very move on. welcome, regardless of their level of

our aim is to rebuild confidence and self esteem

experience. For more information get in touch with Creative Start through www.creativestartarts.com or via Facebook and in the meantime we’ll keep you posted on the progress of the Graham Chapman mural wall.

73

motoring

Planning a summer getaway?

POWDER CHECK your vehicle for perfect peace of mind!

W

hat’s the dumbest thing you can do when driving to your summer holiday? Well believe it or not last summer over 2000 drivers had to be rescued because they had run out of fuel on the motorway!

So before you set off a few basic checks – POWDER checks – are in order to make sure you arrive safely and on time.

And if you’re not feeling confident you’ll find some excellent mechanics on these pages who’ll be glad to help.

P O W D E R

Petrol: Make sure that you have enough for the journey and plan refuelling stops along the way to avoid mishaps.

Oil: Check it when the engine is cold and the vehicle is level.

Also check clutch, brake, and power steering fluids.

Water: Radiator and windscreen washer bottles should be checked while parked on a level surface.

Damage: Check bodywork, wheels and fixtures, including the mirrors. Ensure windows are clean inside and out.

Electrics: Check all lights, indicators and hazards are in good working order and clean.

Also test the horn.

Rubber: Check tyre pressures and tread depth, and look for damage to the tyres and wheels and wiper blades.

CHECK

MOTORING

“when you need a mechanic you can trust”

DANMAT MOTORS • • • •

MOT Servicing Repairs Brakes

• • • •

Bodywork Steering Suspension Exhausts

 01472 353777

11A Pyewipe Road, Grimsby DN31 2QL

LINCS VWA

SERVICES

www.danmatmotors.com

the volkswagen & audi specialists • • • • • •

MOT’s & servicing brakes & tyres engine tuning genuine parts used courtesy car (subject to availability) all makes repaired without affecting your warranty Now offering engine remapping Your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is usually set to the default when it’s delivered. Remapping involves complex diagnostics on the engine to find the perfect set up - delivering improved performance and economy.

Will Toyne

20 years of experience with Volkswagen & Audi

 01472 812130 Unit 3, Woodside Park Station Rd, Tetney

www.lincsvwa.com

75

76

MOTORING “A WORLD CLASS SHOWMAN”

LINCS SHOW WELCOMES THE KANGAROO KID

THE MAN WHO JUMPS AEROPLANES

W

e‘ve got a piece elsewhere in the magazine about the Lincolnshire Show but while we were writing there was one name that piqued our curiosity and made us want to know more. Just who is the Kangaroo Kid? Well it turns out he’s Australian, (don’t Lincolnshire Show on both days (we think) and if act all surprised), and his name is you’re there he’s got to be Matt Coulter and he’s probably the worth going to see. In fact we think world’s leading stunt rider. he’s probably worth the trip in his He has entertained millions of fans own right and he seems like a nice across the globe with his unique man into the bargain because he’s shows, blending gut wrenching promised us an interview so watch quad bike stunts with theatrical this space for more Kanganews. showmanship and he’s performed some of the most dangerous jumps possible, breaking records and performing stunts that were once the preserve of legends such as Evel Knievel.

Matt has jumped thousands of objects including an RAF Phantom jet, 14 Trucks (setting a world record) and a flying airplane to name a few.

Matt will be at the

KINGSWAY TYRES not just we do a whole lot more including

AIRCON SERVICE FROM ONLY

£25.95

SERVICING FROM ONLY

£35.00

www.kingsway-tyres.co.uk for all your motoring needs Mon to Fri 8:30am - 5.30pm Sat 8.30am - 12.30pm

QUALITY TYRES FROM ONLY

£29.95

Immingham

Scunthorpe

Retford

 01469 575177

 01724 861251

 01777 704445

Manby Hall Business Park, DN40 2LT immingham@kingswaytyres.co.uk

Brigg Road, Scunthorpe DN16 1AP scunthorpe@kingswaytyres.co.uk

Victoria Road, Retford DN22 7DJ retford@kingswaytyres.co.uk

NUMBER ONE FOR SCOOTERS AND COMMUTERS! HONDA CBF 125 NEW WITH FREE TOP BOX AND CARRIER AND FREE HEATED GRIPS

NEW

SUZUKI ADDRESS 110 SCOOTER NOW IN STOCK

HONDA NSC50R REPSOL LAST ONE! NOW ONLY £1899

HONDA CBR 125R

LINCOLNSHIRE’S ONLY 5 STAR APPROVED HONDA, SUZUKI & KSR DEALERS!

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE

ON SELECTED MODELS FINANCE EXAMPLE HONDA CBR 125R £3,599 £99 deposit 36 payments of £97.22 with 0% APR = Total amount payable £3,599 including deposit.

NOW IN STOCK

KSR TW 125 SM

FREE DELIVERY ON ALL NEW MOPEDS, SCOOTERS & BIKES UP TO 125cc QUOTE FREE DEL 1

COME ON DOWN AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND AT GEORGE PETCH THE PRICES ARE ALWAYS RIGHT!!

Brighowgate, Grimsby DN32 OQL  01472 354402

www.gphonda.co.uk www.gpsuzuki.co.uk Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

78

MOTORING Planning a fortnight in Brittany this summer? Or maybe a long drive down to the Riviera?

Thanks to The Institute of Advanced Motoring here are a few essential tips for driving in la belle France.

Drive la difference!

E

very year, around 17 million British nationals visit France. Many travel be car or hire a vehicle while abroad. They drive on the wrong side of the road. That’s all you need to know. Right?

Well actually that’s wrong. French motoring can be very different to driving at home, but preparation as always, is the key.

Make sure your car is fit regulations may be towed for the journey, plan your away and impounded. route in advance, including Holders of EU driving fuel stops, and remember licenses exceeding the to check up all the rules for speed limit by more than 40 driving in France before you km/h will have their licences go. Here are a few of the confiscated on the spot by most important but there the police. are more that you ought to Driving on the right know! hand side of the road on In France all drivers and unknown routes can be motorcyclists (excluding rather challenging. Take mopeds) need to carry a regular breaks, and always breathalyser kit, with two have a rest if you’re getting disposable breathalysers. sleepy.

The breathalyser must meet A child in the front the NF standards (similar to passenger seat must be the BSI here in the UK) and at least 10 years old (or a carry an NF certification. baby up to 9 months in a You are also required to rear facing child seat). carry a warning triangle, Speed limits in France are reflective jacket, and different to the UK, and they convert your headlamps change when it rains, so when driving in France. It make sure you know them is recommended that you before you go. carry spare light bulbs if you Radar speed camera can fit them easily. detectors are legal in the UK Remember too, that the but in France they are illegal drink drive limit in France is whether you use them or lower than in the UK, 50mg not. This legislation includes compared to 80mg per satnavs which show speed 100ml of blood. If you’re camera information. driving, don’t drink, and A village name sign with a beware the morning after red border signifies the start effect. of a 50km speed limit that On the spot fines for continues until you pass the parking and other minor village name sign with a red offences can be severe. If bar across it and a black you get one you should get border signifying the village an official receipt with it. boundary and end of speed Vehicles parking contrary to limit.

NEW BED RANGE IN STORE NOW!

Baroness Memory 4'6" Double mattress and base set Memory Foam Mattress with sprung interior which reduces pressure points on the body for a restful night’s sleep.

FREE HEADBOARD & STORAGE DRAWERS

NEW

Was £399

NOW £299 Was £539

Was £369

NOW £299

NOW NEW £199 Baroness Orthopaedic 4'6" Double mattress and base set

Matching headboard available as an optional extra.

A firmer support system at a great low price complete with matching base.

Accessories not included.

Duchess Memory 4'6" Double mattress and base set Memory foam mattress with sprung interior which reduces body pressure points. Soft feel ‘Cool Plus fabric’ helps maintain temperature throughout your sleep.

Was £275

Matching headboard available as an optional extra.

Accessories not included.

NOW

Florida 4'6" Double Ottoman Storage Bedframe

Finished in faux leather this versatile storage bed combines luxury with practicality.

£125

Was £299

NOW £199

Emily 4'6" Double Metal Bedframe

Simple styling will enhance any bedroom, finished in gloss black. Comes flat-pack for easy home assembly.

26-32 Brighowgate, Grimsby DN32 0QW Telephone 01472 242060

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Late night Thur 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com

or Call Free on 0800 344 442 Products subject to availability. *Free fitting applies when you buy the equivalent size of our Airstep or Treadmore underlay.

Stair surcharge applies. Free fitting offer does not apply to laminate wood or vinyl flooring. Stocks vary from store to store.

@unitedcarpets

Find us on FACEBOOK UnitedCarpetsandBeds

Please accept our sincere apologies if this advertisement has arrived at a time of bereavement or illness. Our purpose is to advise people of our good service, not to create any undue stress.