ESP December 2008

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DECEMBER 2008 Issue 112

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Years-old ... and getting stronger every month!

Your Premier Local Monthly Magazine

December ‘98

March ‘00

October ‘03

May ‘07

December ‘07

December ‘08 - 10 years on!

A Perfect Ten… Robbie Williams screamed on the front cover with a knowing wink and there it was – the first issue of ESP Magazine launched in front of an excited nightclub crowd back in December 1998.

now. Sports presenter Suzi Perry (now presenting The Gadget Show) was our cover girl for the New Year in 2000 and our pages have since been adorned by the likes of Kylie, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and The Sugababes.

Having grown up in Peterborough we could see the city needed something to spread the word about what it had to offer, to highlight the good not the bad, and to provide a new promotional outlet for local businesses.

Much has changed over the last ten years – Greater Peterborough has been transformed in many ways and so ESP has moved with the times and evolved whilst maintaining its fundamental principles.

And so we set out on our first year to test the market and see if the people and businesses of the city would take to the idea of a local leisure and entertainment magazine. It’s hard to believe now, but it was a fairly new concept at that time, a risk, and we didn’t know where our dream would take us.

We’ve passed a few milestones ourselves – in 2003 we launched the Face of ESP competition, pledging to make an ordinary girl a celebrity in her home town, we’ve doubled in size from just 32 pages to a regular 64, often more, spread our distribution as far as Spalding, Sawtry, Oundle and Whittlesey and gained over 63,000 readers. Last December we celebrated our 100th issue.

A year on, encouraged by positive feedback we decided to really go for it, established our logo and brand and brought out a new look ESP Magazine which would shape our style up to

you a great read, exciting events and all you need for a fantastic social life.

ESP is written and produced by a dedicated local team and is packed with all the leisure, lifestyle and entertainment news you need to look good, feel good and enjoy your spare time.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played a part in our success – contributors, businesses and readers – we couldn’t have done it without you!

ESP is your magazine - it’s going strong and we’re looking ahead.

Here’s to the next ‘Perfect Ten’…

Sharon McAllister Editor

ESP was launched by people with a love of the area, and with years of experience we’ve proved we can bring

Your Premier Local Monthly Magazine

R DECEMBER 2008 Issue 112

s a m t s i r h C Happy

from everyone at ESP!

LEISURE & LIFESTYLE for PETERBOROUGH, STAMFORD, OUNDLE, WHITTLESEY, SPALDING, BOURNE ... AND MORE

For a unique Christmas shopping experience come to Rivergate‌ for gifts, party looks or just to rest your feet and grab a coffee!

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG TEL 01733 579707 FAX 01733 579708 EMAIL: OFFICE@ESPMAG.CO.UK

EDITORIAL Editor Sharon McAllister

s a m t s i r Ch

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

ADVERTISING Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sales Executives Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

STUDIO Art Director Tony Mayer

Happy

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

Senior Designer Alex Fahey

alex.fahey@espmag.co.uk

COVER SHOT Hair and Make-up P.Kai Hair – 01733 358835

from everyone at ESP!

CLAIRE – Embellished black bead dress Oasis at John Lewis £110 KERRY – Black long length gown ‘Spotlight’ at Warehouse at John Lewis £100 SUSAN – Teal one shoulder dress ‘Spotlight’ at Warehouse at John Lewis £65 BECCA – Purple dress Oasis at John Lewis £75 Shoes - from a range at Outfit, Hampton

P26

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Neil Golding Terry Harris

COLUMNISTS Pep Cipriano

Health & Beauty

P12

Man About Town

P46 Wheels

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Tempest

sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Devine

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Joanne Quinney

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

Andy Whittaker

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

P8 P32

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS

Feature

Liv Slater

SUBMISSIONS Ian Offers Phil Adlam

ESP MAGAZINE LTD Directors Sharon McAllister

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

ESP3.net

P14 ESP JLS FEATURE catches up with local X Factor star Aston Merrygold

P30 Local I’M A CELEBRITY… WAG Nicola McLean tries out life in the jungle

DISTRIBUTION

For all the latest news, views, reviews and gossip, check out ESP Magazine’s Local Leisure Portal www.esp3.net ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any of the Peterborough newspapers.

ESP is written, researched, designed and published

by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

Fashion

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sean McAllister

P16

Paparazzi

P36 What FEATURE it’s like to be born on Christmas Day and all your essential holiday info

P60 FEATURE Ice skater Robin Cousins joins the Phantoms and ESP’s Kerry Bates takes to the ice

P54 The PARTY LIKE IT’S 2009 P62 George SPORT ESP guide to the Boyd’s our New Year’s Eve parties you really shouldn’t miss

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ESP distribution stands are located right across the Greater Peterborough area with magazines available at over 650 separate locations.

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WATERSTONES WIN AWARD

JOIN THE DANCE-A-THON! Sue Ryder Care is putting on a brand new, unique and exciting event in the New Year… a 12-hour Dance-a-thon supported by ESP! The event will be held on February 21 2009 at Radius (above The Solstice) and will feature performances, top DJ’s and free dance lessons from local dance teachers - anything from Salsa to Ceroq and Ballroom Dancing to Belly Dancing. With Strictly Come Dancing coming to an end this is the perfect opportunity for you to strut your stuff on the dance floor! But don’t panic, as no previous experience is necessary.

Expect a huge turn out so get in early to avoid disappointment. Radio station Lite FM and ESP Magazine are both getting involved, look out for more info in the next issue, or contact Sara-Jane Little in the fundraising team at Thorpe Hall on 01733 330060 to find out how you can get involved.

STAMFORD CORN EXCHANGE OPEN DAY If you’d like to take a look behind the scenes of the fantastic newly revived and refurbished Stamford Corn Exchange, there’s a special open day on Sunday December 7. Drop in between 10am and 4pm for guided tours, a film show and history of the theatre since 1859 to its new present day transformation into the new 399 seater theatre.

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Waterstone’s in Bridge Street are always getting top celebrities and authors, such as Richard Madley and Alan Carr (who was in ESP last month!) to come to the city and sign books, so it’s nice to see them get some recognition. They recently won the Retail Business Award at the Evening Telegraph Business Awards and hardworking manager Anna Elmore told ESP – “We’re really ecstatic about winning this award because it’s the passion of our whole team that sets us apart from our competition.” So congratulations to all the staff at Waterstone’s and ESP will keep you posted on which celebs will be coming to town next!

DON’T SEND CARDS IN THE OFFICE! Christmas cards can be an absolute nightmare – not only do you have to choose some nice cards that no one else in the office has, you’ve then got to make sure you don’t miss anyone out and then actually write the things!

Luckily, Sue Ryder Care has come up with an idea that not only saves you hassle, but helps raise money for Thorpe Hall Hospice. The Christmas Card Appeal packs include a special poster for you to display your festive messages on, donation envelopes and ideas for festive fundraising.

Claire Booth, from Business Watch Group, who’ve already signed up, told ESP - “I send loads of Christmas cards out at work every year. This is a great idea, not only does it save on cardboard which is good for the environment but it saves me getting an achy writing hand and Sue Ryder Care benefit as well!” For more info, email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder care.org or call 01733 330060.

FIRED EARTH OPEN DAY The guys over at Fired Earth and Aga tell us they’re holding their annual Christmas Open Day at Warmington

dontscrapthetap . c o m

Mill on Saturday December 6 if you want to drop in. It’s on between 10am and 4pm and you’ll find it on the A605 towards Oundle. It’ll be a great opportunity to take a look at all the gorgeous tiles and the AGA showroom and cookware shop.

There’ll be all day Christmas cookery demonstrations with Aga chef Sue Wrigley, which means delicious food to sample, cooked the Aga way!

Complementary local traders with seasonal goodies ensure you’ll find those perfect presents along with special offers in-store. They’re also raising money for their local Air Ambulance service. For further details just call 01832 280088.

WIN A LITE CHRISTMAS A lot of us are more skint than usual this year, so Lite FM have got the ultimate credit crunch-busting competition running this month!

They’re offering you the chance to win Christmas presents for loved ones over two weeks and one lucky winner will also win everything that’s been on offer. With partners for the competition including John Lewis, The Haycock Hotel, Reba, Waterstone’s and Peterborough Marriot Hotel, there are some great goodies up for grabs. All you need to do is listen to Keith’s Early Morning Wake-Up on 106.8 Lite FM from 6am, answer the clues and win!

Marshall Volvo Mallory Road, Boongate Tel: 01733 894894 www.marshallweb.co.uk

BREWERY TAP WIN AWARD The team at The Brewery Tap on Westgate have won yet another award! They’ve been awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Peterborough branch of CAMRA for featuring in the national Good Beer Guide for ten consecutive years.

Paul Hook, proprietor of the Brewery Tap told ESP - “It’s a great testimony to the Brewery Tap to achieve ten consecutive entries in the publication and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and would very much like to appear in the next ten editions.” The pub is going from strength to strength despite being threatened with closure by developers – it was recently named Best Own Brew Pub in the Good Pub Guide and a new function room opens this month. If you’ve still not signed the petition to save the Brewery Tap, then visit www.oakhamales.com.

LARKFLEET RAISE THOUSANDS GET GIFT WRAPPED You can get all your Christmas presents wrapped the minute you’ve bought them this month, thanks to volunteers from Sue Ryder Care.

They’ll be manning a stall every Thursday evening in the Queensgate shopping centre and all weekend in the run up to Christmas to raise funds for the hospice at Thorpe Hall. Just take your gifts along to their stand and make a donation for their pressie wrapping efforts! For more info call Emma Long on 01733 330060 or email emma.long@suerydercare.org

You might think that in these times, property and development groups would just be out for themselves – but not the Larkfleet Group! Staff and guests recently raised more than £5,500 for the Willow Foundation at a black-tie dinner and dance at the Marriot Hotel. The Willow Foundation offers special days – ranging from quiet seaside holidays to car racing – to young adults suffering from terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

It was founded by former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who spoke at the dinner, in memory of his daughter who died of cancer aged 31.

For more information, visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk.

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest gossip perfect if you can’t face another second indoors with the family – and New Year’s Day. Most shops will be starting their sales on Boxing Day, so there’ll be loads of bargains up for grabs when the centre opens from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

CHARITY NENE VALLEY RUN ILLUSIONS HAS THE GIFT Don’t know what to get the love of your life for Christmas guys? Well get yourself down to Market Deeping to Illusions lingerie for top advice. Illusions has moved from the Rivergate centre and now has a larger shop in Deeping so that means more to choose from, plus Lynne is offering free gift wrapping and lots of advice! She also sells handbags, body jewellery, swimwear and accessories. Illusions is open Tuesday to Saturday at 18 High Street Market Deeping. Tel: 01778 349161.

Come out and give your support to everyone taking part in the Nene Valley 10 Mile run on December 7. The run begins at the Cresset, Bretton and athletics club Nene Valley Harriers are donating 25p from every entry fee to Sue Ryder Care, as well as encouraging runners to collect sponsorship. The race is the last in the A1 series of races, which are organised by running shop Advance Performance, and promises to be the fastest, as well as the flattest, race! For more info visit www.nvh.org.uk/news and for more info on Sue Ryder Care visit www.suerydercare.org

“Congratulations to everyone at ESP on your 10th year! A tremendous achievement. ESP is the “must-read” for everyone who’s into Peterborough’s social scene. This is such a great time for the city, with a university coming and exciting new plans for regeneration from Opportunity Peterborough.

This city is at last going places and ESP will be at the heart of it.”

YOUR SAY...

Alison Rolls, Head of Communications, Norwich & Peterborough Building Society

Christmas Day Lunch in the Orchards Conservatory Restaurant Pre-lunch drink with complimentary canapés.

Three course traditional Christmas fayre menu with coffee and Haycock truffles and jellies.

12 - 2pm. £80 per person (Children up to 12 years half price.)

Christmas Day Family Carvery Lunch in the Ballroom Three course carvery, desserts from the sweet display, coffee and mince pies.

12 – 2pm. £39 per person (Children 5-12 years £18, includes entertainment for the children and a visit from Santa)

Boxing Day Buffet in the Orchards Restaurant Festive dressed buffet with dessert and coffee.

12 - 2pm. £30 per person

SKA AND SOUL AT THE LIME TREE We hear The Lime Tree pub in Walton is staging the Charity 60’s Ska ‘n’ Soul Nite Vol. 2 on December 6 to raise money for Sue Ryder Care. DJ’s Oxford Paul, Kris Tebbet, Brian Kelson, Phil Bush, Mark Wilson, and Paul D will be spinning the best in 60’s Ska, Soul, Reggae and R ‘n’ B over a valve amp system, as well as holding raffles.

Tickets are £4. For more info, call 07861 679265 or 01733 708320.

EXTRA SHOPPING TIME AT QUEENSGATE Christmas shopping should be a lot less stressful this year, with more shops at Queensgate open longer than ever before. All shops will be open until 9pm every weekday from December 1 until December 23 and until 7pm every Saturday. Lots of shops in Queensgate will also be open on Boxing Day –

New Year’s Eve Ball Fun-filled evening with a Blues Brothers tribute act and disco until 2am.

Seven course menu, arrival drink and canapés.

7.30pm for 8pm - black tie optional. £98 per person

January Events

WIN GHD TRAVEL SET @ MICHAEL JOHN Boost your Christmas stocking contents in one easy move by taking part in the Michael John Hair Artwork competition in the Health and Beauty section of this month’s ESP. There’s a fabulous new purple ghd travel set worth £155 up for grabs if you win. All you have to do is vote for your three favourite hairstyles featured in the advert on P. 27 and email michaeljohn @espmag.co.uk. The draw for the winner will take place on Christmas Eve and you never know, it could be you!

Late Christmas Party 16th January 2009 Three course Christmas menu with disco. £29.95

Let’s Do Lunch £16.95 Cookery demonstration by Paul Bray, Executive Head Chef Following a two course lunch with glass of wine – ‘Cooking for Less, How to Beat the Credit Crunch’.

The Haycock Hotel ###

London Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JA Tel: 01780 782223 www.thehaycock.co.uk

events@espmag.co.uk

LOCALEVENTS

SANTA SPECIALS

FLAG FEN SILVER JUBILEE GALA DINNER @ GREAT NORTHERN

The Flag Fen Gala Dinner at the Great Northern Hotel last month was a great success – organiser Tina Lindsay and her team managed to raise £3,500 towards the Discovery Appeal, which aims to make the centre more visitor friendly. The night was packed with bronze-age themed entertainment, including three different auctions and talks from Professor Francis Pryor who is Director of Archaeology at Flag Fen and part of Channel 4’s Time Team, as well as a delicious meal. The Gala Dinner followed a great season in 2008, but it also celebrated patron Peter Boizot MBE’s birthday, so a gang of Romans burst in on the party to sing Happy Birthday! Flag Fen re-opens on the last Saturday of February, so if you’d like to support this unique and vital archaeological site right on our doorstep, visit www.flagfen.com.

Liv Slater

MARCH HAIR BALL

Spencer’s Hair Salon on Park Road will be throwing the March Hair Ball on March 7 at the East of England Showground so it’s time to get your glad rags ready. It’s to raise funds for the Phoenix School, which helps children with profound learning difficulties and Corpal, which supports suffers of Aicardi Syndrome and their families, a rare neurological disorder. They’ll also be putting some money towards creating disabled access for the salon, as they would like to be a disability specialist. Entertainment comes from Adiva, featuring Nicole Lawrence who’ll be playing Soul, Blues and Jazz, as well as a charity auction hosted by Warwick Davis of ‘Willow’ and ‘Harry Potter’ fame. All guests will receive a delicious three-course meal and there’ll be plenty of wine on the tables, as well as a chocolate fountain! The dress code will be black tie and all tickets include a £5 voucher for Spencer’s, so you can get your hair done beforehand. Tickets £60 from Spencer’s, Park Road or from Liza Schwarz on 01733 345550. Liv Slater

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Unlike some car clubs, the guys and girls at the Mondeo Owner’s (Eastern Branch) Club aren’t just interested in engines. They all got together recently and raised over £700 for Children in Need by car washing and swimming sponsored lengths at Hinchingbrooke House and School. Branch Representative Rupert Gladstone told ESP – “We’d like to give a massive thank you to everyone who donated towards our efforts, as well as everyone who turned out and made the day go well with lots of laughs.” It’s a massive sum for a small number of people – even Rupert’s five year-old son Tommy got involved by swimming lengths – so well done! If you’d like to donate or are a proud Mondeo owner, visit www.mondeoowners.co.uk to meet other fans.

Liv Slater

LIGHTS OF LOVE

Thorpe Hall is close to many people’s hearts in the city, and if the staff at Sue Ryder have cared for someone close to you, there’s a special event coming up where you can remember that special person and raise funds for the charity at the same time. At the Lights of Love event on December 7 you can write a dedication on a star to be hung on the Christmas tree at Thorpe Hall to celebrate the lives of loved ones. Then you can sing carols and enjoy a mulled wine and BBQ in the grounds and watch the Christmas tree lights being turned on. It’s a lovely way to mark Christmas and remember someone special. It starts at 6.30pm and finishes around 8pm so take a torch if you can. For more info visit lightsoflove.suerydercare.org or call 01733 330060.

Liv Slater

YOUR SAY...

“I was privileged to join the Face of ESP in 2007 as a judge and this was my first real taste of the power of ESP. Following the publication of the magazine I was amazed just how many people mentioned they’d seen me and my wife’s photo.

People that I never expected to read this publication. I thought it was just for the young people in Peterborough but soon found out everyone was keen to read its contents, no matter what their age was. I’ve since used ESP regularly to promote our Dodge Brand alongside the Peterborough Saxons to great effect. If these guys' carry on this way for another 10 years they can't fail to be successful. This is a great formula. Well done and keep it up.”

Alan Wensak, Dealer Principal, Marshall Chrysler Jeep and Dodge

Photo: Paul Franks

MONDEO OWNERS

The Santa Specials are back in full swing at Nene Valley Railway. The special service includes a visit to Santa, as well as a ride on a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine himself! All kids get a gift from Santa in his grotto at Wansford Station and then on the return trip to Peterborough, Santa will be handing out sweets, chocolates and treats. Adults on the train will be looked after too, with mince pies, hot drinks and alcoholic miniatures on offer – now you’re talking! The service operates most Wednesdays and weekends this month but book up quickly, so check availability on 01780 784444 or visit www.nvr.org.uk. Tickets start from £10.

Liv Slater

IT’S A BIKEFEST

If you’ve been thinking of switching to two wheels, like our ‘Man About Town’ Pep, then don’t miss the Camrider Open Day on December 6. Camrider offer all the training you need to get any size bike, from a Lambretta Scooter to a Harley and are giving you the chance to have a go on brand new bikes from the Marshall Honda showroom, police bikes and many more. Old students are also invited along and Infinity, the motorcycle shop, will be there with loads of goodies plus there’ll also be hot food and drink. It takes place at Brookfield Park, Werrington – off the Mancetter Square roundabout, near the old Kiddicare. For more info, call 01733 320820.

Liv Slater

SANTA RUN AT FERRY MEADOWS

If you’re at Ferry Meadows on December 7 and stumble across thousands of people dressed as Santa, don’t panic! People haven’t cracked beneath the strain of preparing for the festive season - it’s the city’s first Santa Run, organised

by Norwich and Peterborough Building Society on behalf of East Anglian Children’s Hospices (EACH). You don’t have to be super-fit to take part, as the route is just 2km and is easily walked so why not take the dog? If you haven’t already registered, you can do so on the day as long as you arrive before 10.30am, as the race starts at 11am.

Entry for over 14’s is £12, which includes a Santa outfit complete with hat and beard, for under 14’s it’s £5, which includes a Santa hat.

Register online at www.each.org.uk/santarunpeterborough or call Sally Cassels on 01223 205194.

Liv Slater

X’MAS FACTOR @ CHERRY TREE

If seeing Laura from X Factor visit the city recently has made you think that you could be the next big star, then why not give the ‘X’mas Factor at the Cherry Tree, Oundle Road a try. It’s a Karaoke competition with heats taking place every Tuesday this month and it’s all to raise funds for James, who is currently in Peterborough District Hospital with a severe heart and lung problem. The final will be held on December 23 - so even if you’re completely tone-deaf, head over to the Cherry Tree and offer your support while listening to Peterborough’s best new singers.

Liv Slater

FIREWORK FIESTA SUCCESS

Not even torrential rain could stop the Firework Fiesta going off with a bang (sorry!) and they’ve managed to raise over £12,000 for local worthy causes. With a mix of East Anglia’s biggest firework display and live music from the likes of The Brink, Mikey Matteo and Aladdin Sane on the Life FM Stage, it certainly lived up to its name. The ESP promotions crew braved the weather to dish out magazines and sweets and boogied along to the music under their brollies!

The weather did affect this year’s turn-out a bit, but plenty of people still showed up and organiser Neil Speechly told ESP - “Despite the worst weather in 30 years, it was a success and it was good to see lots of smiles and happy faces!”

Liv Slater

IT’S PANTO TIME ... OH YES IT IS!!

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a good pantomime and we’re spoilt for choice this year. Whether it’s for your office crowd’s night out or entertainment for the little uns, you should give it a try… Oh yes you should!

CINDERELLA AT THE KEY

If you’re after some good, clean, family fun in the traditional sense, then make sure you go to see Cinderella at the Key Theatre. It’s another fabulous in-house production and the talented, professional team there have been entertaining Peterborough families for over 30 years. The Key’s long-standing ‘dame,’ played by Michael Cross director of the Key Theatre returns to lead the show with West End actors Paul Crosby and Donna Steele. Lucy-Jane Quinlan will be playing the title role.

Michael told ESP - “We can promise great music and lots of fun in a spectacular and colourful new production. With a fast-moving story expertly told by a talented professional cast, the show will appeal to all ages and tastes. There’s always something for everyone in a Key panto – and that’s why audiences return to The Key every year, safe in the knowledge that it’s first-class, traditional family entertainment and excellent value for money.”

This year Michael is playing the part of the Fairy Godmother – but this year will be his last…

Booo! Michael told ESP - “It has been my absolute pleasure to play dame here at The Key and in panto and Christmas shows throughout the UK for over 20 years, but I feel that the time has come to inject some fresh faces and new blood into our highly-acclaimed annual production. I’m also finding it increasingly difficult to balance the demands of my day job with playing in the show – maybe my age is finally catching up with me! I know that I’ll miss it – I have only missed one season since 1993 – and I didn’t quite know what to do with myself – especially on Boxing Day when I’d been used to playing three shows that day.”

Join them at The Key from December 5 to January 4. Ticket prices range from £12.50 - £14.50. Box office: 01733 552439.

ALADDIN AT THE BROADWAY

Over at the Broadway Theatre they’re bringing stars such as Ray Quinn from X-Factor as Aladdin, Faye Tozer from Steps as the Slave of the Ring and Brian Capron, who played evil Richard Hilman on Coronation Street as the baddie Abanazer. It’s a lush, professional production packed full of West End actors and even has a guest appearance from Postman Pat! Ray told ESP he’s really excited about taking the lead role – “I’m honoured. I’m going to have loads of fun which is my main priority in life! And it’s great to be back in Peterborough because I came here with my tour.

“Pantos just keep getting better and this one especially with so many great people working on it. It’s no ordinary panto it’s going to be special and to be a part of that is amazing for me.”

Brian Capron has done a range of TV and theatre since starring in Corrie and makes a perfect baddie as Abanazar.

“It’s actually over five years since Richard Hillman,” he told ESP, “and I’ve purposely steered away from villains and doing pantomimes. This is the first one I’ve ever done and I’m really excited about it. I’ve reestablished myself now as an actor, but to come back to do a baddie – fantastic!”

Faye Tozer has just finished touring theatres with the Eva Cassidy Story and aims to add some glamour to her role.

“They wanted a sexy Slave of the Ring, so I’m donning the high heels and I get to do lots of fighting actually with some of the characters. I can be evil at the start and then be the goody at the end.

“Production team wise we’re very lucky, we have great set design, we’ve got some animation, a revolving stage and turning book pages - it’s going to be stunning visually.”

Aladdin is sponsored by Lite FM and runs from December 6 – January 17 with tickets from £10.

Box office: 01733 316100.

SNOW WHITE AT THE CRESSET

The Cresset will be staging Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs staring Bobby Crush, Britain’s favourite panto dame, Kim Taylforth who played Marilyn Fenner in Bad Girls, Oliver Farnworth who played Will Hackett in Hollyoaks and Ria Scott from the Fast Food Rockers will be taking you through the lively, fast paced performances full of dance, action and laughter.

Julian Stanley, chief executive at The Cresset, told ESP - “Last year’s show was hugely popular with schools, adults, children and critics alike and Bobby Crush as the Dame was a really massive hit with our audience - so we really are thrilled he’ll be returning. I was struck by the number of adults, with and without children, who could be seen joining in and cheering – Bobby had them eating out of the palm of his hand!

“With a supporting cast of talented actors, dancers and singers, as well live musicians, great sets and costumes, I believe we’re offering a smashing Christmas treat at prices people can afford.”

John Newman for Premier Pantomimes added - “Our first show at The Cresset last year was very successful. We feel we’ve developed a great relationship with the Peterborough audience – who were incredibly responsive. This year’s production will be another traditional family show focusing on the story, with a great script, lots of fun, laugher and opportunities to sing and join in throughout!”

The Cresset’s panto run begins on December 15 and runs through to January 3. Ticket prices range from just £10 per person for groups of 10 people or more, to £14.50 for adults and £13.25 for children. Box office on 01733 265705.

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DICK WHITTINGTON AT THE ARTS CENTRE

Over at Stamford Arts Centre, Chaplins Pantos drop by for one night only and transport you to old London town with Dick Whittington on January 3. Packed with comedy, excitement and adventure you can cheer on idle Dick and his famous cat (Elvis!) and boo at evil Captain Blood. Performances are at 2pm and 6pm and tickets are £6.50 or £24 for a family of four. Box office: 01780 763203.

CHRISTMAS @ CENTRAL

CINDERELLA IN SPALDING

Polka Dot Productions will be taking over the South Holland Centre in Spalding with their version of Cinderella with Spalding Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society. It’ll be full of fresh new faces and ideas, as well as all the traditional songs and action and runs from December 11 to January 4. Box office: 01775 764777.

“I would like to wish ESP a Happy Birthday and thank the magazine for its continued support in promoting city events and helping to raise awareness among Peterborough residents and visitors about what is going on in their city.”

YOUR SAY...

Annette Joyce, Peterborough City Council's city centre director

Wed 24th December - Xmas Eve

Black & White UV Party Black & White Decor - full UV floods Doors open 10pm - 2.30pm

Fri 26th December - Turkey Free Zone!

Want a cheap night? Look no further. Free B4 10.30pm BOGOF on all bottles in Brownes ‘til 11am

Wed 31st December 2008

Fire & Ice Fancy Dress Party Featuring Fire & Ice UV décor, dry ice, flaming Drambuies, giveaways & more!

Open 10pm – 4pm. £7 entry

ALADDIN IN STAMFORD

The newly refurbished Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre will be playing host to the Stamford Pantomime Players’ traditional version of Aladdin, which promises to be suitable for all the family and have lots of singing, dancing and slapstick!

Back open as usual on Friday 2nd January

January & February Offer!

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday ALL bottles £2 all night in Central!

£2

Become a fan of our Facebook group for offers and more!

There are matinees on December 30, 31 and January 3 at 2.30pm while evening performances start at 7.30pm on December 30, January 2 and 3 with a 5pm show on January 1.

Have your works Xmas Party here! Call for VIP packages & FREE bubbly!

Tickets are £9 (£6 concessions) from Stamford Arts Centre: 01780 763203.

R.O.A.R – management reserve the right to withdraw promotions and nights without prior notice – over 18s only.

www.centralnightclub.com

entertainment@espmag.co.uk

LOCALENTERTAINMENT THAT’LL BE THE DAY

One of the nation’s favourite Rock ‘n’ Roll variety shows, That’ll Be The Day returns to The Cresset in Bretton on December 6, due to massive pubic demand for a very special Christmas show. Featuring all your favourite Christmas songs from the 50’s onwards and new comedy routines, this promises to be a festive spectacular. Tickets £19 on 01733 265705.

Liv Slater

GOING GETS TOUGH AT CRESSET

One of the UK’s biggest ever stars, Billy Ocean, comes to the Cresset, Bretton on January 15 and will be performing his hits from across the decades including ‘Love Really Hurts’, ‘When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going’ and ‘Love on Delivery’. It’s his first UK tour for over 15 years, and while he’s promised to keep on touring, he might not come to Peterborough again for a very long time! Tickets £20. Box office: 01733 265705. Liv Slater

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS

Celebrating one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s legends, Buddy Holly and The Cricketers are one of the UK’s best loved tribute acts – you may have seen them recently as special guest stars on The One and Only on the BBC. They’re bringing their mix of banter, quick-fire humour and Buddy Holly’s hits to the Key Theatre on December 7 for a special festive show called ‘Holly at Christmas’. Tickets £15. Box office: 01733 552439.

Liv Slater

A SPARKLY CHRISTMAS CAROL

This festive production at the Corn Exchange Theatre in Stamford is based on the story of Scrooge with lots of traditional carols and Christmas Songs and promises something to keep all the family entertained. This fund raising event on Saturday December 6 will have two performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and money goes towards the ongoing renovation of the theatre. Tickets are £5 adults, £3 children (Family ticket £15 to include up to three children). Call the Corn Exchange Box Office/Sukies 01780 766455 or 01780 754829.

RETURN OF THE KING

The King is coming to the Key Theatre on January 21 and 22! Lee Memphis King is the UK’s most successful Elvis tribute act and has won awards and praise from Elvis fans all across the globe.

He’s even starred on the BBC and his show promises to highlight all the best parts of Elvis’ career, with a live band. Tickets £18.50. Box office: 01733 552439.

Liv Slater

YOUR SAY...

“It can't be ten years already? It goes to show that time really does fly when you're having fun and ESP has been at the heart of so much fun in the city over the past decade! I am delighted that the Key Theatre has been part of it all - and here's to the next 10 years, working together promoting the arts in Peterborough. Happy Birthday!"

Michael Cross, Key Theatre

If all this festive cheer is driving you mad, then you only need wait until January 17 when someone a little darker will be taking over the stage at the Key Theatre. Roger Dean will be singing the original man in black – Johnny Cash. While this show isn’t about glitzy, Stars in Their Eyes-style costumes, apparently Roger Dean really catches the feel and soul of Johnny Cash’s songs. Tickets £14. Box office: 01733 552439.

Liv Slater www.esp3.net ( December ) w w w.

Get into the festive mood with Party Nights at the Cresset, starting on December 4 with Ladies Party Night, featuring buff male strippers, a sumptuous buffet, free sparkling wine on entry and a disco to keep you dancing all night. For something a little less risqué, why not try one of their Festive Party Nights on December 12, 13 and 19 which includes a three-course Christmas dinner and music until late from Spectrum Disco. Ladies Party £16, Festive Party Package £29.95 Liv Slater

BACK TO BROADWAY

Glamour and glitz comes to the Stamford Arts Centre on January 17 with Back to Broadway, a revue of West End and Broadway tunes from four national tour and West End singers. Covering your favourites from Les Miserables, Chicago, Mamma Mia and Joseph, this charity performance will have something for all fans of musicals. Tickets £14. Box office: 01780 763203.

Liv Slater

MOVIE REVIEW

LAKEVIEW TERRACE

Out December 5 - Sony Pictures In Lakeview Terrace, a young couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbour, who disapproves of their interracial relationship. A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD officer (Samuel L. Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighbourhood. His nightly foot patrols and overly watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decide to fight back.

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

MAN IN BLACK

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PARTY AT THE CRESSET

dontscrapthetap . c o m

10 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO SHOWCASE It’s spendathon season so to save you some pennies and keep you entertained it’s Showcase cinema and ESP magazine to the rescue. If you fancy leaving the Quality Street at home and catching a great Christmas movie for free, just text or email us the answer to the following question…

Q – Who starred as Vincent Vega, the partner of Samuel L Jackson’s character in Pulp Fiction?

Register at www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and you can get show times and special offers by email every week.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 19/12/08

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

‘A dining experience with a difference’ • The Cherry House serves Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm • 3 course Sunday lunch, includes coffee + mints • Christmas menus available for lunchtime and evening, please call for more details.

The Cherry House Restaurant 125 Church Street,Werrington, Peterborough 01733 571721

THE

Brewery Tap Winner of the Good Beer Guide 2009 ‘Own Brew Pub of The Year’ Award Shopper Special

New Year’s Eve

Shopper’s Special served 6pm 9.30pm available Sun-Thurs, 1st - 23rd December to coincide with the late night opening of Queensgate. Choose from a selection of main courses with rice or noodles plus free prawn crackers - great value at only £7.50.

Kick off 2009 in style and join us as we celebrate with the full grandeur of a Thai Banquet. Dance and celebrate to the wonderful sounds of the Mark Wilkinson Trio before headline act Groove Cartel take to the stage to welcome in the New Year.

Function Room

Limited tickets available at £30 per person. Doors open at 7.30pm with a canapé and bubbly reception. Dress to impress - no jeans, no trainers.

Bookings now being taken for our brand new function room.

80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap@hotmail.com web: www.oakhamales.com

Christmas Menu Book early to avoid disappointment.

Now available daily until December 24th call NOW to book (deposits required).

OpeningTimes: Mon-Thu 12noon-11.00pm Fri & Sat 12noon-late, Sun 12noon-10.30pm

Registered member of Peterborough Centre Safe

Europe’s Largest Brew Pub and home of

Pep Cipriano

SEX EXERCISES HOW ‘IRON’IC!

MAN

about

TOWN

AS HEARD ON

Last month I revealed it takes 148 minutes of vigorous sex to burn off a Big Mac and women should email me after scoffing one. Instead I’ve received alternative suggestions like carrying the shopping (155 mins), ironing (169 mins) and vacuuming (111 mins). I’d like to point out I don’t eat Big Macs.

A PERFECT 10 YEARS OLD! pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

ESP Magazine is a Perfect 10 years-old. Wow! That means I’ve been a columnist for the city’s premier magazine for almost 10 years too – that’s a lot of columns and a lot of fantastic memories.

I’ve been in a fortunate position for most of those 10 years. I’ve interviewed celebrities, met and made friends with some of the city’s most influential people and dated a few birds along the way too.

I’m so proud of being born and living in Peterborough it hurts – and ESP has allowed me to embrace everything I love and want to influence about my city, which I am eternally grateful for. Now here’s hoping for at least another 40 years of ESP being in existence, so I can continue typing until my fingers become too frail to do so!

Picking my Perfect 10 Man About Town Moments was like asking to pick the winning lottery numbers. But after much soul-searching I’ve managed it and here they are in no particular order:

VALENTINE’S PHOTO SHOOT WITH PLAYBOY MODEL February 2002:

Need I say more? Local glamour model Sam Irons was, and still is, stunning. She was totally professional and I was totally in dreamland. I kept the photos in my wallet for months afterwards.

VIP OPENING OF FAITH

FACE OF ESP FINALS NIGHT

May 2003:

September 2003:

I’ve been to dozens of bar and club VIP openings but this was the best. It was done properly, everyone believed in the venue and the guest list was finely balanced with business people and revellers. Faith had been brought back from the dead and everyone who was anyone wanted to be seen attending the VIP opening. Not only was the club decked out stylishly, everyone that night felt special and there wasn’t a word of criticism from anyone.

It didn’t last. Faith sadly didn’t match the heyday of Quo Vadis and Shanghai Sams before it.

This was our first and for me, most memorable Face of ESP Finals night. Readers and sponsors alike brilliantly supported the event.

It really did feel like we were putting on something special, which we did and continue to do. The icing on the cake was gorgeous Becca Evans winning the title. Becca is still very much involved with ESP five years on – a true ambassador of the magazine.

INTERVIEW WITH GIRLS ALOUD April 2005:

MY VESPA September 2008:

Taz Motorcycles in Fengate wanted me to promote the benefits of owning a scooter and using it as a primary mode of transport, so they gave me one to use for a few months.

Scooters, Vespa’s in particular, are part of Italian culture and I knew I’d love every minute of riding it. I’m hooked and they’re not having it back.

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www.esp3.net ( December ) w w w.

ZOLA AT FRATELLIS March 2003:

One of the best footballers of his generation, Gianfranco Zola, was the star of the show when he attended a dinner in aid of the Italian earthquake appeal hosted by Fratellis in Castor. It wasn’t the first time I’d interviewed the great man and again he was as sincere, gracious and genuine as can be.

dontscrapthetap . c o m

The fittest birds in pop mimed to a capacity crowd at Faith and I was there to charm them.

Cheryl had an attitude, Nicola didn’t speak, Kimberley had a great a*se, Nadine was shy and Sara was well, dirty… I ended up giving her my phone number but she obviously must have left it in her jeans when she washed them.

SWITCH-ON A SUCCESS WITH LAURA

I met X-Factor’s lovely Laura White at the city centre Christmas lights switch-on but highlight of the day was catching up with Hereward FM breakfast show host Kev Lawrence. For once he looked like he had a face for radio bless him. He was all fake-tanned up, his hair was especially straightened and spiked and he wore one of his early 1990s baggy pinstripe suit jackets. His co-presenter, Abby, on the other hand looked a lovely bit of stuff.

Fresh-faced, natural and quite fit, she’s wasted on radio. Still, they did a fantastic job at hosting the event. Who says opposites don’t attract?

BOXING TRAINING WITH PHOENIX ABC March 2005:

As part of a feature about the fitness benefits of boxing, I was invited to attend a training session with Phoenix Amateur Boxing Club, which was run by former British champion Gary De Roux. This was a brilliant insight into boxing training methods and the discipline, dedication and determination that go into being a successful fighter.

I’ve been hooked ever since.

WEDDING PHOTO SHOOT WITH KAYLEIGH January 2005:

One of the best photo shoots I’ve ever done. Face of ESP Kayleigh Butler and I clicked in front of the lens as we powered through dozens of photographs to promote weddings. We pushed the boundaries and had loads of fun doing it. Kayleigh was always open to experimenting with different creative ideas, a true artistic champion – with a good rack too.

CHRIS MOYLES INTERVIEW

THANKS AND WELL DONE

I must mention two of my favourite city movers and shakers. Firstly I’d like to wish Phil Elmer all the best for when the time comes for him to pack his crates of Chateau Fengate and his case of rugby club memories and join his family for a cosy life in the Mediterranean. I would like to thank Phil for keeping me sharp when I needed to be with regular contributions to the rugby club programme some years ago - and for introducing me to competitive running I ran my first 10k with him earlier this year. Phil has always been a genuine, kind and generous man. The city will be a poorer place without him. Phil, we’ll have a glass or two or three soon…

November 2006:

Radio One loudmouth Chris Moyles was signing his book at Waterstones in Bridge Street. He had all the time in the world for me and we got along as if we’d known one another for years. It was like he was just one of the lads.

As he is on radio, he was in the flesh. We had a great laugh and I couldn’t print most of what we talked about!

NIGHT ON THE TILES WITH STUDENT NURSES May 2000:

A bunch of student nurses insisted they could drink my mates and I under the table, so I threw down the challenge. I’d like to add this was when I could drink more and when nobody had heard of the term ‘binge drinking’.

In the end we were all standing, while they whittled from five to two. I captured on camera: sick, boob flashing, snogging, weeing in alleyways, shot downing, pint racing – the lot. Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to print any of these images but I did manage to write a ‘clean’ picture story of events. I went private for hospital treatment after this.

And congratulations to Waterstones (Bridge Street) manager, Anna Elmore who beat off stiff competition to scoop a business award last month. This accolade couldn’t have gone to a better, more hardworking person. Anna has been known to sleep in her office she’s that devoted to her job. A self-confessed ‘media whore’, Anna has promoted her shop to be one of the busiest in the country and continues to attract top celebrity book signings, some of which have appeared in this column over the years. Well done Anna, we need to have a cocktail me thinks…

w w w.

ICE COOL £5K RAISED IN HOCKEY GAME!

Congratulations to all who took part in the celebrity ice hockey game to raise money for SportsAid at Planet Ice last month. The team I was supposed to captain, ‘Pep’s Men About Town’, beat ‘Mike’s Lightening’ 5-2, which was skippered by Lite FM presenter Mikey Clarke.

The event raised approximately £5,000 – a fantastic achievement considering I didn’t play because of injury (it meant only 300 spectators turned up) and that the country is supposedly on the brink of recession. I’d like to thank last year’s Face of ESP, Kerry Bates, for standing in for me and doing a brilliant job.

And a special mention to my Lite FM sports show (Wednesdays 7-8pm, 106.8 FM) co-presenter Phil Adlam who boasted of not falling over once. It’s hard to fall when you’re standing in the corner through all of the game. Also to Face of ESP Claire Smith (pictured with Phil and I) whose whiff of fake tan made it difficult for me to properly enjoy my hot chocolate. And finally to my physiotherapist, Viv Fort, for insisting I shouldn’t play and for offering a free sports massage for the Man of the Match, which went to four-goal hero Darren Howell of Fenmarc Produce in March.

CIAOS OUT TO:

• Claire – think I’ll fit in your case for Egypt x • Amanda - fancy another offensive catch-up?

• Rachael, Amanda and Jon in PCC comms – now you’re famous • Natalie & Naomi – is there life after GHL then?

• Bru – New Year Mexican feast?

• Martina – thanks for your ‘distinguished’ help x

dontscrapthetap . c o m

www.esp3.net ( December )

15

Photos: Rex Features

What a rollercoaster of emotions it’s been watching local lad Aston and the boys from JLS each week on X Factor… ESP hops on for the ride and catches up with Aston Merrygold.

Not many Peterborough guys can say they’ve had a number one record and are or on a national tour in the next few months, but Aston Merrygold and the guys from boy band JLS are still riding the wave of what the X Factor has brought them.

When we spoke to Aston he was still feeling a little disheartened at being in the bottom two on the Take That show.

“I think my face said it all,” he told ESP “I did lead vocals so I did feel personally knocked and lost

some confidence. I’m the youngest so I was probably most distraught but all the guys were great.”

It wasn’t long though before Aston received some real words of encouragement from his childhood hero, athletics star Darren Campbell.

“That weekend Darren phoned me out of the blue and said it was just how he can feel when he’s in a race and that I had to keep strong and mustn’t get disheartened. It was amazing, I just thought wow, Darren Campbell’s phoned me personally! I’ve admired him since I was kid. It was such a boost!”

Everyone in Peterborough has been rooting for Aston and JLS and were chuffed to see some pics from the Boro on national TV when “For me ESP achieves a perfect balance between entertaining features together with local information always enhanced by superb photography. If you have been out and about in Peterborough, chances are the event and you will have been in the magazine.”

YOUR SAY...

Keith Dalton, host of Lite FM’s Early Morning Wake Up

Aston came back to do some filming. He’s promised to come back again soon and when he does it’ll be great to see the return of our local musical hero.

“We’re very, very lucky to have done this,” said Aston. “There’s definitely a gap in the market for JLS. We’re very confident and in it to win it now. We just need people to keep on picking up the phone and not to think we’re safe!”

Whatever happens, JLS have been at the top of the charts with the X Factor Help for Heroes charity single ‘Hero’ and will be joining the other finalists on the forthcoming X Factor Tour. You can catch it at Trent FM Arena in Nottingham on March 8, 2009 – put a request for tickets on your Christmas list boys and girls as the demand will be huge!

Tickets are priced at £28.50 (plus booking fee) and £90 (plus booking fee) for a family ticket, which is a maximum of two adults.

You can book through the 24hr ticket hotline on 08444 124 624 or online at www.trentfmarenanottingham.com

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

LocalFashion

RED FULL LENGTH GOWN £130 JOHN LEWIS BLACK GEMS BRACELET £15 NEXT BLACK RING £4 NEXT

BLACK PEEP-TOE SHOES £25 NEXT

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Vintage Glamour

STEP OUT IN STYLE THIS FESTIVE SEASON, WITH LOOKS INSPIRED BY SCREEN SIRENS FROM OLD HOLLYWOOD. ESP’S JOANNE QUINNEY RECREATES THE GOLDEN ERA WITH SUMPTUOUS FABRICS AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL…

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Proudly sponsored by

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This season is all about embracing styles from the past. Think glamour from the 1920’s, right up to the 1950’s and you’re along the right lines. From flapper girls to Audrey Hepburn fashion is cruising through time.

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A sequin Flapper Girl dress is perfect for all those Christmas parties you’ll be going to; you can keep the look modern by teaming with black opaque tights and killer heels. Flapper Girls were all about embracing styles in a sleek, short shift dress and epitomised the spirit of a rebel who danced the night away – perfect! Coco Chanel’s clothing designs became the essence of 1920’s style, using neutral tones of beige, cream and black. Nude shades look classy and sophisticated when combined with black, the look can be modernised by adding metallics and a variety of textures such as lace to create your Christmas party look.

Be inspired by sexy screen sirens Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner by choosing a full length gown clinging to curves in all the right places. Detail and embellishment are key, and why not be bold in striking red, perfect against Claire’s complexion and brunette colouring.

For extra glamour complete your festive look with a faux fur jacket, or sequin cape to keep shoulders warm in the sub zero temperatures outside.

Beautiful classic dresses need to be finished with jewellery that also fits the era, so go for gems, and lots of them!

Ornate gems are not only found as key features on dresses, but with jewellery too. Dress rings have been supersized and gem bracelets can be found in a variety of colours to suit all tastes. Be inspired this festive period, and bring out your vintage vixen!

w w w. q u e e n s g a t e - s h o p p i n g . c o . u k

www.esp3.net ( December )

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

LocalFashion

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MODEL – CLAIRE SMITH, FACE OF ESP ‘08 DRESSES AND ACCESSORIES FROM STORES IN QUEENSGATE

HAIR AND MAKE-UP

KRIS AT MICHAEL JOHN. TEL: 01733 553732

ESP WOULD LIKE TO THANK 20

EMMA AND THE TEAM AT THORPE HALL FOR HELPING WITH THIS SHOOT.

www.esp3.net ( December ) w w w. q u e e n s g a t e - s h o p p i n g . c o . u k

Now open in Westgate Arcade • • • •

Dry Cleaning, repairs and alterations to the highest standards Member of The Guild of Cleaners & Launderers Over 40 years of combined experience Open Mon – Fri 8.30am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 3pm

43 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SQ (next to Bombay Brasserie)

TEL: 01733 566777

For quality gifts at great prices, exclusive and distinctive ideas for home decoration, beautiful jewellery and unusual touches for the individual in you.

Silver Fox… as different as you are special.

Westgate Arcade, Peterborough Tel: 01733 552258

Make Christmas unforgettable

THE PERFECT TEN PICK ME UPA feel good evening for the girls!

Fancy a girls’ night out that’s fun and good for you?! We have something great lined up to help you get some zest back this January, with the first of our special events to celebrate our tenth birthday.

The Perfect Ten Pick Me Up event will bring together ten health and beauty experts for a special ladies only evening at Orchids ladies fitness centre on Wednesday January 21 with ESP magazine.

It’ll be a New Year and a chance to take a fresh look at your health and fitness and enjoy a few treats on the way. ESP’s expert in nutrition, Karen Devine will be there to help you with any questions on diet and health, the girls from Orchids will demonstrate their easy 30 minute workouts, we’ll have skincare and health advice plus the chance to try out lots of mini treats to help brighten you up for winter.

Beat those winter blues and join us from 7pm – 9pm at Orchids New England Complex, York Road (www.orchidsfitness.co.uk), admission is free!

Pick up next month’s copy of ESP for more details.

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

c

The page that knew it shouldn’t have given Andrew Sachs’ phone number to Russell Brand

in an attempt to get an interview with one of them. Unfortunately the one I bumped into wasn’t very co-operative and seemed to be in a right strop about something. I don’t know what his problem was, I mean it’s not like I left a message on his answer machine bragging about sleeping with his cybergranddaughter is it?

Photo: Julian L. Harris

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the new Christmas episode and remember that the last time the Cybermen were on TV in 2006 Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger in Only Fools & Horses) was in charge of them, so it’ll be interesting to see who they get this time… my money’s on Mickey Pearce.

Of course depending on your age you'll either consider David Tennant or Tom Baker to be the best ever Doctor. Unfortunately neither of them were at Earls Court when I was there, but shortly after I got roughed up by a bloke pretending to be a Cyberman I did get to meet the man who I consider to be the greatest time travelling doctor of all time... ever...

DOCTOR WHO ARE YA, WHO ARE YA

So, ladies and gentlemen here it is - my contribution to ESP's 10th anniversary issue.

As many of you will know this year’s ‘Dr Who' Christmas special features the return of the Cybermen, so a few months ago I went to the London Film & Sci- Fi exhibition at Earls Court

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YOUR SAY...

d

“Congratulations to all at ESP on reaching the tenth anniversary issue. The magazine seems to get bigger and better every month and has its finger on the pulse of what's on, when and where. The Cresset is also celebrating 30 years of entertaining the people of Greater Peterborough this year, and we are proud to work with ESP in spreading the word about the great acts that are coming to the city.

Here's to another decade!”

Mark Elliott, The Cresset

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

WIN TIM VINE’S LATEST DVD In these times of economic downturns and global financial meltdowns I’m aware that a lot of you don't have as much cash on the hip as normal to spend on buying comedy DVDs for Chrimbo, so I've pulled my finger out and managed to get a couple of copies of Tim Vine’s brand new live comedy DVD So I Said to This Bloke.

A couple of years ago, Tim broke the Guinness World Record for telling the most jokes in an hour (499) and this DVD continues in a similar vein. After watching the DVD I lost count of how many are on it, but it’s a relentless hour of quick-fire jokes and sight-gags.

We've got two copies up for grabs and in time honoured fashion I have to set a question. So here it is...

Simply complete the punchline to this well known Christmassy joke and email or text in your answer with your name, address and phone number…

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizza?

American actor Christopher Lloyd, AKA 'Doctor Emmett Brown' in the Back to the Future movies (which are bound to be on over the Christmas holiday). Look, here he is, with his arm around my shoulder and everything!

For me, the fact that he invented a time machine out of a De Lorean car rather than a rickety old wooden 1960's police telephone box makes him the coolest 'Doctor' in the space time continuum.

dontscrapthetap . c o m

a) Deep and crisp and even b) With a thick crust c) With garlic bread Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 15/12/08

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL:

COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

A TACHE FOR CASH

CHRISTMAS JOKES MY

I had an email through from Sue Ryder Care who are challenging blokes from Greater Peterborough to grow a moustache during January and help raise cash for the Thorpe Hall hospice. There’ll be a prize for the best/most impressive ‘tache and you can get all the info from www.suerydercare.org or call Helena on 01733 330060.

1.

It also got me thinking about which local celebrity I'd most like to see grow a moustache, and my choice would have to be Barry Fry. In his autobiography there's a picture of him in the 70's with George Best. Best has his beard, but Bazza out does him in the sartorial stakes by sporting a big kipper tie and a superb ‘Burt Reynolds’ style 'tache.

Surely it's time it made a comeback?

2.

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

3.

“I went to Mark Ronson’s birthday party recently. It was fancy dress so I went as Madonna. The only problem was I looked more like Mick Hucknall’s love child.” – Alan Carr

STAND OUT

STAND UP

Stamford Comedy Club – Friday December 19 is headlined by Shazia Mirza and I’m really looking forward to seeing Shaz perform in Stamford. I've never seen a female comedian divide audiences as much as she does so I'm intrigued as to how her act goes down at the Arts Centre. She has some killer oneliners, but despite her sometimes prickly and fiery stage persona she’s one of the nicest female comedians on the circuit.

Go see her, and be generous with your laughs... Her jokes deserve it. Box office: 01780 763203.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Jimmy Carr is back at The Broadway again on April 17. His January show has sold out, as did the one in September, so book up fast! Box office: 01733 316100.

“I was coming out of my off licence with four crates of lager, two crates of wine, a bottle of whiskey, a bottle of vodka and a bottle of brandy... and I said to the guy serving 'Christmas is really about the children isn't it' ” Barry Cryer “Noddy Holder is so entrenched with Christmas that there are kids who don't think he actually exists."

Mark Radcliffe "What do you give a man who has everything? Well I suggest you give his address to a burglar."

Arthur Smith

4.

"I'm not good at buying presents because I'm a man. I think there should be a shop called 'Inspiration Without Effort' - only for blokes obviously, and it's only open on Christmas Eve, 12pm - 5pm."

Ian Stone

5.

"I discovered the best shop last year. The Body Shop.

They should call it 'The Last Minute Thoughtless Gift Warehouse'. You could be asleep and shop there 'Ah, grapefruit bath gel. My sister eats grapefruit and she baths... perfect'.”

Todd Barry

6.

"Two snowmen in a field, and one says to the other 'Can you smell carrots?’”

Dave Spikey

7.

“Growing up Christmas was terrible, not like nowadays when kids get everything. My sister got a miniature set of perfume called 'Ample'. It was tiny, but even I could see where my Dad had scraped off the 'S'.”

Stephen K Amos

8.

“I’m hoping to get regional monopoly for Christmas – the Yorkshire version. It’s like the original except with a few changes to the chance cards. ‘You’ve won first prize in a beauty contest – now get back home and clean the house, you’ve had your bit of fun’.”

Lee Mack

9.

“I went to watch Luton play on Boxing Day last year and at the end the entire crowd sang You’ll Never Walk Alone. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen it sung as a duet.”

THE LAST LAUGH

As ESP's comedy writer / critic / reporter / columnist I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't talk about the Russell Brand/Jonathan Ross phone prank scandal. As you can see there's not much space left in my allocated part of the magazine, and as I've got rather a lot to say about it I’ve put my feelings on it up on my Facebook page. Just go on there and type in stevegonzalez@hotmail.co.uk In the meantime, Happy Merry Christmas everyone and see you in 2009. Cheers…

Steveo

Eric Morecambe (from the Morecambe & Wise 1978 Christmas special. 30 years old, and still as funny).

10.

"I had a terrible argument with my wife last Christmas morning. She said I'd done nothing to help with the dinner and I said 'What do you mean? - Look at what I've done to the turkey. I've plucked it and I've stuffed it, now all you've got to do is kill it and put it in the oven.’ " Harry Hill

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HEALTH TIPS

AS SEEN ON

TV

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

GMTV, LK Today and UKTV Style’s ‘Spa of Embarrassing Illnesses’

‘Tis the season to suffer… gut grief!

MY

Karen Devine

1.

Keep it real – real food means food that has not been processed, that feeds your body

2.

Ditch the artificial sweeteners

3.

Make your life colourful, use a variety of fresh veg and small amounts of fruit each day

4.

Ditch the extremes of dieting – it’ll just be a merry-go-round you can’t get off

5.

Try a new healthy food each month - it takes several attempts to get used to a taste, don’t just avoid a healthy food because you didn’t like it as a kid

6.

Read the labels – if you can’t read the majority of it, then why eat it?

7.

Give yourself the luxury of a light food day – works wonders for slowing the aging process. Salads, soups and juices are all highly nutritious and easy to digest

8.

You don’t always need your daily bread, have a day off the sarnies once in a while

9.

Don’t be fat free, eat the healthy fats your body uses for optimum health

10. Take responsibility for your own health, look after you!

It’s that time of year again which will find many of you reaching out for the bottle! Not just the alcohol kind but the bottle of Gaviscon, or chewable Rennies, or whatever else you use to calm down the gut gripes you get over the festive season.

We spend thousands of pounds each year on over-the-counter relief from heartburn, indigestion, bloating, flatulence or any other conditions of the intestinal tract.

But, at this time of year where we down meal after meal, guzzle drink after drink and a pile of sweets, pies and whatever else is offered to us, it’s no surprise we get more sounds, pain and odours out of our inner workings! Oh yes and not forgetting the trouble with sprouts, (there’s a hard starch in there which is hard to break down, so basically they ferment and cause the problems!).

Our digestive system can multitask (like us women!), and deal with much that we throw down it, but over periods of stress, poor nutrition, medical drugs, wrong food choices and too much alcohol can all leave the gut in a less than happy state!

What happens when you eat a great big meal? Generally most

people fall asleep, why? Well, your body has to bring an increased flow of blood supply to the digestive system and is under more demand

term, so they are not mentioned here!)

Of course I could say go for low fat, low sugar options but reality is “It is great that ESP has made it to its 10th Birthday! What a great service it provides to the Peterborough community by keeping us up-to-date with all the exciting things going on in the city.

YOUR SAY...

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to the ESP team for all their support over the years by raising funds, supporting and advertising our events.”

Emma Long - Fundraiser, Sue Ryder Care

to release enzymes to break down the foods and so you have little, or no energy left for anything else.

Do you really need me to tell you what a load of gut grief looks or feels like? Perhaps you are one of the many few who suffer recurrent Heartburn Indigestion Bloating Constipation Heaviness after foods Diarrhoea……

There are many ways to help the body when it is being put under so much demand (supplements can be useful but should always be given under guidance particularly for gastric problems or if taken long

we forget all that when we get into the swing of things. So, my advice is to keep things simple on the odd days in between those big Scooby sized dinners, you’ll probably feel like it anyway • Eat lighter meals - this can be easy in the winter by eating soups.

• Avoid some of the harder protein such as animal protein for a day (you don’t always need animal protein), wheat can be difficult to digest so have odd days without it.

• Salads – you can warm up a salad by adding some roasted veg • If you have a juicer – why not have a juice morning or juice

day? Adding some ginger will give it a bit of a warm kick – it’s also a great way to get nutrients in.

• Make sure you stay hydrated, with all the dried, concentrated foods and alcohol you’ll need to ensure you’re drinking some fresh water in between.

Dehydration can affect the workings of the gut Resting your digestive system for a day or two, may give you not only light relief but it will help your body recover and ultimately support your immune system.

The quickest way to age is to overeat due to the demands it puts on the body; thankfully Christmas comes once a year!!

Merry Christmas Karen NB - if you suffer with recurrent gastrointestinal problems, see your GP for advice.

For more information on nutrition and health go to my website www.karendevine.co.uk

Karen has a diploma in nutritional medicine, nutritional therapeutics and homotoxicology; she is a member of the British Association of Nutritional Therapists and runs her own private practice.

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HEALTH and beauty CLAIRE ENJOYS THE NEW CLINIQUE COSMETIC COUNTER EXPERIENCE

Our brand new Face of ESP, Claire Smith is in for plenty of beauty treats with some top brands queuing up to pamper her!

Claire had a fantastic make-over from Clinique, where Marie Hudson, account manager at the John Lewis Clinique counter showed her the best colours for her skin tone, some great new products to try and even some new application tricks to make sure she's always looking her best at events!

The Clinique consultation experience has recently been reinvented, focusing on the interaction between you and the consultant to lead to a better understanding of your skin. We have to say both Marie and Becki at John Lewis were excellent but Marie told us Claire was a great client to work with – “Claire’s skin is in very good condition but was a little dehydrated so we used a rehydrating moisturiser to help with that without creating too much oil.

“She is very pretty and has really nice features so we wanted to accentuate her eyes and opted for a lovely smoky eye look using the new Blackberry Bloom range.”

Anyone can enjoy a free consultation, but you can book in advance if you prefer, you’re given a seat, talked through all aspects of skin care and make-up and will leave with some great advice. The Clinique consultants are also armed with a new tool that will enable them to provide a comprehensive skin consultation – the Diagnostic Mirror. This allows them to better see your skin and in turn, show you your key concerns such as oiliness, dryness, enlarged pores, lines, discolouration and breakouts.

"What an experience the Clinique consultation was!” says Claire. “Marie explained everything clearly and in easy stepby-step stages. It has really made me reconsider the way I look after my skin and give it the TLC it needs before it ages before I do!”

Clinique products are all meticulously tested and carefully formulated; they’re allergy-tested and 100% fragrance free so proved ideal for Claire.

“I'm allergic to lanolin and most cosmetics so it was nice to find products that suited my sensitive skin. To finish, Marie did a fantastic job of my make-up and taught me some much needed techniques. I would highly recommend it to anyone."

The new Blackberry Bloom range is a wearable and sultry collection that highlights a beautiful glowing face, accentuated with sexy, dramatic eyes. For the girl looking to go from the office to a festive soiree it’s perfect to go from daytime to playtime - glamour in an instant!

To book a consultation call John Lewis 01733 344644 and ask for the Clinique counter or for more details on the new Clinique range visit www.clinique.co.uk

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GIFTS THAT ARE JUST LUSH-OUS!

You can’t miss the gorgeous smell from the Lush store upstairs in Queensgate and their range of gifts should have your Christmas stockings smelling heavenly! Whatever your budget you should be able to find some fab smellies in this store, all gorgeously gift wrapped and ranging in price from a fiver to fifty quid.

This year, there’s a whole shop full of individual treats and stocking fillers, along with luxury gift options, that are freshly handmade and contain environmental and animal friendly products. Not only that, but the majority of their little festive gems are solid and sold unpackaged. This means there’s no need for preservatives or packaging, which helps to clean up the planet as well as the lucky recipient of these products!

YULETIDE (£7.50) … a great gift for wishing everyone a happy Yuletide with an almond oil rich soap and a snowman shaped bath ballistic made with the uplifting sweet floral, ylang ylang and moisturising cocoa butter.

CHRISTMAS STAR (£19.95) … for fans of all things glitterati, this star shaped gift is bursting with six wonderfully uplifting, cleansing and sparkling bath time treats.

STARDUST GIFT (£24.95) … pink and delightfully girly, this gift is full of as many pink, sweet and glittery products as you can imagine like the new Stardust bath ballistic, with everlasting flower, violet leaf absolute and bergamot oil.

CHARITY BOX (£29.95) … a gift that keeps on giving. Inside is a Charity Pot hand and body lotion that costs £9.95 in store and this amount (minus the VAT) from this gift will be given to small, handpicked grass root charities and groups that work in environmental conservation and animal welfare. It also contains a range of Fairtrade products and a chunk of Karma soap.

ENCHANTED (£32.95) … a magical box of festive treats to enchant and bewitch. This one includes bubble bars, bath ballistic, lip balm and lots more all packaged beautifully in a new, smaller style hatbox decorated with a Narnia-esque winter scene.

Lush Christmas gifts and single treats are available at Lush in Queensgate or order on-line at www.lush.co.uk

CUTTING COSTS

Brylcreem’s Style Director, Louis Byrne, has put together a money saving hair grooming guide for the guys. Louis has twice won Male Hairdresser of the Year, so really knows his stuff and shares his tips on how to save the pennies for Christmas… and all those gifts you want to buy your girlfriends!

• An easy way to make your cut look refreshed is to give your neck hair a trim and sideburns can be easily trimmed at home. A weekly trim will keep your hairstyle looking fresher in-between salon visits.

ALL THAT GLITTERS ‘SPARKLE’ EYELINER Body Shop £10

CRYSTAL TWEEZERS

Tweezerman

£25 www.tweezerman.co.uk

• If you need to trim your hair make sure you point cut rather than cutting in straight lines. This will help give the cut a loose and grown-out look and allow for a few mishaps.

• If you get through a lot of product and want to cut back, choose a styling product which is designed to go further. Brylcreem’s reStyler, allows you to keep re-styling your hair throughout the day. You only need to use this product once.

VINTAGE JEWELS SHIMMER POWDER Estee Lauder

• Find out if your regular salon runs in-house training. Salons will normally train their staff on their quietest days, Monday and Tuesday.

You can get a free ‘model haircut’ by a trainee who’ll be closely supervised by one of the experienced staff, ensuring you’re happy with the final cut.

• Junior Stylists who’ve just started on the salon floor will offer discounted rates. They work regular hours including weekends.

• Finally, I know it’s not what you always want to hear, but generally if you pay more for your haircut it will last longer. Style Directors have years of hairdressing under their belt and will know how to get the best out of your hair. It may be better in the long run to go for a more expensive cut, less frequently.

£28

‘GLAMOUR KIT’ FOR EYES Inika mineral make-up

£34.95 www.inikacosmetics.co.uk

WIN!!! The new purple ghd travel set worth £155 choose your 3 favourite hairstyles from the pictures above and email your choice to michaeljohn@espmag.co.uk - draw takes place on xmas eve at the Queensgate salon.

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

NO SEX IN THE CITY! Part 2… watch out, the girls are about in NYC. Is it true that in every circle of girlfriends, you compare yourselves to an iconic group of women, like in Sex and The City? In ours we do, although you tend to get two Charlottes or Carries as no one ever really wants to think they’re identical to the uptight one – Miranda. “I AM NOT UPTIGHT – JUST HAVE A STRESSFUL LIFE!” - sound familiar to you?

On a recent trip to NY, I set out to ‘find myself’, namely to prove that I was indeed Carrie – the trendy, friendly, funny (PERFECT!) Carrie. But being Susan, and not Carrie, meant that it didn’t quite go according to plan…

After the worst journey there known to man (see last month’s issue!) we finally found our hotel between Madison Square Gardens and Times Square. There we met this absolutely crazy guy called Zac (the good kind rather than the fit for an institution kind!) and after praising our accents, he convinced us to go to ‘Dangerfields’ a cool comedy night in NYC. At the time, my girlfriends obviously forgot that I have the world’s most colourful laugh and they are, as I found out, a little bit embarrassed of it (cheers guys – but as my mum also is, I’ll let you off!).

Our first day trip was, you guessed it, shopping. Destination discount village - a la Woodbury Common. On the way, we were accosted by some excursion reps/pests. They insisted their Woodbury bus was “just round the corner”, and surprisingly before we knew it the ‘cowboy bus’ arrived. Once we hopped on though we sensed just a little hostility. I overheard comments like - “Why did we pick them up?” and “What a load of baloney.” We looked nervously at each other then the driver spoke on the tanoy… “I apologise for the incompetence of my company. I just follow instructions so I’m sorry we had a false start and had to come back round on ourselves, we should be ready to go now!” Now COME ON – it wasn’t our fault!!

Five hours, 50 bags and two shoe changes later, we were on the coach back home and soon hopping in another cab and off to the comedy club. Later, my ribs were aching (one of the few times that I can actually FEEL my ribs!) because I’d been laughing so much.

Amber decided it’d be good to film one of the sketches to show the guys back home. And it was a good idea. No seriously. Until the comedian spotted the camera, which was ‘professionally propped up’ as he called it, whilst shouting at the top of his lungs - “No filming allowed in here!” It was a David Brent cringe I tell thee!

The next evening in true Sex and the City style we went to a beautiful restaurant in New Jersey, which overlooked the NY skyline on the water front. We dined with NY’s own ‘Mr Big’ or answer to Hugh Heffner who we’d met at Woodbury Common. We had a fun evening – as we always do but then all of a sudden ‘Hugh’ suggested we all go to the beach together the next day. Ermmm… probably going to pass!

We did good things in NY – including feeding some homeless people and then being heckled by a homeless lady who told the others we’d contaminated the food - Rude! Apart from this lady, and another who muttered loudly under her breath – “the divas have come to town” (the fact that we had 15 bags each didn’t help our cause), the New Yorkers were incredible. If you haven’t been to NY it’s an absolute must and if you have been, book your return trip immediately.

Girls, I think I’ve realised you don’t need to travel to NY to embark on a trip of self discovery or to reacquaint yourself with your younger, care-free self, but the one thing you cannot do without to make you feel great about yourself is some amazing girlfriends and I would say, I definitely have those!

Happy Christmas everyone!

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Official club dentist for the POSH

The boys at Peterborough United and the ESP girls have all been glued to I’m A Celebrity to catch the progress of this young lady… local WAG Nicola McLean.

The fiancé of POSH player Tom Williams has already made an impact in the jungle and shown her competitive spirit. The 25 yearold glamour model has proved she’s no dumb blonde and gained instant respect for chowing down on kangaroo danglies at the very start – eeuugghhh!

Often clocked at London Road by ESP girls Kerry and Susan cheering on Tom, Nicola’s had Peterborough (and much of the male population!) hooked on the show as another city face ends up on reality TV. Blimey, we haven’t had a spare minute in-between watching X Factor for JLS, and local lad Aston Merrygold, and braving the creepy crawlies to catch a glimpse of Nicola.

Before jetting off to the jungle Nicola made it clear she would be up for the challenge - “I am super competitive,” she said “and I really don’t mind admitting it, if you do something I’m going to do it better.

Meanwhile Tom’s been left to keep up his footy commitments and keep an eye on their young son Rocky with a little help from the grandparents. The programme’s already been an eye opener for Tom as Nicola admitted this is the first time he’s actually seen her without her make-up, even during childbirth!

YOUR SAY...

“From the front covers, which are always stunning, to the bit towards the back that always carries a brilliant what’s on in the pubs guide, my ESP is a great read all the way through. You get photos of all the beautiful Peterborough people (and Pep!), information galore on stuff going on in and around our fab city, comment, opinion and great articles, in a bright, colourful and succinct style ESP is to be congratulated on 10 brilliant years. Not only do I refer to it for the Hereward FM Breakfast Show every month, but there's always a copy at home too!"

Kev Lawrence, Hereward FM breakfast presenter

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Always used to being glam, one of the hardest things for Nicola has been coping with the rough and ready outdoor Tom Williams experience of the jungle and she was dreading that aspect before going in.

When asked what she would miss most Nicola said - “Well, apart from my family it’s going to be vanity things and I’ve just got to be honest about that. I don’t like my face without makeup on. I look about 12, there’s nothing wrong with it, I just like to be really over glamorous, which is why the boobs are done and why I have all the hair extensions.”

That might fool some people but it sounds like Nicola knows how to work it – “I agree with Pamela Anderson, ‘Act dumb and no-one expects anything from you’.”

Whatever happens on the show it looks like we’ll be seeing Nicola and Tom in a few more magazines in future and Peterborough United will be getting another form of promotion off the pitch! It’s all good stuff and great to see the Boro taking over the tele box.

Photo: fcpix.co.uk

“People may find that unattractive but that is just me. I don’t do it in an obvious way, I’m not like ‘pick me, pick me!’, but if somebody is sitting opposite me and they eat something, then I’m going to eat it because I will not be defeated and I think that’s just my natural character you know, being quite strong.”

Buy the perfect present for someone you love this Christmas • We offer FREE gift wrapping • AMAZING Christmas offers • Ladies, come in and create your Christmas wish list!

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01778 349161 www.illusionslingerie.co.uk Open 10am - 5pm Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat and 10am - 6pm Thurs

Require part-time distributors to assist in the monthly distribution of ESP Magazine throughout our expanding network of outlets in the Greater Peterborough area.

Flexible hours to suit £5 per hour

Tel (01733) 579707 for more details.

Caught in th Pep and his Paparazzi ladies Susan and Alannah swapped the city lights for a night out in Stamford but there was no rest for the wicked, as ‘Stammy’ was very lively indeed!

The guys hit The Millstone first and were impressed with how busy it was so early on in the evening. There were even drinkers enjoying the grand beer garden in some strangely warm winter weather. Pep and the girls concluded The Millstone is a great choice to start the night – and all you have to do is walk to the bottom of the beer garden for the next stop – The Golden Fleece.

Rock band Medium Dave and the Angry Rabbits were playing at The Golden Fleece, which was also packed wall-to-wall with regulars, a giant sperm, a male nurse and some superheroes?! Hopefully it was for a fancy dress do…

Time for a change of scenery and the Paparazzi team headed to Panama Joe’s for a cheeky cocktail. Pep was in his element there, as all its customers were ladies! He snapped away while Susan and Alannah browsed the cocktail menu and planned the next stop – the Toreador on Broad Street.

More fancy dress was on the menu at the Toreador, this time in the form of a group of Barbie dolls. There was also a Star Trek fan who kept raising his crutches to do the X-Factor sign… it takes all sorts in the Toreador and one thing’s for sure, you’ll have a great night in there.

It was Brownes next where Pep and the girls tucked into several lollypops courtesy of the DJ. And the night was made complete by a few drinks (thanks to Tracy) in Central where the Paparazzi team caught up with lots of revellers they’d snapped throughout a great night up the A1.

These photos and more now available to buy online on www.espmag.co.uk/photos

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he act?

Proudly sponsored by

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wanted item is the dress, in luxe fabrics and hues of teals, pinks and purples. Just add the finishing touch to any outfit with an oversized clutch bag.

The festive season at Miss Selfridge sees sequins and shimmer in abundance. Heavily influenced by fashion and music from the 50s through to the 80s, this collection offers iconic party outfits with an individual look ensuring you dazzle on the dance floor.

It’s that time of year again where everyone’s dressed to impress and finding your perfect party outfit can be hard enough, without also having to find presents for everyone.

Fortunately for Claire Smith our new Face of ESP, she had £500 for a fantastic spending spree at OUTFIT! This was just one of her fabulous prizes and she couldn’t wait to make use of this chance to get kitted out in the latest looks.

“What woman doesn't love to shop,” said Claire, “so you can imagine my delight when I found out that I was receiving a voucher for £500 for Outfit - all my favourite concessions under one roof! I am

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trying not to go mad with it and give myself little treats now and then, but how can you make any woman resist?"

OUTFIT at Serpentine Green houses a selection of the high street’s favourite brands all inside one store, ensuring your party wardrobe and present problems are solved in the ease of one easy shop.

There’s so much for Claire to choose from, we’re pretty sure that gift card won’t last long! So what are the hot looks at the moment? Well you can exude glamour over the party season with a little help from Dorothy Perkins. This season’s most

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The Wallis collection is heavily inspired by the roaring 20s with luxurious fabrics in black, oyster and gold. There are gorgeous extravagantly embellished tops and jackets that look perfect teamed with the season’s musthave item, the pencil skirt.

Meanwhile Topshop is full of Gothic glitz and glamour this Christmas with sequin leggings, high neck lace blouses and feather boleros.

No party outfit is complete without a pair of killer heels and there are plenty to choose from especially now that the shoe section has been extended. With lingerie, mountains of accessories and more, you really

can get kitted out from head-totoe without having to trawl the high street – we like it!

If Claire’s feeling generous she could even get some great clobber for any fellas in the family as OUTFIT also stocks some great looks, both smart and casual for the guys, as well as accessories from Burton and Topman.

Whatever your style crisis or present panic this festive season, it looks like OUTFIT at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre has Christmas all wrapped up!

Serpentine Green, Hampton Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am-8pm Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Welcome to our new beautician Laura, ring her to find out monthly offers

HAIR & BEAUTY

We’d like to wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year Look out for January offers to celebrate our 1st birthday next month

109 Welland Road, Dogsthorpe PE1 3SJ Tel: 01733 894060

December Offers! Xmas Offers!

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Gift Vouchers Available For Christmas

CHRISTMAS ESSENTIAL INFO STREET MARKETS

Cathedral Square, Peterborough Victorian Arts and Crafts market December 3 - 5 Fine Foods Market December 6 Farmer’s Market December 11 Italian Market and Arts and Crafts Market December 10 – 12 Victorian Arts and Crafts Market December 17 – 19

Stamford

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – IT’S CHRISTMAS!

It may have been a great day for Mary, but if you’re born on Christmas Day surely it’s no cause for celebration missing out on another pile of presents! Lite FM Presenter Mikey Clarke asks Santa for his birthday pressies and gives us his tips on getting the gift giving thing just right…

When I tell people that my Birthday is on Christmas Day, I always get reactions like, ‘oh, you poor thing’ or ‘I’d hate that so much.’ My mum still likes to remind me every single year how I made her miss her Christmas dinner 25 years ago, (not really my fault, was it mum!).

I often get asked what it’s like having a birthday on December 25. Well, I usually wake up and celebrate Christmas Day, have the usual dinner, and then in the afternoon the Birthday banners go up, and I open a few more presents. There are, of course, a few of those really annoying friends and relatives who get you that one present ‘for Christmas and birthday.’ It’s like two for the price of one!

The truth is though, that I secretly love Christmas much more than any guy should. I own all the DVD’s, I love the songs we all pretend to hate, and I get more excited with every present I buy. So being born on Christmas Day isn’t such a bad thing after all… everyone’s enjoying my birthday just as much as I am.

Christmas seems to be arriving earlier every year now! Let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if on Halloween the door started knocking, and on the other side was a young lad getting ready to sing you 'Silent Night.’ So for the first time I’ve also started things early. This year I haven’t waited till Christmas Eve to buy gifts. For once, my friends and loved ones will not be getting the last few rejected gifts left on the shelves.

If you’re struggling on gift ideas, especially during the infamous ‘credit crunch’, let me try and help. In recent years I’ve discovered if you’re in a brand new relationship, your partner might say - ‘Don’t worry about buying me anything’ - let me tell you, they don’t mean this! But the gift doesn’t have to be bank busting. Maybe something thought provoking that was related to your first date. It’s always good to agree on a budget with your other half – this avoids any embarrassing moments on Christmas Day, when she’s got you a brand new Play Station 3, and you’ve got her a Now CD (I am talking from experience here!)

Mums and dads will be expecting either socks, smellies, books or slippers… so for once, let’s surprise them with something a bit different. Why not get mum a trendy handbag to make her feel good, and dad one of those mini pool tables for his desk at work.

And, one more tip, if mums, sisters, or girlfriends hint they want something that does 0-200 in 6 seconds… don’t buy them bathroom scales.

Stamford Christmas Lights Switch-on December 4 Victorian Market December 7 Christmas Wonderland and Market December 21

OPENING TIMES Queensgate

Open ‘til 9pm weekdays from December 1 – 23, and 7pm every Saturday in December.

Christmas Eve - 9am to 4.30pm Boxing Day - 10.30am to 4.30pm - selected stores only December 27 - 30 - Saturday 8.30am to 7pm, Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm, Monday and Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm New Year’s Day - 10.30am to 4.30pm

Serpentine Green Open until 9pm every day after December 8

Rivergate Open 8am – 7pm Monday to Saturday during December and open Sundays 10am – 5pm

POST

Last day to post Christmas cards Second Class: December 18 Last day to post Christmas cards First Class: December 20 Standard parcel: December 15 Special delivery: December 23

TRAVEL

Park and Ride Park and Ride into Peterborough will be on Saturdays until December 21 and on Sundays until December 28 from Perkins and the Dilligenta car park, Lynchwood.

It’ll be £1 for adults and free for children and concessions.

BUSES

Stagecoach Merry Christmas, and for those in the same situation as myself…

Happy Birthday!

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Christmas Eve: Normal timetable, last bus leaves Queensgate at 8.15pm Christmas Day and Boxing Day: No buses December 27: Saturday timetable December 28: Sunday timetable December 29 and 30: Saturday timetable New Year’s Eve: Normal timetable, last bus leaves Queensgate at 8.15pm New Year’s Day: No buses January 2: Back to normal!

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Our new rbg restaurant is now open - rbg will offer a more versatile all-day menu which is centered around a state-of-the-art charcoal grill.

Signature dishes will include, choice cuts of steak, enticing chowders, free range chicken and grilled tiger prawns, as well as gourmet burgers. Where possible, all produce used will be sourced from local organic producers.

OPENING OFFER: 25% off your food and drinks restaurant bill between Dec 1st – Jan 31st 2009

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115 bright and modern guest rooms Business friendly rooms available 9 suites and 6 wheelchair accessible rooms 24 hour room service and reception Complimentary leisure facilities close by, available to residents (subject to availability)

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New Year’s Eve Relaxing surroundings, a sumptuous walk around buffet with fine food and guest chef’s from around the world, and our resident DJ provides the entertainment.

Your celebrations, your way, as our guests.

Bar open 7pm -1am I Dinner 7.30pm Close 1.30am I Dress - smart casual £59 per person or £199 per room (based on two people sharing inc. New Year’s Eve tickets)

Park Inn Peterborough is a new hotel in the heart of the city centre Ideally located near cafes, restaurants and clubs Adjacent to main shopping areas with both major high street retailers and individual designer shops Within walking distance of the famous Peterborough Cathedral “Yes I Can” service culture Goldpoints guest loyalty scheme

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3 modern meeting rooms, all on ground floor All rooms with natural daylight Large breakout area adjacent to meeting rooms Modern audio visual equipment

January Sales It’s not too late to party!

Join us at the premier hotel destination in the city for a fantastic festive evening, in our brand new contemporary rbg restaurant.* Fine food, top class entertainment from our resident DJ and a great atmosphere.

Friday 9th and Saturday 10th January 2009 Dinner 7.30pm I Bar open until 1am Close 1.30am I Dress - smart casual £49.00 per person, includes an all inclusive bar, ½ bottle of wine on your table, 3 course meal and entertainment.

Terms and conditions; Subject to availability, not in conjunction with any other promotion, offer or accommodation package. Reservation must be made, minimum two persons. The management reserve the right to withdraw this offer at anytime. Offer applicable to lunch and dinner including beverage served in the Restaurant with meal between 1st December 2008 and January 31st 2009

Telephone House, Wentworth St, Peterborough

Tel: 01733 353750 www.peterborough.parkinn.co.uk

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In the words of Slade - “So here it is, Merry Christmas” - but with rece ssion either here or looming (depend ing which ‘expert’ you listen to), what are the chances of us all having fun this Chrimbo? HIGH! That’s what, because according to website www.economicshelp.org, ther e are ways that even Santa can bea t the credit crunch. So here, for our frugal merriment, are the Top 10 way s you can save cash this Christm as: 1. Reduce expectations of presents – your family will then be happy when they get a bit more than what you promised. Erm , how exactly do you reduce the expectation of socks?

2. Eat in to save paying premium restaurant prices this time of year. And note to parents everywhere – when will you learn that we reall y don’t like sprouts so will you please save your cash and stop bloomin’ buying them !

3. Look ahead and buy Christmas cards / decoration s in the New Year sale. Sod that, any spare cash (debatable) that I have left in Jan uary is going on the Next sale, not on a half price nodding snowman.

4. Get a cheap flight to somewhere warm and mis s (most) of the costs of Christmas. What can I say?

My kind of money saving!

5. Get the kids to make the decorations. Your house may look rubbish and people will think you’re tighter than Russell Brand’s leather pan ts but at least noone will dare mention it for fear of offending you or making your little ‘Picasso’ cry.

6. Just buy your kids a card board box and save yoursel f £20 0 on the latest Xbox. Or failing that, pull a muscle chucking the remote control through the telly screen and save mon ey on a Wii. 7. Don’t feel obliged to send a Christmas card to everyone you ever met.

On that note, may I wish Seasons Greetings to everyone who kno ws me!

8. Shop online. OK, if you insist.

9. Stuff stockings with big things that don’t cost anythin g. My stockings are stuffed with some very big things thank you very much, and some might argue that the filling can be very cheap indeed!

10. Make sure presents are valuable (useful) even if the y’re boring. Or failing that, just give me the cash !

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sarah.tempest @espmag.co.uk

If I don’t undo my trousers, I’ll explode 2. Ooh that bird’s lovely and moist.

3. Do you fancy pulling a cracker?

4. Just hold it at both ends and hope for a big bang.

5. How long will it take after you put it in?

6. It’s been in for hours and the bird’s still not ready.

7. What an impressive spread 8. You know your bird’s ready when the juice s run clear.

9. Do you think we can accommodate 10 at once?

10. Would you like your sausage wrapped in bacon?

MY

SAVIOURS DAY OR SAVE-YOURS DAY?

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Spice Girls azine was Peterborough’s favourite mag e to what’s hip launched and has been our guid r since. And eve city and happening in our fair 1998 was, r yea astic fant truly a t proving wha s this year day birth h also celebrating their 10t service, ive ract inte on butt red are the BBC , com ute. tmin Google, MP3 players, Las new my t, leas not but last and 98 Windows Happy r! yea astic fant boobs. Like I say, a truly rs! yea 10 t nex the to ’s here , Birthday ESP

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Have a wonderful Christmas party here at The Baskervilles -private or shared Enjoy two courses:

Three Meat Carvery Christmas Pudding & Brandy Sauce Chocolate Yule Log & Fresh Cream Raspberry & Champagne Torte ••• Tea or Coffee with Mince Pies ••• Followed by dancing ‘til midnight with our resident DJ

£24.50 Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays running until Christmas •••

Lunchtime special 12pm – 6pm Mon – Fri Two courses £7.50 Three courses £9.25

We would like to wish all our customers old and new a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Come and join us on 30th Nov to take the chill away after the Christmas Market.

Opening Hours Mon – Sat 8.30am – 5.00 pm Tues 8.30am – 2.30pm

For further information please contact Peterborough City Council Road Safety Team on 01733 453576

8 The Precincts, Market Deeping Tel: 01778 380410

food@espmag.co.uk

LOCALFOOD With a hangover from hell after all the New Year’s Eve partying the last thing you want is to hit the kitchen and have to rustle up more grub! Get yourself off for some New Year’s Day lunch and you’ll be fit to welcome the start of 2009 in no time. Here’s our ESP guide to just some of the places open on January 1.

OPEN NEW YEAR’S DAY The Old Coach House, Market Deeping Normal restaurant menu

The Harrier, Gunthorpe Normal menu

Kings Head, Apethorpe Normal menu

The Benefield Wheatsheaf, near Oundle Buffet

The Haycock Hotel, Wansford Normal restaurant menu

The Golden Fleece, Stamford Normal menu

The Golden Pheasant, Etton Normal menu

Barnsdale Lodge, Rutland Water Sunday lunch menu – three courses, choice of four dishes.

The Baskervilles, Baston Cavery from 12pm - 4pm

The Ramblewood, Orton Hall Hotel Buffet from 12pm – 4pm, bar all day

The Millstone Inn, Barnack Normal menu

Coopers, Bretton Normal menu – new management

NEW GRILL IN TOWN

A brand new grill called RBG opens in the city on December 1, inside the new Park Inn Hotel on Wentworth Street. As part of the massive refurbishment of the building, they’ve installed a state-of-the art charcoal grill in the restaurant which will cook treats such as choice cuts of steak, free-range chicken and tiger prawns to perfection. The all-day menu will also feature gourmet burgers, local favourites and a selection of light bites, meaning you don’t have to wait for traditional lunch and dinner sittings to grab something tasty.

The Park Inn Hotel Peterborough is part of a chain of 20 hotels and will offer bright, modern and comfortable guestrooms right in the middle of the city centre with full air-conditioning, flat-screen TV’s and ‘rainfall’ showers. There are also three meeting rooms available, all with the latest equipment and natural lighting, should you need to impress some work colleagues.

On top of all this, the staff have promised to show us in Peterborough their unique ‘Yes I Can’ service culture – so if you’re looking for somewhere to eat, sleep or work, it sounds like the Park Inn is definitely worth a look.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Julia and Steve at the Kings Head Apethorpe

New Year’s Day Lunch Why not treat the family to a News Year’s lunch on January 1st Homemade tomato and basil soup with warm pumpkin bread Prawn and crab cocktail Garlic mushrooms in a crème fraiche studded with St Agur cheese served on toasted brioche Roast Sirloin of beef with horseradish sauce, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables Home made chicken and leek pie with parsley mash potato Fillet of salmon, pan-fried and served with champagne sauce, new potatoes, and vegetables Crème Brule with Baileys liqueur Chocolate sponge pudding with chocolate sauce Fresh pineapple and melon served with berry coulis and crème fraiche Only £15.70 for two courses or £19.99 for three courses THE KINGS HEAD, APETHORPE. TEL: 01780 470627

The Kings Head, Wadenhoe Normal menu

CIRO & NUNZIA presents

Christmas at Calisi Come and join us for some classic home cooked Italian food in our family run restaurants.

Any size party catered for - contact us for more details.

Full lunchtime menu or dine buffet style for only £4.90 Starters Garlic Bread Prawn Cocktail Bowl of Salami Garlic Mushrooms Bruschetta Fritto Misto Gourmet Pizzas Ciro Special Calzone Selection Calzone Classico Calzone Veggi

Traditonal Pizzas Margherita Americana Napoli Pasta Spaghetti Bolognese Spaghetti Carbonara Lasagna Al Forne Canelloni Verdi Tagliatelle Gamberoni Chicken Alla Crema Rustica Pollo Calisi Da Francino Special Pollo Alla Val D’Ossana

Steak Simply Grilled Pepper Steak Steak Diane Steak Cremosa Steal Al Pomodoro Braciola Napoletana Panuozzo Al Filetto Filetto Alla Brace Fish Monkfish Alla Pazza Sogliola Al Limone Sogliola Alla Creme Salmone All Griglia

Final Bookings now being taken for Christmas 3 Cattle Market Road Peterborough, PE1 1TW

34 North Street Bourne, Linc’s, PE10 9AE

Tel: 01733 319153

Tel: 01778 420123

The city lights up!

CITY’S LIGHTS HAVE THE X FACTOR X Factor’s Laura White wowed the crowds in Peterborough at the big switch on and proved she is set to shine despite being kicked off the show early.

Laura took to the stage on Cathedral Square and joined the Mayor of Peterborough, Kev and Abby from Hereward FM, Michael Cross as the fairy godmother from Cinderella, the Key Theatre’s pantomime, and Father Christmas himself to press the big red switch and light up the city centre.

A huge crowd gathered to watch the day’s entertainment which included a performance from The Brays, and Frank Sinatra and George Michael tribute acts. There’ll be loads of other events in Cathedral Square throughout December, such as Victorian demonstrations, choirs and street theatre on December 3 – 5 and December 17 – 19 and an Italian market from December 10 - 12.

CLAIRE HELPS OPEN SANTA’S SERPENTINE GROTTO!

Photo: fcpix.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto at Serpentine Green was opened in style with the help of Claire our Face of ESP, the panto girls from Aladdin at the Broadway Theatre and the Hereward FM Thunder crew. Claire dished out sweets to kids helping with the shopping – or trying to get into their parent’s good books – and couldn’t resist putting her own pressie requests to Santa in person! If you’ve not told Father Christmas what you want yet, then the Grotto, which costs £4.50 including a gift, is open Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm. The centre itself is open until 9pm every day from December 8.

IT’S A POSH LIGHT SWITCH ON FOR QUEENSGATE When she wasn’t chatting to The Simpsons, (or being chatted up by Wishee Washee from Aladdin!) Face of ESP Claire Smith helped switch on this year’s Victorian-themed lights at the Queensgate shopping centre. Hosted

by Kev Lawrence from Hereward FM the big event also included the POSH team and Santa, who flew in early just for this. The malls were packed with people hunting the POSH players’ autographs, starting their Christmas shopping spree as well as visiting Santa. The Grotto is open from midday to 6.30pm, can be pre-booked online at www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk and costs £4 which includes a gift. The centre itself is open until 9pm weekdays, with free parking after 6pm weekdays. Queensgate will also be opening until 7pm on Saturdays throughout December.

“Happy Birthday and congratulations on a great first 10 years in print. As you all count the candles we all look forward to counting the pages of great words you continue to publish for us.”

YOUR SAY...

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Phil Drinkwater, Marketing Manager, Queensgate

For friends… for romance… for fine food…

We’re the perfect place to dine!

The Golden Pheasant Book to dine between 6pm & 6.30pm and receive a free glass of wine, or parties of 10 or more a free bottle of Spumante.

Offer available until the end of December

www.amicispalding.co.uk

“Kate from the Rose at Frognall welcomes you to The Golden Pheasant - a warm and friendly atmosphere guaranteed!”

• For hire, our fully serviced events marquee, for weddings, conferences, parties, in fact it’s the perfect setting for any occasion. NOW OPEN all year round.

• Food served Tuesday- Sunday • Open all day Sat & Sun • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area Main Road, Etton, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 252387 www.goldenpheasant.net

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

This featured car is supplied by Marshall Jaguar 7 Mallory Road, Boongate Peterborough 01733 313335 www.marshallweb.co.uk

An estate for your estate sir!

SE e p y T X r a u Jag

You might associate owners of estates with estate cars, but not Jaguar with an estate model and you don’t have to be the Lord of the Manor to afford one. After driving the new XF when it was first launched earlier in the year I was looking forward to trying out another one from the Jaguar range, hoping that the performance would be up to the same standard.

The new face of the Jaguar X-Type is more contemporary and sporty whilst giving you performance, luxury and practicality. Not always three things that come together in a car!

On first impressions I thought it felt spacious inside and after driving this estate car for the day the rosewood dashboard did start to grow on me (not the sort of thing I’d normally go for).

/CD player, Sat Nav and Bluetooth, all which can be operated by using thumb wheels and buttons on the steering wheel. Cruise control, automatic headlamp, heated exterior mirrors, rain sensing wipers and automatic climate control are all standard across the range.

The luxury X-Type saloon starts from £21,500 on the road, and the estate model from £22,900 on the road. Not a bad price to get you round your estate sir!

“The new face of the Jaguar X-Type is more contemporary and sporty whilst giving you performance, luxury and practicality.”

The X-Type estate certainly shouts luxury and is a smooth drive with sharp handling as I found out on all the back roads over to Wadenhoe Hall, and seeing the photographer’s pale face and white knuckles.

I thought this estate had the large boot size you expect, not like some other so-called estates I could mention; I particularly like the two door option on the boot.

As with many modern cars the X-Type offers the touch screen radio

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Give Daniel and his team a call and book a test drive you don’t know what you’re missing.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Peter at Wadenhoe Hall for letting us do the photos there and the much needed coffee afterwards.

And a bigger thank you to Daniel at Jaguar for the loan of his car.

Shirley Frost

What do you think?

Peter Hall, Chairman of the Wadenhoe Group “A good smooth drive with easy gear change - very different to what I remember from owning one in the past. It feels more spacious inside having a light coloured roof lining, and also looks very stylish from the outside.”

DEALER TIP

When you buy a Jaguar X-Type SE model you can receive a complimentary upgrade to Sport premium or Sovereign model worth £1,500 through until the end of December ’08. We also offer free winter checks for all Jaguar owners, just take a look at www.marshallweb.co.uk

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clubland@espmag.co.uk

CLUBLAND NORMAN JAY

DJing legend Norman Jay will be coming to Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge in Stamford on December 5. Described as playing ‘the cream of 70’s disco with the latest club anthems,’ Norman Jay’s been around since the warehouse party scene in the early 80’s and is still going strong – he even got an MBE for services to music a couple of years ago!

BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR LOCALITY

Locality are a year old this month and their 1st Birthday party on December 6 at Bar Bloc on Westgate looks set to be one huge celebration!

They’ve really had some big names in over the past year, such as Baby J, Dirty Dike and MC Storm and this month sees Stig of The Dump and Dr Syntax MC live with DJ Manipulate of Grandeurs of Delusion. These two MC’s are incredibly well-respected as solo artists, with their debut releases getting them rave reviews in the UK and beyond. Big things are expected of them in 2009 and they’ve got a busy year with albums and mix tapes already scheduled for release, so catch them up close while you still can! Grandeurs of Delusion’s debut LP is regarded as one of the best examples of scratch music ever made and DJ Manipulate will be bringing his dark and jaw-droppingly precise skills to the set. Also performing on the night will be all the Locality crew as well as the best local Hip-Hop, D ‘n’ B and Dubstep DJ’s and MC’s. Entry £4.

Kick off 2009 in style with the Myspace, Hi 5 and Facebook Link-Up by Supa-T and Lionheart on January 2 at The Park. Millenium Sound System and Lionheart will be giving out free mix tapes on the night, as well as getting support from the likes of Black Heart Soundsystem, New Generation Soundsystem, Dapper Dan, Lady K and TK Sound playing the best in Urban, R’n’B and Hip Hop. Entry £5 adv from www.thepark4music.com

DIG DEEP CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The Dig Deep Christmas Special comes to Club Dissident on December 6 with Damien Bailey of Special Interest and Babble Soundsystem.

He’s had a couple of well-respected releases on Tango and Phobic Recordings and if you’re into deep, underground House music then this’ll definitely get the festive season started in style.

Support comes from residents Rick McAlpin, Pat Unwin, Steve Scallon, Andy and Ian, The Audio Gourmet and Jay Phono over two rooms.

Entry £4 before 11.30pm, or all night with an NUS card.

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Hijack continues to bring you the biggest party over the festive period with two of the biggest names on the Drum ‘n’ Bass circuit hitting The Park on December 20! DJ Clipz (AUDIO ZOO) and Alex Perez (SHOGUN) make their Hijack debut's bringing you the freshest sounds across the full spectrum of DnB! Alongside guests from Cutz Recordings the Hijack crew will make this another Christmas bash to remember with the best party vibes an sounds in town! Doors open at 9pm through ‘til 4am, entry’s £6 ‘til Midnight, more after.

JUNGLIST MASSIVE

Foundation comes to Club Dissident on Lincoln Road December 5 with headliners Equinox and Bizzy B playing an Old Skool Jungle and pre’95 hardcore mash-up with support over two rooms from the likes of Komplex, Selecta, Overdrive and TDM playing hardcore and Drum ‘n’ Bass over a 10k+ rig. Entry £5.

ECLECTIC BALLROOM

Eclectic Ballroom returns to Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge in Stamford on December 5 and 19. These guys play the finest Soul, Funk and Disco with a few unexpected tunes thrown in. They’re also having a Christmas Eve party on December 24, and have surprise special guests booked to get you in the spirit of things.

XMAS EVE @ CENTRAL NEURO-FUNKTION

One of the last big Christmas/New Year’s parties before we have to head back to work and reality, Neuro-Funktion at AJ’s on Lincoln Road have decided to make it a big one on January 3! They’ve managed to stretch to two special guests for the New Year’s B2B Special, Vicious Circle and TKO. Vicious Circle are about to become massive thanks to the forthcoming LP collaboration with Universal Project and the boys from South London play deep, cutting edge Drum ‘n’ Bass. TKO is a brand-new resident for Neuro-Funktion in 2009, which is big news for the night! He’s supported Adam F’s Breakbeat Kaos tour, as well as playing at La Scala and Fabric and will be showcasing his ‘deep’ side. Some of East Anglia’s finest will also be supporting, with thirteen DJ’s and Atomic, Johnny Ka$h and Sn+per on the mics.

TRIZZACKZ XMAS PARTY

LINK UP AT THE PARK

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HIJACK CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Trizzackz will be throwing their Xmas Party on December 19 and they’ve got Lori performing live - you might have seen her single ‘Do Me Like That’ tearing up the Channel U Charts.

L’Roy, Munya and Va$e will be playing the best urban tunes at The Park, Park Road alongside festive give-aways and free goodies. Entry £5.

DO YOU REALLY LIKE IT

Relive the days when Garage took over the charts at Pied Piper’s Red and White Party on December 21 at The Park. Hosted by DJ Pied Piper himself of Do You Really Like It fame, this seasonal party will be packed full of the hottest urban tunes and all your old Garage favourites.

Give-aways and drinks offers on the night.

FUNKTIONAL

The Funktional Christmas Party takes place on December 13 and it’s also Justin’s 30th! Twelve local DJ’s over two rooms at Club Dissident, Lincoln Road will be playing the finest in Electro, Tech, Bassline, Breaks and Funky House to get the party season started in style.

Entry £5.

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Christmas can get a bit dull sometimes, just waiting to open your presents and hanging with the family. If that’s not your thing, then head to Central in Stamford where they’re having a Black & White UV Party on December 24. The entire place will be lit by UV floodlights and will be decorated in black and white, while the residents spin the best in commercial Dance and R ‘n’ B. Also, December 26 is a guaranteed Turkey Free Zone, where you can escape the house and enjoy cheap drinks all night, such as buy-one-get-one-free offers.

LETHAL AUDIO

It’ll get dark and nasty on December 19 at Club Dissident on Lincoln Road for Terror Bass, where some of Peterborough’s best Drum ‘n’ Bass DJ’s, MC’s and beatboxers will be battling it out all night with special guests, Lethal Audio. They’re an experimental Hip-Hop collective from Portland, Oregon and have been getting good reviews all round, so check them out. Entry £4.

FIRE AND ICE

If you’ve not sorted out what you’re doing on New Year’s Eve yet, then get booking now for Central nightclub’s Fire and Ice Fancy Dress Party on December 31 in Stamford. With loads of fire and ice UV décor, dry ice, special flaming cocktails and shots and give-aways galore it’ll be a massive party with commercial Dance, R ‘n’ B and Cheese on the decks to keep you dancing all night.

WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY

The Grassroots Winter Solstice Party returns again to the Glass Onion, Burghley Road with a whole night of eclectic sounds on December 20. Headlining is London’s ZeJ, a duo who create live Dubstep, Breaks and Funky Techno as well as other more experimental sounds.

They’ve been massive on the festival this year, with headline slots at Secret Garden Party and Antic Banquet festivals securing them even more fans. Also performing will be Dead Poets - the collaboration between Mark Grist, Poet Laureate and MC Mixy of Locality which takes Hip-Hop and Rap back to its roots, Circus – who play political folk-tinged rock, Siren – a female fronted Rock and Soul band and Scott McEwen, singer/songwriter as well as loads of DJ’s and VJ’s yet to be confirmed, entry £3.

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Tel: 01733 890074 www.peterboroughtelecoms.co.uk / info@peterboroughtelecoms.co.uk

Buy one game get one free!

Valid any day, any time, between November 30 - January 31, 2009 To receive your voucher please text the word ‘Lakeside’ and your name and email address to the number shown, or email bowling@espmag.co.uk along with your name and number.

Alternatively log onto www.esp3.net and click on the Lakeside logo to print your voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 OR EMAIL: BOWLING@ESPMAG.CO.UK

Normal text rates apply

COLUMN Andy Slater andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

If you took notice of the cover this month you’ll notice we are ten years-old, and in true fashion I decided to skip the profile idea this month and write about the past...

and The Black Marias and all for £6 - can’t be bad. For more info check out www.thepark4music.co.uk What else over the ten years of ESP? Well, The Met Lounge has had some amazing gigs.

With a stroke of genius, Steve had The Darkness playing there just before they made it huge, and he also had The Libertines there as they were making it big time. My favourite Peterborough gigs were at The Met; Sparta in

Kasabian - played at The Park

2002, Martin Grech about the same time and Nic Armstrong and the Thieves in 2005 - three gigs that I will remember for a long time. This year The Met has wowed me with two Rockabilly gigs, The Koffin Kats and Three Bad Jacks both sparsely attended but great gigs nonetheless.

Libertines - played The Met Lounge

No, not Gareth Gates, but my thoughts and memories of ESP land over the last decade. I started writing for the mag back in 2004 and before that was a columnist for the now extinct Herald and Post.

A lot has happened musically in that time and some of it good, some of it not so good.

The Met Lounge emerged as did The Park and The Fiddler’s Elbow, but we lost The Norfolk and The Fidds finally disappeared last year as well.

In a way, the news I heard mid-November that The Park had changed ownership fitted in nicely with our ten year issue. Kav and Del Singh owned the club for nine of the years ESP has been in print. It was a meeting with me that put Chris Lovell in touch with the guys and hence another great live music institution, ‘The Club With No Name’, set up home at The Park.

When you look back at some of the bands that played there it really is quiet amazing.

Kasabian, Cooper Temple Cause, The Fall, In Me and The UK Subs to name but a few. The pedigree of the club nights there stands testament to all three people’s musical judgement over many years and they were the musical soundtrack to a generation of

54

www.esp3.net (December ) w w w.

Peterborough teenagers’ formative years.

Though in their twenties now they still talk fondly and get dewy-eyed about the nights out there.

Fortunately the new owner of The Park is music mad… David Meredith is a local guy who’s done alright for himself. Speaking with him you can feel the enthusiasm smashing around in his head. The upstairs will have a new name, ‘Club Revolution’, and in time will be a completely separate venue from downstairs, which will be music to most people’s ears.

Funnily enough, to keep the nostalgia thing going at The Park, Chris is putting on a ‘Club With No Name’ night on December 21 when, again nostalgia tinted, The English Dogs make an appearance. Expect the original line-up minus Pinch, support from Destructors 666

dontscrapthetap . c o m

YOUR SAY...

There is always another side to the story.

With the financial squeeze on everyone at the moment I fear that we may have had our heyday and things might be a little harder for the live music scene for a while. We have had ten great years of live music in the city and in my small way I have been proud to be part of it, what the next decade will look like I don’t know. Hopefully with people like Dave Meredith stepping into the fray, it might give the city a boost and re-energise others into getting back to where we were five years ago a great place to listen to great live music.

Here’s to the next ten years!

“On behalf of everyone at the Brewery Tap, Charters and East Restaurant we would like to thank ESP for the great job they have done in helping us promote our businesses. The magazine has grown from strength to strength over the last 10 years and we are delighted to have been associated with the magazine during that time and look forward to working with you for the next ten years. In particular ESP has been extremely supportive of our ‘Don’t Scrap the Tap’ campaign and for that we are so grateful. Keep up the good work and we look forward to featuring in many more editions of ESP. ” Paul Hook & Patcharee Shaweewan

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC

WHERE TO PARTY THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

ESP is ten years-old, and can you think back to the ten New Year’s Eve’s that we’ve enjoyed in that time? No, neither can I, it’s all a bit of a blur really. The other point is there’s not a lot to be gleaned from raking over old New Year coals, so, where shall we celebrate this New Year? Here are just a few suggestions…

Charters, Town Bridge: The perennial real ale and Blues favourite hosts Citizen Smith.

If you like wall to wall people, a damn good set and witty banter from the front man, then this is the place to be.

Expect pop classics mixed with the odd bit of prog rock and you get the idea.

Charters is always an effervescent night out, none more so than on NYE. It’s a tenner a ticket; well worth it, get yours early.

The Crown, Elton: Don’t fancy hitting the city? A beautiful pub in an idyllic country setting with a roaring log fire is the setting for Feet to the Fire. This band plays adult rock by bands like The Eagles and are regular guests at this pub, and, by all accounts get the

place jumping. The food is fantastic the atmosphere traditional and the vibe….rustic, a brilliant way to see out 2008.

the heated marquee heaving.

Ten quid a ticket gets you in and a buffet as well. Call 01733 558989 to grab your ticket.

The Lime Tree, Walton: It’s a Disco, a guarantee that you’ll here the songs as you remember them. The back room at The Lime Tree is a great space and on the times I’ve been in there the locals are a friendly fun-loving lot. If you don’t fancy a live band, check it out.

The Cock Inn: Karaoke! We all love or hate it but generally it is a good laugh and always but always cringingly funny, again a great boozer to spend a night in and Big Rose is a legend in her genre, always a star and always getting you involved, if it’s in your neck of the woods….think of the money you’ll save on a taxi!

Peterborough Lions Rugby Club: Over at Bretton Park the rugby boys have collared sky diving rebels Grounded to see in the New Year.

Recently reformed and gigging selectively, this funloving rock band will have

YOUR SAY...

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC

The Brewery Tap, Westgate: A city centre favourite The Tap always comes up with something a bit special and this year they have done it again. £25 buys you a dress to impress night with The Mark Wilkinson Trio and Groove Cartel. Tag on a sumptuous Thai buffet and, if you want to feel like a celeb, The Tap is for you.

Voodoo Lounge, Stamford: Barrelhouse piano fronted One Eyed Cats are the first ever players on New Year’s Eve at this new Stamford venue on NYE, more excitingly is the news that

legendary bass player Rex Gates is now holding the rhythm section together. A real cellar of a venue, a Rock ‘n’ Roll star on keys and a stalwart on bass can only mean one thing… let’s rock!!

The Whittle Way, Stanground: speaking of rock, this bastion of Stanground music host rock men Storm. Classic rock in a lively bar is a sure fire recipe for a cracking night out.

Again another good idea if you live around that end of the city, have agreat time and save your self some taxi dollar.

“ESP’s proof that people in Peterborough are really passionate about the place they live – I’ve never lived anywhere else that produces it’s own glossy magazine! It panders to that bit of us that loves celebrity culture, because everyone I know scours the Paparazzi page every month to look for photos of people they know! Well done to Sharon and the team – I’m delighted that Lite FM continues to have a great relationship with a great magazine!”

Gregg Nunney, Programme Controller, Lite FM

TEN GREAT LIVE MUSIC VENUES

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THE BREWERY TAP

As it’s the 10th anniversary edition of ESP Magazine and keeping with the theme of ‘The Perfect 10’, I thought I’d give my run down of some of the best local live music venues in the area. These are in no particular order – give ‘em a try in 2009 if you haven’t done already and support the scene.

Westgate, Peterborough

Another year gone by and they’ve still not scrapped the flagship real ale pub in Peterborough! Thank goodness, or else where could you go to enjoy some great live nights, with great Thai nosh and even better real ale!

THE CHERRY TREE

Oundle Road, Peterborough On the periphery of town and with music on most weekends, The Cherry Tree is always a welcome break from the ‘chains’ in the town centre. If you’re looking to relieve the boredom of the Christmas period, check out Retrolux on Saturday December 27 at 9pm, bringing you the best of 60s, 70s and 80s rock classics.

THE BLUE BELL

Welland Road, Peterborough

www.esp3.net ( December ) w w w.

Bretton, Peterborough

Various headline mainstream acts and tribute acts throughout the year.

THE SOLSTICE

New Road, Peterborough Thursday nights are Unity nights at The Solstice, bringing you an eclectic mix of musical experience.

Thursday December 11 is full of Ska, Funk and Jazz with Criminals of Stereo.

THE OLD COACH HOUSE

Bridge Foot, Market Deeping Under new management, TOCH is bringing a great line-up of new music to Market Deeping. Of particular interest will be the Netherlands Band on Saturday December 13, guaranteed to make you smile from ‘ere to ‘ere… wherever ‘ere is!

Country pub or live music venue?

You wouldn’t expect a pub in the middle of a housing estate to have a

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THE CRESSET/C2 SESSIONS

country pub feel to it, nor would you expect it to put on some great live music, including The Mighty Quinn on Friday December 19, so don’t miss it!

dontscrapthetap . c o m

www.cresset.co.uk

MAMA LIZ’S / VOODOO LOUNGE North Street, Stamford

You’ll find everything from World Music, Jazz, Blues and Country at this latest addition to the live scene in Stamford and some pretty impressive artwork on the cellar walls! www.mamaliz.co.uk

CHARTERS BAR

Town Bridge, Peterborough The Rock and Blues venue in the city and with great real ale … don’t miss Raw Gallagher on December 13 or Danny Bryant’s Red Eye Band on December 20! www.bluesontheboat.co.uk

MET LOUNGE

Bridge Street, Peterborough Mainstream acts and upcoming mainstream acts throughout the year – catch some of the top stars before they make it HUGE! www.themetlounge.org.uk

THE PARK

Park Road, Peterborough Local live music and mainstream acts – now under new management so keep an eye out for some changes. www.thepark4music.com

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Members Club

Live Music

Members Club New members welcome

December 6th After Dark 13th Irene’s Secret 20th Grumpy Old Men 27th Mustang Blue 31st TBC

Also

Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free

A selection of fine real ales Darts, dominoes, crib, snooker and pool also available

Grove Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 567352 Function room available for party hire (not Saturdays)

Weekly guest real ales • Sky Sports Snooker/ Pool • Large Beer Garden 243A High Street, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 341326

RIVERSIDE DINING - BLUES, BREWS AND FINE VIEWS

Great Live Music • Real Ale Emporium • Traditional ciders • Extensive range of Belgian/Continental Beers, Whisky and Wine • Relax by the river in the largest beer garden in the City Centre

DECEMBER Fri 5 Sat 6 Fri 12 Sat 13 Fri 19 Sat 20

Derrin Nauendorf The Fabulous Rockin’ Blue Pimps Angry Man Raw Gallagher Steelyard Blues Band Xmas Bash with Danny Bryant’s Red Eye band

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Live Music AT THE CROWN INN ELTON Fri Dec 12th Fri Dec 19th

Rock the boat... Party on... from late 2008 into 2009 with fabulous live band Citizen Smith.

Sun Dec 21st

Limited availability tickets £10.

New Years Eve

Disco night Winnie Clarke 60’s - 90’s live music Christmas carol concert 3pm Party with live music from Feet to the Fire 10pm -1am All events free entry THE CROWN INN 8 Duck St Elton PE8 6RQ

Town Bridge, Peterborough

01733 315700 www.oakhamales.com

Tel: 01832 280232 www.thecrowninn.org

gigs@espmag.co.uk

GIGGUIDE SAT 29 NOV

SLIDE TO OPEN Cock Inn Werrington

UNDERCOVER The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

10 DAYS UNSHAVEN Ebeneezers Grove Street

SCOTT BATEMAN

CIRCA 73 The Bluebell

THE BRAYS Dogsthorpe

The Golden Fleece

DERRIN NAUENDORF

Stamford

Charters

PORKY PIG Goodbarns Yard St Johns Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

BLACK MARKET THIEVES Lime Tree Walton

RETROLUX Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road

CRYTOPSY The Park Park Road

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS

THE RETURNS

The Bluebell

Dogsthorpe

Dogsthorpe

IRENE RAE Voodoo Lounge

THE BRAYS

ONE EYED CATS Fayre Spot

(Ticket only from CAMRA)

Town Bridge

Bretton

FEET TO THE FIRE

SAT DEC 6 White Swan

WHEELA Stamford

THE NUGGETS The Brewery Tap

HALCYON DAZE The Halcyon Netherton

TUT

Cock Inn Werrington

The Wheatsheaf

PAUL CAGE

THU DEC 11

The Park

AFTER DARK Park Road

Ebeneezer’s

Stamford

THE FABULOUS ROCKIN BLUES PIMPS

Bretton

OLI BROWN BAND

Charters

Charters

GRUMPY OLD MEN

Town Bridge

The Fenman

ELMORE JAMES JNR Village Hall

Town Bridge

FRANKLY MY DEAR Stanground

The Prince of Wales

Castor

RETROLUX Castor

FRI DEC 5 STORM

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

STEELER

The Cock Inn Werrington

The Crab & Winkle

ALADDIN SANE Werrington

The Halcyon Netherton

Mkt Deeping

IRENE SECRET Ebeneezer’s Grove Street

FRANKLY MY DEAR Cherry Tree Oundle Road

LATIN COLOUR AD HOC Dogsthorpe

OUTA-STOCK The Boat Inn Ramsey Road Whittlesey

RAW GALLAGHER Charters

Werrington

The Fayre Spot

Stanground

Old Coach House

HALCYON DAZE

FRI DEC 12

Cherry Tree

The Carpenters Arms

NEVERLAND

Town Bridge

Stanground

Oundle Road

SAT DEC 13

The Bluebell

Toreador Bar

BURY YOUR DEAD + AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK + EMMURI The Park

HOOKER Cock Inn

The Bell Sawtry

KARSIE CHIEFS Cherry Tree Oundle Road

PULSE

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

FRANKLY MY DEAR Werrington

RETROLUX The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

CRASH & BANG BAND Swiss Cottage Woodston

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS The Abbey Hotel Crowland

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Cock Inn

SUN DEC 14 JOHNNY TRUANT

RETROLUX

Old Coach House

BLUES BROTHERS

Mkt Deeping

Werrington

The Halcyon

RIFF RAFF

Netherton

Cherry Tree

THE ABOVE Oundle Road

The Bluebell

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Dogsthorpe

Lime Tree

THE NUGGETS Walton

The 5 Bells

UNCLE MONKEY Morton

The Royal Arms

THU DEC 18

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Swiss Cottage

The Jubilee

Woodston

Bourne

IRENE RAE

RETROLUX Cherry Tree Oundle Road

ON THE CEILING

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

MOTOWN NIGHT Lime Tree Walton

EMPRESS OF FUR The Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Crown Inn

Elton

Eastrea

MIGHTY QUINN

Whittlesey

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

RAGESTAR The Crown Lincoln Road Tickets £4

STEELYARD BLUES BAND Charters

PORKY PIG Fayre Spot

JOHN QUINN

WED DEC 24 Swiss Cottage

IRENE RAE Woodston

Club Dissident

HAYLE-STONE Lincoln Road

The Solstice

STORM

Northminster

Elmfield Tavern

Bretton

Dogsthorpe

SAT DEC 20

FRI DEC 26

Thorney Club

Cherry Tree

BURLESQUE Peterborough

RICKY MOORE Mkt Deeping

Netherton

(Ticket only)

The Nags Head

Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

Oundle Road

The Crown

Old Coach House

The Halcyon

Cherry Tree

WED DEC 31

Cherry Tree

J.R REGGAE

UNDERCOVER

(last ever gig)

WINNIE CLARKE OUTA-STOCK

The Park Park Road

DES LANGFORD

The Three Horseshoes

Werrington

Town Bridge

Park Road

BURLESQUE

FRI DEC 19

The Cock Inn

The Park

PORKY PIG

GRUMPY OLD MEN

Town Bridge

VIKING SKULL

The Fenman

Grove Street

Charters

Netherton

SONIC BOOM Park Road SIX + CHIEF PAT MARTIN LIVERPOOL UK 80’S TRIBUTE + CHRIS The Halcyon MURRAY + JB CONSPIRACY + Netherton BRASSPHEMY THE BRAYS Mkt Deeping

ANGRY MAN

The Halcyon

Eastfield

Old Coach House

The Bluebell

Stamford

The Burghley Arms

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

DOUBLE PENETRATION

DANNY BRYANT’S RED EYE BAND

THE REPLICAS LLOYD WATSON Oundle Road

Old Coach House

KEV COLLINS Mkt Deeping

The Bluebell

FEET TO THE FIRE Elton

HALCYON DAZE The Roundhead Bretton

GROUNDED Peterborough Lions Rugby Club Bretton Park

STORM

Whittle Way Stanground

THE ONE EYED CATS Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

CRASH & BANG BAND Swiss Cottage Woodston

THE NUGGETS The Dragon Werrington (All ticket - please call venue)

Charters

MARK WILKINSON + SAT DEC 27 GROOVE MUSTANG BLUE CARTEL

Ebeneezer’s

Ebeneezer’s

Brewery Tap

Grove Street

Grove Street

Westgate

GRUMPY OLD MEN

Dogsthorpe

(Ticket only)

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free e-mail gigs@espmag.co.uk or fax on 01733 579708 or post to: ESP Magazine, PO Box 431, Peterborough, PE6 7FG.

December 2008

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas & New Year!

5th 6th 12th 13th 18th 19th 20th 23rd 26th 27th 31st

Storm Porky Pig Karsie Chiefs Frankly My Dear Open Xmas Night Pulse Riff Raff ‘X’mas Factor Karaoke 8pm The Replicas Retrolux Open as normal 12pm – 1am

Cock Inn W E R R I N G T O N

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT • Mon Night Biker Nite • Food served Mon - Thur 128pm, Fri-Sun 12pm - 4pm • Thurs Nite Steak Nite • Sunday Roast - £6 • SKY Sports

December 5th Steeler 6th Tut 7th Karaoke with Trev 12th Motown Night 13th Hooker 14th Karaoke with Trev 19th Frankly My Dear 20th TBA 24th Disco 31st Big Rose’s Party Night Ticket only - ring for details

9 Oundle Road, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

The Deepings Premier Venue • Dine in our elegant restaurant or sample our delicious bar snacks • Real ales always served

Live Music in December 6th 13th 20th 24th

26th Lloyd Watson Paul Cage 27th Des Langford Neverland 31st TBA Ricky Moore TBA “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Bridge Foot, Market Deeping.

Tel: 01778 341460

1305 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough

pub@espmag.co.uk

PUBGUIDE Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE) • Live music every weekend (check ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Mon-Friday • Sky + Setanta sports • Real Ales • Free pool on Tuesdays • Large family beer garden St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890

Halcyon

• Family friendly pub with beer garden • Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Home cooked bar food daily • A La Carte restaurant Thurs - Sat evenings (booking required) • Sunday lunch 12-5pm - booking essential • Garden marquee available for functions, weddings etc.

• Petanque terrain • Outside bars and hog roast available

• Food served all day, every day.

• Sunday roast from £5.49 – full children’s menu • Sky and Setanta sports • Live music every Saturday • Karaoke every Friday • Real ales served • Undercover, heated smoking area

The Fox, Folksworth Tel: 01733 240 258

Atherstone Ave, Peterbrough Tel: 01733 263801

Golden Fleece

Wheatsheaf

• Food served daily • Live music every weekend (see ESP Gig Guide) • Karaoke every Thursday & Sunday • Real Ales served in our welcoming bar • Prize quiz first Wed every month Sheep Market, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 763749

• Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Sky and Setanta sports • Beer garden and patio • New Menu - introducing ‘The Famous Five’ - five meals for £4.95 (each) • Live music (see ESP gig guide) • Entertainment every 2nd and 4th Saturday • Families welcome ‘til 8pm

The Whittle Way

Lime Tree

• Live music every Friday (see ESP Gig Guide) • All Sky Sports events on large screen TV • Real Ales • Quiz night every Sunday • Function room available • Beer garden

• Live entertainment - SEE ESP GUIDE • Live Sky sports • Real Ales • Beer gardens front and rear • Two pool tables • Quiz every Sunday night • Function room for hire

Central Square, Stanground Tel: 01733 340304

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

The Plough

ADVERTISE HERE

Milk and Water Drove, Farcet Fen. Tel: 01733 844307

www.esp3.net ( December ) w w w.

• Food served daily ‘til 9pm except Monday night • Sunday Lunch - 12-7pm, booking advisable • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Fri & Sat food 12-9pm • Quiz night once a month • Wi – Fi access • Early bird menu 5.30pm – 7.30pm starter and main £9.95 • Fine real ales • Karaoke every last Saturday of the month High Street, Glinton Tel: 01733 252285

The Fox

• Full A La Carte menu served • Real ales served • Children’s Menu and Sunday Lunch Menu please book • Now taking bookings for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Christmas parties.

• Snack menu available

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Bluebell (GLINTON)

dontscrapthetap . c o m

Eastfield Road, Peterborough Tel: 01733 562724

To advertise your pub here for only £16 per week call Andy on:

01733 579707

Free listings for you live entertainment included Email: andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Last few spaces available!

LATIN NIGHTS at BAR CUBA Bar Cuba Presents MURRAY HOCKERIDGE Live music/percussion Soul & Latin Funky House

Sunday Lunch now at Latinis

• Sat 13 December • Wed 24 December • Wed 31 December

12pm to 4pm. Roast dinner for £7.95.

FREE drink* for every diner *House wine or bottled beer only

New SIZZLING Fajitas

Presenting DJ RAFRO Exclusive to Bar Cuba!

Every Fri /Sat 10:30pm

Children under 5yrs eat FREE, under 10yrs ½ price

NEW YEAR’S

PARTY

FREE ENTRY!

Still taking

Christmas bookings

36 New Road, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 891224 / www.latinis.co.uk

Reach For the Sky… Learn to Fly At Sibson our thrills are a mile high Fun trial flying lesson in a modern aircraft from just £75.00

Wild trial flying lesson in an Aerobatic Cessna Aircraft from just £89.00

Thrill Seeker flying lesson in the Pitts S2A a two-seat open cockpit stunt bi-plane one of the world’s most famous Aerobatic machines, the ultimate Aerobatic experience, from just £140.00

That different experience you have been looking for… or the perfect gift for someone special … Go on give it a try !

Sibson Aerodrome, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6NE (Just off the A1 – Stibbington Exit) Tel 01832 280289 • Website www.sibsonflying.co.uk • Email mail@sibsonflying.co.uk

PERFECT POSH

As we celebrate ten years of ESP, we celebrate another ‘Perfect Ten’... Posh player George Boyd.

George Boyd is one of the most talented players to put on the blue shirt of Peterborough United and during his time at London Road has scored some wonderful goals, but when we asked him to think of his Top 10 goals of his professional career, over half came during his spell with former club Stevenage Borough.

Boyd was nicknamed the ‘White Pele’ by supporters at Broadhall Way and that was not only down to his goalscoring – his skills on the ball won him rich acclaim and ultimately earned him a £260,000 move to Peterborough United. Boyd has won admirers from scouts across the country and is often linked with Championship clubs in tabloid newspapers.

He’s the current occupier of the number 10 shirt at London Road and players in the past who have worn that shirt include Leon McKenzie and hero Ken Charlery. Boyd has said that it’s an ‘honour’ to wear the number 10 shirt and is targeting automatic promotion with Posh this season.

MY

Photos: fcpix.co.uk

10 GEORGE BOYD’S PERFECT 10 GOALS IN HIS CAREER…

Stevenage v Northampton Town (FA Cup second round) December 3rd 2005 “I turned the defender with a bit of a Cruyff turn, beat a couple of defenders and curled it into the bottom corner.”

Peterborough v Boston United (Coca-Cola League Two) 20th February 2007 “We were struggling a bit in that game and I managed to hit a volley from about 30-yards which dipped over the goalkeeper and into the top corner.”

Woking v Stevenage Borough (Football Conference) 16th August 2006 “I beat the defender by doing a double step-over, he went the other way and I side-footed the ball past the goalkeeper.”

Stevenage v Cambridge United (Football Conference) 2nd January 2006 “It was a volley from about 25-yards.”

62

www.esp3.net ( December ) w w w.

Shrewsbury v Peterborough United (Coca-Cola League Two) 2nd October 2007 “Charlie had already scored a fine goal from distance and I scored the second to secure the win, it was from a fairly tight angle and I just drilled it into the top corner.”

Northampton v Peterborough (Coca-Cola League One) 13th September 2008 “I cut inside the defender and I curled the ball away from the goalkeeper and into the corner.”

Peterborough v Accrington Stanley (Coca-Cola League Two) 15th January 2008 “It was a massive win and I scored a hat-trick that day – the first goal, I just flicked it up and volleyed it near post.”

dontscrapthetap . c o m

Watch Posh in action this Christmas and escape the family! Turn off the TV, save the turkey sarnies ‘til later and get your Posh scarf out. It’s the ideal way to escape granny so get your cheering voice warmed up as Peterborough United take on Millwall on Boxing Day. It’s a 1pm kick off so you avoid more Brussels sprouts too – bonus! See www.theposh.com

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

Northwich Victoria v Stevenage (Football Conference) 10th April 2004 “This was my first ever goal for Stevenage, it was a volley that’s all I can remember.”

Ebbsfleet v Stevenage Borough (Football Conference) 29th October 2005 “I just remember the strike going in off the crossbar and that I struck it from outside the area.”

Stevenage v Scarborough (Football Conference) 8th April 2006 “I just remember it going in the top corner!”

“Peterborough Greyhound Stadium wish ESP a very Happy 10th Birthday.

It’s wonderful to see this quality publication go from strength to strength, while lesser rags fall away! As a medium in which to advertise and reach a wide and varied audience, we cannot fault ESP.”

YOUR SAY...

POSH GREAT ESCAPE!

Andy Barham, Peterborough Greyhound Stadium

WIN TICKETS TO WATCH POSH PLAY! We have two tickets for the family stand at London Road to watch a league game of your choice (excluding local derbies) in January worth £40.

To get your name in the net, just answer the following question and send us your name, age, address and telephone number…

Which of the following Kens also wore the number 10 shirt?

A – Ken Barlow B – Ken Charlery C – Ken and Barbie Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 29/12/08.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

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Visit Licence to Thrill for 1000’s of DVDs, adult toys, libo pills and much more Licence to Thrill Unit 7, Park Road, Peterborough (Opposite Westgate Dept. Store) Open Monday To Saturday 10am to 6pm

01733 341555

sport@espmag.co.uk

LOCALSPORT ROBIN COUSINS TURNS HOCKEY PLAYER IN THE BORO! One of the Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey team ended up ‘Dancing on Ice’ with figure skating champion and TV star Robin Cousins when he dropped by the Bretton rink recently.

The chief judge from the TV skating show taught Phantoms forward Maris Ziedins some figure skating moves and then tried out his skills with an ice hockey puck – clearly the two types of skating were a challenge for both skaters!

Maris told ESP – “It was almost like learning to skate all over again. After this session I totally respect what figure skaters manage to do!”

Robin was in Peterborough to

promote the new Holiday on Ice show ‘Mystery’ which is coming to the new exec exhibition hall at the East of England Showground for the first time next year.

Robin told ESP he hopes the fabulous show will promote an interest in all aspects of skating and encourage more people to watch the matches and take to the ice – “The show is a glamorous spectacle. Hopefully people will see it and it will help feed the rink as it’s a

great facility. You can learn for pleasure, maybe aim to join an ice show yourself in future or even take up ice hockey. It would be nice to think there was a synergy and more people took up skating as a result.”

Robin, an Olympic gold medallist, has partnered up with Anthony Van Laast to produce ‘Mystery’ a stunning new Holiday on Ice show which features Olympic standard skaters performing some amazing routines.

“The skaters are really put through their paces from the word go,” says Robin. “They must convey a multitude of emotions in a packed two hours, besides delivering the technical prowess associated with my shows. I love that they make it happen every day and manage it with great humour too.”

See it for yourself at Exec Peterborough from February 4 – 8.

ESP HELPS PHANTOMS RAISE CASH ESP’s Kerry, Claire and Pep got their gloves on last month to support a charity ice hockey match at the ice rink in Bretton.

The match was played by a group of amateurs from local businesses and organisations and included our very own former Face of ESP, Kerry Bates who was up against a team headed by Lite FM radio presenter Mike Clarke – ‘Mikey’s Lightning’.

It was organised by Alchemy Marketing to raise money for Peterborough SportsAid Foundation, which supports local sports stars, and the Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey team.

ESP’s Pep Cipriano was team captain of ‘Pep’s Men About Town’, but a previous knee injury played up and prevented him from playing (he even had a sick note from his physio - honest!) so Kerry had to step onto the ice in his place and proved to be a mean little mover on skates!

The game was started by our new Face of ESP, Claire Smith and as soon as the whistle blew, players began to topple – Kerry was by no means the only person to fall! Luckily the ‘Robocop’ style outfits prevented any injuries. Obviously, the crowd loved this and got behind the players, raising around £5,500 in the process through tickets, sponsorship and an auction in the bar afterwards.

Jon Kynaston of the Peterborough Phantoms told ESP – “It’s been great to team up and support such a fantastic organisation as the Peterborough SportsAid Foundation. I know for sure that all the participants and spectators had a great night, they won’t laugh as much again for a long time!”

“Congratulations ESP on your 10th birthday, thanks for all your help and support over the years and here’s looking forward to the next ten years!”

The standard of play did slowly improve during the match and Pep and Kerry’s team won overall, prompting Mickey from Lite FM to tell ESP – “There are normally a few fights in ice hockey games and I was tempted to keep this tradition going, especially with Kerry’s comments and smug look every time they scored! As she had a photo shoot the next day I thought I’d best behave. Next time though, Kerry, watch your back!”

Looks like ESP will be back on the ice again next year – watch this space! For more information, visit www.peterborough-phantoms.com or www.sportsaid.org.uk

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YOUR SAY...

Dennis Baldry, Manager, Serpentine Green Shopping Centre

HappyNewYear...

... here's to another ten years of ESP

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DECEMBER 2008 Issue 112

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Years-old ... and getting stronger every month!

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