ESP January 2010

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JANUARY 2010 Issue 125

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

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

natalie imbruglia Feature

Leisure & LiFesTyLe for

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

Get fit, stay fit for less than £1* a day... ...and we’ll even throw in access to two gyms!

Facilities include: • FREE fitness classes • State-of-the-art equipment • Air-conditioned studios • Multi-purpose sports centre • New swimming pool

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† (Members also get discount at the newly refurbished Jack Hunt swimming pool)

Bushfield 01733 234018 Werrington 01733 576606 *Membership at both centres is just £340 per year paid monthly.

Opening times: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 10pm

Official gym of the Phantoms Ice Hockey Team

READER OFFER Either get a 1 day pass to use any time throughout January 2010 or get a reusable weekend pass to use throughout the whole of January 2010

Saturday 8.30am - 5pm

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EDITORIAL

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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

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Sales Executives Shirley Frost

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PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Mike Harris Lara Johnson Lydia Fahy

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joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

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Sarah Tempest

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Susan Saunders

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REPORTERS Liv Slater Lara Johnson Sarah Tooze

Directors Sharon McAllister

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

Sean McAllister

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sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Matt Zilch

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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

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

contents

P34

P35

P6

celebs

entertainment

P52 Feature

P16 Fashion

P26 Bite

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 ( Janua r y )

Gossip

Marshall Peugeot

gossip@espmag.co.uk

SENSIBLE WAY TO RUN Getting into the London Marathon is notoriously difficult – if you’re planning on doing it next year on April 25, get in touch with Sense, the national deafblind charity. They’re offering a number of runner’s places in the Marathon to help them raise funds, which includes training programmes and a post race reception. For more info, email shad.everett@sense.org.uk or call 0121 415 2751.

CHARITY PARTY FOR SPECIAL CARE UNIT Local man Jason Pugh is throwing his son Hayden’s 1st birthday party at the Austin Hall in Yaxley to raise cash for charity. The party is to help raise some money for the special care unit at Hinchingbrooke hospital, as thanks for taking care of Hayden. The party’s on January 9, between 1pm and 4pm.

There’ll be a Teddy Bear’s picnic, a bouncy castle – which no matter what age, everyone loves! There’s also going to be face painting, a raffle, and some lovely tea and cakes. So get yourselves down there for an enjoyable afternoon, and help raise some money for this special charity.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Proudly sponsored by

experience in Argentine dancing, will be there to lead the way. You’ll be taught in style and make use of the spacious dancefloor, and hopefully create some competition for those celebs on Strictly! If you want to know more then you can visit www.gotantango.com, or call Natalie Safianowicz on 07783 552446.

LONDON INN MAKEOVER It’s been confirmed that Nick Pistolas of Central Nightclub has bought the London Inn, on St. John’s Street, Stamford. The place is said to become something new and exciting that Stamford town is yet to see! It’s having a total refurb and being extended, the work’s expected to be completed in the next few months with the place expected to be open by the summer.

So keep your eyes peeled!

SUSIE’S A CALENDAR GIRL If Santa didn’t bring you a calendar or you just can’t face 12 months of the cuddly kittens version your mum gave you, surely you’d appreciate foxy Susie Hutson. The Peterborough model won a national competition to be included in the Wickadelic lingerie Help For Heroes calendar which is just £7.99. Put SUSIE into the offer code and you’ll receive 10% off – bargain!

Visit www.wickedelic.co.uk and do your good deed for our soldiers.

Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5PT

VIP PARTY AT WESTGATE Westgate house had a successful VIP party after the city’s Christmas lights switch on. They had a performance from local singing sensation Nicole Lawrence. The star who made it through to bootcamp in this year’s X Factor sang Christmas songs live, and signed autographs for her fans who turned up in large crowds to show their support. Westgate had been working in conjunction with Peterborough City Council to ensure the Christmas lights switch on was bigger and brighter then ever, and we’re sure they did just that!

THE COCK IN RE-OPENS The Cock Inn pub in Werrington reopened just in the nick of time for Christmas. Sheila McGrath is currently managing the pub and is determined to inject some life back into the place!

And she certainly isn’t hanging around with their first live gig already booked: the brilliant Hooker will be playing their on January 2. It’s great to see the place open again!

based in Bourne, and is a housing developer and builder with strong links to the local area and a mission to build sustainable communities. Karl Hick, Larkfleet’s managing director, was so impressed with 14 year-old Scarlett’s passion for her sport and natural ability to read the game, that he’s sponsoring her for this season. He commented – “Scarlett is an inspiration to all youngsters both locally and nationwide… I’m delighted that our sponsorship deal will help her take the next step in what I’m sure will be a very successful career for her.” Well done Scarlett!

CHARITY GIG AT THE GREAT HALL The brilliant 24 Carat Purple will be playing at The Great Hall in Oundle on January 9 to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which only receives 1% of cancer research funding. Local lady Jemima Gee is hoping to sell 400 tickets for this event and tickets are a tenner. Jemima has held a few previous charity events and wishes to raise £3,000, so every little helps. It’s sure to be a great evening so if you wish to purchase some tickets, you can contact the Oundle Tourist Information office, or Jemima herself on jemimagee1@btinternet .com, 07932796491.

BAG A BARGAIN @ WESTGATE

ARGENTINE TANGO CLASSES If you tuned into Strictly Come Dancing week after week then you’ll be familiar with the sexy Argentine tango. In the New Year, classes ranging from beginners to freestyle Milonga will be taking place at the Millennium Centre on Dickens Street in Peterborough. If you fancy the challenge of learning these sensual and passionate routines, then both Natalie and Hilmar, who have 20 years

Tel: 0844 3340713 www.marshallweb.co.uk

LARKFLEET BACKS LOCAL GIRL’S SOCCER DREAM Local pupil Scarlett Field is living her dream of playing for the Arsenal Ladies team, with a little help from the Larkfleet Group who’ve set up a sponsorship package. Larkfleet is

Everyone loves a good sale after Christmas and Westgate Department store is bringing us a winter sale!

There’s fantastic savings across the store on men’s and ladies fashions and accessories, with 70% off selected fashions including Weirdfish, Animal and Espirit. The sale’s already underway so get your Christmas money out and get shopping!

MARCH IN MEMORY OF KATHARINE OF ARAGON Friday January 29 sees a special service at Peterborough Cathedral to

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

commemorate the 474th anniversary of the burial of Katharine of Aragon.

There’ll be more than 300 school children sporting some fancy Tudor costumes, along with the Mayor of Peterborough, Irene Walsh, and dignitaries

from

the

Spanish

HIGHWAY TO THE EAST COAST Nigel Lavender and Nick Thorpe of the Highway Somewhere have been in touch and tell us they’re branching out as acoustic duo East Coast this year, with a catalogue that embraces

embassy.

discerning country and blues covers There will also be a procession from Peterborough Museum in Priestgate to the Cathedral, which houses Katharine’s tomb. The actual service will start at 11.30am and both before

as well as quality originals in the same vein. Their debut performance is on Friday January 29 at The Cellar Bar, Thorpe Lodge Hotel (admission £2)

and after the event, school children

with another date arranged at The

have the opportunity to take part in

Grapevine in Queen Street on

workshops and special activities. For

Saturday March 20. Details can be

more info call Elizabeth Storr on

found

01733 863761.

nigellavender

on

www.myspace.com/

COMPETITION

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There’s been a fine selection of celebs in the Boro over the last year signing their various books at Waterstones on Bridge Street.

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If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas it’s time to treat yourself and build up your book shelf in one easy step! Our pile of signed copies includes Jo Brand – Look Back In Hunger, Justin Lee Collins – Good Times, Jeremy Kyle – I’m Only Being Honest and Ainsley Harriot – Just Five Ingredients.

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That should keep you occupied during the winter!

To stand a chance of winning just text or email us the word BOOKS along with your name, age, address and telephone number.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 29/01/10.

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

PETERBOROUGH ARTS CINEMA

REAL DIAMOND FROZEN RIVER New to the John Clare Theatre is a film you’ll either love or hate, and to many people’s surprise had two nominations at this years Oscars. Frozen River is way off everyone’s radar, it’s based around a woman left alone looking after two kids in a trailer park when her gambling addicted husband takes of with the family savings. If you’re into films with plenty of action and tough love then this could be something for you. It’s being shown on January 7 at 7.30pm.

John Hylton is Europe’s foremost Neil Diamond Tribute performer. He sings all of Neil Diamond’s classics such as Love On The Rocks and Brother Love and his UK fan club have described his performance as ‘Stunning, Spectacular! His voice is uncannily like Neil’s, he certainly gives a flawless performance’. If you fancy watching John in this electrifying show, then pop along to Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on January 16. John will have you convinced you spent the night with Neil himself! Tickets are £15. Box office: 01780 766455.

THE CHIPPENDALES Hey girls, if you’re looking for the ultimate night out then make your way to The Cresset theatre to see The Chippendales! Prepare yourselves as these American icons stage their latest production of live music, dancing and fantasy, creating a non stop party that’ll entertain and leave you breathless! The evening guarantees something for every woman, from naughty to nice. The show starts at 8pm, February 8. Tickets are £20.

Box office: 01733 265705.

TELSTAR Some of the most memorable pop music evolved from the 60s, and record producers such as Joe Meek changed the face of the British music Industry. His most famous hit Telstar was a worldwide smash and the Tornados became the first ever UK group to reach No.1 in the USA. There will also be support from The Flames, a top rock ‘n’ roll group and Lone Rider in this fantastic tribute show featuring actors Mike Berry (Are You Being Served) and John Leyton (The Great Escape). Get over to Stamford Corn Exchange on January 23 for this great show that coincides with the release of the movie Telstar on DVD. Tickets £18.50, Box office: 01780 766455.

THE HURT LOCKER Based in and around Baghdad, the Hurt Locker gives you an insight into the experiences of three men serving in Iraq.

Their new bomb disposal expert, Staff Sergeant William James, has come in to replace a recently deceased fellow expert, whose luck sadly ran out. This film is described as ‘the best and most insightful anti war film about Iraq’. The story focuses closely on the three characters, and captures the emotional high they experience when they get down to what they do best. There will be a showing on January 21 at 7.30pm and the John Clare Theatre. Enquiries: 01733 863870.

Bestselling author of the Shopaholic series, Sophie Kinsella is coming to Oundle to speak about her latest book Twenties Girl. Her new book is based around a character called Lara Lington, and whilst her daily events are reaching crisis point, 23 year-old Sadie who’s actually a ghost, is constantly bending Lara’s ear and asking for help. As the story unfolds, readers will find out whether these two girls learn from each other and if Sadie is really a much needed guardian angel anyway! Sophie Kinsella will be at St. Peter’s Church, Oundle, on January 21 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6, for more info call 01832 247333.

PUTTING ON THE STYLE

DANCE LIKE A DOG

REVELLERS’ ‘DROP IN’

Rock ‘n’ roll is still as popular as ever and Paul Leegan and his band of legends are still performing sensational shows wowing audiences all over. Their shows feature all the great skiffle and rock hits, and relive the birth of 50s rock. Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and Eddie Cochran were all topping the charts at that time, so there’s definitely some classics you can sing along to and enjoy. Paul and the Legends will be performing on February 6 at the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre at 7.30pm. Box office: 01780 766455.

If you like dance the fierce new show Wild Dog by the acclaimed Tavazia Dance captures the spirit of Africa and one of its most endangered species. Seven dancers blend contemporary and traditional African moves with a mindblowing soundtrack. It promises to be a powerful at the South Holland Arts Centre on Tuesday February 2. Box office: 01775 764777.

Drop In is the Revellers Musical and Dramatic Society’s latest theatre production. It looks at the trauma and hilarious circumstances that develop when the council decide to close the local drop in centre because of financial difficulties. The question is, will all end happily or will it be too late to stop the bulldozers moving in? If you want to find out then book yourselves a ticket in advance for £15 which includes a delicious two course roast beef dinner. The show will be performed from February 3 – 6 at the Peterborough Indoor Bowls Club. Tel: 01733 755176.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

SOPHIE KINSELLA COMES TO OUNDLE

AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY TROLLOPE This new play is performed by film star Edward Fox, and for those who’ve seen films such as The Day Of The Jackal and The Shooting Party, you’ll find Edward Fox quite familiar! Edward, who has come to embody a certain English stylishness, portrays the Victorian novelist and his characters from works such as the Barchester Chronicles – which are still recognisable today. The play’s being performed on January 31 at Stamford Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16. Box office: 01780 763203.

BROADWAY AND BEYOND Fancy an evening that’ll get your feet tapping and your heart singing? Broadway And Beyond is a new show coming to The Key Theatre featuring the biggest songs from the biggest shows! It includes favourites from classic productions like Oklahoma! Kiss Me Kate and The Music Man, through to modern musicals like Miss Saigon and Spamalot. If you want to be amazed then the three, all singing, all dancing actors will definitely do just that.

They’re also backed up by five top musicians playing a dozen instruments between them – very clever! The show’s on January 30 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15. Box office: 01733 207239.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

entertainment @espmag.co.uk

EURIPIDES’ HECUBA The Stahl Theatre in Oundle are bringing us an unusual and exciting theatrical event in January by the Open Stage Company. Written two thousand years ago, the play today has all the power and relevance it had in ancient Athens. Hecuba follows the story of the queen of Troy and her fellow Trojan women, enslaved by the victorious Greeks. The production has contemporary designs, strong musical elements with talented a cast including Maureen Braithwaite and Derek Lee Ragin. If a look back in history is something for you then catch Hecuba from January 15 – 17. Box office: 01832 273930.

Authentic Food Sample the flavours of South America

Fiery Atmosphere Warm and contemporary, with a traditional feel

Chillin’ Cocktails Made using premium spirits, from £4.50 each

Exciting news from flamás Fantastic menu changes happening in the New Year watch this space for details

Lunchtime Menu Served from 12pm till 3pm Monday to Friday Served from 12pm till 5pm Saturday & Sunday

LUNCHTIME OFFER Fantastic lunchtime deal available every day of the week!

Main courses £5.95 or choose two courses for just £7.95.

Terrific value! Lunch served from 12- 3pm Monday to Friday and 12pm - 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

FROGGATT’S COUNTRY GOLD If you enjoy songs by singers such as Cliff Richard and Daniel O’Donnell, then you’ll love to hear Raymond Froggatt’s own soulful country songs. Raymond’s written songs for many other artists, and he’s fondly known by audiences all over as he moves them with songs written from the heart and filled with emotion. His concerts sell out all over Europe, so we’re sure he’ll receive a very warm welcome in the new year! He’s performing on January 29 at The Key Theatre. Tickets are £17.50. Box office: 01733 207239.

114 Four Chimneys Crescent, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE7 8FH Tel:01733 241246 info@flamas-restaurant.com • www.flamas-restaurant.com

GLAMOUR GALORE IS HUGE SUCCESS The Glamour Galore night in aid of Sue Ryder Care saw the girls in fine form as they enjoyed a great girlie night out of shopping, fun and fashion, raising over £1,700.

The night was supported by ESP Magazine as one of our Perfect Ten events, a series we ran in celebration of our ten years in business. The ESP girls showed off some great outfits from Westgate Department Store in two mini fashion shows.

Face of ESP, Tori Bradshaw took to the stage along with Becca Evans, Paisley McHugh, ESP’s Karen Devine, Anne Anton and Shirley Dalton while Wickedly Perceptive columnist Sarah Tempest compered the fashion show with fashion advice from ESP’s style guru Sue Donnelly.

Dozens of stalls sold some great girlie gear including jewellery, choccies, ball gowns from Rhema by Design, gifts from Reba and fashion from the Sue Ryder Care Vintage And Retro store on Bridge Street.

Organiser Jackie Page from Sue Ryder Care told ESP – “We were delighted with the success of the evening and especially with the support of ESP magazine. It was one of the nicest events I’ve organised here. We had a queue of people waiting to get in all night.

“We held a similar evening a couple of years ago and now we want to make it an annual event. We want to make it bigger and expand on its success.”

We can’t wait! www.suerydercare.org

50 OFF %

at 1 hour session - £45.00 / Course of five - £200.00

Best Western Orton Hall Hotel

new Year Detox!

The Village Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7DN

Buy one Ionithermie treatment get 1 FREE on all Ionithermie treatments throughout January 2010.

t: 01733 391 111

Offer ends 31/01/10

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

Various dates throughout January LATE CHRISTMAS DEALS For those of you who are unable to party in December, don’t miss out - take advantage of our very special January party night!

The price includes a three course menu and a disco.

From £19.95 per person 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.

Saturday 13th February 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 14th March MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH

Holiday Inn Peterborough West Thorpewood, Peterborough PE3 6SG

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.

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

From £18.95 per person

Friday 30th April MOTOWN & SOUL NIGHT Looking for a night out with a difference?

Then why not join us for a night of pure soul. The evening will include a three course dinner, live entertainment from Steve Allen and Radio Cambridgeshire DJ Ian Gray and a disco. £19.95 per person

The Brewery Tap team would like to wish all our customers a Happy New Year.

Winner of the Good Beer Guide 2009 ‘Own Brew Pub of The Year’ Award 80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap.manager@oakagroup.com web: www.oakhamales.com

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

Bushfield Theatre Company present:

Ali Baba Various performances throughout January.

For further details please visit our website.

Saturday 30th January

Comedy Nights On Tap

The first Comedy Night of 2010 Tickets now on sale

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

STRAW BEAR FESTIVAL Although it occurs in early January, the first festival of the year, the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival is a cracker. The festival was resurrected from the annals of time by the Whittlesea Society in 1980 and it has quickly become a must do for lots of dance troupes from around the country and continent.

So what should you expect if you’re a Bear virgin…well a market town full of happy people for one, Whittlesey is buzzing for the whole weekend.

The pubs are rammed to the rafters, the streets are full of folk wandering from hostelry to hostelry and Morris dance troupes add a splash of colour and amazing theatre to the scene. Don’t hold the notion that Morris dancers are six sad old blokes with hankies – the new breed are great to watch – check out the Pig Dyke Molly guys, how dark and disturbing are they?? So much so I was talking to guitarist Gizz Butt at the Bear a couple of years ago and we played with the idea of persuading a troupe to choreograph a dance to Firestarter by the Prodigy…. “I’m a Morris dancer... a twisted Morris dancer….”

Get the idea?

Anyway top tips – hit the town early Saturday, it’s the main day. The Market Square is a good place to start, you’ll catch the Bear there and the Baby bear! It’s a good place to take the kids as well. Wrap up warm as you’ll be outdoors a fair bit. If you want to leave the town to the younger more robust characters after 8pm, catch one of the organised events at Park Lane School and Sir Harry Smith’s in the evening. See the website for details as you’ll need to book in advance, www.strawbear.org.uk Finally get down to Sir Harry Smith school on Sunday at midday for the ritual burning… it’s pagan I tell thee! As my daughter Liv put it… “If you don’t go to the Straw Bear and get drunk the crops will fail…” We have a responsibility then… January 15-17, take your responsibility seriously!

Andy Slater

SPIRIT OF THE ICE The Holiday On Ice team return with another amazing ice show at Exec Peterborough at thr Showground from February 3 - 7.

Spirit is another ice spectacular and is a collaboration of celebrated artistic director and lead judge in ITV’s Dancing on Ice Robin Cousins MBE and choreographer Karen Kresge who’ve co-produced the which takes you on a voyage from east to west.

World-class ice skaters glide from sunrise to nightfall, recreating the ethnic splendour of Asian cultures, ancient mysticism of Stonehenge and tribal gathering of Native American Indians.

Robin Cousins told ESP – “Audiences can expect lots of glitz and glamour, which is typical for Holiday on Ice. “We’ve got a beautiful look in the show, dealing with air, fire and water, and we’ve got some great music that people may recognise, but not necessarily played in the way that people might recognise it!”

Tickets are available from The Key Theatre or from the Ticket Factory Tel: 0844 581 1315 or online www.theticketfactory.com. Prices range from £14.50 to £29.50 with all children at £10 (subject to a booking fee). Big savings for groups. For more info visit www.holidayonice.com/uk

BULL HOTEL WEDDING FAYRE

This month you can take the stress out of getting hitched by heading to The Bull hotel’s great wedding fayre on Sunday January 31. With dozens of stalls you’ll find a fabulous selection of things to make your big day just perfect and give you some creative ideas.

They have every aspect covered from gowns to entertainment with more than one exhibitor of every www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

type so you’ll have plenty of choice. These include Honeypot Caterers who make individual cup cakes, Marion Straker Florists and Mediterranean Occasions the room stylists who made Jade Goody’s wedding reception look so fabulous, as well as The Edge Entertainments.

to the event which runs from 11am – 4pm. Of course while you’re there looking at all the gorgeous stalls and gowns you might also consider The Bull as a marriage venue itself. The hotel on Westgate is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships with rooms which can cater from 20 to 150 guests.

There’ll be goody bags available and admission’s free

For more details call 01733 561364.

NURSES NIGHT AT THE SOLSTICE The Solstice on Northminster is throwing in a new Nurses Night winter warmer, which will start on January 8 and then every Friday night after! If you can show a valid nurse’s ID or turn up in fancy dress or uniform, you get a free drink.

There’s also the chance to get a free shot, with your first two drinks paid for. All you have to do is turn up between 8pm and 10pm and you’re sure to have a great night! For details visit www.thesolstice.co.uk or call 01733 560231.

The guys from The Packhorse pub in Northborough proved just how good their food is when they served up a treat to none other than the Hairy Bikers.

The two celebs made a special appearance at Waterstones on Bridge Street and were treated by the pub’s chefs to some fantastic food which won the Hairy’s seal of approval.

Photo: Terry Harris

PACKHORSE CHEFS TREAT THE HARY BIKERS

It was a fabulous night at the book signing with over 200 people wound like a river inside the store to make sure they all stayed dry and warm.

The guys from The Packhorse kept everyone fed with some fabulous food.

Manager Anna Elmore who organised the event told ESP – “Si and Dave (the Hairy Bikers) were amazed to see so many people as they'd been to Peterborough twice before and were thrilled with the idea of us having changed the event from a signing to an ‘eating fest’ as they put it, although they were concerned with food getting on the books!

“They signed for a solid hour and a half and then were served up a fabulous array of dishes from the guys at The Packhorse and loved every mouthful – we expected them to only try a mouthful of each but they more or less polished off the whole lot!”

DAVID DROPS IN FROM THE EASTEND

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Local actor David Proud, Adam Best in Eastenders, made a return to his home town to turn on a charity light display at a house in Whittlesey raising cash for Children with Leukaemia.

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: Gina and John Ferridge illuminate their home in Arnold’s Lane every year to celebrate the memory of their son Nick who they lost to leukaemia and if they hit their target before January 3 when the lights go off, they’ll have raised a total of £10,000 for the charity in the last six years.

Peterborough, Sleaford, Lincoln, Mansfield

David was joined by members of The Key panto Dick Whittington and also local band The Candle Thieves.

Photos: Terry Harris

Gina told ESP having the new soap star there made it extra special – “David’s so lovely, we’ve known him for many years but to have our own celebrity turning the lights on was just fantastic.

We had about 300 people turn out and raised £600 at the light switch-on alone.”

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

01733 240 204

Pep Cipriano

MAN

FIVE STROKES TO BEAT CANCER

about

TOWN

AS HEARD ON

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

According to boffins at Cancer Council in Australia, the best way for us guys to protect our prostrate from the big 'C' is to ejaculate five times a week. By doing so, it ‘flushes out the ducts where cancer arises and reduces chances of an attack by a third’. The small print reads for best results, 'flush out' with someone of the opposite sex. Girls, to prevent me from getting cancer, email photos and vital statistics to pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk I'm free most Friday nights.

Wed 12.30-1pm, 7pm-8pm

NOT REALLY RESOLUTIONS?

BOXING TREAT FOR OUR TORI

So it's that time of the year once again. All people seem to be going on about is how rubbish the weather is (smell the coffee, it's winter), how fat they are, how distraught they are (January is a traditional time to be dumped) and how they've already broken their New Year's resolutions. Blimey, January sure is a happy time.

“The winner was dead sweaty!” That's all our Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw could come up with when I asked what she thought about being at her first boxing show. Great. There was me thinking she was enjoying the technical ability of the talent on display but it was more like their sweaty torso ability.

I think of January as the beginning of a 12-month adventure, a journey of self-discovery if you will. Rather than compile a list of conventional resolutions like everyone else, I tend to look at making subtle changes without the pressure of telling myself it's a resolution.

Then I throw in three things I'd like to achieve, which I look at as being a bonus if I do. With this in mind, here's what I'm aiming for in 2010.

The semi-professional event was the second to be held at Club Metro by promoters Lee Nightingale and Ricky English – and this time it attracted more than 600 people. These fight fans and more will undoubtedly return for the next show on March 6 when we'll be treated to at least 10 more bouts including two British title fights.

There's also talks currently underway of some must-see ring entertainment with a clash between hardman Carlton Leach and glamour girl Kelly Bell! Tickets are available from Smackdown boxing gym, Vision Park in Hampton or by calling Lee on: 07794 491078.

Ten subtle changes: 1.

Try to break wind when in bed with my lover. It's better out than in and will improve my chances of avoiding colorectal cancer.

2.

Change my pants every day.

3.

Smile more – it increases my chances of pulling.

4.

Get my back waxed more often. I'm starting to feel guilty when small children begin to cry at the sight of me emerging from a swimming pool.

5.

Ask for no butter in my lunchtime roll. Butter or margarine has as much use in a sandwich as I have in a basketball team.

6.

Stop ordering dessert in restaurants. Soon I'll be able to join the circus with my fabulous 'balancing pints on my love handles' trick.

7.

Do something every day that's dangerous rather than new – like overtly flirting with the girls in the office.

8.

Take bigger risks. Who's going to know if I come to work in my girlfriend's underwear...?

9.

Stop pretending to like champagne. It's overrated and pretentious like designer handbags.

10. Drink more red wine. Jesus did, so I have his blessing.

Three achievements: 1.

Learn to ski.

2.

Master salsa dancing.

3.

Upgrade my motorbike.

So there you have it. Something tells me going to work pi$$ed, wearing French knickers and enjoying a bit of slap and tickle at the photocopier has the makings of a fantastic year...

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

NEW YEAR, NEW (TWO) WHEELS There's no better time to buy a motorbike or to start taking lessons to get your full bike test.

CAM Rider in Werrington are offering a 'two for one' deal on taking your full bike test course which will save you up to £700. The offer runs until March 1 and all you need to secure it is a £150 deposit per person. There's even a cooling off period where you get your deposit back if you change your mind. For more information call: 01733 320820.

If you're after two wheels then there are plenty of city dealerships selling excellent used examples and new bikes on special deals. One such place is Kawasaki Peterborough Ltd on Lincoln Road where owner Dave Sanders is passionate about bikes like I am pasta. He's been in business longer than the mafia and will make you an offer you can't refuse... like this one: Until the end of January he'll give you three-years 0% finance with a £99 deposit on a new ER-6n (pictured), which is an ideal starter bike with a punchy 650cc parallel twin engine and precise handling that inspires confidence. These make good commuter bikes and are great for short ar$es like me – and like me (I've been known) they're popular with the ladies. The ER-6n is widely used by training schools too, which is a testament to their solid reputation.

Kawasaki Peterborough Ltd also have a good range of used machines worth looking at.

Take it from me, I bought one from there and haven't looked back. Call: 01733 341003.

CAUGHT IN

THE ACT! “In a packed restaurant wi th no tables, Susan still m anaged to find a place to sit tuck into her and meat and tw o veg.”

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

FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY

SCHOOL DISCO

TRY MUNCHING AT MALAYBA Gone is Gaston on Broadway and in its place is Malay and Thai restaurant, Malayba. Fans of Gaston will miss the light and airy dining experience Peter Boizot introduced to our city but it's a small price to pay for quite a different ambience where you can tuck into dishes previously only available outside of Peterborough.

THE BIGGEST PARTY TUNES FROM THE 80'S, 90'S & 00'S! FEATURING SCHOOL DISCO DANCERS, THEMED UV DECOR.

Malayba is the kind of place you'll need to make several visits to just to say you’ve sampled at least half of the menu! There are literally dozens of dishes on tap and you'll have fun trying to decide what to go for under a cosy palm tree setting (yes there are palm trees in there). Don’t expect a dragon setting fire to your food though, he was just there breathing all over mine at the VIP opening.

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE SELECTED BOTTLES ALL NIGHT. FREE B4 11PM! 10.2.30AM

Malayba is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and there's a 10% discount on takeaway items. Call: 01733 561806.

Moist MY WORD OF THE MONTH

A word that almost always brings about some sort of reaction from people.

Depending on the context it's spoken in and whether it's being used by a man or a woman, moist can be both offensive / rude or complementary. I love it. Such a illustrative word. It even sounds nice. I like typing it too... here you go... moist.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES KEITH!

SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY

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

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

I know Keith Dalton is quite a convincing guy but on this occasion his – “I don't think I'm as drunk as you think I am!” – declaration as I took this photo at his Lite FM leaving do convinced the rest of us like we were convinced Jedward were going to win X-Factor.

CIAOS OUT:

I was a weekly guest on Keith's popular Talking Peterborough show and I'm missing the banter already. My Wednesday afternoons won't be the same and neither will local radio. Good luck Keith in whatever you decide to do next and don't be a stranger.

• • • • • •

Laura - Coffee gave me stomach cramps. What are you good at exactly?

Steve - No doubt baby David's first words will be “Knock, knock...”

Angela - Here you go. Happy?!

Mandy - So when do I get to see you have a go on Flipper?

Angeline - Sterling effort. It's gonna be a good one. x Vince @ The Buttercross - Homemade lemon cake to die for!

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

HAIR XCLUSIVE LAUNCHES HAIR RECOVERY PROGRAMME Hair Xclusive in Peterborough is already known as one of the hottest salons around but now it’s one of just a few selected salons to offer an exclusive new hair recovery programme by Raccoon.

Losing your hair for any reason is hugely traumatic but the hair extensions experts at Raccoon now offer a fantastic alternative to wigs. They’ve trained up a select group of salons to offer the service and even subsidise up to 70% of the cost of the hair and the unique bonding system. It all includes full consultation and aftercare so the cost of a full head of hair will range from around £255.

Sarah-Jane, the artistic designer and hair extensions expert at Hair Xclusive has been fully trained to offer this service in Peterborough and it sounds like an absolute God-send for girls who’ve suffered medical hair loss.

The team at the salon based within Esporta leisure club at Thorpe Wood also includes Annalisa who’s just been recognised as one of the UK’s top professional hair colourists following her graduation from the Wella Professionals Master Colour Award course. They’re one of only 650 salons in the UK to have this accreditation so no wonder colour fans are queuing up!

Salon director Tony Manganiello co-owns the business with his wife Rita and with 29 years in the industry they’re confident they have a great formula for the year ahead.

“Our mix of designers and graduates are all highly trained to provide the highest standards in hairdressing and customer care. We offer a free consultation to help you select a style colour to match your lifestyle.

“Our team has a genuine passion for hairdressing and client service offering you artistic flair, technical excellence and value for money.”

Tel: 01733 344307. www.hairxclusive.co.uk

www.racooninternational.com

25%

OFF 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 www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

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

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.

30% SALE now on Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 4.30pm Monday - closed

2010 gowns now in store Swanky Rags, 35a Broadway, Peterborough

Tel: 01733 345181

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

Supplying special gowns for special occasions

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

FASHION fashion @espmag.co.uk

Earrings £5 Studded top £14 Bracelet £6

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

www.yoursclothing.co.uk

Necklace £6 Purple tunic £22 Black bag £10

Necklace £10 Chain bag £9 Jersey Dress £22 Leggings £8

Rose tunic £28 Disc bag £15 Lace-up Leggings £12

T-Shirt £5 Gilet £18 Bootcut Jean £24

Stretch cardi £15 Check shirt £18 Disc bag £15 Straight leg jean £24

T-shirt £7 Necklace £8 Bracelet £6 Cowl neck tunic £16 Disc bag £15 Bootleg jean £18

PERFECT PLUS SIZE FASHION You’re sexy, you’re sassy and you’re curvy… come on girls it’s time to flaunt it in some hot looks in the new breed of plus size fashion.

Forget the size zero, more girls have shape and Yours Clothing is setting the high street and internet alight with its stunning, sexy, plus size ranges.

With over 40 stores across the country and one of the biggest plus size websites in Europe the

Peterborough based company are taking on the fashion world head on!

If you’re size 16-32 and feel your curves shouldn’t stop you from turning heads then Yours Clothing is the place for you.

Take a look at www.yoursclothing.co.uk and use the exclusive ESP 15% off voucher any time in January 2010 and see for yourself.

Exclusive ESP discount voucher

15%off all orders

throughout January 2010 Simply enter ESP in the voucher code box at checkout at www.yoursclothing.co.uk www.es p mag .co.u k ( Janua r y )

WIN

£250 TO SPEND AT OASIS! Happy New Year fashionistas – it’s time to go shopping!

ESP and Oasis in Queensgate have joined forces to bring you a fantastic prize to get 2010 off to a great start and your wardrobe bang up to date.

The fabulous new fashion store is a great addition to the shopping scene in Peterborough and has some great new styles on the way.

If you fancy a shopping spree just text or email us the word OASIS along with your name, age, address and contact number and when we draw a winner from our shopping bag it just might be you walking away with £250 to spend on Oasis goodies!

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 29/01/10.

So what would you spend your prize money on?

Since the new Oasis store opened on the upper floor in Queensgate (next to Warehouse) girls with style have been stocking up on the latest gorgeous gear and accessories.

The new Spring/Summer ranges will be in store soon and are certainly looking hot.

Coming to the store in February though is the fabulous new Book of Charms. Part of the Designer Collective this gorgeous necklace set includes a unique set of charms so you can have a different necklace every day of the week.

The silver plated vintage inspired chain and charms is £80.

If you don’t manage to win our fantastic prize you could always host a Fashion party at the store for you and your friends and get some great discounts and maybe even a £150 voucher for yourself.

It’s basically a private shopping evening when you and a minimum of 10 of your friends can enjoy hassle free shopping for an hour of fashion inspiration with free Cava, cupcakes, style advice as well as 15% discount for you and all your guests The 'party hostess' also receives a £150 voucher if the party takes over £750 and all guests are entered into a £100 prize draw for all guests.

Just email fashionparty@oasis-stores.org.uk

Oasis Stores Ltd, Unit 70 – 71, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough, PE1 1NS. Tel 01733 563207

TEXT HOTLINE: 07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Standard charges apply

Matt

S Zilch T A M F O R DCALLING

MATT SAYS...

December was a long old month for me (oh yes it was!) as yours truly was the star supporting role in the Key Theatre’s panto – Dick Whittington and his Cat! No I wasn’t the cat… I was Patsy the elf! Fifty five shows over the month has been quite stressful to say the least but amazingly good fun. The good thing about the Key panto is that it’s made up of mainly local Peterborough people in the cast, no over-paid has-beens in our show! Some say I look a picture in my white tights and red and green costume others tell the truth! It’s been great to see a few Stamford faces in the crowd too, it’s always comforting to see a few friendly faces in the crowd, it makes it all the more special.

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

MY NEW YEAR’S WISH…

FESTIVAL IS A HIT Great to see the Christmas Festival in Stamford was such a massive success.

Nicole Lawrence, the X Factor singer, was in fine form and the stallholders seemed to be doing a roaring trade. It’s always great to see such a buzz in the town and I’m pleased to hear that funding permitting, it’ll be back again next year. Well done to all the organisers!

So what would I like to see in store for Stamford this coming year? Well it would be good to see Stamford Riverside Festival doing as well as it did this year. Maybe a two day festival with some camping would be cool, however I do appreciate what the guys do and how much organisation it takes to produce already, but it’s just a thought…

PENNYLESS BACK STACKRIDGE

THE MEIZTERS HIT THE STUDIO

January is traditionally a quiet month in Stamford for events but one at the end of the month is well worth a mention when Stackridge play Stamford Arts Centre on January 30. The well known British folk, pop and progressive rock group who were at the height of their success during the early 1970s. The band's output is characterized by quirky humour and rhythmic, catchy, sing-along tunes. However the local connection in this snippet is that support comes from Pennyless, the sublime folk duo who got together a couple of years ago in Bourne.

Apart from panto, the other thing I’ve been doing this month which is a little more rock ‘n’ roll is recording an EP with my band The Meizters (that’s Josh Bromage and Rowan Mckillop) over at the Jigsaw studios at Frognal. It’s been a giggle with a bit of Elvis, a bit of The Beatles and a bit of Kings Of Leon - it won’t be in any record shop near you soon, but you will be able to get it at the gigs.

Pennyless (Les Woods on guitar and Penny Stevens on violin) have been playing together for two years now. They play fast and lively traditional Celtic folk tunes. Penny was then asked to join The Les Woods Band. To learn and practice new material they decided to busk as an acoustic duo on the streets of the towns and cities in the region, where they extended their repertoire to include cajun, bluegrass and Eastern European music. It’ll be great to see them on a big stage supporting such a legendary band as Stackridge.

Tickets for the gig are £16 (£15) on 01780 763203.

STAMFORD COMEDY If you need laugh now that the January blues are probably kicking in, cheer yourself up with a couple of cracking comedy nights in town.

Mama Liz’s stages another session of Voodoo Stands Up on Thursday January 28 at 8.30pm, tickets £7 (£5).

The following night head to The Stamford Arts Centre Comedy Club on Friday January 29 for Danielle Ward: theTime Out Critics Choice Best Newcomer 2006, Tiernan Douieb and Ray Kane at 8pm, Tickets £10 (£8, £6).

See www.stamfordartscentre.com or www.mamaliz.co.uk.

RUMOURS… Rumour has it that well known Stamford businessman Nick Pistolas has acquired the old London Inn and has a tribe of builders busying themselves turning it into a new venue which will become a must do on the Stamford circuit. At the time of writing this I don’t have the details but knowing what they achieved with Central and Browns, you just know it’s gonna be a cool place. I guess it’s just a case of watch this space!

Another Stamford venue in need of a make-over is the old Mi Familia/Square One building. It would be good to see the venue restored to the glory days of when it was Mi Familia. It’s a great old building steeped in character and deserves new owners with a commitment to getting the place buzzing again.

I heard a sniff of a rumour trickling around town, but it was literally a sniff that would border on the bounds of legality to mention, but once again watch this space and I’ll keep you posted! www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

Does my bum look big in this?

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

Like most people I’ve resolved to be more active this year but as it was already 10.30am and I was still in bed I hadn’t got off to a good start!

I was late as I’d arranged to meet my friend Beki at 10.30am at The Granary for a long (short) run (jog/walk) around Ferry Meadows to start the New Year as we planned to continue.

Speaking to Beki on loudspeaker as I hastily threw on my ancient running gear, I caught a glimpse of my larger than life derrière.

“Arggghhhh!”

It was massive.

“What’s happened? Are you alright?” asked a concerned Beki.

Not wanting to draw attention to the real reason I was hyperventilating, I said – “Oh, it’s nothing. I thought I saw a spider.”

I hung up after promising to be there as soon as possible, and changed my trousers in military-style fashion – I opted for the black (slimming) pair.

answer or confirmation of what’s actually going through their heads at the time? Do we want people to lie to us or just to make us feel better because we feel bad?

I suspect it’s the latter.

Is there ever a good time to say – “You’ve put on weight”?

Beki breezed in cheerfully and hit me with –“Helloeeee. You look nice. Have you lost some weight?”

And there it was… my answer.

No, I hadn’t lost weight. Unless that’s code for – “I’ve put on 10lbs.” My friend, unless visually impaired, had just lied to my face.

When I talked her through my theory (after laughing her head off), she confessed that she had purposely wore a longer top to cover her bum. Now to me, she must be mad as she has an enviable figure, one that I’d be happy to have.

She’s what I call my ‘bumspiration’. The fact that she felt the same as me and perhaps the same as two million other women (lose an inch here, tone up there), I realised one thing – as women, it’s our

Is there ever a good time to say – “You’ve put on weight”?

Why was it that I was too appalled to mention my bum’s inevitable growth spurt after what had been one of the nicest and over-indulgent Christmas periods on record?

Usually it’s the case that women draw attention to their behinds by asking trick questions like – “Does my bum look big in this?”

The very fact that you’ve asked means that you probably already think it is (big) but you will still give your boyfriend the silent treatment if he happened to agree.

Why are women so intent on asking this question? Do they want to hear the real

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

prerogative to grumble about things as we so wish, whether we’re size 6 or size 26!

Towelling myself dry after my post run (slow jog) shower, I pledged never again to ask – “Does my bum look big in this?”

Instead I resign myself to the fact that it most probably does!

Ladies, take heed and do not ask your friends/boyfriends a question that you really don’t want them to answer. Do, however, take great comfort (or delusion in my case) in the fact that to someone else, you just might be their ‘bumspiration’.

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

NEW YEAR BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS January is the perfect time to begin a beauty overhaul so start 2010 as you mean to go on with our must-do resolutions…

1. I will detox my make-up bag – most cosmetics do have a shelf life and are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria if kept too long so stop hoarding and chuck out the make-up junk – a perfect excuse to treat yourself to something new.

2. I will not sleep in my make-up anymore – we’ve all done it after a late night out but this is the biggest beauty no-no ever. Your skin needs to breathe to allow it to repair itself whilst you sleep but a heavy layer of makeup will block pores and trap dirt and bacteria – eeww!

3. I will wear a daily SPF – wearing an SPF of at least SPF15 every day dramatically decreases the bad effects of the sun on your skin, reducing the likeliness of wrinkles and age spots. The sun may be weaker in the winter but you should wear it all year round.

4. I will drink more water – drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps to plump out skin, keeping it younger looking and hydrates your skin from within. It’ll flush out toxins and keep skin clear and healthy.

5. I will wash my make up brushes – not only is there the small issue of hygiene (the build up of bacteria and grease is simply disgusting) but your brushes will perform better and do what they’re supposed to if they are clean and dirt free. Wash in warm soapy water and allow to air dry. Aim to do this at least once a month if possible.

HERE COME THE BOYS Neanderthal man is dead and the time when male body odour was the only fragrance available is long gone. Times have changed and man has evolved.

In this day and age it’s important to look good and know how to impress if you want to succeed, both in the dating and the business world. ESP brings you some top tips in male grooming and how to make the best of yourselves… a new year, a new you!

1. Good skincare is easy and essential – taking care of your skin can really make a difference to your overall appearance. Try using a face scrub to prepare skin for shaving such as The Real Shaving Company’s Daily Face Scrub which contains lemongrass and black pepper oil to unblock pores and prevent blackheads. It also helps to remove dead skin cells leaving your skin with the perfect texture for a comfortable shave. A good moisturiser is also important in helping skin look young and fresh. Try The Real Shaving Company’s Anti-ageing Moisturiser containing shea butter and aloe vera to prevent fine lines and reduce the signs of wrinkles. It will leave you with smooth, soft moisturised skin for up to 24 hours, ideal for after a heavy night out this party season.

2. Body odour – is a big no no! Wash and shower as often as necessary especially after playing sport and before a night out. There are some great anti-perspirants and deodorants out there these days, so men no excuses!

Try Lynx Dry Africa anti-perspirant deodorant and see if you have the Lynx effect with the ladies.

3. Get yourself a good haircut – if you don’t spend out on a new outfit that often make sure you splurge on a decent haircut. More expensive salons tend to keep up to date with fashion trends and can really make the most of what you have. Balding hair looks best short, very short in fact. No combovers please. There are also some great hair products around to keep your style looking good. Trevor Sorbie’s Hair Fibre Wax can be used daily to shape, style and mould your hair.

Before

After

HEAD FOR THE NEW BRAZILIAN IN SPALDING Mishishi hair salon in Spalding are the latest experts in the all new Brazilian blow dry. This innovative hair treatment helps to recondition and smooth hair, leaving you with shiny, fizz-free hair for between 2 to 5 months. Popular in America, celebrity fans of the treatment include Nicole Richie and Lynsey Lohan.

The Brazilian blow dry works using a Keratin based lotion to naturally straighten and relax the hair. Keratin is the primary protein of the hair, skin and nails and transforms hair, without chemicals, into its healthiest state.

4. Good oral hygiene is a must – brush teeth at least twice a day, visit the dentist on a regular basis and use a good mouth wash. Always carry chewing gum around with you or some extra strong mints as you never know when you could get lucky – 2010 could be your year!

The treatment’s suitable for all hair types whether it be fine, coloured, curly or straight and takes between 1 ½ to 4 hours depending on the length and thickness of the hair but is well worth the time as the results are immediate.

Time taken to style your hair is dramatically reduced and in most cases will require minimum blow drying time so is perfect for those of us with hectic lifestyles. But even better news girls is that humidity and rain will be a problem of the past – they will no longer cause frizzy hair!

5. Last but not least keep clothing clean, smart and trendy and change your underwear daily at least!

For more info visit www.mishishi.com or to book a free consultation or appointment call Michelle Pearson on 01775 762733.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

A NEW LOOK LUSH Cosmetics store Lush in Queensgate has a great new look designed to take things back to basics.

With a central country kitchen style table consultation area, the new shop design encourages customers to sit down, relax and discuss their skincare needs with one of Lush’s expert consultants. Customers can even take away samples to try and ensure they find the best products for them.

Lush cosmetics and skincare items are handmade, natural and fresh. The new concept creates a laid-back, no rush, no pressure atmosphere and lets the Lush staff spend time with customers to discover what it is they need and want.

You’re guaranteed to look, smell and feel Lush!

WIN £250

WORTH OF PAMPERING FOR TWO AT STYLISTICS Chase away those postChristmas blues and give yourself and a friend a real lift for 2010.

ESP has teamed up with the Stylistics hair salon at Peterborough’s Westgate department store to give readers a chance to win two pampering sessions worth a total of £250.

COMPETITION

Our lucky winners will each get the works… a colour, cut and blow dry worth £100 and a full body St Tropez spray tan worth £50.

Our winners will enjoy VIP treatment with top quality products at the hands of Stylistics’ talented staff.

The salon is situated on the second floor of the Westgate department store in Park Road.

Senior stylist Nik has over 25 years of hairdressing experience and can create both classic and up-to-the-minute looks. Sharon has been in the hairdressing industry for over 16 years; she has a flair for cutting and styling which is great for creating a new look.

If you want something special, ask for Charmaine, who can create beautiful hair put-ups and gorgeous GHD curls for those special occasions.

Tammy and Terina are fully qualified stylists; they can also look after your beauty needs and are both fully-trained in St Tropez spray tanning, the ultimate spray booth for that natural looking tan all-yearround. Tammy is also a waxing expert.

The salon is open from 9am-5.30pm, Monday-Saturday, and until 8pm on Thursdays. To book an appointment, or for more info call 01733 565622.

To stand a chance of winning our great prize just text or email the word Stylistics along with your name, age, address email and phone number and it could be your name we draw from our beauty bag to win a pampering session for two.

Usual competition rules apply, there is no cash alternative, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 29/01/10.

TEXT HOTLINE

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

Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

TV

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

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

It’s that time of year again when we want to let go of the old and welcome the new. My roots are from bonnie Dundee in Scotland and our new year planning always started a couple of days before where hours were spent cleaning the old rubbish out of the house to make a fresh start for the year ahead. Mind you it was a waste of time after the Hogmanay party! Sometimes we make promises or resolutions only to find by mid January we’ve lost them somewhere as the old habits reappear.

When it comes to food, we go onto autopilot picking up the same foods over and over, much like our persistent thoughts. If you stopped to look at all the edible foods on this planet and then see how many of them you eat you’ll find that we eat a lot but only a limited variety!

Food Intolerance and Food Allergy Awareness Week runs from January 25-29. Both are very different as the reaction from the immune system is very different.

Allergies are NOT food intolerances; they are very strong immune responses which can cause sudden reactions such as swellings, runny nose, itching etc. Some allergic reactions can lead to a dangerous situation called anaphylaxis (with this in my family I know first hand how frightening this can be!)

However, food intolerances are very different. You can get a reaction but the immune system takes time to respond to it and it’s not life threatening but can affect your life particularly if you feel the effects on a day to day basis but don’t know why.

Some symptoms that may be linked to intolerances can be physical or mental (maybe even emotional) such as – • Irritability • Tiredness • Sinus problems • Skin rashes/itches • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) • Brain fog • Anxiety • Insomnia • Headaches… and a host of other symptoms

TRY A DEVINE DETOX Karen has now launched her very own Devine Detox Retreat for 2010: retreats in stunning venues. For more details visit www.karendevine.co.uk

It’s more obvious to see the link between what we eat and our physical symptoms but not so much for how we feel or how we behave!

We can lose tolerance to foods for a variety of reasons some being – • Stress (has a direct affect on the gut) • Decreased intestinal lining which allows for larger particles to get into the blood stream • Inadequate nutrition • Inadequate breakdown of foods causing an immune response (maldigestion) • Frequent courses of antibiotics or some other medical drugs which can affect the gut • Levels of friendly (or unfriendly) bacteria • Eating the same foods too often… and much more Some culprits can be the foods we eat too often (sometimes every meal) which are – • Yeast • Wheat and/or gluten • Cow’s milk products • Soya products Short term – taking foods out that you suspect may be a trigger won’t be a problem but longer term you have to make sure you are replacing them with good alternatives which bring good nutrients. For instance replacing wheat with manufactured wheat-free options might not be better long term, they are very high in salt and often contain a variety of chemicals to add flavour.

There are tests available which can show certain immune responses to foods but always take advice before parting with good money. Being able to interpret the reading is important and also care should be taken on eliminating food groups to make sure you don’t end up eating such a limited diet.

If you feel you may have food intolerances or allergies then always seek advice before making long term changes to your diet.

KAREN’S BACK ON TV! ESP’s resident nutritionist is back on the box this year!

The Last Resort returns to BBC Northern Ireland early in 2010 with human conditions ranging from agoraphobia to binge drinking being addressed by three world-class experts – all aiming to help four men and two women transform their lives in just ten days.

Based in a stunning stately home in rural County Fermanagh, a top clinical psychologist, a nutritionist (our Karen!) and a life coach offer a unique threepronged approach to cleanse the mind, body and soul.

“This an amazing experience not just to work with some of the most respected therapists in Northern Ireland but for the personal challenge for me being the main presenter of nutrition. I put them through all things nutritional including a few surprises which didn’t go down too well initially!

“I was very humbled by the way the six guests allowed us into their lives, they came to the Last Resort with an openness and a willingness to help themselves.

It was two weeks full of ups and downs as you’ll see, with many tears, tantrums and a lot of laughter in the mix.”

Best wishes for a healthy 2010!

Watch all six confront their demons before it's too late. For each of them, they've reached The Last Resort.

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

BBC 1 NORTHEN IRELAND – January 4, 10.30pm or Channel 973 (on Sky box).

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. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

INTERVIEW feature @espmag.co.uk

Luke Pasqualino As his second series of Skins airs on E4 this month Peterborough’s very own TV star Luke Pasqualino is proving he’s still hot property. During 2009 he’s not been far from our screens appearing in Casualty, Celebrity Weakest Link and most recently in Miranda Hart as well as presenting an award at the MOBOs amongst other things. Now with trips to the US and other projects in the pipeline back home it looks like 2010 could bring even more success for the young actor. ESP grabs a word…

It's been a bit of a whirlwind for you so far – what's been the best part of 2009?

“It’s hard for me to choose one highlight of 2009 because it’s been such an amazing year for me. If I had to choose I would probably say the recognition and response I've had from everyone about Skins Series 3.”

How do you feel about being part of Peterborough's group of new young guns putting the city on the map?

“It’s always good to be part of something that makes a difference. Being part of Peterborough’s new young guns is brilliant... everyone has been really supportive and it makes coming home a novelty again.”

What's it been like playing Freddie again and what can we expect from the next series?

“It's been fantastic playing Freddie, I’ve learnt loads in the process and as for the next series I’m going to keep my cards close to my chest and wait for you to watch it.

Haha!”

Who's been your favourite co-star?

I've had loads of favourite co-stars. All of the cast are very close and the guest stars we have are all brilliant too. I’ll say Will Young because I'm allowed to mention his name, it was great working with him and being the only cast member on Skins to do so made it that little bit more fun I suppose... he was a dude!”

Are you sad Skins is over?

“I am sad it’s over but at the same time it will give us the opportunity to get out and do new things with our careers and grow as artists. Also if the producers decide to get a new cast involved then it’s giving someone else a shot just like I was given one.”

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

What does 2010 hold for you?

“2010 holds lots of hard work and if I make the right choices then a successful year shouldn’t be out of the question.”

What do you miss most about home when you're away?

“When I’m away I miss my family and home comforts the most, just little things like a cup of tea with my mum over a decent episode of Jeremy Kyle. Haha...”

What are your New Year's resolutions?

“I haven’t thought about any New Year’s resolutions yet... I never tend to have any. If I had to have one it would probably be something along the lines of not moaning about train journeys, haha…”

Live Music

Members Club New members welcome

December 31st City Sounds Disco January 2010 2nd Jamie Neale 9th Euphoria 16th Response 22nd AMS Night – Honeywell 23rd Honeywell 30th Soul Providers

Also

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

Admission £2 – members free

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

Elm Tree Tavern (formerly The Comet) Under new management!

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

• Warm friendly atmosphere • Very reasonably priced food and drink • Large function room available, free hire (with a £75 refundable deposit) • Coming in 2010 – live music returns to the Elm Tree!

• Traditional pub food served 7 days a week • Lunch 12 - 3pm every day.

Fri & Sat – 6 - 9pm • Curry, pasta & steak (some dishes cooked to order) • Sunday roasts – £6.50 • Mon to Wed – FREE pool • Tuesday – Pub Quiz

Garton End Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough Tel: 07989 321631

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

c

The page that says if Warwick Davis turned on Peterborough's Christmas lights, shouldn't Darth Vader be turning them off?

d

speaking to some spotty youth in Currys. Are you going to buy that new widescreen telly then?

Boycie: Good gawd, woman. I'm not talking about some spotty plonker in a shop, I'm talking about a pukka TV executive. He gave me his business card and everything. He's very interested in a major show that's being made this year... and it's in Australia.

Marlene: Australia? Oh how exciting. ’Ere, is it a part in Neighbours?

Boycie: A part in Neighbours? Have a day off Marlene, do I look like Harold Bishop’s long lost brother? No, this is my chance to really establish myself and stop being typecast. I could be the thinking woman’s Hugh Jackman.

Marlene: So what is it then?

Boycie: The next series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Marlene: And they want you?! (laughs hysterically) Boycie: Yes – and what is wrong with that? I've got a lot of skills that'll stand me in good stead for surviving a month in the jungle. I survived living in Peckham for over 40 years.

A DATE WITH BOYCIE AND MARLENE Actors John Challis and Sue Holderness, known to millyons of people as Boycie & Marlene will be in the city in February reprising their iconic characters from Only Fools & Horses and the spin-off series Green Green Grass. They’ll be doing an An Evening With... at The Key Theatre and ahead of their visit I couldn't help wonder what made them decide to go on tour... www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Boycie: For gawd's sake Marlene, would you cheer up. You've got a face like Susan Boyle’s backside.

Marlene: Oh give it a rest Boycie – you've been on at me ever since you arranged this live tour.

Boycie: Look, we've been through this all before.

Due to the economic climate I've got all my assets tied up in that farm I bought and I need to get my hands on some quick cash.

Marlene: In a nice house, surrounded by hundreds of creature comforts. How are you going to cope being surrounded by man eating insects and strange looking creatures?

Boycie: Well I've lived with you for long enough!

There isn't a creature alive that's scarier looking than you first thing in the morning without your make-up. (Does his laugh)

Marlene: I know, I know, but why couldn't you go back to being a car salesman?

Marlene: I wish you wouldn't do that laugh of yours. You sound like a sheep on steroids. And what about the jungle food? It won't be all caviar and smoked salmon. I've seen those bush tucker trials. They make you eat all sorts of disgusting things.

Boycie: Because Marlene, I am a celebrity now, and celebrity endorsements are big business these days. That's why we're doing this tour. My public awaits. Oh yes, it wouldn't surprise me if this show gets nominated for a BAFTA.

Boycie: Again that's not a problem. You seem to be forgetting that when we lived in Peckham I spent years eating in Sid’s Cafe and The Nags Head. If I can put up with that, I can put up with anything. (Laughs again)

Marlene: Pah, leave it out. The only reason people are going to turn up is to hear you talking about Del-Boy and the Trotters. If it wasn't for them no one would've heard of you... or me!

Marlene: You’ll wear that laugh out if you’re not careful. Imagine what’ll happen if we turn up at The Key in Peterborough and nothing comes out.

Boycie: Yes, well that may have been the case in the past, but I think you'll find I'm very much a celebrity in my own right these days. Only the other day I was speaking to a television executive.

Marlene: Oh yes, that's right – I noticed you

Boycie: That’s a good point. I’ll give them a ring now and make sure they put a bottle of Cognac in the dressing room!

See them for yourself at The Key Theatre on February 22. Tickets: £16.50. Box office: 01733 207239.

WOLFIE'S LAKESIDE DATE Finally, look out for local darts legend Martin 'Wolfie' Adams on BBC2 in January. The bearded, bespectacled, and sovereign-ringed daddy of darts will be back at The BDO World Championships at Lakeside in Surrey that runs from January 1-9. Wolfie's opening match will be shown live on BBC2 on Monday January 3 and after winning the World Championship in 2007, as well as the Winmau World Masters in 2008 and 2009 he'll once again be in the hunt for the top prize. A-oooooooooh! C'mon Wolfie!

STAND OUT LIVE COMEDY The best ones to look out for over the next few months....

It’s good to see some new live comedy nights springing up around town and after spending Christmas locked in with the family and receiving your credit card bill in the post… you’ll probably be keen to get out for a laugh!

ESP went along to try out the new comedy nights at Radius (above the Solstice) and have to congratulate Jonny Mills and the team for a great night.

Out of the mixed line-up we favoured Juliet Myers and Irish comedian Ryan McDonnell but it was a good night all round and packed to the brim. The next one is on February 19 and I’ll have more on that next issue. It’s worth reserving your seat on 07890 062371 as we had to squeeze in with presenter Lee Warren and the Heart FM competition winners – thanks Lee! Meanwhile The Comedy Club which some of you may have seen over at Esporta have introduced some of their nights to the city centre and held two trial comedy sessions at Bar Rock last month. Fingers crossed they went well and the boys will be back in town once again – if you were there let me know what you thought. Meanwhile their quarterly nights held at Thorpe Wood will continue so watch this space (www.hahaheehee.com and www.espmag.co.uk) for the next dates.

Stamford Comedy Club returns on Friday January 29 and gets the year off to a good start with Danielle Ward the Time Out Critics Choice Best Newcomer 2006, Tiernan Douieb with enthusiastic delivery of sharp observations and slick delivery, plus crowd pleaser Ray Kane. Tickets are £10 (concessions available).

Box office: 01780 763203.

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

One to book for next month is Rhod Gilbert And The Cat That Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst on February 12. Following last year’s sell-out tour and sensational performances on The Royal Variety Performance, Live At The Apollo, and Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Roadshow, the Welsh wonder is back at The Cresset with a brand new show. He’s one of the hottest names in standup today so catch him in the Boro while you can. Tickets £17.50. Box office: 01733 265709.

Embankment Road, Peterborough

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

Ristorante I taliano

CAUGHT IN THE ACT?

ON THE TOWN IN

STAMFORD Pep and his Paparazzi lovelies hit Stamford town and boy did they have a good time! Newly crowned Face of ESP, Tori Bradshaw teamed up with Becca, Susan, Matt and Laura as the crew picked off some of Stammy's most popular venues.

First stop was a 'quiet one' in The Millstone. Pep (we're told) was too busy eyeing up one of the lovely barmaids so Becca took over chief Paparazzi duties for a while, before handing back to Pep who snapped Becca and Susan giving karaoke a bit of a go. We're reliably informed the girls' version of I Will Survive is best compared to the sound of mating dolphins (after one too many shandys of course).

The Crown came next for Pep and his crew. A favourite location for a drink in stylish surroundings, this venue has forged itself a good reputation and is always on the 'to do' list when ESP goes to Stamford.

And a visit to Stamford wouldn't be complete without a stop in The Periwig next door. The new dancefloor area was packed (although Pep was reluctant to show his new salsa moves) and the entire venue was buzzing with a fab festive vibe.

The Peartree on Broad Street was next and there were plenty of faces from out of town enjoying a drink. The live music was provided by George Simpson who did a great acoustic set while our guys worked the crowd with punters eager to get their mugshot in the mag.

Last stop of the night was Mama Liz’s where Pep, his lens lovelies and Matt were treated to a soundtrack from yesteryear with music going as far back as the 1950s! Mama's has a great line-up of DJs playing a wide range of music – a place our team recommend you should definitely have a few drinks at when you’re next in Stamford.

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 ( Ja nuar y )

Proudly sponsored by

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

“It coincided with the end of my working relationship with my old label as well, so it really was a chance for a fresh start,” she acknowledges. “I do feel I’ve got more freedom than I’ve ever had as an artist.”

That freedom reflected itself in her approach to songwriting and production. Natalie decided she would follow her muse. If that meant working with a variety of old friends and colleagues all over the world, so be it – she wrote with, amongst others Los Angelesbased Scottish writer Gary Clark (formerly of Danny Wilson), bunkered down in Miloco Studios in London with producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, The Horrors), and also with the help of Dave McCracken (Ian Brown, Beyonce).

If that meant, as she puts it, “flipping some of the songs she’d written completely on their head,” fair enough.

“For example Scars changed from the demo to become an Arcade Fire, crescendo type track but then returned to the balladlike demo,” explains Natalie.

“It’s taken me years to have the confidence to let songs be changed, messed up, cut up, broken into pieces and assembled into something new. Ben Hillier helped me with that – I asked him for curveballs, and he turned songs that started out like Stevie Nicks into dance tracks. Brilliant!

She’s the singer and songwriter to whom Chris Martin has gifted what the frontman has described as “the best Coldplay song he has written.” How highly does Martin rate her and the songs she assembled for her new album? High enough to take her round to Brian Eno’s place to borrow the art-boffin’s studio, to lend a songwriting hand in other places, and to offer some sterling advice on tracklisting and sequencing (important things, those).

CELEBS

Two years ago Natalie Imbruglia celebrated ten years of releasing music with a Greatest Hits. It was, she says now, a line in the sand. A clearing of the decks. A full stop.

celebs @espmag.co.uk

“Chris was brutally honest, which is quite refreshing,” says Natalie.

“Someone that talented you can trust. It was really nice to have an objective person come in and help you a bit.”

She knew Martin from years ago and used to be at all Coldplay’s early gigs. They hadn’t spoken in a while, until Martin got in touch out of the blue, saying he had “a couple of ideas that might not be right for Coldplay but they might be right for me. The next thing I know I’m at Brian Eno’s house, borrowing his studio, as Chris sang this song to me…”

It was Fun, a glorious, heartfelt pop song. “I thought it was the most beautiful song I’d ever heard. I nearly did one of those ugly cries and almost had to leave the room,” she laughs. “I thought, why does he want to give it to me? But he just did. Lucky me, it’s absolutely beautiful.”

She’s made the album of her career, and of her life. “The title, Come To Life, is about really living,” she says, “not living the life that everyone thinks you should. It’s about being who you are stepping up and stepping out. That is what I’ve done, and I hope people hear that in the songs.” www.natalieimbruglia.com

natalie imbruglia www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

JLS Aston and JLS begin 2010 with their live tour an instant sell out and will be ending it with an arena tour to which they’ve had to add extra dates already! They’re next single One Shot will be out next month and if 2009 wasn’t big enough for the guys it looks like this year will be even bigger… if that’s possible!

Peterborough lad Aston Merrygold hasn’t been able to set foot in Queensgate for quite a while but if he had he’d no doubt have felt a little unnerved by the fact his face was adorning calendars on sale around his home town’s shopping centre. Anyone who knows him from the city would no doubt be feeling the same. Talk about a meteoric rise!

Now part of Britain’s hottest boy band, Aston has enjoyed the busiest year of his life – two number one singles, a number one album, countless public appearances and two triumphant returns to the show that launched JLS. Aston told ESP – “It’s all quite unreal. Only just over a year ago we were still in the show ourselves.”

After such an intense year how do the guys handle the pressure? “We just have a real laugh together in-between times,” says Aston “but when we’re at work we’re professional.”

Despite all the hype about Stacey Solomon who Aston admits “is cute” Aston says he’s still

looking for Miss Right – “I’d like a nice girlfriend,” he confides. But surely he’s swamped by girls?

“Sometimes the ones that just lust after you aren’t the right girls for you. I’d like someone not just hyped on the whole JLS thing – someone liking me for just me.” Steady yourself girls!

Their amazing duet with Alexandra on the X Factor final proved there really were two winners last year – whether the same will be the case for Joe and Olly remains to be seen.

The press love all the competition but when the ‘bad boys’ cuddled up to Alexandra on stage they proved ‘everbody’s in love’ with both acts.

“There’s enough for everybody” said JB. “We’re not in competition against her as such. She’s a really good friend of ours and a deserved winner.”

It doesn’t seem that long ago we were casting our votes for Aston and the boys but despite their whirlwind year the JLS guys have still been glued to the latest series themselves.

“We’ve not been getting much sleep,” JB told ESP, “we’ve been working hard but we love it.

We still watched the show though.

“We met Jedward,” added JB, who favoured Olly to win, “and they were fantastic guys – one of them even had my bed from the X Factor house.”

The boys have been all over the press and every TV show going but one of their more unusual TV appearances was in Channel 4’s 3D week.

“It was great to be involved in a 3D show,” said JB “and to be the first British group to do it was amazing!”

Of course it was their return to the X Factor stage that was a real talking point. After their first performance Louis was quick to point out – “They’ve got it all they deserve everything they’ve got.”

They even had high praise from Mr Cowell himself who said – “When the boys started the process they put everything together themselves, they worked hard, they didn’t win… but for the next 12 months they did the same.

You’re the reason acts like you, why we make this show. Congratulations!”

Oritsé says – “Afterwards Simon came over and patted me on the back and said what a great job we’re doing and that he’s very proud. I didn’t know what to say!”

JLS’ new single One Shot will be out on February 22. www.jlsofficial.com

www.es p mag .co.uk ( Ja nua r y )

This optimistic feel is being injected into Connect FM which will officially launch on 106.8, replacing Lite FM on January 4 with a new line-up of presenters including former 80’s singer Tracie Young taking over lunchtimes.

Mark says the Adventure Radio group is promising to ‘bring sunshine to your radio’ with its unique ‘sunny day’ brand and its slogan of ‘Just Great Songs’.

The group owns four stations – Connect 107.4 / 97.2 FM (Northamptonshire), Southend Radio 105.1 FM and Chelmsford Radio 107.7 FM and the new Connect station in Peterborough.

Mark added – “We’re aiming to replicate the success that Connect has had in its neighbouring county, and by joining up will be able to offer the listener a great choice of new and exciting programmes, big prizes and some of the best local talent.”

Time to welcome in a new year and a new radio station. On January 4 get ready to tune into Connect FM 106.8 as we say goodbye to Lite FM…

This includes the Tracie Young Show (10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday) – presented by the former Jam and Style Council singer.

Tracie began singing professionally in 1982 at the age of 17, after replying to an advert Paul Weller had placed in Smash Hits. He was looking for a singer to sign to his newly launched Respond label. After hearing Tracie perform, he offered her a deal.

Within months Tracie had sung on The Jam’s final single, Beat Surrender, and was singing with the Style Council. She had also started performing as a solo artist, scoring hits with The House That Jack Built and Give It Some Emotion.

However, the vision for Respond Records didn’t quite pan out as expected – a contract with Polydor Records followed, but eventually Tracie called it a day with her singing career.

The Tracie Young Show will launch in January with ‘Tracie’s Mystery Voices’ – a contest running for 10 weeks giving listeners the chance to win £5,000.

It’s hard to believe that it’s ten years since Lite FM first hit the airwaves in Peterborough as a bold rival to the long standing Hereward FM, but a lot’s changed since then for both the station and the city. New owners Adventure Radio have decided a new era has dawned and so a new name and a new line-up have been announced.

THE NEW CONNECT FM LINE-UP

“Peterborough is a vibrant city and has a new optimism,” managing director Mark Jeeves told ESP. “I think we’re in the right place at the right time and the opportunities are huge.

Gregg Nunney – 6am – 10am

“Even with the changes in the city centre like the old Corn Exchange building being knocked down – there’s a real feeling of out with the old and in with the new.

More Music Lunch Hour – 1pm – 2pm

“Lite served Peterborough very well for ten years but things have changed. When we took over and looked at the audience needs we could see that Lite had started out as a sort of classic hits station but adults now have a much younger outlook and the station needs to reflect that.”

Ian Sharpe and ‘See It All’ Sara

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Tracie Young – 10am – 1pm

Ian Sharpe – 2pm – 7pm Ben Payne – 7pm – 10pm Love at Sunset with Ali Burnett – 10pm – 1am

Gregg Nunney

Tracie Young

Wansford in England An English Country Restaurant Last bookings for New Year’s Eve supper (choose from the A La Carte menu)

Wed 20th to Sat 23rd Jan 2010

Game menu available (all locally sourced) Ring for more details

Now taking bookings for Valentine’s weekend Now open for morning coffee from 10.30am • Lite bite lunch menu from £4.95 • Traditional English A la Carte evening meals

Fiddlesticks Restaurant

26 London Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JE Tel: 01780 784111

‘A dining experience with a difference’ • Lunchtime Tuesday to Friday – 12pm to 2pm (2 course option) • Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm 3 courses includes coffee & mints £25.95

special January menu Sun-Thurs Evenings £10 for two courses Lunch 12-2.30pm mon-sat 12-3.30pm sun (Buffet) Dinner 5.30-11.00pm Fri-sat 5.30-10.30pm sun-Thurs

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

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

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

FOOD food @espmag.co.uk

MALAYBA BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO GASTON It’s always great to see new additions to the dining out scene in the city centre and we recently went along to the launch of Malayba on Broadway.

Not only is it good news to see another venue open but it’s also good to see new life breathed into an old one – namely the former Gaston building which had sadly been closed for some time. It’s now been transformed with palm trees and a new cocktail bar and serves Malay and Thai cuisine.

The latest venture by the owners of Imperial Bento just further along, was opened with entertainment from amazingly talented Chinese acrobats and a fabulous lion dance and the ESP team were invited along for a sneaky peek.

It now means Broadway has a great selection of restaurants stretching out from the centre helping create another new restaurant quarter on that side of the city centre. www.malayba.com

CHIMICHANGA ARRIVES! As we told you a while ago there’s more good news with the arrival of the Chimichanga chain taking over the former Verve bar on Church Street.

It’s hopefully opening around the end of February or early March. While it’s certainly sad to see the bar go at least the arrival of this new Mexican restaurant further broadens the choice in the centre.

Part of the Prezzo chain, this new restaurant is one of just eight others open elsewhere in the country so it’s great to see Peterborough has been chosen for their latest opening. Serving everything from chargrilled dishes to tortillas burgers, wraps and other Mexican specialities along with Texan salads it should certainly spice up your food life. www.chimichanga.co.uk

NEW YEAR TREATS AT EAST If your credit card bill has shaken you, you just might be planning on holing up in January with the remains of the Quality Street for consolation and planning not to go out again until spring!

The good news is East restaurant on Town Bridge has just the tonic to ensure you can still have a social life in 2010 and get together with friends.

When it comes to fine Oriental dining this gorgeous restaurant on the river has a unique atmosphere and is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Their special January offer of two courses for just £10 has to be the answer to surviving the January blues.

The menu here is like no other in the city and this is an ideal opportunity to enjoy stylish, fine dining at a great price. This generous deal runs from Sunday – Thursday evenings. This doesn’t mean you only have a couple of dishes to choose from either – the menu includes eight starters and nine main courses served with steamed rice and stir fried vegetables.

The starters include Sata Lilit Bali – pork, marinated in an Indonesian sauce, grilled on skewers served with a sour and sweet salad. Sambal Chicken Wing – chicken wings tossed in Malaysian Sambal sprinkled with lime leaves.

While the main courses see dishes such as Gai Tod Takai–chicken thigh stir fried with crispy lemongrass, tossed with a garlic, chilli and oyster sauce.

Mee Siam (a complete dish) – a jus of chilli, garlic, shallots and yellow beans stir fried with chicken and prawns topped with omelette and spring onion.

Gang Gari Kung – prawns, potato and onions slow cooked in turmeric and curry sauce sprinkled with crispy fried onion.

Even better you can enjoy a tasty pint from Oakham Ales or a great wine selection while you’re there. If all that doesn’t tempt you out of the house, nothing will!

Tel: 01733 315707 www.east-restaurant.co.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Reviews FOOD REVIEW

Smiths

North Street, Bourne Tel: 01778 426819

The warm decor, the lovely atmosphere and yummy food at Smiths make it one of the tastiest places to eat in Bourne.

Smiths has always served food at lunchtime but have recently ventured into doing evening meals too, and now have a popular local following.

They serve traditional pub meals as well as dishes with a bit of a twist.

Eight of us popped in one Wednesday night for a quick bite to eat and catch up. We were seated promptly at our table and drinks quickly followed, I chose the steak burger and chips which were presented piping hot and all freshly cooked – very tasty indeed!

Other dishes on the menu include fillet steak with a honey mustard dressing and wild mushroom risotto. All the dishes are well priced starting at £6.95 and look fabulous on the plate!

Being a bit of a dessert fanatic I could have quite easily had one of each of the eight choices on the menu, which included apple pie, hot chocolate brownie and crème caramel. Finally after about 10 minutes of umming and erring, I had the brownie and I was not disappointed with my choice.

The friendly and attentive service and wide choice of food make Smith’s my top choice for a good old traditional pub meal, and the best secret in Bourne!

Laura Waltham

Valentine’s Special Limited offer

Overnight stay on Saturday February 13th including 4 course meal and champagne breakfast - £80 pp (Six rooms available)

Valentine’s Dinner 4 course meal and glass of champagne - £45 pp FOOD REVIEW

Fiddlesticks

• 17th Century thatched inn and pub with cosy log fires • Music nights ever Friday – Jazz and easy listening

26 London Road, Wansford Tel: 01780 784111

One thing you can be sure of when you go to eat at Fiddlesticks in Wansford is that the food is always fresh and made from local produce.

When we walked in we were greeted with a warm and cosy atmosphere – it’s actually larger inside than you’d imagine but has a lovely country style feel. We soon settled in to peruse the menu but the very delicious specials board listed things like red onion and goat’s cheese tart and rack of lamb.

I opted for that and wasn’t disappointed - it arrived came falling off the bone and piping hot, accompanied with creamy potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Gorgeous! In fact all the food was wonderfully presented and delicious.

Whilst you are there you can also do some of your local produce shopping, they sell their homemade pickles and jams, so you can continue the Fiddlesticks experience long after you’ve left.

Watch out for their Game Nights throughout January when they’ll be serving fresh pigeon, rabbit and pheasant dishes. I might just have to drop by again…

Laura Waltham

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

Escape to the country It takes something extra special to draw you out of the city limits and we’ve found it!

“We pride ourselves on providing locally sourced food – even the meat, and in using seasonal, fresh produce all cooked to perfection by our head chef,” says Ronan. “Daniel and his team make everything themselves even the sauces and bread.

“Service is also a high priority for us,” added Ronan, “we’re a restaurant-led pub but aim to offer a relaxing environment around the dining experience so you can take your time and feel welcome.”

Exquisite dining, gorgeous surroundings and a cosy warm welcome in a beautiful country setting should tick all the boxes and The Three Horseshoes Inn has it all.

With fabulous fresh food sourced locally and cooked with flair by chef Daniel Walker the dining experience is enough to tempt you, but once you see the six fabulous bedrooms you might also be tempted to make a night of it.

Run by Ronan and Jane McLister this pub is the vision of the perfect country pub but once you step inside you know you’ve found a real gem and it’s only a short drive from Peterborough to Abbots Ripton. The Inn is nestled amongst some lovely cottages which are part of Lord De Ramsay’s estate and he refurbished the pub as part of his regeneration of the village. The Grade II listed building dates back to the 17th Century and has a large lounge bar, two cosy snugs and open log fires.

We’re always on the look out for great places to eat out and the spacious split level restaurant is beautifully decorated, but the food is really something to travel for. The menu features dishes which reflect what’s in season and so it changes around every five weeks.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

The menu isn’t the only attraction here though, hidden behind the scenes are six private rooms all with a very different style which have gained The Three Horseshoes Inn a four star AA rating. Although it’s easily within driving distance you can always make a little more of your visit by staying over and there are often some great dining and accommodation offers. If you’re planning on doing something special over Valentine’s weekend you can enjoy a four course meal on Saturday February 13 and wake up to a champagne breakfast, relaxed and refreshed for just £80 per person. Of course you could just dine out and enjoy a four course meal and glass of champagne for £45 per person.

Another new attraction is the introduction of live music nights with jazz and easy listening on Friday evenings. Roll on summer and it’ll be the perfect place for alfresco dining or to enjoy some of the real ales in the lawned beer garden.

Seek out this great dining destination just off the A1 at Junction 15 (Sawtry) head onto the B1043 and then join B1090 to Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon.

Tel: 01480 773440. www.thethreehorsehsoes.com

Just 20 minutes from Peterborough, turn off the A1 by Sawtry

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

'Knock3rdouJatn' 2S0a1le 0 2nd &

upto 50% off h it w s em it f o s Hundred • 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.

• Handcrafted kitchens, offices, bedrooms.

• Quality is affordable – see for yourself!

• Excellent prices

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

“Let us make your home special”

13th Century pub, 21st Century Food The Golden Pheasant LUNCHTIME SPECIAL AND EARLY BIRDS • 12 - 2pm & 6 - 7pm • 1 course - £6, 2 courses - £7, 3 courses - £9 • Dinner for £4.95 one course, home cooked, heart warmer.

(Mon – Fri lunchtime and evening and Sat lunch) • Seasonal A La Carte menu freshly cooked local produce For hire, our fully serviced events marquee, for weddings, conferences, parties, in fact it’s the perfect setting for any occasion.

NOW OPEN all year round.

• Food served 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 www.thegoldenpheasant.net

• Our food encompasses all that is seasonal, and where possible local and organic.

• Live Local, Love Local 20% off food from the a la carte menu in January when you quote esp

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

Everyone fancies a little pampering to beat the winter blues and now you can give your hair some TLC with the launch of a new treatment range at PKai hair.

The salon launches the new Wella SP Infusions range this month – a new range of in-salon bespoke treatments which for the first time allow you to treat more than one hair condition at a time.

SP has always been a prescriptive range of products but now it’s taken this hair care philosophy to another level. The whole SP range has been reformulated and repackaged but retains its great results. Now though PKai offers its new Infusions treatments which use specialist oils in different combinations to combat two different hair problems at once. Forget having to opt for a frizz cure but forfeit combating the dryness, now you can solve the two. Whatever you hate about your hair there’ll be an Infusion treatment to tame your tresses.

HAIR CARE AT PKAI INFUSED WITH STYLE! Everyone fancies a little pampering to beat the winter blues and now you can give your hair some TLC with the launch of a new treatment range at PKai hair. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Jenny from PKai told ESP – “Infuse your hair with these SP treatments and you should see a real improvement in the quality of the finish and notice a luxurious feel to the hair. This range really delivers what it promises and we can’t wait to introduce it to our clients.”

Our Face of ESP, Tori Bradshaw, has been enjoying the celebrity treatment at the salon as one of her prizes and has been given a fantastic short and funky style.

“Pkai’s prize was one of the best! I always love going in there and I’m always so pleased with the results. They may just about make the best cups of tea I've ever had as well! They’ve always made me look fabulous in my shoots too.”

You can benefit from Infusions at both the Hampton and Westgate salons. The city centre salon opened 18 months ago and is flourishing in the Westgate Arcade. Meanwhile over at Hampton the team are delighted to see Holly return early from maternity.

You can check out all the latest news from PKai on their Facebook page.

Tel: Westgate Arcade 01733 358825, or 358835 for Hampton.

20% off • 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

PROFESSIONAL AMERICAN NAIL CARE

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

CAMBRIDGESHIRE! We definitely don’t have the Miami weather and Horatio Caine might be far too cool for this neck of the woods but our very own CSI squad are just as hot at solving crimes.

While the world of ‘H’ and his charismatic TV crime busters may be a world away from the realities of the job here in Peterborough they have helped make CSI a household name.

dusting a surface with a powder we can reveal any fingerprints that have been left behind. We can then lift a copy of these prints from the surface by using a thin strip of clear gel.

Not so long ago the Cambridgeshire team was known as Scenes of Crime Officers but their recent name change to Crime Scene Investigators has made them much easier to recognise.

"We can take samples of any glass or paint flakes from a suspect's clothing and compare them to those at the scene of the crime. Without getting too technical, every paint and glass sample has a specific chemical composition which we can compare."

CSI Steve Baxter said – "People now recognise us because of the TV programme and have a better idea of what we are there to do."

Steve and his colleagues are civilian staff and can be called to crime scenes ranging from a shed burglary to a serious violent crime.

"Fortunately we have a low rate of violent crime in the area,” said Steve, “so our day-to-day work tends to be looking for evidence at burglaries and vehicle crimes.

"We are, however, called to the scenes of violent crimes when they occur. We’re also required to attend forensic post mortems to take photographs and assist with the collection of samples."

Investigators look for a range of forensic evidence at the scene of a crime including footwear marks, blood, hair and fibres but of course dusting for fingerprints is one of the first things they do.

"Fingerprints are left behind by the natural oils and sweat from a person's hand," explained Steve. "By

Forensic evidence can be vital when it comes to securing a conviction and for Steve this is the most rewarding aspect of the job.

"A burglar was convicted after I found the smallest dot of blood at the scene. The offender had smashed a window to get in and must have just nicked himself slightly on the broken glass but that was all we needed to place him at the scene of the crime.

"The blood sample was sent off to the forensic science service and brought up a match to someone on the DNA database.

"Offenders make mistakes and it's our job to get into the mindset of a criminal and retrace their steps for anything they might have left behind."

Horatio’s cool calm style in CSI: Miami is one of his trademarks and that at least is something the CSI team here do relate to. They’re often the first people

from the force that a victim of crime will have faceto-face contact with and Steve says it’s vital to show understanding.

"It’s essential in this job that you can put yourself in their position. They’ll be going through a range of emotions and it’s important that we’re sensitive to their needs."

As well as being good with people they also have to be highly qualified in their field of science. Steve has a science degree from Newcastle University and spent two years working for the Forensic Science Service, based at Hinchingbrooke, before becoming a CSI. "These sorts of jobs are really sought after,” said Steve, “even more so since programmes like CSI have started.

"Most people in our team have moved from their home town to join Cambridgeshire police."

He might not have the glamorous locations of the TV shows but Steve believes he has one of the best jobs in the force – "I really enjoy the freedom of managing my own workload, getting out and about, dealing with members of the public and applying my scientific knowledge.

"This job combines the aspects of work I enjoy most and I feel very lucky to have got into such a competitive line of work."

0345 456 456 4 www.cambs.police.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Profile Name:

Phil Hill

For fire safety advice call FREE on

0800 328 9208 and quote code ESP

Job: Firefight er Based at: St anground Fire Station Service: Re tained since 19 89, full time since 1993.

Best part of the job: “The Making a diffe variety – each rence and ge week brings a tting to work w fresh challeng ith some real Worst part: e. professionals.

“Despite our be ” be everywhere st efforts som e people still ge at once.” t hurt – you ca n’t

WE’RE RIGHT UP YOUR STREET! It might surprise you but firefighters don’t actually want to be putting out fires – they’d much prefer to prevent them in the first place!

moving into their first home, people on limited incomes, those with language barriers and others who might not have fire safety at the top of their list.

You don’t get much for free these days but Phil Hill is on the road and on a mission to give away his stash of smoke alarms and to give out some life saving fire safety tips.

The fact is though that smoke alarms are a life saver and it only takes ten minutes for Phil and his colleagues to drop by – they’ll show their ID and then happily fit smoke alarms and pass on any tips, such as simple things like keeping your kitchen door shut when you go to bed to prevent a downstairs fire from spreading.

“The people who ask us aren’t usually the ones who really need us,” says Phil. “The people who do don’t actually realise it or won’t ask.”

You’d think most people would fancy a visit from a team of firefighters! But joking aside you can give them a call and they’ll drop by to do a free home fire safety check. This includes dishing out and fitting free smoke alarms and helping you assess any risks and make a plan for what to do should you have a fire.

Phil’s been working closely with housing associations such as Accent Nene identifying the most vulnerable – older people, young parents

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

“We’re definitely making a difference,” says Phil.

“Statistics show that the number of fires and the amount of damage caused is going down.”

A home fire safety check is essentially a fire risk assessment tailored to individual households and includes an escape plan. If the occupant has a disability for example or is hearing impaired, partially sighted or bedridden this would render them a higher risk. They could be alcohol dependent or rely on medication to manage their condition; if this medication makes them drowsy

they could be at risk of falling asleep and leaving cooking unattended or falling asleep whilst smoking. It’s easy to underestimate the deadly strength of toxic smoke but the reality is that just two or three breaths of smoke from a fire can render you unconscious or worse still kill you.

“Agencies like Age Concern, the NHS or social services will refer people that have access to their services to us if they feel could do with our help,” adds Phil. “We in turn refer people we come across who may be in need of extra help to their services, so it works both ways.”

So when you’ve spent your money in the sales this month, remember one thing you can get for absolutely nothing is a free smoke alarm from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service. It’ll double your chance of surviving a fire. If you don’t have one, or aren’t sure if yours works, phone 0800 328 9208 and request a free home fire safety check.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

F E A T U R E

DO YOU WANT TO REALISE YOUR POTENTIAL IN 2010…..

Fusion wins the Peterborough Evening Telegraph Workforce Business Award!

Fusion is the call centre operation of the BGL Group – one of the UK’s largest personal lines insurance brokers. Fusion employs more than 1,000 people throughout its four call centres in the UK, over 450 of which are based in Peterborough.

BGL Group has more than two million customers and it specialises in the provision of car, van, bike and home insurance and offers a wide range of supplementary products including personal accident cover, breakdown cover, home emergency assistance, legal protection, travel and pet insurance.

Fusion Contact Centre employees handle all sales, service, renewals and customer relations calls both inbound and outbound for BGL’s own insurance brands which include major high street names, the award-winning eco motor insurance ibuyeco, the number one motorcycle insurer Bennetts, and the successful price comparison website comparethemarket.com.

In 2009, Fusion implemented its new Universal Advisor initiative which has seen thousands of hours of training given to multi-skill advisors to enable them to handle all types of customer calls. More than 90% of the advisors in the Peterborough call centre are now trained as Universal Advisors making the centre a one-stop-shop for all customer enquiries.

NVQs were introduced at Fusion in February 2009 to enable advisors to gain a formal qualification specific to the contact centre industry covering contact centre operations, customer service and telesales. The response was fantastic and more than 250 advisors applied to undertake the training. Since February 2009, 130 employees have either completed or embarked on the programme.

Within the last year 43 employees from Fusion in Peterborough have been promoted or developed largely as a result of undergoing the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 qualification. The knowledge and the training they have received both through the ILM and Fusion training has supported their internal promotion and career progression.

So, let’s put a face to all this development. Andrea Olseski is the Regional Training Manager and the driver behind the development opportunities and she has quite a story to tell. Andrea joined the Company as a Telesales Consultant in 1996 and after a couple of successful years was promoted to Team Leader. She then decided to utilise her expertise in a training role.

In 2001 Andrea became a Business Skills Trainer and was promoted to Lead Trainer in 2003. During this time she was seconded to South Africa in order to support the set up of a new state of the art contact centre. On her return she was promoted again to Site Training Manager before taking on her current role in 2008. She has kept in contact with our Contact Centre in South Africa and has returned numerous times to support new initiatives.

If you are interested in what you see, why not apply. We have various positions available on our Internet site www.bglgroup.co.uk/careers.

Or call, 01733 845536.

At Select Appointments the new year is always an exciting time. Many people are looking to change roles or take a different career path. At Select Appointments they are experts in the recruitment field and will be able to help many candidates along with their chosen career. ESP has experienced Select’s professional services when placing Maggie Gaziano into the ESP sales team.

Maggie joined ESP in August after Select Appointments successfully matched the magazine’s requirements with Maggie’s skills and experience. This is something that they’ve been doing successfully for over 25 years, finding the right candidates for the right companies so clearly their slogan of ‘jobs for people – people for jobs’ is an apt one.

Linda Young, the temporaries consultant and Sandy Harris the permanent consultant explained it’s been another busy year for Select despite the recession. Companies are even more focused on recruiting the best staff and candidates are maximising their skill sets. At Select both parties have been supported and listened to, therefore achieving a successful outcome.

Donna Stafford is the owner and franchise director of Select which was set up in 1980 and is part of a national franchise, with the Peterborough offices based in Priestgate. At Select their commitment to candidates is to listen to their requirements, to advise them and then to find appropriate opportunities promptly and efficiently.

Select’s aim is to build an honest, trusting, longterm relationship with both candidates and clients.

Donna and her team of consultants believe that candidate care and client care go hand in hand, their aim is to supply clients with well trained, top quality, highly motivated candidates in the private and public sector. Select Appointments have recently welcomed Clare Gibson-Hall to the team and are looking forward to an exciting and successful 2010. Here are a selection of vacancies currently available to start in January, for further vacancies please visit their website www.select.co.uk.

The dictionary definition of ‘select’ is ‘chosen for excellence’ and that’s just what this Peterborough company lives by. From her personal experience Maggie seems to agree – “With some recruitment agencies you hardly hear from them once you’ve had your initial meeting and filled in your forms,” she told ESP, “but Select are very thorough. They’re in constant contact and you get plenty of feedback and interactive support.

They help you improve your CV and really look into what positions would suit you best. I found the after service was great too.” www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Online marketing Manager £22,000 This role is based near Stamford and is for a talented individual to show their skills within the marketing sector. The role is demanding and you must have a understanding of Google Analytics and SEO. You’ll be working closely with a publishing team and the customers. Hours of work – 8.30-5.30, Mon-Fri. Development Manager £25k This role is for a customer service/sales person to look at the needs of customers and have a long term project to gain business and develop old and new customers. You will need to plan, coordinate data and have a strategic plan for the department. Free parking, Mon-Fri. 8.30-5.30, 26 days holiday, Pension plan and bonus. Based outside Stamford.

Planning Manager £30K

SELECT APPOINTMENTS 26, PRIESTGATE, Peterborough PE1 1WG Tel: 01733 865070 www.select.co.uk

Established FMCG company in the Peterborough area are seeking a Planning Manager to join their team. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager you will be responsible for planning productions and materials to ensure the efficient operation of production facilities. Managerial experience within the chilled foods industry is essential.

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

Live Music JANUARY Sat 2nd Children of the Revolution Fri 8th Daffy and the Alien Sat 9th The Electric Warriors Fri 15th Mighty Quinn Sat 16th School House Rock (50s rock and roll) Fri 22nd Blues After Midnight Sat 23rd Frankly My Dear Fri 29th Retrolux Sat 30th Ginhouse

12 real ales on tap including award winning beers from Oakham Ales • Quiz night with cash prizes every Wednesday 8.30pm • Selection of real ales • Food served from 12-3pm • Beer garden • Bar Billiards • Mighty Mouth Karaoke with Trev every Sunday 8.30pm

Wednesday 13th January

Pint of Poetry 8pm start Free entry

saturday 30th January

Citizen Smith

saturday 6th February

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

See website for further details

Free entry

FEBRUARY Fri 5th The Les Woods band Sat 6th Chelleden

The Ostrich Inn 17 North St, Peterborough 01733 752255

Town Bridge, Peterborough 01733 315700 www.oakhamales.com

READER OFFER

FREE bottle of house wine for every table of four (one voucher per table) any lunchtime or evening during January 2010.

The ESP Reader Offer is only available with a voucher. To receive your voucher, just text us the word ‘kingshead’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your voucher along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log onto www.espmag.co.uk and click on the Kings Head logo on the home page to print out your own voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679 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

Preview

LOVELY BONES

MOVIE

Released: January 29 Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci Director: Peter Jackson

Jackson’s adaptation of Alice Sebold’s novel sees murdered Susie (Atonement’s Saoirse Ronan) watch over her distraught parents (Wahlberg and Weisz) and her killer from heaven as she witnesses the psychological effect brought on by her death in the search for her body.

Early reviews Stateside for this tense thriller are mixed, hinting at dazzling imagery versus film imbalance between violence and sentimentality – as Susie must decide from above whether to seek vengeance or let her family heal in peace.

When Jackson’s involved though, it’s almost certainly worth a watch . . .

Keep up-to-date with the latest movie reviews at www.espmag.co.uk.

THE BOOK OF ELI

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS?

UP IN THE AIR

(Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman) Released: Jan 15.

(Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker) Released: Jan 1.

(George Clooney, Jason Bateman) Released: Jan 15.

THE ROAD

BROTHERS

(Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron) Released: Jan 8.

(Tobey Maguire, Jack Gyllenhaal) Released: Jan 22.

ALSO OUT: THE HURT LOCKER (Jeremy Renner, Evangeline Lilly) Released: Dec 28.

FAMILY GUY: SOMETHING, SOMETHING, SOMETHING DARK SIDE Released: December 28 (also on Blu-ray)

gavin.miller @espmag.co.uk

It doesn’t quite have the fanfare and expectation that was attached to the aforementioned Tolkien trilogy or King Kong, but one of his long earmarked pet projects The Lovely Bones has slipped through almost unnoticed.

ALSO OUT:

Reviews

SCREEN SCENE

THE

After a four-year hiatus Peter ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Jackson is back in the director’s chair.

The Griffin family and pals (Seth MacFarlane and co) reprise their roles as the saga continues in this hilarious Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back spoof – the sequel to Blue Harvest. #####

DISTRICT 9 Released: December 28 (also on Blu-ray) One of the surprise hits of 2009 sees an alien race appear in a spaceship above South Africa, then a field operative (Sharlto Copley) gets chased down when he gets infected with invaluable DNA. ####

In early December Showcase introduced state-ofthe-art Dolby 3D Digital Cinema in which cinema-goers return the high-tech glasses after the screening – a cut above the usual throwaway jobs seen at other multiplex chains.

MOVIE-GOERS GET 3D EXPERIENCE Peterborough’s major cinema multiplex, Boongatebased Showcase Cinemas, has jumped ahead of the competition when it comes to the complete 3D experience. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123

Now a permanent fixture in one of the site’s biggest screens, Peterborough Showcase had been showcasing (excuse the pun) Disney’s A Christmas Carol on the 3D screen, before a special presentation of James Cameron’s Avatar (12A, 2hrs 35mins, out now) was launched on December 16, prior to the film’s release date.

(John Travolta, Denzel Washington) Released: Jan 11.

GAMER (Gerard Butler, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges) Released: Jan 18.

right – shy of Cameron’s best (Aliens, The Abyss, Titanic) – but while the plot was fairly generic, the addition of 3D brought to life spinetingling imagery and special effects that added (literally) another dimension to the planet Pandora.

ONL REVI INE EWS 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

It still obviously stands up extremely well in 2D, but this movie was made with 3D in mind, taking a fourstar movie into a five-star cinematic experience.

And after seeing one of the most talked about films of the year you can see why 3D is worth the hype – and why James Cameron has had this film in post production for so long.

ESP rating - #####

Avatar is an incredibly watchable movie in its own

Go to www.espmag.co.uk for the full review.

Game On ASSASSIN’S CREED 2 (X360/PS3/PC) Out now Killer instinct makes this one of the most vastly improved games in recent memory.

The sequel to the noteworthy (but flawed) original expertly eradicates niggling problems as the Animus memory machines whisk you to a luscious 15th century Italy as skilled assassin Ezio.

This free-roaming world is a joyous playground – only hampered by sometimes frustrating platforming – and is undoubtedly one of the top three actioners of the year.

####

r a e Y New 360 Xbox

l a i c e Sp

LEFT 4 DEAD 2 (X360/PC) Out now Fans are still waiting for Half-Life 2: Episode 3 – but instead developer Valve have controversially released their second Left 4 Dead game in a year. Fortunately this is even better than the original, with an all-round more polished (and bloodier) experience – which expectedly excels in multiplayer.

Only the lack of a serious (though improved) single player campaign prevents it from five stars – but with more campaigns, weapons and zombies, this is essential online fare.

####

SAW (X360/PS3/PC) Out now Another game that deserves props for being that little bit different is the sick and twisted world of Saw. If you’ve ever wanted to test your wits against the demonic Jigsaw by thwarting one of his deadly traps seen in the six movies – then now’s your chance.

Unfortunately glitchy controls and poor combat either side of some decently atmospheric puzzling see-saws this notable survival horror between surprisingly decent and flawed.

###

THE SABOTEUR (X360/PS3/PC) Out now This swansong from now-defunct developer Pandemic is a flawed affair.

GTA IV meets World War II in this stylistic action adventure set in Nazioccupied central France at the start of the conflict – but fails to capitalise on its intriguing concept.

Annoying Irish hero Sean Devlin provides some fun covert moments – mainly with the sniper gun and blowing things up – but the erratic gaming mechanics leaves this noble effort trailing more obvious genre favourites.

###

JAMES CAMERON’S

AVATAR (X360/PS3/WII/DS/ PSP/PC) Out now As movie game tie-ins go this is one of the better efforts – but that isn’t saying much. If this FPS/adventure had been released a few years back it could’ve excelled, but despite exceptional production values – with great graphics and vast array of options – this does very little to stand out from the crowd.

If you’re a fan of the movie you could do a lot worse – you can side with the military or indigenous Na’vi race – but it’s simply an OK shooter.

###

BLOOD BOWL (X360/DS/PSP/PC) Out now This one is strictly for fans of the Games Workshop board game.

That’s simply because this game, based on American football and the Warhammer fantasy world, is far too specific to be a quick ‘pick up’ sports title for the casual fan.

But it’s a faithful recreation for those in the know, with masses of customisation options as you choose from eight playable races – but if you’re not the appreciative gaming type you’ll probably find it a bit weird.

###

LEGO ROCK BAND

LEGO INDIANA JONES 2 (X360/PS3/WII/DS/ PSP/PC) Out now The Lego gaming conveyor belt is in danger of meltdown as the ageing formula is stretched to the max with this new Indy game. New platforming missions from the first three movies and a whole new adventure based on last year’s Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull are added – but that’s the bare minimum expected for anybody who owned the first game.

If you don’t though, there’s still a lot of whip-cracking fun to be had with version 2.0.

###

PLANET 51 (X360/PS3/WII/DS)

(X360/PS3/WII/DS)

Out now

Out now

We’ve been blessed with some halfdecent movie tie-ins in this month’s Game On – but sadly this one is strictly for kids.

For the ultimate family-friendly version of Rock Band you can’t go far wrong with this Lego incarnation.

It won’t win any awards for originality, but with oodles of colour, character, customisation and that touch of humour, the two franchises have been expertly fused.

These type of games are getting better in terms of graphics (this is colourful stuff for little ‘uns), but it seems so rushed the developers forgot to add the ingredient of excitement.

As it’s obviously targeted at families with younger kids this version is pretty easy, but if you can get past the frivolity, it provides exactly what you’d expect.

Like my recent review of Up, there are a few hours of fun for children – with more than 40 missions and mini-games – but this type of game is more at home on the Wii.

####

##

Thanks to Ian Hilling for playtesting some of this month's titles www.es p mag .co.u k ( Janua r y )

This feature is proudly sponsored by

Bicycles



Accessories

46 Church Drive, Orton Waterville, Peterborough 01733 231755 www.bristowscycles.co.uk

ON YER BIKE! If you’re feeling lardy after Christmas, want some fresh air and exercise or just want to be a bit greener or cut your commuting costs it could be time to get on your bike. ESP talks to cycle racer Ben Price…

Who better to ask about life on two wheels than local cycling ace Ben Price who’s just been chosen to compete with the Cycle Premier team for 2010. You may well have passed Ben hunkered down on his racing bike on any number of roads in the area as he pushes himself to the limits in his gruelling training schedule! He’s not suggesting everyone gets quite so obsessed but in terms of health and fitness, and of course being green, cycling definitely has its plus points.

We’re blessed with the fantastic Green Wheel around the city (hands up who’s spotted the giant map on the floor above of Queensgate above the bus station) and Ben thinks if you want to get started on two wheels we have some of the best cycling routes around.

“When I’m out there I’ve noticed a huge increase in people using bikes for commuting and fitness and it’s great to see because it’s a fantastic way to keep fit and reduce stress.”

While some are doing it to burn the calories for the more elite cyclists

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

like Ben it’s a passion. He’s training hard as he’s signed for a new team for 2010 called Cycling Premier which will be racing in several prestigious races throughout the year possibly including the Tour Series which came to Peterborough for the first time last year. As Ben trains on a daily basis it’s important that his diet is tip top so the tank is full.

“I make sure I eat a varied diet that contains all the right fats and sugars and I make sure all my vitamins come from food and not pills, but to help my body recover I use a selection of supplements which have been provided to me over the years by Muscle Form Sports Nutrition. I’ve also been introduced to a product called Beet It (beetroot juice) which helps utilise the oxygen in the body – it’s a very simple but effective natural supplement that gives me that little extra kick, it’s also fantastic for any fitness addicts and a great benefit for those that suffer with high blood pressure.”

So if you get the cycling bug yourself you’ll need some decent kit.

Ben says that as well as great

terrain, we’re also blessed with some good local cycling shops offering top quality advice.

“I think Bristows and Terry Wrights offer a fantastic service and have a passion for cycling and ride themselves which is so very important when you’re looking for sound advice,” says Ben. “I also use Cycle Premier High End Online Cycle Shop” Although there are more people taking up cycling for fitness and sport, Ben would like to see more thought given to safety.

“There are a few issues that all cities suffer from and they are the crazy drivers and the cyclists with a death wish!

“I can’t believe some car drivers at times – they try and knock you off just so they can get to the supermarket 30 seconds quicker and risk losing their licence and hurting someone. Then there are the cyclists who ride with no lights on at night and don’t wear high visibility gear or go through red lights – why do they do it?”

BEN’S FAVOURITE TRAINING ROUTE When we asked Ben what his favourite training ride was he didn’t know where to start but he picked this one as it’s the most picturesque…

Starting in the city I ride out heading towards Bretton and along the winding road to Marholm passing the fantastic Willow Brook Farm Shop where I may grab a coffee and dream about eating the carrot cake! Then it’s off over towards Ufford and drop down into Barnack along the A1143 to Stamford past the stunning Burghley House. Then I head through Stamford before climbing out on the A6121, descending towards the village of Ketton. Then I climb out and take the quiet Barrowden Road to Tixover – this is where the best part of the ride begins as in the distance you see the amazing Harringworth viaduct and the hills really work the legs.

Then I head along a quiet rolling road named Main Street which on a hot summer’s day has fantastic views of the Welland valley!

Then it’s off over to Fineshade, a drop into Blatherwhyke and then home taking in all the picturesque villages to the final tester of the day – that’s to climb up to the communications tower road and then it’s the final blast back through Elton Furze.

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

Sat 2nd Jan Fri 8th Jan Fri 15th Jan Fri 22nd Jan Mon 25th Jan

Karaoke night Gayle Adams Bondy Kriz

Traditional Burns Night Supper (Haggis, Tatties, Neeps and a Highland Piper in attendance) Book now to avoid disappointment • 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

Andy Slater’s

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

A new year a new start, well that’s what the editor thinks she’s getting but, as I said to my literary agent (a bloke down the pub) – “I’ve been writing tosh for ESP for seven years why change now?” However instead of chatting to random solo musicians I will now be talking to them collectively and give the hard working local bands some exposure.

When I use the term ‘hard working’ I use it loosely. To lighten up everyone’s January I had a gossip with local skydiving lunatics Grounded, around lead singer Rhino Stokes’ house. True to form, guitarist Kev Goode and Bass player Rory Leggot turned up 45 minutes late – “Did the drummer drive you?” was the only obvious remark to make.

Unfortunately Mark Rogers was not around and neither were guitarist No.2, Ed Ashby and guitarist No.3, John Shaw.

Starting back in the late 90s as Purple Tuesdays, Kev and Rory decided they needed something else to do other than sit around playing I Spy when the rain stopped them skydiving. Neither could play (some would say still can’t) but they went to a music shop and bought a bass and a guitar and practised.

Texan Randall Paul heard them and motivated them to get organised. They got Randall singing. “Randall was in Four

Weddings and a Funeral and got beat up by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible,” they told me. An ideal front man then lads!

Their first real gig was at the old Fiddlers Elbow, eventually playing the Battle Of The Bands competition coming second with what was their sixth ever gig!

brilliant purveyors of songs like Hard To Handle by the Black Crows and Song 2 by Blur. The set list of Grounded is a party waiting to happen. “We just enjoy it,” Rhino tells me, “we do it for the social, we make cockups during songs and just laugh at each other.” I’ve seen it happen and it is a joyous thing to watch. That’s the thing with Grounded – there’s not an ego in sight. The band partied and gigged hard up to 2003 at which point John had to do other stuff as did Chris. They had a band meeting in Wansford and decided it was the right time to stop. “Even though it was the right decision I cried all the way home, it was like the end of a relationship.” Rhino still has the emotion of that night in his voice, “I cried too” – Kev didn’t quite have the same emotion but he meant it.

That sums up Grounded – a bunch of close mates who go for it. Not the best technically but

After the odd gig here and there 2008 saw them back in full swing now with Ed Ashby on guitar and

Although this line-up was short lived it was the start. The two instigators moved up to Sibson to teach skydiving there. The instruments came with them and after jamming in a shed the landlady told them to practice in the bar which quickly turned into a six song repeat karaoke. After a particularly murdersome cover of Honky Tonk Woman Rhino thought he could do better. And better he did. So much so they didn’t let him go. It was also at this time that John joined them along with Chris Hollis on drums.

Mark Rogers on drums. When asked about their future ambitions they answer with typical modesty – “We wouldn’t mind playing Charters.” Dougie, Adam, Tom… if you’re reading this, book them. Why? I don’t think there’s a better good time pub rock band doing the rounds, any band that plays Stay With Me

by The Faces is alright by me.

Playing music and watching a band should be fun and these boys deal in spades of it, as I said no egos, no attitude and not a lot of sense either… must come from jumping out of planes with a rucksack on yer back.

Would I book them for a party? I have. Weddings? 21st birthdays?

Retirement party? Book them for anything they’re a great band.

Oh… and they are really nice guys too (mine’s a Red Stripe or Carling, Rory!)

Rory is the man to call… 07810 877144.

I heard it through the Grapevine... that those Bowie loving guys Aladinsane have landed a big theatre tour of the UK next year. They will traverse this green and pleasant land from March onwards, some of the dates are solo and others with T- Rextasy doing around 18 dates in all. Great news for Paul and the guys... fortunately you can catch ’em at The Grapevine on January 16... grab ’em while you can, it would be rock ‘n’ roll suicide not to! www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

INTERVIEW

HAYLEY SANDERSON… JUST SONGS As the glitter dust settles on another series of Strictly Come Dancing, Peterborough girl Hayley Sanderson, singer with the show’s live band, gets ready for a busy year ahead. She’s just released an album of her own and is preparing to go back on the road as the Strictly tour begins once again.

As Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan waltzed off with that famous glitterball trophy, singer Hayley Sanderson once again had the best seat in the house looking on from the bandstand.

If you’ve been glued to the dance show and marvelled not only at the couples’ efforts on the dance floor but the fabulous versions of the songs sung live by the band you’ll know that Hayley is a seriously talented young lady.

It might come as no surprise then that she’s been recording songs since she was twelve and been in various girl bands as well as performing at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scott’s in London. Now she’s hoping her new album of covers, Just Songs, will get her noticed as an artist in her own right, not just as one of the Strictly band.

“I love Strictly but it’s nice to step centre stage with things I’m doing,” Hayley told ESP. “With this project I want to be front of house because I love it. It’s not about fame it’s about the music and I want people to remember some of these artists because they were so good. I’m really about the songs, the melody and the chords, not ‘show-off’ singing – it’s about the detail. Whatever I come out with it’s going to be honest.”

feature @espmag.co.uk

Hayley’s album is a collection of classic songs performed with the simplest of arrangements. It includes many of her favourites and demonstrates her stunning voice and broad taste.

Covering songs without turning it into karaoke is always tricky and much care (and respect) has gone into the interpretations. As a massive Bowie fan herself, Life On Mars was a particular challenge for Hayley, especially as it was the first time Rick Wakeman had recorded it with another singer since playing on the original Hunky Dory sessions in 1971.

Soon though, Hayley will be back on the road with the live shows again and admits the Strictly tours have brought her closer to the team.

“I’ve really got to know everyone more it’s more like a family. I’ve got much more emotionally involved.

“It’s a bit like being at school, there are so many people involved and such a massive cast. I’m always really excited to turn up. Blackpool was like a big school trip!”

Strictly is one of very few shows to have a live band but this job is extra difficult as the dancer’s performances ride on Hayley and the team’s performance.

“You have to keep strictly to the record, if you change anything you can really throw them off – even the cameras.

“I’ve been very lucky to have songs like Eva Cassidy but I’m no good at the pop –when it comes to things like Kelly Clarkson I’m awful at those! With modern songs you can’t really recreate them as they have so much production.”

JANUARY

Hayley grew up training with Peterborough choreographer Mel Carmassi and Michael Cross and the late Derek Killeen from The Key so she’s used to strong characters who insist on getting the very best out of performers and retains that work ethos.

“If I’d never been to The Key none of this would’ve happened,” she says “it was central to what I did. Michael Cross has been brilliant – when anything’s gone wrong he’s always been so supportive. It’s really where my heart is.”

And for the future, what is she hoping for in 2010?

“I’ll be happy if it carries on like last year. I’ll keep writing and release another album and do more gigs.”

Available for private bookings and functions

1st 2nd 7th 8th 9th 14th 15th 16th 18th 21st 22nd 23rd 28th 29th 30th

Available (for gig please call 07775 841239) Blues After Midnight James Edmonds The Throwaways Richard Hall Band Karaoke Open Mic Lloyd Watson Quiz Night Callum Lavender Taking Care of Business The Mambo Boys & Monique Karaoke East Coast Filthy Lucre (Sex Pistols tribute)

www.hayleysanderson.com

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

LIVE MUSIC

tell us they have the original 24ct gold disc

by Columbia Records of Ferry Cross The Mersey by Jerry and the Pace Makers!

This fabulous, highly collectable disc was donated to the charity group by Stewart Burns tenant of many pubs for the acclaimed brewery, Admiral Taverns. Stewart has seen the change in the pub recently and wanted to donate to the cause to boost the fund raising. What a star!

WE ARE FICTION ALBUM LAUNCH

AMY WOODS MAKES HER DEBUT

Local Peterborough band We Are Fiction released their debut EP album at the Met Lounge to a packed and enthusiastic crowd.

Local singer Amy Woods is planning the release of her debut single Oh No and album Sugar Kisses later this year.

Playing tracks from their EP they ripped through a set of their trademark posthardcore screamo with unusually, some quite good vocal harmonies going on in the background. They’re a lot of fun and work very hard to entertain.

Since winning the Lite FM Xmas Factor at age 15 Amy (now aged 18) has gone from strength to strength. Amy secured a management deal with AMS Music Management in 2009 and has performed 56 shows throughout the UK already. She’s now working with local producer Andy Nicholls and is well into recording her debut album Sugar Kisses.

For all their ear bleeding madness if you like this genre of music you'll love this band. www.myspace.com/wearefictionmusic Mike Harris

ECLECTIC LINE-UP @ VOODOO LOUNGE It might be a new year but there’s no change to the quality range of music on offer at Stamford music venue Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge on North Street.

This month you have everything from prog rock with Limeshark on Friday January 8 to New Orleans jazz with The Tierra Buena Dixie Six on Thursday January 21. The Colin Hodgkinson Trio are always worth a listen and they drop in on Saturday January 23 followed by Jazz Club (nice!) with The Jeremy Watson Trio and some swinging jazz on Sunday January 31 from 5pm – even better admission’s free to that one.

ESP’s Sarah Tooze looks back at her favourite gig of last year, a solo performance by Mark Morriss at his gig in Stamford…

RETRO MUSIC REVIEW

BLUETONES BOY @ VOODOO LOUNGE www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

Halfway through Mark Morriss’ set at Stamford’s Voodoo Lounge a member of the audience who’d had a few too many decided to moonwalk in front of the stage. With Mark alone on stage strumming his guitar, the drunken punter wobbling backwards across the floor in front of him didn’t go unnoticed.

But Mark wasn’t fazed by the interruption. “Bloody hell, I thought I was seeing things,” he quipped.

Amy has a 72 date tour already planned for 2010 all over the UK from late March. More dates are being added all the time but if you can’t afford to wait Amy is making a special guest performance on the AMS show night on January 22 at Ebeneezers in Peterborough. Tickets are £5 on the door (or from AMS Music on 01733 766483). Other acts include Laura Pearce, Sabrina and Holly. Doors open at 7.30pm and Amy will be on stage from 10pm.

STRUM WOT YA BRUNG RETURN The guys over at The Westwood hotel on Mayors Walk return for 2010 with their acoustic jam nights and a cracking finale to their NSPCC fundraising events this month.

The guys are looking at the best way to raise the most money from this fantastic prize and plan to hand over all the money they’ve raised so far to the NSPCC on January 27.

That will be one great night not to miss! www.peterboroughfolkdiary.co.uk www.facebook.com/thewestwoodhotel

SINGING THE BLUES Shakedown Blues continue to bring some great music to the area and return this month with Little Willie Littlefield at Stamford Arts Centre on Friday January 29.

Born in 1931 in El Campo, Texas, Willie recorded his first record at the age of seventeen titled Little Willie’s Boogie with his school friend and saxophonist Don Wilkerson. Three more 78s followed which led to a recording contract with the Modern Corporation and relocation to LA. During the late 40s/early 50s, he became a prolific songwriter and excellent boogie based pianist – his idols were Albert Ammonds and Pete Johnson – his recordings during this period are timeless examples of West Coast R&B. Tickets are £15 (£13 concessions). Box office: 01780 763203.

They’ve been holding regular auctions and raffles as part of their music nights and now

Banter between Mark and the crowd was a feature of the acoustic gig, with the Bluetones frontman later explaining – “People expect more than just the song.”

During his performance he chided the audience members for their blank expressions, commenting – “You look like a dog that’s been shown a card trick.”

But they soon came alive when Mark shifted from his solo material to the familiar sounds of The Bluetones’ Britpop hit Slight Return.

The less well known The Fountainhead, from the same album Expecting to Fly – which

knocked Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? off the top spot in 1996 – got an airing.

He also threw a few cover versions in for good measure, a rendition of Sam Sparro’s Black and Gold and Teenage Fanclub’s Alcoholiday, which features on Mark’s debut solo album Memory Muscle.

Mark’s solo material is a combination of dark lyrics and upbeat melodies. Take the Kurt Vonnegut-inspired So It Goes with its opening line, ‘hope is a gun that you load every day’ or Digging A Hole – a reference to a relationship with a close friend that turned sour.

Mark told me after the gig that his solo album “happened more by chance than choice, when record label Fruitcake approached him.

“It was something I’d never really considered but it was an opportunity to spread my wings and to test myself – to see if I could actually do it.”

He hopes to continue his solo project alongside The Bluetones, but he told me he was yet to feel a sense of achievement.

“I don’t think any of us feel fulfilled. It still feels like a continuing story.”

Sarah Tooze

GIGS events @espmag.co.uk

FRI DEC 25 SIMON RUSSEL SOLO The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

SAT DEC 26 LLOYD WATSON The Ostrich North Street

WED DEC 23 MATT ZILCH AND THE MEIZTERS Toreador Stamford

STRUM WHAT YA BRUNG Westwood Hotel Mayors Walk

THE CANDLE THEIVES + ZHEN MERIT Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

THU DEC 24

MATTHEW ZILCH The Green Man Stamford

SWEET BROTHER GREENS

GIZZ BUTT RED, BLACK AND BLUES The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THU DEC 31 CITIZEN SMITH

LLOYD WATSON

The Brewery Tap Peterborough

LEFTOVAS The Baskerville Baston

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

MASLOW + RUBBERGOD

MICK JONES (MR POSH)

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Office Oundle Road

RETROLUX

ONE EYED CATS + DOUBLE PENETRATION

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Grapevine Queen Street

The Ostrich North Street

PAT MARTIN'S THAT'S WHAT I CALL THE 80'S The Decoy Newborough

SHAMELESS The Fayre Spot Bretton

STORM The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE ELECTRIC WARRIORS The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

WHISKY JAX + THE TRIPPING BILLIES + TATTOOED SEX GODS Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

STORM

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Golden Fleece Stamford

LEAGUE OF MENTLEMEN

JAMIE NEALE

The Lime Tree Walton

The Grapevine Queen Street

The Lime Tree Walton

FRANKLY MY DEAR

Ebeneezers Grove Street

TUE JAN 5

THE LES WOODS BAND

LIVE BANDS The Grapevine Queen Street

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS The Three Tuns Doddington

NO MAN'S BAND

The Ostrich North Street

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THU JAN 7

RICHARD HALL BAND

JAMES EDMONDS

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

FRI JAN 8

SIMON JAMES The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

TO OPEN CHILDREN OF THE SLIDE The Three REVOLUTION Horseshoes The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

DAFFY AND THE ALIEN The Ostrich North Street

Werrington

GAYLE ADAMS

Club Revolution Park Road

The Red Lion West Deeping

FRI JAN 15

HOOKER

BONDY

O'Neills Broadway

LIMESHARK

The Red Lion West Deeping

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE ELECTRIC WARRIORS

THE GUARDS

The Ostrich North Street

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

THE NUGGETS The Decoy Newborough

THE REPLICAS The Fletton Club Peterborough

FRI JAN 1 LEFTOVAS The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

SAT JAN 2 BLUES AFTER MIDNIGHT

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

ABSTRACT EYES ALADDINSANE DR. A'S BLUES CONSORTIUM The Angel Inn Yarwell

ELVIS TRIBUTE The Office Oundle Road

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE

KRIZ The Red Lion West Deeping

NEVER MEANS MAYBE + LAVON DYSS + ELMBRIDGE COURT

THE COLIN HODGKINSON TRIO

The Grapevine Queen Street

THE FIRST + CAFE KIDS

Charters Town Bridge

Club Revolution Park Road

DR. A'S BLUES CONSORTIUM

THE GANGSTERS

The Lord Protector Huntingdon

The Lime Tree Walton

PULSE

THE MAMBO BOYS + MONIQUE

RETROLUX The Hit Or Miss Stamford

SLIDE TO OPEN

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

WED JAN 27

THU JAN 28

THE RETURNS

JAMES EDMONDS PORKY PIG

LLOYD WATSON The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

OUTA-STOCK

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Falcon Hotel Whittlesey

SAT JAN 23

PORKY PIG

BLUES AFTER MIDNIGHT

The Marquis of Granby Bourne

Grove Street

SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK The Ostrich North Street

THE METEORS + TV SMITH + COWBOY OF THE CORPSE Club Revolution Park Road

The Angel Inn Yarwell

FILTHY LUCRE Thorney Ex Serviceman's Club Thorney

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Ostrich North Street

HONEYWELL Ebeneezers Grove Street

LIVE BANDS The Grapevine Queen Street

RETROLUX

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Palmerston Arms Oundle Road

FRI JAN 29 AARON VAN BEEKEN'S METAL BAND The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

ALADDINSANE The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

EAST COAST The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

OUT OF ORDER

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Waggon and Horses Langtoft

SHAMELESS

CIRCA 73

THE MIGHTY QUINN

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Ostrich North Street

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Ostrich North Street

QUINNY The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Office Oundle Road

THE NUGGETS The Lime Tree Walton

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

RETROLUX

BLUES AFTER MIDNIGHT

STONE PONY

HOOKER

The Three Horseshoes Ramsey

The Hit Or Miss Stamford

Ebeneezers Grove Street

THE JEREMY WATSON TRIO

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ + THE TIERRA BUENA DIXIE SIX

The Office Oundle Road

SOUL PROVIDERS

SUN JAN 31

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

RETROLUX

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

CARIBA

SHAMELESS

EMERALD SKY

The Fayre Spot Bretton

The Office Oundle Road

The Westood Hotel Mayor's Walk

OPEN MIC NIGHT

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS

PORKY PIG

LLOYD WATSON

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

FRI JAN 22

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

DR. A'S BLUES CONSORTIUM

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

IRDUN

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE THROWAWAYS

The Great Hall Oundle

The Ostrich North Street

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

OPEN MIC NIGHT

GINHOUSE

LEGEND

CALLUM LAVENDER

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

Club Revolution Park Road

24 CARAT PURPLE

FILTHY LUCRE (SEX PISTOLS TRIBUTE)

STRUM WOT YA BRUNG

MONKEY BOY

LLOYD WATSON

CITIZEN SMITH

The Fayre Spot Bretton

THU JAN 21

SAT JAN 9

ACQUIECE

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Club Revolution Park Road The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SAT JAN 30

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

SNAKERAMA + SCREW CALLAHAN + RED RESPONSE Ebeneezers COW DOWN

DEAD SWANS + THE CARRIER + DIRTY KIRST + HEART OF A COWARD + VIRTUES

THE BEATLES TRIBUTE

Ebeneezers Grove Street

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

CITIZEN SMITH

THE OVERDUBS

WED DEC 30

HONEYWELL

The Fayre Spot Bretton

SAT JAN 16

The Millstone Inn Barnack

The Golden Fleece Stamford

Grove Street

THE TUNNEL

EXPIRE + PASPATOU + MATTHEW

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Ostrich North Street The Axe & Cleaver Boston

The Ostrich North Street

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

JOHN QUINN LEFTOVAS

CHILDREN OF THE EUPHORIA Ebeneezers REVOLUTION

O'Neills Broadway

LEE MAJOR

The Ostrich North Street

FRI FEB 5 THE LES WOODS BAND The Ostrich North Street

The Fayre Spot Bretton

SPIRIT The Cross Keys Oundle Road

TEMALLICA The Axe & Cleaver Boston

CIRCA 73 The Cross Keys Oundle Road

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

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.

CLUBLAND

BISH BASH BOSH VS ATOMIC BODYBAG For a night of high energy hardcore and hard dance, get yourselves down to Club Dissident on Lincoln Road on January 9.

Bish Bash Bosh will be up against Atomic Bodybag, this neck-and-neck set is sure to be a night not to misss!

TRIPYCYTY MEETS SINTHESIS Using Dissident as base camp, on January 16 this epic adventure of joined tribes will bring us serious amplified, organic, driving, deep psychedelic beats, with a one-off lighting, sound and decor installed by the L.S.D crew, Cambridge's pioneering psychedelic party experts. There’ll be music to melt your mind into a beautiful mess coming from two rooms. The line-up includes Mr Burns, Nixie, Psylent, Electro Minimal Mayhem, Kendo, Paul Phono and loads more!

FUNKY HOUSE @ MAMA’S Mama Liz’s is also bringing us a night of funky house with the awesome DJ Nick Noodles of Krunch. He’ll be performing his set in Stamford on January 3, so get yourselves down there for another big one.

KISS FM PARTY On January 30, Central on Broad Street in Stamford are holding a Kiss FM night hosted by presenter and music producer Nikki Elise. Expect the full Kiss décor and street team plus the event will also have the gorgeous Kiss Girls giving away some great goodies! Get yourself down there for the best night of music around. These nights are always busy so get there early and make the most of the drinks offers in browns.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

PROMOTERS PARTY Promoters from in and around Peterborough will be partying all under one roof at Club Dissident in Peterborough this January. The 4Cross Promoters party will be bringing the scene together and they’ll have the usual beats and tunes, so January 15 is sure to be a storming party.

CODE RED REVOLUTION Club Revolution on Park Road presents a club night that prides itself as a true dedicated alternative club night. Code Red is a night that’s not afraid to take risks, and every Friday night there’s a diverse and eclectic range of music. The DJs always have their fingers on the pulse of the hottest new bands, tunes and anthems and will mix them with all the classics. So if you think an alternative club night is something that takes your fancy, get down to club revolution and join the Code Red crew for a party every Friday!

COMMUNITY XPOSURE Xidus Pain will be presenting Community Xposure later on this month at Club Dissident. There’ll be live hip hop and plenty of R ‘n’ B so January 30 is bound to be a good night.

SHINDIG 3 Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge in Stamford is bringing us a mixture of beats and breaks on January 29. There’ll be a great mix of the best of house, electro and breaks. Kurti5 and C-dub will be going back to back with a two hour mix from 9pm, and then Jay Heal will be taking up the decks for an exclusive one hour set with a seductive blend of funky, Latin house music. Doors will be open from 9pm, there’ll be a small charge at the door of £3, but it’s totally worth it for a night full of good music.

SUBLIMINAL Subliminal is already regarded as one of the best underground drum & bass nights in East Anglian and they’re kicking off the new year in style. On January 29 the night will be headlined by two exclusive acts of the highest order. Nymfo is a DJ and producer has secured the national Best Drum and Bass DJ award twice in the last five years.

Secret Society are the second act who’ll be playing, they’re two brothers whose DJ, production and MC-ing skills span over 15 years. They’re true masters of the underground scene and always deliver a unique blend of sounds for their audience.

However it’s not just about the headliners, the supporting cast is a strong one, with action from Mr Bang-E, Komplex, Dirty Le Roi and LD 50, Clarkfader, MC Stibbs and Denton B2B Timeless. In a second room, there’ll be EK50, Darka and Luger, Rikoshay, Bellmo, Spanner, Selbee and DJ L. Doors open at 10pm, party till late and just £5 entry.

DISSIDENT CLUB NIGHTS Club Dissident in Peterborough has a busy month ahead with several different club nights for us. On January 8 there’is Dissident’s Open Deck night. There’s live bands and Shaggy’s leaving party on January 22, and if hip hop and R ‘n’ B is more your cup of tea, then January 30 is bringing us Community Xposure presented

by Xidus Pain. Sounds great!

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!

WAG’S BUY THE SHIRTS OFF THE POSH PLAYERS’ BACKS! You may have spotted the Posh players sporting a stylish new kit at the Cardiff City match in support of their three nominated charities for the 2009-2010 campaign – Sue Ryder Care, The Free Kicks Foundation and ASBAH. Never before have the team worn a special kit for one league match and it was kindly donated by adidas and supported by Chroma Sports. Now fans have the chance to own a unique piece of Peterborough United history by bidding to buy the kit.

Darragh MacAnthony told ESP – “We’re delighted to be working so closely with Sue Ryder Care, it is a charity that is close to my heart and they are an organisation that do so much for people both in the city and across the country.

“The Free Kicks Foundation is a charity that helps disadvantaged children across the city.

Steve Thorpe and his team work exceptionally hard and have a close link with the football club. ASBAH are the leading UK registered charity providing information and advice about spina bifida and hydrocephalus and have been involved with the football club for a number of years. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank adidas and Chroma Sports for all their continued support and assistance.”

The club’s now auctioning off the kit to raise money for the three charities. The top 11 bids will be invited to the Peterborough United v Derby County fixture on Saturday January 16 where a draw will take place for the 11 kits that were worn for the game against Cardiff.

You can enter a bid via email at bid@theposh.com just state the amount of your bid, your name, address and contact details.

American Hockey League with Rochester Americans.

Kynaston – "We’d been tracking Doug for some time and several agents were courting him into the UK but, after discussing the options with some of his former teammates, Doug was clear he only wanted to play in Peterborough.

PHANTOMS’ MENACE! New year, new defenceman. Meet the new Phantoms’ Menace – 28 year-old Canadian Doug MacIver who could well become a new cult hero in the Boro.

At 6' 5" and 235lbs, MacIver is guaranteed to make an impact in more ways than one. Club director Jon Kynaston said – "This is a big signing for us in every sense of the word, Doug has a presence about him that is going to add a real something to our squad.

Over the years we’ve built a strong home record and teams never relish coming here but now they may not even relish coming into our end of the ice!"

MacIver, a native of Ontario, spent last season with Elite League Cardiff Devils but has a top drawer pro-pedigree that saw him play in the www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

“He's very much a different signing for this club but I'm totally convinced this guy will be an overnight cult hero in Peterborough and be another strong character for the team.”

Fellow director Phil Wing was equally delighted at securing MacIver's signing and simply added "Doug's going to help us fight our way up the league table... he’s definitely going to make an impact!"

MacIver himself was keen to return to Europe after playing in Cardiff last season – "The Phantoms have a great history winning trophy's and I know they have great fan support and I'm really looking forward to joining the team and doing whatever I can to help us win games.”

Check the big boy out when The Phantoms hit the ice on…

Sat Jan 2 Bracknell H 7.00pm Sun Jan 10 Sheffield H 5.30pm Sat 1Jan 16 Romford H 7.00pm Sun Jan 24 Slough H 5.30pm Sun Jan 31 Swindon H 5.30pm www.peterboroughphantoms.com

DIARY kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

Wow… all I can say is that I honestly can’t believe how fast this last year’s gone. People do say ‘the older you get the quicker the years go…’ and you know what – they’re not lying!

I really enjoy Christmas and the start of a new year, but in winter I always seem to get a little boring. The weather changes and so naturally I start preparing for an ice age and therefore hibernate at home with a million DVDs and lots of food! I honestly believe it’s only right for every girl to ‘put on her winter coat’ during this time of year. I don’t mean by going to the sales and buying one, I literally mean, adding an extra layer of ‘fat’ onto what you already have! I’m lucky that Chris feels exactly the same about winter. Not so much about the 'winter coat' idea, as I’m sure the football club wouldn’t be too impressed with that excuse for weight gain, but he also loves snuggling on the sofa and having DVD marathons… it's no wonder we get on so well.

I’m actually so bad at this time of year that when it was my work’s party which I should have gone to, it was also X Factor night (a religious watch every single Saturday and Sunday) so I didn’t go!

When I went back to work on the Monday, I was not the most popular person in the office with an excuse like that…

Something productive which has happened recently though is Chris’s return to the team after yet another groin injury! It’s always a bit manic at our house when he’s off as he always seems to have the same amount of energy as a small child when he doesn’t burn it off training! So obviously I was DELIGHTED when he was back in the team to play Swansea LOL! Joking aside though, it’s always really nice to see him playing again.

I sat with his family for the Swansea game and after a terrible first half performance it was fantastic to see Chris score the first goal which gave him and the rest of the team a massive boost of confidence. Whenever Chris scores, I feel so happy for him as I can just imagine what’s going through his head. He loves scoring goals and feeling the buzz from the crowd. It’s a shame the crowd don’t have a song for the old boy, but I suppose not much rhymes with Whelpdale!

The last few weeks have been quite sad for Chris and I, as we’ve slowly lost four of our six man wolf pack! Sergie and his girlfriend Lena moved to Lincoln and Russell and his girlfriend Jazz moved to Norwich. I think Sergie’s move was less of a shock than Russell’s as he’d already gone on loan to them, so when he said he was moving we weren’t really that surprised. However, when it was Russ and Jazz’s turn, it was a major shock. The move came out of the sticks, one day he was here the next he was gone. This was the first time Chris and I had experienced our close friends moving away. I know it’ll happen throughout our football years but the first time’s always the worst and I guess as it happens more you grow used to it. At least they both haven’t moved to the other end of the country so we now have great excuses to go on loads of road trips to visit everyone!

Photo: www.theposhpics.com

Photo: Terry Harris

SPORT sport @espmag.co.uk

Kerry’s

January 2010

WE’RE GOING TO THE DOGS FREE ENTRY AND A MEAL FOR A PENNY

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

9th 16th 22nd 23rd 28th 29th 30th

No Man’s Band Legend Pulse Monkey Boy Open Mic Night Emerald Sky Porky Pig

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

Go to the dogs and eat at the Rumblin’ Tum fast food servery for just 1p. You get admission to the grandstand (usually £5), and choose any burger, jacket potato (various fillings), hot dog, chicken nuggets (6 piece), scampi (6 piece), veggie nuggets (6 piece). All with chips or salad. Total cost: One penny (subject to availability).

The ESP Reader Offer is only available with a voucher and is valid for any Wednesday, Friday or Saturday up to and including February 27, 2010.

Programmes available - £1.

To receive your voucher for the single admission and meal offer, just text us the word ‘dogs’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your voucher along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log onto www.espmag.co.uk and click on the Greyhound Stadium logo on the home page to print out your own voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679 OR EMAIL: OFFERS@ESPMAG.CO.UK

Normal text rates apply

9 Oundle Road, Fletton,

Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

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

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

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

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

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

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

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DEL MONTE ADVERTS GET FRUITY Disturbing news reaches me that the ‘Man from Del Monte’ will strip off in ads for the firm’s new peeled, sliced and ready to eat Naked Fruit range. Much as I’m not usually against a bit of male nudity (and on prime time telly too!) seeing as he’s knocking on a bit and not exactl y Matthew McConaughey in the body department, I have to say I can’t get the vision out of my head that he’s going to look like something out of a 1970s swingers’ party (praw n vol-auvent anyone?!) Surely more a case of the Man from Del Monte says – “Yes, yes, yes!” Gak and doubl e gak, that’s just so wrong on so many levels! I just hope they give him a bigger panama…

HE’S HAD A SWINGING TIME As we move into another year , it appears there’s still no respite for Tiger Woods as the drama surrounding his personal life continues. What is it with these hugely successful sportsmen? They reach the top of their game, have a bank balance with mor e noughts than a Luxemburg Eurovision song entry, marry a drop dead gorgeous model/girl band member/X-Fa ctor judge and then jeopardise it all by not being able to keep whoever, in their trousers. And ‘little Tiger’ or ‘little Ashley’ or if the fact that they’d cheat on such a stunning wife is not incr enough, what makes their betr edulous ayal even more mind blowing is that the women that they cho their reputations, integrity and se to gamble , not unusually, multi million pou nd sponsorship deals on, inva one notable thing in common riably have – they tend to be as rough look ing as a badger’s proverbial and patch on the missus! Serious never a ly, have you seen the pictures of some of Tiger’s alleged con appreciate it’s hard to look clas quests? I sy when you’re sticking your che st out in a string bikini on pag News of the World but you cou e 9 of The ld still get your roots done and ditch the 80s style make-up. Poo time will tell just how deep the r Tiger, only revelations and how much mor e he has to lose before he can and claw (pardon the pun) his begin to try way back up. But one thing’s for sure, to use a golfing analogy wishes now he’d stuck to a four , I bet he knuckle grip.

EVANS ABOVE

ris Evans’ new I’m so excited about Ch 2, it’s about io Rad on breakfast show red and passed the reti Tel Sir e tim in’ om blo r, more creative, mantle on to a younge ris is all of those energetic host. And Ch re – he’s fabulous! mo ch mu things and so g to sation with him after a rare breed!) got chattin I once had a text conver radio presenter – they’re ger and gin w me t fello tex (a to e ris min Ch of to get a former radio partner ught it would be funny trot out , knowing I was a fan, tho showy offy anecdote to at gre a and him in a London bar and e, fam to im cla t lian I was s bril wa it one o be wh e uld had absolutely no clu say hello. Now that wo t old 20 watt brain here my number e tha t giv fac ’t the don s for t “Pl – sn’ wa with it at parties if ts and he signed off de of ’d exchanged a few tex I realise what a t*t I ma talking to! Even after we to say I still cringe when fair it’s and had known I twig if f n’t sel did my still of I – de ma ris” e Ch to anyone. ed to the t*t I’d hav probably nothing compar myself. Mind you, that’s t… and all tha who it was! Every cloud www.esp m ag .co.u k ( Ja nuar y )

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WHO SAYS THE CAMERA NEVER LIES? After TV presenter Alexa Chung quit her hit MTV show, her spokeswoman was forced to rebuff reports that her resignation was due to health problems after photos appeared in the press of Alexa looking, quote – ‘worryingly thin’.

Liz Matthews denied rumours that Alexa has an eating disorder by insisting “Everybody’s body looks different depending on what you wear. It’s very easy to find a picture with bones sticking out.” I certainly don’t dispute her claims that Alexa is fine and just wanting a break after working so hard but I did have to laugh at that – I can honestly say that no matter what I wear, the only picture I’ve ever found of me with my bones sticking out was the X-ray of my broken leg!

2010

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

So here we are again then; we’ve gagged on the last dregs of the never ending leftover turkey curry, played our last game of X-Factor bingo (one point for a “you made that song your own”, three points for a “you owned that stage”, five points for a “you’re a lovely girl/boy from Wales / Northern Ireland / the North East” (delete as appropriate) and if you get a “you thoroughly deserve your place in the final” as well – HOUSE!), the tinsel is back gathering dust in the loft and the fizz has all but fizzled out on our January 1st Alka Seltzer.

Yes, it’s not only the end of another year but the end of a decade and the start of a fresh bright new one. It’s goodbye to the ‘noughties’ and hello to the… to the… well, that’s a point, what exactly do we call this new decade? The tens? It can’t be that surely? It’s too boring and besides, it sounds like an electrical impulse pain relieving machine.

The teens? Nope, it can’t be that either, puts me too much in mind of acne, alcopops, ASBOs and the faint whiff of Clearasil. The ‘one-ies’? The ‘tenners’? Hardly appropriate in a recession. I don’t know, but whatever we decide to call the next ten years, here’s hoping it’s a good one. Happy New Year everybody!