ESP February 2010

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FEBRUARY 2010 Issue 126

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This month’s issue is packed full of...

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WhaT’s On Live music heaLTh & BeauTy FashiOn mOvies FOOd

cat deeley Feature

Leisure & LiFesTyLe for

PeTerBOrOugh, sTamFOrd, OundLe, WhiTTLesey, sPaLding, BOurne...and mOre

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P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG / TEL 01733 579707 / FAX 01733 579708 / EMAIL: OFFICE@ESPMAG.CO.UK ESP MAGAZINE LTD STUDIO COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL

21,000 COPIES

63,000 READERS ESP distribution stands are located right across the Greater Peterborough area with magazines available at over 800 separate locations.

Editor Sharon McAllister

Art Director Tony Mayer

Pep Cipriano

Karen Devine

Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Joanne Quinney

ADVERTISING

Senior Designer Alex Fahey

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sales Executives Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

Laura Waltham

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

alex.fahey@espmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Mike Harris Lara Johnson Lydia Fahy

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Tempest

sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Liv Slater Lara Johnson

Directors Sharon McAllister

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

Sean McAllister

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Matt Zilch

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

ESPmag.co.uk

Gavin Miller

For all the latest news, views, reviews and gossip, check out ESP Magazine’s Local Leisure website www.espmag.co.uk

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Mark Shaw

mark.shaw@espmag.co.uk

Kerry Bates

kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

laura.waltham@espmag.co.uk

Maggie Gaziano

maggie.gaziano @espmag.co.uk ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any of the Peterborough newspapers. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

celebs

P6

entertainment

P38 Food

P12

contents

P34

man about Town

P50

screen scene

P16 Fashion

P10 events

P32 Paparazzi

AVAILABLE FROM OVER 800 OUTLETS IN: PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE, GLINTON, WERRINGTON, GUNTHORPE, EYE, DOGSTHORPE, WALTON, NEW ENGLAND, MILLFIELD, NETHERTON, WESTWOOD, BRETTON, FENGATE, FLETTON, BOONGATE, STANGROUND, FARCET, WHITTLESEY, YAXLEY, STILTON, FOLKSWORTH, SAWTRY, CASTOR, LONGTHORPE, HAMPTON, WOODSTON, ORTON WISTOW, ORTON LONGUEVILLE, WANSFORD, ELTON, OUNDLE, CROWLAND, NEWBOROUGH, SPALDING, SPRINGFIELDS, DEEPING, LANGTOFT, NORTHBOROUGH, STAMFORD, ETTON, BARNACK, HELPSTON, TALLINGTON, BOURNE... AND MORE. www.es p mag .co.u k ( Fe brua r y )

Gossip

Marshall Peugeot

gossip@espmag.co.uk

Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5PT Proudly sponsored by

Tel: 0844 3340713 www.marshallweb.co.uk

ASTON TAKES A SHOT AT THE BRITS Peterborough star Aston Merrygold and his JLS band mates have a busy month which sees them nominated for three BRIT Awards, the release of their new single and the start of their tour!

The boys are up for Best Band, Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Single for Beat Again at The BRITS on February 16. Then the band’s great new single One Shot is released on February 22 and is all set to be another hit from their million-selling album.

The big JLS tour licks off this month in Ipswich and ends in Glasgow – before the boys head into a 15 date arena tour in December, including two nights at the O2 Arena and finishing at Wembley. It looks like 2010 could be the year the former Jack Hunt School pupil and the JLS boys become a global phenomenon as they’ve acquired fans such as Beyoncé and Rhianna, so here at ESP we’d like to say well done and good luck!

RETRO CALENDAR

HAITI CHARITY GIG As the crisis in Haiti continues, most of us have been asking what we can to do help. Local bands the OneEyed Cats, Retrolux and Brotherhoods Roundabout with Smiffy have decided to play a charity gig for UNICEF at The Brewery Tap on February 13. You’ll be able to dance the night away to rock ‘n’ roll of all varieties while raising desperately needed cash for those hit by the massive disaster. Minimum donation £5.

Take a trip back to the 80s with a unique look at city life through a lens with the 2010 Calendar from Chris Porsz, the Paramedic Paparazzi. He’s been taking photos of life around the city since the early 80s and the calendar showcases 12 of his best shots. All the images capture the spirit and charm of lots of characters around the town centre. It’s available from various outlets across the city, including the Tourist Information Centre, the Museum, Reba and various charity shops.

BIG THANK YOU FROM KINGS HEAD! The King’s Head in Apethorpe celebrates its fifth anniversary this month and they rang ESP to ask us to say a big thank you to all the ESP readers, especially those who’ve made the journey and come to support them! We’ve been working with them since the beginning and seen them go from strength to strength – starting out as a fairly anonymous village pub, they’ve built a huge, loyal customer base thanks to the exceptional food, wide range

of real ales and the new country delicatessen, where you can take a piece of the King’s Head experience home with you.

SHOP AND GO Are you tired of missing your bus or having to rush to the station in the hope that your bus hasn’t left without you? Well shoppers at Queensgate can now make sure they don’t miss their bus thanks to two new electronic information display boards that have been installed in the shopping centre.

Queensgate and the City Council have joined forces, and are making sure that passengers have access to up-to-the-minute departure times for Local Link and Stagecoach services which depart from the bus station.

The screens are located on the first floor of the centre next to the information desk outside John Lewis. So now you can keep a check up on your bus so you can get to the station – without running halfway across the centre in time for when it’s due to depart. Fantastic!

MONEY FOR YOUTH Got a great idea that could really benefit the young people of Peterborough but can’t quite raise the cash? If you’re under 19 then get in touch with the Peterborough Youth Bank who have £25,000 left in the kitty for projects such as youth shelters, sports tournaments or even trips to Alton Towers. Managed by a group of 13-19 year olds who decide which projects deserve their help, the fund has previously given £1,700 to young people taking part in the Prince's Trust programme to pay for the renovation of an adult learning centre in Fletton. It has also given £1,765 to students at Peterborough Regional College to pay for young people from different backgrounds to learn the skills to be able to organise events which bring young people together, and a training event at Wyboston Lakes including accommodation and transport. To make a bid for funding contact city council youth worker Princess Marshall on 07920 160128 or email princess.marshall@peterborough.gov.uk

FRESH FISH AND CHIPS The first fish and chip shop opened its doors in London in 1860, 150 years ago this year and has become an integral part of our nation’s identity. The Fox And Hounds in Longthorpe are celebrating this by launching two new dishes on its menu – as well as the traditional, yet delicious, battered cod. Veggies will be able to try the battered, marinated haloumi and chips. If you’re not a food obsessive, haloumi is a cheese from Cyprus that doesn’t melt when cooked, but goes warm, bubbly and golden and is absolutely delicious!

General Manager Lindsey Godfrey told ESP – “Our new menu will satisfy everyone’s appetite for fish and chips. Our great British classic cod and chips is a huge portion, same as our exclusive vegetarian option. Battered haloumi cheese may sound strange at first, but everyone who has tried it, loved it! We’ll be cooking off samples for guests to try and I guarantee they’ll be going for seconds.” These dishes are part of a revamped menu, offering real comfort food. Lindsey told us – “We moved away from some of our more traditional dishes last year, but with such a cold winter upon us we thought we’d better bring back some real winter warmers and hearty pub dishes.” www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja F e brua nuar ryy ) )

Come and see Shaun and his team for a cracking deal on a brand new Peugeot which is really worth talking about!!

IGLU & HARTLY The Los Angeles based five piece band hits Peterborough on February 2 for another shirtless performance. If you enjoy their music and saw the band perform brilliantly on the Jonathan Ross show, then maybe this is something for you. They’re sure to perform their top five single and provide fans with a knock out show as good as their two sold out tours. Iglu & Hartly will be performing at The Cresset and tickets are £8. Box office: 01733 265705.

50 IS FAB @ ORCHIDS Over 50 but not over the hill? Orchids Ladies Health and Fitness Centre in New England have started classes just for you! From 6-7pm every Tuesday you’ll be able to get into shape and retain your glamorous figure – the class is open to everyone, including non-members. For more info, call 01733 348299.

RIVA’S 1st BIRTHDAY It’s Riva’s 1st birthday on February 6 and to celebrate they’re offering you a little something special. If you go and join them on the day they’ll be happy to give all customers a free glass of wine with every main meal when you quote ESP. This offer is for one week only from February 5 – 12. Give Chris a call on 01733 894952.

MONEY OFF LINGERIE @ WESTGATE Guys, don’t forget the one you love on February 14! A recent survey conducted in America reported that 53% of women would dump the man in their life for forgetting them on Valentine’s Day. But men, don’t despair – there are many ways to say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s Day and a gift from Westgate does it better than most. The department store on Park Road has all the leading lingerie brands including Wonderbra, Freya, Fantasie and Curvy Kate and before Valentine’s Day you can get £10 off when you spend £40 or more on lingerie. They’ve also got a huge range of fabulous fragrances and gorgeous cosmetics with 10% off, so there’s no excuse not to pamper your lady love this Valentine’s.

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

ON ALL PIZZAS! DELIVERY OFFERS Papa’s Family Feast Any 3 x 12” pizzas from the menu OR pick ‘n’ mix up to 5 different toppings on each 3 x side Orders 1 x Tub Ben & Jerry’s ice cream 1 x 1.5ltr Coke/Diet Coke

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957 LINCOLN ROAD WALTON PE4 6AF

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OPPOSITE MORRISONS

NR THE POSH GROUND

Open Times: sun-Thu 11am-12 midnight, Fri-sat 11am-1am

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL If you’re familiar with the smash hit film then this specially adapted version of Billy Elliot is sure to be something you’ll enjoy. The story’s based in the northeast of England at the time of the miner’s strike. Young Billy finds his passion for dance, and pursues this passion in secret to avoid disappointing his struggling family. The award winning creative team behind the film joined forces with Sir Elton John to create a musical that’s immensely entertaining, funny and uplifting.

The show’s being performed from February 24 – 27 at South Holland Arts Centre at 7pm, with a matinee on the 27th at 2.30pm. Tickets are £10. Box office: 01775 764777.

SEAN HUGHES Sean Hughes is back with a brand new show that’s not to be missed! He was the youngest comic ever to win the Perrier Award for his Edinburgh Fringe debut in 1990, and he’s known for being the star of The Last Detective, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Sean’s Show. His dark, explosive style and quick-fire audience teasing have made him one of the favourites of today. The Metro describes him as – “sharp as ever,” so catch him on February 5 at The Key Theatre. Box office: 01733 207239.

WILD DOG Stamford Arts Centre and Spalding’s South Holland Centre are bringing us a fierce new show from Tavaziva and their seven high-octance dancers called Wild Dog. This new show is choreographed by award winning Zimbabwean Bawren Tavaziva. The performance will capture the beauty and elegance of one of Africa’s most endangered species and the audience gets to experience the dramatic dancers pulsate and vibrate against the fantastic soundtrack. The Independent called it – ‘‘a seamless blend of contemporary and traditional African movement, strikingly costumed and lit,’’ so we’re sure this will be a dramatic show. It’s on at the South Holland Centre on February 2, 7.30pm, box office: 01775 764777 and February 24 at Stamford Arts Centre at 8pm. Tickets are £10, box office: 01780 763203.

GET SOME IMAGINATION The new line-up of 80s funk soul band Imagination are returning to perform their greatest hits, together with many other songs at The Cresset. Errol Kennedy was one of the three original members of the band, and they formed to compliment Errol’s passion for performing live. They had a platinum selling first album, followed by their signature hit Just An Illusion which was later used as the soundtrack to 1986 movie FX Murder by Illusion. So for those of you who appreciate live soul-funk music, get over to Bretton on March 6 for a show that’s sure to get you boogying. Tickets £17.50, 8pm start. Box office: 01733 265705.

COLIN CURTIS @ THE CRESSET One of the most influential DJs on the UK soul scene over the last four decades will be returning to Peterborough for the first time in 25 years. He’ll be teaming up with regional soul scene legend Tony Dellar for a night of top quality soul music from the 60s and 70s. It’s sure to be a night full of classic northern soul and Tamla Motown with a touch of jazz funk in two music rooms. This really will be a historic night of soulful memories! It’s all happening at The Cresset on February 19, doors open at 8pm and tickets are £7. Enquiries: 07950 468011.

STRICTLY CABARET Emcee productions are returning by popular demand with their production Strictly Cabaret. Their debut show was performed at the East of England showground last year, and now they’re returning to take audiences on a journey through a ‘Lifetime of Musicals’ making this a night to remember. Experienced artists will be performing numbers from shows such as Oklahoma! Wicked! Hairspray and Les Miserables, so there’s definitely something to suit you. It’ll be a great show for couples, families and friends, and if you missed out before now’s your chance to see this fantastic show and to try the full evening of entertainment with the meal included! Showtimes are March 5, 7.30pm, March 6 at 1pm. Tickets are £10 and for the two course meal and show on March 6 at 7pm, tickets are £29.95. You can call Emcee on 01733 704303 or 07974 700285. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

BOYCIE AND MARLENE Are you a fan of the hit sitcom Only Fool And Horses?

Well Boycie and Marlene were two of the best loved characters from it and its spin off series The Green, Green Grass. This show offers you the chance to meet ‘Boycie’ – John Challis, and ‘Marlene’ – Sue Holderness, sharing some of the show’s most memorable moments, and to discover some of the things that we didn’t see on our screens. They’ll be appearing at the Key Theatre on February 22 at 7.30pm, so if this is something you fancy, tickets are £16.50, Box office: 01733 207239.

CUT LOOSE! Let’s hear it for the boy! The 1984 film had everyone dancing in the aisles with Kevin Bacon, now Peterborough Regional College bring their fantastic version of Footloose to The Key Theatre from February 10 – 13.

It’s the story of city boy Ren who moves to a small farming town where dancing’s banned! It’s not long though before he’s causing trouble with some blinding dance routines that shake up the village for good. It’s all high energy stuff and a great feel-good show. Tickets range from £11 (£8.50 concessions) to £13 (£10.50). Box office: 01733 207239.

THE HOT DOGS The So & So Circus Theatre are bringing us a new show which combines physical theatre and acrobatics which is set against the backdrop of the glittering 1930s.

Described as ‘dramatic and daring’, this entertaining show is a heartbreaking tale of romance, drama, fame and failure. Directed by Landon-Smith, who was also director of East Is East and most recently Wuthering Heights, this stunning and emotionally engaging performance promises to be an unforgettable experience! So if this sounds like something that might just take your fancy, the So & So Circus will be performing at the Stahl Theatre on February 23 at 7.45pm. Tickets are £9. Box office: 01832 273930.

HOLIDAY ON ICE HELPS LOCAL CHARITY The world’s most visited ice show, Holiday On Ice, is set to raise hundreds of pounds for a Stamford based charity, Anna’s Hope. The money raised from ticket sales for the opening night on February 3 and bucket collections will all be donated to Anna’s Hope, which supports local children and young people suffering with brain tumours and will contribute towards the funding for research into the causes, treatment and cure.

ENTERTAINMENT

Need a night out? Lara Johnson has the ESP guide to the best shows around…

entertainment @espmag.co.uk

Valentine’s Dinner Saturday 13th February

4 course meal and glass of champagne - £45 pp Bar menu and prefix for lunch: Two courses £12.95, three courses £15.95 Evenings Monday - Friday A la Carte menu. Saturday night set menu - two courses £19.75, three courses £24.75

• 17th Century thatched inn and pub with cosy log fires • Music every Friday night from mid February – Jazz and easy listening

The latest show Spirit, is an exhilarating fusion of fire, air, earth and water, with world class ice skaters gliding from sunrise to nightfall. Audiences can expect a night of glitz and glamour, however, tickets are selling fast, but can be bought in person at the Key Theatre. Tickets range from £14.50 to £29.50. This spectacular ice show is on at the East of England Showground Exec exhibition centre and runs from February 3 – 7.

GREAT NORTHERN SONGBOOK Get transported back to the days of beatniks and berets on February 19 when the Matt Wates Six play at Peterborough Jazz Club at the Great Northern Hotel. Playing mostly original material as well as a few classics from the Great American Songbook, the band capture the spirit of some of the best small bands of the sixties, while keeping the style fresh and modern.

Taking place in the acoustically perfect and newly-renovated home of PJC since 1992, this superb band maintains the club’s tradition of offering the very best of jazz from both sides of the Atlantic, to an ever-growing audience.

Tickets £13. www.peterboroughjazzclub.co.uk

Abbots Ripton, Moat Lane, Huntingdon T:01487 773440 F:01487 773941 www.thethreehorseshoes.com thethreehorseshoes.com@btconnect.com

MORE GLAMOUR GALORE! The last Glamour Galore event supported by ESP was such a success it’s back… this time with a little extra pampering for the girls.

Glamour Galore is the big night out with stalls, stands and treats for girls only at Thorpe Hall Hospice all in aid of Sue Ryder Care.

The last one in November was a glamorous night out where ladies shopped ‘til they dropped and picked up some great gifts and a few treats for themselves that just aren’t available on the high street. It’s back bigger and better on Thursday March 11 from 6-9pm this time featuring the ‘pick me up pamper zone’ to rejuvenate you for spring with lots of beauty treats. Grab a manicure, a facial, a mini massage – whatever makes you feel good girls, in between all that shopping of course!

Once again ESP will be supporting the event and staging a special fashion show in association with Westgate Department Store.

For more details see www.surydercare.org or call Jackie on 01733 330060.

EVERY SUNDAY

SUNDAY LUNCH Bring your family to us this Sunday and enjoy lunch with a difference. In the relaxing atmosphere of our restaurant you will enjoy a three course lunch of quality Assured English meats accompanied by a delicious selection of fresh vegetables.

From £7.95 per person SATURDAY 13TH FEBRUARY Just 2 miles from the centre of Peterborough, the Holiday Inn Peterborough West is one of the city's most prestigious hotels, fully air conditioned and situated opposite an excellent 18-hole golf course and some 500 acres of beautiful parkland. With our recent refurbishment, our contemporary restaurant has an excellent reputation, as has the hotel's Club Moativation with pool, spa, sauna, steam room, aerobics, beauty treatment, solarium and gym. Golf at Thorpe Wood course opposite the hotel can be pre-booked.

VALENTINE’S NIGHT DINNER Romance your loved one this Valentine’s and enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival followed by a sumptuous four course dinner in our stylish restaurant. £24.95 per person or £99 per couple including an overnight stay and breakfast SUNDAY 7TH MARCH

Holiday Inn Peterborough West Thorpewood, Peterborough PE3 6SG

WEDDING FAYRE A must for every bride to be. Come and view the hotels facilities and be inspired by the wedding experts on hand to help you plan your perfect wedding. An array of suppliers from florists to hire companies will also be available. Fashion shows at 12 noon and 2pm Free entry 11am - 4pm

Tel: 0871 9429 186 www.holidayinn.co.uk

SUNDAY 14TH MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH What would we do without our Mum? Let her know how much you appreciate her by treating her to a delicious three course lunch. Includes a special gift for mum.

From £18.95 per person

Sunday 14th February

Valentine’s Day Enjoy a special three course meal for only £14.99 per person. Book now. Food will be served from 12 - 9.30pm

Winner of the Good Beer Guide 2009 ‘Own Brew Pub of The Year’ Award

web: www.oakhamales.com

Speak Easy

An evening of poetry in the Tap Room.

See our website for further details.

80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap.manager@oakagroup.com

Tuesday 23rd February

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

Saturday 27th February

Cocktail Calypso Evening

Cocktail Calypso Evening with live music from steel band Phase 5 and Otis Free entry B4 9pm £2 after.

The Tap Room Available now for corporate or private functions.

Registered member of Peterborough Centre Safe

Europe’s Largest Brew Pub and home of

EVENTS events @espmag.co.uk

Liv Slater has the ESP guide to the hottest events around…

HIGH CULTURE HIP-HOP

ALL THE FUN OF THE BEAR

Fed up with the same old night out, consisting of pub then club then kebab then home with nothing more stimulating than dodging broken glass and vomit? Stop complaining and check out Speakeasy, a poetry night that’s been running for over two years and manages to shake off the stuffy, pretentious nature of some lesser poetry nights, thanks to the efforts of former Poet Laureate and organiser Keely Mills. Taking place at the Brewery Tap on February 23 and Mama Liz’s on February 24, this month’s headliners are Dead Poets, a truly exceptional double act that features Peterborough’s Poet Laureate and finest MC, Mixy and the Bard Of The Fens, Mark Grist. Taking a funny, wry look at life and culture by clashing rap with more classical poetry, these two will challenge your perceptions of both language and the world. Entry is £3.

For more info, visit www.deadpoetry.co.uk

Last month saw the return of one of the most ancient pub crawls in existence, the Straw Bear Festival in Whittlesey. The real origins of the festival are almost lost in the mists of time, but now it basically involves a man covered in straw; the Straw Bear, parading around most pubs in the town and dancing, followed by lots of Morris dancing teams and every single inhabitant of Whittlesey and the surrounding villages!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY The Cresset’s Wedding Show has been helping brides and grooms-tobe organise the biggest day of their lives for ten years and on February 28 they’ll be celebrating their anniversary with style. There’ll be two live fashion shows to help you visualise just how good you’ll look walking down the aisle in that gown, as well as suits for grooms, bridesmaids dresses and pageboy outfits. It’s not just about the clothes, as always, and exhibitors at the show can help you out with pretty much everything including tiaras, shoes, rings, cars, cakes and photography – you’ll even be able to check out the Cresset’s own wedding facilities, including receptions and civil ceremonies. Entry is free.

BELLE OF BURGHLEY

A true celebration of English eccentricity, occasionally it did feel like stumbling into the village where the Wicker Man was set but the atmosphere on the streets and in the pubs was electric – thousands of people had turned up for just one day of colourful celebration in the middle of winter, just after the snow thawed.

Of course, there are a few traditions that need to be followed. The first, and most important, is that you MUST have a drink or the crops will fail. Some people like to try to grab a little bit of lucky straw off the Straw Bear, while my friends and I swear by getting a good luck kiss off the Morris dancer with the brightest face paint, and you must leave the resulting splodge of green or red on your face until the night ends.

It was all good stuff so give it a try next year if you’ve never been along! www.strawbear.org.uk

TALK OF THE TOWN

Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her big day – take a look around Burghley House on February 28 and be enchanted by its fairytale splendour. The Tudor house has played host to visiting royalty for centuries past and you could enjoy a reception fit for a king in the Great Hall. Take the chance to see the Orangery lit up by the glorious natural lighting in the south facing room and dressed ready for a magical wedding ceremony. The events team will be on hand to advise you at this wedding preview day. For more information contact Holly Cammarata on 01780 761992.

HOLD YOUR HORSES The Shire Horse Show returns to the Exec Exhibition Hall at the East of England Showground, Peterborough on March 20 - 21.This nostalgic spectacular features hundreds of Shire horses competing in a range of classes and giving demonstrations, all while dressed in their traditional finery and the two-day event will raise vital funds to secure the survival of this threatened breed. Of course, there’ll be more than just horses to look at – alongside the farriery competition, there’ll be displays of vintage tractors and farm machinery, a dog agility show packed full of cute canines, a Victorian funfair and tons of trade stands full of goodies for horses and humans alike. Tickets £13 family, £6.50 adult, £4.50 senior and £3.50 children. Box office: 0845 600 5445 or www.showground.org.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

The summer party season begins on March 12 with the Mayor’s Ball, which returns to the Town Hall this year. This sophisticated black tie affair has long been a must-do event in the diaries of the city’s gliteratti and begins with a drinks reception, followed by an elegant threecourse meal. Once the meal has settled, there’ll be silent auctions and raffles, as well as live music from Nightbird, who’ll be playing hits from the past and present. All proceeds go to the Mayor’s charities – PCVS Young Carers, Samaritans and Sue Ryder Care's Thorpe Hall Hospice. Councillor Walsh told ESP – “The ball is always a fantastic night out that gives people the opportunity to put on their finery and enjoy a memorable evening and raise money for good causes. I am especially excited about this year's ball as it is returning to the Town Hall once again. The Town Hall is a wonderful building and I feel there’s a sense of tradition about hosting the Mayor's Ball there.”

Tickets are £37.50 per person or £360 per table of ten on 01733 452319 or email mayor@peterborough.gov.uk

GET YOUR SKATES ON If you find Dancing On Ice just a bit too, how shall we put this… girly, then you might fancy watching Peterborough’s answer, The Phantoms charity ice hockey match on March 3. With a lot less sequins and a lot more aggression, local celebrities will be battling on ice while raising funds for Peterborough Sports Aid, which gives local young sports people the chance to make it professionally; Active Inspiration, which is a Peterborough charity that helps local children to go ice skating as part of their PE lessons, and a cancer charity. It’s always a good night, most of the people who take part aren’t exactly professional athletes but definitely give it their all – last year, ESP’s Pep took part and we don’t think he’s quite been the same since!

FEBRU-HAIRY! Sue Ryder Care is filling February with some hairy fundraising events! You can do something for the whole month, or even just on February 12, which is the ‘hair raising’ day! There are so many crazy ideas to choose from, or even create your own, as the more imaginative the better! You can wear a wig or a joke moustache for a day and pay £1, have some crazy hair at school, sponsor teachers to shave their heads or wax their legs or chest. You can also raffle off hair products, sponsor other pupils to dye their hair, cut your own hair and get sponsored for it, have your own ‘Jedward’ competition to see who can get their hair highest, but don’t sing! There are loads of ideas and so many more if you create your own. Remember, this is all for a good cause as Sue Ryder Care supports people living with cancer, multiple sclerosis, Motor Neuron disease and many other serious illnesses. If you would like some support with an event then call Helena Waters on 01733 330060 or email her on Helena.waters@suerydercare.org.

EASTER EGG RUN

Get your helmets out folks, as Peterborough’s Lambretta and Vespa Scooter club are bringing you their 13th annual Easter Egg Run at the Cherry Tree pub. All proud Vespa and Lambretta owners can meet at 11am in time for the custom show which will include categories such as ‘best of show’ and ‘best custom Labretta/Vespa’. The ride out will go to Manor Home and Sue Ryder Hospice, and local band The Replicas will be strumming out their tunes from 7.30 til’ late at the Fleet Centre evening do on March 27. Entry’s £5 on the door. Tel: 07759 777132.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am 11.30am Closed

4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm - 10.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm

Outlets in:

Peterborough, Sleaford, Lincoln, Mansfield

PICNIC PARTY Clear your diaries for the ultimate Abba event – Bjorn Again will be playing a picnic concert in the grounds of Burghley House on June 12. Cult favourites Bjorn Again are one of the world’s best-loved Abba tributes who’ve cheered up sodden crowds at Glastonbury and count Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones and Robert Plant amongst their fans. Abba's own Benny Andersson said that Bjorn Again are the closest thing you can get to seeing Abba while being interviewed on London’s Capital Radio. Perfect for a summer day out with your mates, get those picnic hampers packed and get ready to sing along to some of the most popular tunes of the past 50 years – insert the cheese joke of your choice here. Tickets £28.50 for adults, £15 for under 16s. Box office: 01780 752451.

Fillets in Hampton 4 Stewartby Ave, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE7 8NJ

01733 240 204

Pep Cipriano

MAN about

TOWN

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

h

BONK TWICE TO LIVE LONGER

risk of a heart attack by half by bonking at least twice a week.

Scientists didn’t however monitor how rumpy-pumpy affects women’s tickers. For women willing to

A study by the New England Research Institute in the US has revealed us guys can reduce the

experiment with me email pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk I’m (still) free most Friday nights and will clear the diary Sundays too in view of such a vital piece of research.

AS HEARD ON

Fridays 7pm-8pm

h

Proudly sponsored by:

SAVE VALENTINE’S LOVE AND LOOT AT POUND SHOP these. And they’re made by Ashley, which is quite a poshsounding name. French and Ashley denotes that you probably spent a lot of money on these chocolates.

Heavenly Paradise eau de toilette

doesn’t want you to acknowledge this, so getting a 10 will score you points, trust me. Secondly, one pair is pink (their favourite colour again) and the other is brown. It’s hard to believe I know but girls get skid marks too and there’s no better colour to camouflage than brown.

A photo frame

Guys, I know what you’re thinking…Valentine’s Day – deep joy. It’s the month of lurve and we’re supposed to remortgage the house and trim our nasal hair to express our deep and unrivalled love for her.

She doesn’t care that we’re in the middle of a recession and you can’t afford all the usual rubbish gifts and surprises to prove you love her every February 14. All she wants to do is tell her girlfiends how well you treated her and that you’re the best (delete appropriately) boyfriend / lover / ***k buddy / husband / fool, she could wish for.

But money’s tight. The weekend away in a luxury fivestar hotel complete with a room decked out in roses and champagne is out of the question. And so are all the pointless Valentine’s gifts, chocolates and lingerie sets.

Ask her for a solution and she’ll tell you that’s what credit cards are for. But you’re smarter than that.

The humble Pound Shop is the answer to your problem. It’ll provide you with enough gifts to demonstrate how much you love her and you’ll still have enough money for a beer with the boys, who’ll be amazed by the genius you showed in www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

saving your Valentine’s blushes.

Remember; it’s the thought that counts. She tells you this all the time and she also tells you that size doesn’t matter.

One thing you have to admire women for is their honesty.

With these two pearls of wisdom in mind, I purchased the following six items for a fiver:

Potted plastic pink roses (one slightly damaged in my rucksack)

Need I say more? The name says it all. And so does the box. It’s partly pink (girls like pink) and there are pictures of palm trees on it (girls seem to like them too for some reason).

A two-pack pair of knickers The genius in buying these is two fold. Firstly they’re a size 10. You know she’s a good size 14 nowadays but she

Again, note the genius in this selection. Women love photo frames more than lipgloss so already this is a good choice.

And this one’s no ordinary frame – it’s designed for two photos. This means you can give it to her with photos of the both of you in each slot. It’s even decorated with flowers – this gift doesn’t get any better.

A packet of Haribo Fruity Frutti Another clever and thoughtful choice. Women like sweets just as men like porn. But what makes this selection brilliant is that the sweets are fruit flavour.

This means she’s getting her five portions (of fruit) a day.

Better still, they’re made with

no artificial colours so there’s no chance of her creaping up to a size 16.

Something tells me I’m going to have the most memorable Valentine’s ever. God bless you Pound Shop.

MAKE LOVE TO TEDDY - RIP Those of you who’ve got a little more than a fiver to spend on Valentine’s gifts need to get yourselves a Teddy Pendergrass CD. Forget Barry White, Alex O’Neill and Luther Vandross – this guy was the original R&B sex symbol.

Teddy died of cancer last month but he leaves a legacy of music to concieve to with romantic classics such as Close The Door and Love TKO. Play these tracks and if in a few months time you find out you’re having a boy, do the right thing and name him…

Pep.

WOLFIE HITS BULLSEYE AT LONDON ROAD Take the tag off (they’re called ‘Ass Roses’ – made in China) and ignore the fact they’re not real and small because size doesn’t matter and it’s the thought that counts.

Ashley’s Continental Chocolates The description on the box reads: ‘Chocolates avec des centres selectionnes’. Girls often say French is romantic so you’re on to a winner with

Never mind the score at the last Posh game I went to (against Derby County) because the referee ruined the entire game. My highlight that afternoon instead came from meeting world champion darts player Martin Adams.

The man from Deeping was fresh from his second BDO world title win (7-5 over Dave Chisnall) which he added to the World Masters trophy he won last September. Martin was a true gent and was greeted with great applause from Posh fans as he held up his trophy before kick-off.

Big shouts to everyone behind the scenes at London Road who always make me feel so welcome. And thank you to Jules behind the bar for trying to sell me the idea of buying adult baby outfits when all I wanted was a coffee, which she thankfully served up in the end.

Martin was a guest on the Connect FM Talking Sport show the day before. Hosted by Phil Adlam and yours truly every Friday 7-8pm, the programme is a great way to get yourself or club some on air promotion. Just go to www.connectfm.com and email us with your details and we’ll be in touch.

WELCOME BALDERSTON TO MAN ABOUT TOWN Balderston BMW are my new sponsors and I have to say I’m a little excited to be associated with such a leading bike brand having caught the motorcycle bug last year.

The showroom and shop have been trading from their Lincoln Road location since the late 1950s, making it an organic part of Peterborough and plans are well under way to open a bigger branch in Hampton in the coming months. This is exciting news for all bike fans but a lot of the excitement around BMW started at the back end of last year when it launched the beautiful S 1000 RR. BMW talk about the ‘ultimate riding machine’ in their strap line, this I can’t comment on personally (although reviews suggest it is) but what I can vouch for is how beautiful this bike is in the flesh. The RR has shark-like features to tell you it means business but she remains irresistible from whatever angle you stare at her.

This bike goes head-to-head with the likes of Yamaha’s R1, Suzuki’s GSX-R 1000 and Honda’s Fireblade. But what makes it stand out from its counterparts is its power to weight ratio. With a massive 193 horsepower and an engine weighing just over 59 kilograms, the RR doesn’t hang around.

Saturday 6th March Doors open 7pm ’til LATE

14 fights of semi pro boxing, three of which are British title fights TICKETS: £20 Standing, £30 Seated, £50 VIP

CLUB METRO 7-23 London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AN

SMACKDOWN TICKET HOTLINE 07794 491078 LIMITED NUMBER SO HURRY! Further shows: 5th June, 4th September and 5th December

Being a BMW it comes with plenty of trick bits too. The unique Race ABS system makes braking safer than ever with a choice of four modes: rain, sport, race and slick. This is complemented by a Dynamic Traction Control device that adjusts the engine torque to the current level of grip you’re experiencing when riding.

All in all this is an awesome machine just waiting to be ridden. Give Balderston a call on 01733 565470 to arrange an S 1000 RR test ride (and let me know what it’s like!)

MY WORD OF THE MONTH

Pussy

Now, where do I go with this one… this word is one of the greats because it relates to several different things…

TV character: Salvatore ‘Pussy’ Bonpensiero was a fictional character in The Sopranos. Not to be confused with fellow New Jersey mobster ‘Little Pussy’ Malanga.

Weakness: A shortened form of the word ‘pusillanimous’ which is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘showing a lack of courage or determination’ or cowardly.

Cat: Used as a call-name for cats (pussycat) in both German and English.

These are the reasons why I love pussy so much.

TRANSLATION PLEASE

CIAOS OUT:

I’ve been getting a few texts recently with this in them: “Awww.” Can someone please tell me what it means and how it’s pronounced?

• • • • • •

FITNESS THAT PACKS A PUNCH • Opening hours: Mon 9am-9pm, Tue 9am9pm,Wed 11am-9pm,Thur 9am-9pm ,Fri 9am - late, Sat 9am - late, Sun 10am-3pm • Members only gym at only £25 a month or pay-as-you-go £30 a month. Call Lee for details - 07794 491078.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

“It’s a bird… it’s a plane… No, it’s someone really tall threatening to take the last bottle of vino from 5’6 Pep and 5’0 Rachael.”

Melissa - thanks for the Teddy heads-up x Louisa - glad ‘moist’ put a smile on your face!

Panino - more spag bol please x Lee @ Smackdown - make me an offer I can’t refuse…

Aimee - was it something I said?!

Karen - what happened to us meeting up…?

• Classes: - Mon - 5.30pm-6.30pm - kids classes, 6.30pm-8.30pm fighter class.

- Tues – 6.30pm-7.30pm open class, 7.30pm-9pm ladies only.

- Weds 5.30pm-6.30pm kids class, 6.30-8.30 - fighter class.

• Personal Trainer contact Vic Imbriano on 07595 167679 • Learn to box, weight loss, and all over body workout.

Phorpres Close, 10 Vision Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FZ

07794 491078

Affordable designer gowns • Ball gowns • Prom dresses • Bridal gowns • Bridesmaid dresses • Communion dresses • Cruise ship dresses

Autumn/ Winter 2009

Boheme offers a unique selection of the Vivienne Westwood range of ladies and men’s clothing. To compliment your choice there is a wide range of jewellery and accessories.

50% SALE

Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 4.30pm Monday - closed

2010 gowns now in store Swanky Rags, 35a Broadway, Peterborough *Clothing for illustration purposes only

Tel: 01733 345181

www.swankyrags.co.uk info@swankyrags.co.uk

Supplying special gowns for special occasions

spring/summer 2010 Collection arriving weekly

Drayton House, London Road, Wansford-in-England, Cambridgeshire Tel: 01780 784799 Email: info@bohemeclothing.com Web: www.bohemeclothing.com

FASHION fashion @espmag.co.uk

Burlesque B e a u t i e s

Tori Dark cerise and cream lace Elle Artistry bra £35 – Eve Lingerie, Oundle Black silk Calvin Klein kimono silk gown £90 – Eve Lingerie, Oundle Red tights with black bow detail £12.50 – John Lewis

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Tori Black and red ribbon detail negligee £32.50 – U Wear, Stamford Black lace hold ups £5.50 – John Lewis Becca Black lacy basque with red ribbon £39.50 – U Wear, Stamford Red lacy knickers £6, Ceriso at M&S

Show stopping looks are all the rage in the world of lingerie with burlesque themes running through the latest designs.

Cinch in that waist with a corset or basque and go all Dita Von Teese with a touch of Moulin Rouge during the month of love.

Bold colours like deep reds or the ever popular black teamed with girlie hot pinks, polka dots and lashings of lace are all on trend for Valentine’s.

Our Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw and Becca Evans look stunning in the latest looks and whatever your price range there’s something gorgeous out there.

Independent boutiques like Chameleon and U Wear in Stamford and Eve Lingerie in Oundle have some gorgeous sets (are you taking note boys!) and can give good advice on fit. Marks and Spencer’s new range is just in with some tantalisingly affordable undies you’d be delighted to receive at any time of year. Team them with some statement stockings like these from John Lewis and Ann Summers and you’ll look every bit the sexy starlet!

So come on girls, there’s never been a better time to vamp it up, give a wiggle and strut your stuff in the spotlight.

Becca Black and cream, pink dot ribbon bra – £18, low rise short – £8, Ceriso at M&S Cream lace hold-ups £8 – John Lewis

www.es p mag .co.u k ( Fe brua r y )

Tori Black and cream lace silk bra – £19.50 and silk knickers – £9.50, Autograph at M&S Black gown £9.50 at M&S Black Wolford hold-ups – £19.50, John Lewis

Tori Hot pink and cream Bassoni negligee £23 – U Wear Stamford Pink ribbon over the knee stockings £6 – Ann Summers Becca Purple Anais basque £189, knickers – £59 Chameleon, Stamford

Hair and make-up – Andrea Connor 07801 987905 Styling – Lauren Thompson Photos – Lydia Fahy & Andy Vernum at Studio One

ABSOLOOKLEY LOVELY LINGERIE

If you’re looking for some dreamy outfits and undies check out the Dream Girl lingerie range at Absolookley Adult this Valentine’s.

The fully licensed adult store has a fantastic range of all sorts of designs at its store over on Storeys Bar Road. The range on offer is growing all the time so if you can’t quite find what you fancy on the high street pop in, it’s just opposite the power station and has private parking.

• Over 600 R18 DVD’s in stock - Buy 2 get 3rd half price • Dream Lingerie now in stock

Now, no need to giggle, this place prides itself on taking the embarrassment factor out of shopping in an adult store and the team there have been in business for five years.

“We aim to make it fun and friendly and are happy to answer any questions,” owner Keith Chown told ESP. “If we don’t have what you’re looking for we’ll always do our best to source it.”

If you want to add a little X factor to the month of love Absolookley stocks everything you could want to spice up your love life.

Owners Keith Chown and Sadie Chan have made the store friendly, clean and bright and believe it’s the best in the area. They stock more than 600 R18 DVDs and a large range of adult books and magazines.

If you still want to spare your blushes just try the website www.absolookley.com customers are all treated confidentially and orders dispatched within 48 hours where possible. Let the fun begin!

Matt

S Zilch T A M F O R DCALLING matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

This month Liv Slater and Lara Johnson stand in for Matt while the Zilchy boy takes a break and bring you a round up of what’s hot in Stamford this month …

THAT’S ALRIGHT MAMA After only a couple of years on the scene, Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge on North Street Stamford has been named as CAMRA’s Pub Of The Year 2010. This award goes to a pub that’s received a CAMRA Gold Award in the previous year – these are given to pubs that have done something special to promote real ale and members vote for the winner. In the case of Mama Liz’s, it was in recognition of the landlords creating a bustling pub with loads of different real ales from scratch, which definitely isn’t an easy task!

Mama Liz co owner Daniel Dawson told ESP – "To have been nominated and given a Gold Award in our first year was in itself incredible, but to have gone on to win the Pub Of The Year title is fantastic, and we cannot thank CAMRA enough for this recognition of our efforts. Thank you to all who’ve supported us in every way through the year, we hope to see all the faces at our presentation night.”

Make sure you do just that when they receive the award on February 24 when there’ll be entertainment from The Countries with cowboy hats optional but advised! Plus they’ll be joined by Speakeasy Poetry, who make their Stamford debut on a small national tour with a poker game upstairs, and hot snacks.

Liv Slater

LETZ ZEP

VIVA BROADWAY

Letz Zep are talented, experienced and respected musicians who are true Led Zeppelin fans and they’re bringing their brilliant show to Stamford Corn Exchange. All four members are great musicians and produce a completely convincing recreation of Led Zeppelin in their prime. Their show comes complete with the ‘tight but loose’ raw excitement which was the trademark of a Led Zeppelin concert. They’ve played to packed houses and sold out at the prestigious Madrid Heinekin Arena and are sure to deliver a fantastic show for all you avid rock fans on February 13.

Tickets are £15, the show starts at 8pm. Box office: 01780 766455.

Coming to Stamford Corn Exchange is a show that’s celebrating the best musicals ever! Headlined by Sam Kane, who’s performed in many West End shows and former model Linda Lusardi, the show features highlights from shows we all know and love. There’ll be routines from Hairspray, The Little Mermaid, The Jersey Boys, Phantom Of The Opera, Mamma Mia and much more. There’ll also be highlights from the musical theatre career of Sam with songs from Joseph, Copacabana, Summer Holiday and Carousel. There’s something to suit everyone. Tickets are £18.50 and the show’s on February 20 at 7.30pm. Box office: 01780 766455.

Lara Johnson

Lara Johnson

Restaurant

Valentines Special

• Locally sourced food served daily • Monday – Saturday - Brunch 10am – 12am, - Lunch 12am – 3pm, - Dinner 5.30pm – 9pm • Sunday

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th 3 course meal including a complimentary glass of champagne £25pp Dinner B&B Package £60pp

- 10am – 7pm

Bar & Lounge

• Selection of fine ales (CAMRA award for excellence) • Live entertainment every Saturday night • Disco every Friday night

Food Starters from £3.50 Mains from £5.50

Sunday Roasts

£6.95 The Lounge is warm and inviting, a home from home with huge leather sofas to sink into!

Hotel • 8 luxurious, well appointed en-suite bedrooms from £70 B&B Boutique Wedding Venue, Conferences, Small to large parties welcome.

Restaurant can seat up to 65 guests and can hold 100 guests for evening reception.

16 Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8EA

Telephone: 01778 343234 E-mail: info@deepingstage.com • www.deepingstage.com

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

My sweet Valentine Whatever you do this Valentine’s Day make sure you’re not caught in the rat trap…

Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or hate it with a passion (think it’s commercialism gone mad), there’s no avoiding it – it’s EVERYWHERE. I’ve been on both sides of the coin, pro Valentine’s and… not so pro. For many years I’ve been part of the ‘smug elite’, knowing that you don’t need public displays of affection to prove that you’re loved, so if your boyfriend doesn’t surprise you with flowers at work you can use the excuse of – Smug elite – “Mr ‘X’ doesn’t believe in sending flowers to work he thinks it’s unprofessional and a bit flamboyant, after all he doesn’t need to tell everyone else he loves me, so long as I know…”

said male opened the door, with his slightly-wet hair scraped back. My friend was pleasantly surprised there was no burnt smell wafting towards her and so she walked in, flicking her freshly blowdried hair-do behind her.

Love Rat – “Hey listen, there was this thing earlier with work, which meant I couldn’t get anything cooked, you don’t mind do you? I’d take you out but everything would be fully booked by now…”

My friend/Anon (being polite) – “That’s OK as I’m not too hungry anyway.”

Unfortunate single friends: YAWN (stifled)

Love Rat – “We’re all cool then. I do have a little treat for you in there though.”

(Here we go!) He nodded towards the bedroom. “I’ll bring the wine through.”

The truth is whether you’re single or not you spend the day waiting around, hoping to be impressed by a secret, or not so secret admirer (no pressure lads!)

On the bed lay a card with her name on it and a single red rose. However it was another card, on the corner mantel, that caught her eye more…

Now I’ve spent the last couple of years pretending I wasn’t fussed about whether I were to receive a card or not but actually holding my breath for one and getting nothing apart from slight hyperventilation and dizziness. But for me, this year something is different… love is in the air.

Surely there must have been a mix up because no one else would send my friend’s husband to be (you never know, if things went well…) a Valentine’s Day card.

Nattering over a coffee recently the topic came up (of course) and my friends and I all started to exchange our past Valentine’s Day stories – some good, some bad. I thought I’d heard it all when one of my friends (Anon) told me something that shocked me to the core.

The previous year my friend was seeing a guy, who for the purpose of this story, we’ll call Love Rat (has a certain ring to it don’t you think? Love Rat and Anon, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G…) The guy (the swine), suggested that instead of going out for a meal that he cook her something delicious at his place as it would be ‘more romantic that way…’ and that he would ‘get more of a chance to treat you like the Princess you are.’ Sick bucket anyone?).

On arrival, after the time was delayed (maybe he’d burnt the food she thought),

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

The imposter’s card read like this…

My Dear Hunky Pumpkin Happy Valentine’s Day! Sorry I can’t spend the whole night with you later but you won’t be disappointed when I drop by… ;-) Lots of love C Xxxx P.S. Hope you like the rose Needless to say, my friend, Anon, left shortly afterwards never to return. She was too good for the swine anyway!

So ladies don’t be so fixated on being someone’s Valentine that you get caught in the rat trap, just embrace whichever side of the coin you find yourself on – embrace the freedom of being single or cuddle up with the man in your life.

Personally, I have a good feeling about this year though!

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

OFF

25% any hairdressing

service to new clients

Thorpe Wood Health & Racquet Club, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SB Tel:01733 344307 Email: hairxclusiveltd@btconnect.com • Website: www.hairxclusive.co.uk

RED HOT LIPS Girls, get ready to set pulses racing this Valentine’s Day with striking red lips and gorgeous glosses that won’t fail to impress.

Inika’s brand new Electric Red Organic lipstick (£15) is not only a gorgeous colour but contains 95% organic ingredients and is 100% natural.

Its creamy texture and long wearing formula is free from chemicals and animal derivatives so even the vegans amongst us can indulge in this little piece of beauty heaven. Call 0845 045 0664 for stockists.

HEALTH and beauty Look red hot with Lipcote!

The new Mega Impact Lipsticks from Avon (as seen on Reese Witherspoon) promise intense true colour with SPF 15 that look like they’ll stop any guy in his tracks!

Priced £8 on avonshop.co.uk or from you Avon rep.

Pucker up with new Love Gloss (£9.50) from the Body Shop in Queensgate. This one’s available in nine kissable shades, has a heart shaped applicator and is flavoured with passionfruit of course.

For the ultimate moisturised and kissable pout try Philosphy’s high emollient lip balm with kiwi, vitamin E and sweet almond. It’s available in natural and pink (£10) from John Lewis.

The new dreamy lip gloss collection from Benefit (£14) comes in eight gorgeous shades offering dazzling shine without stickiness and available from John Lewis or Boots in Queensgate.

Make sure your lipstick stays put on you and not on someone else’s cheek with the original transparent lipstick sealer, Lipcote (£3.49).

A simple sweep of Lipcote locks lipstick on lips and lasts for hours, even after drinking, eating and kissing!

Available at Boots, Superdrug, ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and independent pharmacies.

INTERNATIONAL FITNESS WEEK 2010 February 1 – 7 is a must have date for your diary; especially if you want to kickstart your diet after gaining a few pounds during the festivities.

International Fitness Week aims to encourage people to become more active.

The week will help people find fun, new ways of exercising that suits them and fits into their lifestyles. Exercising shouldn’t be a chore; it should be something you enjoy. Fitness First will be welcoming everyone by opening its doors during the week, helping those who are new to exercise to discover what’s best for them. Simply download a pass from the website www.internationalfitnessweek.com.

Mel B is the face of the campaign for the second year running and will be offering tips and advice on the website throughout the week. So, no more excuses, get fit now!

WASH THAT MAN RIGHT OUT OF YOUR HEAD ....and what better way to do it than with the new collection of Extract’s shampoos and conditioners available at Tesco. Pamper yourself with these luxurious shampoos which smell divine and leave your hair healthy and shiny, followed by using the conditioner to help soften. Choose from mint, coconut and camomile or even all three as at 99p they’re a real beauty bargain.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

A Formal Affair &

ear Prom W nd ke e e W n Ope 19th y a on Frid ay & Saturd ry a ru b e F 20th

Stockists of Kelsey Rose & Hilary Morgan dresses

BE MINE....

Perfect beauty gifts for this Valentine’s Day – whether you get spoilt by that someone special or simply treat yourself – these will ensure you look and feel great on February 14.

Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer covered in Valentine’s hearts, limited edition, £25 Hello Gorgeous Gift Set from Lush, £16.59 And to make the guy in your life extra kissable make sure he’s stubble free with the Real Shave Company’s gorgeous gentle range available from Boots and the Potter & Moore outlet in Werrington.

3 Wulfric Square, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8RF

Tel: 01733 260930

Opening Hours: Weds & Thurs – 2-7pm Saturday 10 – 5pm Personal appointments available

20% off

FAB FEB OFFERS AT AMICI & THE IVY ROOM

• Extensions • Manicure, Pedicure and Massage • Acrylic, Gel Powder, Crystal Powder • Pink and White, Silk wrap • Walk ins welcome

your first full set of nails

OPENING TIMES Mon – Sat: 9.30am- 6.30pm Sundays by appointment only

Still suffering from the winter blues or want to look your best for Valentine’s Day? Why not treat yourself to a ‘pick me up’ at Amici hair salon and The Ivy Room in Langtoft?

The Ivy Room is offering half price luxury manicures and pedicures on a Tuesday and Thursday where you’ll also receive a free nail file and nail varnish gift set during February only whilst stocks last.

PROFESSIONAL AMERICAN NAIL CARE

Or if you fancy having your hair done, book in at Amici for a full head of highlights during February, Monday to Friday and receive Tigi Dumb Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner for just £10 – that’s a massive saving of £9.

For the man in your life, spoil him with a BMEN Tigi gift set from only £15!

For more details or to book an appointment contact the team on 01778 346244.

29 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SQ Telephone: 01733 342733

Eden Hair Studio – keeping us on the straight and narrow

Out of control curls

INTRODUCTING THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW SEMI-PERMANENT BLOW DRY The Brazilian is blowing customers away with its great results!

Eden hair was the first salon in Peterborough to introduce this new semi-permanent straightening treatment and clients keen to be rid of their frizzy unwanted curls are seeing stunning results.

For once it’s a straightening treatment that actually leaves your hair in better condition as it seals keratin, the hair protein, directly into the hair shaft. It’s literally massaged and blow dried in, section by section and finally sealed with irons.

“Sometimes salons get stuck in a rut,” says salon owner Amanda Quinn, “but I’m keen to take on new ideas and stay ahead. It’s important to bring new advancements to Peterborough – after all, why should people have to travel to London and pay a fortune?”

One of the other great aspects of the Brazilian blow dry is what it can do for people who’ve had chemotherapy. When hair grows back after this treatment it’s often frizzy and a reminder of what they’ve been through, but getting hair back in shape through this process really boosts their confidence. Amanda offers a discount and says it’s already helped patients move on.

At Eden the Brazilian blow dry costs between £75 - £105 depending on hair length and thickness. Katie Stancer (pictured) tried it out and was delighted with her gorgeous sleek new look – “It looks so much healthier,” she told ESP, “I can’t believe it’s me! It’ll take five minutes in the morning now to get ready rather than an hour of straightening.” .

Eden

HAIR STUDIO 27a Oakleigh Drive, Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 7BG

Tel: 01733 361371 www.edenhairstudio.co.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Perfectly straight for months

Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

TV

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

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

Living in Peterborough they say ‘blue is the colour’ (maybe not for all you red ones out there). Great for you Posh supporters, but blue should definitely not be the colour if it’s on the end of your fingers and toes!

Fancy a curry? – Some of the spices used in curries are good to boost circulation (turmeric, chilli etc) also garlic – great for circulation

We’ve been in the midst of a chilly winter and for many of us keeping warm takes effort but, for some people, trying to keep those digits warm can be a struggle.

Cayenne – put a pinch into foods

Keeping our body heat takes a lot of energy that’s why we tend to feel hungrier in the winter and need more calories just to look after our basic needs. The body reduces blood flow to these extremities in order to keep us warmer inside.

Some causes of cold hands and feet may be attributed to other health problems though such as – Diabetes Reynard’s disease Arterial disease High blood pressure Low thyroid function High cholesterol… and more

Try to take warming breakfasts such as porridge in place of cereals with cold milk Raw food is definitely a thumbs up (a cold one maybe) as a boost of good nutrients but cold salads and raw foods are not always appealing and for some not generally a good idea.

However, if you’re conscious of needing your bit of raw each day then take a side of fresh raw foods but add in some fennel and maybe some herbs such as coriander leaf and parsley.

There there is the down side – Get off the fags – they will eventually play havoc with your arteries and circulation!

But for those of you only troubled in the winter with the cold body parts you can boost your own central heating by eating foods differently to how you do in the spring, summer and autumn. Yes, that does sound like the obvious but I have heard the moans from some of you who have these cold bits but still drink cold drinks, some of you with ICE! So some obvious, and not so obvious, tips could include: Water – warm it up a bit, you can add in some lemon or mint leaves to give it a bit of taste Ginger – add some to foods, or herb teas Cloves – put a couple of whole cloves in some herb teas Boost your magnesium levels – chickpeas, dark green leaf veg, sesame seeds, nuts and oats. Don’t forget dark chocolate has magnesium, in fact the dark choccie I’ve just eaten had chilli pieces in too, strange combination you might think but they worked well together!

Cut down on the high fat animal diets (add some oily fish instead) Alcohol – although the medicinal wee dram can be helpful, too much alcohol does not keep you warm!

As cold as it has been we do need our daily prescription of oxygen, staying indoors with central heating and no air will not help us get the fresh air we need. Try opening the window a little bit for a short time, or if you can get out wrap up as best you can and try a short quick walk.

Exercise is important during the winter months to get the blood flowing and the lymphatic system moving.

Of course there are supplements and herbs that are on the market to boost circulation but always take advice as some can interfere with medical drugs.

So keep warm this winter, it’s not over yet!

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

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

50 OFF %

at

Best Western Orton Hall Hotel The Village Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7DN

t: 01733 391 111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND £25 OR MORE

The ESP Reader Offer is only available with a coupon and is only valid when £25 or more is spent on food from 4th January up to and including 28th March 2010 (excluding Sunday 14th March 2010). The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more.

To receive your coupon for 50% OFF food purchases, just text us the word ‘RAMBLEWOOD’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log onto www.espmag.co.uk and click on the Ramblewood logo on the home page to print out your own voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679

Normal text rates apply

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

c

“The page that's still waiting for £250 from You've Been Framed... It's been two months since I sent in footage of a woman in a red jumper knocking the Pope over.”

breaking stand up then turn off your Michael McIntyre DVD, put down your Peter Kay book, grow a pair of cojones and come out to see it. GQ magazine described him as – 'The best comic of his generation', but Steve Gonzalez at ESP magazine is going one step further by describing him as 'The best comic of his generation...to have grown a moustache'. That's right – I'm not pussy-footing around with my platitudes. I'll come right out and say it. My regular reader(s) will know that when it comes to comedy my footing is never pussyfied.

Anyway, here are 10 good reasons to see him.

THE BEST RICHARD OF HIS GENERATION

1.

2010 is proving to be a great time to be a stand-up comedian.

They're bloomin' well everywhere at the moment aren't they? Humorous quiz shows, voiceovers in TV ads, columns in newspapers and plugging their book/DVD/tour on any TV and radio show going.

Any format you can think of has a comedian filling it.

Three cheers for being a comedian... Hip, hip...

But wait a minute; being a comedian comes at a price. It can take years off your life. It robbed us of the likes of Peter Sellers, Eric Morecambe and Tommy Cooper, but has so far spared the lives of Patrick Kielty, Jim Davidson and Joe Pasquale. Bill Hicks dies from pancreatic cancer at 32, Paddy McGuinness 'dies' from a lack of laughter at the Royal Variety Performance on ITV1.

His previous show dealt with him becoming middle-aged, and the social consequences of this milestone. The show was sympathetically called 'F*** me I'm 40!'. You can buy it on DVD on www.gofasterstripe.co.uk 2.

He's the only comedian to have written a daily online diary every day for the last seven years.

See www.richardherring.com

3.

He was part of Lee & Herring. The best double act of the 90s to have their show cancelled by BBC2. Check out clips on Youtube as the BBC will NEVER release it on DVD.

4.

He's one of those comedians who straddle the fine line between celebrity and obscurity. He's famous enough to be managed by the same talent agency as Harry Hill and Al Murray but not quite famous enough to be recognised in the street... at least not famous enough to be recognised as himself, he's often mistaken for Charley Boorman.

While Hicks has achieved the equivalent of a comedy sainthood since his untimely passing, McGuinness resurfaced after his 'death' last month to host a prime time Saturday night entertainment show. Have you seen any of it?

It's like a binge drinking version of Blind Date. Take Me Out it's called, although a more appropriate title would be Take Me Out... With A Cricket Bat To The Head.

Fortunately, this month one of my favourite comedians, Richard Herring is coming to town to perform his latest stand up show Hitler Moustache and that's what I intend to concentrate the rest of this page on. I saw it last summer in Edinburgh and it was easily the most thought provoking and interesting show I saw... oh yeah and it was properly funny too.

In February he'll be performing the show on separate nights in both Stamford and Peterborough.

I know it's early in the year – but if you care about stand up comedy and want to see someone performing a genuinely ambitious and ground www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

The idea of Hitler Moustache is to see if Herring could 'reclaim the toothbrush moustache for comedy – it was Chaplin's first, then Hitler ruined it'. Was it worth him spoiling the photographs at his parents Golden Wedding anniversary for? Herring I mean, not Hitler.

5.

He co-wrote Time Gentleman Please, the Al Murray pub landlord sitcom for Sky, and was script editor on the third series of Little Britain.

6.

Once when a drunken heckler called him a 'Fat B****d’ he replied – "I'm not fat, I'm big boned, it just happens that the biggest bone in my body is a huge curved bone in my stomach."

7.

He produces a weekly podcast with Northampton's most famous celebrity/Radio Times film reviewer Andrew Collins.

8.

In 1998 he created 'St Skeletors Day' which falls on February 15 (the day after Valentine's Day) every year as a separate celebration for all the single people who didn't get cards the day before, or for anyone who thinks February 14 has turned from a celebration of love into a celebration of fluffy handcuffs, expensive

d

flowers, chocolate body paint, gaudy greeting cards and other needless heart-shaped tat that puts pressure on people to partake in by spending their hard earned cash on.

9.

He was part of the writing team responsible for the radio show On The Hour which eventually transferred to TV as The Day Today.

10. He provided one of the best put downs of 2009 when he was a guest on Never Mind the Buzzcocks by saying to Carol Vorderman who was on the opposite team – "Did you know that in Dutch, the phrase Vorder means 'Not as good as a...'”

Anyway, hopefully that's persuaded you. If so I'll see you there.

Friday February 19 – Radius, Peterborough.

Tel: 01733 560231.

Friday February 26 – Stamford Arts Centre.

Tel: 01780 763203.

STRICTLY NO MORE DANCING JOE There are fewer sadder sights in the world of professional sport than seeing a truly great boxer come out of retirement, put his reputation on the line and then be beaten by a younger, fitter opponent.

Yes. I know it happened a couple of months ago, but the sight of Joe Calzaghe being defeated by actress Zoe Lucker in the dance-off on Strictly Come Dancing has become a permanent screen saver in my brain. Whenever I shut my eyes that's all I can see. Maybe talking about it will help it go away.

Like most boxing fans I never thought I'd live to see the day a boxer suffered a more humiliating defeat than Ricky Hatton's 2nd round knockout at the hands of Manny Pacquaio in May 2009, but less than a year later Joe Calzaghe, the longest serving British Boxing Champion of all time had LOST... in a sporting event... to Zoe Lucker! I'll repeat that so it sinks in... ZOE LUCKER – pound-for-pound the worst British actress of all time. Did you see her in Footballer's Wives and Holby Blue (the police spinoff of Holby City)? Her performances were so wooden, you could've sold them to Ikea to make furniture.

WHO KILLED ARCHIE MITCHELL My money's on Boris Johnson! Remember his cameo last summer? If you look carefully at the official press photograph of him with Peggy Mitchell taken at the time you'll notice he's got one hand on the bust of Queen Victoria which was the murder weapon used to cave Archie's head in. C'mon Walford CID what are you waiting for – his fingerprints are all over it. Haul him in.

Next month: I'll investigate why despite living in 2010 no one in Albert Square owns their own washing machine…

STAND OUT STAND UP

WHATS

Where to catch some live comedy this month…

RADIUS, NORTHMINSTER The comedy nights at Radius in Peterborough relaunch monthly from February 26 under the new name of Comedy Consultants. Jonny’s done a great job getting these nights established and plans to further develop the programme throughout the year so give him some support!

February

26

The line-up for this one includes another great mix of comedians Doors open at 7pm, acts on stage from 8pm. Call 07890 062371 for more details.

KEY THEATRE

February

Boycie & Marlene (John Challis and Sue Holderness) two of your favourite characters from Only Fools & Horses and its spin-off Green, Green Grass touch down at the Key Theatre Peterborough on February 22. Box office: 01733 207239.

22

Sean Hughes also heads to The Key Theatre with his What I Meant To Say Was… tour which stops off in Peterborough on February 5. Box office: 01733 207239.

February

20

THE CRESSET, BRETTON King of the one-liner

ON

Tim Vine, The Joke-amotive, will have you rolling in the aisles with his brand new stand-up show on February 20 at 8pm. Tickets cost £16.

The ever-popular Comedy Club is back on February 26 at 8.15pm. On the bill are Marty McLean, Kent Valentine, Paul F Taylor and Tom Price. Tickets cost £9.50 in advance or £12 on the door.

And on February February 27, Julian Clary, Lord of the Mince, is on a quest to find out if the bottom has fallen out of the homosexual meat market. Celebrating 25 years in the camp spotlight, Julian shares his fear at turning 50. Tickets cost £20 for an 8pm start. Box office: 01733 265705.

27

February

25

MAMA LIZ’S, STAMFORD

Continue into the new decade with a hearty giggle and sidesplitting guffaw by coming down to The Voodoo Stands Up at Mama Liz’s on Thursday February 25.

There’s a warm atmosphere, real ales and a friendly welcome. What a line up, John Elson and Steve Walker introduce Pauly Francis, Jane Hill, Matt Hollins and headliner Gerry Kyei – all these for a measly £7 or less if you book online in advance. Show starts at 8pm.

Opening Hours Lunchtime Tuesday – Saturday 12pm – 2pm Evening Tuesday – Saturday 5.30pm ‘til late Please book to avoid disappointment

Embankment Road, Peterborough

Tel 01733 894952 www.riva-restaurant.co.uk

Ristorante I taliano

CAUGHT IN THE ACT?

ESP HITS THE BREWERY TAP The ESP Paparazzi team dropped by The Brewery Tap to the latest Motown night hosted by Julian Roberts.

Lensman Mike Harris found the place jumping with classic soul and Motown fans enjoying the tunes in The Tap Room – the pub’s great function room behind the bar.

There’s no stopping Jules who introduces a new night at The Tap Room next month with The Jelly Roll on March 13 – it’s a mix of 50s, 60s R&B and soul with a dash of Ska. Sounds good.

We all know The Brewery Tap is the place to head for some great Thai food and fantastic Oakham Ales but if you’re not a real ale fan and prefer a bit of a cocktail there’s another new night to look out for. Cocktails are now on the bar menu with long drinks starting at £4.95 and shots from £2.95.

There are two special cocktail nights kicking off on January 29 and February 27 with live Calypso music from the Phase 5 steel band and tunes from Otis on the decks.

If you’re planning on dining out this Valentine’s Day Sunday February 14 The Tap’s on the case with a special three course meal for £14.99 per person, but you’d be wise to book on 01733 358500.

Check out this month’s live dates in the ESP Gig Guide and keep an eye on what’s hot at The Brewery Tap on www.oakhamales.com

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Proudly sponsored by

www.es p mag .co.uk ( Februar y )

CAUGHT IN THE ACT?

Proudly sponsored by

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR REX GATES! The great and the good of the city’s music fraternity turned out this month to mark the 70th birthday of one of the godfathers of Boro musicians, the one and only Rex Gates.

Rex has been playing music in the area and worldwide for well over 50 years and it was testament that so many muso's turned out in awful weather to be there. It’s fair to say The Peterborough Sports and Leisure Club in New England was packed!

Our live music columnist Andy Slater also turned out for the bash at the Peterborough Sports and Leisure Club, but this time armed with his camera to snap the likes of Colin Hodgkinson, Retrolux, Gem Watson, Lloyd Watson, Mick Davison, Murray Hockridge, Simon Russell, Nick Smith, John Mosely and Gizz Butt… to name just a few!

All star bands prevailed with line up changes by the song and the songs flowed into the wee small hours. Alongside the musicians were lots of friends that Rex and his lovely wife Romy have gained over the years which provided the perfect audience.

Great guy, great night… bring on your 80th Rex!

VIEW PAPARAZZI ONLINE Remember all our Paparazzi photos, even those that we just can’t squeeze into the mag, go up on our fantastic new website www.espmag.co.uk so you can see who’s been caught in the act of having a great time! If it was you and you’d like to savour the flavour of that night, you can buy images to keep.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Race Night A night out at the races not to be missed!

Friday 19th February 2010 £5 per ticket to include a hot buffet and race night entry. Lots of raffle prizes to be won. 7.30pm until midnight.

7 Touchbase Meeting rooms We cater for 2-60 people and you will find us very competitively priced. We give you complete control of your environment through flexible lighting, individual climate control and easily adaptable furnishings that will ensure everyone is comfortable, no matter how long the agenda.

We also cater for Weddings, Birthday and Anniversary celebrations.

Valentines Night Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal from our specially selected Valentine’s Menu, with a complimentary glass of Marquis de la Cour Rosé. For only £16.95 per person.

Enjoy your Valentine’s celebrations without worrying about the taxi home - rooms at Premier Inn Peterborough A1.

• Cosy log fire • Local fresh produce • Real ales served in top condition • Beer garden • Child friendly with play area • Fully equipped marquee with heated dance floor, bar & disco • Available for private and business parties • Can cater for up to 100 people • Menu and prices available on request Please call for further info • Function room available for private parties and special occasions Camra Gold Award Winner

Ideally located within easy reach of the A1(M). For shops and local amenities Peterborough city centre is only 5 miles away.

Local attractions include the East of England Showground, Elton Hall, Broadway and Key theatre and Peterborough Greyhound stadium.

Our Peterborough (A1(M)J16) Premier Inn has everything you'd expect, incredibly comfy beds in every room and an integrated restaurant serving a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes.

Premier Inn, Peterborough (A1(M), Jct16) Norman Cross Peterborough, PE7 3TB

01733 246000 www.premierinn.com

- Live entertainment every Friday night & meat raffle - Karaoke first Saturday in every month - Quiz Night every Sunday - 9pm start, big cash prizes, great fun & atmosphere - St Patrick’s Night folk evening on 17th March and a Traditional Irish Céilí on Saturday 20th March 2010

Help the Heroes - Beard growing competition Ed Vaughan - a local Sea King Helicopter Pilot currently on active service has challenged locals to a beard growing competition to be judged on his return - £20 to enter, judging takes place at the Red Lion on Ed's return and you can sponsor anyone for £1 minimum – it’ll run for 8 weeks (from 8th January) watch this space for further details.

Special events Meet your local Police team at The Red Lion - Monday, 8th February between 10am - 12.00 - Open Forum - free refreshments provided. This is your opportunity to find out what your local beat officer can do for you and what you can do for them.

Book now for Valentine’s Night Dinner Saturday 13th February – a rose for every lady and hand made chocolates from our chef.

• Monday – Friday – food served 12-2pm, 6-9pm • Saturday – food served 12-9pm • Sunday menu including roast 12-8pm • Early Bird menu Mon-Fri, £12 for two main courses 6pm-7pm • Sunday evening quiz – cash prizes to be won • Karaoke first Saturday of every month • Live entertainment Friday nights

48 King Street, West Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 9HP Tel: 01778 347190 www.redlionwestdeeping.co.uk / theredlionwestdeeping@hotmail.com

Traditional pub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere

CELEBS celebs @espmag.co.uk

CAT DEELEY

After her stint in the States it’s great to see gorgeous Cat Deeley return to our shores and our TV screens. Now hosting So You Think You Can Dance she’s certainly ‘the Cat who got the cream’ and is loving every minute of it!

"The fact that I've now come home to present So You Think You Can Dance in the UK is about as good as it gets," says Cat. The sexy hostess with the mostess is fronting the BBC One talent show after presenting her fifth season of the hugely-successful series in the US. Cat’s come home to present the award-winning format for the first time in Britain with Nigel Lythgoe.

Nigel says – "When we made the decision to bring Cat on to the US version of So You Think You Can Dance, I knew she would win over our audiences because she’s so beautiful and yet identifiable.

"She continues to charm the fans because her affection and concern for our dancers is so genuine and sincere; she possesses a rare quality of charm and vulnerability that’s sexy and smart. I have no doubt UK audiences will feel the same."

Originally known as the host of SMTV: live, doubleBAFTA award-winning Cat has since carved out an enviable transatlantic career including being Jay Leno's first regular entertainment correspondent on the Tonight Show and subsequently performing the same role for Good Morning America.

Talk about cats having nine lives – this Cat’s carved out several lifetimes of success with a sparkling career to date and it’s fantastic to have her back on the box in the UK. The former model had certainly made her mark here before she headed off to break America. Her work on UK primetime shows included Stars In Their Eyes; CD:UK Live, SMTV: Live, Comic Relief Does Fame Academy, the V Festival (2004, 2005); The Brits; Record Of The Year plus other specials like When Cat Met

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

U2, for ITV. Phew!

During her time hosting numerous shows for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and MTV UK, Cat's many interviews include Madonna, Mariah Carey, U2, Prince, Marilyn Manson, Elton John, Joss Stone, Tom Jones and 50 Cent.

More recently, along with her work on So You Think You Can Dance, Cat has guest hosted Who Wants To Be A Millionaire in the US and completed the series Soundtrack To My Life and Peter Kay's Britain's Got The Pop Factor...

Now along with Nigel Lythgoe and Arlene Phillips, a rotating third panellist completes the line-up each week on the show to find Britain's favourite dancer while Cat keeps the proceedings moving along.

Cat says – "So You Think You Can Dance has been a phenomenon in the US and I’ve been incredibly proud to be a part of it.

"I couldn’t wait to bring this show to the UK as I knew the audiences would be as wild about it as they are in the States.”

Fourteen talented dancers started out on the journey to stardom and during the last few weeks they’ve been pushed out of their comfort zones and ultimately off the show! As things hot up towards the final one dancer stands to receive a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hollywood where they’ll get to perform live on the US version of the show, plus £100,000. Not bad eh? It’s making these dreams come true that Cat particularly enjoys.

"Part of the appeal has always been discovering new talent and giving gifted dancers a platform to show off their extraordinary skills,” says Cat, “being on that journey with them makes this the best job in the world.”

FOOD REVIEW

The Packhorse

4 Lincoln Road Northborough Tel: 01733 252300

When we’re losing so many local pubs it’s great to see enterprising people returning some village pubs back to their rightful place as the hub of the community.

Perhaps the days of the village local will never quite be the same but by turning The Packhorse at Northborough into not only a cosy pub but also a great restaurant that’s worth travelling to; Neil Skinner looks like he has a winning formula.

Owner and head chef Neil has been in the industry 20 years and it shows. Judges was his first restaurant and he’s now put his individual stamp on The Packhorse offering traditional English, home cooked food that’s locally sourced. It’s surprising to find such tasty beautifully presented dishes at a country pub.

“We offer high quality restaurant style food in a relaxed environment,” manager Chris Morris told ESP. “We’re on first

The restaurant has a rustic country feel and there’s a more private room at the back ideal for private parties. We dropped by to try the lunchtime menu and were thoroughly impressed with the succulent home made burgers and the hand cut chips were to die for. Filling and flavoursome they were more than enough but we just had to try a sneaky dessert. The crème brulee looked too tempting and was so beautifully presented it wouldn’t have looked out of place in a posh city restaurant. It didn’t disappoint!

FOOD

Review

name terms with many customers and have really placed ourselves at the heart of the community.”

food @espmag.co.uk

Main meals range from around £7.50 to £11, with steaks at around £14. Sunday lunches are served from 12pm – 6pm with a choice of roast beef and one other roast, plus ten alternative dishes if you fancy a change.

Enterprising as ever the guys have had a new pizza oven installed and now offer a take away service so you can enjoy fabulous fresh pizza from £5.95.

They’ve not stopped there though, they’ve also launched their own wine company Ruby Wines so you can enjoy a bottle of wine with your meal and take one away or order by the case.

It’s worth taking a look at the website for regular updates and vouchers you can print off. We’ll most definitely be returning some time soon! www.the-pack-horse.co.uk

COMPETITION

WIN SUNDAY LUNCH FOR SIX MONTHS! You could win a superb treat for you and your family, a three course Sunday lunch with a bottle of house wine for four people at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West hotel once a month for six months!

The hotel in Thorpe Wood is holding its Sunday lunches every Sunday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm in its restaurant where guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing Sunday meal whilst being entertained by a live pianist.

Lunch starts from as little as £7.95 for adults with under 12s half price and children under five eat free. Traditional family favourites are complemented by the very best of British Sunday lunches, cooked to perfection by its top restaurant chefs.

The hotel’s offering some fantastic offers on its lunches including three courses for just £5* at the first Sunday lunch event on February 7, 25% off your second Sunday lunch visit within three months

and a loyalty scheme offering a free bottle of wine on your fourth Sunday lunch visit.

The restaurant’s also making the most of the Valentine’s weekend with a glass of Champagne on arrival and a four course meal for just £24.95 per person on Saturday February 13**. Making the evening even more special, diners on the night will be entered into a free draw to win an 18ct white gold necklace from Sym Jewellery worth over £700.

To reserve your table or for more info, just call the Holiday Inn Peterborough West on 0871 9429186 or visit the website at www.qmh-hotels.com So, to be in with a chance of winning this superb prize, simply text or email us the word LUNCH along with your name, address and telephone number by 28/02/10 and it could be you we pick from the hat.

Terms and Conditions.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK Standard charges apply

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Prize refers to a three course meal with a bottle of house wine on six occasions over six consecutive months and is non refundable or redeemable for cash. Winners must be able to claim their prize one Sunday in every month for six months from Sunday February 7, 2010 subject to availability and excluding bank holidays. Any missed months cannot be added at the end. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Additional drinks will be charged accordingly. *£5 for the first 85 covers. ** Overnight package including four course meal with glass of champagne and overnight stay with breakfast for two people for £99.

special Valentine’s menu Sunday 14th February - treat your loved one

The Golden Pheasant Ultimate Valentines night Evening full of entertainment. Great atmosphere.

Night Games Band- Hot Buffet included £15 pp – Party booking available book now to avoid disappointment. Book party for 10 get 1 free

Romantic Valentines Dinner for 2 in our Restaurants Intimate setting, live music, special Valentines menu.

Book early to avoid disappointment • Food served daily noon – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm, Sundays 12noon ‘til 6pm • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Pit-stop for Green Wheel cycle route • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area

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

Main Road, Etton, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 252387 www.thegoldenpheasant.net

Victoria Pine Furniture Ltd 27 Victoria Street, Kettering, Northants NN16 0BU Tel: 01536 516203 Open Mon-Sat 9-5.30

e t i s b e w Necw oming soon • Handmade furniture to your exact requirements: TV units, cupboards, bookcases, fireplace surrounds.

• Contemporary and traditional solid oak, pine, painted furniture for dining rooms and bedrooms.

• Excellent prices

• Handcrafted kitchens, offices, bedrooms.

• Quality is affordable – see for yourself!

Lunch 12-2.30pm mon-sat 12-3.30pm sun (Buffet) Dinner 5.30-11.00pm Fri & sat 5.30-10.30pm sun-Thurs

• New ownership and displays Approved by major insurance companies as a retail partner for replacement furniture

“Let us make your home special”

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP

It’s great to see one of Peterborough’s best known landmarks and one of the first things visitors see when they arrive in the city, fully restored and back on the map. seasonal produce and made on site by our fabulous chefs,” explains Jane.

“We’re aiming for fine dining without being too pompous and we’re aiming for a rosette award this year.”

A set lunch menu is £13.95 with options including chicken liver parfait or butternut squash ravioli to start followed by dishes such as lamb shank with creamy mash or a filo basket filled with creamy wild mushrooms and leeks and the likes of honey roasted figs with ice cream for dessert.

The future of the Great Northern hotel has hung in the balance several times but it’s now under new ownership and fully refurbished, retaining its old style elegance with a modern twist. The new team are keen to put their stamp on the place and take it back to the glory days.

Even the Jazz Club will be returning to its spiritual home at the hotel on February 11 which has to be a good sign!

We dropped by to see just what the venue has to offer and marketing and banqueting manger Jane Mayhew is clearly proud of the progress they’ve made in just a few months.

“We’ve already had repeat business and are starting to see some regular faces which is fantastic considering we only reopened in September,” said Jane. People are already realising that they’ll be well looked after with us.”

The hotel’s unique location directly opposite the railway station has always given it a special charm and Jane says this is one of the highlights of her job.

“It’s wonderful to see the reunions and people meeting up here before or after their journeys – it really adds a certain magic to working here. We hope that people will use the bar to meet up prior to catching the train – we offer great bar food, real ales and you can even catch up with your telly programmes on our flat screen TV while you wait.”

The Carriages restaurant has been redecorated and is bright and airy with its signature chandeliers adding an elegant touch. Jane says Carriages offers traditional British food, good quality but without being too fussy.

“All our food is locally sourced

The A la Carte menu includes a variety of meat and fish dishes such as sea bass, a bourbon glazed confit pork belly, roasted rump of lamb and basil gnocchi for vegetarians. Desserts include tempting Baileys crème brulée warm pecan pie with Amaretto cream and favourites such as sticky toffee pudding.

The wine list is evolving with a local wine specialist being brought in to develop it further and of course the events and functions are falling into place with lots planned for the future. The ballroom looks gorgeous when it’s fully laid out for special events with striking table designs to suit every occasion.

Of course if you know someone who needs to stay over, the hotel rooms have also had a full make over. The bridal suite is extra special but we particularly like the rooms with the free standing, old style baths. Now where’s the Radox…

GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL Station Approach, Peterborough.

Tel: 01733 552595 www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

13th Century pub, 21st Century Food • Our food encompasses all that is seasonal, and where possible local and organic.

‘A dining experience with a difference’

• Check website for latest offers Valentine’s Day Menu h

• Lunchtime Tuesday to Friday – 12pm to 2pm (2 course option)

h

• Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm 3 courses includes coffee & mints £25.95

Sat 13th Feb - 7 courses £30 per head

• 3 course Sunday lunch, includes coffee + mints £19.50 Bookings essential

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

4 Lincoln Road, Northborough PE6 9BL 01733 252300 www.the-pack-horse.co.uk

Wednesday 10th February

Curry Night – all you can eat for only £10

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February

Special Valentine’s menu at lunch time and evenings on both days – live music in the evenings

Sunday 14th March

Mothering Sunday lunch special menu, present for all mothers

Wednesday 17th March

St. Patrick’s night – Irish supper with live Irish band James V Joyce, a great night with lots of fun.

Don’t forget to pop along to see our country shop.

THE KINGS HEAD, APETHORPE. TEL: 01780 470627

I feel good!

A girl’s gotta look good for all her special appearances and as our local celebrity Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw is keeping herself in shape.

Membership at Bretton health club Feel Good Fitness was just one of her fabulous prizes and this friendly gym is just celebrating its first anniversary.

The good thing for girls like Tori is that there’s a ladies only suite upstairs as well as a spinning studio and the main gym. Tori had great fun trying out all the machines (with a little help from the gym team!) and was impressed with the easy going atmosphere.

Despite the gym being just a year old manager Matt Walker says they’ve already invested in new equipment – “We may be a smaller independent gym but we still have enough to compete with the big boys. We have the full range of equipment and have brought in a new power plate amongst other machines. We have a great a variety – in fact probably more than some of the larger clubs”

offer a variety of pay monthly memberships and don’t hold you to long term contracts. Throughout February you can even join for as little as £2.99 a week.

We all know what’s it like trying to get motivated and how often have we joined a gym, paid a year’s membership, gone for a month or two and then lost interest or changed shifts and just don’t get to go?

Sound familiar? The guys at Feel Good Fitness have cottoned onto this and know life just gets the better of you sometimes so they

The gym has personal trainers available and even that perk, usually a favourite of celebs, is easily affordable – team up with a mate and you can train together for just £15 each!

Matt says the team are a knowledgeable bunch at Feel Good Fitness and are specialists in a range of different fields to help you achieve your goals. They can team your fitness support with nutritional advice too and also offer a 30 minute blitz sessions to help you achieve faster results.

It was all too much for Tori!

Feel Good Fitness Mallard Road, Bretton

Tel: 01733 261641 www.feelgoodfitness.net

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

I TAUGHT THE LAW AND THE LAW WON There’s a new kind of desk job for police officers and community support officers who are swapping the beat for the classroom, and the partnership is getting an A+ in its results.

The Safer Schools Project has seen Police Community Support Officers permanently based in eight schools across Peterborough engaging with young people on their turf, and both the officers and the students are seeing real progress.

School life has changed with kids not just fretting about spots, sex and exam results but sometimes having to deal with cyber bullying, mates trying drugs or the fear of knife crime. Where a uniform to many young people used to spell hassle, a telling off or worse – an arrest, it now means someone to turn to for help and support.

The beat for PCSO Jacqui Reid is the corridors and playground at St John Fisher school in Peterborough. Jacqui’s been based there around 18 months and whereas the older kids in particular were initially anti-uniform they now actively seek her out for help.

“It’s all about early intervention and prevention,” says Jacqui. “We can identify kids who are likely to be victims of bullying or to become offenders and take action before things go too far. We can give mentoring sessions and we’re impartial.

“If we invest in them now they won’t crop up in the criminal justice system later. Forty percent of young people arrested aren’t attending school so getting to the bottom of that, working with them

and their parents makes a huge difference. It’s quite an emotional job really – there’s always a story.”

down the wrong route but Jacqui’s really helped them. She knows everyone by name and takes a real interest.”

Jacqui gives talks once a fortnight on topics like knife crime and drugs and encourages pupils to resolve issues through restorative justice. This method gets students together to reach an agreement by talking and resolving issues. This stops other peer groups getting involved and situations escalating.

Fellow sixth former Joe Hostad adds – “It certainly makes me feel more confident that there’s someone there to talk to if I need to.”

Sixth former Jordan Kerr-Gray admits he’s had his problems but Jacqui’s presence has been a real help – “Sitting down and talking really helped defuse issues I had with another student. Rather than laying down the law Jacqui asked my opinion. I think just having a uniform around means you’re less likely to kick off.”

New Youth Panels also give students the chance to get together and tell the police and the council about their issues. Simple solutions often arise such as engaging a group of girls who used to hang around the school at the end of the day by forming an all girl football team to keep them occupied.

Student Shaunagh McClean – “The Youth Forum’s been a great way to get our views across. I’ve also seen a few people who could easily have gone

Sgt Susie Tinsley overseas the Safer Schools Partnership and says the support of the school has been fantastic and working together they’re really making a difference.

“It’s not about schools not being safe anymore, it’s about providing that bridge between young people and the community and tackling problems at the start, combating problems like anti-social behaviour in a more effective way.

It breaks down barriers and links young people into the wider community.

“Schools can’t handle issues that arise out of hours or during the school holidays but we can.

Each school has different issues and we share best practice. It’s hoped we can have a presence in every school in future.”

0345 456 456 4 www.cambs.police.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

If you don’t like this many blokes around your girl…

…TAKE RESPONSIBILITY WHEN DRIVING FOR MY GIRLFRIEND YOU’RE DRIVING – TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

www.fmg.org.uk

TM

Profile Name:

Martin Boome

For fire safety advice call FREE on

0800 328 9208 and quote code ESP

Job: Station manager/Fire Investigator Based at: Do gsthorpe/ Baya rd Place Years in se rvice: 28 Best part of the job: “Hel and working w ping to keep th ith this team. I e have superb co community safe professional.” lleagues who are incredibly Worst part: “S they could be eeing fire-fighter’s time was out saving lives ted by mindles s actions whe .” n

FIRESTARTERS SENDING YOUR DOSH UP IN SMOKE It’s a bit of a shock to hear that 50% of all arson attacks in Cambridgeshire currently happen in Peterborough.

Even more of a shock is that we’re all indirectly copping for the cost and we may as well take a match to our tenners! The government reckons every burnt out vehicle costs us around £4,830, every house fire around £19,690 even rubbish or a wheelie bin set alight sets us back £1,650.

This month a new Arson Investigation Unit launches in Peterborough. Based at Bayard Place in the city centre it’ll bring together fire investigator Martin Boome and a police detective as part of a specialist team within the Safer Peterborough Partnership, purely focussing on arson attacks. It follows in the footsteps of the Arson Task Force which has seen the police and fire service working together to tackle this crime more effectively since 2004.

“My primary role is to establish whether a fire’s accidental or deliberate and I’ll work with crime scene investigators to obtain evidence,” explains Martin.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

“This new unit will look deeper; we’ll build up a profile of the victims and the offenders, run covert camera surveillance in targeted areas and examine data on where fires are happening.

“The main aim is to improve detection and conviction rates, but also to develop an improved profile of arson offenders within the city. We’ll have access to modern technology, which will be used extensively to identify and convict offenders.”

Over the last few years arson has been a priority for the fire service and police who’ve made a real impact on the problem, but this new unit sees another significant step forward.

One of its roles will be in education, part of which will be new courses for young people in the area, hammering home the message that what may start out as a bit of larking about can soon turn nasty and escalate.

“The sad thing is that while fire fighters are dealing with arson attacks such as rubbish fires and

wheelie bins they’re slower to get to real emergencies,” says Martin. “Sometimes what starts off as a small bin fire escalates and puts people’s lives at risk such as the house at Pilsgate where a mum and her baby became trapped.”

Arson not only costs us as householders, businesses, schools and society in general, but also puts a real pinch on the police and fire service sending their costs through the roof when budgets are always tight.

Team working and the partnership approach is definitely paying off. The good news is that conviction and detection rates are on the up while long-term trends show arson is decreasing across the county generally. Now the Arson Investigation Unit is on the case we should see the figures in Peterborough dropping too.

For information about how to prevent becoming a victim of arson log on to www.cambsfire.gov.uk.

Feeling boxed in and fancy a little walk on the wild side?

Why not go all Ray Mears and get out in the country and pick up a few skills. Come on – give in to that primal urge to learn how to make fire without a box of Swan Vesta!

OK so when we say the words ‘bushcraft’ and ‘wilderness’ we can feel your toes curl at the thought of safari shirts and shorts… but then again you’ve probably watched Bear Grylls on TV and half wished you weren’t search an urban softy!

Local company Fragile Earth has been offering bushcraft and wilderness living experiences in the Peterborough area since 2008.

Now you may be wondering where the wilderness is in this area, other than Whittlesey washes, but believe us there’s plenty of countryside to explore and these guys know where it’s at.

Company owner Andrew Shaw has spent all his working life in the outdoors using the skills he teaches. He believes that every person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of their learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

“People that take part in our courses find them really stimulating events,” he told ESP. “We cover a number of hands-on skills that really build confidence, teach life skills and nature awareness activities that stimulate the imagination and improve knowledge of the countryside.”

They run a range of experiences to suit everyone from individuals to families, companies to youth groups. It’s also great for private events, woodland adventure parties and they offer special courses for all girl groups so you don’t have to worry about lads larking about putting spiders in your tent!

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

If you’re one of those people fed up with being stuck in an office or think kids spend too much time on computer games rather than building dens and playing outside, this sounds great for a family activity with a difference. Andy and his team teach things like tracking, finding medicinal plants and food, shelter building and survival techniques. What kid, big or small, wouldn’t get excited about getting back to nature and living wild for a while?

“The courses are designed to promote self responsibility and a responsibility for the environment, within a woodland setting,” explains Andy.

“We’re not about playing primitive or a military style boot camp. We give people the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and gain a new perspective on the natural environment in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.”

The courses run throughout the year and they’re also raising funds throughout 2010 for East Anglian Air Ambulance. If you fancy a wild experience like no other get yourself up off that sofa, break out from behind the desk and give Andy at Fragile Earth a ring on 07817 679174 – mention ESP and you’ll get 20% off! www.fragilearth.co.uk

Live Music FEBRUARY Fri 5th The Les Woods Band Sat 6th Chelle Dean Fri 12th The Lloyd Watson Band Sat 13th The Electric Warriors Fri 19th Circa 73 Sat 20th Porky Pig Fri 26th The Back Street Blues Band Sat 27th Retrolux MARCH Fri 5th 101 Proof Sat 6th Dr. A’s Blues Band

The Ostrich Inn 17 North St, Peterborough 01733 752255

• Every Wednesday Quiz - £1 per person - £100 Jackpot -8.30pm • Selection of real ales • Food served from 12-3pm • Beer garden • Bar Billiards • Mighty Mouth Karaoke with Trev every Sunday 8.30pm

Live Music February 6th The Intruders 13th Park Lane 20th Iridium 27th Phoenix March 6th Grumpy Old Men

Also

• A selection of fine real ales • Darts, dominoes, crib, snooker and pool also available • Function room available for party hire (not Saturdays)

Members Club New members welcome

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

Admission £2 – members free

Food Food available daily all non members welcome

Ebeneezers, Grove Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 567352

• Tipi & bell tent hire • 20% discount if you mention ESP • Gift vouchers now available

Contact Andrew on: Tel: 07817679174 / e-mail: fragilearth@googlemail.com / www.fragilearth.co.uk

East Anglia’s Premier Bushcraft & Wilderness Living Experiences

Preview

For th e la game test movie ,D review s from VD and www.e ESP, v spma isit: g.co.u k/revie ws

Released: February 12 Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins

gavin.miller @espmag.co.uk

Jurassic Park III director – and the man reportedly overseeing a new trilogy based on the dinosaur franchise – Joe Johnston helms Benicio Del Toro (Traffic) as mysterious nobleman Lawrence Talbot is lured back to his Victorian estate by his lost brother’s fiancée (played by Brit starlet Emily ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Blunt).

If being reunited with his estranged father (Anthony Hopkins) wasn’t harrowing enough, Talbot has to hunt down a vicious creature slaughtering villagers to overturn an ancient werewolf curse engulfing locals, before it’s too late.

But is it already too late for Talbot?

We’ll see when this is released just in time for a truly romantic Valentine’s movie...

ALSO OUT:

THE LOVELY BONES

TOY STORY 2 IN 3-D

THE CRAZIES

(Tom Hanks, Tim Allen) Out now.

(Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell) Released: Feb 26.

INVICTUS

LEAP YEAR

(Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman) Released: Feb 5.

(Amy Adams, Matthew Goode) Released: Feb 26.

EDGE OF DARKNESS

THE PRINCESS & THE FROG

Released: January 29

Released: February 5

After several years out of the acting limelight Mel Gibson returns as a detective in this suspenseful thriller directed

by Casino Royale’s Martin Campbell, investigating the death of his daughter which unravels corporate cover-ups and government collusion.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Director: Joe Johnston

There are high hopes for this much-delayed remake of the 1941 classic – which boasts Oscar winners in the leading roles.

MOVIE

SCREENSCENE

ONL REVI INE EWS

Disney goes back to its 2D roots for its first major cinematic release in the format since 2004’s The Home On The Range, in this modern day retelling of the classic The Frog Prince story which promises a captivating Cajun comedy adventure set in New Orleans.

(Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz) Released: Feb 19.

PERCY JACKSON & THE LIGHTNING THIEF Released: February 12 Harry Potter director Chris Columbus directs the first big-budget blockbuster of the year starring Uma Thurman and Pierce Brosnan. The son of Poseidon travels to Earth to prevent a battle of the Gods in the first of Rick Riordan’s best-selling series.

VALENTINE’S DAY Released: February 12 A terrific ensemble cast from Hollywood A-listers like Julia Roberts and Jamie Foxx to newcomers such as The Hangover’s Bradley Cooper and the Twilight saga’s Taylor Lautner, partake in this intertwining rom-com from Pretty Woman helmer Garry Marshall.

EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES Released: February 26 Harrison Ford continues his steady return to regular movie roles, this time starring as a doctor trying to find a cure for the children of Brendan Fraser (The Mummy) and Keri Russell (Waitress), who have a rare genetic disorder in this heartmoving drama.

Release dates correct at the time of going to press

Game On BAYONETTA

DARKSIDERS

(X360/PS3) Out now

(PS3/X360) Out now

The year kicks off with a bang – with one of the best games of 2010 already out.

Hot on Bayonetta’s guntoting heels is another extremely impressive New Year entry.

Sega’s highly-anticipated third-person actioner is an astonishing piece of work from the makers of the overrated (in my opinion) Devil May Cry – from top-notch presentation and mouthwatering graphics, to varied over-the-top playability and huge boss battles.

With joyously crisp graphics, equalled by in-depth gameplay, this part-Zelda, part God Of War-esque effort is full of notable invention.

ARMY OF TWO: 40TH DAY (X360/PS3/PSP) Out now

Completing a trio of terrific New Year openers is this highly improved sequel.

The first entry may have got lost in the deluge of first-person shooters, but this improves on it in almost every way – with adrenaline-pumping action, greatly expanded co-op and some intriguing moral dilemmas.

The cut-scenes – which are effortlessly blended into the action – are a joy to watch, and despite a few camera niggles, kick-ass Bayonetta is simply bewitching.

It ultimately doesn’t offer anything highly original, but it does everything so breathtakingly well – with a generous 15-20 hour playtime – from fighting, platforming and puzzling, that you’ll soon be turned to the dark side.

#####

####

VANCOUVER 2010

FABLE II: GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION

ALIEN BREED EVOLUTION

(X360) Out now

One of the biggest new games to be unleashed on both Xbox Live and Playstation Network is this blast from the past.

(PS3/X360/PC) Out now Bar curling, we’re pretty rubbish at it – but if you’re a fan this is the package for you.

This nicely presented Winter Olympics offering is the more mature equivalent to Mario and Sonic, with events including snowboarding and downhill to my personal faves, bobsleigh and ski jumping.

Despite not strictly being a new game, this recently released special edition deserves a special mention.

It’s still not genre-defining, but with disaster at almost every turn this has the essential ingredient of fun to make it stand out from the crowd. ####

(X360/PS3/PC) Out now

This twenty year-old game from infamous old school developers – and Worms creators – Team 17 has been given the next-gen high-def reboot, but an Evolution it is not.

This nostalgic throwback unashamedly takes its roots from James Cameron’s Aliens – making it worth a look – but its linear approach does get very samey, very quickly.

###

####

###

Review

Unfortunately, despite sporadic enjoyment, it does have a distinct lack of heart and spirit that leaves this straightforward game primarily for enthusiasts.

Destined to be on the Xbox Classics 2010 slate, this package – with Knothole Island and See The Future expansions – proves to be an ideal substitute for those suffering from Fallout 3 withdrawal (like myself), as you aim to become fantasy world Albion’s greatest hero.

With up to thirty hours playtime, never has moral consequences been so much fun.

ALSO OUT: SURROGATES (Bruce Willis, Rosamund Pike) Released: Feb 1.

THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE (Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams) Released: Feb 8.

UP Released: February 15 (also on Blu-ray) JUST when you thought they couldn’t take the genre any further – Disney/Pixar literally takes it into orbit.

The winning combination continue to be the masters of their computer-animated domain by

producing another intelligent original tale – that isn’t just a joy to look at, but heartwarming to match.

It’s not quite as brilliant as some critics would have you believe – it’s a tad disjointed in places – but Up still rises high above all nonPixar animations.

THE UGLY TRUTH (Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler) Released: Feb 8.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT (Michael Jackson) Released: Feb 22.

#### www.es p mag .co.u k ( Fe brua r y )

LIVE MUSIC

Liv Slater has the latest news from the local live music scene… play at the launch party is like getting Led Zeppelin to open a metal night – expect big things when this night returns in April.

Having spawned hundreds of imitators, the kings of psychobilly got down to business straight away, blasting out fast and frantic tracks that were lent a melody by the surf rock guitars and an easily danceable rhythm by the rockabilly stand up bass.

LIMESHARK GO INTERNATIONAL Featured alongside the greats of the Prog rock scene, local rock band Limeshark are taking the first steps to stardom with their appearance on a CD that comes with this month’s issue of Classic Rock presents Prog. Amongst a host of other well-known acts, Limeshark’s track Not Quite Nashville makes an appearance, as well as them getting a write up in the review. The magazine is shipped out across the globe, and while it’s nowhere near as cool as them getting a write-up in ESP, it’ll definitely help them get the attention of a wider audience!

Describing their sound as ‘combining the ethereal effects of Rush with the powerful, ballsy rock of Muse’, they’re perfectly suited to playing stadiums across the world.

They’re back in the local area in April, watch the Gig Guide for exact details – just don’t miss your chance to catch them before they get HUGE. www.limeshark.com

PURE PSYCHO The Worldwide Wrecking Crew came to Club Revolution last month in support of legendary Psychobilly band The Meteors – arguably the first horror-obsessed band to combine the riffs from 50s rock ’n ’roll, the fury of 70s punk and the simple joy of getting drunk. The Meteors have been playing for nearly 30 years now and have gathered thousands of fans across the globe, as well as releasing over 40 albums.

The gig was also the launch of a new rockabilly and retro night called Shakers at Club Revolution and having The Meteors

As a woman standing behind me in the crowd pointed out – “Psychobilly isn’t just music, it’s a way of life!” and Meteors fans, or the Worldwide Wrecking Crew, definitely look and act like one big gang. It can be a little bit intimidating at first, but then you realise that the tough-guy poses are simply poses and that everyone’s here to get wrecked and dance!

COUNTRY REBELS Nigel Lavender and Nick Thorpe of Highway Somewhere are adding another string to their bow and will be performing as a country and blues influenced acoustic duo, East Coast. Steering away from anything Billy Ray Cyrus-esque, they’ll be playing less populist, more powerful covers as well as some originals inspired by the true outsider spirit of blues and country. Catch their debut show at The Cellar Bar on February 29 (Entry £2) or see them at The Grape Vine, Queen Street on March 20.

www.thepark4music.com www.kingsofpsychobilly.com

BRINGING THE MOSH TO THE WASH

LIVE/WIRE The best AC/DC tribute show is coming to the Corn Exchange in Bourne on February 6.

Unique six man tribute band Live/Wire are back with their ‘rising power’ tour 2010, and are even bigger, better and louder than before! They’ll be coming complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls and over two hours of some high voltage rock ‘n’ roll. The band will most likely be strumming out the classics such as Whole Lotta Rosie, Highway to Hell, Thunderstruck and Back in Black in their fantastic show. They’ll even be throwing in a few surprises for those hardcore fans! Tickets are £10, £12 on the door and £5 for under 16s. The show starts at 8pm. For info call 07828 032241.

Like your music fast, loud and heavy? Check out local hardcore heroes Hex and you’ll get beastly riffs and brutal beatdowns – if you’re not quite sure what the latter means, go along and be pleasantly surprised. Fresh from a show at Cambridge’s famous Man on the Moon, they’re off to Nottingham to play with Galleons on February 6, but return to Peterborough’s Club Revolution on February 18 with The Plight.

What makes the hardcore punk scene stand out is the atmosphere of camaraderie between the fans and bands – Hex share a drummer with another local band, Virtues.

Head to Club Revolution on February 5 to catch them both in action alongside Spalding’s Throats, a band who’ve been playing for years and have perfected the art of getting the crowd moving. So how will Karl Pickles, drummer of both Hex and Virtues cope with playing two sets in one night? ESP asked him and he said – “I’ve done it a few times, I guess I’ve just got some mad stamina!” www.myspace.com/hexhc www.myspace.com/virtuesuk

SPOTLIGHT ON…

FALLEN ANGELS Hailing from Stamford, the intergenerational band Fallen Angels have quite a back story – lead guitarist Eddy Alabaster met bass guitarist Olly Hibble at Stamford School over 20 years ago and they played in The Exiles, but as time went on both ended up leaving Stamford.

After staying in touch, they met up again at Stamford Riverside Festival and decided that they make better music than most of the acts they saw on stage! Joined by drummer Jake Lyons, who’s just 17, they take inspiration from classic bands such as Cream, Grateful Dead and Deep Purple, combine it with the soulful tenderness of classic Motown as well as the brooding mystery of Hawkwind, while Jake’s presence lends the band a modern, edgy rhythm.

Catch them live at The Bull and Swan, Stamford on February 13 or visit www.spanglefish.com/fallenangel www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Andy Slater’s

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

This month Andy chews the fat with one of the city’s most enduring bands, Porky Pig… The band’s set list reads like an all time classic rock Top 40 covering bands such as Black Sabbath, Free, Cream, Bowie, Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, The Sex Pistols and The Osmonds… what??? Back off now readers… Crazy Horses is an amazing track!

The other thing that’s quite scary is when you realise that they’ve been around for 19 years you ponder the amount of gigs they’ve done. For a start they’ve played over 100 times at The Golden Fleece in Stamford… and when they added it up Paul and Mark are in agreement “Over a thousand gigs… nearly 1,200…” That’s an amazing feat for a bunch of guys who all have jobs and the music is part time.

There are also the live venues they’ve played, every one you can think of over the years. The Norfolk, The Six Bells, The Rat and Carrot, The Exeter Arms Helpston, The Hospital Club, The Cock inn… hang on….aren’t many of those closed now? Is there a title in there for their new up and coming, first ever studio album ‘The Pub Shutters’ maybe… seriously though there isn’t a venue they haven’t played.

If you’re of a certain age and have been watching live music around the area the chances are you will have seen Porky Pig more than you would care to mention. They’ve become the bastion of rock in terms of the local scene, dishing out their own note perfect versions of classic rock time after time.

The band formed in the May of 1991 with the nucleus of Mark Gibbin on guitar, Paul Vjestica on drums and Gary Wade on lead guitar. Born on a friendship that dates back to the 70s Porky Pig’s first ever gig was at The Gladstone Arms in August 1991. Some 19 years ago, a fact that stands testament to their friendship. Yes a couple of singers and bass players have come and gone but that’s the natural evolution of bands, by the nature of what they are they change. Now with Lee Carpenter as front man and Steve Gravil on bass, the band seems completely at ease with each other.

A band that’s been around so long has to keep up to date and forge new songs into the set. This quantified by the fact that they do songs by The Kings Of Leon and The Killers, but how do they choose a new song? “Someone suggests a song,” chips up Gary, “if we all like the song we’ll do it. We all have slightly different musical tastes but we meet in the middle. However if someone’s dead against it we don’t do it, you can’t do a song that will have one of you standing on stage with your bottom lip out, the crowd will notice it.” Talking to the band you get to understand why they’ve endured - they have great respect for each other. Being such a tight knit trio I wondered if getting in the band was hard – “To be fair it was easy, the guys are that good it was like singing to pro backing tracks, we had six songs done before you knew it.” Having played in bands before you get the impression that Lee the singer was impressed as was Steve the bass player who’d played with bands in the Essex area for years – “We made a lot of easy inroads when we joined,” succinct and straight to the point!

Is there a local venue they’d maybe like to play, in an ideal world?? “Maybe The Cresset or The Key would be fun,” modesty is a virtue Paul. For those of you with a good memory you’ll know Paul was the World Conker Champion in 1996!

No other band has that claim.

They’re a great bunch of guys and great musicians and as Mark says – “When we started out we were the kids on the circuit we looked up at people like Rex Gates and Colin Hodgkinson, now we’re like the dads to a lot of the bands.” The thing that has kept them going for so long is the love of what they do, the vibe they get from setting up and plugging in and the friendships they’ve forged with their fans and fellow musicians over the years. With no plans to quit, 30 years on the scene is not beyond them.

Check them out in this month at The Prince Of Wales in Castor on February 13,The Cross Keys February 19, The Ostrich February 20, The Golden Fleece Stamford on February 26 or The Harrier on February 27, alternatively take a look at www.porkypig.org.uk

I heard it through the Grapevine... "Apparently Nige Lavender of The Highway Somewhere reckons he's a lover not a fighter...

Hmmm, I worked with him 30 years ago (sh*t it was that long ago!) in a steel factory in Whittlesey. He was a puncher then... punchin’ holes in steel with a big hole punch! Catch ‘em at The Grapevine all loved up on February 13 lovin’ not punchin’ or fightin’...Yeehah!" www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

THE PERFECT RIVERSIDE LOCATION TO MEET, EAT, DRINK & ENJOY

THE NO.1 VENUE FOR STAMFORD, PETERBOROUGH & SURROUNDING AREAS

12 real ales on tap including award winning beers from Oakham Ales saturday 6th march

saturday 6th February

Art & Soul Live Night An evening of live music, acoustics from 9pm followed by The Whisky Jax and True Beat.

Wednesday 10th February

Pint of Poetry

Art & Soul Live Night An evening of live music, acoustics from 9pm followed

by The Richard Hall Band and Siren

8pm start

SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY

PARTY WITH THE BREAKFAST SHOW'S NIKKI ELISE! ALSO FEATURING THE KISS FM GIRLS, DANCERS, GIVEAWAYS & KISS DECOR! 10-3AM

THURSDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

Town Bridge, Peterborough 01733 315700 www.oakhamales.com

WILD WEST PARTY. Stage games, free shots & more! Free entry B4 11pm. BOGOF on bottles all night

SATURDAY 13TH FEBRUARY

Valentine’s

Playboy Casino Party Real Las Vegas roulette & black jack tables. play for a chance to win a nintendo Wii!

00's h

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY

I

hTHE 00'S

THE BIGGEST TUNES FROM 2000-2009 ALL IN ONE NIGHT! FREE ENTRY B4 11. BOGOF ON BOTTLES

ALL FEBRUARY EVERY WED, THURS & FRI BUY 1 GET 1 FREE BOTTLES AND FREE ENTRY B4 11PM!

FEBRUARY

Available for private bookings and functions

1st 4th 5th 6th 11th 12th 13th 15th 18th 19th 20th 25th 26th 27th 28th

Quiz Night Shane Poole Icon of the Brave The Pulse Latino Band The Castros The Vow Quiz Night Lloyd Watson Open Mic Funky Fishy Night Available for solo artist (info call 07775 841239) The Malingerers Disposable Man Darts Competition

83-85 Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6JQ Tel: 07775 841239 Email: thecellarbar2009@hotmail.co.uk

Log on to ‘Central Nightclub Official Group’ for exclusive offers, drinks vouchers and discount.

THE BEST COCKTAILS IN STAMFORD Plus 3 BOTTLES FOR £5 every night - Live DJ & the best cocktails in town

Double-Up Smirnoff for £1 Live DJ every Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat Karaoke every Wednesday Every Saturday after 12pm in brownes:

70s, 80s, 90s & cheese R.O.A.R – management reserve the right to withdraw promotions and nights without prior notice – over 18s only. Join our Facebook group.

www.centralnightclub.com

CLUBLAND

RENEGADES OF FUNK King of the jungle scene Jumpin’ Jack Frost and funky house legend Brandon Block come to Club Metro thanks to Awakening Promotions on February 19. This night will see a return to the old skool, so if you want to get back to the beats, don’t miss this.

10% of all door takings will be given to the Amazon’s Children Night, for kids in hospital. Entry £10, for more information email awakening_ltd@btinternet.com

LOVE KILLS SLOWLY It’s time to get the tattoo gear out, as Frantic Fridays return to District 7 (formerly The Park) on February 26 for an Ed Hardy themed night. With six soundsystems including Hennessy Crew, Blackheart Sound and Millennium Sound and loads of dancers, this nights sure to be a slick, glamorous affair. Tickets £7

YEE HAA! Get the cowboy gear out of the cupboard for the Wild West Party at Central, Stamford on February 4. There’ll be free shots, BOGOF on drinks and loads of western-themed stage games to take part in, so get saddled up and gallop along to this night!

ERB ‘N’ DUB @ THE LOFT Element HQ have yet another all-star line-up booked on February 25, this time bringing the bass out of the city and into The Loft, Bourne. Headlining the night is the legendary Erb ‘n’ Dub, who’s made a name for himself across Europe and beyond.

Support on the night comes from Timeshift, Linese, Herbz, Zion and Missleading with MCs Sniper, Fireboy and Mijjy P. Entry £5.

BALANCE @ VOODOO Balance returns to the Voodoo Lounge on North Street in Stamford on Saturday February 27 for another night of underground grooves, house, electro and some breaks, from Justin Wilson, Niki Bell www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

and Paul Lewis - all profits go to Stamford skatepark - doors 9pm, entry £3.

PARTY LIKE IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY Submerge is in full party mode this month on February 12 when they join with Crunked Up at Club Dissident to bring you a bass-heavy bland of dubstep and drum ‘n’ bass from DJ L, Lowcut, Obsean, Big G and Clark Fader. DJ Big G and Dissident crew members Pablo and Vanessa will be celebrating their birthdays on the night, so expect a big, friendly crowd and definitely don’t make any plans for the following morning. ESP would also like to wish Pablo, one of the most efficient PR people in the Peterborough club scene, a very happy birthday!

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED Celebrate Valentine’s like James Bond at Central in Stamford on February 13 at the Playboy Casino party. You’ll be able to show off to your other half, or impress someone new with your skills at the real Las Vegasstyle roulette and blackjack tables, plus there’s a chance that you could win a Nintendo Wii.

EASTERN GOTHIC Get your glad rags out for the Mystic Ball at Club Dissident on February 20 brought to you by the people behind the Troubadour stage at Grassroots Festival, the theme is Mysticism, Romance and All That Jazz.

Mixing live music and DJs, the eclectic lineup includes five-piece Barnaby Bones, female-fronted but still ballsy rock ’n’ roll from Siren and gentle acoustic folk from Barnack’s favourite son, James Chadwick as well as cross-genre sets from the township-inspired and irrepressible Day Glow Joe, the technical but eclectic Skin and the winner of Dissident’s recent DJ competition, Lukas.

LUNATIC HQ VS. BROKEN LAB Prepare for a soundclash of epic proportions at Club Dissident on February 27 when MetaMasis Inc. bring you two collectives for the price of one – Lunatic HQ will be battling Broken Lab. London’s Lunatic HQ will be taking care of the main room and Dirtymasisty, Zentral, Boro Young, Mr.Hyde and special guest Robo will be bringing you hypnotic, infectious tech-house and minimal grooves. In the second room, enjoy drum ‘n’ bass, ragga and breakz from Broken Lab’s Lukas J, Partizant, Nawyk and Uchowsky. Entry £5.

BASS CAMP @ DISSIDENT All the stars of Peterborough’s drum ‘n’ bass scene come together on February 5 for Bass Camp at Club Dissident. Residents Eksess, Vaypa, Mischeif, YT and Sparky will be joined by Rikoshay, Denton, Ruff C back to back with Herbz, Komplex B2B Bang E, Gav D and Trav D as well as MCs Sparky and Sniper. Entry £3.

GET NAUGHTY Reminisce about the decade just passed at the I Love The 00’s party at Central on February 26. Dance to the biggest tunes of the past ten years while enjoying BOGOF on all bottles – the prices definitely make it feel like you’re back in 2001!

EVERYTHING FROM BASHMENT TO HARDCORE Things get funky at Club Dissident on February 6 with a funky house and bashment night, while February 13 sees things getting a little harder with Bish Bash Bosh bring you hard dance and hardcore.

4cross return on February 19 with yet more first class drum ‘n’ bass.

DRUM ‘N’ KATES The Nokturnal 2010 Residents party looks set to be a massive affair – taking place on February 5 at Quayhole Kates, Stamford, there’ll be nine DJs and seven MCs playing fast paced and frantic drum ‘n’ bass as well as a dubstep set from Dub Soulja. On the decks will be DJ Malone back to back with Martial Artist with Willis MC, DJ Neenoo B2B Dj Liquid with MCs Anger, Devileye & Jonny D, DJ Admiral B2B DJ Aprentis with Delight MC & Zadok and finally, DJ Barbwire with Juiceman.

KNOCKOUT NIGHT One of the pioneers of jungle and a big part of the original rave scene, Mickey Finn, comes to Element at Club Metro on February 12 and is joined on this huge night by J Majik, who runs the record label Infrared which promises to bring Londonstyle clubbing to Peterborough. Support DJs on the night are the founder of the muchloved Hijack, Roller, winner of Element’s DJ Competition, Glimma as well as Missleadin and Zion with MCs Shabba D plus Johnny Ka$h, Fireboy and Ricochet. Entry £8 before midnight.

GIGS events @espmag.co.uk

SAT JAN 30

SUN JAN 31 THE JEREMY WATSON TRIO Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

LES WOODS BAND

THE LIGHTER THIEVES

The Three Horseshoes Werrington

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

THU FEB 4

The Grapevine Queen Street

SHANE POOLE

Charters Town Bridge

VOX MONDIALE

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

WED FEB 3

ACQUIECE CITIZEN SMITH

GROOVE CARTEL

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

FRI FEB 5

DR. A'S BLUES CONSORTIUM

DONNA RAMSDALE

The Lord Protector Huntingdon

The Red Lion West Deeping

FILTHY LUCRE (SEX PISTOLS TRIBUTE)

GIN HOUSE

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

GROUNDED

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

MICK JONES (MR POSH) The Office Oundle Road

NICKY The Hurdler Stamford

PET SLIMMERS OF THE YEAR + SMOKESCREEN + THE LONG COUNT + THE PROPHECY TRUE Club Revolution Park Road

SHANE POOLE + ARFICEDEN + GUESTS

GINHOUSE

The Grapevine Queen Street

The Ostrich North Street

ICON OF THE BRAVE

HALO

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Elmtree Tavern Peterborough

LEXIE GREEN

THE INTRUDERS

The Fayre Spot Bretton

Ebeneezers Grove Street

R 'N' B BAND

THE LES WOODS BAND

The Black Swan Farcet

IRIDIUM The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

LLOYD WATSON The Westood Hotel Mayor's Walk

OAK The Stage Market Deeping

PORKY PIG The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

RETROLUX

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SUNSET STRIP The Axe & Cleaver Boston

THE GUARDS The Cross Keys Oundle Road

THE LES WOODS BAND

The Grapevine Queen Street

SUNSET STRIP

Three Horseshoes Werrington

THE PULSE The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

UNDERCOVER The Stage Market Deeping

LIVE/WIRE

The Palmerston Arms Oundle Road

The Ostrich North Street

Corn Exchange Bourne

THE REPLICAS

THE NUGGETS

SHAMELESS

The Lime Tree Walton

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

SAT FEB 6

SOUL PROVIDERS THE WHISKY Ebeneezers JAXX + TRUE Grove Street BEAT Charters STACKRIDGE Stamford Arts Centre Town Bridge

STONE PONY The Office Oundle Road

THE HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE The Cock Inn Werrington

THE NUGGETS The Lime Tree Walton

LIVE BAND Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

BACKLASH The Ploughman Werrington

BURLESQUE

SUN FEB 7 TOTALLY PLUGGED UP The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

WED FEB 10 BEX MARSHALL + LEXIE GREEN Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

FREESTYLING R&B LIVE JAM

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

CHELLE DEAN

THU FEB 11

The Ostrich North Street

LATINO BAND

FRI FEB 12 CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

ONE EYED CATS + RETROLUX + BROTERHOODS ROUNDABOUT + SMIFFY The Brewery Tap Peterborough

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE

LIVE BAND

The Grapevine Queen Street

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

LETZ ZEP

DWAYNE WATSON The Fayre Spot Bretton

KEV COLLINS The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

LONELY THE BRAVE + THE MAGNIFICENT + GALLEONS Club Revolution Park Road

MATTHEW ZILCH + THE MEIZTERS The Grapevine Queen Street

STORM The Cross Keys Oundle Road

THE CASTROS The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE LLOYD WATSON BAND The Ostrich North Street

Stamford Corn Exchange

MONKEY BOY Three Horseshoes Werrington

PARK LANE Ebeneezers Grove Street

SUNSET STRIP The Marquis of Granby Bourne

THE ELECTRIC WARRIORS The Ostrich North Street

THE VOW The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

PORKY PIG The Prince of Wales Castor

THE LIGHTER THIEVES Westwood Hotel Mayor’s Walk

TUNNEL

SUN FEB 14

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

TOTALLY PLUGGED UP

VALENTINO

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

SAT FEB 13 CARIBA

WED FEB 17 FREESTYLING R&B LIVE JAM

The Office Oundle Road

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

CHILLIFACTOR

THU FEB 18

The Stage Market Deeping

DOUBLE PENETRATION

LLOYD WATSON The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

BURLESQUE The Elmtree Tavern Peterborough

CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

SUN FEB 21 ANIMAL KINGDOM + SUPPORT

CIRCA 73

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Ostrich North Street

TOTALLY PLUGGED UP

COLD SWEAT

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Bluebel Dogsthorpe

FROM A DARK PLACE Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS

WED FEB 24 FREESTYLING R&B LIVE JAM The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

Park Road

THE COUNTRIES

THU FEB 25

IRISH SESSION BAND

PORKY PIG

The Office Oundle Road

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

OPEN MIC NIGHT

THE LOUNGE

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Fayre Spot Bretton

FRI FEB 26

SAT FEB 20

101 PROOF

DR. A'S BLUES CONSORTIUM The Office Oundle Road

FRIXION The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

FUNKY FISHY NIGHT

The Fayre Spot Bretton

CARIBA

The Angel

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

LEON The Ploughman Werrington

MAURICKY COLINS The Stage Market Deeping

PHOENIX Ebeneezers Grove Street

RETROLUX The Ostrich North Street

SENSER + THE PHRYME + STRINGFINGER

SLIDE TO OPEN

The Red Lion West Deeping

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

IRIDIUM

THE BACK STREET BLUES BAND

TWENTY 4

The Ostrich North Street

PORKY PIG

Ebeneezers Grove Street

JOHN QUINN The Grapevine Queen Street

THE LIGHTER THIEVES

PORKY PIG

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

SUNSET STRIP

THE REPLICAS

The Lord Nelson Morton

The Firkin Ale Bourne

FRI FEB 19

THE RETURNS

THE TUNNEL

ADAM JAMES

Three Horseshoes Werrington

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

THE SPIRIT

LIVE BAND

The Stage Market Deeping

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

FRANKLY MY DEAR

STEVE JOHNS

RETROLUX

BLAZE BAYLEY + SINNOCENCE + THE MORE I SEE

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE PLIGHT + HEX + THE SCENE IS DEAD

Club Revolution Park Road

DISPOSABLE MAN

The Decoy Milking Nook

THE MALINGERERS

The Red Lion West Deeping

The Office Oundle Road

SHAMELESS

The Ostrich North Street

GOOD KNIVES + MULTIBALL + THE FAKE EXTERIOR + BLINDFOLDS ASIDE + EVERY DYING SECRET

CARIBA

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Club Revolution Park Road

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SHAMELESS

LIVE BAND

The Bull and Swan Stamford

BURLESQUE

Club Revolution Park Road

MARDI GRAS KID THOMAS BAND

FALLEN ANGELS

SAT FEB 27

The Office Oundle Road

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Golden Fleece Stamford

Yarwell HEAVEN'S BASEMENT + JUSTIN WILSON DEAR SUPERSTAR + NIKI BELL + Club Revolution PAUL LEWIS

Stamford Arts Centre Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge LLOYD WATSON Stamford The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

OPEN MIC NIGHT

PORKY PIG

The Golden Fleece Stamford The Harrier Gunthorpe

SUN FEB 28 THE JEREMY WATSON TRIO + ALAN BARNES Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Club Revolution Park Road

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free e-mail gigs@espmag.co.uk or fax on 01733 579708 or post to: ESP Magazine, PO Box 431, Peterborough, PE6 7FG. *ESP can not be held responsible for errors in this listing, be sure to check with the venue for confirmation.

PUB GUIDE Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE)

The Roundhead

• Live music every weekend (check ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Monday-Sunday • Sky + Espn • Real Ales • Quiz Night Sunday • Large family beer garden • FREE pool on Mondays • Carling £2.50 during Premiership football

• Sky Sports • Karaoke every Friday • Disco/ Karaoke every Saturday • Family friendly, children welcome until 7pm • Happy Hour 9.30am – 12pm • Meals from £2.99 • Now serving Sunday Roast • FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE

St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890 www. Bluebellpub.co.uk

Rightwell East, Bretton.

Tel: 01733 267340

Lime Tree

Cross Keys

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

• • • • • • •

Sky Sports Beer garden Two pool tables Live music every Friday Karaoke / Disco Sats Poker night every Sunday Beer garden and children’s playing area • Quiz night every Tuesday

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

Oundle Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 565103

The Harrier(Hungry Horse)

The Westwood Hotel

• Sky • Carling at £1.99 during major sports • Karaoke every Friday • Live bands Saturdays • Food served all day, every day • Sunday roast from £5.49 – full children’s menu 184 Gunthorpe Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 575362

• Live entertainment - Thursday to Sunday (See Gig Guide) • Biker friendly • Rock Night - monthly • Reggae Night - monthly • Karaoke • Private beer garden • Private function room available 85 Mayors Walk, West Town Tel: 01733 873284

The Office

The Decoy

• Disco / Karaoke - Fridays • Live music on Saturdays • Poker night with free buffet on Wednesdays @ 8pm • Happy Hour - Sunday 12-2pm • Premiership football games including 3pm Saturday kick off’s • Function room for hire • Family beer garden

• Live music Saturday nights (see ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Wed, Thurs, Fri – 5-8pm, Sat 1-8pm, Sun 1-5pm all home cooked • Live Sky sports • Real ales • Quiz every Sunday night (free snacks at ½ time) • Happy hour Mon-Sat, 4-7pm, £2 a pint, real ales £2.20 • Very friendly home from home pub

72 Oundle Road, Woodston Tel: 01733 557248

Milking Nook, Werrington, Peterborough Tel: 01733 811953

The Golden Pheasant

ADVERTISE HERE

• Food served daily noon – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm, Sundays 12noon ‘til 6pm • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Pit-stop for Green Wheel cycle route • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area Main Road, Etton, Peterborough.

Tel: 01733 252387

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

01733 579707

Free listings for your live entertainment included Email: laura.waltham@espmag.co.uk

Last few spaces available!

SPORT sport @espmag.co.uk

ON THE TRAIL OF WOLFIE

Martin holding the darts 'Double'. The World Championship and Winmau World Masters trophies (Photo: Terry Harris)

It's been an unforgettable few weeks for darts legend Martin 'Wolfie' Adams from Deeping St James. For the second time in four years he won the BDO Lakeside World Darts Championship in Surrey in yet another classic game of darts. The final was broadcast live on BBC2 and attracted an audience of 5 million viewers and 'Wolfie' triumphed winning 7-5 in sets over Dave Chisnall.

After the trophy was presented, BBC presenter Colin Murray acclaimed the victory by saying... "You cannot have more fun indoors unless you take your clothes off... and even then you won't hear as many howls.

Wolfie is Champion of the World!"

Martin as guest of honour at Peterborough United on the pitch before with the trophy. (Photo www.theposhpics.com)

After he returned home with the silverware and his wife Sharon, ESP’s photographer was the first to visit Wolfie's lair and we’ve been tracking the World Champion ever since. His busy month of interviews and photos was topped off by being guest of honour at Peterborough United v Derby where he paraded the trophy before the match to an enthusiastic response from the Posh faithful.

“That was really enjoyable,” Martin told ESP, “despite the match itself not living up to expectations but let’s hope posh can turn things around!”

Wolfie was soon back in action at his local, Rigbys in Deeping where the champ’s team took on the guys from The Walnut Tree, no surprises that Wolfie won but everyone was in good spirits.

“All the locals have been very supportive. It was a great night and the support was quite outstanding.

Martin with county doubles partner Paul Crawford from Newborough holding their Gold Cup doubles trophy won in July 2009.

“The exhibition work’s coming in well now but it’s sort of back to business as usual as much as it can be!”

Then he was back on the oche in county darts action for Cambridgeshire as they took on Warkwickshire at the March United Services Club. Martin had both his World Championship and Winmau World Masters trophy on display along with the Gold Cup pairs trophy he won at Lakeside in July with doubles partner Paul Crawford from Newborough.

Martin is next in county darts action on February 14 in Glamorgan and on March 7 as Camb’s play Kent at the March United Services Club. For more details see www.cambdarts.co.uk and www.marchusc.co.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

Relaxing at home with wife Sharon (photo credit Terry Harris)

Kerry’s

WAG’S

DIARY kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

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.

It’s wedding bells for our former Face of ESP and Posh player Chris Whelpdale…

To say the last few weeks of my life have been eventful would definitely be an understatement!! Obviously there are the obvious things like Christmas and New Year, but the biggest event over this last month was that Chris and I got engaged.

As previously mentioned in other articles, I had been waiting for this day since our last holiday. I kept expecting a ring to pop out over the shores of Jamaica but they never quite made it, but now, just six months on and the old boy goes and surprises me!

Chris popped the question after a romantic night out just before Christmas, taking me to the George Hotel in Stamford for a lovely meal. I really wasn’t expecting anything from it as we like to try out new places to eat, but something did make me think twice when Chris ordered champagne for us both.

Chris isn’t much of a drinker you see… when we go out he usually orders himself a coke and I’m the lone ranger drinking wine, so this was definitely a shock to the system!

So naturally my mind started thinking… ‘wait one minute… what’s going on here!’ However, the champagne came and went and still no sign of THE ring so once again I thought I’d got it all wrong.

As the night drew in and we made our way home, I started getting ready for bed when suddenly all the lights went out at home and on the ceiling were glow in the dark letters spelling out ‘Marry Me’. I REALLY wasn’t expecting that to happen and was so confused that I started laughing, and then I thought that maybe I’d read them wrong so had to have another GOOOOD look at the message. It was then I realised that in fact I had read it right and suddenly I felt so nervous… Chris then appeared with the most beautiful ring ever and after a second or two thought I said... yes!!!

I was still shell shocked but still managed to make a few phone calls and text the whole of my phone book to tell them all our exciting news. We told our families first, but as Chris was so sneaky, they all knew anyway so I was telling them things they’d known for weeks.

So… the wedding planning has officially begun. As Chris only has two months of the year when we can get married (and I've always believed you get engaged to get married ASAP) I really don’t believe I have long to plan this big day of ours!

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

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

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

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

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

February 2010

• Food served daily, Mon – Sat 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9pm. Sun 12 – 5.30pm • Every Tuesday - Karaoke 9pm • Every Wednesday - Quiz Night 9.30pm

• Function room available for private parties • Every Sunday Texas Hold’em Poker starts 7.30pm

5th 6th 12th 13th 19th 20th 25th 26th 27th

RnB Band Groove Cartel Tunnel Black Rose Cold Sweat Retrolux Open Mic Night TBC Burlesque

After all these celebrations it was back to football for us again.

This time though, Chris was playing Tottenham who he’s supported since he was a child. It was so nice to see him play at White Heart Lane as he was so excited beforehand as that was where he used to go with his dad to support his team. Now however, he was playing there against some of the best players in the world. The game was brilliant, so exciting right the way through. Even though Posh lost it was a great day out. I took my mum with me to watch and as she hasn’t been to many games before, she was going mad every time the ball came close to the Spurs end! Chris loved the game too, but said the pace was so much quicker than what he was used to. After the game he also managed to get Robbie Keane’s shirt, which I think secretly made Chris very, very pleased!

I’m sure next month’s column will be all about our wedding plans and what the future holds for the soon to be Mr and Mrs Whelpdale!

9 Oundle Road, Fletton,

Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

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NUTS AND SAUCE? In the run up to Valentine’s Day, saucy personalised novel specialists U Star, have seen a big jump in sales from people who want to ‘star’ in their own saucy novel with either a fantasy character of their choosing, a celebrity (apparently Brad Pitt is popular) or as a funny gift for a single friend.

I can’t make up my mind if it’s a brilliant idea and I want one, or if it’s all just a bit wrong. On the one hand I could have a book to indulge my favourite David Tennant fantasy (the sexy Scot, a locked Tardis and a sonic screwdriver…) on the other, whilst it’s fine to have the fantasy in my head, putting it on paper, isn’t that just a little bit, well, stalkerish?

It could be a lot of fun though, personalising your own bit of naughtiness. Raunchiness the Peterborian way, I can see the titles now – Debbie Does Dogsthorpe?

Deeping Throat?!

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TILL DEBT DO US PART January is notoriously the month when, follow ing the financial pressures and the enforced ‘family’ time of Christ mas, the most couples file for divorce. So to capitalise on this unfortunate trend, Debenhams launched the ‘divorce gift list’ so that friends and family can help the newly single set up again on their own this year.

What a brilliant idea! Let’s face it, most of us live together before we tie the knot so the traditional weddi ng list is more of a chance to ‘upgrade’ or add ‘novelty’ items (nope , I’ve still not used our silver ice bucket, pasta maker or the ‘traditional’ homemade pizza stone) rather than the ‘setting up the couple in their new home ’ that it was intended for. So, seeing as divorce mean s that one (or both) parties will be leaving the marital home and therefore setting up on their own from scratch, a divorce gift list sounds like a pretty useful idea. I’d have loved one when I split up with my ex. After ten years together we were pretty well stocked up on chipped mugs, mismatched plates and fondue sets (or is that one just me?!) and I happi ly packed him off with a good share of them (I kept the fondue set, seventies kitsch is in you know! ), the pans, the kettle, the toaster and various other bits and pieces to set him up.

How very mature, fair and amicable of me you may be thinking, but the truth was it was entirel y selfish as I had a lovely time maxing my credit card buying lots of fresh new things to turn ‘our’ house into my fabulous singleton pad. Seeing as how, seven odd years on, I still haven’t cleared the credit card, a gift list would’ve been most welcome and, thinkin g about it, would probably have had quite simila r stuff to my wedding list. Apart from the his ‘n’ hers towels of course… (joke).

BRING BACK CBB! naked and talk about our sexuality” fameYou can keep the ‘ordinary’ one with it’s boring “let’s get back Celebrity Big Brother?! This one was bringing seeking wannabees but how can Channel 4 not be George Galloway/Michael Barrymore the of heights the top quite didn’t it OK, compulsive viewing!

Fry make an appearance to give the Barry own season but it did come close. Not only did our very l 4 show it at 8pm when they had to Channe did why but idea t (brillian talk pep housemates a ‘half time’ trying to convert everyone at Baldwin n Stephe n bleep the life out of it?) but you had born again Christia the right way up was a land to water of bottle a get to goes 36 taking it ntly, every opportunity (appare Hunter in his ‘tighty Bass Spanx, her in Trump Ivana “sign from God” – I still haven’t worked out why), and losing it over a tin of corned kitchen the in storm a up cooking Jones Vinnie n whities’ and hardma was (dubious) cross-dressing, cage fighting beef. But by far the most hilarious part of the whole thing ain fella’ Reid, who, having proudly in-off-ag on-aga ’s ‘Jordan Alex ntly) ex Hollyoaks star (appare because, and I quote “I am gay, I’m not a ne magazi announced he once sold an “I’m gay” story to OK on and on about the manipulation by the d moane dly repeate happy,” know, you homosexual, I’m gay, lation and how the press misrepresented manipu the press. And not only did he moan on and on about .

Brilliant irony. of trace a him, he did it without

WHAT’S PINK AND LONG AND STICKS OUT UNDER A STICKER? Much hilarity last month when I arrived at my parent’s house to find my Mum clambered up on the computer desk, magnifying glass in hand and nose practically pushed up against the screen.

When I asked her what she was doing, she replied that she was “just reading your column on-line, darling.” Still none the wiser, I asked her what was with the magnifying glass to which she replied she was just having a closer look at the Del Monte man and “well, darling, I think he needs a bigger sticker.”

Now last month, I wrote a piece about how the Del Monte man was all set to go naked in the next ad campaign to promote their new ‘naked fruit’ range and our lovely pictures editor had illustrated the piece with a picture of a naked man with nothing but a Del Monte sticker to spare his blushes. It turns out my mother had taken it upon herself to check his modesty and her verdict was that she could see a little more than she was meant to (no wonder she was smiling).

So for my mother, and anyone else who thought they’d copped an eyeful, I’d just like to say that I have seen the original picture (purely in the interests of research!) and those bits sticking out? It’s his FINGERS! So stop it! www.esp m ag .co.u k ( F e brua r y )

sarah.tempest @espmag.co.uk