ESP December 2014

DECEMBER 2014 Issue 184

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The best of local Leisure and Lifestyle for Greater Peterborough

Christmas What’s On The City’s Lights Switch Ons! Partywear Fashion Entertainment Live Music Comedy Food

Strictly feature

Frankie bridge EvEn morE nEws and EvEnts on WWW.ESPMaG.CO.uk or LikE us on FaCEbOOk or foLLow us on TWiTTEr to hEar first

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EDITORIAL Editor Sharon McAllister sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

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

deborah.grace@espmag.co.uk

DESIGN Tony Mayer

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

COVER BBC/Ray Burmiston

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum, Emma Bothamley, Mike Harris, Chris Brudenell, Andrew James

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano Steve Gonzalez Karen Devine

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Mikey Clarke

mikey.clarke@espmag.co.uk

CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller Charlotte Jolly Keith Dalton Sarah Tempest Sue Donnelly

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk charlotte.jolly@espmag.co.uk keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk sue.donnelly@espmag.co.uk

ESP MAGAZINE LTD Directors Sharon McAllister sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk Sean McAllister sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

T: 01733 381266 E: office@espmag.co.uk

ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any other Peterborough publications. 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.

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ARGO LOUNGE BANYAN TREE OPENING GETS A FRESH LOOK Not only is the food delicious but we have to say the Banyan Tree restaurant on Westgate is looking hot too after a fantastic refurbishment!

Owner Dinesh Odedra told ESP – “We’ve started our refurbishment and the first phase has been completed. We took feedback from our customers on what they’d like to see us do first. There was The newest addition to demand for more space downstairs. So, Peterborough’s dining out scene, we extended the bar and lounge area the new Argo Lounge officially and have also created a new space on opens December 17 in what the ground floor which is perfect for large used to be the Barista coffee groups booking their Christmas parties. shop in St Peter’s Arcade.

“It’s created a totally different atmosphere They’ll be offering first come first in the restaurant where there is a great serve tables just over the vibe every night. We’re planning to Christmas period – perfect for introduce some DJ events during the those who’ve left their Christmas period that utilises this new Christmas party booking too space... so keep your ear to the ground!" late! The Lounge will provide a warm,We cosy setting for a the coffee highly recommend food here break which from isChristmas shopping truly authentic Indian. Book now or cocktails, on 01733bubbles 342800. and casual dining for celebrating the season. They’ll be open until OUTFIT IT 1am on NYE if you’dHAS like to see in the ALL new year at a relaxedONE UNDER pace, they won’t have any ROOF gimmicks or price increases just their usual relaxed a to find the If you’re getting dining stressedintrying quirky,perfect family-friendly setting. party wear don’t forget that Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Evans have This casual dining, cafe and bar all relocated into the Outfit store at will be offering an all-day menu Serpentine Green! So now you can save ranging from brunch through to your legs and find all your high street more substantial mains. So if favourites under one roof. They also have you fancy a gossip over coffee Topshop, Topman, Warehouse and more. and cake with your mum, a It’s a great place to find a present for romantic meal with your bloke or someone else too or make life really easy a night of cocktails with the girls and buy an Outfit gift card! Check out the they aim to be all those things! latest looks from Outfit in our special Opening hours will be 8am – feature on www.espmag.co.uk 11pm, 12pm on Thurs/Fri/Sat.

GET PARTY SPECIAL OFFER READY @ MY @ MBE If you BODY want to look fantastic for your Christmas and New Year ESSENTIALS parties get along to My Body Essentials, they have an introductory offer for their Dermapen™ Micro Needling with £20 slashed off the price until Christmas. These treatments have minimal down time with maximum effect, you’ll notice and love the results within days as you’re left with a smoother brighter skin that’s been renewed from deep within the dermal layers. Suitable for all skin types as a standalone treatment for a quick fresh look to your skin or a short course of treatments for those with deeper blemishes and scarring – get your skin glowing for the winter party season. Treatments

Proudly sponsored by

53 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 1QA Telephone: 01733 342800 www.thebanyantree-uk.com using the Dermapen™ can also help reduce stretch marks and would This month My Body Essentials surgical anywhere the party likescars to be sure that youron Christmas body. dress For more call MBE on fits youinfo perfectly!

Until Christmas 01733they 305102. are practically giving away Lipo-Belt treatments for just £15 per session, these sessions usually cost up to £65! The NYE PARTY treatment’s safe and effective and gets results immediately – you can lose @ THE several centimetres in just one session BANYAN TREE although you could sometimes require Celebrate Year’s Everesults withyou a need. more New depending on the fabulous at not theto wear your NowIndian there isflavour no excuse Banyan Tree on Westgate. favourite party dress! Give MBE a call on Renowned for its or delicious 01733 305102 take a look at authentic, north Indian cuisine for www.mybodyessentials.co.uk (different anything you’ll find moretoinfo. elsewhere) and amazing desserts this wonderful CITYrestaurant BOOK independent has a very special night planned to MAKES GREAT help you see in 2015. Expect full GIFTmusic and of on Bollywood courseIf dine their fantastic you’reon stuck for an unusual gift or food. Book now, it’scertainly only £25 per something that’ll have meaning person!

01733 342800. for Call anyone brought up in Peterborough, we can highly recommend the book of photos, New England, by street BEGINNER’S photographer Chris Porsz.

MAKE-UP If you missed out last Christmas then this WORKSHOP popular photography book depicts

in the seventies As it’sPeterborough party season you’ll wantand through some great candid to lookeighties your best girls but if you shots.

It’s your a fantastic struggle with hair slice and of social history.

It’s available for just £13.99 from make-up, local expert Pierrodoll Reba in Cathedral Square, Shrives is introducing the Absolute chemist in Westgate, Art in the Heart Beginners Hair & Makeup Shop, Visitors Centre and Workshop.

Learn Information how to apply Waterstones in Bridge St. Also from your make-up from foundation to Colemans Cowgate,eye Thelook Barn garden mascara with ainsmoky centre aGunthorpe, friends and create hairstylethe tohospital wear on Meadows and via his website a nightshop, outFerry or for a special www.chrisporsz.com occasion!

This is step by step teaching by industry professionals with a day long AMICI workshop in a cityLAUNCH centre location.

Book now or buy CHRISTMAS Christmas vouchers, go to MENU Fantastic www.pierrodoll.com.

Spalding’s value at £40! great Italian restaurant Amici tell us they’ve launched a delicious special Christmas menu this December, CITY withMARKET five new starters, five main courses and plenty of mouth-watering desserts GETS FESTIVE that are completely exclusive to the menu.

Running from Sunday December 1 –

Peterborough city market has everything you need for the Christmas season from gifts to your turkey lunch and they’re getting festive.

The lights have been switched on and carol singers from local schools will entertain you while you shop on Thursday December 4 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Tuesday December 9, 9.30am to 10.30am, Tuesday December 16, 11.30am to 12.30pm and

Tuesday December 16, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sunday December 29, you can make your booking by calling 01775 767696.

There’s the chance to win a fabulous Christmas hamper too, whichLATE will be delivered to you by NIGHT the mayor – just fill in a simple SHOPPING form available from stall holders to enter. @ SPRINGFIELDS It’s not always to fit Christmas The Market’s openeasy 8.30am to shopping into a busy schedule.

4pm Tuesday to Saturday and Luckily, Springfields it’s Outlet Shopping in Spalding over Christmas open 8.30am extended their opening16 hours – 4pmhave Tuesday December to to help us out! Springfields is now open on Saturday December 20, with weekdays until 9pmon this month through an extra day’s trading untilDecember the week commencing Monday 22 and Monday will December be open 8.30am23. toWhat’s 4pm –more, the car park will be free to use from Tuesday December 23 and 6pm.

Subway, December The Kitchen and Frankie and Wednesday 24.

Benny’s, however, will remain open until Parking in the market car park is 10pm. just 50p for the first hour.

50% OFF THURLBY GROUP SELECTED BECOMES PRODUCTS KNEAD PUBS @ BEALES Don’t forget to stop at Beales on Westgate on your shopping travels this Christmas. They’re offering 50% off selected lines, ranging from gifts to home accessories. Get some cut-price prezzies before they run out!

A new pub and hotel chain has BOLLYWOOD launched in Stamford as the Thurlby group officially changes TIGER’S its name to KNEAD Pubs.

CHRISTMAS

The Crown Hotel and Tobie DAY BUFFET Norris pub in Stamford, Smith’s YaxleyLord restaurant Bollywood in Bourne, Nelson at Tiger is bringing Indian flavour to the menu Oakham andan The Prince Rupert Christmas special pub inthis Newark all with forma part ofChristmas Day buffet.KNEAD So if you fancy the rebranded Pubsa change from group.the turkey and a rest from the cooking the buffet is priced at £19.95 per adult, whilst Michael Thurlby, senior citizensthe andowner children can dine for behind£14.95. the rebrand toldcall ESP – 246519.

For bookings, 01733 “Our pubs and hotels are not about me or my name, they’re about COCK our unique INN environments, the people that work BEER in them WINTER and the customers who come to FEST use them.

The Cock Inn at Werrington has festive “We have worked hard to build our reputation across the region and now KNEAD Pubs allows us to strengthen this further with a brand that personifies honest, wholesome good food, drink and hospitality.”

The food and drinks menu is sourced almost exclusively from the local region, including the Thurlby farm and KNEAD loyalty cards are also available for regular customers.

A pizza bake-off competition in aid of Sue Ryder’s hospice appeal is running until the end of the year. Visit www.KNEADpubs.co.uk for details.

PETERBOROUGH MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS The Peterborough Competitive Music Festival is back next year and runs from March 17-21 but the closing date for entries is January 12, 2015.

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There have been some exciting changes, with a revamped, streamlined syllabus including classes for all age groups in all instruments, singing, choirs, bands and orchestras. Each competitor receives a certificate and written comments from a specialist adjudicator and there are cups and trophies for the winners of almost all classes. Young performers who are working towards music exams can choose their favourite item to perform for a supportive audience.

At the final concert the Peterborough Young Musician of the Year is chosen from all the weeks' qualifying winners. The full syllabus is available on the festival website: www.peterboroughmusicfestival.or g.uk. There is also a Facebook page and a twitter account: @pboromusicfest

CAN YOU HELP THE HADRIAN’S WALL CHALLENGE? A team of NHS 111 staff from Peterborough and Cambridgeshire are intending to walk from Bowness in Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend, Newcastle.

That’s a whopping 84 miles (135km) in just 4 days and they’ll be camping out along the route.

The team are looking for sponsorship to cover the costs of minibus hire, fuel costs, campsite charges, food along the route and camping items.The team target is to raise as much as possible for The Royal British Legion supporting serving and ex-servicemen and women and their families, and Clic Sargent which provides care for children suffering cancer and support for their families.

They’re undergoing the challenge from 25/04/2015 until 28/04/2015 and if you’d like to sponsor them or help in any way please call 07740 306164.

To donate log onto: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team /111.LEGION

QUEENSGATE WRAPS UP CHRISTMAS Turn Christmas presents into exquisite gifts with Queensgate’s personalised wrapping service.

Queensgate’s official charity partner, Kidney Research UK, is now in the centre ensuring everyone’s gifts are beautifully wrapped in time for Christmas.

Volunteers will be there until

Christmas Eve to personally wrap presents for a small donation, every penny of which goes directly to the charity.

MAKE YOUR TREE A LIGHTS OF LOVE TREE Tinsel, stars and Christmas angels have their place but how about turning a workplace, community, venue or church Christmas tree into a real show stopper this year – a Lights of Love tree.

Every year, Sue Ryder’s Thorpe Hall Hospice has its own Lights of Love tree, which becomes the centrepiece for the hospice’s seasonal celebrations. The tree is traditionally hung with hundreds of baubles carrying messages of remembrance, greeting and love.

Now the hospice team is urging venues across the Peterborough to host their own.

All the money raised will go towards the £6 million Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal. If you’d like your workplace Christmas tree to become a Lights of Love tree call Kirsty on 01733 225999.

CHRISTMAS FAIR @ FERRY MEADOWS Get in the festive spirit by heading along to a Christmas Fair in the wonderful natural surroundings of Ferry Meadows Country Park. It’s all being held on Saturday December 13 from 11am – 3pm and attractions will include a Christmas craft market, carol singing and seasonal food and drink as well as plenty of activities for the children. Even better, it’s free entry although there may be a charge for some activities. www.neneparktrust.org.uk

JOIN THE SANTA CRAWL Popular city centre venues the Brewery Tap and Charters Bar have joined forces with Grasshopper Productions to raise much needed funds for Sue Ryder’s Thorpe Hall Hospice Appeal and need your help.

They’re looking for 200 Santas to join them on their Santa Crawl. This festive themed pub crawl is taking place on Saturday December 13 at 3.30pm from the Brewery Tap in Westgate. There’ll be promotional offers, live music and fun games for all Santas along the way, visiting North Street Bar, The Solstice and The City Club before reaching the final venue Charters Bar where the Santas will be able to dance the night away to the funky sounds of Groove Cartel. You’ll receive a Santa Costume on arrival at the Brewery Tap. Tickets are £10 per person from the Brewery Tap or Charters with a proportion going directly to the Sue Ryder Hospice Appeal, or purchase online at www.grasshopperproductions.co.uk

Christmas Lights

Photos: Andrew James Photography

Switch-On

The big switch-on in Cathedral Square

Are you feeling festive folks? The lights are on, the tree is up, and the party has definitely started.

The city centre was packed with around 8,000 people as Christmas officially started in the city and Peterborough was lit up with an amazing array of festive lights.

The ESP Dance Crew launched the show organised by the City Council and hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenters Paul Stainton and Nick Carter.

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Annette Joyce, Assistant Director for Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council, told ESP – “The switch-on event attracted thousands of people to Cathedral Square and it was great to see so many extending their stay by doing a spot of Christmas shopping and having a meal with their families in our excellent restaurants.

Peterborough Youth Choir

ESP Dance Crew

One Eyed Cats

Jem’s Hip Hop Dancers The Mayor, Cllr David Over

Paul Stainton and Nick Carter

“This is a wonderful, magical time of year that brings people from across Peterborough and the wider region together to see our stunning city centre illuminated in all its historic glory. The visitor experience will be even more inviting from December 10 when a special market featuring decorated chalets will transform Cathedral Square into a winter wonderland of festive shopping and dining in the run-up to Christmas Day.” We had a great time at the lights switch on which saw entertainment from some really great local talent including the ESP dancers followed by a fabulous performance from the Jem’s Hip Hop dance school – those kids can move! Definitely one to get the kids involved with if they want to learn to dance.

The Peterborough Youth Choir sang festive carols and Christmas tunes such as Walking in the Air and the dame from the Key Theatre panto, Jack & the Beanstalk, joined in the onstage fun and games.

The ever-popular Peterborough band the One Eyed Cats had everyone dancing while local young rock band White Clouds and Gunfire closed the show in style – what a night.

Of course Santa was there to join the Mayor Cllr David Over in turning on this year’s lights – and don’t they look fantastic?!

The next great addition to the city centre will be the arrival of the traditional Christmas market which sets up in Cathedral Square from Wednesday December 10 through until Tuesday December 23 where you can pick up some tasty treats, quality gifts and decorations. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without hot chestnuts so pick up yours from the street seller on December 6, 13 and 20.

Keep an eye on www.espmag.co.uk for all the latest festive news and what’s on.

For dance classes with Jem’s Hip Hop visit www.jemshiphop.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

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LOCAL

Entertainment CINDERELLA IN SPALDING Polka Dot Pantomimes and the South Holland Centre in Spalding present the nation’s favourite panto, Cinderella from Wednesday December 10 – Saturday January 3.

This year’s show promises to be full of magic, laughter, audience participation and spectacular surprises and the amazing flying Pegasus!

Tickets are £13.50, £12.50 concessions, £48 for a family of four. Groups 20+ £12 (21st ticket booked is free), schools £7.50 (one free for every 10 booked). Groups and schools tickets are bookable direct with Box Office only on 01775 764777.

IT’S STRICTLY PANTO TIME! The classic story of Aladdin, played by gorgeous Skins star Mitch Hewer, always makes a great family panto and this production is by Premier Pantomimes who had record breaking success with Cinderella last year.

This is Alison’s seventh panto and the TV presenter thrives on live shows so expect a lively performance!

Former Skins star Mitch Hewer who starred in the hit Channel 4 series as dancer Maxxie, and as Danny in ITV’s Britannia High is making his first appearance in panto and told ESP – “I’m very excited. It should be a lot of fun, there’s the romantic side, the comedy the whole bad guy thing and this is probably one of the best pantos out there.

It’s got a lot to give and the costumes are great. I’m looking forward to playing off the audience.”

Popular Dame Zach Vanderfelt returns playing Widow Twankey and Lawrence Stubbings also returns and is set to be the perfect baddie as evil Abanazar.

Aladdin runs from December 12 – 30 and tickets start from £8 with group offers available. For bookings call 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk

JACK CLIMBS THE BEANSTALK @ THE KEY Over at the Key Theatre it’s all about Jack, magic beans and that giant!

Their fun traditional family panto is always a hit with its intimate setting and Jack & the Beanstalk looks set to be another great festive family experience.

Daisy the cow, that famous beanstalk and one big giant add up to a fantastic adventure as Jack tries to save his village.

Tickets are selling fast for all 60 performances. Every seat in the house provides the perfect view so get ready to boo and hiss your way through this fabulous show!

The adventure begins on Thursday December 4 with performances right through until Sunday January 4.

Tickets are priced from £9 – £17.50 on 01733 207239 or by visiting www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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Photo: Will Cheung

Strictly Come Dancing star Alison Hammond will be showing us her dance moves as the genie in Aladdin, the Cresset’s panto which opens this month.

ALADDIN IN CHRISTMAS MAGIC STAMFORD ON BROADWAY Following the amazing success of their 2013 panto, Polka Dot Pantomimes return with their version of Aladdin at the Stamford Arts Centre. They promise spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, some fantastic singing and dancing, a large dose of comedy, lots of sparkle, magic and much fun!

Performances are at 10.30am and 6.30pm on Thursday 8 January and Friday January 9, and on Saturday January 10 at 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm & 7.30pm and on Sunday January 11 at 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm.

Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions) £40 family of four, groups £9, schools £7 + one free ticket for every 10 booked! Box office: 01780 763203.

Get ready for a magical evening of festive songs from Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir.

The Christmas Magic concert at the Broadway Theatre promises an extravaganza of carols, festive music and seasonal favourites – all accompanied by a professional orchestra. It’s being held on Sunday December 21 and tickets are on sale now so don’t hang about.

This fourth Christmas concert by the choirs will include all your festive favourites such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Tickets from £15 are available at Peterborough Visitor Information Centre, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or at www.peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk

ARTS CINEMA There’s always a movie with a difference at the John Clare Theatre and this month 20 Feet from Stardom (US) closes this year’s Peterborough Arts Cinema season.

The 2013 Oscar winner of Best Documentary is screened on Thursday December 11. It focuses on backup singers, the artists who live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now. Film starts at 7.30pm.

MUSIC @ THE MANOR FOR SUE RYDER Local ladies' choir A Handful of Harmonies are delighted to be hosting Music At The Manor for the Thorpe Hall Appeal on Sunday December 21 at 6.30pm.

The evening at the Manor House in West Deeping will be an enchanting, festive occasion with music from local musicians, fine refreshments, a grand raffle and a fully licenced bar.

All profits from the evening will be donated to the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Appeal. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and £6 for under 14's, which include canapés and a complimentary (thanks to The Waggon and Horses, Langtoft) glass of fizz on arrival!

Tickets are on sale now and can be collected in person from Deeping TV Services on the High Street in Market Deeping or purchased with a credit card from the Box Office on 01778 345857 (24hr answerphone).

Hair Up from £14 Add a Sienna X Spray Tan for only £10 more during December.

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Tel 01733 553600

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Now taking Christmas bookings. Special Christmas party menus. Separate area available for Christmas parties Celebrate New Years Eve with us. Full on Bollywood music and fantastic food. Book now, only £25 per person

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

Enjoy cocktails and Tapas at our

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

Photos: Emma Bothamley

CHRISTMAS BEGINS AT QUEENSGATE! Thousands turned out to see Peppa Pig and family switch on the fabulous lights in Queensgate getting Christmas in the shopping centre truly underway.

Peppa definitely has some pulling power that’s for sure as the centre was packed with excited youngsters! Kev Lawrence from Heart FM hosted the event which saw cast members from the Cresset’s panto Aladdin, Santa himself and local swing singer Peter Jay entertain the huge crowds before the plunger was pressed and the incredible light display made the centre super festive.

Father Christmas is now in daily residence in his grotto in North Square through until Christmas Eve to see who’s been naughty or nice and to give

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out gifts. Tickets are £4.50 per child.

This year the Giving Tree has returned where you can take a tag from its branches and donate a present to local charity, Spurgeons, by leaving it at the Customer Information Desk.

We’re all looking to save a few pennies so it’s good news that there’s free parking after 5.30pm until 11.30pm from December 1 until December 23 and you can shop till you drop till 9pm on weeknights. Plus, to help you out during the Christmas rush, the Kidney Research Charity Gift Wrap is running

right through until Christmas Eve. If you struggle to do your gifts justice let these wrapping experts do it for you in return for a small donation – even the tricky ones.

Don’t miss the Salvation Army Brass Band – guaranteed to get you feeling festive – playing Christmas songs in Queensgate on Saturday December 6, 13 and 20 from 10am until 2pm. Oh yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas folks!

For all the latest visit: www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

A quiet barn in the corner of Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground has been transformed into the most magical Christmas experience unlike any other! Are you ready to step inside Santa’s Barn?

Just imagine a grotto tailored to you, where you can have fun and don’t have to stand in a queue.

Picture the kids’ faces as you head up the path and are greeted by nine oversized cheeky reindeer ready to pose in a picture with you. As you walk through the doors of Santa’s Barn you’ll step inside an amazing Christmas wonderland filled with giant decorations and huge, wonderful items to play on as many times as the kids want to within an hour.

Once you’ve checked them in and their excitement’s bubbling over, the gate opens and you say off you go!

The fun continues when they’re invited into Elfie's Arty Fun by a lovable Elf who’s there to help the children enjoy making snow and creating festive things in the crafts area. Then they can head to the stage to join in some fun party games to win prizes before taking a seat to join in the interactive shows with the characters.

It’s a great family experience where you can chase your kids down the obstacle course or challenge them to a snowball fight in the snowball arena, because you too can play in this section!

Just add the snow globe pass to your basket to be able to enjoy getting into this life size attraction to play in the snow with no need for gloves! You’ll even get a 5” x 7” instant print of your time to take away with you.

There’s so much to do including an imaginative and wildly creative woodland behind magical doors that you bring to life with every step you take! And be sure not to lose yourself in the magical maze because you have to take a seat in Santa’s sleigh for a quick family ‘selfie’ so make sure you take your camera.

Your visit to Santa includes an age appropriate gift for your boys and girls, but not only will they leave with a huge smile, you will too as grown-ups receive a gift as well.

And just when you thought the day was over another treat awaits you just around the corner. The Santa’s Driving School (a weather permitting activity) where the children can race around

the track in battery operated go-karts before getting a certificate allowing them to become a Santa’s helper on Christmas Eve if he needs some help.

All of this for:

£15.50 for children (Children 12 months and under - book as an adult to get a gift - or free entry with no gift)

£8.50 for adults PRE-BOOKED TICKETS ONLY

NOW OPEN – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays (plus 22nd and 23rd Dec).

Visit www.santasbarn.co.uk for dates and times also to buy tickets, 'like' Santa’s Barn on Facebook for regular updates.

Warwick casts a Christmas spell at

Serpentine Green...

Local actor Warwick Davis officially kick started Christmas at Serpentine Green’s lights switch on – an apt role for the film and TV star as his new movie Get Santa is released on December 5 – and ESP grabbed an exclusive chat.

Warwick with players from Posh

Photos: Emma Bothamley

Already well known for his parts in Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and TV shows like Celebrity Squares, our local hero is now set to appear in major new Christmas movie, Get Santa, alongside Jim Broadbent.

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The shopping centre was packed as hundreds of people turned out to see Warwick make his special appearance and queued for autographs afterwards.

Hosted by Kev and Ros from Heart FM along with special appearances by Posh players, Santa and more, but it was Warwick who was the real star of the show. His TV appearances have added to his appeal and as he’s just been signed up for www.espmag.co.uk

a part in the next Star Wars movie it’s great to see he hasn’t forgotten his local fans.

“It’s the area where you live and you’ve got to look after those people,” Warwick told ESP. “You see them all the time and I think it’s important you do things that support the local area. It’s been good to me for the last 20 odd years that I have lived here.”

We’re eagerly awaiting the chance to catch his great new movie Get Santa when it screens at Showcase on December 5 and Warwick says it appealed to him as soon as he read the script, plus he was keen to have a Christmas movie on his CV.

A Handful Of Harmonies “There’s nothing sickly sweet about this film, it’s a brilliant comedy but also it’s full of heart as well and the mix of the two is quite intriguing because it’s quite a streetwise film in one way, but in another it’s full of magic and everything you need to make a lovely heart-warming memorable Christmas film.”

Warwick and Jim Broadbent in Get Santa Warwick had already worked with Jim Broadbent on the Harry Potter movies and says Jim is the perfect Santa.

“When I saw him in his outfit and beard he was Santa Claus! It almost brought a tear to my eye, it was just incredible and he played the character so brilliantly with so much conviction that watching the film, I felt like a kid again. You do go through so many emotions watching the film that it’s such fun and by the end of it you’re in full Christmas mode – there’s no getting away from it.

“What’s great as well is that we all take our kids to see movies and sometimes you sit there thinking I’d much rather be watching something else but I’m here for my youngster, but Get Santa’s something you go in and you never for a second think that – it’s a movie as much for grown up kids as it is for younger kids and I had an absolute blast.”

roles in Star Wars Episode 1 so now it’s nice to have my foot in this trilogy as well.

“I can’t tell you anything but I can say it was a delight to be involved and as a fan myself and to all the fans out there – they’re in for an absolute treat with this, it’s one of the most exciting things I’ve ever worked on and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of it.”

We can’t wait! In the meantime back to Christmas – make sure you check out the Christmas lights at Serpentine Green. From December 15 the centre’s open until 9pm every day packed with all you need for the festivities. Or take the kids along to see Santa in his Grotto on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, and weekdays too from December 15 with gifts for the kids, all raising money for the RNIB.

Get Santa isn’t his only exciting news though of course, there’s that Star Wars role too.

“I did drop a lot of hints! I interviewed Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm and I kept just saying ‘I’d love to be in it’. They do like to allow cameos in the film that fans will enjoy and I’ve sort of become a part of Star Wars history appearing in Return of the Jedi when I was 11 and then a few

Mikey and Warwick Visit www.serpentine-green.co.uk and see more of our coverage of the lights switch on at www.espmag.co.uk including our video chat with Warwick.

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

HAVING HIS CAKE AND EATING IT A Mr Kipling survey claims one in six women would give up sex for cake. That’s one aisle I’ll be avoiding in Morrison’s from now on then. Damn you Mr Kipling.

Pep Cipriano

BACK IN THE DAY...

MY CHRISTMAS EVES Current generation townies will have plenty of choice on where to party this Christmas Eve but I wonder if it’ll feel as special as it was back in the day? mix and town was like being in a Christmas grotto for adults.

Christmas Eve was the best night for me. There was a holiday-like vibe across all the venues, their DJs and even some of the grumpy doormen. So many of us would follow the same routine and it usually began at lunchtime.

That’s not to say we had more venue choices – it was quite the opposite – and that’s what made Christmas and New Year all the more memorable. I’ve written before how being a townie in the late 80s up until the early noughties was like belonging to a unique family.

It’s hard to put into words but the weekend community we were all a part of felt exclusive. It singled you out from the rest and there was a sense of unity among us that almost made you feel like a member of a secret society.

December was always the best month for hitting the town, as there’d be bonus nights to be out on the scene.

If the calendar was good to us we’d have our normal Friday and Saturday nights plus an additional ‘weekend’ night when Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fell on a week day. Add Boxing Day to the

You’d work until 12 or 1pm and meet up in town with the rest of the clan for a couple of Christmas drinks. Over the years these lunchtime drinks were had in wherever was trending at the time. College Arms was a regular haunt and so was The Solstice and even the Bull Hotel in my senior, more cultured townie years.

The idea was to get tipsy perhaps with a couple of bottles of Sol and a cheeky shot of Sambuca (that’s all it took for me!) and then grab a cab home for some fish dinner before hitting the town proper at 9.30pm.

The fish dinner element makes me chuckle when I think back. We Catholics were brought up not to eat meat on Christmas Eve and despite sinning in bars and clubs like you wouldn’t believe later that night, the parental guilt laid on me just for eating an accidental lunchtime sausage

CIAOS OUT > 14

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roll from Tesco was hypocrisy in motion at its finest.

This was a time when Christmas Eve in town was heaving and although there’d be no need to change venue routine, I’d always ensure my hair was freshly cut (thanks Rai) and a new shirt purchased for the occasion.

During my prime years I discovered accessorising was a clever trick to lure ‘birds’ and hung tinsel around my neck, which invariably became an ideal conversation ice breaker. Many a memorable but unprintable story started with tinsel – along with Christian Dior Fahrenheit – and a camera (I was the original ESP paparazzo).

If the weather was good we’d start off at the White Hart in Fletton before walking to Charters. Then it would be a staple diet of three or four bars for main course before dessert at a club until kicking out time.

These bars and clubs varied over the years but some of my best Christmas Eve’s were spent in Muswells (became West Side Bar), Central Park, Milano’s, The Bar, Toho, Rinaldo’s, Quo Vadis (later Faith) and even Mission – remember that place?!

PAUL’S CHRISTMAS SPIRITED DANCE! Top marks to Peterborough City Council for their Christmas lights switch-on party and for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Paul Stainton who played host with Nick Carter.

It was an excellent programme of performers (including our fabulous ESP dancers!) enjoyed by more than 8,000 people and proof once again there’s no need for a celebrity to switch the lights on.

This photo captured the only worrying moment when Paul, clearly lost in the moment, took us back to his gyrating DJ days at Shanghai Sams. My bag of hot chestnuts somehow didn’t taste the same after that.

The main objective of Christmas Eve was to ‘warm up’ girls I’d had my eye on for a few weeks in the hope for a chance to play tonsil tennis with them on New Year’s Eve. With my mission complete the next challenge was to get home before daybreak and tip toe up the stairs trying to remember which steps were the creaky ones. The alarm was usually set for 2pm, which was an hour before I’d demolish 14 cannelloni’s for Christmas dinner. Good times.

Next month: my New Year’s Eve memories…

CT! IN THE A CAUGHT ar ional at N th wi e back

"The Griswalds Italian Vacation!"

Lampoon’s

>> Mikey – you didn’t use a cushion in the Santa costume? >> Arthur @ Farmers – time to feature your Ape? >> Bru – cheesecake and Jules Holland… >> Lettuce Leaf – are you here for Chrimbo? >> Gianni F – no excuses, lace up and join the gym >> Pete – thanks for sorting our rubber!

<

PEP’S LOCAL HEROES:

CELLO RENDA His patience and time are, like for all of us, the most precious things you can give to other people and it’s great to see Cello developing potential future boxing prospects that’ll represent our city. Some of these young people’s lives will eventually be turned around thanks to the self respect and discipline boxing encourages, not to mention a healthy lifestyle.

Some people in the boxing fraternity don’t do the sport many favours. Coaches, boxers, promoters and managers often make boxing a misunderstood and unapproachable sport where the characters are ruthless and intimidating.

Thank God then for Cello Renda. Our city’s ‘Dangerous’ middleweight boxer is quite simply one of the nicest, sincere and humble fighters you’re ever likely to meet.

Locally there’s something of a comforting vibe occurring in the sport where establishments like Vic’s Gym, Peterborough Police Amateur Boxing Club and Peterborough Youth Boxing Project are changing perceptions and introducing hundreds of people to boxing and the benefits it brings to wellbeing, social calm and integration.

Other established local boxers are also playing a part in this new wave of interest in the sport but Cello’s commitment for me is the most dedicated. Cello’s only ever wanted to be a champion and although ten years and counting has yet to bring him the British title accolade, there’s no stopping him trying to achieve this dream.

There’s no doubt in my mind Cello’s commitment to boxing, his professional attitude and the entertainment value of his fights has inspired dozens of local young people to enter into the sport. In the ring Cello has the heart of a lion. You’re always guaranteed to see a proper fight when he steps onto the canvas and the intensity of well-wishers supporting him is like no other local boxer I’ve seen.

Last year Cello volunteered to talk to disadvantaged young people from Bretton about his career in boxing and how the sport has helped him. It was the start of the Peterborough Youth Boxing Project, founded

by PC Scott Lloyd and Wayne Stainsby.

The excellent Ducati Multistrada is about to get a run for its money with BMW’s impressive-looking S1000XR, which will be on sale in spring 2015.

The crew at Man About Town sponsors Balderston have assured me it’s a firebreathing, road focused light adventure bike that’ll blow its Italian competition out of the water.

This machine shares the same fantastic 1000cc, 160-horsepower engine that’s bolted to the excellent

S1000R naked bike, which means it’ll give sports bikes a good go on our twisty Fenland roads.

As for gizmos, it features lean angle-sensitive ABS Pro, cruise control and a whole host of different riding modes.

If the man or woman in your motorcycling life is up for a bit of adventure then this is the bike for them. Be a disciple this Christmas and stick a deposit on one. Pop into Balderston in Hampton for the low down or give the guys a call on 01733 565470.

The aim was to visit every primary and secondary school in Peterborough and deliver free non-contact boxing sessions to children. More than 12 months on and with the help of Cello, the success of the project has seen courses delivered to 10 schools and counting.

Scott told me: “Cello is a great role model and has gone the extra mile to help develop our school visits from putting on boxing sessions to now including workshops on social inclusion or citizenship. Cello’s undertook training in safeguarding children and mentoring and he’s got his assistant boxing coach accreditation and a teaching award.

“He’s shown great commitment to overcome the challenge of returning to the classroom for the first time in 15 years and seeing him successfully step out of his comfort zone is the measure of a champion.

I know Cello was more nervous giving a presentation to 200 young people and submitting course work than he has been climbing into a ring for all these years.”

A true champion in every sense of the word.

This is why Cello Renda is a bonafide local hero. Buon Natale Cello!

Cello lives and breathes boxing and he’d probably be lost without it, which is perhaps one of the reasons he’s so keen to teach the younger generation what he’s gained in an invaluable decade of lacing up his gloves. I’ve watched Cello train children who are just getting into the sport and the passion he has for wanting to pass on his skills is strikingly powerful to see.

MY WORD OF THE MONTH

BMW’S DUCATI BEATER?

CHRISTMAS

Don’t you just love it? Family feuds, Homer Simpson socks, Slade again, cold veggies, enough pots and pans to fill Lakeland, everything on credit, offensive ‘gas’ omissions, ungrateful kids, cheap crackers, another M&S hanky set, elasticised waistband, nothing on telly and Boxing Day on the toilet.

SUGAR RAY AFTER HEARNS The one and only Sugar Ray Leonard will be in Peterborough next year and now is the time to act if you want to ensure meeting the great man.

Leonard is widely regarded as one of the best ever all round boxers and thanks to promoter Kevin Sanders this master of the ring will be the star of a dinner event at The Solstice on Wednesday March 18, 2015.

More than half the ticket allocation to this must see occasion has unsurprisingly already been snapped up and the rest can be purchased from Kevin on 07872 601467.

In the meantime boxing fans who went to the recent

Thomas Hearns dinner will tell you what a great night was had in the presence of another great champion. The ‘Hitman’ was a joy to listen to and reminded us of the fabulous boxing era he belonged to when contests against Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran were the cream of the crop.

Hearns spoke vividly about his best fights and declared Hagler as being his toughest opponent. It’s a bout he’d “love to fight again if I could go back.”

The Hitman also said he would tour with Hagler, Leonard and Duran. It’d be a dream to see them all together. Kevin can you sort it?!

LEAVE JIMMY IN THERE! Like most of us who’ve had the (dis)pleasure of knowing Jimmy Bullard I really hope he stays in the jungle as long as possible!

I’m by no means being detrimental to our Jimmy, I just know he’s secretly loving every minute of it in the jungle.

Jimmy was at Posh when I worked there and he was an absolute star. He was (and still is) at his best when joking around and when I rarely did

get him to be serious he’d actually bore the pants off me.

As a footballer I remember writing the match report for his first game at London Road, which was a reserve match in front of around 200 people. His energetic performance made everyone else look like pub team players and Barry Fry signed him on the spot.

Although he wasn’t with us for long, I know we’re all proud and wish him well. www.espmag.co.uk

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It’s one of the hidden secrets of the fens but it’s time this dog had its day!

the Cambridgehsire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk borders.

“I’m happy making great tempura whitebait and samphire for a drinker at the bar,” says Doug, “or pushing the boundaries with an eight course tasting menu for candlelit diners in the restaurant. John and Della have created a venue that makes fine food accessible to all.”

The Dog in a Doublet has everything you could want, whether it's for a quick 'pit stop' or a long weekend away, some homemade crisps and a pint of homemade cider by the open fire or a bottle of English wine together with a meal in front of the open plan kitchen, a bed in a 16th century room in the old building or a camping stay in the farm grounds – the Dog in a Doublet has it all!

Photos: Chris Brudenell

Weekday lunches are £8.99 for two courses, the evening a la Carte menu is around £20 for three courses and Sunday carvery is from £6.99. There is always a range of specials and they are particularly famous for their scrummy desserts and home made ice cream. You don’t even have to worry about getting home as there are rooms from £49.99 and camping from £5, so perhaps it’s time discover this little secret for yourself.

J

ohn and Della are celebrating their third anniversary of opening the Dog in a Doublet which they’ve transformed into a country gastro pub well worth the short drive out of the city centre to enjoy.

Already known to most as the place to go for ‘real’ cooked food Chef John’s menu is based on traditional pub food with a twist and changes constantly with the seasons. “The team in the kitchen love to use the freshest, local ingredients, we have built great relationships with growers in the area to ensure we only get the best. We even go foraging ourselves for things like wild mushrooms and wild garlic.”

Their ‘Moorfarm’ burgers made using meat from cattle you can see out of the window are now as famous as their Sunday ‘five meat’ carveries which are renowned for their special ‘homeliness’.

So ‘locally sourced’ doesn’t come much closer than this with not just local suppliers or allotment societies used where possible, but plenty of produce actually home grown by the owners. They grow their own fruits, rear their own pigs, use eggs from their own chickens and make a range of cakes, snacks, sauces and chutneys – even their own crisps – available at the ‘Dog Gone Deli’ in the pub.

John’s a guy who’s passionate about food in every sense and has cooked and studied it all

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his life, even participating in Master Chef back in 2007 where he got through to the second round. He and his wife Della bought the derelict pub back in 2011 and have successfully brought it back to life, giving it a traditional homely pub feel with a shabby chic look.

Della was quite conscious to keep it to its country setting – “We have kept the integrity of the place but given it a unique feel by adding antiques and curiosities such as paintings by Theirry Poncelet and the lampshades were crafted by the Downton Abbey designers with 1920’s corded cable looped around the ceiling.”

This continues upstairs in the guest rooms where vaulted ceilings add grandeur and all rooms have balconies – “The sunset here in the fens is one of the best.”

The restaurant has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and is now usually booked up a week in advance. John was determined to progress the Dog’s kitchen – “We knew we needed some help in the kitchen and we were very lucky the right man turned up at the right time.”

After honing his skills in the capital (Soho Hotel, Cubitt House and The English Restaurant) Douglas Wickes has returned to his home town of Whittlesey to work with John. Doug’s passion for local food is fed by the wealth of produce in the surrounding fens. It is literally on

ESP READER OFFER

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! To celebrate The Dog in a Doublet’s ‘fine food for all’ ethos we’re giving you a buy one get one free offer on a range of their menus when you quote ESP when booking or dining.

DELIcious Menu - hot and cold light bites and snacks using ingredients from the Dog Gone Deli such as tempura West Country whitebait with garlic mayo and sourdough bread from £5.99.

Seasonal Menu - a weekly changing hearty menu using seasonal produce such as foot long pave rump steak with ‘D’ chips and smoky tomato chutney, £25 per person for 3 courses.

Tasting Menu (changing seasonally, a gastro experience that shows off their best dishes). £69.99 per person for 8 courses.

We would like to wish our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Party Specials 8 course taster menu – over 50% off for large parties 4 course A La Carte menu – £19.99 Serving great food Christmas Eve all day till 7pm Christmas Day – 4 course carvery £69.99 Boxing Day carvery from £9.99 New Year’s Eve pre-party A La Carte dinner Whether it’s a room for two with our 8 course tasting menu and home grown breakfast or set amount, Dog In A Doublet Gift Vouchers are the perfect way for your loved ones to enjoy at their leisure.

Serving hours: Mon: Closed. Tues 5-9pm. Wed 12pm-2pm / 5pm – 9pm. Thurs 12pm-2pm / 5pm – 9pm.

Fri 12pm – 9pm. Sat 12pm-9pm. Sun 12pm-7pm. Book a Christmas get together today!

Ask a member of staff for details or contact us on: 01733 202256 or alternatively email us at info@doginad.co.uk.

Country dining in relaxed pub surroundings

Xmas Menu

Now Available!

Make it special and book now – go to www.doginad.co.uk

Opening times: Mon: Closed. Tues 5-9pm. Wed 12pm-2pm / 5pm – 9pm.

Thurs 12pm-2pm / 5pm – 9pm. Fri 12pm – 9pm. Sat 12pm-9pm. Sun 12pm-7pm.

Find us next to the River Nene between Thorney and Whittlesey, PE6 0RW (ample car parking) doginadoublet Tel 01733 202256 www.doginad.co.uk

CELEB

BULLY WILL BE THE BOY OF THE BUSH...

News

Posh fans have been chuffed to see former Peterborough United midfielder Jimmy Bullard in the jungle on ITVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m A Celebrity and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly been winning over viewers.

Photo: Neil Golding

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember Jimmy when he played for Peterborough United in those early days as a person who mixed easily chatting to fans, he was always a crowd pleaser and a winner, this he will prove by reaching his goal and scoring a victory in the jungle."

He was certainly popular after winning 10 stars and food for his group in the food challenge at the Terror Tavern with Kendra, snacking on the likes of cow lips, pig eyes and turkey testicles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yuk!

Jimmy was with Posh from 2001 to 2003 scoring 11 goals in 66 appearances. He went on to play for Wigan, Hull City, Fulham, Ipswich Town and very briefly Milton Keynes Dons.

Former Peterborough lad, lifelong Posh fan, and now broadcaster on the talkSPORT drive show, Adrian Durham, exclusively told ESP he expects him to do well on the show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was a gifted midfielder, could pass the ball superbly, he was always hungry for the ball.

Real food, Real ales, Real pub BEST WESTERN PLUS Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN Tel: 01733 391111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND ÂŁ2 OR MORE The ESP Reader Offer is only valid when you spend ÂŁ2 or more on food and is valid VOUJM +BOVBSZ . The EJTDPVOU does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more. &YDMVEFT 4VOEBZT BOE %FD BOE +BO To receive your coupon for % OFF food purchases, just text us the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RAMBLEWOODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 PO UP www.espmag.co.uk PGGFST and click on the Ramblewood PGGFS and print out your voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679 45 Years Experience

THE MOTORCYCLE WORKS LTD Anything motorcycle is what we do!

13 Benedict Sq, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 6GD Tel: 01733 578883 Mob: 07947 733234 www.themotorcycleworks.co.uk

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

The amazing stunt had everyone talking and ESP photographer Neil Golding managed to snap it in action. Yes that is Tom, smaller than usual but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s him!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As for the jungle, Jimmy is genuinely one of the funniest guys I have ever met so he should be a massive hit in there.

He's a prankster, a joker and a great guy so he'll be well worth watching.â&#x20AC;?

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Traditional English Pub Open for meals and snacks - 12pm to 9pm daily

The girls in the ESP office were definitely very excited but hopes of a chat with the star were never in the frame as everyone was locked down in secrecy and Tom basically hung out of a plane over RAF Wittering, stayed at the Marriott hotel (secretly) and then errâ&#x20AC;Ś left!

MOT Testing Servicing Repairs Electrics Restorations

Rebores â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Crankbuilding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Blast Cleaning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Race Prep Re-Wiring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alarms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Trackers Tyres & Fitting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chain & Sprockets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brake Servicing Batteries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Classic Restorations

The Paramount film crew for Mission Impossible 5 staged the shots at the local RAF base with

espmag.co.uk

â&#x20AC;?With both strength and stamina, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only brave, mad but mischievous as well.

This mickey taking character certainly seems at home in the jungle.

Were you among those out an about on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cruise Watchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; when news broke that none other than Hollywood hotshot Tom Cruise was in the area?

For the very latest news and events

Posh historian Pete Lane told ESP he thinks heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a contender for the title â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enjoying the grub and making no fuss Jimmy Bullard possess attributes to be King of the Jungle despite his early pre-match nerves! Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun loving guy who Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure will live up to any task asked of him.

TOM CRUISES OVER THE BORO

Tom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; renowned for doing many death defying stunts himself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tackling one of his boldest yet strapped to an Airbus owned A400M. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what this comes out like on screen but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in for a bit of a wait as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely to be released stateside until next Christmas.

There were rumours flying around that Tom was seen at the Cosy Club in Stamford but we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spot him. We did see Michael Portillo one night. Not quite so cool eh?!

ESP Fashion

in partnership with

2

GEt SEt – Party!

Time to make an entrance and step out in style – it’s party season!

We found some gorgeous looks in Peterborough stores for our shoot at the beautiful Bull Hotel on Westgate and think you’ll be spoilt for choice whatever your take on party sparkle.

If you’re putting on the glitz you need a hairstyle to knock ’em dead too so when you’re choosing your party wear don’t forget to book your party hair.

Our ESP models have been given these

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stunning styles by the team at Melanie Richard’s Hair Boutique on Bridge Street – they weren’t voted Peterborough Salon of the Year 2014 for nothing! They created fun party looks through to sophisticated Hollywood glamour.

They can create great looks for your night out too from just £14 so when you’ve chosen your cheeky little night-time number, book in to get your hair on trend too.

Even if you have short hair you can still transform it so don’t think you have to stick

with the day-to-day look. Long hair can be pinned up into a faux bob like Becca’s in our shoot and there are plenty of hair pieces, extensions, temporary colours and even strands of Swarovski crystals to make sure your hair really makes an impact! Pop into Melanie Richard’s or call 01733 553600.

Find out more about how these fabulous styles were created in our fashion files on www.espmag.co.uk

Tel 01733 553600 100 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1DY www.melanierichards-hairboutique.co.uk

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Outfits 1 Darren

Ted Baker shirt (John Lewis) - £89 Ted Baker waistcoat (John Lewis) £120 Pink stripe tie (John Lewis) - £69

2

Cashmink scarf (John Lewis) - £25 Dinner trousers (John lewis) - £69 Fred Perry jumper (John lewis) - £80 Penguin paisley shirt - £65

3 Lauren

Bronze metallic dress (Tahlia’s Closet, Westgate Arcade) - £49.99 Top Shop court shoes (Outfit, Hampton) - £58

4 Becca

Top Shop black and silver jumpsuit (Outfit, Hampton) - £38 Silver chain necklace (Tahlia’s Closet, Westgate Arcade) - £27.50

1

5 Tori 4

3

Miss Selfridge green sequin skirt (Outfit, Hampton) - £45 Leatherette top (Tahlia’s Closet, Westgate Arcade) - £37.50 Miss Selfridge pewter sandal (Outfit, Hampton) - £39

Styling: Natasha Fierro Hair: Melanie Richard’s Hair Boutique: 01733 553600 Make-up: Sophie Pierro: 07858 392600 Photos: Andy Vernum @ Studio One: 01733 380657 Models: Becca Evans, Tori Bradshaw, Lauren Hughes and Darren Grigas.

Our thanks to the Bull Hotel for their help with this feature.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Tel 01733 553600 100 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1DY www.melanierichards-hairboutique.co.uk

6

Outfits 6 Darren Ted Baker blazer (John Lewis) - £259 Ted Baker shirt (John Lewis) - £85 Levis 511 jeans (John Lewis) - £90

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7 Lauren Phase 8 red dress (John Lewis) - £140 Miss KG bag (John Lewis) - £49 Miss Selfridge sparkly court shoes (Outfit, Hampton) - £39

8 Tori Oasis sequin dress (John Lewis) - £60

8

Miss Selfridge pewter sandal (Outfit, Hampton) - £39

9 Becca Black top Top Shop (Outfit Hampton) - £30 White skirt (Tahlia’s Closet, Westgate Arcade) - £39.95

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Top Shop silver sandals (Outfit, Hampton) - £45 Silver bag (John Lewis) - £25

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So here it is…

Merry Christmas!

Dreading the sprouts and sharing the Quality Street with your Gran?

ESP is always here to cheer you up and it’s no different over Christmas. ESP’s Mikey Clarke turns ‘Super Santa’, your yuletide hero to make sure your festivities stay fun… ’Tis leading up to Christmas, and all throughout your home, Distant relatives are everywhere – wherever you may roam.

Usually within minutes, you are out of things to say, Read out loud this article – it don’t have to be that way!

Christmas Quiz Games are a big part of the festive season. Why not gather together the family or your colleagues at work and give our Christmas Quiz a go? The answers can be found at the bottom of the page.

1) ETHICALLY SHORN MISTS is an anagram of which Christmas #1 Song?

(Clue: 3 words, 1973) 2)

In ‘The Simpsons’, who or what is Santa's Little Helper?

3) If you were born on Christmas Day which star sign would you be?

4) To which country does the territory of Christmas Island belong?

5) Which Eastenders character married Cat Slater on Christmas Day 2003?

6) The song White Christmas was first performed in which 1942 film?

7) Who wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

8) In which famous Christmas song is a snowman pretending to be `Parsons Brown`?

9) In Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol, who was Scrooge's dead business partner?

10) Which three of Santa`s reindeer begin with the letter D? (worth up to 3 points) Tie-breaker question: (must be answered within 15 seconds – closest answer wins). According to the song `The Twelve Days of Christmas`, how many gifts in total did my true love give to me?

On Christmas Day we all become actors. We act like the fourth pair of socks we just opened is the “Best gift ever!”

We force a smile when biting into the burnt Yorkshire – and when taking it in turns to read out the Christmas cracker jokes, admit it… we pretend to laugh. I’m not sure that a genuinely funny cracker gag actually exists, but I shall let you be the judge of that. I’ve searched high and low, and these are the best ones I could find…

What is Santa’s favourite pizza?

One that’s deep pan, crisp and even.

What happened to the man who stole an Advent Calendar?

He got 25 days!

Why would you invite a mushroom to a Christmas party?

He’s a fun guy to be with.

Why is Christmas just like a day at the office?

You do all the hard work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.

What is the best Christmas present in the world?

A broken drum, you just can't beat it!

What happens if you eat too many Christmas decorations?

You get ‘Tinsel’-itis!

Pretty awful, right? Fear not – there is hope! If you need some real belly laughs check out ESP’s comedy guru, Steve Gonzalez on P.42 with his guide to the best stand up throughout December.

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Misheard Lyrics Everyone knows that famous line, “Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” right? Wrong!

After hearing my wife singing, “Deck the halls with Buddy Holly…” (apparently a common misheard lyric) I wondered what other festive tunes people were getting wrong.

I took to Twitter to ask if anyone had ever been corrected when singing popular Christmas songs. The response was brilliant…

The First Noel Correct Lyric: “Noel, Noel… Born is the King of Israel.”

Misheard Lyric: “Noel, Noel…Barney’s the King of Israel…”

Frosty the Snowman Correct Lyric: “Frosty the Snowman was a fairy tale they say.”

Misheard Lyric: “Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf they say…”

Silent Night Correct Lyric: “Round yon virgin, mother and child.”

Misheard Lyric: “Round John virgin, mother and child…”

White Christmas Correct Lyric: “Where treetops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow.”

Misheard Lyric: “Where treetops glisten and children listen to hear slave elves in the snow…”

Santa Claus is coming to Town Correct Lyric: “He's making a list, and checking it twice.”

Misheard Lyric: “He’s making a list, of chicken and rice…”

Did you know you’ve probably been singing the wrong lyrics to a song too? On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds, right? Wrong. It should be four Colly birds. Welcome to the list.

Christmas Quiz Answers: 1) Lonely this Christmas. 2) The Pet Dog. 3) Capricorn. 4) Australia. 5) Alfie Moon. 6) Holiday Inn. 7) Dr Seuss.

8) Winter Wonderland. 9) Jacob Marley. 10) Dasher, Donner and Dancer. Tie-breaker question: 364.

Corny Crackers

paparazzi Caught in the act?

EVERYBODY’S HAVING FUN… Christmas came to Queensgate when Peppa Pig and family officially switched on the lights and the shopping centre was packed with happy families getting into the spirit. Emma Bothamley was there to capture the festive fun for ESP. The ESP team were invited along to the launch of the newly named KNEAD Pubs group – a pub and hotel chain formerly known as the Thurlby group. Hundreds of guests packed the Crown in Stamford, which has had an amazing facelift, to hear all about the new brand.

It’s party time and Mitch Brewster has been out capturing the nightlife action for us at Edwards on Broadway, packed to the rafters with a festive crowd enjoying the cocktails and great tunes.

View all our Paparazzi pictures on www.espmag.co.uk or our facebook page.

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ESP’s Sarah Tempest reckons Strictly would win the dance off against the X Factor any day...

Photo: BBC/Ray Burmiston

persuaded her dance partner, the ever gorgeous Aljaz to come and visit us in the ‘boro and see her in panto. Slap my thigh, he can be the genie, I’ll rub his lamp anytime!

’Tis the season to be jolly so that can mean only two things – millions of turkeys are frantically checking their life cover policies and the final of the biggest, best and, frankly, only important reality TV show, Strictly Come Dancing, is looming nigh.

OK, yes, there’s that little X-Factor thing on ITV but seeing as how the winner’s single isn’t going to be troubling the Number 1 spot thanks to a 30 year old ditty about starvation being released to save us all from Ebola, it’s paled into insignificance this year.

Frankly, I’d prefer to be saved from the infinitely scarier prospect of Bono “reaching out and touching” me thank you very much. But, blame the Christmas Baileys, I’m digressing.

So back to Strictly and here’s my top 5 reasons why this year is the best season of Strictly ever...

1.

Nice to see you, to see you nice – but even nicer to see you put out to pasture on the green with a nine-iron. Goodbye Brucie and your ohso-obvious punchlines that we could see coming like a stampede of dayglow hippos; you may have been kept there by those nostalgic for the glory days of the Generation Game and that Palladium “don’t say yes or no” thingy you did but no more. The BBC execs have woken up and the cringemeister of Saturday night TV is no more. What a Brucie bonus.

2. Len’s already legendary critiques have gone stratospheric this year; if he’s not commenting

on Caroline’s jive with “your flicks, Flack” (my favourite line of the season so far) he’s threatening to jump naked (please God, no) off the end of Blackpool pier. As he compares contestants to a stick of rock (“you’d have talent running all the way through”), he gives Louis Walsh a master class in how to be a proper judge with a respected opinion. There’s no “you deserve to be in this competition” or “you made that dance your own” or “Liverpool needs to vote for you” here, oh no. Maybe the two judging panels should swap for Children in Need one year – Len’s Lens would soon sort out those fannies over at the X-Factor. Go Len! 3. Peterborough’s always had some pretty substantial Strictly connections with our stunning local vocalist Hayley Sanderson hitting the high notes in the resident Dave Arch band and our champion, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith; and this year’s no different with Cresset panto star Alison Hammond. OK, so that link may be slightly more tenuous but surely we can adopt her, if only for the Christmas season?

Foxtrot Off to anyone who replied “oh no we can’t!” With her sense of fun, bundles of energy and industrial sports bra, she showed those skinny little ironing boards that booty was where it’s at as she cha cha’d, shimmied and bounced her way round the dance floor (mental note, must find out where she got that sports bra). And if all that wasn’t enough, she’s

4. Normally by the later stages, a front runner would’ve emerged and we could have a pretty good stab of our stilettos at who the top 3 would be (we had Louis marked as champion from week 1 – biased? Us?!) but this year, the field’s been so wide open, even Ray Winstone and his in-play odds couldn’t persuade us to put a fiver on it. Frankie, Pixie, Jake, Caroline, Mark, Simon, anyone of them have been capable of fleckle-ing their way to a showstopping performance and lifting the glitterball trophy, promising us a real battle of the sequins right to the bitter end. Len’s already put down his bargainous Farm Foods’ chicken drumsticks several times this year to lift his ‘10 from Len’ paddle, and as sure as Darcy will mention “core stability”, he’s going to get it out again. His paddle that is, not his drumstick.

5. The talent, and I don’t mean their twinkle toes, has been top notch this year. OK, we are missing Artem and his legendary torso (Plastic Trent with his cherubic curls and Colgate smile is sadly no substitute but hey, I’ll bet he smells scrummy) and Kevin from Grimsby is, well, just Kevin from Grimsby but the celebrity totty has come up trumps. It’s at this point I’ll conveniently erase Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace and Bargain Hunt’s Tim Wannacot from my conscious mind – too easy. We’ve had the muscles with Thom Evans, Steve Backshall and Mark Wright, the intense passion from Simon Webbe and Jake Wood’s hips – the only thing more disturbing than finding yourself attracted to Eastender’s Max Branning is the dream I once had about Jeremy Clarkson. But that’s another story for when I’m very, very, VERY drunk.

As Len would say, it’s been a Bobby Dazzler of a series and rather than try and second guess this year’s winner, I’m just going to sit back, pour another disgusting alcoholic beverage that’s de rigueur only at Christmas and enjoy the rest of the show – but don’t try and get me to tell the Clarkson story, there’s not enough Drambuie in the world for that.

Wake up PERMANENT MAKE UP beautiful XMAS everyday

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A very Merry ChristMAs And hAppy new yeAr to All of our Clients!

9 Church Street, Peterborough, PE1 1XB

t: 01733 897052 | w: www.dvnails.co.uk | e: salon@dvnails.co.uk

DV Nails Peterborough

TEN TIMES BETTER! At Ten Hairdressing they say ‘every day is a great hair day’ and we can see why.

Keeping you up to date, the skilled team have regular creative training so you know you’re in safe hands.

They can advise you on the latest colouring techniques, as well as ladies and gents styling. If you have a special occasion coming up they’ll work closely with you to arrange bespoke packages for weddings and proms.

The salon is just a few minutes out of Peterborough and if you book in before Christmas you can receive 30% off your appointment with senior stylist Jade Sands.

GHD Rose Gold and Curve collection are in stock now for Christmas and of course an ideal treat is to give gift vouchers.

Online shopping with the best prices on all products and hair tools is available on www.tenhairdressing.co.uk. There’s a click and collect option and even video tutorials to help you master the products at home.

10 The High Street, Stilton, PE7 3RA. Tel: 01733 247138

T

his professional team promise a unique salon experience with longer appointment times and a really relaxing atmosphere to make you feel truly special.

Ten Hairdressing opened on the High Street in Stilton in December 2013, since then, owner Sharon Brown has been listening to client feedback which has helped to create a new salon experience.

Built in a period Georgian property, the salon has a beautiful contemporary design while retaining the original features of the building. Subtle background music and reclining Shiatsu massage wash points make for the ultimate in relaxation.

The team – Salon Manager Natalie East, Jade Sands and Tia Henderson – have been hand-picked for their skills and experience, and because the time allocated to each appointment is more generous, the stylists have longer to spend with you.

Gavin Miller

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Released

DEC

12

Movie Previews

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage Director: Peter Jackson

This final part of The Hobbit

trilogy sees super-dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) unleash fiery vengeance across the land, and to make matters worse, the evil Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs to attack Lonely Mountain.

As darkness converges on their homeworld, the races of

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

BIG EYES

Gladiator director Ridley Scott brings new life to the story of Moses in this epic biblical adventure. Oscarwinner Christian Bale (The Dark Knight trilogy) plays the defiant leader as he rises up against Egyptian pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), and the might of an empire, helping 600,000 slaves escape tyranny on a monumental journey – and tackling a terrifying cycle of deadly plagues in the process. Co-stars Aaron Paul, Ben Kingsley and Sigourney Weaver.

Acclaimed filmmaker Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands) helms this intriguing drama based on the true story of Walter Keane (Django Unchained’s Oscar-winning Christoph Waltz), who was one of the most successful painters of the 1950/60s. The only problem was the work he was gaining worldwide acclaim for was actually created by his wife Margaret (Oscar-nominee Amy Adams) – and this film chronicles their tumultuous relationship after living a lie.

Released

DEC

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Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide to unite or be destroyed, culminating in a reported 45 minute-long final battle that should bring impressive closure to the film adaptations of JRR Tolkien’s novels – as Jackson’s truly admirable work goes full circle.

Released

DEC

26

GET SANTA

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR

DUMB & DUMBER TO

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

ANNIE

Released: December 5

Released: December 5

Released: December 19

Released: December 19

Released: Boxing Day

Peterborough’s-own Warwick Davis – the legendary Star Wars actor – gets a headlining role in this Yuletide caper, which sees a father and son team-up to save Christmas after Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent) crashes his sleigh – and finds himself on the run from police in this family comedy-adventure.

It was only a matter of time before Madagascar’s bit-part comedy relief Penguins snagged their own movie – Despicable Me’s Minions will follow suit next year – as they join an elite undercover organisation to stop the villainous Octavious Brine in this 3D animation event with voice work from Benedict Cumberbatch.

Despite lukewarm reviews Stateside, Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) return in this Farrelly Brothers’ comedy sequel after a 20-year hiatus, and promise more of the same slapstick tomfoolery that made the original such a popular hit – as the duo go on a road trip to find Harry’s newlydiscovered daughter.

After something of a career decline, Ben Stiller returns to his franchise cash-cow for this third instalment in the series, as Larry spans the globe to unite new and old characters – including Robin Williams in one of his final roles as Teddy Roosevelt – to save the museum’s magic before it’s gone.

The Broadway classic gets remade for a new generation as youngster Quvenzhane Wallis stars as infamous foster kid Annie – who has had a ‘hard knock life’ via Cameron Diaz’s mean surrogate Mum – gets hired for a campaign when New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) is filmed saving her from getting knocked down by a car.

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

Peter Jackson finally brings his six-part Middle-Earth saga to a close with an epic conclusion for Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), and the company of dwarves.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – PART TWO CALL OF DUTY:

ADVANCED WARFARE (PS4/XONE/ PS3/360/PC)

After years of treading ##### water, the latest iteration of the uber-successful Call of Duty series really reignites the franchise.

It adds a new dimension with a truly compelling single-player campaign – which includes the addition of Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey and some truly sensational set pieces – set forty years in the future, where mercenaries terrorise on American soil.

Throw in brand new advanced weaponry and customisation – which really brings something fresh to the party (particularly the Exo suit) – coupled with the smoothest and most-balanced multiplayer ever, then this firmly puts COD’s boots back on the ground.

Undoubtedly the biggest COD advancement since the first Modern Warfare – as this simply blows away the first-person shooter competition.

HALO:

THE MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION This is the gaming equivalent to the Xbox ##### One that the Half-Life 2 ‘The Orange Box’ collection was to the fledgling life of last-gen consoles.

There’s no disputing the franchise has been one of the most consistent blockbuster releases over the past eight or so years – but this first next-gen only title seems to have come a touch too quickly.

One sensational package that covers all numbered versions of the Halo series that featured the infamous warrior Master Chief (so everything bar ODST and Reach) – including a particularly sprucedup Halo 2: Anniversary edition – along with all multiplayer maps connected to all the games.

Despite the Paris 1789 French Revolution setting for our young assassin Arno being absolutely gorgeous to explore – with some truly satisfying action set-pieces – the game does seem to have been a bit rushed (with some bugs that need to be patched soon) and misses the mark as often as it hits.

Current intermittent teething problems for multiplayer aside (which should be ironed out soon) this is gaming heaven for any Halo fan or newbie to the franchise – as this shows why it was the firstperson shooter inspiration for a generation with Halo 5: Guardians on the horizon.

But despite the main story underwhelming, this will still probably unite fans as it still contains the tried-andtested formula – and exploring this world is still a compelling experience.

###

Still a revolution, just a very small one.

GRAND THEFT AUTO V (PS4/XONE)

(XONE/PS4/360/PS3/PC)

Pro Evolution Soccer is back in the console footballing game.

With FIFA moving ahead of the revolutionary franchise in the past few years, this is arguably the first time it has topped its exulted competition in quite some time.

####

If PES hasn’t quite regained its crown, it’s certainly on track to do so – so EA had better up their game because Konami could be king again if this version is anything to go by.

LEGO BATMAN 3: BEYOND GOTHAM

(XONE/PS4/WIIU/360/PS3/3DS/PSV/PC) Lego Batman descends to outer space, and even though it doesn’t find another race, it takes you to another dimension – so pay close attention.

Using the lyrics from a Prodigy song aptly rounds up another familiar effort from the Lego team, which even though it’s more of the same, offers an absolutely overwhelming bounty #### of content and replayability as the Caped Crusader and co (including Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, The Flash etc) blast into the cosmos to bring down the evil Brainiac.

Despite a slow start – that may take the little ‘uns a while to engage with – when this kicks in this matches the Marvel equivalent from last year.

BORDERLANDS: THE PRE-SEQUEL (PS3/360/PC)

(PS4/XONE/PC)

(XONE)

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER: PES 2015

It might not look quite as perfect on next-gen consoles as was mooted, but everything else has delivered with a more realistic all-round experience compared to FIFA – particularly new shooting and passing systems, and more intuitive controls.

ASSASSIN’S CREED: UNITY

The latest Borderlands entry is a worthwhile addition to the franchise canon – and nicely sends this last-gen shooter/RPG trilogy into the sunset.

This ‘filler’ game provides great (sometimes hilarious) fan service – set between the first and second instalments – by filling in the narrative gaps, but ultimately providing much of the same signature shoot n’ loot gameplay, with only some small refinements. #### Four new character classes and the addition of low gravity changes the way you attack the game, but unfortunately some trademark glitches and less than stellar storytelling leaves this as a fun diversion – rather than a really meaningful final chapter. But this is still a great distraction before the inevitable next-gen iteration.

One of the best games of this generation has been given an impressive next-gen lick of paint.

Set in the sprawling open world of Los Santos, this delivers a world on an unprecedented scale that has to be truly experienced to be believed.

With a plethora of things to do – from tennis and flying to hunting and diving – the world is your oyster, but it’s the heists ##### in this land of economic uncertainty that is the real icing on the Grand Theft Auto cake.

The boundaries of sex, drugs and violence are sometimes taken to the extreme, but this is one game that all gaming fans (over 18) should experience – even more so now on PS4 and Xbox One.

LORDS OF THE FALLEN (PS4/XONE/PC)

This solid entry in the fantasy action-RPG field can’t unfortunately escape the comparisons with the Dark Souls series.

As tormented hero Harkyn, you battle formidable adversaries with impressive weaponry, an in-depth skill system and arsenal of spells – when a fallen God unleashes his demonic army that threatens humanity.

It is hampered by balancing issues, generally uninspiring ### characters and a fairly dull narrative that leaves it short of greatness – yet with bags of potential for future entries.

But it still deserves to be lauded in its own right with an epic atmospheric world to explore and fun combat mechanics that make it one of the best of its ilk to hit next-gen consoles.

NBA LIVE (PS4/XONE)

Despite last year’s appalling reinvention of the franchise – in the face of extremely strong competition in the form of NBA 2K15 – EA’s series at least improves on last year.

Sadly though that isn’t enough, as NBA Live unravels compared to its more stellar competition by failing to at least get the basics right – with generally cumbersome shooting and movement mechanics, coupled with below-par animations.

It isn’t all bad news though – which at least shows Live is heading (albeit not fast enough) in the right direction – with far better visuals and decent ESPN-licensed presentation.

##

But at the moment this work-in-progress throws up an ‘air ball’ despite signs of potential that bodes well for the future.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Gift guide

Leather Fleece Gloves M&S Collection £19.50

Dear Santa…

Star Print Robe NEXT £28 Don’t panic! If you’re reaching fever pitch when it comes to buying your presents Brotherhood Shopping Park has a host of stores packed with gifts to suit everyone, even Gran! From fashions at H&M to phones from Carphone Warehouse and all sorts of creative goodies at Hobbycraft with late opening six days a week, and free parking, that’s Christmas sorted!

Star Cake Pan Hobby Craft £16

Suck UK I Love You Cookie Stamper Hobby Craft £3

Necklace TK Maxx

Jacket TK Maxx

Southwold Beer Gift Set, 3x50CL M&S £15 Slipper Socks NEXT £14

Watch NEXT £25

Top Gear Mug Gift Set M&S £10

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Imperial War Museum Rally Round the Flag Bloke Soak M&S £8

Local estate agents race to raise cash!

DID YOU KNOW? ‘Adrian Woodcock once played at Norwich Football Club!’

a charity will be chosen by the staff in the office each year.

It’s just one more way that these guys stand out from the crowd as Neil Holmes says – “More often than not, people's perception is that all Estate Agents are the same. We pride ourselves on being different.”

Left to right Neil Holmes, Jamie Jones and Jemma Jones.

Your home is where your heart is and independent estate agents Woodcock Holmes have a big sense of community here in Peterborough.

As well as providing expert flexible help since 2002 to anyone looking to buy, sell or rent – without the wise-guy image of some estate agents – they also pride themselves on doing

their bit locally. They sponsor Malborne FC and as they’re a fun loving bunch they regularly run special events for charity.

The good hearted team recently staged a charity race night which raised over £2,289 through bets and a raffle. Everyone was so generous and the staff did such a great job they’ve decided to make it an annual event and

This particular event was in aid of a local young lad called Jamie who suffers from the rare condition Spondylocostal dysotosis. This means he has vertebrae and rib cage abnormalities which can cause a number of difficulties including chest infections. He’s monitored closely by several different experts across the country but Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital is without a doubt the most important for Jamie.

The money raised will go towards their fantastic care and support for not only Jamie but his family too. If you missed the race night you can still donate and support the cause on their just giving page www.justgiving.com/woodcockholmes

Woodcock Holmes, 33 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SQ. www.woodcockholmes.co.uk Sales: 01733 557365 enquiries@woodcockholmes.co.uk Lettings: 01733 209573 lettings@woodcockholmes.co.uk

IN THE KNOW:

East Anglia Breaks Property Records!

If you’re looking to sell your house or rent out a property it looks like it’s time to pop the champagne corks at last as figures are on the up.

We all need a bit of good news and this latest data from Woodcock Holmes in association with Move with Us and home.co.uk shows the average asking price in East Anglia has reached a record high of £281,831.

In the last year the average asking price has increased by £25,534 (9.06%) so if you’re selling up it’s a great time to move!

It’s also good news for landlords too as the average advertised rent in East Anglia also reached a record high of £948 per month in August and reduced by just £1 in September.

Adrian Woodcock from Woodcock Holmes said – “Advertised rents are holding fast after a period of successive rises, demonstrating the strength of the market in East Anglia, one of the best performing regions in Britain.”

by Pep

Cipriano

Proudly sponsored by

WHEELS MOTORCYCLES First Drove, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5BJ Tel: 01733 358555 www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk

ell ris Bruden Photos: Ch

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

ON E-OFF DE FE N DE R IS KI NG OF TH E ROAD

use and that’s beca ad ro e th p u er 90. liffe coming Rover Defend ar Mike Good e d h an ly L n a ai f rt o r ce e You can ique monst owner of a un d u ro p e th ’s he 9 Bought as an original 198 e Mik 8, 200 ry rua Feb in model er end Def the g began off-roadin regular a e am bec n soo this and pastime with a friend. ut Before long they set abo us ero num king ma d modifications to the Lan of ition add the ng udi incl er Rov er und full s, tyre large off-road re body protection, lights galo t! boo to es itch and a lot of sw But in October 2008 the in a Defender was written off , rred ete Und nt. ide serious acc d Mike’s passion for his Lan and Rover got the better of him k of he began the laborious tas new rebuilding it with lots of ssis, bodywork and a new cha

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e all within the space of thre months. ender The end result was a Def pride like no other. It’s Mike’s uild his and joy and after the reb Mike off-road hobby resumed. uild reb r-up floo told me:“The allowed me to create a far it was superior vehicle to what said before. There’s a lot to be nut ry eve ere wh for knowing on a and bolt, wire and rivet is all it ting put by machine and love back together like I did my re mo w gre er Rov d for my Lan say I and more. I can literally and put my own blood, sweat and it's tears into my Defender not totally bespoke – there's another one like it.

started “It wasn’t long before I traffic competing in RTV (road ra afte and ges llen vehicle) cha ses. while I began to win clas the The better I got the harder this challenges became and meant me making more the extreme modifications to my still It’s Land Rover! the everyday vehicle and I love ugh thro just ds hea way it turns of it.” the sheer size and noise e the We’ve certainly given Mik in a out ng ndi sta for thumbs up & Joy crowd! Keep your Pride be stories coming in. It can n or about any vehicle you ow to nt wa we all – have owned e and know is why it’s your prid joy. Email office@espmag.co.uk

Pep Cipriano

Xmas Menu

WARNING OF COPYCAT DRIVING TEST WEBSITES The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is warning learner drivers to avoid copycat websites and save money by using gov.uk for booking driving tests.

Copycat websites can appear to be the official agency and offer theory and practical driving tests but charge a premium for their services. Some of these websites appear in adverts above results in search engines.

Up to £30 can be charged just for booking a test on top of the driving test fee itself – and a ‘pass protection’ fee with the promise of a free retest. These websites

aren’t able to show live appointment availability and customers will not receive instant confirmation of a booking.

Available

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

• Sunday roast with special Sunday gravy 12.00-4pm • Function room available for private parties • See Gig Guide for bands

When you book through the official service on gov.uk you’ll only pay for the cost of the test and will get instant confirmation of your appointment.

A theory test costs £25 and a driving test costs £62 when booked through gov.uk If you’ve used an unofficial website you can report adverts in search engines that have misled you by visiting www.gov.uk/misleadingwebsites

TIME TO CHANGE YOUR DRIVING STYLE

9 Oundle Road, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 703495 Find us on Facebook

The Safer Peterborough Partnership is warning motorists of the dangers of driving in winter weather so take these tips when you’re hitting the road over the coming weeks…

When driving in snow or ice: • Allow more time to slow down and brake • Use the highest gear that you can (for example, second gear rather than first). This will help avoid wheel spin that could cause you to lose control of your vehicle • Drive slowly, allowing extra time for braking • Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns or sudden increases in speed • The best way to brake without skidding is to get into a lower gear earlier, let your speed go down and brake gently • If you do start to skid, don’t brake suddenly, take your foot off the accelerator

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.

Driving in fog: • Use dipped headlights so that other vehicles can see you • Use fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced but switch them off when visibility improves • Don’t drive too close behind another vehicle to follow their rear lights – this gives you a false sense of security • Avoid sudden increases in speed. Fog is often patchy and you can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog Driving in rain • It can take up to twice as long to stop when roads are wet rather than dry • Keep well back from the vehicle in front of you. This will allow you the see better and give you more time to think and slow down • Your tyres may lose their grip on a road that is covered with water and your vehicle may aquaplane. If this happens take your foot off the accelerator and slow down. Don’t put your foot hard on the brake • Spray can make it hard to see. Slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171

Driving in winter sun • Dazzle from low winter sun can make driving dangerous • Make sure that your windscreen is completely clean • Wear sunglasses if they help www.espmag.co.uk

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.

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

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health

GorGeous, Glamorous party season looks

and beauty

ESP’s Charlotte Jolly has all the latest health and beauty news…

charlotte.jolly@espmag.co.uk

Give the Gift of Glam this Xmas Whether it’s for your husband, mother or best friend, there’s no better gift than the gift of glam this festive season. Take a look at my pick of the best beauty buys for both boys and girls this Christmas…

FOR THE BOYS

Treat your man to a top dog gift with Bulldog’s Christmas Gift Range. The ‘Man’s Best Friend’ duo tin, £10, contains a Bulldog Original Face Wash and an Original Moisturiser in a cool, collectable tin. This is the ideal way to introduce the brilliant Bulldog range to a grooming novice. Just remind him that this gift is for life and not just for Xmas!

If your man’s a bath lover then Lush has got a gift sure to delight; Seasons Greetings.

This gift box priced £33.95 contains a mixture of spicy, Christmas scented products including Holly Go Lightly bubble bar, Hot Toddy shower gel (just make sure he doesn’t drink it!), Mycellium Soap, Lord of Misrule bath bomb, Hottie massage bar and Karma soap. Sure to keep him feeling relaxed right through to the new year!

ClarinsMen Collection ‘Grooming Essentials’ Christmas Gift Set is the perfect skin care kit for men.

This kit contains: ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm 50ml, ClarinsMen Exfoliating Cleanser 125ml, ClarinsMen Smooth Shave 50ml and ClarinsMen AntiFatigue Eye Serum 10ml. All presented in a smart wash bag for £38.

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FOR THE GIRLS

Bobbi Brown’s Gift Giving Collection is the perfect way to spoil a loved one this year with sets & pallettes to suit everyone.

My favourites are the Warm Eye Palette £37.50 featuring six stunning shades, including matte, shimmer and sparkle finishes.

For that ultimate glam finish the Lip Gloss Trio, £29, does just the trick. Contains Pink Sunset Lip Gloss, Pink Pop Lip Gloss & Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lip Gloss.

Give your loved one the royal treatment this holiday with MAC’s Keepsakes Face Palettes, £42.

Available in 2 colour palettes, Natural and Smoky, each feature 3 eye shadows, 1 Iridescent Pressed Powder, a Cream Colour base and 2 Lipsticks all in an elegant range of hues to keep you looking divine both day and night. The sleek, glittering compacts come in black or cream and are accented with a cameo medallion for an extra lustrous look.

This time of year is all about parties…. work Xmas parties, New Year’s Eve parties and parties with friends and family. Make sure you look party pretty with a little help from the following party inspired products and services…

Sparkly nails always add a special touch to your look and Nails Inc. Whitechapel Snowflake Polish, £16, will do exactly that.

This stunning polish with added gold particles gives the effect of a snowflake on your nails. Either wear alone (I’d recommend 2 coats) or apply over the top of your favourite polish for a full on Christmas light effect.

What’s the easiest way to add glamour to your look in an instant?

You guessed it… red lipstick! Nars Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is a captivating crimson shade. The jumbo crayon design makes it easy to apply and leaves lips soft and saturated with colour.

Another easy way to get party glam is with volume…. in your hair that is! Batiste dry shampoo is great for achieving voluminous hair that’s full of life and vitality. Why not try their new Batiste Care & Vitality to ensure your hair feels as good as it looks; locks deserve some TLC too after all. It contains mandarin oil extract and amino acids to refresh and leave hair feeling stronger and healthier with body and shine.

Whether you go for full on curls or the sleek and chic look, Batiste is on hand to help.

Lashes are the go to product to transform you from day to night and more importantly to party! False lashes are still very popular as they’re cheap and quick to apply however Express Lashes and lash extensions are now taking the lash crown. Janette at Ego Beauty in Yaxley says – “In 10 minutes you could have a full set of cluster lashes that last a week, and in about 20 minutes a full set of individual express lashes are applied that last a couple of weeks.”

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Our range of treatments helps to correct previous damage, protect and enhance your skin.

ALISON LOVES SERENITY ‘MUMPRENEUR’ Local mum and entreprenuer Jo Bevilacqua at Serenity Loves has won the Unique Category at the national Mumpreneur UK Awards.

The annual awards celebrates parents across the UK who manage to juggle business with family life – something Jo has proved hugely successful at with her multi award-winning salon on Oundle Road which incorporates a crèche.

Strictly Come Dancing star Alison Hammond popped in to congratulate her and enjoyed a bit of pampering and a manicure in between promoting her forthcoming stint as the Genie in Aladdin at The Cresset.

Like all busy mums Alison needs a bit of ‘me time’ and that’s just what Serenity Loves offers.

See our video interview with Alison at Serenity Loves on www.espmag.co.uk

LEIGHTON DENNY @ BANNATYNE’S Nail expert Leighton Denny MBE made a special appearance at Bannatyne’s Health Club & Spa in Werrington recently and ESP grabbed an exclusive word.

Leighton is a leading expert in the world of beauty with a multi-award winning range of nail and tanning products and boasts a star studded client list that includes Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz and Adele.

His autobiography How I Nailed It! details his incredible success and how a dyslexic forklift truck driver from Bradford triumphed over adversity to become a worldrenowned celebrity nail and beauty expert.

Acne and acne scarring Body sculpting Fine lines and wrinkles Hair removal Nail fungal Rosacea and redness Rejuvenation Sun damage Thread veins Stretch Marks

We also offer LIPOBELT low level laser body sculpting fat reduction.

Jo has proved that having children doesn’t have to mean the end of your career and told ESP – “I am shocked to have won the ‘2014 Unique Award’ and be recognised on a national level for my business. My vision was to offer a much-needed service to mums.

It’s taken a lot of dedication but I am delighted to have achieved this.”

The nail artist to the stars gave an informative talk about his awardwinning products and treatments and gave a personalised nail consultation along with the Bannatyne’s Spa team.

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NEW Dermapen™ Micro Needling treatments.

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5F Aston Business Park, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough, PE2 7BX Telephone: 01733 305102 e: info@mybodyessentials.co.uk w: www.mybodyessentials.co.uk

Xmas Party Season – don’t leave it too late!

Let us top you up with extra cutlery, crockery, glass wear or any replacement or light catering equipment

SEE OUR WONDERFUL DISPLAY OF “NEW” CATERING EQUIPMENT Leighton told ESP – “I consider myself more of a personality than a celebrity to be honest. I’m thrilled and honoured that anyone should be interested in my life story!”

As well as nail polishes Leighton also has his own fantastic lipstick range which we sampled and loved, a gorgeous fragrance called Light & Dark (equally lovely) and we can definitely recommend the Bio Build treatment regime which certainly did the trick on our damaged nails.

Come and visit us at our new showroom We have everything you could possibly need under one roof – chef wear, crockery, cutlery, cleaning products, and all catering equipment.

Padholme Road East, Peterborough PE1 5XL

Tel 01733 561555 www.caterfix.com | e: enquiry.info@caterfix.com

Karen Devine’s

WELL

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

proudly sponsored by

BEING

GIVE A HEALTHIER GIFT THIS YEAR H

ere we go again, it’s that time of year where it will be impossible to avoid the crazy run up to Christmas, where to go, what to wear, what to eat, what to drink and what to buy.

If you’re getting stuck or you’re looking for some further ideas then why not think of health and wellbeing for the new year and beyond. I took a quick look around my kitchen and office and saw that there are some of my health tools that I would not be without and wanted to share them here…

Juicer – the one machine that has sat in my kitchen for 15 years, even before the ‘juicing’ trend. If you’re looking for a serious boost to health then this is the crème de la crème in my opinion. You get a concentrated source of enzymes and nutrients to help boost health.

Whilst it’s not to be used instead of eating veggies and fruit the benefits are when we include these as well or of course when you’re cleansing.

Smoothie Maker – these can be a great addition to the kitchen/family as most will enjoy the taste of the combinations of fruit/veg/nuts/seeds etc. They’re ideal for those wanting to find ways of boosting veggie content without the taste that often puts people off eating them. They’re also a fab way to get more fibre into your diet without fuss and enjoyed by young and old alike.

Smoothies are quick and easy to transport in a carry jug which is handy for working days.

Mandoline Slicer – A fantastic slicer that creates colourful salads, it cuts, slices and juliennes vegetables (and fruits) which make them so much more attractive to eat. A fantastic way to make a salad look that little more appealing.

Vegetable Spiralizer – this can turn raw veggies into noodles or long spaghetti which can then be used as you would a gluten pasta

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dish. Not only delicious but a great way to increase your vegetable and raw food intake.

Sprouters – these come in trays or jars, great for making sprouts from seeds, nuts, legumes and grains. Sprouts are made so easily at home and can be added to smoothies, salads etc. They’re bursting with nutrients and vital energy. A must for a healthier kitchen!

Water Bottle Filter – there are many individual water filter bottles out there so you can top up from any tap and filter out more, plus it reduces the need to drink from plastic drinking bottles which have a host of hormone disrupting chemicals plus they’re ending up on the landfill sites polluting the planet at large.

Organic/Natural Skin Care – our skin is a living, breathing organ and what you put on it will be absorbed into the blood stream and transported around the body. Organic skin care is a must if you’re looking at ways to reduce your chemical load. So many chemicals found in commercial skincare are loaded with chemicals that we should be concerned with.

Journal – I love to get a new journal every year. It helps to put down some goals, write about experiences and you can learn from them when you see them on paper.

Journaling also helps to keep you focused on a goal, gives clarity, helps to bridge our inner thinking with the external events and much more. Writing can be so therapeutic.

Yoga Mat – even if you’re not quite ready for a yoga or Pilates class, you can begin with stretching daily, we all feel better after a good stretch, even the feeling of stretching fingers and toes (I know you are doing that right now when reading this!) releases tension.

Stretching is good for flexibility, increases blood flow, releases tension, calms the mind and much more.

Massage – a great health boost, massage helps to relieve tension, improves lymphatic

and blood flow, helps to boost mood and much more. Who doesn’t love a good massage? Why not make this part of your health regime. Serenity Loves hair and beauty in Peterborough offer many great pamper packages and a variety of different massages so why not get a gift voucher for a Christmas gift or put it on your list during the year for a gift for yourself?

Colonic Hydrotherapy Treatment – if you’re looking for ways to help improve health and wellbeing or are serious about cleansing and long term heath then why not consider a colonic(s) as part of your routine. It may also improve bowel and digestive health by reducing bloating, gas, and calm over active bowels as well as stimulate bowels that are more sluggish.

ESP READER OFFER

HALF PRICE OFFER I am offering a half price colonic treatment during December and January 2015 (£35) for ESP readers – this offer is only for December and January so booking is advised.

N.B you will need to contact me first to assess suitability for a colonic session.

Enjoy this time of giving but always take time for your own self-care and wellbeing.

In health, Karen www.karendevine.co.uk Karen is a Registered Nutritionist, Colonic Hyrdrotherpist, Naturopath and coach.

Something old… something NEW. Blush Bridal are taking a fresh approach to finding you the perfect gown!

I

f you’re planning your big day one of the most magical parts is choosing that fabulous dress – every girl wants to feel like a princess and a new bridal boutique in Bourne promises to make buying your gown the fantastic experience it should be.

The team at Blush Bridal on North Street are celebrating their first year anniversary having taken a refreshing, modern approach to helping you find just what you’ve dreamed of.

So girls, forget needing an appointment before you can even walk through the door and any rush, pressure or stress – Blush Bridal is all about providing a helpful, flexible and relaxing approach and in lovely spacious, bright surroundings!

Partners Simone Herrick and Suzy Simmons both had a background in retail and were working together before discovering they both shared the dream of opening a bridal shop. A year ago they took the plunge to create the type of shop they felt brides wanted to make them feel truly special.

Partners Simone Herrick and Suzy Simmons

They have fresh ideas when buying their stock so that the dress range is unique to them, keeps up with the trends but also introduces other options for the bride who wants something a little different.

“We’ve had great feedback,” says Suzy, “people tell us they’ve had a great experience and we’ve really got it right for them.”

“We truly believe it’s a one-off thing and it’s got to be perfect,” adds Simone.

There are no old fashioned dusty changing rooms or boutique style closets – upstairs you can have a spacious private area to yourself surrounded by mirrors to really see your gown at its best in privacy with no pressure.

“Customer service is key” says Simone. “We’re very relaxed, easy to find on the high street and people can just drop in. We’re not stuffy and really endeavour to help.”

If you’re a guest at a wedding Blush Bridal is also for you as they stock everything from wedding cards to gifts, hats to jewellery, shoes and bags.

As well as a great new range of bridesmaids wear you’ll also find gowns for balls, proms and occasion wear in a fabulous rainbow of colours.

Their in-house talented seamstress is also proving to be their secret weapon altering dresses for the perfect fit or to personalise parts of the design and even creating gowns from scratch.

They’re flexible and accommodating – they’ll stay open late or open up at an arranged time even over Christmas if needs be.

Dresses include the exclusive Sottero and Midgely gowns and Sincerity amongst others with prices ranging from £399 – £2000 with sample sizes from 8 – 30.

Blush Bridal, 19 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 218020 info@blushbridal.co www.blushbridal.co /blushbridalco

LOCAL

Events FATHER CHRISTMAS @ SACREWELL Sacrewell’s traditional Father Christmas, who won the accolade of ‘best Father Christmas ever’ from one enthusiastic visitor, is now settled in and waiting to see who’s been naughty or nice.

ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE COMES TO THE CITY! It’s here at last! Time to try a fantastic new Christmas experience that has everything you need to get festive and have fun – with no queues.

A snowball arena, real Christmas tree maze, giant inflatable games, a state of the art Christmas experience and visit to Santa – they have it all at Santa’s Barn at Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground.

The experience brought to us by local firm AAA Inflatables Ltd will run during the weekend of November 28 – 30 and throughout December with the final weekend including extra dates running from December 19 – 23.

Families will be able to experience up to two hours of festive fun, activities and a visit to Santa.

Admission – which includes all the activities, free of charge photo opportunities, visit to Santa and gift for each person – is £15.50 per child and £8.50 per adult (under 12 months book as an adult). You can book your visit at www.santasbarn.co.uk.

He’s there every weekend and then daily from December 13 to 24 to meet and greet all visitors by the fireside, give out presents and pose for family photos you can take home on the day. Afterwards you can visit the donkeys in the living Nativity scene in the Animal Village, try your hand at traditional Christmas decorations, browse crafts and gifts from local traders.

FREE 1940’S FESTIVE FAYRE If you’re struggling with the Christmas gift shopping head to Peterborough City College’s free 1940’s themed Festive Fayre.

Peterborough City College is celebrating its 70th anniversary and is staging this great event packed with fun and goodies on Saturday December 6 from 11am – 2pm.

There’ll be vintage crafts, the chance to get your antiques valued, card making and gift wrapping, edible decorations and music from the Take Note Community Choir singing carols as well as a Beat This music workshop. www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk

PETERBOROUGH XMAS TRADITIONAL MARKET A fantastic new Christmas market is coming to Peterborough’s Cathedral Square this month with some fantastic festive treats.

The seasonally-decorated chalets and marquees will be packed with quality gifts, arts, crafts and clothing as well as a tasty mulled wine and spiced cider stall to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Drop by from Wednesday December 10 - 23 and sample some delicious goodies in the food court such as a warming hog roast, duck wraps, sweet Spanish churros, traditional British sausages and speciality coffee. Yum!

CHRISTMAS @ BURGHLEY

There’ll be everything from hats and scarves, to handbags and gloves, cheese gift boxes, bottled craft beers and hampers, ceramic pans, lamps and decorative bowls, garden ornaments, wooden and metal handicrafts.

Christmas just isn’t the same without carols and what better way to begin your festive celebrations than to head to the Great Hall at Burghley House in Stamford to hear your favourite carols and Christmas music performed by the Cantus Choir and Orchestra. The concert’s on Wednesday December 17 from 6pm starting with drinks in the Orangery, at 6.30pm the Choir will be joined by the young soprano Miranda Heldt. With audience participation this will be an evening of festive fun and sparkle.

There will also be a festive tavern with a small bar area where you can take a break from indulging in retail therapy and relax with friends.

For a spot of retail therapy, Burghley's Courtyard Shop is open while extra seasonal shopping will again be available at the special Christmas Shop in the Brewhouse offering a selection of decorations, festive lighting, winter fragrances, chocolates and cosy winter accessories. Both shops open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm, until December 21.

JOIN THE SANTA STROLL Sign up for the Santa Stroll and you’ll be jogging off with a free Santa suit and medal!

Work off those mince pies in this gentle 5K run/walk at Ferry Meadows on Sunday December 14. It starts at 11am and there’s still time to join in. All the proceeds go towards supporting local people with Dementia and it’s organised by the Peterborough Dementia Action Alliance.

It’s £16.50 for adults and £10 for children which includes a donation to the charity and your free suit.

OUNDLE CHRISTMAS MARKET Oundle will be packed with festive stalls on December 6 when the festive market hits town from 12noon until 7pm.

There’ll be a wonderful array of food, gifts and goodies – everything you need for Christmas from cakes and chocolate to cheese and charcuterie.

It’s guaranteed to get you feeling festive with carols, a brass band, Santa's Grotto, children’s entertainment, mulled wine, mince pies and a variety of street food. To top off the excitement, the town's Christmas lights will be turned on at 6pm and the shops are open late.

The Ploughman

The Dragon

• CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 • CAMRA pub of the year 2014 * • Sky Sports showing all major premiership/championship games • Visit our website at www.theploughmanwerrington.co.uk • Happy hour Mon – Fri, 5 ‘til 7pm • Live entertainment – see ESP Gig Guide • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev • Join our Facebook group The Ploughman

• Weekly Live Music (see Gig Guide) • Live Sports (showing all major premiership/championship games) • 6 Real Ale hand pumps • Darts – Poker – Pool – Crib • Happy hour Mon-Thurs 5-7pm • Free pool on Tuesdays • Real ales from £2.20 a pint • Available for corporate and daytime functions

Staniland Way, Werrington Tel: 01733 327696

Hodgson Avenue, Werrington Tel: 01733 578088

Mostly Funny

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

"The page that fell asleep last Christmas during Doctor Who and woke up half way through Eastenders thinking the Doctor had regenerated into Danny Dyer."

A CRACKER JOKE FOR 2014 Last month TV channel UKGold launched their annual competition via Twitter to find the best modern cracker joke.

Ones that put a twist on 2014's news or popular events. The winner of 2013 was 'What does Miley Cyrus have at Christmas?

Twerky'. Head over to www.goldtv.co.uk to see this year’s entries, and whether the one I submitted below made the cut!

'What do you call an indigestion tablet that's changed beyond all recognition?' Rennie Zelwegger If you want to read the other cracker joke I came up with that was deemed too inappropriate for a family audience, go onto my Twitter account where I've posted it @itsmostlyfunny.

A quick look on the internet at past Christmas TV schedules reveals that it wasn't until 1974 that a sitcom was given a Christmas Day outing with Some Mothers do 'ave 'em on BBC1.

Since then the Christmas Day sitcom has become an integral part of BBC1's schedules with over 70 specials from shows like the Vicar of Dibley, One Foot in the Grave, Men Behaving Badly, Ab Fab, Gavin & Stacey and The Royle Family.

But if the sitcom is the centre-piece on the Christmas Day table that people feast on, then the ultimate show-stopper is Only Fools & Horses. From 1981-2003 it notched up 19 Christmas Specials,14 of which debuted on Christmas Day. It's a record no other sitcom has matched and not even putting together the combined comedy might of Morecambe & Wise and The Two Ronnies with all their seasonal output do you get as many Christmas specials. There was even a yuletide tribute paid to the Trotters in another Christmas Day sitcom in 1999. The Royle Family had Jim commenting to his wife "What time's Only Fools & Horses on Barb?" The joke being it was one of the few Christmases when there wasn't a new one on.

My dream nativity Christmas special comedy line-up...

GIVING IT THE FULL MONTY THIS CHRISTMAS At this time of year, one of the great traditions in living rooms up and down the country is sitting slumped on your sofa in front of the telly, overstuffed and overjoyed. A time when the TV channels pull out all the stops and December 25th 2014 marks a unique occasion in the world of comedy. The 40th Anniversary of the Christmas Day Sitcom – the most successful and popular type of festive TV show. Just think in a few weeks you might be laughing like a feckin' eejit at Mrs Brown's Boys or partaking in such fun as Miranda, and when you do; you can thank Frank Spencer for starting it all!

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Meanwhile in 2014 there's other comedy in the form of Sir Bruce of Forsyth and his much anticipated return on Strictly reading old gags off an autocue, Nick Frost doing a comic turn as Santa on Doctor Who (which pays homage to Richard Attenborough's portrayal in Miracle on 34th Street) and Michael McIntyre’s comedy lorry load of chuckles where he skips across a stage telling us stuff he's noticed from everyday life. Elsewhere, all the over channels (ITV, C4, Sky etc) have reached Xmas ad-ageddon. The point where people are more excited by the Christmas adverts than the programmes in-between. From Jools Holland playing his boogie woogie piano at the end of a supermarket check-out to Peter Andre roaming the freezer aisles chatting to hormonal housewives like a fake-tanned Papa Lazarou from the League of Gentlemen. But the stand-out star is without question… Monty the penguin and the assorted range of merchandise which has seen people visit John Lewis and open their

wallets as wide as the CGI'd penguin’s eyes open when he falls in love. The ad has been watched by millions, reduced people to tears and tugged so many heart strings that John Lewis are going to have to start selling novelty penguin shaped defibrillators.

I'm really hoping there'll be a follow up ad on Christmas Day to resolve the unanswered question that's hinted at in the current one; because if you watch carefully at the end under the tree is a present that's got 'DAD' written on it in big letters. Of all the presents it's the only one that you can see clearly who it's for. In the previous scenes when the boy is playing with his penguin, there's the impression of a father figure – but we never properly see him, he’s always distant and never engages with the boy. All of which makes me think the boy’s real dad is absent, and that the father figure, like the penguin, is all in the boy’s imagination.

So come on John Lewis, let's see an advert where there's a knock at the door and the boy's real dad arrives back from serving in the forces, gives his son the massive hug he's been missing, the father figure in the shadows fades away, they sit down together to watch the Christmas episode of Bottom – crying with laughter remembering how funny Rik Mayall was, and in the kitchen the late Lynda Bellingham from the Oxo ads gets her 'last Christmas' when they CGI her as the family’s gran making the gravy. That's the Christmas ad I've been dreaming of, and if it doesn't happen I won't be able to sleep for disappointment.

I also really hope that all six episodes of Blackadder Goes Forth are shown leading up to Christmas with the poignant final 'Goodbyeeee' repeated on Christmas Day. It's a far better way to commemorate the centennial of the Christmas truce and honour the memory of World War 1 troops than 'Here's a chocolate bar, we'll give the profits to charity, now do the rest of your Christmas shopping in our supermarket' advert.

Oh, and please help make this song the Christmas number one www.thefarmmusic.co.uk/alltogether-now-the-peace-collective/

COMEDY

Go on... Treat yourself

GIGS

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB BOURNE

DEC

5

The Funhouse Comedy Club team rock up at the Red Hall in South Street Bourne with George Egg, supported by Junior Simpson, Simon Feilder and compere Ben Murray.

Tickets are £10 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB SPALDING

DEC

5

The Festive Funhouse night features a comedy circuit favourite headliner Junior Simpson – a great observational comic whose boundless energy and a huge stage presence will have you hooked on hilarity. Backing him up is George Egg, whose act is hailed as a cross between stand up and music hall“Tommy Cooper for the 21st century”! Also on the bill; Christian Steel, with compere Scott Bennett.

Tickets are £10 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk or £12.50 on the door.

SO COMEDY

DEC

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The So Comedy Club at Stamford Arts Centre brings us laughs from Joe Lycett, described as ‘One of the strongest emerging comedy talents we've seen in a long time’ by Time Out. He’s joined by winner of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2013 Steve Bugeja, and John Robins who the Telegraph described as ‘One of the most naturally gifted comedians I've seen’.

Tickets are £15 (£13) £12. Box office: 01780 763203.

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

DEC

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It’s another top Christmas gag-fest at North Street Bar when the Funhouse Comedy Club bring us another great line up. Top of the bill is Andrew Bird with great support from Gerry K, Fin Taylor, Toby Blair and compere Ben Murray. Tickets are £10 in advance on www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

OMID DJALILI IRANALAMADINGDONG

JAN

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He’s back on tour with a new show, following a sell-out four week West-End residency and a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Festival.

A firm favourite with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include; ’Time Out Award’ and ‘EMMA Award’ for Best Stand Up and nominated for the ‘South Bank Award'. Don’t miss him at the Cresset next month!

Ticket price £24.50 (face value £23) on 01733 265705.

Eufora hair products 100% Active formulas Every ingredient has a purpose 100% ALL natural extract aroma blend

01733 310879 22, Broadway, Peterborough www.elesha.co.uk

THE POSH PAGE Is it me or has Christmas come about ridiculously quick this year? It only seems like a blink of an eye since we celebrated the 2013 edition! Christmas is personally my favourite time of the year, family, fun and food… Not necessarily in that order.

JP: “We both get involved in that to be fair, but I am more of an internet shopper these days.

I’m not a massive fan of having to go out to crowds of people everywhere, so I find it much easier doing it online.”

NG: Are you romantic when it comes to buying for the Mrs? Photos: www.theposh.com

JP: “Err… I can be, but sometimes it’s just easier to ask her what she wants.”

NG: With the game on Boxing Day is it more difficult to prepare for than a normal match?

For many of us the festive period is a time where we get a few days off from work, we let our hair down and we indulge in the delights that Christmas offers with cheesy TV thrown in for good measure, but for footballers Christmas is a very different beast, with Boxing Day matches to look forward to, food needs to be limited, alcohol is a no-no and time with the family is limited. Do I feel sorry for them?

Nah – pay me a footballer’s wage and I would happily do what is needed to be done.

For this column I wanted to speak to a footballer to see just how different their festive period was to my own, so who better than captain Jack Payne to talk me through their Christmas Carol.

NG: How different is Christmas to you now than before you made it as a professional footballer?

JP: “It’s massively different, at my former club (Gillingham) we had to actually come in and train on Christmas Day which was really tough, all the family would wake up and have to wait until I got home before opening all the presents etc, but to be fair the gaffer here hasn’t thrown that card into the mix yet since I’ve been here. Hopefully that will be the same here this year because now that I’m a Dad you obviously want to see their faces on Christmas morning, but at the same time if I have to

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go in then so be it, it’s just one of those things and comes with the job.”

NG: What kind of sacrifices do you have to make over the period?

JP: “It’s completely different as a footballer, you have to obviously eat and drink right, with the game on Boxing Day you have to ensure you limit all the nice things Christmas throws at you.”

NG: Are you a festive kind of guy?

JP: “Yeah I am, I like to have all my family around me throughout the period so I think there will be about 12 people in my place for Christmas dinner and obviously with the kids now getting older I think I will get more festive as time goes on.”

NG: What is your Christmas Day routine?

JP: “The kids will be up nice and early waking the rest of the house up, then my family and the Mrs’ family will come over for some breakfast together then we’ll do the presents before getting the dinner on, then it’s all about chilling out for the rest of the day.”

NG: Who does the cooking?

JP: “The Mrs – there is no chance of me getting a look in over Christmas!”

NG: Who does the Christmas shopping?

JP: “Not really, you just have to get in the right frame of mind, it is tough seeing everyone else having a good time and letting their hair down but you have to remember the bigger picture, and you do get used to it in fairness. It is nicer when you have a home game as you don’t have to travel but that’s rarely the case, especially at Posh.”

NG: Christmas is such a big period in the football calendar isn’t it, and it’s used by most as a gauge of how the season could pan out?

JP: “Yeah the league really starts to take shape at Christmas and games come thick and fast so it’s important to pick up the right results in these games which I am sure we will do this year.”

NG: Christmas is a time of giving and one thing the FC do each year is take presents down to the children’s ward at Peterborough Hospital, how important is that for you group of players?

JP: “It’s massive it really is, we are in a great position as most kids want to grow up to be footballers and we are fortunate enough to be in the game so to be able to give is huge, especially to those children who may not even be at home during Christmas. Us going down there to meet these kids and give them a little something can make a real difference.”

COMPETITION

ESP’s new columnist Neil Gilby brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

WIN A CUPPA WITH YOUR FAVE PLAYER! We are giving you the chance to win the ultimate Christmas present, how would you like to sit and have a cuppa and a chat with your favourite player?

Answer this question and you could be selected to do just that!

Q - Where did we sign Luke James from?

Send your answer along with your name, address, DOB and contact number to competitions@theposh.com with the subject titled Cuppa. The winner will be selected on December 23!

DATES FOR YOUR

DIARY: >>

Friday November 28, 7.45pm Bristol City at London Road Stadium

>>

Saturday December 20, 3pm Preston North End at London Road Stadium

>>

Sunday December 28, 3pm Colchester United at London Road Stadium

All tickets for matches and events at London Road can be purchased from www.theposhtickets.com or from the London Road box office, in person or by phone 01733 865674.

CLUBLAND MIXOLOGY BOXING DAY ALL NIGHTER!

The Mixology crew are proud to present a post-Christmas cracker of an event with a belter of a line up and what a special one it’s going to be!

On Friday December 26 it’ll be 2 rooms with 12 hours of tunes from 20 DJs! It’ll be full of deep synths, house grooves, disco melodies and techy rolling basslines throughout the night. The first room being Red Room and the second room being transformed from a 70’s 80’s themed room to a dark and mysterious intriguing dance space with an eclectic range of Italo disco, acid beats, house and techno.

Installed with sophisticated lighting, an upgraded sound system and a 7am later licence.

The headliners for this monster event are Friendly Fires (DJ Set) currently signed to XL Recordings they’re no strangers to dance music, with both of their records to date having a concerted emphasis on groove, tech and funk. They’ve also contributed to the Late Night Tales series, have had their songs remixed by the likes of Hot Since 82, Tensnake and Aeroplane, and have a resident house producer in the form of Deep Shit’s Jack Savidge.

Then there’s The Revenge a producer who understands the past but embraces the future. His forward thinking productions and versatility as a DJ have ensured him a place as one of the leading names in dance music over recent years.

Also joining the headline acts is the one and only, Jamie Trench. One of

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the UK’s most promising producers his releases have turned heads in the house scene receiving plays at DC10, Space and all across the UK and Europe.

and bring a real winter Xmas vibe.

Get full swing into the festive spirit with your work colleagues, best friends and family in the number 1 party spot in town.

The bill also includes Tronik Youth who’s remixed over 75 records over the last ten years and released over a dozen singles and hosted great parties all over the world.

Flares will be mixing up all the big party, sing along and cheese anthems. Plus enjoy the return of CJ BEATZ + guests from the Wide Awake family in the Red Room to drop another crazy mash up set!

They’ll be giving away free champagne to the first 100 people in the building!

On this very special Christmas event the Mixology resident DJ crew are excited to be joined by some of the other finer local talented house night promoters/DJs from across our region, including the likes of Leeds based SetOneTwenty, Northampton’s ContraDisco, Stamford’s TechNoir, Huntington’s Baby Samurai Society, and with other guest DJs they’ll be covering all angles.

VANITY Vs NO DIGGITY XMAS SPECIAL Vanity and No Diggity have joined forces for a Crimbo special @ the Red Room on December 12.

Resident DJs Nick T and AJ will be mixing up a selection of the finest old skool and new skool hip hop, RnB, bashment and garage from 10pm till 4am. Get on the guest list now and get a FREE glass of Grey Goose vodka + mixer by texting ‘Vanity + your full name’ to 07411 258 999 On the night be sure to grab yourself a copy of the Vanity volume 15 mixtape! Check out Facebook.com/VanityNights for event info and follow Soundcloud.com/Vanity-ClubNights to listen to all the mixtapes.

MENAGE A TROIS XMAS WONDERLAND

Check out the event, guest list and VIP options by logging on to facebook.com/MenageNights. As special thanks for joining them through the year and in association with ESP, they’ll give you the ultimate VIP Experience and a nice early Xmas present. Simply text ‘Menage ESP + your full name’ to 07411 258 999 to be in with a chance of winning a V.I.P booth on December 5 along with free drinks for the night, free entry and queue jump for you and 4 friends and free bottle of bubbly!

YOYO XMAS CELEBRATIONS AND TUESDAY NIGHT TAKEOVER Seeing as Xmas and New Year fall on a Thursday this year, the YoYo team will be taking over Tuesday December 23 and December 30 for 2 very special events! As well as the normal Thursday lead up to Xmas expect a month packed full of crazy, outrageous events with one or two special guests as well! Get the party started early and take advantage of £1 drinks from10.30pm and you’re set for a good night. Go LIKE the page now – Facebook.com/ YoYoClubNights to be kept up to date with all events.

THROWBACK XMAS EVE SPECIAL

Taking over Edwards, Flares & Red Room on Friday December 5, the Menage team are back with a Xmas wonderland experience, dance the night away in Edwards with all the big dance, house and commercial RnB. Watch out on the dance floor as the snow machines cover the place

Xmas Eve is usually a night filled with meeting up with your old friends and family who you haven’t seen for a while, so take a trip down memory lane and reminisce as they ThrowBack with some KISStory style classics all night. Both Edwards and Red Room will be open and you can get on the guest list now by texting ‘ThrowBack + your full name’

to 07411 258 999. Remember to break out the Xmas jumpers and bobble hats to really get you in the mood!

Facebook.com/ThrowBackParties

TECH NOIR IN STAMFORD House fans, get Saturday December 6 down. Tech Noir returns to the Pear Tree in Stamford with another night of crazy pumping house music. DJs on the night are Andy Mansfield, Sam Wakeham, Lloyd Thompson, Jack Bettinson with guests Dan Claire and James Chan from Mixology. It’s on from 10pm 3am, it’s free entry, CD give aways and much more. The Tech Noir nights go from strength to strength, to find out more search TechNoirEast on FB and Twitter.

KARMA PRESENTS SKEPTA @ HALO Catch SKEPTA on Friday December 5 at Halo. To join the guest list text ‘HALO KARMA’ + your full name to 87202!

For more info please visit: www.facebook.com/karmaparties

KENZIE @ HALO Friday December 12 Hip-Hop Fridays present celebrity guest DJ Kenzie!

Text ‘HALO HIP’ + your full name to 87202 every week to join the guest list for discounted entry to all of their events!

TIM WESTWOOD IN TOWN This Christmas Eve at Halo join Tim Westwood for the Christmas WrapUp alongside resident DJ Lil Dave!

For guest list text ‘HALO TIM’ + your full name to 87202

NYE BALL @ HALO Following a complete sell out event last year, once again Karma & OCN join together to host the annual black and white ball in Halo and Ghost.

Expect 1000+ customers, 4 DJs, 2 huge brands and one unforgettable night!

Special discounted advanced tickets are on sale now at www.halopeterborough.co.uk

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

Keith says…

Live music continues to be a very strong and popular part of the entertainment scene in the Peterborough area. This is due to a combination of three elements: 1) The dedication of the many talented musicians in the area.

2) The belief and willingness of the many event organisers and pub landlords.

3) The audiences who support the events with a lot of enthusiasm.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all!

ACTS LINE UP FOR CHARITY NIGHT Everbody is aware of the importance of the Help The Heroes charity and Peterborough partygoers have the opportunity to help raise funds for the charity and have some great fun near Christmas at The Park Inn in the City Centre on Sunday December 21 at 7pm.

Following the success of last year’s similar charity event the organisers are hosting another Christmas party including drinks on arrival, a three course meal, and top class live music including the fabulous Nicole Lawrence who was so successful

in the X Factor and performs all over Europe.

Nicole has a stunning soul voice, appealing to all ages and genres, and she will be joined on the night by guest appearances from Maureen Braithwaite, Jack Sanderson, Katrina Polfrey, Nora Hanna and Hannah Harper! A disco is on hand to encourage you to party the night away!

For tickets to this special black tie event contact organiser Terry Rowe on 07756 040 070.

GREAT LIVE LINE UP @ STAMFORD

There are some lovely shows to get you in the Christmas spirit at The Stamford Corn Exchange this month.

Back in February 1959 Buddy Holly began a string of dates across the American Mid-West called The Winter Dance Party Tour, which also included Ritchie Valens the Big Bopper and Dion.

The recreation of the Winter Dance Party Concert is also a celebration of the 55th Anniversary of that tour, from their earlier songs, Blue Days Black Nights to True Love Ways and Heartbeat.

The show features Marc Robinson from Stars in their Eyes as Buddy along with four West End artists all backed by the Counterfeit Crickets Band!

It’s going to be a wall to wall rock ‘n’ roll show with interacting video audio and is at Stamford Corn Exchange on Saturday December 6.

The following Saturday December 13, it’s The Corn Exchange Christmas Party Night with The Zoots. This promises to be a fantastic journey through the decades featuring music from a host of artists including, Elvis, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, T REX, Queen, Michael Jackson, Madness, Oasis and Pharrell Williams.

Finally there’s real nostalgia on Saturday December 20 when The Glen Miller Orchestra swing into Christmas. This features the famous dance conductor Ray McVay who leads the orchestra playing all your favourite seasonal songs and favourite Miller numbers! Catherine Sykes and Colin Anthony join Ray’s vocal group, The Moonlight Serenaders, with their fabulous harmonies and his swinging jazz band.

At Stamford Corn Exchange, you have the additional option of a pre-show meal and tickets for any of these dates can be booked at The Box Office on 01780 766455.

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR OPAQUE It’s been an excellent year for locally based band Opaque. At the beginning of the year they had just released their excellent EP, New Beginings. They have spent a great deal of 2014 touring the UK promoting the EP and building a large following. They haven’t neglected Peterborough audiences either, making a Thursday night appearance at the Peterborough Beer Festival amongst other gigs.

Now they’ve just released a new single, Angel of the Street which is a mix of carnival acoustic and gypsy swing. I’ve listened to the single quite a few times and am racking my brains as to who this reminds me of, and I find the song wonderfully catchy. The equally fascinating lyrics tell the tale of love and the struggle of Punch and Judy to find a better life on the streets of London.

An excellent video is also available on You Tube which has been released to promote the single.

You can listen to it on http://bandopaque.bandcamp.com/. And if you like it as much as I do, you can download it there as well.

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THE ELECTRIC BLUES BAND IN ONE-OFF GIG The three amigos of soul-infused blues/rock are back for a one off gig at the Burghley Club later this month. Colin Hodgkinson, Rex Gates and Jem Watson, collectively known as the Electric Blues Band will get together to start your Christmas week off in the best possible way.

Colin has been rehearsing with legendary 60's and 70's band Ten Years After and he goes on tour early January with them so this is a great chance to see him before he disappears for a while.

Those of you who were fortunate enough to be at the last gig the guys did here will be aware of how sublimely good it was and I expect a packed house again for this one. Rumblings of blues, sways of jazz, a spoonful of soul and mesmerising solos will be the menu for the evening so if you’re around don't miss this free night out on December 19.

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It’s sad to hear that Peter Thomson has passed away. Pete is very well known on the local music scene, for his many guest appearances with local bands, especially Citizen Smith where he always entertained the audiences with his own unique versions of Delilah and Whole Lotta Rosie.

My ESP colleague Andy Slater knew him well and said – “He was as happy behind a sound desk as he was on stage either guesting for Retrolux or Citizen Smith knocking out a few Alex Harvey numbers or giving a novice band a hand to get set up and make them sound better than they actually were!

“He was such a personable man he was just the same with that novice band or a seasoned bunch of pro's who knew a thing or two, Pete had the knack of getting along with all of them. Little Scots Pete as many knew him also loved a Jack Daniels or two and many a night I’ve had that nudge on the shoulder, looked around and there with Pete, Colin Smith his great friend and spiritual brother stood with a glass in hand and one for me. It usually all went down hill from there...”

Pete also impressed me as a performer in the Emcee Cabaret and Seventies productions that we both did. In particular, he gave a memorable performance of Bowie’s Life on Mars. But it wasn’t just his singing that impressed. I saw how giving and thoughtful he was to his colleagues, encouraging them and helping others in whatever way he

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could. He also had an optimistic catchphrase which was infectious.

Whenever you spoke to him it was guaranteed that somewhere in the conversation he would utter the words ‘Living The Dream’. A phrase that has become his epitaph.

Andy remembers his generous nature too – “Pete was also a porter at the Peterborough City hospital for many years and tales of Pete finishing his shift but taking the time to go check on a patient’s wellbeing in his own time were many fold, he had a heart perhaps bigger than his stature in that respect. Although he has wandered off this mortal stage he will be around somewhere, Jack in his hand, living the dream.

Although the city and his friends will be a sadder entity without him around we will all be a better human being for having had him in our life.”

Obviously he loved his live music and a couple of years ago, Pete and I went together to Stamford Corn Exchange to see the legendary Dr Feelgood guitarist, Wilko Johnson, of whom both of us were big admirers. Wilko didn’t disappoint and showed his huge stage personality.

Around the time of that gig, Wilko announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Two years later he has just recently announced that he has unexpectedly won his battle with the illness.

Sadly our friend Pete hasn’t. And we will all miss him. www.espmag.co.uk

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gigs@espmag.co.uk WED NOV 26 ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH GARY INGREY The Railway, Ramsey OPEN MIC AtticaVip, Broadway, Peterborough

THU NOV 27 MATT HOWARD The Brewery Tap, Westgate OPEN MIC WITH DAVE The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road THE ENDEAVOUR + FINDING ANA + TRIBAL MISFITS AtticaVip, Broadway, Peterborough

LEXIE GREEN & THE INIDGO BLUES Charters, Town Bridge NOISY NEIGHBOURS The Stage, Market Deeping RAMSHACKLE SERENADE The Swiss Cottage, Woodston REVOLVER Boston Utd Pilgrim Lounge, Boston TALLAWAH The Straw Bear, Whittlesey THE 707 Ramsey Forty Foot Village Hall, Ramsey THE SOUNDINJECTORS The Draymans, Spalding THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN + THE MORE I SEE The Cherry Tree, Woodston TUNNEL FEATURING CHRIS BLEASE Burghley Arms, Bourne

WED DEC 3 OPEN MIC MY Bar, New Road

THU DEC 4 AUSTIN GOLD + SUPPORT North Street Bar, North Street OPEN ACOUSTIC WITH AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' Mama Liz's, Stamford RED LIONZ BANDS NIGHT North Street Bar, North Street

FRI DEC 5

ALADDINSANE The Post Office Club, Bourges Boulevard FRI NOV 28 CJ HATT CHILDREN OF North Street Bar, THE REVOLUTION North Street The London Inn, Stamford CODE RED CODE RED The Cherry Tree, Fayre Spot, Bretton Oundle Road DAVE JACKSON PORKY PIG BLUES BAND The Swiss Cottage, The Brewery Tap, Woodston SUN NOV 30 Westgate RETROLUX BEST OF UNPLUGGED FRONT COVER The Cock Inn, Werrington Charters, Town Bridge The Dragon, Werrington SOUL RUNNERS CJ HATT HOOKER Iron Horse Ranch House, The Heron, Stanground The Cock Inn, Werrington Market Deeping JC’S HOPELESS IAN GRAHAM THE MALINGERERS SINNERS FEATURING & KAT MOORE JEZ HELLARD AND THE The Angel Inn, Yarwell The Swiss Cottage, DJUKELLA ORCHESTRA THE ONE EYED CATS Woodston The Angel Inn, Yarwell The Falcon, Whittlesey LESLEY CURTIS LIZZY ON THE LOOSE THE OVERDUBS North Street Bar, The Seven Wives, St. Ives The Dragon, Werrington North Street MISTY JONES + THE SOUL SISTERS OPEN ACOUSTIC VELVET ACOUSTIC + The Heron, Stanground WITH DAVE & PHIL LESLEY CURTIS The Boat Inn, Whittlesey ACOUSTIC + PALMY ARMS UKELELE BAND SAT DEC 6 REVOLVER The Axe & Cleaver, Boston + BACK 2 THE BONE + MEG MCPARTLIN + 'THE OUSE VALLEY THE EXPLETIVES THE POLISH CHOIR + SINGLES CLUB The Angel Inn, Yarwell The Granary, Long Sutton DELTAPHONICS THE SOUNDINJECTORS Riverside Bar, Key Theatre, DOGGONE DADDYS Embankment Iron Horse Ranch House, The Cherry Tree, Market Deeping Woodston RED WINE BLUES The Brewery Tap, ELECTRIC WARRIORS VELOCITY Westgate The Swiss Cottage, The Heron, Stanground Woodston SHADES OF GREEN Central Park, Peterborough ETHEREAL FIRE + SAT NOV 29 LVELLY + SUNSETS BE BOP A LULAS THE DAY MON DEC 1 The Swiss Cottage, The New Inn, Oundle Road Woodston CHARTERS FRANKLY MY DEAR UNPLUGGED BEN CALLANAN The Ostrich, North Street The Peacock, Lincoln Road Charters, Town Bridge FRONT COVER CAPTAIN OBVIOUS The Blue Boar, Eye TUE DEC 2 The Angel Inn, Yarwell GENERATION CRASH CLAUDE DOMINO CHILDREN OF & BURN ACOUSTIC THE REVOLUTION Quinns Bar, Whittlesey The Cock Inn, Werrington Millstone Inn, Barnack HOOKER STACEY & DAVE'S CIRCA 73 The Ploughman, OPEN MIC The Blue Boar, Eye Werrington The Dragon, Werrington ISIAH IAN GRAHAM THE FENCATS North Street Bar, + KAY MOORE Iron Horse Ranch House, North Street The Blue Bell, Helpston Market Deeping

LET THERE B/DC The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road LIVE BAND The Cock Inn, Werrington MOTOR CITY VIPERS Radius Bar, Northminster MULLERED AT THE MILL Ebeneezers, Woodston OPAQUE Burghley Sq Club, Burghley Road THE 707 The Ostrich, North Street THE HIGH ROLLERS Charters, Town Bridge THE MISTREATED Prince Of Wales, Castor THE OUSE VALLEY SINGLES CLUB The Angel Inn, Yarwell

SUN DEC 7 OAKHAM MIC NIGHT The Brewery Tap, Westgate

TUE DEC 9

Available for private midweek hire HOSENBRASS + THE RAINMEN North Street Bar, North Street LIVE BAND The Cock Inn, Werrington MOTOR CITY VIPERS The Ploughman, Werrington ON THE CEILING The London Inn, Stamford ROCKET DOGS The Dragon, Werrington SPLIT WHISKERS Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping THE COLLABORATORS The Golden Pheasant, Etton THE EXPLETIVES The Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE ONE EYED CATS The Ploughman, Werrington THE TUNNEL Fayre Spot, Bretton

SAT DEC 13

BLUES HOUSE OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH The Heron, Stanground JAMES EDMONDS CAPTAIN OBVIOUS The Bull, Newborough The Blue Boar, Eye CHILDREN OF THE WED DEC 10 REVOLUTION + BON & JUSTIN ACOUSTIC SESSION North Street Bar, WITH GARY INGREY North Street The Railway, Ramsey GROOVE CARTEL OPEN MIC Charters, Town Bridge MY Bar, New Road JACK AND THE REAL DEALS THU DEC 11 Iron Horse Ranch House, FALLEN BREAKS + Market Deeping BLACK HAWK DOWN KAMUJAN + DESTROY DC The Swiss Cottage, North Street Bar, Woodston North Street LEON JUNK PUPPETS + The Ploughman, BROTHERHOODS Werrington ROUNDABOUT AtticaVip, Broadway, MICKY FLYNN Peterborough The Angel Inn, Yarwell OPEN MIC WITH ONE EYED CATS JAMES EDMONDS The London Inn, Stamford The Crown, Lincoln Road REVOLVER PENNYLESS The Stone Loach, Mama Liz's, Stamford Market Deeping THE COLLABORATORS Ferry Meadows, FRI DEC 12 Peterborough BLAG SABBATH The Cock Inn, Werrington THE FECKIN EEJITS The Peacock, London Road CAPTAIN OBVIOUS The Ostrich, North Street THE GUARDS The Dragon, Werrington CHILDREN OF THE TUNNEL THE REVOLUTION Coach House, Charters, Town Bridge Market Deeping CUTTIN LOOSE The Axe & Cleaver, Boston SUN DEC 14 DANA WYLIE The Angel Inn, Yarwell PENNYLESS Mama Liz's, Stamford

Sat 13th Children of the Rev + Bon & Justin Wed 17th Funhouse Comedy Fri 19th Jessies Ghost Sat 20th Otis & Jules Christmas Eve & New Years Eve Live Music and Free Entry

TUE DEC 16

REVOLVER The Axe & Cleaver, Boston STRINGFINGER + BLACK HAWK DOWN + TBC Mama Liz's, Stamford THE 707 The Moorhen, Hampton Vale WED DEC 17 THE INFLUENCE OPEN MIC The Swiss Cottage, MY Bar, New Road Woodston THE NUGGETS Ebeneezers, Woodston FRI DEC 19 THE OVERDUBS CHILDREN OF THE The Heron, Stanground REVOLUTION Prince Of Wales, Castor TOO FAT TO KIDNAP Iron Horse Ranch House, CIRCA 73 Market Deeping The Ploughman, Werrington UNDER_COVERED The Blue Boar, Eye CUTTIN LOOSE The Masons Arms, Bourne VELOCITY The Straw Bear, JESSIE'S GHOST Whittlesey North Street Bar, North Street MIND THE GAP SUN DEC 21 The Swiss Cottage, JAZZ JAM Woodston The Brewery Tap, NEW GENERATION Westgate CRASH & BURN The New Inn, Oundle Road JOE SOLO Palmerston Arms, SERIOUS SAM Oundle Road BARRETT FT MARTYN ROPER WED DEC 24 Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET THE CHUCK NORRIS The Granary, Long Sutton EXPEREINCE Charters, Town Bridge BEN CALLANAN The Abbey Hotel, THE ELECTRIC Crowland BLUES BAND The Burghley Club, LIZZY ON THE LOOSE Burghley Square + THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN THE FEDZ Iron Horse Ranch, The Dragon, Werrington Market Deeping THE STROLLERS THE 707 Braza Club, March The Dragon, Werrington WHITE SPIRIT The Cock Inn, Werrington ZACK ZOOT North Street Bar, North Street ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH DAVE B & PHIL The Boat Inn, Whittlesey PAGEN Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping

SAT DEC 20

101 PROOF The Angel Inn, Yarwell CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Ploughman, Werrington ELECTRIC WARRIORS The Cock Inn, Werrington HOOKER The Dragon, Werrington IAN GRAHAM + KAY MOORE Spalding Constitutional Club, Spalding JUNK PUPPETS The Crown, Lincoln Road LIZZY ON THE LOOSE Ostrich, North Street MATT & PAUL The Three Horsehoes, Werrington

FRI DEC 26

LOOSE ROCKET The Axe & Cleaver, Boston NOISY NEIGHBOURS Ebeneezers, Woodston RAPTURE The Blue Boar, Eye RETROLUX The Swiss Cottage, Woodston ROCKET '57 The Cock Inn, Werrington THE 707 The Crown, Lincoln Road THE NUGGETS The Ploughman, Werrington ULTIMATE UNPLUGGED WITH BON ROGERS Charters, Town Bridge

WED DEC 31 CJ HATT North Street Bar, North Street CUTTIN LOOSE Boston Bowl, Boston DR A'S RHYTHM & GROOVES Thorney Club, Thorney GENERATION CRASH & BURN The Fayre Spot, Bretton GROUNDED Charters, Town Bridge THE HIGH ROLLERS The Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE LEAGUE OF MENTALMEN The Dragon, Werrington THE ONE EYED CATS The Brewery Tap, Westgate THE ROCKET DOGS Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping THE SOUL RUNNERS The Ploughman, Werrington THE TUNNEL IThe Green Man, Stamford

GENERATION CRASH & BURN SAT JAN 3 The Solstice, Northminster JUNK PUPPETS TRIBAL MISFITS The Peacock, Lincoln Road The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

SAT DEC 27 BIANCA & THE TOPCATS North Street Bar, North Street CAPTAIN OBVIOUS The Railway, Ramsey CODE RED The Peacock, Lincoln Road LLOYD WATSON BAND The Angel Inn, Yarwell

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