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DECEMBER 2011 Issue 148

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In this month’s issue check out our:

What’s on for christmas panto movies NYe Nights out comedy Festive Fashion Food

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The saturdays Interview

STAMFORD

PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE, GLINTON, WERRINGTON, GUNTHORPE, EYE, DOGSTHORPE, WALTON, NEW ENGLAND, MILLFIELD, NETHERTON, WESTWOOD, BRETTON, FENGATE, FLETTON, BOONGATE, STANGROUND, YAXLEY, FARCET, WHITTLESEY, STILTON, FOLKSWORTH, SAWTRY, CASTOR, LONGTHORPE, HAMPTON, WOODSTON, ORTON WISTOW, ORTON LONGUEVILLE, WANSFORD, ELTON, OUNDLE, CROWLAND, NEWBOROUGH, SPALDING, SPRINGFIELDS, DEEPING, LANGTOFT, NORTHBOROUGH, ETTON, BARNACK, HELPSTON, TALLINGTON, BOURNE... AND MORE.

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CHRISTMAS MAGIC! PETERBOROUGH MALE VOICE CHOIR PMVC are delighted to be presenting this festive concert following the success of their Sing For Life concert earlier in the year.

They’re joined by Peterborough Youth Choir and the stunning Peterborough Voices (women’s choir) to bring audiences all the best seasonal music and carols. They’ll be accompanied by a 45-piece symphony orchestra at Peterborough Cathedral on December 17 at 7.30pm – which will be spectacular and a must-see! Tickets range from £10 – £25, to book your tickets visit www.peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk

TRY TRUGYM TruGym in Northminster (near the passport office) opened its doors earlier this year, and is home to an affordable gym membership.

Their memberships start from as little as £9.99 a month for unlimited access as it remains open for longer hours during the day! The gym has large cardio and strength zones, and they even have their own studio which offers free classes to all members.

Getting fit is only a few clicks away with their simple online joining, visit www.trugym.co.uk to find out more!

ORANGERY OPEN @ STAMFORD GARDEN CENTRE A new 50-seat orangery opened at the end of November at Stamford Garden Centre on Casterton Road. The orangery brings an exciting new space to the restaurant. In winter the warm lights and curtains make it a cosy place to indulge in a lunch or dinner by new head chef Andrew West (previously of Jim's Yard, Stamford and the Red Lion, Strathern). In summer it’ll be cool an airy as one side can open using bi-fold doors, leading you to the outdoor dining patio. It’s the perfect place for afternoon tea and to enjoy the view of the garden centre. For more info call 01780 765656.

LIGHTS OF LOVE The festive season’s here and that means it’s time for the free Sue Ryder Lights Of

Love concert. Head to Thorpe Hall on December 18 to celebrate your loved ones at a very special evening full of carols and Christmas cheer. Held in the beautiful gardens the outdoor Christmas carol concert will be hosted by Jane Smith from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire together with Peterborough City Concert Band and Peterborough Gospel Choir. Children can visit Santa on his sleigh or join in with Christmas games and face painting. A BBQ, mulled wine and mince pies are also available The evening ends with a superb firework finale. Free admission.

LOOK FAB THIS PARTY SEASON @ BEAUTIFUL SPA Beautiful Spa in Yaxley tell us they’re promoting lash extensions, defined eyebrows and semi-permanent mascara called Myscara for the party season, as we all know that lush lashes + beautiful brows = perfect eye definition.

Why not spa away that hangover this party season with a relaxing half day spa? Or bring the office party to the spa with a girls night in, bring your own alcohol and have an office bash in the jacuzzi bath! For more details on what they have to offer, call 01733 248938.

DOG IN A DOUBLET OPENING SOON It’s good to hear this traditional pub located on Northside near Whittlesey will be opening its doors once again on December 8. The new managers John and Della are hoping to revive this old pub and make it a great venue for the locals. They’re taking Christmas party bookings now so call them on 01733 202256 for more info.

MERGE CRAFTS FAIR If you’re looking for a unique gift or just to treat yourself, visit this fantastic craft fair in Oundle and support British craft makers.

ESP is offering readers a special two for one deal, all you have to do is print out the voucher on the home page of www.espmag.co.uk. Merge Contemporary Craft Fair will be showcasing the best of British craft this Christmas with a

Proudly sponsored by

53 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 1QA Telephone: 01733 342800 www.thebanyantree-uk.com fantastic show that will please all tastes on Saturday December 10 and Sunday December 11 at the Great Hall in Oundle located in the centre of the town. For more details visit www.mergecontemporary craftfairs.com.

GREAT GIFTS @ NENE PARK GOLF SHOP If you’re struggling for gift ideas for your man this Christmas, then look no further.

Nene Park Golf shop in Thorpe Wood has some great golf related gifts and top clothing brands at great prices. They’re stockists of Lyle & Scott, Ping, Nike and Adidas, and gift vouchers are available for a round of golf, shop equipment and golf lessons. Call 01733 267701 for more info on the brands they have in store.

HIRE A HOT TUB Always dreamed of having a hot tub but not been able to afford one? Well this may just be the ideal thing for you. Why not hire a hot tub for that special occasion, and jazz up your party to make it extra special? Posh Spas are specialist suppliers of hot tubs and swim spas, and hire them out for a minimum of three days. You can choose from a portable four person hot tub from £99 or a larger five seater with hydrotherapy massage jets from £199. Check out their ad later on in the mag for more details about their offers and prices. You can find them at Notcutts Garden Centre, or in Little Paxton, St Neots. www.poshspas.co.uk.

TOY STORE They’ll be no toying around for Peterborough parents seeking the perfect presents for their little ones this year with the arrival of Fun Learning at Queensgate.

The popular children’s store is now located in the former West Coast unit next to Topman packed with inspiring children’s products which both excite and educate. For kiddies looking to get crafty this Christmas, the store offers a wide range of arts and crafts, in addition to a collection of traditional board games. Fun Learning also offers a wide range of maths, English, science and nature games.

Queensgate will be open for late night shopping every weeknight in the run up to

Christmas, until December 23, with free parking after 5.30pm. For all the latest info on opening hours, parking tariffs and the weekend park and ride visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

FESTIVE FUN @ BORO BAR There’s loads happening in the city during the Christmas period, and the Boro Bar is one of the venues with some great entertainment in store. On Christmas Eve the High Rollers are playing live, it’ll be a great way to spend the evening before one of the most exciting days of the year! Then on New Year’s Eve they’ve got a disco and karaoke, so you can have a boogie and a sing along. Don’t forget they serve real ales so you’re guaranteed a good pint on the night! Call 01733 310374 if you want more details.

FINE FEATHERHEADS NOW @ MELANIE RICHARDS Fine Featherheads are the original feather hair extension and are now available at Melanie Richard's Hair Boutique on Bridge Street. This newcraze that’s taken off in America is now set to take Peterborough by storm. The hair feathers come in a full spectrum of colours and in a variety of lengths from three to 16 inches. These feathered hair pieces can be brushed, blowdried, straightened and curled (up to 450°F!). They can be treated like your natural hair and are reusable lasting in your hair for up to four months depending on care and are perfect for the party season!

Tel: 01733 553600.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE @ THE BULL HOTEL If you’re looking for a place to hold your festive celebrations this Christmas the Bull Hotel is the perfect venue. Whether it’s an office party or an intimate family celebration you can be sure to book the ideal party.

They’re got a festive dinner and disco, Christmas and Boxing Day lunch, and a Masquerade Ball on New Year’s Eve. Call 01733 561364 or email info@bull-hotelpeterborough.com to book your party now.

ESP Magazine Ltd, P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG Tel: 01733 579707 Fax: 01733 579708 Email: office@espmag.co.uk 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.

Andrea Connor

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CITY CENTRE LIGHTS UP – NOW GET READY FOR THE NYE PARTY! Peterborough city centre’s big switch on saw thousands in Cathedral Square party to the One Eyed Cats, Whisky Jax and last year’s X Factor finalists Diva Fever.

Hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Paul Stainton and sponsored by The Clock Coffee Lounge, the event saw local Olympic hero Louis Smith join the Key panto crew and Father Christmas to flick the switch on an amazing display of new lights.

The Diva Fever guys, Josef Al-Smadi and Peterborough’s own Craig Saggers went down a storm and their version of Marey Carey’s All I Want For Christmas was a classic. They told ESP’s Susan Saunders – “We've done so many exciting things over the last year. It's been really amazing.

Obviously doing the show was just brilliant but we've even been flown out to China to do a gig, after someone saw us on You Tube – that was incredible and a bit unbelievable too!

Appearing on Celebrity Juice was so good too."

Read Susan’s full interview and see more pics on www.espmag.co.uk Now it’s time for the big New Year’s Eve party in the square when December 31 will again see BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and The Clock bring you some great entertainment to see in 2012. It’ll kick off with live music at 8pm and run through until the early hours with music from the likes of the Whisky Jax and Rocket 57. The ESP Dance Crew will be getting you in the party spirit and of course it’ll all go with a bang at midnight when fireworks welcome in the New Year.

See you there!

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Photos: Emma Bothamley

Photos: Mike Harris

EVENTS

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP @ QUEENSGATE Our Face of ESP Jessica Lockhart joined the Key panto crew, Heart FM’s Kev Lawrence and Postman Pat to switch on the Queensgate Christmas lights.

The shopping centre’s been transformed into a stunning winter wonderland, Santa is in his grotto and you can shop late ’til 9pm weeknights with free parking ‘til 5.30pm. In December Queensgate will also stay open an extra hour on Saturdays until 7pm.

PARTY ON FOR THE WILLOW FESTIVAL If you’re as excited as we are about the return of the Willow Festival next May join the organisers at a fantastic Christmas party to help raise funds for the project. It’ll be the ideal festive night out for fans of live music with local heroes The Nuggets entertaining the party goers with their 60s flavoured rock and soul plus a classic, funk, soul and groove roadshow will be backing up the band.

It’s on December 9 at the Fleet in Fletton and tickets are £8.50 from TWF sponsors, Papa Luigi and The Guitar Shack at Walton Retail Park on Lincoln Road or email info@willowfestival.org.uk. All proceeds go towards the festival.

www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MARKETS Get ready to haggle as the Moroccan style Berber market has set up once again in Cathedral Square and along Bridge Street offering plenty of great gift ideas through until December 22. It’ll be joined by the popular Continental market which returns to Long Causeway in Peterborough city centre from December 7 – 24 with lots of tasty goodies ideal for Christmas.

STAMFORD CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

SANTAS MAKE A RUN FOR IT Hundreds of Santas will be legging it to raise cash for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) on Sunday December 4 at Ferry Meadows.

Participants dress up in Santa outfits to run, jog or walk the 2.5km route which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs… you can even take your dog!

The Santa Run relies on sponsorship so participants are encouraged to raise as much money as possible.

It starts at 11am and adult entry’s £10 and includes a Santa suit. Child entry (aged 13 and under) is £5 which includes a Santa hat. To sign up, visit www.each.org.uk/santaruns or call 01223 205180.

If you’ve not done your Christmas shopping yet or just need something to put you in the festive spirit, head down to the Stamford Christmas Festival on Sunday December 11.

CAROLS @ THE CATHEDRAL

From 10am – 4pm Stamford High Street, Red Lion Square, Sheep Market and Bath Row will see over 150 exhibitor and trade stalls, selling everything from festive food to Christmas crafts. A huge line-up of family entertainment’s also planned see www.visitstamford.com/xmas.

Nothing gets you in the spirit of Christmas more than the Christmas Eve carol service at Peterborough Cathedral. Belt out all your favourite carols with the Salvation Army band from 8pm – but get there early if you need a seat as it’s very popular.

GOLF GIFTS AND TOP BRANDS AT THE BEST PRICES THIS CHRISTMAS including Lyle & Scott, Ping, Nike, Under Armour and Adidas

Gift vouchers also available to buy for:

• • • • • •

Special events available including, stag nights, corporate events and birthday parties.

License bar and food available Sky TV Book Open 7 days a week now for a Booking essential Loyalty cards available

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Rounds of golf • Golf accessories and equipment • Golf lessons

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Thorpe Wood Golf Course Thorpe Wood Peterborough PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701

Orton Meadows Golf Course Ham Lane, Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU Tel: 01733 237478

Pitch and Putt at Orton Meadows Golf Course

Christmas bookings now being taken

01733 202604 Funthams lane, Kingsdyke,Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2PA golf@peterboroughvirtualgolf.co.uk • www.peterboroughvirtualgolf.co.uk

skaters the greatest possible freedom of movement.

Edwin told us – “Holiday On Ice is the only skating show I design for. I love working on these costumes, it is really fun and different – the costumes from waist up are the same as a dancer’s, but from the waist down it’s much more challenging.”

Costume design is an integral part of the creative vision of the show and Edwin worked closely with the show’s creative director, Robin Cousins. With so many costumes to design, we asked Edwin which were the most elaborate to produce.

Surprisingly it wasn’t the vibrantly colourful Caribbean carnival outfits and hats, nor the gorgeous bridal outfits representing the four seasons that make the skaters appear to glide seamlessly over the ice, but the Christmas toy shop characters Miss Piggy, a dinosaur and a beautifully plush teddy bear!

TROPICANA – A GIFT OF AN ICE SHOW Struggling for gift ideas? Book them tickets for the biggest party in town and enjoy a little club Tropicana in the New Year!

Holiday On Ice is back, bringing a new fantastic, feel-good show to Peterborough that’s guaranteed to get the party started.

Directed by Dancing On Ice judge and top ice skating star Robin Cousins, Tropicana features music by the one and only Barry Manilow. So expect the spirit of the Copacabana and some showgirl magic as the cast take to the ice.

Anyone who’s seen a Holiday On Ice production will know that the amazing array of

dazzling costumes is a key ingredient and this one is extra special.

Tropicana – the Passion Tour, which opens at the Exec Peterborough on February 2 features 220 costumes, 49 wigs and 66 hats, each individually designed and hand-made in Paris.

Costume designer Edwin Piekny began his career as a dancer and he’s used that experience to design costumes that not only leave the audiences in awe, but also allow the

We’re also told that the finale costumes are the heaviest in the show, with small lights carefully worked into them, allowing them to light up and spin in stunning effect.

It promises to be a real spectacle and finding tickets for this amazing ice show in your Christmas stocking sounds like a real treat.

Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased in person from the Peterborough Visitor Destination Centre, Bridge Street in Peterborough (cash only) or from the Ticket Factory Tel: 0844 581 1315 or online www.theticketfactory.com. Prices range from £25 to £26 with all children at £12 (subject to booking & transaction fee). Big savings for groups. For more info visit www.holidayonice.com/uk.

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ENTERTAINMENT sets and costumes and above all good clean festive fun for all the family in a beautiful intimate setting.”

The Key rarely disappoints when it comes to panto so what’s the highlight of this year's show?

“I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the surprises,” says Michael, “but with a magic carpet and our own panto panda this year’s show will be one to remember.”

MAGIC CARPET RIDE @ THE KEY PANTO The Key Theatre panto is always a favourite, and with more performances than ever this year there’s no excuse to miss Aladdin. Sharon McAllister caught up with director Michael Cross…

This year’s production will see the return of Peterborough-lass-done-good, Donna Steele, who’s made a name for herself in West End shows since starting out at the Key. It’ll be great to see her back performing in the Boro, but what makes this one so magical?

“Aladdin is a real mix of all that makes a panto special,” says director Michael Cross, “spectacle, adventure, well-known characters (including a gorgeous genie) and an Oriental flavour that makes it very different from all the other titles – both exotic and traditional at the same time.”

Michael’s very proud of the Key’s thirty years of experience producing professional local pantomime and has what he describes as – “A talented cast of seasoned performers, great music,

There’s a strong cast this year with Patric Kearns as Widow Twankey, a very experienced panto performer who Michael describes as – “The ‘mistress’ of off-the-cuff comedy, no two shows are ever the same with Patric around!” Once again this year he’s joined by sidekick Adam Patman as comic Wishee Washee whose Lee Evans-esque delivery has created the perfect foil for Patric in all the slapstick moments.

West End actors Paul Crosby and Key panto newcomer Phil Stewart bring a touch of style and presence to their roles as the Emperor of China and evil ‘uncle’ Abanazar respectively – both have played in Blood Brothers in the West End.

ALADDIN @ SPALDING

Another West End leading lady returns to the company this year too – Peterborough’s Donna Steele is back to recreate her role as Aladdin.

“She’s a wonderful all round performer,” enthuses Michael, “Donna is another local girl made good and the Key Panto fun at the South Theatre team is delighted to welcome her back this Holland Centre, Spalding season. She’ll be joined by Tyler Fayose as the Genie – from Wednesday complete with six-pack and an eye for the ladies! And we December 7 – mustn’t forget ESP’s own Matthew Zilch of course – Monday January 2 appearing this year as palace guard I Pong. Matt’s with special effects, showmanship, energy and enthusiasm make him a great music and comedy from addition to the team and he may get to play his guitar this Polka Dot Pantomimes. Box year too!” office: 01775 764777.

Aladdin runs at The Key from December 8 – January 8. Box office: 01733 207239. some shopping in Queensgate. I’m a huge football fan so I’m going to try and check out a POSH game as well.”

Photos: Chris Brudenell

Another celeb performing on the Cresset stage is Eastenders’ Cathy Murphy, who plays the Fairy Godmother.

THE CRESSET WILL GO TO THE BALL The Cresset gets back on the panto circuit after missing out last year by staging Cinderella featuring a couple of TV’s familiar faces. ESP’s Mikey Clarke went along to meet Matt Milburn and Cathy Murphy…

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Cathy’s appeared in over 70 television shows including When I met Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star Matt Milburn he Extras and The Bill and was brimming with excitement about taking to the stage in recently bowed out as Peterborough and told me – “I’m really excited about getting Walford's Julie Perkins. started now. The Cresset has a huge stage and we’re going to Cathy looked excited as she told me – “I can’t wait for the be filling it with some incredible dance routines and big visual whole family to come and watch me. That’s the surprises.” best thing about panto, it’s for all ages. I was recently in a stage performance of Matt plays Prince Charming, which sounds like a Misery – which isn’t exactly child part destined for him. “I’m a pretty charming CINDERELLA @ friendly. I took on the role of person,” he joked. “Actually, many will STAMFORD crazed Annie Wilkes in the disagree with me saying that! As a adaptation of Stephen King's Stamford Pantomime character though, I feel more than able to classic novel. That role players bring play the part as this will be my second couldn’t be more different Cinderella to time playing Prince Charming in to the Fairy Godmather Stamford Corn Cinderella.” who’s going to be such a Exchange Theatre fun character to play.”

So what brings the TV with family fun and heartthrob back to the stage? songs from Tuesday Our two celebrities will be “I love doing panto. It’s one of December 27 – joined by James Dinsmore who’ll the most fun jobs out there Saturday December 31. be teaming up with Zach because it’s so interactive with Box office: 01780 766455.

Vanderfelt as Bella and Donna, the the audience. Audiences react ugliest of ugly sisters! Our heroine is differently each time we do a show, so played by the gorgeous Rebecca Cole, and every performance feels fresh and exciting.” with the hilarious David Martin as Buttons it’s set to be a fabulous show.

Many females in the city will be pleased to know that whilst Matt is with us, he plans to get out and Make sure you check it out this festive season between about as much as possible. He continued – “You’ll December 13 and 30. Box office: 01733 265705. definitely be seeing me out in the bars and doing

Christmas Menus available bookings now being taken

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Sunday 18th December Handful of Harmonies at 4.00pm

Christmas Eve in the pub fun round the fire with The Callaborators 7pm – 9pm

Boxing Day & New Years Day open for food 12noon – 5pm

3 market Gate, market deeping tel: 01778 346952 email harleysdiner@hotmail.co.uk www.harleysdiner.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS this really is the place to be this christmas. you will walk the red carpet in style like the stars of the silver screen and join a party fit for the great and good of tinsel town.

Prices from £24.95 per person.

Sunday 25th december

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH Just 2 miles from the centre of Peterborough, the Holiday Inn Peterborough West is one of the city's most prestigious hotels, fully air conditioned and situated opposite an excellent 18-hole golf course and some 500 acres of beautiful parkland. With our recent refurbishment, our contemporary restaurant has an excellent reputation, as has the hotel's Club Moativation with pool, spa, sauna, steam room, aerobics, beauty treatment, solarium and gym. Golf at Thorpe Wood course opposite the hotel can be pre-booked.

Holiday Inn Peterborough West Thorpewood, Peterborough PE3 6SG

Tel: 01733 289900 www.holidayinn.co.uk

bring along the family and enjoy a traditional christmas day lunch, served in the relaxed atmosphere of our restaurant. We will greet you with a glass of bucks fizz and a selection of canapés on arrival; and then you will enjoy a sumptuous five course lunch with all the trimmings. £59.95 pp, £24.95 for children under 12 years. Free for children under 5 years Saturday 31St december

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA EVENT you will enjoy champagne and canapés on arrival followed by a six course Gala dinner and live entertainment from our renowned vocalist peter Jay, supported by our resident dJ for dancing until late. We promise you a spectacular evening as we count down to 2012! £75.00 per person Saturday 31St december

FAMILY NEW YEAR’S DISCO enjoy a new year’s eve dinner and disco with friends and family. you will sample the delights from our sumptuous buffet islands and then enjoy a disco till late, all in the surroundings of our family friendly restaurant. drinks reception from 7pm, dinner served at 8pm, followed by disco and dancing until 2am. £59.95 per person. £17.50 per child under 12 years. Free for children under 5.

Special accommodation rateS available pleaSe call hotel for detailS

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Pep Cipriano

PUT A BOTTLE OF RED IN HER STOCKING A study by the University of Florence has revealed women who drink one or two glasses of red wine a day have more fulfilling sex lives and higher arousal levels. Finally, a solution to the boring foreplay she always insists on.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE THIS PARTY SEASON!

MY WORD OF THE MONTH

It’s party season and this is why we all love festivities: Mistletoe, condom, gravy, muffin tops, thong/ cheese cutter, affair, Babycham, sticky, taxi puking, freezing NYE, boss’ secretary, boring turkey, cr*p presents, dumping, stress, ungrateful kids, immaculate conception, frankincense and myrrh.

So, the festive season is upon us and you’ve got a choice. Either: 1. Stay indoors and party with your TV set which will be transmitting the usual Christmas and New Year rubbish and that means tucking into Terry’s Chocolate Orange to relieve your boredom at the expense of clotting your arteries with fat.

2. Put your lucky pants (clean ones if you’re in a relationship) on, wash your bits, take contraception, lippy (chewing gum if you’re a boy) money and a coat (not if you’re a girl) and call for a cab (great rates with Goldstar Cabs).

And below is just a taster of some of the places you should book that cab for. There’s more going on this party season but not enough room on this page to squeeze it all in so keep an eye on www.espmag.co.uk for all the latest! Remember; if you can’t be good then be careful. Buon Natale and have fun.

The Solstice: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – DJ and free entry.

The Cherry Tree: Christmas Eve – DJ Andy Burton and the Beat System. New Year’s Eve – Live music from Kickback. Tickets £5.

Liquid Nightclub: Christmas Eve – Top tunes and drinks offers, £3 on the door. New Year’s Eve – House, R'n'B, pop and favorite classics, £12.50 entry.

Bull Hotel: New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball.

Afternoon tea, pre-dinner champagne and canapés, four-course dinner, entertainment and music, overnight stay and full English breakfast, £145 per person.

Holiday Inn: New Year’s Eve Gala Event. Champagne and canapés followed by a six-course gala dinner and live entertainment from Peter Jay, supported by a resident DJ for dancing until late, £75 per person.

XXI Peterborough: New Year’s Eve – Two music rooms – one catering for the ‘party’ crowd who want to dance to party records from the 1960s through to the current day. Room two is soul and disco classics from the late 1970s through to the mid-90s. Over 25s only, dress casual but smart (no sportswear).

Tickets £10.

The Ploughman (Werrington): New Year’s Eve – Live music from the Nuggets. Tickets £10 per person.

Festivities

MR KNOW IT ALL TAUGHT A LESSON If you’re looking for a new year challenge then enrol on a course in beginners Italian and we’ll be classmates.

I – Mr. Italian – was talked into attending a basic Italian language class at City College Peterborough (Brook Street) and came away feeling more exposed than the News of the World.

Tutor Karen Paone and her class of excellent beginners really knew their stuff and it’s since dawned on me there’s no shame in taking a refresher course in my native tongue.

I was able to hold my own but needed to think and double check words, sentences and pronunciation. Hardly impressive from someone who bangs on about being Italian all the time! I was more impressed by how cool Karen’s teaching style was and how relaxed the lesson was without taking the focus away from learning.

In two hours we listened, spoke and wrote in Italian – we even played games to make learning fun. The focus was very much on talking Italian, aided by a whiteboard, audio recordings and a customary exercise book.

They say you learn something new every day. I now know what ‘antiquario’ means and I’ve learnt not to rest on my laurels. A Guide To Basic Italian starts January 10 2012 at 6.30pm until 8.30pm and it’s five sessions for only £60. Check out the college www.citycollege peterborough.ac.uk or call 01733 761361.

SEASON TO BE JOLLY WITH SERVICE AT BALDERSTON Motorcycle technicians Ben and Ollie were nowhere to be seen in the workshop when I popped in to get the lowdown on Balderston’s winter service offers.

The guys were ‘recovering’ from their mammoth ride on scooters to 33 BMW dealerships in just five days to raise £2,000 for Cancer Research. I had to pull out last minute due to a twisted eyelash (you shouldn’t ride with impaired vision) but I’m pleased to say one of the boys did complete the challenge, see The Unbearable Challenge on www.balderston.net As for servicing your bike, take yours in before the end of January 2012 and Balderston will carry out a free brake overhaul, including cleaning and re-greasing of all calipers, caliper pistons, sliders and pads.

There are some amazing winter service offers to choose from and you’ll also get a free fit on all accessories purchased (excluding light and handlebar conversions). Give them a shout on 01733 565470.

FACE LIKE FATIMA? Apparently we were separated at birth?

CAUGH

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The Dragon (Werrington): New Year’s Eve – Live music from Hooker. Tickets £10 per person.

GET RINGSIDE FOR SUE RYDER

The Golden Pheasant (Etton): Christmas Eve – Live music with The Collaborators.

Holiday Inn, 7.30pm, March 3 2012 should be in your new diary if you want to see some boxing action with a difference. Woodston-based ESF Sports are putting on a night of white-collar boxing to raise dosh for Sue Ryder. We might even convince our Face of ESP Jess Lockhart to get her gloves on… More details next month!

CIAOS OUT > 14

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>> Nash - don’t forget my CD in exchange for coffee! >> Mickey V - good to see you as always. Stay positive my friend >> Lara - one day I’ll figure out it’s you on the phone! Thanks for Xmas info >> Bru, Rob, Tony - the usual NYE with NYC cheesecake to finish? >> TJ - keep that Bonnie warm, I think I need three bikes… >> Julez – why’s my kitchen floor got bulges all over it?!

<

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Aston Local hero Aston Merrygold is enjoying phenomenal success with JLS and with a third album out and an arena tour on the way there’s no let up. ESP’s Sharon McAllister caught up with him to talk X Factor, growing up in Peterborough and what a pop star wants for Christmas…

It’s hard to believe it was way back in 2008 when all of Peterborough seemed to be gathered around the TV to watch some home grown talent finally succeed on X Factor.

Aston Merrygold admits to still being a huge fan and watching the show whenever he can – that’s when he’s not performing on it himself. Their latest appearance saw them joining the finalists on the charity single, Rose Royce’s classic Wishing On A Star.

The Risk who lost their place on X Factor are now coming to Peterborough on December 21 for a live gig at Liquid nightclub. After helping mentor the band on the show, Aston says he was gutted to see the guys voted off but he believes appearances like the gig in the city is the right way forward.

“I don’t think it’s enough just to be on the show anymore –it’s about trying to maintain everything you’ve been given after such a great opportunity. It’s about getting out there and building a foundation.”

JLS have had no such worries and despite coming second they’ve sold more than two million albums and sold out arenas all over the country. With latest album Jukebox no doubt on many a Christmas wish list, it’s an album Aston’s clearly proud of – “It’s just a mix up of everything, and things that we felt were our favourite and strongest songs of the year that we’ve been writing.”

In March Aston will once again be performing live in front of thousands of fans as the Fourth Dimension Tour gets underway and he clearly can’t wait – “I’m very, very excited, that’s my favourite part of the job. This time round this show’s up to a brand new level, we needed something that absolutely sends people’s hearts racing and makes people lose their breath; it needs to be that good.”

With such a meteoric rise to fame I wonder if life in the Boro is now just a dim and distant memory for our local star.

glory there were also the less glamorous younger days – “When I was 13 I had a paper round in Netherton at Fourboys paper shop and in West Town,” Aston recalls, “then working in Pizza Hut in Boongate and in Fletton there was Popstars Studio, I used to work there, and Broadway – there were loads of places, I was just a kid trying to get my foot in the door and make as much money as possible and try and move to London.”

Anyone remember getting their paper delivered or their pepperoni served up by the back-flipping star of the country’s biggest boy band?! It’s still hard for us to believe a local lad has done quite so well, but can Aston himself get his head around his incredible success?

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely surreal!” he laughs.“I stand on stage now and sometimes realise there’s 20,000 people standing in front of me cheering and think ‘they’re actually here to see me with my boys’ and it’s hard to grasp, but when I say it’s all good, it literally is.”

It’s good to know that Peterborough is still close to his heart and he admits he misses his family and is looking forward to hopefully spending Christmas back home.

“I haven’t been up to Peterborough for a long time now; this year’s just been so busy. Obviously going to Queensgate now is kind of a no go. Going out for a meal or whatever, I’m not one to shy away from all that though – I still wanna try and lead as normal life as possible. But things change and those good times when we used to go to the Boathouse for a couple of drinks have now gone. But I appreciate everything I’ve got and been given an wouldn’t change anything for the world.”

“I think for me it’s always going to be my home – one of my new tattoos is of Peterborough cathedral – it’s always going to be a part of me.

And so with Christmas on the way, just what do you buy the pop star who has everything?

“I can count my friends and most of them are people from the Peterborough area because that’s where I’ve grown up. We always keep in touch; just because you change the job doesn’t mean you change the person.”

“I’d love a new set of towels… (not very showbiz!) I’ve got a new pad now and there’s a bit more space and I have all these people staying over so I need all these towels you see, I’m always running out.”

Many of those mates were made as a student at Jack Hunt School where Aston has fond memories but admits he wasn’t academically driven. Before the fame and

Finally, with the Willow Festival making a comeback next year I can’t resist asking if there’s any chance we just might see JLS on the bill!

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“Maybe… if we were asked it would be high on the list for me as it’s my home town… but you never know!”

So, organisers of the Willow Festival – pick up the phone!

Read more on www.espmag.co.uk www.jlsofficial.com

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Matt Zilch

Stamford CALLING

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

This year I’m again taking to the stage of the best theatre in Britain, the Key Theatre to do their annual panto, Aladdin! I’ll be taking on the role of I-Pong the palace guard! This will be my third year in the Key panto. The show opens on December 8 and runs through until January 8. I look forward to appearing with some of the faces who are returning this year including the huge(ly) talented Patric Kerns as Widow Twanky, the lovely Adam Patman as Wishee Washee and the gem of Blood Brothers Paul Crosby! With the fantastic Michael Cross in the director’s chair again I can promise you now it’s going to be a show you won’t want to miss. Exciting times! For tickets call 01733 207239.

CHRISTMAS DAI The guys at Opus Dai on Braod Street are gearing up for their first festive season and are pretty excited. They’re inviting you down to work off the Christmas calories with specialist parties, cool drinks deals and the chance to unwind in comfortable and stylish surroundings.

A great new edition to Stamford’s fantastic establishments is the Cosy Club; it’s a great place to hang out any time of the day whether you want a quick lunch or a nice evening meal. I popped by recently and had the pleasure of trying out one of the veggie breakfasts (and ESP’s editor tells me the evening meals are just as good). It’s great to see that they cater for different tastes and veggies like myself. They also have a fantastic function room available for parties.

They’re open from 9am till 11.30pm, Monday-Wednesday and 9am-12.30pm Thursday-Saturday so if you haven’t taken a look yet give the Cosy Club a try.

Join them on Christmas Eve for a night of drinks, laughs and celebrating with 2011's biggest dance floor grooves, club classics and anthems from 9pm - 2am. Then they return with a Boxing night bonanza with some rare groove classics, funk, soul and vocal house from 9pm till the early hours and then it’s the big one... New Year’s Eve! Saying farewell to 2011 with a musical round-up of the year’s best music – arrive early as this will be a roadblock. All three nights will have Opus Dai resident DJs Steve Andrews & cAs on rotation.

JESS’S NIGHT OUT IN STAMFORD I had the pleasure of having a night on the town in Stamford with the newest ESP member the lovely Jessica Lockhart or Jessica ‘Loveheart’ as I like to call her ’cause I’m cute and twee. Also along for the night was former ‘Face’ Lauren Hughes so I felt it was my duty as the Stamford reporter to show the girls just what my home town has to offer.

We started off in Opus Dai on Broad Street where we enjoyed a couple of their classic cocktails and joined them for one of their Courtyard Sessions where the tunes were sounding good!

THE LONDON INN LOOKING GOOD! The newly renovated London Inn finally opened its doors to the public and I have to say it’s been well worth the wait!

The new decor is certainly impressive with two bars, one downstairs and one upstairs. Food’s served throughout the day and they’re currently offering two meals for £10. Roast dinners are served every Sunday from £7.95 so you really can’t go wrong, plus it’s a great venue for a good night out and what’s more they’ll soon be having live bands on too!

This one is definitely worth a visit.

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With Pat Voodoo from Mama Liz’s What’s your favourite place/places to go on a night out in Stamford?

“When I’m not in Mama’s I’ll be usually found in either the Jolly Brewer or the Green Man.”

Matty Speaks...

COSY CLUB

Q&A

Next we headed to the newly opened London Inn for a few Jaeger Bombs, needless to say we were quite merry by this point and loved the stylish new pub. We then ventured across to Mama Liz’s while the night was still young to make up a proper pub crawl. After some funny photos being taken in Mama’s we finished off our crazy session in Central before calling it a night and I saw the girlies off in a taxi home.

I think I successfully proved to them that Stamford is a great night out so look out for a Face of ESP return visit sometime soon!

What’s your favourite thing about Stamford?

“The eccentric people it attracts.”

What’s your favourite Stamford restaurant?

“Other than ours? Well I do like a good pizza so Cloisters gets my vote.”

If you could have any band/artist do a low key gig at Mama Liz’s who would you choose?

“Since Captain Beefheart is no longer with us, I’d say one of my all time heroes Tom Waites.”

Which four celebs would you invite to a dinner party?

“If time travelling dinner guests are an option I’d have to start with Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast At Tiffany’s period, but I’ll keep it to the living.

Stephen Fry, Noel Fielding, Megan Fox and Keith Richards.”

MAMA’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY It looks like you can bring in 2012 in style if you head over to Mama Liz's for New Year’s Eve. They’ve planned a fantastic evening of music, food, fizz and fun with two of the year's best DJs on both floors. Marc Brammer of A Hard Day's Night has wowed the bar all year with his 60s night residency, playing all the best music from all genres of that decade and it’s become an established fixture on the local music scene.

In the Voodoo Lounge resident DJ Mad Scatter will be spinning an eclectic mix of tunes of all genres for all ages and he’s promised something really special for his NYE party set.

On the food front there’ll be their popular festive menu but book in advance!

There’ll be fizz at midnight and a complimentary shot of Mama Liz's Moonshine on arrival.

Admission’s £5 on the night after 10pm. Dress to impress.

For more info see www.mamaliz.co.uk or call 01780 765888.

• Sky Sports 3D • Friday night karaoke 830pm • Carlsberg £1.99 a pint during football games

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Special Festive Menu Available Bookings now being taken, please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

2-4 High Street, Stilton, Peterborough, PE7 3RA • Tel: 01733 244373 • www.angelspice.co.uk Opening times: Mon-Thu – 5pm-11.30pm • Fri – 5pm-12.30am • Sat – 11.30am-2pm & 5pm-2.30pm • Sun – 12pm-11.30pm

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Hold your party at Angel Spice for only £10.95 per head Choice of special set menu or special buffet.

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paparazzi Caught in the act?

The Dragon in Werrington was packed to the rafters to see a fire walking stunt where money raised for taking part was donated to the Lee Groome Fund.

Locals took part in fancy dress (top marks for Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble costumes) and other pub goers gathered around to cheer on the bravest of brave – including our very own Jessica Lockhart – who took the walking across hot coals challenge.

Our man behind the lens Pep Cipriano was initially lined up but concocted a sorry story about his feet needing to be in tip-top condition to crush grapes for locally made Italian wine the next morning.

Landlords Andy and Stuart made sure there was plenty of food going with a scrumptious hog roast and the entertainment was provided by brilliant young band Easyersaid.

The rest of this month’s Paparazzi pics are from our adventures out in Stamford – always good fun and the crowds were up for being snapped. Particularly in Central where the party is always going strong!

See more photos at www.facebook.com/espmagazine

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ESP

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The Saturdays Whatever day of the week it is it looks like a good one for The Saturdays as they continue to dominate planet pop. With a new album out and an arena tour in December, ESP’s Sharon McAllister caught up with Rochelle to see just what she’s wishing for this Christmas…

With most girls wishing they looked like one of The Saturdays and most guys wishing they could date one of them these girls have proved a hit on all sides. This month they’re following the success of their third album release with an arena tour promising full on glitz and glamour.

I caught up with Rochelle in-between rehearsals and she’s clearly ‘all fired up’ – “We’re so pleased to have our new material out there and more importantly looking forward to getting out there on the tour.

That’s the dream, that’s what made us all realise we wanted to be in the business – the performing. It’s definitely my favourite part.

“We’ve been able to do more than we’ve ever done, the fact we’re in arenas means we can really pull out all the stops, we’ve got a full live band and our dancers – we’ve really pushed the boundaries.”

But let’s get to the important bit (for girls at any rate) the outfits! “A lot of sparkle, colour, crystals – we all got very excited when we were picking what we were going to wear.”

With the tour covering the country from Glasgow to Brighton, Dublin to Nottingham and most places in-between Rochelle says the girls enjoy meeting fans from other parts of the country and breaking out of London.

“It is tiring,” she confesses,“but you’re always having such a good time you don’t realise you’re tired. The only thing that’s a bit of a downside for me is that I’m a bit of a home girl so I like going home to my own bed at the end of the day, but that’s about it.”

So, five girls battling over the eyelash curlers and spending days and days together – a recipe for a hissy fit if ever you saw one?

Apparently not so.

“We’re never not together so it’s the norm for

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us,” says Rochelle, “we’ve grown used to each other and we’re like sisters. We’re five girls that all want the same thing – there’s no time for diva strops.”

that’s a long time to grow up. I think regardless of being in The Saturdays I think everyone would grow in that time.

“I’m still learning to be truthful, learning every day, that’s the best thing about it. I don’t feel like I’ve peaked, every day we learn something different.”

Cynics should know that the girls aren’t just pretty faces and have co-written seven of the tracks on the new album On Your Radar and Rochelle says they’re chuffed with the results – “We’ve been very involved in writing it, we’ve written over half the album so we’re proud of it. It’s kind of become our little baby over the past year or so.”

The Saturdays album may well be on your Christmas list but what would Rochelle be looking for in her stocking this year?

“I really haven’t thought about it, I’ve been buying everyone else’s and not thought – I’m not overly fussed. We’ve got about two weeks off over Christmas so I’ll just get as much time with the family as possible.”

The Saturdays all seem to look hot – all the time – so how much of a pressure is it to look that good 24/7?

“The only pressure is what we kind of put on ourselves – every girl puts pressure on herself and wants to look good.

And pressies for the girls? “We don’t buy each other presents but we all go out for a meal before Christmas.”

“Just because we’re on stage it doesn’t mean we’re always confident. Every girl has their days where they don’t feel so good or have an ugly day or a fat day – that’s every girl. As you get older, you grow into yourself and you start to feel more comfortable about who you are.”

So, since starting out way back in 2007 (yes it is that long!) I wonder if she feels she’s developed much as a person on her pop star journey.

“Definitely – I think I would anyway, we’ve been in the band five and a half years and

There won’t be much time to put their high heels up though as Rochelle reveals 2012 may hold a few surprises – “There’s all kind of things happening next year, not things I can say about at the moment. Obviously Una’s pregnant so we’ll have a sixth Saturday… and there’s a few exciting plans I can’t reveal too much about, but… watch this space! I wish I could say more, there’s definitely going to be a few things that’ll make The Saturdays push the boundaries for girl bands. I’m looking forward to next year.” www.thesaturdays.co.uk

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’TIS THE SEASON FOR AN UP DO @ MICHAEL JOHN It’s that time when your hair needs glamming up for those big nights out.

TWELVE (BEAUTIFUL) DAYS OF CHRISTMAS For the twelve days of Christmas your loved one might, just might, offer you...

1 2 3

4

The chance to relax with a Floral Secrets Rose Bathing Collection from Tesco, £6.

A body cream that delivers body confidence. Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream hydrates, nourishes and visibly tones the body. With a trio of exotic oils and marine extracts this really is a winter wonder cream.

Mistletoe-ready lips. Lush’s tinted lip balms are perfect for moisturising lips as well as adding a hint of colour. Snow Fairy lip tint, £4.25 is flavoured with raspberries, sherbet and icing sugar and tastes as yummy as it looks. Celebrate lip tint, £4.75 is a pastel pink shade that tastes of pink champagne and will add a fizz to any kiss with its popping candy topping.

For a more festive look, Chilli Tingle lip tint, £4.75, is a red/orange colour and made with Mexican chillies.

Guaranteed to deliver a red-hot smacker!

Hands that dazzle, with the new Jessica GELeration manicure at KuBu Spa. You’ll be left with a flawless finish and colour that can last up to three weeks. For more information visit www.kubuspa.co.uk or call 01491 414130.

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Skin so soft it could rival a baby’s. Tesco’s new luxurious 50’s inspired bathing range, Along Came Betty, includes To The Skin and Beyond Ultra Rich Body Butter which when applied to cleansed, exfoliated skin leaves you feeling silky smooth and smelling divine and at just £4 it’s an absolute bargain.

6

Perfect party eyes with Miner’s Make-up Masterclass Smoky Eyes and Party Eyes eyeshadow palettes – perfect for creating that Christmas party look this season.

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A Swarovski crystal-encrusted lipstick from Estée Lauder. This limited edition nude shade is £18 but £5 of which goes to the Prince’s Trust charity.

www.espmag.co.uk

8

A cracking good time. Beauty Christmas Crackers from Lancôme, exclusive to Selfridges, are filled with festive beauty treats as well as a Christmas hat and beauty tip. The ideal trimming to any girls Christmas celebration.

9

A bath to remember. Bathing will never be the same again with Lush’s Christmas inspired bath bombs.

From the Abombinaball to the Satsumo Santa there’s something for everyone so sit back and enjoy a tub full of fun and fragrance.

10

A make-up master class in Night-Time Glamour. Learn how to apply flawless, glamorous make-up that’s ideal for the party season with Jemma Kidd’s brand spanking new workshops. During a two hour NightTime Glamour Class (£20 per person) you’ll be taught all the backstage tips and tricks of the trade so you can recreate stunning evening looks in the comfort of your own home. For bookings call 01428 788070 or email jk@conviviality.com.

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A stress free evening with a Pamper Hamper from the Sanctuary. This unique collection of products will leave you feeling fully relaxed. Presented in a beautiful Sanctuary gift box, it really is the ultimate indulgent treat, and includes body wash, body lotion, body scrub, bath soak, intensive rescue heel balm, purifying wash for face, illuminating moisture lotion, hand cream and body butter. Only available online but at £30 this really is a great price for so many fantastic products.

Complete Happiness… well in the form of perfume at least. Just the thing for any Clinique Happy fan, Complete Happiness allows you to enjoy an individual scent for each of your ‘happy’ moments. Includes Clinique Happy 7ml, Clinique Happy Heart 7ml, Clinique Happy in Bloom 7ml, Clinique Happy Wreath of Flowers 7ml and Clinique Hint of Citrus 7ml.

Jo Simpson and Natasha Todd from Michael John did a great job making our ESP models look fit for a party at the Glamour Galore charity event for Sue Ryder and tell us the themes this season are big hair, big curls, low buns and ponytails.

They’ve recently been trained up by one of the experts from GHD in new techniques for using the irons and can now create a variety of natural looking curls and waves which are less formal than the results from tongs and wands. Ideal for the latest trend for messier, more natural, but still glamorous party looks.

The team are fully up to date on the latest trends with regular training and courses to make sure they know their stuff so if you’re stepping out this festive season the girls can give you a real head turning style – they’re happy to give a free consultation to see what suits so just book in for a free natter.

LOOK AS COOL AS ICE WITH CLINIQUE For a look cooler than the White Witch’s this winter, look no further than Clinique’s Holiday 2011 Sugarfrosted collection. With a little shimmer and a lot of impact you’ll be sure to sparkle all season long.

The Limited Edition Quickliner for Eyes Intense has a creamy consistency to glide on easily and evenly whilst the deep, frosty shades provide intense, long lasting colour. Available in Intense Plum, Intense Midnight, Frosty Chocolate and Frosty Charcoal (£13.50).

For a burst of shimmer use Clinique’s Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour, (£17). These cream eye shadows are longwearing and crease resistant, staying put for eight hours so you can party the night away knowing you still look a million dollars.

With its unique ‘cooling’ applicator and nourishing ingredients the delicate eye area is refreshed and rejuvenated, adding an extra sparkle to your eyes.

Finish off this stunning look with two coats of their High Impact Mascara in Limited Edition Shade, Brightening Black, for uberintense, dressed-up lashes in an instant.

Pop along to your nearest Clinique counter now at either Serpentine Green or Queensgate and ensure you outshine any Christmas decoration this season.

rejuvenate skin and shrink pores. This system enables them to treat darker skin types and lighter hair.

Forget nip and tuck – try light and radio waves!

Skin problems, unwanted hair and good old wrinkles get us all down so if the time has come to deal with your niggling body issues, no need for the knife – just get some radio frequency in your life.

SkinFirst on London Road offers a far gentler way to hold back the years and deal with the blemishes we could all do without.

SkinFirst’s Maxi Plus system is unique in this area and combines IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatment with radio frequency technology (MPL) to gently zap away things like thread veins, acne, sun/age spots and

So, forget surgeons in white coats and maxing out your credit card for some celeb style facelift or filler. This is a safe, relaxing treatment using a warm roller which heats and stimulates the collagen and elastin to renew cells and shrink the skin back to a firmer appearance, drains toxins and stimulates the lymph. So, all those droopy bits we all wish would disappear actually do, after a course of treatments.

If you’ve committed to a diet and ditched the pounds but are now suffering from baggy skin this treatment can be effective at tightening the skin and can also smooth out stretch marks – although sadly there’s no complete cure for these little delights, they will become far less obvious!

Shaving, waxing and epilating – don’t you just wish you could do away with it all? If you’re fed up with hair in all the wrong places you can opt to have rid of it permanently using their light treatment – and that applies to the guys too!

So whether it’s a firmer fresher face you’re after, treatment for acne or sun damage, unwanted hair removal or wrinkles – try the very latest and safest technology for a new you in the new year.

There’s currently 15 per cent off all light based treatments and 20 per cent off the radio frequency treatments, gift

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vouchers are available and there are bespoke packages so you can arrange just what you need.

There’s no charge for a consultation and patch test and the team are friendly but very discreet and professional.

SkinFirst 16 London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AR. Tel: 01733 305102 www.peterborough.skinfirst.co.uk

Opening times: Mon 9am-6pm, Tue 9am-6pm, Wed 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 8:30am-5pm

Treat your family & friends to some luxury this Christmas.

Fabulous gift sets from ghd, Wella & Moroccanoil from only £12

Sarah Tempest

sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

PERCEPTIVE CHRISTMAS STUFFING

NO CHRISTMASTACHE

emergency The first of December also sees the end of my November drastic that stone pre-Christmas diet so I can now happily enjoy December putting of and a bit back on again before I go for it again in January. Tin Celebrations anyone? Don’t mind if I do!

What’s the best thing about the first of December? For me, it’s not the start of the Christmas party season, it’s not the lights, the decorations, the excuse for lots of after work drinking, it’s the end of Movember! As an active supporter of Cancer Research UK, I’m all for supporting awareness of cancers that affect men but honestly, with a husband that plays everything for laughs I’ve spent 30 days watching him cultivate his best Hans Moretti handlebar moustache, frightening the children and looking, frankly, like he’d be better off living in Brighton. Honestly, he put a beanie hat on one day and I wasn’t sure if I was married to The Edge or that bass player from The Darkness. But still, the offending item’s gone now, and it was all for charity so all is well – but next year I’m definitely going to work on him to just send a cheque.

Therefore, I sympathise with the respective partners of the guys at Balfour Law and Insurewise on Lincoln Road who took part in Movember in style as you can see! Balfour Law’s Managing Director, Naina Tilney, commented – “The boys were very keen to get involved with Movember and as a firm with a young enthusiastic outlook, we were happy to support them. They’ve had some funny looks from clients but it’s all been for a good cause.”

More impressive than the lad’s facial fuzz was the fact they raised around £500. Twiddle those ’taches with pride lads!

ADVENT ADVERTS What’s the worst thing about December? It’s got to be the Christmas adverts. Bah humbug as it makes me sound, the first heavy breathing sound of the Coca-Cola ‘HO-lidays are coming, HO-lidays are coming’ gives me the creeps and as for that John Lewis advert – I know I’m meant to be moved to tears by that little boy who can’t wait to give his parents a present but all I can think of at the sight of that huge wrapped parcel is that it’s either ridiculous (my son would probably wrap me something from his sandpit – ‘ooh, a plastic rake, thanks darling, just what Mummy wanted’) or they’re giving him WAY too much pocket money. But the worst one so far has got to be the Freddie Flintoff Morrison’s advert.

Yes it’s beautifully Christmassy with all the food, the lights, the atmosphere but its Bruce Forsyth’s cameo at the end that does it for me. He may be a British institution but he’s got so much make up caked on that all I can think of is Freddie Mercury in the These Are The Days Of Our Lives video. Nice to see you? Not so much Brucie.

DEEP AND CRISPS AND EVEN

festive period. It sounds so Tesco have launched a mince pie-flavour crisp in time for the custard) but strangely lavoured turkey-f as crazy as wrong on every level (sweet crisps, that’s whole lot of Clubcard points a up racking be to going I’m feeling funny a got I’ve alluring. down at Serpentine Green this year.

Lime Tree

The Boro Bar

• 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

• LIVE music every Friday & Saturday • Karaoke Thursday's • Live Sports on Jumbo screens • Real Ales • Pool, Darts and Poker

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

Goodbarns Yard • Under new management • Major refurbishment • Traditional pub food – two meals for £8 • Fri – Free pool • Sat – Karaoke/Disco • Large Screen • New relaxing conservatory area • Dance floor • See Gig Guide for listings 64 St.Johns Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 313826

• FREE FUNCTION ROOM HIRE

Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9PJ Tel: 01733 310374

Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE) • Under new management • Live music - check ESP Gig Guide • Home cooked food served Mon–Sat 11am – 4pm, Sun 1pm – 5pm.

• Sky + Espn • Real Ales • Quiz Night Sunday • FREE pool on Mondays • Cambridge £2.70 and Fosters £3 during Premiership Football • Wakes and Christenings – function room available.

• Disco / Karaoke (contact us for details)

St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890

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c Mostly Funny

The page that would like to share with you a festive food tip I got from Jimmy Carr last year. Crunchy nut cornflakes... with lashings of ice cold Baileys.

Fa la la la, la la la la.

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

d

COMEDY GIGS FUNHOUSE COMEDY & MEAL

December

9

Magner’s Funhouse Comedy, brings a laughter-packed night of comedy to Tallington Lakes, Stamford. Headlining the show is Canadian comedian, the zany Wes Zaharuk. Using his off-beat comedy props such as vacuum cleaners, whips, tape and blowers!

Support comes from the dynamic and really quite loud, Ben Schofield. His rock and roll spirit and confident act is a sure winner with the crowd. Compere for the night is the suave and chirpy James Cook. Tickets £22.50 in advance including a three course Christmas meal.

Bookings: www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

VOODOO STANDS UP

MUPPETWEENERS - THE MOVIE Here's a question for you. How do you make the funniest film of 2011 even better? By making a Muppet version of it. Let's face it what would you rather see at the cinema?

The current Muppet film where Kermit and co try to save their local theatre from developers who want to drill for oil under it, or my version where Kermit, Gonzo, Animal and Fozzie Bear go to Malia for a lads holiday wearing Piggy Patrol t-shirts, being awkward around women and not being able to handle their drink as Kermit finally realises Miss Piggy isn't the woman of his dreams. Afterwards he goes to university and is then in a show called Fresh Muppet where he plays a very similar character to the one he plays in the Muppetweeners, only not as good because the rest of Muppetweeners aren't in it... but Jack Whitehall is.

Yes – that's a muppet movie we can all relate to. Unfortunately my dream at muppetizing the Inbetweeners movie has a snag, namely I don't have the financial clout to make it happen...

however I did interview local actor Warwick Davis last month who's just had his dream of having his sitcom Life's Too Short come true thanks to a jovial bearded man with an infectious laugh. No, not Santa – I'm talking about Ricky Gervais. If there's one famous millionaire TV personality who can help people fulfil their wishes, it's Jimmy Saville – but now he's passed away, the showbiz cigar should pass to Ricky. In fact, before he helps me make my Muppetweeners movie, let's get him to make a series of Rick'll Fix It. Although technically that's what Idiot Abroad was, except him making things happen for just one person – Karl Pilkington, and at the end Karl didn't get a Rick'll Fix It badge, but a doctor’s finger up his prostrate. But anyway, if you're reading this in your jacuzzi please help me Warwick, you're my only hope!

Take me with you next time to visit Ricky, I have loads more ideas to pitch to him, like a film where you and Tom Cruise play brothers (you're about the same height). Come on Warwick, we'll have a right laugh – it'll be like in Alan Partridge when he goes to meet Tony Hayers, the head of the BBC.

December

15

Get ready for Christmas by having a Ho-Ho-Ho at The Voodoo Stands Up Comedy Club compered by John Elson. The acts this month are Brendan Dempsey, one of a handful of acts invited to perform at the prestigious Just For Laughs in Montreal.

You might have seen him in About Adam, briefly in Gangs of New York, or possibly in the Father Ted Xmas special.

Then there’s Pierre Hollins who’s made numerous TV appearances, including Saturday Live, Rory Bremner Show, A Bit Of Fry And Laurie and is currently filming a pilot for Channel 4. The Open Mic spot is taken by Paul Reed. Pay on the door £8 or £6 advance from www.mamaliz.co.uk

STAMFORD COMEDY CLUB

December

16

"Where are you? Where are you! We need a sixth day of Christmas out here. Let's be 'aving you!"

This month’s line-up includes Kent Valentine the critically acclaimed Australian stand-up, Joe Rowntree described as having the ability to ‘take a cold room and reduce it to fits of laughter’ by GQ Magazine, and Helen Arney, the witty musical act who reached the semi-finals of Funny Women and the So You Think You're Funny competition.

Tickets are £12 (£10, £8 students and groups). Box office: 01780 763203.

DING DONG BUBLÉ ON HIGH

MAGNERS FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB

Meanwhile, I notice that Michael Bublé's got a Christmas album out with his Bubléfied versions of festive favourites.

On the front cover he's walking up the steps to someone’s home with a giftwrapped CD behind his back, but who's

Magners have comedy clubs up and down the country and have now brought their night to the Boro.

Based at the North Street Bar, they have another great line-up of top comedians including none other than the winner of ITV’s Show Me The Funny, Patrick Monahan, as well as Stuart Goldsmith, Joy Carter, David Young and compere Lloyd Griffith. It’ll be an ideal night to get you up off the post Christmas sofa and out for a live laugh.

Tickets are £7 from the bar or on www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

DELIA'S SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS Here's the advert that Waitrose should've paid Delia Smith to make. One to promote their range of goose fat for roasting potatoes with. Delia stumbling drunk around a farmyard slurring the words to the Twelve Days of Christmas, and after he sings 'Six geese a laying' she yells...

home is he taking it to? With any luck he’s going to knock on the door of the flat owned by Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson in Bottom. It's about time they made a new Christmas special. Forget Miranda Hart gurning to camera and falling over

wrapped presents, I want some proper seasonal slapstick with the boys smacking Bublé around the head with a frying pan, before ripping out his vocal chords and using them instead of bacon to garnish the turkey.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas – celebrating life with family, friends and loved ones. That's what makes this time of year special... that and pouring Baileys over a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes.

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www.espmag.co.uk

December

28

The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

TO RELAX…

It’s great to see an independent company thrive and The Clock coffee lounge is now spreading its brand across the city adding The Clock Deli on Lincoln Road to its business. experience. This is his home and he’s determined to see The Clock be a part of the city’s success.

“I have a real passion for this community and want to be thoroughly supportive of everything Peterborough has to offer,” Paul told us.“I’ve seen it change so much and the city has a lot to be proud of.”

The business continues to develop and has seen new additions to the menu like delicious patisserie style desserts and a Sunday carvery. Paul’s creating a relaxed vibe and plans to ensure The Clock is not just another coffee shop, but a true part of his home town. ix months on The Clock is moving into its next phase so we dropped by for a cuppa and a catch up with the manager, Paul Tapparno-Clark.

S

In a short time The Clock’s rapidly established itself as part of the city’s café culture offering a great range of fresh food and drinks. During the summer customers have enjoyed outdoor seating and open windows to watch the world go by on Bridge Street, and now it’s colder you can snuggle up with a cosy hot chocolate and relax in the warm.

They welcome young people and families and have made it even more welcoming with new soft seating.

The café’s ideally placed in the centre of town for workers grabbing lunch, or just to drop in and meet friends for a catch up. You can put your feet up and take a break from the Christmas shopping, chill out with the paper and rejuvenate with a cappuccino and a cake.

Paul is born and bred in Peterborough and has worked in the industry for 22 years so has a wealth of

34

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“We source local produce, regularly fundraise and have provided hampers for underprivileged people because we see ourselves as part of the fabric of the community,” he explained.

“We’ve done our best to give something back and have already supported the Christmas light switch-on by sponsoring the celebrations. It’s been great to be involved in something so positive and we’re keen to work with other retailers too, to keep Peterborough on the up.”

brought ground coffee and latté to the outskirts of town.

It’s based at the former Bretton Caterers site and sources local produce which is then supplied to The Clock, and its other associated café based at magazine publishers, Bauer in Lynchwood. So drop by soon and support an independent business doing its best for the city.

The Clock is as good at providing winter warmers as it was at offering a chilled out refreshment stop in the summer. On Sundays the delicious fresh carvery has already gained a following with the chef serving up three different joints and five veg for just £9.95, or £4.95 for the kids.

The latest part of the company’s expansion, The Clock Deli on Lincoln Road in New England is now open offering a range of fresh food, meat and salads and has

The Clock coffee lounge, 25 Bridge Street, Peterborough.

Tel: 01733 555413

Award Winning Butchery

The best produce from local farms

• Game from local shoots • Norfolk turkeys, capons and geese • Casterton reared, 21 day aged Lincoln Red beef • Rutland Gloucester Old Spot Pork • Braunston lamb • Leicestershire free-range chickens • Award winning homemade produce

The Christmas

r e p m a H Only

“Voted number one* restaurant in Peterborough on tripadvsior by you.”

£39.99*

*On 22/11/2011

10lb Turkey, 1lb homemade chipolatas, 1lb homemade sausage meat, 1lb streaky bacon and stuffing

*Plus a 20% off voucher for January

Tel: 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk Casterton Road, Stamford Lincs. PE9 4BB Open 7 days

OPENING TIMES Lunch from 12.00pm to 3.00pm – Tuesday to Saturday, Dinner from 6.30pm to 9.30pm – Tuesday to Saturday

19 North Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RA 01733 892681

Our new Facebook site is now up and running, become a fan!

Special Christmas menu available

stylish

A and contemporary restaurant refurbished to a high standard

Dine in

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Indulge in

exclusive North Indian cuisine, fresh and true to its origins, prepared using traditional methods.

bookings@clarkespeterborough.co.uk / www.clarkespeterborough.co.uk

Bookings now being taken, private function area available for Christmas parties

Look at our website for New Years Eve and other promotions.

Enjoy cocktails and Tapas at our

relaxing bar

53 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 1QA Telephone: 01733 342800 • www.thebanyantree-uk.com

LOCAL FOOD

FOOD REVIEW

Imperial Bento 42 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1RS. Tel: 01733 319188.

Imperial Bento has established itself as one of the most popular restaurants in the city, serving a mix of traditional and contemporary Oriental cuisine. Most of us find it the ideal spot for both romantic meals and for larger parties too. The restaurant is impressive, beautifully decorated and spacious with a particularly buzzy feel at weekends.

The menu offers dishes to suit everyone, with a selection of starters, second courses and mains – from spring rolls, vegetable noodles, sweet and sour chicken to prawns and calamari! There’s something for all. It’s an à la carte table service buffet with all the food freshly cooked to order and brought to your table. It’s a great way to have a taster of lots of

different dishes without feeling you’ve missed out on some of the other delicious options and is great value. They also have a wide selection of drinks and cocktails so you can really make a night of it.

The menu also includes a unique range of fine dim sum with a modern twist – best described as the Chinese version of tapas prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food traditionally served in small steamer baskets.

We ordered from the à la carte buffet menu, choosing a selection of starters, a second course and a few dishes from the mains – maybe a little too much for a lunchtime but we were keen to get stuck in to the tasty food. The starter platter consisted of duck spring rolls, fried calamari, sesame prawn toast, Malaysian satay chicken, seaweed and prawns. The portion sizes were perfect for the two of us so that we didn’t fill up too quickly – as there was more food to come. Our second course was crispy aromatic duck – always a winner. This

2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1! at

BEST WESTERN Orton Hall Hotel & Spa The Village Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7DN

t: 01733 391 111

For a limited period - From the pub menu main course dishes or Special’s Board - BUY ONE MAIN COURSE AND THE SECOND ONE IS FREE - see terms and conditions on the coupon.

The ESP reader offer is only valid when two main courses are ordered; one main course is FREE and is valid from Monday 31st October to Sunday 11th December 2011 inclusive. The discount dose not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of 8 or more.

To receive your coupon for ‘2 for the price of 1’ food purchases, just text us the word ‘RAMBLEWOOD’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log onto www.espmag.co.uk and click on the Ramblewood logo on the home page to print out your own voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679

Normal text rates apply

course is to your chosen size (half, quarter or whole duck) served with pancakes, spring onion, cucumber and hoisin sauce, the perfect combination!

Finally out came our main courses. We ordered the fruity sweet and sour chicken, chicken in black bean sauce, garlic chilli prawns, egg fried rice and noodles with mixed vegetables.

There was just the right amount and they’ll cater for any special requirements so don’t be afraid to ask. The sweet and sour chicken was full of flavour, and is always a favourite of mine. The noodles were gorgeous and vegetables were perfectly cooked. The prawns were tender and not overcooked with a slight kick from the chilli – not too spicy.

We think you’d find it hard not to like Bento’s, especially when there’s a good variety of very tasty dishes to choose from – and they even have an express takeaway and delivery service too.

So if you just fancy a quiet night in with some yummy food, keep them in mind!

Lara Johnson

South Asia

SE L F S E RV I C E O P E N B A N Q U E T WITH A MIX OF AUTHENTIC CUISINES I N C L U D I N G C H I N E S E , V I ETNAMESE, MALAYSIAN AND THAI.

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

NOW BEING TAKEN £10 non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure your reservation.

10% off on food only for non-refundable full payment (not less than one week in advance) of any booking.

Christmas menu prices Mon & Tues CLOSED Sunday, Wed & Thur Adults £14.50 Fri & Sat Adults £16.50

Children £7.50 Children £8.50

* Children under 3 eat free (each child must be accompanied by one adult). Terms and conditions apply.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 01733 892683 42 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RS (Above Imperial Bento Restaurant)

01733 892683

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 10.30pm. Fri & Sat – 5pm – 11pm. Sunday – 1pm – 9pm A N UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCE IN OUR FABULOUS RESTAURANT WITH A SELECTION OF OVER 50 DISHES – DON'T MISS IT!

Open Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

A mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine from the Pacific Rim

A perfect venue with stylish surroundings, Bento caters for all types of functions and events. Wedding receptions, Birthdays, anniversaries, special events, corporate events and training sessions.

Imperial Bento Peterborough

01733 319 188 www.bentogroup.co.uk

• • • • • •

A la carte table service buffet Fresh homemade dim sum Lunch menu Bento boxes Pre-theatre set menu Imperial Bento express delivery take away - New generation set price

Imperial Bento Express New generation set price home delivery takeaway – exclusively in Peterborough

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Imperial Bento Thorney Toll

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01933 277 888 Email: bentogroup@btconnect.com

HEALTHY

Karen Devine

EATING

AS SEEN ON

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

with Karen Devine

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Smørrebrød – a famous Danish ‘open’ sandwich, it has a piece of dark rye bread to which you add on different toppings. One popular topping is pickled herrings (also known as sild) but there can be others such as egg, meat, prawns etc. You find good levels of magnesium in the darker rye bread along with some B vitamins. It’s a great source of fibre which can also help boost the production of friendly bacteria.

Norway My last stop for this year has to be Norway as it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world, particularly at this time of year, and not forgetting they send us the Christmas tree which takes pride of place in Trafalgar Square in London each year.

Food wise they still use many traditional foods found in the seas and wilderness which surrounds them. One negative ingredient (going to get that out of the way first) is their extremely high salt content which is probably

the reason for their very high incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure)! Salt’s been traditionally used in Norway to preserve cuts of meat and fish.

So let’s pick out some of their healthier traditional foods some of which are typically eaten at Christmas as well as other times of the year. I’m only pleased that I have to spell these words as pronouncing them would’ve been tricky (apologies to any Norwegians out there)!

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ingredients). Lamb’s a high protein food, rich in selenium, zinc and some B vitamins. Black peppercorns may help soothe digestion, increase stomach acid production as well as having good levels of antioxidants. One compound in black pepper is piperine which can help increase the absorption of nutrients as well as aid in detoxification.

Seafood – extremely popular in Norway and eaten in a variety of ways such as pickled, salted, smoked or fresh. Fish delivers the omega 3 fatty acids to help with concentration, immunity and more. Some of the most popular fish eaten are salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and some cod. Some of the best known types of fish eaten are smoked salmon and a dried codfish called torrfisk.

Rrødkål – a sweet and sour red cabbage which is a popular dish especially around Christmas. The red cabbage offers good levels of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and more, it’s also high in a phytonutrient called glucosinolates which have anti-cancer properties.

Farikal – a stew made with mutton (or lamb) green cabbage and black peppercorns, (main

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Brunost – is a popular cheese made in Norway. This is a brown whey cheese made with additional cream and sugar. It does contain some good nutrients such as calcium but the high fat and sugar content mean this should be an occasional treat!

A national drink at Christmas is called AQUAVIT – a potato-based spirit which has been flavoured with warming herbs and spices such as caraway seeds, anise, fennel and coriander.

On that note, cheers and have a great Christmas and I’ll be back in the new year with a new look column, see you then.

In health, Karen For more information on health and nutrition go to www.karendevine.co.uk

Home Cooked Food with locally sourced produce served all day.

• • • •

Open Log Fire Warm welcome 4 Real Ales Live Entertainment at the weekend (See ESP Gig Guide or website)

Monday to Saturday: 12pm -9pm Sunday Roast: 12pm -6pm

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Opening Hours Monday – Closed Tuesday & Wednesday – 9am ‘til 5pm Thursday & Friday – 9am ‘til 7pm Saturday – 9am ‘til 4pm

RRP £30

RRP £12

£27 £20 £10 We wish all our customers a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Look Good, Feel Good

01733 566790

RRP £25

163 New Road, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9HH

Gavin Miller

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Movie Previews

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

Released: Boxing Day Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg Director: Brad Bird

Released: December 16 Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law Director: Guy Ritchie

Released: Boxing Day Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara Director: David Fincher

After a near six-year hiatus Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in this (kinda) reboot of the Mission: Impossible series – after the box office disappointment of M:I-3.

Brit director Guy Ritchie did a terrific job with the first instalment which was a pleasant surprise to most, including myself. So here’s hoping the sequel to 2009’s hit thriller reaches the high bar raised, as one of the world’s most famous detectives meets his match in the form of criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris).

A Nightmare On Elm Street’s Rooney Mara takes over from the aforementioned Rapace as Lisbeth Salander in this bigger-budget western version of the hit thriller – from Se7en and Fight Club director David Fincher.

This time Hunt and his team of rogue agents, including The Hurt Locker’s Jeremy Renner as mysterious agent Brandt and the returning Simon Pegg as tech-geek Benji Dunn, aim to clear the IMF’s name after it’s implicated in a global terrorist bombing plot at the Kremlin.

All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

This is undoubtedly intended to be the start of a new trilogy, and with The Incredibles director Brad Bird, in his non-animation directorial debut, at the helm, it has all the ingredients to spook the franchise back to life this Christmas.

Robert Downey Jr returns in the role of Sherlock Holmes, alongside sidekick Dr Watson (Jude Law) and Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams in a reportedly smaller role) with acclaimed actress Noomi Rapace (the international version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) adding a touch of darkness to proceedings.

Daniel Craig sees if he can successfully lead as anyone other than James Bond, taking on the role of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist aided by computer hacker Salander as he’s hired to investigate a murder that took place more than forty years ago.

With Schindler’s List’s Oscar-winning writer Steve Zaillian providing the screenplay based on Stieg Larsson’s muchlauded novel, there are high hopes this will make a permanent imprint like the original did two years ago – which would be no mean feat.

HUGO

HAPPY FEET TWO

THE THING

NEW YEAR’S EVE

PUSS IN BOOTS

Released: December 2

Released: December 2

Released: December 2

Released: December 8

Released: December 9

This family adventure (also in 3D) from Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese tells the story of an orphan who lives within the walls of a train station in 1930’s Paris.

Based on the acclaimed novel The Invention Of Hugo Cabret, and costarring Kick-Ass’s Chloe Moretz, Jude Law and Sacha Baron Cohen, this mystery could enchant over the festive period.

One of the most beloved computergenerated animations is back – as 3D comes to Antarctica. This time round Mumble’s (Elijah Wood) son is struggling to realise his talents in the penguin world but that’s the least of his problems as a new threat leads to the whole populace joining forces. With the voices of Brad Pitt and Alecia ‘Pink’ Moore.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Final Destination 3) and Joel Edgerton (who recently impressed in Australian crime thriller Animal Kingdom) have to fight for survival in this horror prelude to John Carpenter’s 1982 original as a Norwegian scientific research team discover a parasitic extraterrestrial life form that’s about to be woken from its icy tomb.

A massive ensemble cast look to put the sparkle in Yuletide – with this soppy romantic comedy from the director of Valentine’s Day. New Year clichés such as love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts intertwine several stories which include the talents of Robert De Niro, Ashton Kutcher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry and Zac Efron.

Shrek gets a spin-off series based around the best thing in the last three movies – Antonio Banderas’s Puss in Boots. Puss joins forces with the street smart Kitty (Desperado costar Salma Hayek) and Humpty Dumpty (The Hangover’s Zach Galifiankas) in this prequel which should win the animation war this Christmas – after garnering extremely positive reviews.

40

www.espmag.co.uk

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Undoubtedly the most impressive line-up of video games to grace the gaming world, let alone this very page. We give you the lowdown on the finest selection of Christmas games in history…

For the la game test movie, D review s from VD and www.e ESP, vis spmag it: .co.uk /review s

ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM

CALL OF DUTY: MW3

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY

(360/PS3/WII/DS/PC)

(PS3/360/PC)

(360/PS3/PC)

Where else could we possibly start this month but with the biggest entertainment launch of all-time?

Arkham Asylum was my Game of the Year in 2009, and the Dark Knight is back – bigger and better than ever.

Arguably the greatest role-playing game of all-time – this open-world fantasy epic from the world of Elder Scrolls has it all.

The third helping of Activision's juggernaut shooter provides countless epic moments as it stops in London, Paris and New York throughout its breathtaking campaign. And the ever-popular multiplayer mode offers a tweaked kill-streak system and all-new Kill Confirmed mode which will keep players of all abilities happy.

It may be a tad over-familiar, but with tweaked combat and gadgets, more villains (maybe too many), and a slew of comic geek touches, it gets stronger as the game goes on – and those Riddler Trophies will make a second playthrough essential.

With a brand new engine from the team behind the exceptional Fallout 3, this is simply a massive game that’s a joy to explore, with side quests and luscious landscapes – that compliment the exhilarating main story – round every corner.

Developers Rocksteady have improved nearly every area of the game – despite the boss fights being a tad too easy. Again, the Caped Crusader is the King of comic-book video games.

This undoubtedly pushes gameplay and technology to new heights as you battle countless enemies with hundreds of weapons, spells and abilities which will likely make it the game of this year.

UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION

ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS

The blockbuster releases just keep on coming with the best PS3 exclusive of the year – the third installment of Naughty Dog's masterpiece. Drake's Deception, the follow-up to the 2009 Game of the Year, Among Thieves, raises the bar even higher in the third-person adventure genre.

The respective stories of legendary duo Ezio and Altair come to a shocking climax in the fourth, and ultimate, Assassin's Creed title. Revelations does play very much like its predecessors, but like every other game in the series, Ubisoft have gone one better than before – this time in the stunning surroundings of Constantinople.

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Despite naysayers on Metacritic trying to undermine the game as a lack of advancement – this is undoubtedly the most exhilarating Call Of Duty package ever.

BATTLEFIELD 3 (360/PS3/PC) I’m not going to get embroiled into the BC 3 vs MW 3 debate – as I really enjoy playing both of them.

Thanks to Andy Clucas for reviewing Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Uncharted 3, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Kinect Sports: Season 2 and Dance Central 2, and Ian Hilling’s contributions to Battlefield 3.

ONLI REVIENE WS

Most gamers have their favourite, but if I was put on the spot and had to opt for multiplayer, Battlefield 3 probably just tips the balance with a more expansive open world experience – this time with its cutting-edge Frostbite 2 engine taking it to the next level.

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(PS3)

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(360/PS3/PC)

#####

Sadly the campaign isn’t really an advancement over Bad Company 2, but again, as an all-round package this is exceptional.

Choose one, choose both. Just bloody enjoy them – as this is top notch stuff.

Nathan Drake is back searching for the fabled Atlantis Of The Sands with a story that oozes playability and a gaming cinematic experience that’s second-to-none. Throw in impressive co-op and multiplayer modes and you’ve got a package that is nigh-on gaming perfection.

HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED – ANNIVERSARY

SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD

It was the game that really set the benchmark for first-person shooters – offline and online – and ten years on it’s not hard to see why.

#####

It may look like Grand Theft Auto on Red Bull, but this adventure as one of the now infamous Saints street gang, will send you on hilarious side missions like tank skydiving and taking out a group of Mexican wrestlers.

#####

Trying to take the city back from crime family the Syndicate has never been so much fun – and offers something very different.

DISNEY UNIVERSE

SONIC GENERATIONS

The second Disney game in a month shows a change of direction for the brand – away from monotonous undeveloped movie tie-ins.

SEGA has gone back to its roots and done what it does best with its infamous spikeyhaired blue hedgehog mascot.

(360/PS3/WII/PC)

#####

This is one well-presented game that’s great for older kids, families and even adult Disney fans alike that’s only held back by repetition and comes highly recommended.

Entering the world of Disney has never been so visceral especially with arguably the best open world use of Kinect yet.

#####

After a lean start to the year, the motioncontroller is starting to repay its promise as you control your childhood fantasies from Main Street USA to Tomorrowland, as you tackle family-friendly character side quests and theme ride challenges.

If you or your kids are a fan of the Magic Kingdom this is one of the gaming surprises of the year from the House of Mouse.

KINECT SPORTS: SEASON 2 / DANCE CENTRAL 2

(PS3/360/DS/PC)

Dress up as more than forty famous Disney characters from Mickey Mouse to Donald Duck, and from Stitch to Pumbaa, as you tackle 54 levels across multiple sprawling worlds of puzzling adventure, including Pirates Of The Caribbean and The Lion King.

Despite a bizarre side-plot involving the series' other character Desmond coming up a little short, there is no other game, particularly with its refined multiplayer mode, that serves up a similarly gratifying experience.

(360)

This walk in an open world adult theme park has improved the series once again – with outlandish and violent behavior at the forefront of this extremely original series.

This digitally remastered anniversary edition shows the original game has aged pretty well as you’re introduced to Master Chief and the Halo universe with a still exciting first player experience, despite some obvious repetition. And with some beloved multiplayer maps thrown in built on the Halo: Reach engine this is a package fans should lap up.

#####

KINECT DISNEYLAND ADVENTURES

(PS3/360/PC)

(360)

#####

(360)

Familiarity breeds excitement here as you take a step back in time to play recognisable environments in 2D from Sonic’s beginning in 1991, to 3D sidescrolling recent adventures that build on the success of last year’s Wii incarnation Sonic Colours.

#####

Playing in these iconic environments undoubtedly makes this the best Sonic iteration since his early days – and you’ll soon be feeling the need for speed.

##### #####

Two great family games to break out at a family Chrimbo party come in the form of two tried and tested formulas.

Season Two of the Kinect Sports series builds upon last year’s original game by offering new experiences like American football and (the impressive) darts to other motion-sensor regulars such as tennis, golf and baseball.

And the sequel to Dance Central does exactly what it says on the tin as well, boasting a great list of tracks and great new co-op modes.

www.espmag.co.uk

41

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

Keith Dalton has the ESP guide to the best news and views from the local live music scene…

I’d like to wish a Merry Christmas to all the musicians who’ve entertained us throughout the year and thank you for the entertainment. Also my thanks to all the landlords and landladies of the Peterborough pubs

who I know have had a hard year – I’m grateful that live music continues to be provided by so many.

Nice to see that Gill and Chris at the Cock Inn celebrated their first anniversary at the pub recently and marked the occasion

with an appearance by the One Eyed Cats.

The Cats coincidentally provided the music at the opening one year ago.

I also want to lend my support to the growing army of people supporting the Simmos at the Ploughman, and those who’d like Tesco to reconsider their planning changes for the Werrington centre. The supermarket had originally applied to expand the store and to build a pub to replace the Ploughman. I now understand

that they have no plans for a pub which was voted CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2011. If Tesco won’t consider the community, then I hope that the planning dept of the City Council think about the residents of the city, and do not allow the plans to be changed.

Finally to all live music fans, have a Merry Christmas and get ready to rock in the new year. You can always contact me with any music news by email at: keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

TO BE YOUNG(ER) – RYAN ADAMS NIGHT (PART 2) Earlier this year I tipped you off about a gig involving Gavin Hyde (The Brays) and Anthony ‘The Glock’ Shiels (Candle Thieves). They presented a night of music by singer/songwriter Ryan Adams in Peterborough. This project came together through a mutual love of Adams. After selling out that first show and much public

DOORS DEJA VU

demand, they decided that what was intended to be just a one-off should be repeated up the road in Stamford.

So on December 8 they’re performing To Be Young(er) The Music Of Ryan Adams once more at Mama Liz’s in Stamford.

Tickets will cost £5 on the door and will be

on a first come first served basis. They’ll be performing old favourites from the last show and also new material from Adams’ new album Ashes And Fire. Tickets are available from Mama Liz’s or by emailing Gavin.Hyde@hotmail.co.uk

The Doors Alive are a British tribute band widely regarded as giving one of the closest and most enthralling representations of the legendary 1960s rock gods, the Doors, in the world today.

The band re-create the sound, look, presence and magic of a real 1960s Doors concert. Of course, to fully appreciate a performance of their music, you need the right room for the atmosphere that the Doors created so there can be few better venues for this than the Met Lounge in Bridge Street. And coincidently, it was a Doors tribute band that was the first ever band booked to appear at The Met back in 1999 so it’s a case of déja vu!

R.I.P BOB

The Doors Alive are at the Met on December 9 as part of their UK tour. Advance tickets are available from 01733 566100 or online at www.ticketweb.co.uk

CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR CITY’S JAZZ LOVERS Christmas is nearly here and the Peterborough Jazz Club are getting in the spirit by holding their Christmas Special at the Great Northern hotel on Sunday December 11.

Tina May returns by popular demand with a fabulous band, and special guest the great Jim Mullen on guitar. Tina May is now widely regarded as one of the top vocalists not only in the UK but across Europe and her fame’s now reaching the Far East with a recent packed concert hall performance in Shanghai. However whilst performing in France, Tina also took time out to record a CD with her Paris Quintet, which includes some of that country’s top jazz players.

To book, email enquiries@peterboroughjazzclub.co.uk

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY Probably the most popular Christmas song is Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade and that song is bound to be featured at Stamford Corn Exchange when tribute band Slyde appear there on Saturday December 10.

Slyde are fronted by Nobby Boulder who has an uncanny vocal and visual resemblance to the original tartan trousered Mr Holder. Slyde will take three decades off the clock for you, back to a time when British glam rock was setting the standard worldwide for genuine goodtime party rock 'n roll and the gig will feature more than just Slade songs with hits from Bolan, Bowie and The Sweet.

To book tickets call Stamford Corn Exchange on 01780 766455.

42

www.espmag.co.uk

I end this column on a sober note having heard of the sad passing of Bob Banks, lead singer with The Influence who tragically died on his birthday last month.

He’s been a big part of the local music scene for the last 30 years playing in numerous bands including Legend and TuT, I met him myself on my band feature on Lite FM, and he’s pictured here when TuT opened up for Wishbone Ash in 2008 in Bourne.

His friends told me – “He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his larger than life personality, his love for his family and friends and for being a really nice guy and brilliant singer.”

I think that’s a fine epitaph and our best wishes go out to all his family and friends.

Sister pub to The Dragon in Werrington

New Years Eve

The Nuggets £10.00 per ticket.

Under new management Traditional warm welcoming atmosphere • Fully licensed bar and restaurant • Bar opens 12 noon – 12am Karaoke in bar every Friday • Restaurant Monday – Friday 12 noon – 2.30pm & 5pm - 9pm Saturday Food served 12 noon – 9pm – Sunday Carvery 12noon – 3pm

• Hotel rooms available • Function rooms available – Weddings – Christenings – Birthday parties and special occasions • Heated smoke shelter • Live entertainment last Saturday of every month

CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2011 • Sky Sports • Free Pool on Mondays • Happy hour Mon – Fri, 5 ‘til 7pm • Live entertainment – see ESP Gig Guide • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev

• Camra Gold Award winning real ales available from £2 (5 hand pumps ) • Function room for hire at reasonable prices • Join our Facebook group The Ploughman

Save the Ploughman

Please sign our online petition.

www.savetheploughman.com 1 London Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 1BH Phone number 01733 351001

THE PLOUGHMAN Staniland Way Werrington Centre PE4 6NA 01733 327696

REAL ALES, CASK MARQUE APPROVED, CAMRA GOLD AWARD • Proper food at proper prices served daily, Mon-Thur 11.30am-2pm and 6pm-9pm.

• Fri/Sat 11.30am-2pm and 6pm-8pm.

• Sunday lunches 12.00-5pm • Function room available for private parties • See Gig Guide for bands

We wish everyone Seasons Greetings for Christmas and the New Year from all at The Cherry Tree!

Upcoming Events Christmas Eve It's DJ Andy Burton and The Beat System New years Eve "Kickback". Entry

by Ticket only, £5.00 each

9 Oundle Road, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 703495 www.cherrytree-inn.co.uk

• Weekly live music (see ESP Gig Guide) • Live Sports – showing all major Premiership and Championship games • Outside bar available • All real ales £2.80 per pint • Sunday night cash quiz • Tuesday night cash Poker • Join our Facebook site – Dragon,Werrington

New Years Eve

Hooker £10.00 per ticket.

Hodgson Avenue, Werrington, Peterborough, Tel: 01733 578088

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Andy Slater

It’s that time of year again when the editor emails me and asks me to do something festive for my column so I put my baubles on it! I also thought I’d talk about my Christmas wishes on my list to the ...

...present givers

First up would be a nice gift-wrapped summons from the war crimes people citing Simon Cowell for crimes against humanity. Inflicting so much pain on the British public should see Mr. Smarmy up before The Hague. They could have a phone in to determine his sentence and have a surly, obnoxious prosecutor who constantly tells him he’s a waste of space, oh the fun!

sound a bit radical but hear me out. Their pubs could then be sold off to entrepreneurial people who could buy booze wherever they wanted at a much cheaper price than Punch sell it to their landlords, thus bringing the price of a pint down. That would encourage more people to go out and help pubs put on more live music!

See, it’s a bit of a fantasy present but you gotta dream!

Another present I’d like is for ‘presenters’ (note I didn’t use DJs) on the radio to play songs.

That’s what radio is for – tunes. Not banal chit chat about their own life or chatting to some Clist celebrity who has a new book out, or worse – some dullard member of the public who spends 10 minutes talking about how they’re going to see their sister-in-law for dinner and how they live in a semi in Droylsden… give me strength – SHUT UP AND PLAY A SONG!

The best present of all though would be to see the Burghley Club in Peterborough succeed.

Recently reopened as a members club (£10 for the year) the bar offers great real ales and a promise of good food, live music and special events. The upstairs function room holds 150 people and Joss (the main man) is talking about getting some good bands up there. We saw The Jazz Pidgens who just get better and better. To use adjectives like sublime and polished is not uncommon in band speak but they’re both of those and more, and with a pint of Good Old Boy at £2.50 they sounded even better than usual. Good luck Joss and the team it’s got the potential to be the best venue for miles.

Tell you what would be cool as a gift, Coldplay disbanding and Chris Martin disappearing off to Cambodia to live in a commune. No more would I hear his whining voice and hear his band trying to be U2, or see that stupid flailing dance he does when he’s whining a song about how he peed himself in his bedsit at university.

That just may be my best gift so far.

I’d also like pub companies like Punch Taverns and Admiral to go bust. Hold on… that may

So that’s my Christmas wish list, not too much to ask, maybe some of them may turn up throughout the year...

Jingle balls to one and all, Merry Christmas!

IZZY COX LIVE! Izzy Cox from Texas is only doing four UK dates and we have one of them in our patch!

Legendary producer Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash/Red Hot Chilli Peppers/Adele) is a fan, as is one Quentin Tarantino who may feature her music in his next movie! Influenced by old movie soundtracks, old time bar room blues and country singers her lyrics are like diary entries with stories of serial killers, buckaroo cowboys and snake handlers. It really is a catch her while you can gig at Mama Liz’s in Stamford on December 16. Tickets are £5 in advance on www.mamaliz.co.uk or £7 on the door.

BLAZE OF GLORY Blaze Bayley (of Iron Maiden) is back, his tour dates read – Hollywood, LA, London, Manchester, STAMFORD, Edinburgh, Paris, Amsterdam… very cool! Catch him at Mama Liz’s in Stamford on December 14.

Support comes from BlackHawkDown and Septulus. Tickets are £7 in advance on www.mamaliz.co.uk or £9 on the door.

THE HAMSTERS PLAYING JIMI HENDRIX & ZZ TOP The guitar, bass and drums trio The Hamsters have long been established as one of our premier blues-rock attractions… but it’s time to step off the wheel! They’re currently completing their farewell tour and their 25th year together and are stopping off at the Bourne Corn Exchange on Saturday December 3.

Although well-known for playing their own brand of rootsy rock, blues and Americana, at this gig they’ll be performing an evening of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top songs, for which they’re widely regarded as being the UK’s leading interpreters. Support comes from Emerald Sky. Tickets are £12 advance, £14 on the door, under 16’s £5.

Box office: 07828 032241.

THE KAST OFF KINKS IN BOURNE Former members of the iconic British rock band The Kinks reunited in 1994 initially as a fun band for the Kinks Fan Club Convention. This proved so popular that the band started touring the UK. Apart from Ray and Dave Davies, this is the line up that played on Lola with original member Mick Avory on drums and Kinks stalwarts of the 70s and 80s Jim Rodford on bass and Ian Gibbons on keyboards.

The Kast Off Kinks hit Bourne Corn Exchange on Saturday December 31 so why not see in 2012 with some fantastic hits of the 60s and 70s?

Tickets are £15, under 16’s £5. Box office: 07828 032241.

44

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AIMING TO BE THE BEST MINICAB OFFICE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA 1 PICK-UP 1 DROP-OFF TO CITY CENTRE – 5,6,7 & 8 SEATERS AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST AIRPORT PRICES (ONE WAY FROM P’BORO) 4 SEATER 5-6 SEATER

Birmingham £80.00 East Midlands £80.00 Gatwick £120.00 Heathrow £90.00

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• 4-5-6-7 & 8 SEATERS • FULL DISABLED SERVICE • SEAPORTS – AIRPORTS

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7-8 SEATER

£90.00 £170.00 £90.00

• FAST FRIENDLY 24HR SERVICE • ACCOUNTS & CORPORATE WORK WELCOME • SPECIAL RATES FOR SURROUNDING VILLAGES

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS RATES CALL FOR DETAILS

PAYING TOO MUCH? – NEED VALUE FOR MONEY?

Our computerised booking system gives you the very best fares on every journey!

Ailsworth ..............£7.50 Alwalton................£8.00 Boongate ..............£4.00 Brettons ................£5.00 Castor ..................£7.00 Dogsthorpe ..........£4.00 Eye........................£6.00 Eye Green ............£6.50 Farcet ..................£6.00 Fletton ..................£4.00 Glinton ..................£8.00 Gunthorpe ............£6.00 Hampton Hargate..£6.00 Hampton Vale........£7.00 Hempstead ..........£5.00 Longthorpe............£4.50

Longueville Village £6.00 Lynchwood............£8.00 Netherton..............£4.00 New England ........£4.00 New Werrington ....£7.00 Orton Brimbles......£7.00 Orton Goldhay ......£7.00 Orton Longueville ..£5.00 Orton Northgate ....£8.00 Orton Southgate....£8.00 Orton Waterville ....£6.00 Orton Wistow ........£7.00 Park Farm ............£6.00 Parnwell................£5.00 Paston ..................£5.00 Peakirk..................£9.00

Ravensthorpe........£5.00 Stanground ..........£5.00 Sugar Way ............£4.50 Walton ..................£5.00 Welland ................£5.00 Werrington Village £6.00 Westwood ............£5.00 Woodston..............£4.00 Barnack ..............£14.00 Baston ................£16.00 Benwick..............£18.00 Bourne................£18.00 Coates ................£15.00 Conington ..........£14.00 Crowland ............£11.00 Deepings ............£11.00

Elton ..................£11.00 Etton ....................£9.00 Folksworth ............£9.50 Fotheringhay ......£17.00 Gedney Hill..........£20.00 Glatton................£14.00 Helpston................£9.50 Holme Village ......£12.00 Kings Cliffe..........£16.00 Langtoft ..............£14.00 Marholm ..............£6.50 Market Deeping ..£11.00 Maxey ................£10.00 Nassington..........£13.00 Newborough ........£7.00 Northborough........£9.50

Oundle................£18.00 Ramsey ..............£18.00 Sawtry ................£16.00 Sibson ................£14.00 Stamford ............£18.00 Stilton....................£9.50 Tallington ............£15.00 Thorney ................£9.50 Ufford..................£12.00 Wansford ............£11.00 Warmington ........£15.00 Whittlesey ..........£11.00 Wittering ............£15.00 Yarwell ................£12.00 Yaxley....................£7.50

web: www.goldstarcars.co.uk e: info@goldstarcars.co.uk

GOLDSTAR

Bubbles 10 Tel: 01733 568 999

/

Fax: 01733 346 662

Hand Car Wash

£5 MINI £20 VALETS

WASH WAX & DRY Wash & Wax • Dry Windows In • Windows Out Door Inserts • Tyre Shine

Wash & Wax • Dry • Windows In • Windows Out Door Inserts • Hoover • Dash Board • Air Freshener • Bumper Gel • Tyre Shine • Polish

£

WASH WAX DRY & HOOVER

Wash & Wax • Dry • Windows In • Windows Out Door Inserts • Hoover • Dash Board Air Freshener • Bumper Gel • Tyre Shine

£50

FULL VALETS

Wash & Wax • Dry • Windows In • Windows Out Door Inserts • Hoover • Dash Board • Air Freshener • Bumper Gel • Tyre Shine • Polish Upholstery Clean • Engine Wash

Maskew Avenue Peterborough PE1 2AS

(next to B&Q)

GUIDE THU DEC 1 ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

LIVE BANDS The Peacock London Road

FRI DEC 2 101 PROOF

EAST COAST Coopers Bretton

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Ostrich North Street

HALO The Boro Bar Oundle Road

PORKY PIG

The Cock Inn Werrington

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

ALADDINSANE

RETROLUX

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

Peterborough Rugby Club Peterborough

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Ploughman Werrington

DEUCE COUP The Boro Bar Oundle Road

GROOVE CARTEL The Pear Tree Stamford

HOOKER The Old Coach House Market Deeping

PORKY PIG The Ostrich North Street

SLIDE TO OPEN The Swiss Cottage Woodston

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE REPLICAS (TICKETS) The Deepings Rugby Club Market Deeping

TUNNEL The Fayre Spot Bretton

WHOLESOME FISH + SIR SCALLYWAG Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

SOULWEAVER The Three Horseshoes Werrington

THE DESECRATORS + BLACK MARIAS The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE HAMSTERS Bourne Corn Exchange Bourne

THE NUGGETS The Fenman Stanground

THE RETURNS The Dragon Werrington

TWENTY 4 The Stage Market Deeping

UNDERCOVER The Peacock London Road

The Ploughman Werrington

SUN DEC 4 PENNYLESS Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

TUE DEC 6 OPEN ACOUSTIC SESSION

SAT DEC 3 BALANCE

THU DEC 8

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

PENNYLESS

The Cock Inn Werrington

DOUBLE PENETRATION The Pear Tree Stamford

GLASS HEART The Cross Keys Oundle Road

GROOVE CARTEL The Ploughman Werrington

HOOKER O'Neills Broadway

PORKY PIG The Fayre Spot Bretton

RETROLUX The Swiss Cottage Woodston

ROCKIT The Cock Inn Werrington

SHAMELESS Turpins Bar Long Sutton

THE DOORS ALIVE The Met Lounge Bridge Street

THE KARSIES The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE NEW LEAVES + HANNAH JOYCE + HARRY RIDGEWAY Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

NUGGETS UNDER_COVERS THE The Fleet

The Millstone Inn Barnack

CRASH 'N' BURN

FRI DEC 9

The Crown Uppingham

RYAN ADAMS TRIBUTE Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Fletton

TWENTY 4 The Dragon Werrington

SAT DEC 10 ANIMAL INSTINCT The Boro Bar Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Swiss Cottage Woodston

CRASH 'N' BURN The Peacock London Road

KICKBACK The Three Horseshoes Werrington

LES WOODS BAND

ELECTRIC WARRIORS

Crab & Winkle Werrington

The Swiss Cottage Woodston

OUT OF ORDER The Lord Nelson Morton

OUTA-STOCK Thorney Ex Services Club Thorney

PORKY PIG The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SLYDE Bourne Corn Exchange Bourne

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

IZZY COX + MOUSTACHE + SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT + OLD BOY Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

PORKY PIG

THE NUGGETS

FRI DEC 23

The Stage Market Deeping

EASYERSAID

THE ONE EYED CATS The Cock Inn Werrington

THE REPLICAS O'Neills Peterborough

TUNNEL The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Dragon Werrington

UNTAMED ROCK

R 'N' B BAND

The Boro Bar Oundle Road

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

WE ARE FICTION + STRINGFINGER + CAMELTOE

The Straw Bear Whittlesey

THE ATLANTIC + PROFESSOR DJ

THE COUNTRIES

March Jive Club March

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

WAVELENGTH ROXX

WHITE SPIRIT

The Woolpack Stanground

WHITE SPIRIT The Cock Inn Werrington

The Boro Bar Oundle Road

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

The Dragon Werrington

FRI DEC 30

The Angel Stilton

LATINO SOUND

HOOKER

The Crown Inn Lincoln Road

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

MUSIC NIGHT WITH PHIL

MAXWELL HAMMER + SMITH

Quinns Club Whittlesey

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Boro Bar Oundle Road

The Ploughman Werrington

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

RETROLUX

SAT DEC 31

The Granary Long Sutton

THE GUARDS O'Neills Broadway

THE SOUNDERS The Boro Bar Oundle Road

CITIZEN SMITH

LEE MAJOR + THE BALANCE

WED DEC 14

Werrington

BLAZE BAYLEY Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

THU DEC 15 LIVE BANDS The Peacock London Road

FRI DEC 16 101 PROOF

GIZZ BUTT'S RED, BLACK AND BLUES

The Cock Inn Werrington

EAST COAST Brennans Bar Spalding

The Boro Bar Oundle Road

The Three Horseshoes Werrington

The Fayre Spot Bretton

TUE DEC 20

The Flyers Club Peterborough

ONE EYED CATS

HOOKER (TICKETS) The Dragon Werrington

KAST OFF KINKS Bourne Corn Exchange Bourne

KICKBACK

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

GLASS HEART

WED DEC 21

MON DEC 26

The Axe & Cleaver Boston

THE BRAYS

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

MOTOWN NITES

PORKY PIG

DR. A'S RHYTHM & GROOVES

HIGHROLLERS

The Blue Boar Eye

The Boat Inn Whittlesey

CRASH 'N' BURN

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

SAT DEC 24

GLASS HEART

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Three Horseshoes Werrington

CUTTIN' LOOSE

The Swiss Cottage Woodston

The Swiss Cottage Woodston

Hampton Vale Community Centre Hampton Vale

The Fayre Spot Bretton

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT + MAD SCATTERS Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

WAVELENGTH CITIZEN SMITH ROXX The Ploughman

SAT DEC 17

O.B SEAN

ONE EYED CATS ROCKET 57

UNDERCOVER

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

GLASS HEART

WHITE CLOUDS SUN DEC 18 AND GUNFIRE MICK DAVISON, + A STORY TO PENNYLESS Mama Liz's TELL + IN REX GATES Voodoo Lounge ARCHIVES + FRIENDS Stamford + COLLIDE The Cherry Tree The Met Lounge Oundle Road STEVE BEAN Bridge Street The Woolpack STEVE BEAN Stanground

SUN DEC 11

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Crown Inn Lincoln Road The Ostrich North Street

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

LOOSE ROCKET

CUTTIN' LOOSE

THE NUGGETS

The Solstice Northminster

The Indian Queen Boston

The Ploughman Werrington

THE CANDLE THIEVES + LOST ON CAMPUS

TUE DEC 27

THE REPLICAS (TICKETS)

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

RETROLUX

SLIDE TO OPEN

GAV HYDE The Three Horseshoes Werrington

WED DEC 28

Fletton Ex Servicemans Club Fletton

WHISKY JAX + ROCKET 57 + LIVE BANDS

THU DEC 22

DP

ROCKET 57

HAYLESTONE

Cathedral Square Peterborough

Town Hall Arts Centre March

The Solstice Northminster

The Boro Bar Oundle Road

THU DEC 29

SUN JAN 1

THE GUARDS The Golden Fleece Stamford

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

MIGHTY MOUTH THE DAVISONWOODS BAND The Three Horseshoes Werrington

The Ostrich North Street

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.

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www.espmag.co.uk

*ESP can not be held responsible for errors in this listing, be sure to check with the venue for confirmation.