ESP January 2014 by ESP Magazine

JANUARY 2014 Issue 173

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ESP

celebrates 15 years Robbie Williams screamed on the front cover with a knowing wink and there it was – the first issue of ESP Magazine launched in front of an excited nightclub crowd back in December 1998. Having grown up in Peterborough we could see the city needed something to spread the word about what it had to offer, to highlight the good not the bad, and to provide a new promotional outlet for local businesses. And so we set out on our first year to test the market and see if the people and businesses of the city would take to the idea of a local leisure and entertainment magazine. It’s hard to believe now, but it was a fairly new concept at that time, a risk, and we didn’t know where our dream would take us. A year on, encouraged by positive feedback we decided to really go for it, established our logo and brand and brought out a new look ESP Magazine which would shape our style up to now. Sports presenter Suzi Perry – now the BBC’s F1 host – was our cover girl for the New Year in 2000 and our pages have since been adorned by the likes of Kylie, Madonna, Beyoncé, Jessie J and Nicole Scherzinger. In August 2012, to celebrate our local Olympic hero we stepped away from form and had a male cover star – none other than Peterborough gymnast Louis Smith who made us all so proud. Much has changed over the last fifteen years – Greater Peterborough has been transformed in many ways and so ESP has moved with the times and evolved whilst maintaining its fundamental principles. We’ve passed a few milestones ourselves – in 2003 we launched the Face of ESP competition, pledging to

make an ordinary girl a celebrity in her home town, and after ten successful years the competition will be relaunched in 2014. We’ve spread our distribution as far as Spalding, Sawtry, Oundle and Whittlesey and gained an estimated 63,000 readers. Our revamped website www.espmag.co.uk has added thousands more users and gives us the scope to keep you informed about even more fantastic news and events and is packed with loads of pictures and other good stuff, whilst our social media outlets mean you get to hear the leisure and entertainment news first. ESP was launched by local people with a love of the area, and with years of experience we’ve proved we can bring you a great read, exciting events and all you need for a fantastic social life. ESP is written and produced by a dedicated local team and is packed with all the leisure, lifestyle and entertainment news you need to look good, feel good and enjoy your spare time. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played a part in our success – contributors, businesses and readers – we couldn’t have done it without you! ESP is your magazine; we’re going strong and looking ahead. Make the most of life in Greater Peterborough and your premier local magazine. Here’s to the next few years and some exciting changes to come… Sharon McAllister Editor

The first issue of ESP from December 1998

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WINTER BANYAN BEER FEST TREE GETS Awith FRESH Beat those January blues some good company and beer! The LOOK Straw Bear

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

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

tunde.isaac@espmag.co.uk

DESIGN Tony Mayer

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

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

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano Steve Gonzalez Karen Devine

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

REPORTERS Mikey Clarke Alex Jones Luke Tyler

mikey.clarke@espmag.co.uk alex.jones@espmag.co.uk luke.tyler@espmag.co.uk

CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller Charlotte Jolly Keith Dalton Sarah Tempest

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

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

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG T: 01733 579707 E: office@espmag.co.uk ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any other Peterborough publications. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

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

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ESSENTIALS @ YAXLEY

COLOUR SALE and plenty of mouth-watering desserts @ SALON that are completely exclusive to the menu.

This month My Body Essentials would Running from Sunday December 1 – If you’relike a fan of rock tunes the party to be sure ‘n’ thatroll your Christmas Sunday December 29, you can make Just Fordress Kicksfits Rock and Roll Club would you perfectly! Until Christmas your booking by calling 01775 767696. pub in Whittlesey is running a great be worth a look. It’s held atgiving the Royal they are practically away Lipo-Belt Not only is the food delicious but we winter beer festival while the Straw British Legion club in Yaxley. treatments for just £15 per session, these have to say the Banyan Tree restaurant Bear Festival is takingisplace from sessions usually upMonday, to £65! The on Westgate looking hotFriday too after a They have a Record Hopcost every January 10 - Sunday January 12. treatment’s safe and effective and gets fantastic refurbishment! doors open at 7.30pm, entry’s just £2, There’ll be around 20 real ales on offer results immediately – you can lose go free if accompanied by an Owner told the ESP – “We’ve under 16’s and there’s liveDinesh music Odedra throughout several centimetres in just one session a family club with a large started refurbishment and the first adult. It’s weekend. Thereour will be a menu available although you could sometimes require dance floor, drinksonand phaseand has music been completed. took on the Friday with Stevie:We One morecheap depending thethere’s resultsayou need. big car park. You can email feedback fromand ourPennyless customerson on what Bloke One Mandolin Now there is no excuse not to wear your It’s not always easy to fit Christmas they’d like toa see us do first. There find a call on Saturday and then carvery 12-4pm on was justforkicksrnr@outlook.com favourite party dress! GivetoMBE shopping into a busy schedule. Luckily, demand morefrom space So, out more, look305102 them uporon facebook the Sunday withfor music Dr.downstairs. A's 01733 take a look ator Springfields Outlet Shopping in Spalding extendedand theNomads bar and and lounge area call Steve on 07718 511640 or Ken on for Rhythmwe & Grooves www.mybodyessentials.co.uk have extended their opening hours to and have also created a new space on 07857 066959. Flowers on the Sunday. more info. out!forSpringfields is now Fancy ahelp newuslook the new year? Nipopen on the ground floor which is perfect for large weekdays until 9pm this month through over to LD Hair Design in Nassington groups booking their Christmas parties. untilteam the week Monday where the tell uscommencing they’re offering 23. What’s more, the car “It’s created a totally different atmosphere 25% offDecember colour treatments in January. will beRoad free toand useyou from in the restaurant where there is a great They’repark on Station can6pm. Kitchen and Frankie and vibe every night. We’re planning to book inSubway, on 01780The 789997. introduce some DJ events during the Benny’s, however, will remain open until Christmas thattoutilises this new 10pm. If you’re stuck for an unusual gift or There are plenty ofperiod reasons book an space... keep your ear to the something that’ll certainly have meaning appointment atso Melanie Richard’s Hairground!" for anyone brought up in Peterborough, Boutique Bridgerecommend Street this the January Weonhighly food here we can highly recommend the book of as the sales are on! There’s 50 per cent which is truly authentic Indian. Book now photos, New England, by street Online registration is now open for this off colours when you have a cut and on 01733 342800. photographer Chris Porsz. year’s Peterborough 100 bike ride in aid blow dry and 10 per cent off all hair care of children’s charity Action Medical products. There’s a new graduate stylist If you missed out last Christmas then this Research. Taking place on Sunday April in the team, Talia, and you can have a popular photography book depicts 13 and starting at The Marriot Hotel, this Cut & Blow Dry with her for just £23. Peterborough in the seventies and forget to stop event isDon’t the first of the yearatinBeales the on Book in now on 01733 553600. eighties through some great candid your which shopping charity’sWestgate RIDE100 on series, hastravels this shots. It’s a fantastic slice of social Christmas. events taking placeThey’re acrossoffering the UK 50% off history. It’s available for just £13.99 from between If you’re getting stressed trying to find the selected lines, ranging from gifts to home April and September. This independent fashion Square, store hasShrives two Reba in Cathedral perfect party wear don’t forget that accessories. Get some cut-price prezzies outlets now, the new shop at Stamford chemist in Westgate, Art in the Heart There isbefore a choice three Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Evans have theyofrun out!routes you can Shop, Centre and Walk and theirVisitors originalInformation store on Church take. The shorter ‘cool’ route of 43 miles all relocated into the Outfit store at in Bridge St.local Also from is ideal for those new to cycling or who Market Deeping. Shop Serpentine Green! So now you can save Street inWaterstones Colemans in Cowgate, The Barn garden haven’t had time to train. The ‘classic’ and shop independent and treat yourself your legs and find all your high street the hospital route of 64 miles is more challenging more Gunthorpe, individual looks with thefriends favourites under one roof. They also have to somecentre Ferry Meadows andLyle via his Gabicci, Fila, Luke, Yumi, & website and the 100-mile ’champion’ route is Topshop, Topman, Warehouse and more. likes of shop, www.chrisporsz.com aimed at experienced sportive riders. It’s a great place to find a present for Scott and loads more for guys and girls. someone else too or make life really easy Best news yet – it’s 25 per cent off For further information and to sign up for and buy an Outfit gift card! Check out the during January so stock up! Visit the event visit www.action.org.uk/100. latest looks from Outfit in our special Yaxley restaurant Bollywood Tiger is www.23seven.co.uk for more. feature on www.espmag.co.uk bringing an Indian flavour to the menu this Christmas with a special Christmas Day buffet. So if you fancy a change from We’ve heard there’s a new name on the the turkey and a rest from the cooking the Spalding’s great Italian restaurant Amici hotel circuit in Peterborough – The Hub. priced at £19.95 per adult, whilst tell us they’ve launched a delicious If you’rebuffet teethisare looking a bit stained This newly refurbished hotel is at BB’s Brow Bar Christmas is also entering citizensand andpartying children you’ll can dine for special menu into this the December, after allsenior that drinking Boongate, so no distance at all from the five new five main £14.95. For bookings, 01733 246519. spirit ofwith the sales andstarters, are offering 20% courses be pleased to hear the Smilecall Boutique train station or city centre and has rooms off all their treatments during January on Park Road are running Whitening from only £24.95 per night. It has 71 when you like them on facebook or Wednesday again. There’s half price on rooms with 22” flat screen TVs, there’s all teeth whitening, including Enlighten follow them on Twitter. Alternatively you internet and free parking. Book in on Evolution, Enlighten Ramp and Discuss can just pop into the salon in the 01733 894400. Nite White on Wednesday. Just book on Westgate Arcade and quote the code 01733 551534. NEW14. Visit www.bbsbrowbar.com for more.

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It’s a new year and if you fancy a new you, you can wake up looking fabulous every day with permanent makeup. Ego Beauty in Yaxley are offering a free top up worth £100 with every permanent make-up treatment in January 2014. Book on 01733 244486 or visit www.egoeyes.co.uk

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TRADITIONAL TANNING There’s a new salon called Traditional Tanning opened up in Dickens Street in Peterborough offering competitive rates on all sunbed sessions. They tell us if you register now you’ll receive 12 minutes for the price of 6 mins on your second visit. For info call 01733 319222.

LIGHTS OF LOVE SUCCESS ESP has been pleased to support the new hospice appeal for Thorpe Hall and it seems you’re all getting behind it too. Good news is that the Lights of Love carol concert at Christmas was their most successful yet. Around 1,000 people attended and made hundreds of dedications on the tree and a lot of

lovely stories were shared by families who were remembering loved ones. The Sue Ryder charity needs to raise £6m for a new purpose built hospice within the grounds of Thorpe Hall and is always looking for people to help fundraise. If you can help or want to fundraise give them a call on 01733 330060.

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TRY SOMETHING NEW AT HERITAGE LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS

TREASURE FROM TRASH EXHIBITION For your New Year’s resolution this year why not rethink the way you recycle your rubbish? From Saturday February 1 Peterborough Museum will be showing their ‘Treasure from Trash’ exhibition, an innovative new demonstration on reusing and recycling running until Sunday April 27. You’ll be amazed at what can be made from rubbish – jewellery from old flipflops, toy cars and animals from metal cans, and even a 3D chicken from plastic bags! Ideal for families, thought-provoking for school and college students and inspirational for makers, artists and designers. Admission’s free.

STOCK NEEDED FOR THORPE HALL SHOP If Santa didn’t bring you quite what you were hoping for, why not offload any unwanted gifts to a good cause? The new charity shop is now open at Thorpe Hall hospice in Longthorpe and looks great. They’re always in need of more stock so why not drop off your unwanted bits, and maybe you’ll see some other bargains you fancy instead!

80’S SCHOOL DISCO FOR SUE RYDER

Kick off 2014 by learning something new! Vivacity is running an exciting programme of heritage lectures and workshops from February 5. Try your hand at a new skill with their wide range of workshops at Peterborough Museum and Flag Fen. You’re sure to find something that takes your fancy in their broad selection of heritage-themed arts and crafts, whether it’s throwing your own Roman-style amphora, learning to write in beautiful calligraphic script, or even casting your very own full-size bronze sword in the atmospheric surroundings of Flag Fen. How cool is that! The workshops are suitable for complete beginners and all materials will be provided but booking’s essential. Tea and coffee are included. To book any workshop contact Peterborough Museum on 01733 864663.

CITY LOOS ARE THE BEST!

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Take a trip back to the 1980s at a fun School Disco event being held at Peakirk Village Hall on February 1. It starts at 7.30pm and includes a disco and bar and 80s fancy dress is optional. It’s just £5 a ticket and is raising money for the new hospice appeal at Thorpe Hall. Text or call 07795 623889 for info and tickets.

You can spend a penny in confidence when you’re caught short in the Boro. Two of Peterborough’s public toilets, managed by Enterprise Peterborough, have officially been awarded amongst the best in the country. Car Haven Public Conveniences, in St Peter’s Road, was awarded a Platinum Award the highest possible award, while Northminster Public Conveniences, by City Market, was awarded gold in the British Toilet Association’s Loo of the Year awards.

LOCAL

Entertainment Proudly sponsored by

THE BRONTËS OF DUNWICH HEATH @ THE KEY THEATRE MAUREEN NOLAN IN BLOOD BROTHERS Maureen Nolan, from the famous Nolan Sisters, is to return to Blood Brothers as Mrs Johnstone when it’s staged at The Broadway this month, bringing the fabulous run of shows there to a close. With over 10,000 performances in the West End, here’s your chance to see Willy Russell’s amazing hit show right here in Peterborough. The tale takes us back to the 1960s, where twins separated at birth grow up on opposite sides of the track. Unaware they’re related, they become childhood friends. Their differing backgrounds eventually show in adulthood, however, and we see the effects first-hand in this emotionally charged musical.

Ever heard of the Brontë sisters’ crazy cousins? In this spoof, Mad Cath and Plain Jane are the lesser known pair from Suffolk, who’ll be getting up to off-the-wall, musical mischief this January at The Key Theatre. Living in a dingy part of the Suffolk coast, Jane dreams of a writing career, but lacks life experience, whilst her sister Jane hangs out with the beach bums and fancies herself as a songstress. Add a Reverend, a few love interests and a mad woman in the attic and you have a slapstick tale of love, laughs and madness, a world away from the Brontës of Yorkshire. Celebrated by The Observer and The Times, it’s sure to get you laughing. Produced by Eastern Angles Theatre Company you know it will be good. Catch it at The Key from Tuesday January 28 – Saturday February 1, tickets are priced from £10. For booking or more info, contact 01733 207239. Luke Tyler

With tunes to enjoy such as Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and Tell Me It’s Not True, this musical has racked up five star reviews so expect no less from this performance! Maureen Nolan won critical acclaim when she appeared in the show in the West End and on tour and was the fourth Nolan sister to play the role! Blood Brothers runs from Monday January 6 – Saturday January 11 bringing the short season of top shows to a close at the Broadway Theatre, so don’t miss out! Ticket prices start at £20. Box office: 01733 822225 or visit Luke Tyler www.kenwright.com.

THE JOHNNY CASH STORY WALKS THE LINE @ THE KEY On Saturday February 1 the man in black is given a proper tribute when The Johnny Cash Story stops at The Key Theatre. One of the most famous men to ever perform country music this is a show that will delight fans of the star. Since appearing on BBC Television at the age of 14 singing ‘The Tennessee Flat Top Box’ Roger Dean has been playing Cash’s music most of his life. In this show he’s joined by his band The Lazy Boys as they rattle through the legend’s greatest hits including Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line, Sunday Morning Coming Down and Hurt. A lot comfier than Folsom Prison make sure not to miss it when the man comes around to The Key this February. Tickets are £16 (£14 concessions) and are available from the theatre box office on 01733 207239 or by visiting www.vivacitypeterborough.com Alex Jones

JOSEPH IS A DREAM @ THE BROADWAY Fabulous musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been wowing Peterborough audiences at The Broadway Theatre, just read our review on www.espmag.co.uk! In the musical, we’re told the biblical tale of Joseph, played by Ross Lee-Fowkes, his changing fortunes and the plight of his brothers. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, an icon where musicals are concerned, we’re treated to all of the favourite tunes of Joseph, including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me, with lyrics from the brilliant Tim Rice. Joseph runs until Saturday January 4, with ticket prices starting at £20. Box Office: 01733 822225 or visit www.kenwright.com. Luke Tyler

THE ZZ TOPS – TOP TRIBUTE SHOW “They are the closest I’ve seen!” – Billy Gibbons ZZ TOP. That’s praise indeed so if you like a bit Sharp Dressed Man don’t miss the great tribute night at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on Friday February 7. The unique three man tribute to rock music's best known Texan boogie band, are back to ‘Tear the house down!’ in 2014, bringing a tour with more Tone,Taste and Tenacity than ever before. Complete with their real beards the crazy guitars, the moves and nearly two hours of rock 'n' roll greats All eras of ZZ Top are included in the same show with all the classics like Gimmee All Your Lovin’, Legs, Cheap Sunglasses and many more! Tickets are £16 (£15.50 concessions). Box office: 01780 766455.

www.espmag.co.uk

CORIOLANUS: NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE ON SCREEN

JANUARY FILMS @ THE JOHN CLARE CINEMA A new year means a new programme of great films at the John Clare Arts Cinema to enjoy. Four Thursdays of great cinema you won’t want to miss!

National Theatre Live are broadcasting Coriolanus, which will be screened at the South Holland Centre in Spalding and Showcase Cinema, Peterborough. The play, written by Shakespeare, features Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, War Horse) as the legendary Roman leader. Coriolanus is a dramatic story of political manipulation and revenge in a time of Roman turmoil. In the play, the city calls upon Coriolanus to be saved from an outside threat. However, among his local enemies and a starving city, angry voices become louder and Coriolanus must do his best to confront a difficult situation. Full of twists and turns, Coriolanus screens on Thursday January 30 at 7pm. Call the box office on 01775 764777 or Showcase Cinema on 0871 220 1000.

First up is Blancanieves showing on Thursday January 9. An elegant yet traumatic film, a celebrated bullfighter is paralysed in the ring on the very day his wife dies in childbirth after bearing him his daughter Carmen. He marries a sadistic beauty who treats Carmen as a slave until she escapes and joins a travelling band of dwarves performing comic turns as matadors. Eventually the skills learned from her father help her become a beautiful star, thus inciting the wicked stepmother's lethal fury. A bizarre mix of comedy and drama.

Luke Tyler

Get the very latest news on entertainment by visiting espmag.co.uk /whats-on

PETERBOROUGH COMES DOWN WITH A CASE OF BEATLEMANIA One of the leading tribute acts in the country, Beatlemania are coming to The Key Theatre on Saturday February 8. The fab four’s back catalogue is in safe hands when these guys are playing, having previously performed to ecstatic sell-out audiences throughout the world and regularly appearing on television and radio. The band, which was formed in the summer of 1992, quickly built up a huge nationwide following and since then have gained such a high reputation on the tribute scene that they’re constantly in demand internationally. The show will cover everything from She Loves You to Strawberry Fields and all the unforgettable hits inbetween including Ticket to Ride, Helter Skelter, Come Together and Eleanor Rigby. With the lads from Liverpool as popular as ever, tickets will fly off the shelves for this one so act fast!

Next up on Thursday January 16 is Behind the Candelabra. An all-star cast featuring Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, the film chronicles the life of Liberace the fabulously flamboyant entertainer. Well known for his vulgar tastes and his worship of the American dream, Douglas puts on an acting master class with his affectionate and funny portrayal of the American pianist.

INSPECTOR NORSE LOOKS FOR CLUES AT THE SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE Are you after something a little different to the average murder mystery? Then get yourself down to the South Holland Centre in Spalding on Thursday February 6 when Inspector Sandra Larsson tackles her biggest case to date.

On Thursday January 23 it’s the time of French film Thérèse Desqueyroux. An adaptation of a classic French novel, this film tells the story of Thérèse a woman trapped in a frustrated marriage with arrogant husband Bernard. When Thérèse’s best friend Anne, who also happens to be Bernard's younger sister, falls madly in love with a handsome young Portuguese man, Thérèse begins to see what she’s been missing in her life.

A man is found dead in a barn with a walking pole in his forehead. Enter Inspector Sandra Larsson in her authentic, rustic knitwear. With her own personal life unravelling before our eyes, it’s up to her to follow the pattern of a mystery with many holes. A Nordic Noir comedy from comedy duo Lip Service featuring a knitted set, a seventies pop band and a drunken moose! Described as, ‘Glorious, splendidly silly’ by The Independent.

Tickets are £18.50 and are available from the theatre box office on 01733 207239 or by visiting www.vivacitypeterborough.com

Tickets are £12 (£10.50 concession, £7.50 under 26s) and are available from the theatre box office by calling 01775 764777 or by visiting www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

Alex Jones

Finally on Thursday January 30 the John Clare Cinema will be showing The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser. Hauser shows up unannounced in the middle of a village square, frightening the populace with his bizarre behaviour. He cannot talk, nor is there any indication of his parentage and Kaspar is immediately the object of close scrutiny from the authorities. When he finally does develop the power of speech, he reveals a highly advanced state of intelligence, as well as a seeming gift of prophecy. www.peterboroughartscinema.co.uk Alex Jones

www.espmag.co.uk

LOCAL

EVENTS

CHARITY BURNS NIGHT CEILIDH 25TH JAN 2014 Forget the January blues – get ready for a Burns Night knees up and see the month out in style!

TIME TO FOLLOW THE BEAR! We all need a good time come January so forget the dark nights, dodgy weather and back to work blues and follow the bear round the pubs in Whittlesey! The annual Straw Bear Festival is always a good knees up and the atmosphere around the town is just great as the pubs are packed and the streets lined with entertainment. On Saturday January 11 the main event starts with a procession from the Manor Leisure Centre at 10.30am to the library via the Market Place. This is followed by a full day of processions and dancing around the town and finishes with a finale back on the Market Place at 3pm.

Photo: Matthew Roberts

Photo: Chris Brudenell

We’ve been along before and this charity Ceilidh dance on January 25 is always a hoot! It includes a traditional haggis supper (veggie option available) as well. Music and dancing is provided by the Dennis Cuddles Starlight band and it’s all happening at The Fleet centre in Fletton from 7.30pm - Midnight. There’ll be a grand prize raffle and all profits from the night go to charity.

KATHERINE OF ARAGON FESTIVAL

Wear a piece of tartan! Tickets are £15 per head (children under 10 go free). Tickets are available from Lorna on: 01733 343783 / 07989 587591 or email lgmcateringservices@gmail.com

If you have a taste for history the fabulous Katherine of Aragon Festival in the city this month has plenty to inspire you. Why Katherine? Well the first wife of Henry VIII is buried right here in Peterborough Cathedral!

BULL HOTEL WEDDING FAYRE

The pubs will be rammed to the rafters so a top tip is to get there early and wrap up warm! There’s a park and ride service which is worth taking up too.

Getting hitched? The Bull Hotel is hosting another fantastic Wedding Fayre on February 9 and there’ll be a goody bag for every bride plus the latest wedding magazines.

Prior to the main parade though, there’s a concert on Friday January 10 at the Ivy Leaf Club including music from Jess Morgan, Black*Scarr and Bernard Wrigley, tickets for that are £10.

Everything you could possibly need for your perfect day – including the venue – is right here under one roof. Even better, admission’s free!

After the Straw Bear has made his way around the town on the Saturday there’s a Barn Dance at Sir Harry Smith Community College with Steam Chicken, firm faves at festivals across the country, or you can opt for the Cajun Dance at St. Andrews Parish Room with the Creole Brothers providing some seriously good tunes that’ll have you on your feet in no time! Tickets for these are £10 on 01733 204055 or email boxoffice@strawbear.org.uk but they usually sell out fast.

Drop by between 11am – 4pm and take a look at everything from cakes to discos, and gowns to flowers. There’ll be live music and plenty of bright ideas for your big day.

The festival kicks off with a service of commemoration on Friday January 31 at 10.30am at Peterborough Cathedral with a parade of school children dressed in Tudor costume and period music as they make their way from Peterborough Museum via the Town Hall to the Cathedral. Everybody’s welcome and admission’s free. Something that’s taken our eye is the Tudor Music and Ale Evening on Friday January 31 at 7.30pm at Beckets Chapel. This sounds a great way to chase away the winter gloom with a lively Tudor themed evening with hog roast, apple pie, local real ale and music from the period performed by members of the Peterborough Cathedral Choir. Tickets are £25 per person, available from 01733 355315 or email jackie.newman@peterboroughcathedral.org.uk

For more info, call 01733 561364.

The ‘Bear’ is burned at Sir Harry Smith Community College between 12.30 and 2pm on the Sunday… no real bears or humans are hurt during this process but lots of beer may be drunk! Check out their new official website www.strawbear.org.uk for all you need to know.

If you don’t know much about Katherine or the Tudors here’s your chance – join a special Tudor Walk on Saturday February 1 at 10.30am starting at Peterborough Museum with a costumed guide, to discover what the city was like during that time. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for children and concessions. For more details call 01733 864663.

CHINESE NEW YEAR @ PETERBOROUGH LIBRARIES Photo: Emma Bothamley

Delve into Chinese culture and celebrate their New Year with Peterborough Libraries. This time, it’s the Year of the Horse, and there are plenty of events to educate and entertain the children. Prepare for stories, games and crafts such as puppet making. Tickets are priced at £3 per child, suited for age 6 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The event runs from Saturday January 25 – Saturday February 1. For more info, call 01733 864280 or email centrallibrary@vivacity-peterborough.com. Luke Tyler

EAST MEETS WEST WEDDING FAIR @ THE HOLIDAY INN Are you looking to tie the knot? The East Meets West Wedding Fair takes place on Sunday January 26 from 11am – 4pm at The Holiday Inn, where you can get inspiration for all aspects of your wedding. There’s everything under one roof for European and Asian bridal traditions. These include what’s needed for looking beautiful on the day, right through to catering and evening entertainment. If you register beforehand, you will be entered into a free competition to win a bottle of champagne as well as a meal for two! There are also goody bags, competitions and demonstrations too. There is a voluntary price of £1.50 for admittance, where the proceeds go to the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. This is a charity that organises and raises funds for weddings for terminally ill brides and grooms. Luke Tyler

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FORTY YEARS ON @ PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM Our city has undergone rapid change in the last forty years and there’s a fascinating exhibition of Peterborough across this period! This colourful insight includes pre-recorded stories from locals on a retro telephone. You can observe the gallery of a growing city and get nostalgic when looking at the memorabilia of the time! The exhibition is at Peterborough Museum and runs daily until Sunday January 12. For more info, contact the museum on 01733 864663 or email museum@vivacity-peterborough.com. Luke Tyler

Alternatively head to the John Clare Theatre, Peterborough Central Library at 2pm that day for talks by two bestselling historical novelists, Vanora Bennett and Elizabeth Fremantle will give a talk about Katharine of Aragon and her impact on British history. Admission £5 (£4 concessions and reading group members). Book at any Peterborough Library, Waterstones Peterborough, or call 01733 864280. The Museum has a great Tudor Family Day on Sunday February 2 at 10am-4pm with a chance to meet Tudor characters, such as the Barber Surgeon (beware of his cures!), learn manners from a Tudor lady, handle arms and armour or try period food in the kitchen. Take part in family activities and crafts with a Tudor theme or go on one of their hourly tours to the rarely-seen Tudor parts of the building! Admission’s £3 adults, £2 concessions (children, students, seniors), £7 families, under 5s and Heritage Pass holders FREE. Call 01733 864663. For more on any of these events visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com or www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

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w o h S The

must go on 40 Years of the Key Theatre

From comedy nights to live music, a lot’s changed at the Key Theatre over the last 40 years and there’s more to come, as ESP’s Luke Tyler discovers…

Mark Thomas

“It’s vitally important that the Key, again, becomes by the people, for the people.’’ The Key Youth Theatre’s Director, Paul Collings, told ESP that as the venue celebrates 40 years in the city the venue has set the bar high to connect with as many people as possible.

Key Youth Theatre

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The addition of the Key Studio not only brings us brilliant children’s shows but has added to the city’s stand-up scene with monthly comedy nights courtesy of Bottle Rocket Comedy. Following its success last year a second Comedy Festival is being staged in March including big names like Mark Thomas, David Baddiel and Chris Ramsey. What’s more, the Glass House Acoustic sessions, similar to those that some will remember from the eighties have been reintroduced, offering a chilled-out Sunday session in the upstairs bar, whilst the Key Open Sessions give local talent the chance to shine. All in all, the place has plenty for everyone these days. Last year, Café Clarkes opened in the building, offering their own take on classic British dishes. Their pre-show meals mean that going out for entertainment and great food no longer requires painful planning.

The Key Theatre has extended its programme and facilities in recent years with the help of Vivacity, a notfor-profit organisation managing many local culture and leisure facilities. It’s because of this that there is more access to support and funding to help new productions happen.

One way they do this is by celebrating the talent on our doorstep. Many local companies regularly perform, such as Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society and

Much of this is down to the addition of the 96-seat Key Studio extension. It’s a smaller space where performers are almost on top of the first row of the audience, changing the nature of the show. Paul states – “It’s given us more in terms of what we do with the Youth Theatre. It’s offered us the opportunity to do plays with them.’’ The brilliant work of KYT is ongoing, getting more young people and their families stuck in, although locals are also encouraged to see the talent on show too. Those with a history in KYT include the Strictly Come Dancing and Stylophones singer Hayley Sanderson and actor and producer Mark Curtis, inspiring those currently involved.

If you fancy belly laughs with Hal Cruttenden, a singalong with a Rocky Horror cinema screening or celebrating Michael Jackson's hits with an amazing tribute act, then the Key will have something just for you. These events were on last year and there’s an even more varied programme for theatre-goers available in 2014.

Looking back over the years though, there have certainly been some stars that’ve graced the stage. Some of you might remember past appearances by stars such as Sir Ian McKellen, (now familiar to many as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings) and John Inman who was Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served. The Key isn’t just about national icons, though, their focus is on presenting a variety of shows for the whole community.

musicals, they now stage other productions throughout the year.

Westwood Musical Society, putting local and regional arts on the map. Eastern Angles are one local theatre company, producing plays about the city. They’re set to feature River Lane this year, where a changing Peterborough is central to the story of three friends.

Whilst it isn’t as large as its neighbours, the Key Theatre's size offers something different for performers and audiences alike. The aim is to work alongside other local venues. “I think there needs to be an understanding of what everybody does,” Paul notes. This understanding helps theatres “to not compete with each other but support each other.” The idea is that the more we get a good taste of the theatre, the more likely we are to be hungry for more.

The Key Youth Theatre (KYT) is another long-standing success, which gets local kids learning more about the arts and on the stage. They are Peterborough’s answer to Fame and even have award winners in KYGlee, who have held the Dudley Choral Trophy for two years in a row! Well known for their lively annual summer

It’s the Key's ambition to create a taste of the arts and other cultures for the community, something that Paul thinks will help us to grow “socially and artistically.” The Key wants to cater for an ever growing city, where some residents haven’t been to the theatre for a while, or are yet to try it out.

The identity of this theatre comes back to being “by the people, for the people.” Paul suggests that if you want a certain type of show, then you shouldn’t hesitate to ask. He urges you to, “feed back about the venue” and “tell us the kind of things you’d like to see here,” so that you feel like visiting more often. With this in mind, the Key

Theatre has a range of events for the entire family from burlesque to Boycie, the Broadway Divas to Beatlemania and Sing-a-long-a Grease to Sweet Chairty. Pick up a programme and see what could be your cup of tea. Box office: 01733 207239. www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Things to do on a

budget… January is a bad month for me – financially. With Christmas being such an expensive season, surely I’m not alone? If you’re anything like me then your Boxing Day dinner was basically food not eaten the day before, and you got through your New Year’s Eve party thanks to left over Christmas alcohol.

So what now? We’re all skint and therefore have to spend the next few weeks locked inside with nothing to do? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Archives Service and the Eastern Angles Theatre Company. Forty Years On tells the story of Peterborough when it began its rapid expansion during the late 60s and early 70s. Imagine Peterborough city centre without Queensgate… perhaps you can even remember it?

Below is a list of things to do in Peterborough on a budget. Some suggestions won’t cost you a penny. Sign up to Groupon. After signing yourself up to Groupon, you’ll be sent an email daily. These emails are full of local deals. As a member I’ve managed to get up to 70% off local meals and fun days out, such as bowling, Laserforce etc. By the way… no, I do not work for Groupon.

Original photographs, maps and documents are also on display. For more info, call 01733 864663 or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Ferry Meadows

Historic Peterborough Tour

booking is essential. Call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193. A little bit more walking. Why all the walking? Because if you’re anything like me, you’ll need it after eating so much throughout December. Did you know that Peterborough is home to an Inns and Taverns Tour, Historic Peterborough Tour and Crime and Punishment Tour? They’re worth looking up as they’re a great opportunity to get to know your city’s history better, and they’re all just £5 each.

Take a walk around Ferry Meadows. Give your family a much needed dose of fresh air after being cooped up indoors over Christmas eating and hibernating. It’s undoubtedly one of the nicest places around, so have a walk in the crisp surroundings and catch the great 25 Years On Nene Park anniversary photographic exhibition by local street photographer Chris Porsz. He’s taken candid pictures there throughout the year and really captured the essence of why everyone loves the park.

Key Theatre

And why not walk around the park guided by a ranger? On Thursday January 23, Ian Lowe will take you on a four mile walk, pointing out interesting things along the way and you’ll get the chance to ask any questions you may have. If you want to take the walk (1.30pm – 4pm) it’s free but

Listen to some fab music. On January 8, BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting the Choral Evensong live from Peterborough Cathedral. There’ll be great singing from the young girl choristers and lay clerks, and trust me it’s absolutely wonderful to listen to! You need to be seated at 3.15pm for a 3.30pm start, and the singing will last for around an hour… And best if all, it’s free.

Photo: Chris Porsz

Photo: Emma Bothamley

Forty Years On exhibition

Experience the Forty Years On exhibition. It’s your last chance to see this great display for free, with its final day at Peterborough Museum being on Sunday January 12. The exhibition is the result of a unique partnership between the Vivacity

Photo: John Moore

You can listen to the radio adverts that were part of the media campaign to attract newcomers to the city, and children can enjoy the activity corner, set against the music and fashions of the 60s and 70s.

Become an ‘Insider’. We’ve all had a moan about the price of going to the cinemas these days, and I think the Showcase team have been listening… because they’re now giving away Insider memberships. Sign up to be an Insider and you can see

“I would like to congratulate ESP on reaching this milestone – I always enjoy reading the youthful and vibrant style that the magazine presents” T E S T I M O N I A L

www.espmag.co.uk

Kevin Tighe, Chief Executive, Vivacity

any film for just £5 after 7pm on a Sunday, as well as all day Mondays and Tuesdays. You’ll also often get to see a film a week or so before its general release. Join the Key Theatre Club. Join and become a Key.I.P and you’ll save a fortune on shows throughout the year. Membership starts at £6.50 and members receive invites to special after-show events, away days to theatres, half price programmes (when printed by Key Theatre) and much more. Call for more details on 01733 207239. Visit www.espmag.co.uk. We have an ‘offers’ section on our website. Offers are regularly added to the site for cheap nights out including half price meals, and 2 for 1 on days out. Check our website regularly as you never know what might pop up on it. You may also be surprised by what offers are out there throughout the year. Places like Lakeside Bowl have nights and certain hours where you’ll get a huge discount. Before you go anywhere, it’s worth checking if they have a website. If they do have offers, vouchers, or cheap hours, they’ll likely be mentioned online. So, here’s to a great and CHEAP New Year! Mikey Clarke

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Photos: BBC / Steve Neaves / Larry Horricks

Lorenzo and Luke

ESP’s Lorenzo Monteforte catches up with Peterborough actor Luke Pasqualino in his swashbuckling new role on BBC One…

Now Luke’s set to become a household name n of appearing in BBC One’s forthcoming new versio even off takes r caree his as So . eteers Musk The so further I wonder what the highlights have been far. the new “I think recently working with Peter Capaldi with Doctor Who, who was on The Musketeers time to me,” says Luke. “He’s taught me a lot. I took lines observe him and analyse how he takes the the film from the page and brings them to life. Doing se I got Snowpiercer was absolutely brilliant becau John Hurt, to work with so many amazing actors like Octavia Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell and Spencer.” Although acting’s perceived as a glamorous g in profession Luke says he’s certainly been puttin the during ule sched ing gruell a the hours with making of The Musketeers which airs soon. 13 hour “Days are long and early starts. Normally a , day will consist of two hours getting ready lly we get breakfast, line run, makeup etc and norma

. If I to do more comedy but I also enjoy the drama an it’s , eteers Musk like er togeth two could mix the ideal job for me.” t so far, When asked what’s been his favourite projec rable he’s torn – “The one that has been most memo would have to be between Skins and The Musketeers. Skins was the most memorable t me a because it was my first big thing and taugh lot about myself.” a The Musketeers is a thrilling 10-part BBC Dram series, which is a fresh take on the classic his muchcharacters created by Alexandre Dumas in law and loved novel set in 17th-century Paris, where . reality than idea an more is order d guy,” “I play D’Artagnan who’s a very hot heade eteer Musk a e becom ’t doesn “He Luke. ins expla meet him until later on in the series. When you first then he’s riding through Paris with his father and s him something happens to his father which make meets then He ned. happe has what e aveng to try blows the other Musketeers and almost comes to

Luke and I have been friends since we were going children, but after leaving primary school and hang our separate ways it was always difficult to been out. Since getting his big break in Skins, Luke’s was the this and g filmin world the d aroun ling travel really first time in five years that I’d had chance to catch up on his adventures. as he “It has had its ups and downs,” Luke told me my agent looked back over the last few years. “I got

18. It’s when I just turned 16 and got my first job at of this been quite a busy period but the worst part sitting job is not doing it because I get bored just around!” was This 23-year-old former Walton school pupil no was it so kid a as active hyper pretty s alway surprise his family enrolled him at a drama to workshop at Lady Lodge Arts Centre in Orton started. channel his energy, and that’s where it all l he He got the acting bug and once he left schoo le cracked on with as many auditions as possib then he’s before eventually making it in Skins. Since appeared in The Borgias with Jeremy Irons, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, films piercer including The Apparition, Love Bite and Snow rances on (coming soon) as well as making TV appea shows including Miranda.

starts given a schedule in advance before filming day so which on filmed be will s scene stating which re.” prepa to there’s plenty of time but for I’m sure his new role will show his versatility Skins from ie Fredd be r foreve will many people Luke of the and he says he remains in contact with many . cast from the show that gave him his big break I see “I have indeed. I still speak to them all but . We Kaya Scodelario a lot more than the others as much as up meet to s tunitie oppor the get don’t now.” ng worki all are we se becau we would like Luke’s been involved in many productions of comedy. different genres including sci-fi, history and as a Knowing him as a child, I always saw him comedian but which is his preference? , I’d like “I do enjoy the comedy very much. If I could

with them. They see something in D’Artagnan and try which they like, so they bring him on board ” to nurture him into becoming a Musketeer. s film So what does the future hold for our famou star? of “We are hopefully looking into a second series be The Musketeers. If that goes again we will arch and filming in early April, start prepping mid-M and ing -fight sword more for amp back into bootc horse riding. But I must admit, I am currently my family enjoying the time off and spending it with s.” friend and an eye on We can’t wait to see Luke in action! Keep series as www.espmag.co.uk for the latest on the to get ook faceb and r twitte on us follow – we get it the news first.

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ARE YOU A PHONEY?

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

A survey by impact protection company Tech 21 found that 22% of people would rather live without their partner than manage without their phone. I’m currently enjoying a 36-24-36 model but maybe I need an upgrade?

Pep Cipriano

BACK IN THE DAY... Welcome to my new monthly feature when I’ll be digging out photos from 15 years of Man About Town and Paparazzi archives. I’ve taken hundreds of photos over the years and will be reminiscing over some of the best with faces and places from back in the day. Remember when Girls Aloud came to town? They performed (sorry, mimed) half a dozen tracks in Faith nightclub – it must’ve been more than eight years ago – maybe longer. I recall being quite nervous for a change and had to write my questions down to keep me focused. My memories from that night were: • I had a zit the size of a moon crater on my forehead • I sneezed all over the bowl of fruit Faith laid on for the girls and none of them obliged thereafter • Nicola hardly said a word and when she did she asked me where the toilet was • Cheryl was full of her own self-importance (surprise, surprise) • I couldn’t find an interpreter to tell me what Nadine’s responses to my questions were • Kimberley was the fittest • Sarah was definitely the dirtiest • All off them (apart from Kimberley) looked like they hadn’t eaten for ten years But the best part was giving Sarah my phone number. I scribbled it on the corner of my interview notes, tore it off and put it in her hand as she approached the makeshift stage. She winked at me and put it in her pocket. I never did get a call. She obviously forgot to check her pockets before doing her laundry, looked for the number afterwards and saw that it smudged in the wash. Sarah must have been devastated.

CIAOS OUT > 16

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SELFIE PIONEERED ALL BY MYSELF So, taking a photo of yourself is ‘in’ at the moment but I’ve been doing it for years! Not only was I clearly ahead of my time in pioneering the ‘selfie’, I also got the art form down to a couple of seconds instead of the average 16 minutes it takes women, according to a Superdrug survey. Apparently it takes the average woman 11 minutes to apply her make-up and five minutes to achieve the best pose. These selfies in San Francisco (2010), Las Vegas (2010) and Pompeii (2012) took all of ten seconds combined. Granted, the Vegas one is a tad out of focus but I’d been on an all-nighter and keeping my eyes open, let alone focusing was a miracle in itself. And, one could argue the photo in San Francisco isn’t technically a sefie, but just look at the expert composition. I wonder if it’s not too late to patent my discovery?

FANCY A FULL-BODIED BALDERSTON? Just when you thought you’d sunk enough bottles of wine over the festive period, Balderston go and announce a wine tasting event to be held in their Hampton showroom on February 7. And good on them! The Friday night tipple taster session will be brought to us courtesy of Balderston customer Richard Friedman, who along with several BMW motorbikes, also happens to own a vineyard in South Africa. Richard will be sharing his experiences of epic long distance journeys made on two wheels, while we sample bottles of his finest produce with cheese and crackers. The event’s open to the public and you don’t have to be a Balderston customer or even a biker to attend. Actually, you don’t even have to like wine – just come along and I’ll drink your share (from a BMW mug as demonstrated by TJ and I).

MY WORD OF THE MONTH

GYM

I know it’s January but don’t bother: verruca, meat heads, Kiss FM, ex-byrds, BO sauna, sweaty stepper, no parking, random pubic hairs, cold showers, grunting, builder’s crack, broken locker, nail clippings, always a Ben and Matt and stroppy cleaners. Save your money and stop eating instead.

For details visit www.balderston.net or call 01733 565470.

CT! IN THE esAson CAUGHTa fam g: “You ous Bee Ge To quote from g.” e ‘not’) be dancin should (in my cas

Also, this year marks the 75th anniversary of Balderston and not many family-run businesses can claim this accolade in Peterborough. Watch this space with news on how they plan to celebrate it…

>> Tony – happy 4? >> Wopnet – call me in the semis >> Bev – when do I get my Chopper back? >> Mikey – be my party organiser! >> Captain Kym – get well soon… >> Trish & T – welcome neighbours!

PEP’S LOCAL HEROES:

ERNEST MENSAHSEKYERE

from only

£24.95 per night

I can count on one hand the people I know that possess genuine integrity, generosity and sincerity. Fortunately for me one of these people is a trusted colleague of mine – his name is Ernest and he works as a beadle at Peterborough City Council. Some readers may have seen Ernest volunteering at events across the city such as The Willow Festival and Perkins Great Eastern Run. He’s the most generous man with his time I’ve ever met and with sharing what he owns. Ernest’s humility is part of his charm. No matter what kind of day I’m having he has a knack of poetically sharing his words of wisdom that serve as a reminder to count my blessings. His native Ghana remains close to his heart and Ernest regularly sends parcels back home for children and young people to enjoy. Our everyday items such as pens, pencils, colouring books and discarded clothing are gratefully received. Ernest is a member of London-based charity the Ghana Sports Promotion Association, which aims to prevent or relieve poverty by providing grants or facilities to enable young people to participate in healthy activities. For the last two years Ernest has taken surplus Perkins Great Eastern Run t-shirts and medals back to his homeland and last year one of the local children’s football teams played in the running jersey.

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The aim is to go one better this year, as Ernest and a group of volunteer fundraisers from around the city who’ve formed Ernest’s Embrace, are looking at the possibility of staging a fun run in Ghana that takes place on the same day as the Perkins Great Eastern Run. It’s a tall order but the support for Ernest, what he stands for and what he wants to achieve is gathering momentum and attracting some of the city’s most influential people. Nobody deserves success more than Ernest and he deserves to achieve it on the content of his character alone. Good luck my ‘broda.’

STAMFORD

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IS SHE NEGLECTING THE CAR THIS WINTER?

25%

C L O T H I N G

OFF ALL STOCK DURING JANUARY

Just under half of Britons don’t treat their car as well in winter as they do in summer, a recent Be Wiser poll has found. A quarter of respondents only do minimal maintenance in winter – just enough to keep it topped up with water and ensure the windscreen wipers are working. Some of us (she will remain nameless, but lives with me) was adamant she’d been regularly checking the water (turns out it was the washer bottle) and wondered where the scratches on her windscreen came from (the rubber on the wiper blades had worn down to the metal). The poll doesn’t show a male / female breakdown but at the risk of sounding sexist, I’m pleased to report the lady in my life assured me she’s well prepared for winter driving. The conversation went like this… (ME): “So, have you sorted an emergency kit for your car now it’s winter?” (HER): “Yes. I’ve got a spare lip balm in the glove box and a new, just for winter, cranberry and pine scented air freshener.”

RICKY HATTON IN TOWN NEXT MONTH Former welterweight boxing champion Ricky Hatton is one of Britain’s most popular and bravest boxers and he’s going to be in town on February 20. The ‘Hitman’ is special guest at Kevin Sanders’ boxing dinner at the Solstice. For tickets call Kevin on 01733 371912 or 07872 601467.

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T E S T I M O N I A L “All of us at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice are really grateful for the fantastic support we have received from ESP over many years. “Their continued support means so much to us and the major promotion of appeals and events like Glamour Galore and Starlight Hike makes such a difference to our fundraising. “And it’s not just the major events. Regular mentions of all our fundraising efforts and the loan of the Face of ESP for events are just as valuable to us. Thank you, ESP. Keep up the good work!”

Jackie Page Fundraiser, Sue Ryder

WHITENING WEDNESDAY What better way to brighten the middle of your week than by brightening your smile.

Every Wednesday in January

ALL whitening treatments are

HALF PRICE! Simply make an appointment on Whitening Wednesday to receive 50% off Enlighten Evolution, Enlighten Ramp or Discuss Nite White. Visit our website www.thesmileboutique.co.uk for more information or call 01733 551534 to reserve your appointment now!

Spring summer looks from Dorothy Perkins at Outfit coming soon

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OUTFIT IS LOOKING GOOD When you need to update your wardrobe you’ll find all the fashion brands you love in the newly refurbished Outfit store housing collections from Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Evans so get ready to hit the sales! Outfit has the best high-street fashion under one roof plus there’s a fantastic shoe lounge which has even more than before and a huge range of on-trend accessories for every occasion! The makeover has included fabulous new fitting rooms and when you’re trying on your new looks the team there have great

Photo: Chris Brudenell

knowledge of their brands so can help you find just what you’re looking for. If you’re studying and need to save the pennies but want to look good, make sure you sign up for their student discount card to get at least 10% off. If you sign up for an Outfit store MasterCard you can receive 10% off your first purchase and of course an Outfit gift card makes the perfect present. With leading names like Wallis, Warehouse, Miss Selfridge, Topshop and Topman all under one roof you can raid the rails easily and save your feet. Don’t forget there’s late night shopping every night till 8pm and free parking. Pastels are making a comeback in the spring and Dorothy Perkins has a gorgeous new range arriving in store soon so after the sales make sure you get ahead with the new season trends and start stocking the wardrobe with some bright new gear that’ll leave the wintry days behind!

WIN

COMPETITION

If you want to be on trend head for the new look Outfit at Serpentine Green, it’s high street choice without the hassle…

£100 SHOPPING SPREE

@ OUTFIT WITH ESP! We know your purse/wallet is probably on the skinny side after all that festive spending and sales shopping so we’ve joined forces with Outfit at Serpentine Green shopping centre in Hampton to help you out. Outfit brings together the best high street brands in one stylish, easy-to-shop store so how great would it be to have £100 to go wild with?! You’ll be able to choose from all their fabulous brands including Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Evans, Topshop, Topman, Wallis, Warehouse, Burton and more. To get your name in our shopping bag just text or email us the word OUTFIT along with your name, address and contact number by 5pm on January 31. Usual competition rules apply, there is no cash alternative, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 31/01/14.

TEXT HOTLINE

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

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50 Years of

Sacrewell Farm

It’s a year when several Peterborough attractions are celebrating special anniversaries and everyone’s favourite, Sacrewell Farm, is 50! Sacrewell Farm offers everyone a fun and educational day out in the Cambridgeshire countryside. They’re open all year round to be as accessible as possible so you can get out in the fresh air whatever the season.

We love a bit of good news and Sacrewell’s 50th is certainly a milestone to celebrate and as ever they have a busy year ahead with some great events. Another reason for the guys there to party though is the recent £1.4m Heritage Lottery grant to restore the 18th Century Watermill, which will help firm it up as a key attraction for the city. It’s not just a place to pet lambs and feed the animals, or just a place for kids – Sacrewell has been educating everyone about farming and where their food comes from for years. Way back in 1964 Sacrewell Farm looked very different. It was a fully working farm but began its move towards becoming an education and tourism attraction when The William Scott Abbott Trust was formed that year by Mary Scott Abbott. Having no children, she wanted to create a legacy in memory of her husband, who passed away the year before, combining his passions for advancing farming, food and education. These days the land is leased out to Riverford Organic who support Sacrewell Farm and the William Scott Abbott Trust in their educational goals. The Trust focuses on running the educational side of things

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and the farm park while Riverford do the farming. So what has made Sacrewell last so long as a visitor attraction? “The support of the community in and around Peterborough has kept us going for 50 years and will do long into the future,” marketing and communications officer Megan Horner told ESP. “Without the support of our members and visitors each year, as a charity we could not keep going! We try to offer them something different each year to keep them coming back but our range of events, including lambing and the Big Bunny Hunt at Easter, bring people back every year.”

Megan Horner says – “People who visit us love our tractor rides, feeding our friendly animals and exploring our 18th Century Watermill. What most people don’t realise is that Sacrewell Farm is a heritage site. Our Watermill is Grade II* listed, putting it in the top eight per cent significant buildings in the country and making it important internationally too! People in Peterborough have this on their doorstep.” The recent grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the Watermill will make it fully accessible and functional by summer 2015. The first stages begin in spring this year.

weather. So if you haven’t been before maybe this 50th year is the time to take a closer look. “Without sounding too clichéd, Sacrewell Farm really is a hidden treasure,” says Megan. “There’s so much more to us than a farm park – for a start we’re a charity!

“It will increase our audience and educational offer by becoming a centre for milling excellence,” explains Megan. “We will be milling our own flour for bread and teaching people the traditional skills involved in it. The mill will also become a centre for living history. Focusing on the 1940s and the Farm’s rich history in its involvement in the Second World War, we will bring history to life using a skilled team of volunteers who we will be recruiting and training from the local community. The mill will not only benefit the Farm, it will benefit the wider community too.”

“We want people to bring their families and see first-hand what there is here. I think we are individual in that there really is something for everyone – we cater for adults and children equally and that is only going to increase in the coming years. We want people who have never seen a watermill to go away having learned something from us, we want children who have never touched a sheep to go away in awe and know that their baked beans for tea are grown in a field and do not come out of a tin! And we want people to understand that every penny they spend here goes back into the Trust.”

2014 will see a new range of events at the Farm which will incorporate their 50th anniversary celebrations, plus they’re investing in their play facilities to ensure they’re able to provide a fun day out in all

We will keep you posted on all the special events and keep an eye on www.espmag.co.uk for all the latest news or visit www.sacrewell.org.uk for more details.

45 Years Experience

• • • • •

THE MOTORCYCLE WORKS LTD Anything motorcycle is what we do!

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50% OFF Traditional English Pub Open for meals and snacks - 12pm to 9pm daily

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

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

PLEASE CALL FOR A NO OBLIGATION VALUATION ON

The ESP Reader Offer is only valid when you sepend £25 or more on food and is valid GSPN 'SJ SE +BO VOUJM 5IV UI +BO . The EJTDPVOU 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 world 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 www.espmag.co.uk and click on the Ramblewood logo on the home page and print out your voucher.

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For the very latest news and events

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paparazzi Caught in the act? ALBUM LAUNCHES, FIREWALKS AND PARTYING! Popular Peterborough band Opaque are back with a new album which they launched at North Street Bar and our guy Mike Harris was there to capture the action. The night was a sell out with an up for it crowd pleased to see the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest line-up and hear tunes from their third album after a three year absence. The charity firewalk at The Dragon pub in Werrington was another very well attended success with plenty of regulars bravely hot footing it on the coals! Carole Stone was our lady behind the lens. The party crowd were out in force at Edwards, Flares and Red Room on Broadway with Mitch Brewster capturing the action. View all our Paparazzi pictures on www.espmag.co.uk or our facebook page.

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It certainly hasn’t been murder on the dancefloor for Sophie Ellis-Bextor over the last few weeks as she strutted her stuff, oh so elegantly, on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, but now it’s time to get ready to return to the stage as she prepares for a new tour. Sophie’s new album Wanderlust is released on January 20 and will be followed by a 10 date UK tour this April. Partnered up with Brendan Cole on the 11th series of the popular dance show, Sophie loved every minute of Strictly and went on to dazzle on the dancefloor showing us a different side to the ‘pop princess’ we all know and love. Sophie says she gave it her all but not to beat other contestants – “Well I’m quite competitive with myself – I’m not a competitive person with other people. I’m actually quite a good little pupil really, a goody goody… whatever I do I will be trying my hardest.” She may now have nailed the ballroom technique, having started out full of self doubt, but when it comes to hitting the dancefloor with her mates she admits she’s far more relaxed – “I’m not a bad person to be dancing with, I go for it. I keep changing my moves every few beats. I’m certainly enthusiastic, and always smiling.” Now though it’s back to real pop business! The April tour will kick off in Birmingham on April 7 and already a second London show at Union Chapel on April 11 has been announced due to demand.

Photo: BBC/Ray Burmiston

Wanderlust will be Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s fifth studio album. Co-written, produced and arranged

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by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt, Wanderlust was recorded in a London studio in just two weeks with a tightly-knit group of musicians and friends. The first single, Young Blood, is a life affirming testament to true love, beautifully accompanied by Ed Harcourt’s plaintive piano and soaring string arrangement. A collaboration that, on the face of it, may have surprised some people, turned out to make a lot of sense. Early on in the process, Sophie decided that “the best gift I could give myself was to selffund it. I still wanted it to meet the criteria of great pop, but I wanted to step back from something that was really autotuned or heavily treated. "The album is about roaming and your sense of where you come from, and how you take home with you but you also have this desire to get out there and see the world,” says Sophie. “I found making this album really empowering. I felt like after ten years of making records, this is like the biggest present to myself. I’m really proud of it and I feel really excited.” Sophie’s new album sees the 34-year-old star blossoming into an accomplished singersongwriter with its 11 powerfully understated songs showcasing a newfound maturity, both lyrically and musically.

For Sophie, Wanderlust represents a welcome, if unplanned, squaring of the circle. Before the solo career, before pop stardom, before ad campaigns in glossy magazines and, yes, before Strictly, there was a music fan who had her head turned by songwriters who believed in albums as something more than a collection of pop songs. It’s taken her a long time to get around to making a record which aspires to the same values. With change comes an element of risk. But Sophie Ellis-Bextor is absolutely fine with that: “If you’re out there, you’ve got to earn your right to be relevant. I’ve got no desire to rest on my laurels. There has to be some sense of forward motion.” Tickets for the April tour are on sale now and are available from www.livenation.co.uk/artist/sophie-ellisbextor-tickets

Celebrate 2014 with The Cherry Tree & excellent live bands

Happy New Year from The Cherry Tree & Staff

REAL ALES, CASK MARQUE APPROVED, CAMRA GOLD AWARD • Proper food at proper prices served daily, Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm and 6pm-9pm. • Sunday lunches 12.00-4pm • Function room available for private parties • See Gig Guide for bands

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

Gavin Miller

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Movie Previews

12 YEARS A SLAVE 10 Released

JAN

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt Director: Steve McQueen

It’s Oscar season – and this is undoubtedly the favourite. British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor – best known for second string roles in the likes of American Gangster, Inside Man and 2012 – finally gets the plaudits he deserves in this amazing based-on-a-true-story slavery drama. He stars as a free black man in pre-Civil War America, who is abducted from New York and sold into slavery. Over an unforgettable twelve-year odyssey he experiences cruelty – primarily from his slave owner (Michael Fassbender) – and unexpected kindness, as he struggles to not only stay alive, but retain his dignity. Brad Pitt and Benedict Cumberbatch – who seems to appear in just about everything at the moment – co-star in the film that will probably go head-to-head with Gravity for the Best Film Academy Award. One thing’s for sure, Ejiofor should be a shoe-in for Best Actor . . .

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

Released: January 3 After his recent passing, this biopic of Nelson Mandela – played by British actor Idris Elba – is even more poignant. Let’s hope despite mixed early reviews that Elba does the great man justice – with Naomie Harris (Skyfall) playing his then-wife Winnie. The film chronicles Mandela’s life – including his 27 years in prison – in his battle to unite a segregated South Africa against the backdrop of Apartheid.

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THE RAILWAY MAN Released: January 10 Those of us Brits hoping that Colin Firth may recreate some of his Oscar-winning magic of The King’s Speech may be disappointed with this war drama only receiving middling early reviews. Fellow Oscarwinner Nicole Kidman and War Horse’s Jeremy Irvine co-star as Firth’s war veteran looks to confront those responsible for his torture on Japan’s prisoner of war ‘Death Railway’ during World War II.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET Released: January 17 The dream team of Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio reunite for this true story-based comedy crime caper. DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort, who went from wealthy stockbroker living the high life, before falling foul of crime and corruption – and the federal government. Only time will tell if this biographical movie, which co-stars Matthew McConaughey and Jonah Hill, will be in Oscar contention.

GRUDGE MATCH Released: January 24 If you’ve always wanted to see Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa face off against Robert De Niro’s Jake La Motta well now you can. Kinda. They star as a pair of ageing boxers who are coaxed out of retirement for one final bout – thirty years after their last match. This dramady co-stars fellow screen veteran Kim Basinger, and comedic actor Kevin Hart, who recently rose to critical prominence with his movie Let Me Explain.

JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT Released: January 24 After a decade-long hiatus Star Trek’s Chris Pine brings Tom Clancy’s legendary character – most famously played by Harrison Ford – back to life. The film chronicles a young Ryan’s fledgling CIA career, as a covert analyst who uncovers a Russian plot to crash the US economy with a terrorist attack in this thriller which co-stars Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner and Kenneth Branagh (who also directs).

ONLINE REVIEWS For the latest movie reviews from ESP, visit: www.espmag.co.uk/reviews

The battle lines have been drawn for the next generation of consoles – but there’s virtually nothing to choose between them. After trying them both – do you go for the more home entertainment friendly Xbox One or the slightly more powerful Playstation 4? The answer is you’ve probably already chosen your poison as a fan of either console. But what about the exclusive and third-party launch titles? ESP gives you the lowdown on what is available now…

With cutting-edge design and technology – now including improved Kinect and Blu-ray player – there’s no better game to showcase Microsoft’s new console than RYSE: SON OF ROME. This luscious-looking game may be quite a simple hack-and-slasher at heart, but if one game shows off the fledgling abilities of your new console this is it. The same goes for the latest edition in the Forza franchise. FORZA 5 does lose some of the variety of the previous version (like the number of tracks), but you’ll hardly care with a game that boasts stunning visuals and drives like a dream. A must for any Xbox racing fan. DEAD RISING 3 continues the tradition of the series with another exciting entry. It may not quite utilise the visuals of the previous two games, but zombie-slaying has never been so much fun with its fine plethora of weaponry. Finally for you animal lovers, ZOO TYCOON is a competently interactive title that will make your heart melt with gorgeously rendered animals – even if the Kinect controls still leave a little to be desired.

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RYSE

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FORZA 5

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ZOO TYCOON

The gamer-focused Sony entry boasts powerful graphics, impressive functionality – particularly with the PS Vita – and an improved Dualshock Controller, with their Killzone shooter franchise heralding in the next generation. KILLZONE: SHADOW FALL boasts stunning graphics, a great multiplayer and a single-player campaign that thinks outside the box. Talking of that, another Playstation title, KNACK, deserves plaudits for showing plenty of ingenuity – as a shape-shifting hero takes on a goblin army – despite this brawling-actioner showing plenty of repetition. Finally, the PS4 got next-gen exclusivity with the special version of the popular DC Comics’ fighting game, INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US – ULTIMATE EDITION. This package adds the likes of Batgirl and General Zod – and added gameplay balance – to the initial version that already boasted the likes of Superman and Batman.

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INJUSTICE

MULTI-PLATFORM While all of these titles were covered in the last issue, bar NEED FOR SPEED: RIVALS, which provides the usual franchise highs of impressive visuals, great car chases and terrific allround handling – all these last-gen titles have been visually enhanced for both Xbox One and Playstation 4 consoles. Whether intense single-player or online shooting with CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS or BATTLEFIELD 4; ghosting around the Caribbean in ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG; playing in great sports packages with FIFA 14 and NBA 2K14; or battling with LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES in famous brick-form, these are all worth the step up to the next generation.

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NEED FOR SPEED: RIVALS

CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS

BATTLEFIELD 4

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ASSASSIN’S CREED IV

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FIFA 14

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NBA 2K14

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LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES www.espmag.co.uk

Turning over a new

Rachel Huxley, chief executive of PECT

If you’re looking to turn over a new leaf and be more green-minded this year, why not follow the Peterborough Environment City Trust and help plant a forest for Peterborough, cycle the Green Wheel or join the Greeniversity?

Photos: Emma Bothamley

You might be aware of Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) because you’ve had fun at the Green Festival in Cathedral Square or you might be one of the hundreds of volunteers who’ve helped plant over 50,000 trees as part of the fantastic Forest for Peterborough project, or you might just have enjoyed the miles of wonderful cycleways that are part of the Green Wheel. There are so many things that PECT have been involved in but the actual organisation might be new to you – but believe us when we tell you these guys have made a huge difference in so many ways to making Peterborough a more environmentally friendly, greener city! The Trust is a charity set up following Peterborough’s designation as a UK Environment City in 1992. PECT carries out

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research and implements practical projects to protect and improve the environment. It’s a time of significant anniversaries for many places and organisations in Peterborough at the moment and PECT recently celebrated it’s 20th anniversary. Thanks to the work of PECT and its partners, Peterborough is becoming known for ground-breaking sustainability work of local, regional and national significance. PECT’s Chief Executive Rachel Huxley told ESP – “Twenty years ago, Peterborough cemented its commitment to becoming a more sustainable city. Today, thanks to our partners, supporters, volunteers and projects, PECT has helped the city drive its sustainability vision and gain the recognition it deserves. “In our 20th year, it’s a great opportunity to review all that’s been achieved and look at how Peterborough has grown and adapted. We now have the Green Wheel, over 1,000 businesses have joined the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme, and we are now taking extra steps to tackle fuel poverty. These are just the beginning of a long list of highlights.” Here are just a few of their key achievements… • 1993 – PECT founded in response to Peterborough’s designation as one of four UK Environment Cities.

leaf • 1994 - The Peterborough Environment and Energy Advice Centre was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. • 1997 - Phase 1 of the Green Wheel began with negotiations with landowners to secure the rights of way across their land that spanned more than three-quarters of the route. • 2000 – The Green Wheel opened. • 2005 – The Eastex scheme saved businesses over £300,000 and diverted over 5,000 tonnes of materials away from landfill. • 2008 – Peterborough became a Zero Waste place following a joint project between PECT and Queensgate. • 2009 – Warm Homes Peterborough tackled fuel poverty in the city. 1,500 households received advice on reducing energy consumption and reducing fuel bills. • 2012 – Over 1,000 businesses have joined Investors in the Environment to take advantage of the money saving advice on offer. • 2013 – Over 26,000 pupils are involved in environmental education and over 90% of Peterborough schools are engaged in ‘greening’ their building.

Find out more about all their work, projects and future events on www.pect.org.uk

The Green Backyard

Green Wheel cyclists on Shanks Bridge

Richard Donoyou of PECT

Get

involved! • Sign up to PECT’s monthly e-newsletter to find out more about their projects and events on www.pect.org.uk

• Businesses – Get accredited with Investors in the Environment and experience the benefits • Schools – Sign up to Environmental Education and get involved with their upcoming events • Plant a tree for the Forest for Peterborough • Make a donation and help to make a difference • Learn or pass on a new skill with www.greeniversity.org.uk

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Join the Greeniversity In a nutshell, Greeniversity helps people get together and learn practical skills and information for sustainable communities of the future. Whether it’s cooking, growing, making or mending – anything goes as long as it’s green or helps build community spirit. The aim is to get more people learning things that ensure a healthy, active life. This could be growing food, it could be riding a bike, it could be knitting, massage, yoga or dance! Greeniversity classes are for adults and are taught by ordinary people. You can take a one off lesson or a five week course – Greeniversity is very flexible. The most important thing is to have fun and meet new people while you learn how to be a little greener. Find out more on www.greeniversity.org.uk

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T E S T I M O N I A L

Forest for Peterborough In 2010 Peterborough Environment City Trust launched the Forest for Peterborough, an ambitious project to plant over 180,000 trees in and around the city by 2030. In an area where tree coverage is below the national average, they want to create a network of wooded areas, improving our green spaces, the quality of the air we breathe, and also making sure that Peterborough is less vulnerable to the effects of flooding and other extreme weather. They need to plant at least 9,000 trees each year to meet their target by 2030 so they need your help! You can get involved all year round, with tree warden days in the spring and summer, and planting days in the autumn and winter. These fun social events are great for getting involved at every stage from planting to nurturing whilst meeting new people and you’ll feel a great sense of achievement as you see the benefit of your hard work. Check out www.pect.org.uk/events for planting days, or call 01733 568408 for more info.

Visit the Green Backyard The Green Backyard isn’t run by PECT but is often used by the team for events. It’s a vibrant community growing project in the heart of Peterborough that was established in 2009 and is run entirely by volunteers. This once derelict former allotment site, across the road from the Peterborough United football ground, (next to Apex House) has been transformed into a beautiful and productive community allotment that’s open to everyone. You’ll often find informative, practical demonstrations and workshops being held there or you can head down to one of their regular volunteer days to get involved and learn a whole host of new skills at the same time. From fruit and vegetable growing to habitat creation and composting, there’s something for everyone! For more info go to www.thegreenbackyard.com

“We would like to wish ESP a very Happy Birthday and take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at the magazine for all of their support over the years. “ESP has been instrumental in helping us to showcase all of the amazing events that Queensgate has hosted over the years. This year alone has seen the centre celebrate the opening of Carluccio’s through to our fabulous Autumn Fashion Fix weekend hosted by Vanessa White and most recently, the most successful Christmas light switch on to date. “So Happy Birthday ESP magazine, here’s to many more!”

Laura Sayer Marketing Manager at Queensgate shopping

by Pep

Cipriano

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HATS OFF TO EXPANDING MOTORPOINT

It’s pedal to the metal at Motorpoint in Fengate who’ve expanded their team to cope with more showroom footfall and its ever increasing car range. Manager Lee Arnold has taken on four new recruits (two sales guys, a trainee salesperson and a business manager pictured) to meet the demand of customers who now have the choice of an extra 250 cars to choose from following the addition of a covered outdoor canopy.

And the good news gets better. Motorpoint has been recognised for its service standards and awarded Highly Approved Trader (HAT) status by Honest John. Consumer champion and Daily Telegraph columnist, Honest John provides impartial car

CARRY A SHOVEL – IT’S SNOW JOKE I’ve barely got room for a man bag in my car let alone a shovel and where would I put one in my Alfa Spider? The thought of a shovel in my car reminds me of the opening scenes in Goodfellas… Enough said. But if you’re keen to pimp your motor with an emergency kit, which is tailored more for navigating icy mountain roads in the Alps rather than a gritted Fletton High Street, then the AA has a wide range of products to choose from.

A recent AA/Populus survey of more than 21,000 members, found that nearly 30 per cent of them did not pack warm clothing in their car during wintry weather in case of a breakdown or delay. Women were more likely to pack a blanket or sleeping bag but they were 10 per cent less likely to carry a shovel in the car compared to men (46% v 56%).

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Top of the range is the AA Emergency Winter Car Kit (£34.99). It includes a compact foldable snow shovel, an adult high visibility vest, an emergency foil blanket, a 9-LED torch, snow and ice grips, booster cables and a poncho. All you need is a portable kettle and some Bovril and you’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug. Visit the AA.com/shop where you’ll find everything you need for winter driving apart from Bovril.

buying advice through its website. To be suitable for a coveted HAT award, businesses – among other attributes – should be delivering consistent exceptional experience to motorists and pass a ‘mystery shop.’ So, it’s HATs off to Motorpoint who pride

themselves in sourcing only new or nearly new cars (up to 20,000 miles and FSH) for their forecourt. If the 550 onsite cars isn’t enough for you to wade through then visit www.motorpoint.co.uk where the choice of cars exceeds 3,500!

CALENDAR

GIRLS PRETTY IN PINK Last year The Pink Car Rally fundraising team, which stopped off in Peterborough, raised more than £17,000 for the Little Princess Trust charity and some of their best moments have been captured on camera for a 2014 calendar. The charity raises money to give 'real hair' wigs to children and young people who lose their own hair, primarily through chemotherapy and the £17k will fund 48 wigs. The calendar cover photo features a line-up of pink Fiat 500s and the inside features ladies in, shall we say, poses we’re unaccustomed to. It’s a giggle and money well spent for just £5. Check it out at www.pink-carrally.com or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/PinkCarRally

BRITISH ICON LANDMARKS This year sees the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Henry Royce, motoring and aviation pioneer who founded Rolls-Royce with Charles Rolls. It’s also the centenary of the founding of Aston Martin. A Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and an Aston Martin DB9 are on my Lotto list. They’re symbolic to Britain like fish & chips and Coronation Street. Someone should create a stamp collection of what makes Britain so great. In the meantime there’s a British Auto Legends stamp collection worth looking at here www.ifyouhadtopickone.com

HEALTH & VITALITY with Karen Devine

When buying oils choose the best, the unrefined oils that are cold pressed such as olive, avocado, seed and nuts oils that haven’t gone through these toxic processes, and are stored in small dark bottles so you aren’t exposing them to light and oxygen.

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Not all fats are bad and not all oils are good. If you’re feeling the post festive slump ESP’s nutritionist Karen Devine looks at how eating well can give you more get up and go… It’s the time of year when many of us are polishing off the last of the Christmas goodies ready to start the new health kick for the coming few weeks, days or the one that lasts until the next meal! We all want to feel energised, vibrant and light. What we put into our mouths can help us do just that, or it can leave us with low energy, poor digestion, poor concentration, cravings, joint pains, inflammation and a lot more. When we keep it simple and choose foods that are as close to that which nature provided then we benefit from vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fibre and enzymes that you don’t get from a food that’s been heavily interfered with by man, and stripped of the goodness Mother Nature intended for us. So much of what we choose today is manufactured in some way, some very heavily. One such food group that is highly processed is oil (fats/lipids). When we read ‘vegetable’ oil we automatically see this as healthy. We do not find oil in nature – to make oil from plant foods such as sunflower seeds, soybean, corn, safflower, nuts, canola, olives and other seeds they go through a process of heating, adding chemical solvents, degumming, adding bleaches and more, finishing with deodorising chemicals to remove the now rancid smell of the finished product. Once these plant foods have gone through this, all the natural elements have gone and you’re left with highly processed oil which is left very unstable chemically and can further oxidise with light and heat. The worst offenders are the cheap oils and these are often found hidden in the baking industry from cakes, biscuits, crackers, crisps as well as showing up in mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces and more. These oils are not health giving – they over tax our liver, gallbladder and digestive system, the body can’t use these and so it may contribute to ill health including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, skin complaints, as well as adding more toxicity to the body. Heating these cheaper oils as we do when we get home, adds more toxic compounds due to the high heat causing more oxidative damage and producing more free radicals which can damage tissues/cells.

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Coconut oil is one oil that is more stable when heated, it has a high smoke point so the fat is not changed chemically by the high heat and not damaged. Many people avoid coconut due to its high saturated fat, but this fat is cholesterol free, can help support metabolism and may also reduce cholesterol, it’s more easily broken down during digestion without being a burden on the liver and gallbladder. However, like every fat, use in moderation. Olive oil is better used for low temperature cooking or drizzled over a salad. Again the cheaper versions will have suffered the same fate as those cheap vegetable oils so it’s better to pay more for good quality olive oil. Butter is a natural food and contains some fatty acids also needed for brain development. Over the years butter got a lot of bad press when all fats were labelled bad and in particular saturated fats. But enjoying a little dollop on some steamed broccoli or a scraping over an egg can be enjoyed as butter is natural, but as with all fats – go easy!

“...it’s better to pay more for good quality olive oil.”

We need some fats in our diet as they provide a fatty membrane around our cells, reduce inflammation, produce hormones, support brain function, insulate our nervous system, keep skin supple, support detoxification, give us energy, absorb our fat soluble vitamins and more. When it comes to enjoying fat in our meals we don’t need an oil slick as too much of any fat however natural is not advised. Consider what fat is on your plate at any one meal, for instance if you have a piece of healthy oily fish, then opt for a fat free dressing. Or if you’re eating some avocado with your salad then avoid adding other fats such as nuts or oils. Maybe you enjoy a feta salad and a few olives – again avoid oily dressings, opting for a squeeze of lemon instead. If you have used some oil for cooking and you need more moisture then start to add in some water or a little veg stock rather than more oil. This is a general rule, there may be times when a little more is needed if there are health issues needing to be addressed. Fats still need to be respected but eating them in the ‘whole’ state or as natural as possible will help deliver the benefits. Apply restrictions on excess animal fats such as fatty meats, cheeses, full fat milk and butter. When we need answers for our diet we needn’t look far from nature, she knows best and always will. Whole foods are better consumed than a hijacked, manufactured form. In health, Karen www.karendevine.co.uk

FOOD

NEWS

TRY A BOLLYWOOD BUFFET If money’s tight this month you can dine out at Bollywood Tiger in Yaxley without straining your budget, but still enjoy some great Indian cuisine.

promises some tongue in cheek dishes to tantalise your taste buds for £29.99. Book early on 01733 202256. The pub’s been brought back to life by chef John (who appeared on TV’s Masterchef a few years back) and Della so if you haven’t been there for a while it’s worth taking a look. The interior and the menu have been transformed.

Take time out in the week and enjoy their special Wednesday Banquet which includes a starter, main, rice, bread and a side order all for just £11.95. Or have a change from the usual Sunday roastie and try their Sunday Buffet instead between 12 noon and 10pm. They cater for all tastes and strengths, there are veggie and kids options available and it’s just £5.95 for OAPs and kids and £9.95 per adult – sounds like you can treat the whole family. Book now on 01733 246519.

BANYAN TREE LOOKS EVEN BETTER! If you weren’t lucky enough to have your office party at the Banyan Tree on Westgate we recommend you drop in soon to check out the changes. The restaurant has always looked fantastic but never one to sit still, owner Dinesh Odedra has made even more improvements to the place.

JAZZ BRUNCH AT THE BULL

We have to say that the refurbishment looks amazing! The restaurant’s been changed around creating some new dining spaces with some beautiful wall art and a lovely ambience.

DOG IN A DOUBLET VALENTINE’S SPECIAL

The food’s just as good as ever though, no change there! For a real genuine taste of authentic Indian cuisine there’s nowhere like it. Book in on 01733 342800… remember it’s not long til Valentine’s Day!

Talking of Valentine’s Day, the Dog in a Doublet at Whittlesey has announced an amazing aphrodisiac, sexy six course menu to help get you in the mood this February! It’ll be available Valentine’s weekend, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and

Enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch and chill out from your busy weekend at the Bull Hotel in the city centre. Whether you need to put your feet up after some sales shopping or just want a break from the oven, they have some tasty dishes on the menu which you can enjoy with some live jazz music to keep you entertained. Drop in to refuel between 12.00 and 4pm or reserve a space on 01733 561364.

T E S T I M O N I A L “ESP Magazine is one of the city's longest serving ambassadors and has been part of the success story of modern-day Peterborough. The magazine has contributed to the progressive change Peterborough has undergone in recent years and it continues to champion all that's positive about where we live with bags of enthusiasm and passion. “Peterborough is recognised for hosting fabulous events and ESP has been an advocate for supporting them for as long as I can remember. In particular, the monthly coverage given to the Perkins Great Eastern Run was excellent and long may ESP continue to help champion everything Peterborough is proud of.”

Annette Joyce Head of Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council

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health and beauty

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

charlotte.jolly@espmag.co.uk

Budget Beauty Buys Being left broke after Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t still look your beautiful best. There really are some beauty bargains to be had so check out my pick of the bunch and step into 2014 with a big, beautiful bang! Wet ‘n’ Wild Mega Wink Lash Curling Mascara, £1.99 – this really does give lashes a clever curl and delivers pretty peepers in no time! Barry M Nail Paints, £2.89 – there’s no easier way to update your look quickly than by painting your nails and if you change your nail colour as often as I do then there’s no point in spending a fortune on nail polish. With over 50 shades to choose from including pastels, neons and glitters Barry M is a truly brilliant bargain beauty buy. 17 Powder Blush, £2.34 – Blush is my go to beauty product. It’s fab for adding a pop of colour and giving you a rosy glow; without it your skin can look dull and washed out. 17 at Boots offer great blushers that are fragrance-free and dermatologically tested so are ideal for sensitive skin. Avon’s New Ultra Colour Absolute lipstick, £8 – launching on January 24 this is Avon’s first ever colour and care all-in-one lipstick, offering you 10 on trend shades to choose from all of which will give your lips the TLC they need. Your lips will be left looking and feeling great this season all for under a tenner. Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Lotion, £3.50 – this suit all body cream is loved by men and women all over. Best known for its stretch-mark fighting qualities, that’s not all its good for; slather it on after your morning shower and before bed, slap it on your feet to sort out cracked heels or keep some on your desk and use as a hand cream... so versatile yet so cheap. Revlon Baby Stick Lips and Cheeks, £4.99 – doubling up your cheek and lip product not only saves you space but also saves you money. This effortless stick gives you sheer, vibrant colour and is handy for on the go touch ups so you can look lush at all times. Dead Sea Spa Magik Algimud Face Mask available at Tesco, £3.60 – the deepest lake in the world is famed for its relaxation and healing properties but now you can take a little piece of it home with you from your local Tesco store. This peel off mask hydrates and improves firmness, leaving your skin soft and refreshed!

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CeleBrate your Ny with MBe Make sure you get off to a great New Year with 20% off Skin Rejuvenation when you start your very own 10 Year Younger Plan. Not only that, they are also offering you a helping hand with reducing the effects of Christmas indulgence with their Lipo-Belt Fat Reduction Treatments for just £20 per session when you book four or more sessions during January. Normally £65 per session, the treatment is safe and effective giving you immediate results; you can see an amazing 2cm disappearing in just one session! Give My Body Essentials a call on 01733 305102 or visit their website at www.mybodyessentials.co.uk for more info. I know I’ll be giving them a call…

get set for 2014

If you love to be one step ahead when it comes to trying out new beauty looks here’s how to be in the beauty know ready for 2014… Primers With a focus on flawless skin in 2014, primers will be hot beauty products and we are sure to see even more makeup brands bringing out their own versions. I love Bare Minerals ‘Prime Time’. Lip Crayons Lip crayons have been a huge makeup trend, with the likes of Clinique and Revlon, to name but a few, getting in on the craze, and they’re set to be just as hot for spring / summer 2014. Being a blend between a lipstick and a lip balm they’re super moisturising and ideal for everyday wear. Metallic Eyeshadows Flawless skin and clean makeup looks will be finished off with luminous metallic touches, in the form of eye shadows this year. Use them wet for extra impact if you’re feeling brave. Black Eyeliner Black eyeliner has been stylish for years but apparently next season it will be the trend to wear black eyeliner heavy and striking, forget the retro flicks we’ve seen lately. Bright Matte Lipsticks Spring 2014 will be all about bright, bold, matte lipsticks that make a real beauty statement. Bright matte lipsticks were worn by the models at both London and New York fashion week in 2013. It’s likely that orange is going to be the colour of the season, so expect to see makeup brands launching various shades to suit all skin tones.

T E S T I M O N I A L R

"Just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team at ESP magazine. They are a fantastic passionate and knowledgeable team. They really understand our needs and objectives and meet each and every one with every campaign they work on for us. It is a pleasure working with the team. We are proud to exclusively offer ESP magazine at the Serpentine Green Shopping Centre."

Let us help you achieve the NEW YOU this NEW YEAR for 20% less with our 10 Years Younger Plan

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Sarah Pennock Commercial Manager, Serpentine Green Shopping Centre

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

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PREMIUM GYM WITH

VIVACITY VALUE! Everybody’s focussed on getting fit and the new year brings us another fabulous fitness facility at Hampton opening on February 1. The Vivacity Premier Fitness venue at Hadfield Road off the A15 London Road, is a new and unique offering from Vivacity – their first premium gym and fitness centre, offering the very best in health, fitness and beauty. The facilities sound impressive with a 25m swimming pool, Nordic sauna & Turkish steam room and three dance, exercise and spin studios offering 80 fitness classes a week! There are four beauty treatment and physio therapy rooms and an onsite café where you can relax and unwind over a bite to eat. The fitness suite with its state-of-the-art gym comes with a full range of equipment, and the gym suite offers SmartCentre® technology allowing you to track and monitor your fitness as you develop and pre-programme each gym station to your exact specification.

Vivacity Premier Fitness is the only swimming pool in the city offering lane swimming at all times, so you’re guaranteed to get your laps in no matter what time you go. There’s a great range of swimming pool sessions, from mums and tots and adult only to their brand new Aqua-Zumba classes. There’s a great range of classes in their dance, exercise and spin studios as well as aqua-fit and Aqua-Zumba classes in the swimming pool. Plus membership at Vivacity Premier Fitness gives you free access to over 200 classes each week across the Vivacity Sports Network, so there’s a class to suit your every mood from body balancing and zumba to circuits and metafit. Look good and feel great with their wide selection of treatments, from hot-stones and massage to beauty therapy treatments

including dermalogica® expert skin-care treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow & eyelash treatments and gel-nails. There’s also waxing and tanning treatments, and seasonal pamper packages, perfect to get you holiday-ready or for your special occasion days such as weddings or birthdays. After all that festive over indulgence the amazing 3D Lipo system is sure to be in demand – a great and easy way to eliminate fat, reduce cellulite and tighten skin. With a range of treatments including sportsmassage, electrotherapy, spinal manipulation,

We all know how difficult it can sometimes be to stick to a plan – the best advice is to have a goal, aim for something.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

The Perkins Great Eastern Run is that perfect something to aim for. The race isn’t until October 12, so you’ve got plenty of time to get fit and prepared. If the half marathon seems like too much of a challenge then fear not. The Perkins Great Eastern Run has access to local running groups who can guide you every step of the way. The 2013 event attracted almost 7,000 runners, making it the most successful Perkins Great Eastern Run since the race was re-introduced to Peterborough in 2006.

GET FIT FOR 2014

Entries to the half marathon and fun run increased by 20 per cent and 85 per cent respectively and runners are already signing up to take part in 2014.

So, you’ve consumed far too many calories over the festive season and you’ve joined a gym. You’ve also started on a healthy eating plan and promised yourself to get outdoors more.

To enter, visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

Alternatively, entries can be made in person at the Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street. Go on – set yourself a challenge!

rehabilitation and acupuncture as well as help with nutrition and weight management, no matter what your health concern, there’s expert advice on offer. There are a great range of membership offers for families, couples and individuals with prices starting from just £6.15 per week. The first 100 people could get ONE MONTH FREE and no-fee-increase-for-life*. Call the memberships team on 01733 864000 to book an exclusive tour of the centre, which also has ample free parking and easy access to Serpentine Green Shopping Centre.

Care Assistants Required Are you looking for a new career direction? One in which you can genuinely make people’s lives better?

Photo: BBC

Do you want to join our small friendly team of carers for people living in their own home?

EASTENDER

• Full and part time positions available and will include some weekends and evenings

BACKS SPORTING SATURDAY EVENT

• Full UK driving licence and use of car essential • Excellent time keeping required

Phil Mitchell might be known as more of a hard man than a sportsman but actor Steve McFadden will be heading to the Boro to support a special sports event… dare you disappoint him! The first ever Sporting Saturday at the Cresset from 10am – 8pm on Saturday January 18 is a new sports and leisure event for people with disabilities, older people, their family members and carers. The Mayors Charity Committee is hosting the showcase for over 40 organisations and clubs who provide accessible facilities and activities for disabled people in and around the Peterborough area. Inspire Peterborough, Phab, Sue Ryder, Parents United and Living Sport are all involved but anyone’s welcome. There’ll be various sporting and entertainment celebrities heading along with special guest, soap star Steve McFadden at the event from 3pm-5pm.

• Full uniform and equipment provided on completion of training

No experience required as full training is provided but a caring, professional attitude is a must. If you have the qualities to make an excellent care assistant looking after people in their own homes we would like to hear from you. To request a job description and application form call

01733 223426 or email denise@cambridgeshirehomecare.co.uk

Bryan Tyler, Chair of the Mayor’s Charity Committee told ESP – “We are very proud to be hosting this special event – the first of its kind for Peterborough. The support from our local organisations and clubs has been fantastic." There’ll be sporting displays and taster sessions all day in the main hall, Peterborough Police will be teaching boxing and from 4-5pm Master Parkers Serial Kickers will be attempting a new world record for the most people involved in a karate class! Amongst the ‘have a go’ activities will be indoor cricket, static rowing, indoor archery, table tennis, goal ball and much more. The YMCA gym will be offering free gym and keep fit taster sessions. Studio 2 will be where you can talk to sports and leisure providers as well as health experts. But strenuous exercise isn’t for everyone so there’ll be various art and craft activities for people to try, music production sessions, a retro and vintage fashion show and poetry writing classes. Vocalize will be performing throughout the day and DJ Elliott will be providing a disco from 5.30-8pm. Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson, Mayor June Stokes, Peterborough City Council CEO Gillian Beasley and Council Leader Marco Cereste are amongst the confirmed guests along with sporting and entertainment celebrities. Everyone’s welcome and admission’s just £2. For more details email bryan@inspirepeterborough.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

Established for over 10 years 39

Mostly COMEDY Funny GIGS

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Welcome Back to ESP FUNHOUSE COMEDY

JAN

The Funhouse Comedy team launch a brand new night of stand-up at the South Holland Centre in Spalding at the end of this month and what a line up. On comedy nights the Function Hall is transformed into a relaxed club setting so you can sit back and enjoy the laughs from your table with a drink from the bar. On the bill are Andrew Bird (he supported Rhod Gilbert) brilliant ‘white haired Irishman’ Caimh McDonnell described as ‘outstanding’ by the DailyTelegraph, the outrageous Carly Smallman and compere Spiky Mike. www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

As you've probably heard Peterborough Cathedral was recently awarded a very generous grant of £2,464,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its ‘Peterborough 900: Letting it speak for itself’ project. This great project forms part of the Cathedral’s plans for development centered around its 900th anniversary in 2018. The project aims to ensure that the Cathedral plays an increasing role in the life of the city and the aim of the project is to enhance visitors’ experience of the Cathedral. So, having visited the Cathedral recently myself I decided to draw up a fun wish-list of what I'd like to see the holy head-honchos spend the money on… 1. Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood to be hired to host a series of late night gigs in the Cathedral to be broadcast live on BBC4. These will be called 'Pimp my pulpit'. Westwood’s late father the Right Rev, William Westwood was bishop of Peterborough Cathedral from 1984-95 so I’m sure he’d jump at the chance. 2. A subterranean underground car park to be built underneath the Cathedral. It will have a hidden concealed 'batcave' style entrance. The 'cathcave' will have an intercom that will only open the entrance if visitors say the magic words…'Up the posh'. Also the ‘cathcave’ car park will not allow any carwash businesses to set up shop and take up valuable parking spaces!

3. As the main project will also convert the Knights’ Chamber, a Grade I listed building, into a reception area for schools and visiting groups, I propose that £10-15,000 is spent on buying the golden throne that Sir Bradley Wiggins sat in after winning the time trial at the London Olympics. During London 2012, the throne was sat outside Hampton Court Palace, home of Henry VIII and tons of tourists flocked to it to have their photo taken. After London 2012 it went to auction but as it never fetched the reserve price of £10,000 it went back to the theatrical prop hire company where it’s remained. People keep banging on about the Olympic legacy, and seeing as the Cathedral was a main part of the torch relay in July 2012 it would fit in perfectly to the ‘Knights Chamber’. Plus Henry VIII’s first wife Katherine is buried at Peterborough Cathedral so there’s another link with Hampton Court Palace where Henry used to live. But the real clincher, surely has to be this. A leg of the Tour de France comes to Britain next summer, it’s not going through Peterborough, but part of it goes through Cambridge and it would wipe the smiles off their faces if we had Wiggo’s throne in Peterborough! And if those ideas don’t get taken up, then I propose the £2.4 million is spent on booking Dawn French and Ardal O’Hanlon to do Sunday services at the Cathedral in character as Geraldine Grainger and Father Dougal Maguire.

HAVE I GOT COMEDY FESTIVAL NEWS FOR YOU Need something to look forward to now you’re skint and the January blues have set in? Let me get you in the mood for some laughs with news of the second great Comedy Festival coming to the Key Theatre from March 12 -18 which will see my good mate Pat Monahan perform as well as names like Mark Thomas, David Baddiel and Hebburn’s Chris Ramsey... but I’m just teasing you for now. You’ll have to pick up next month’s issue of ESP for all the details!

www.espmag.co.uk

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB – BOURNE

JAN

On the same night as the new Spalding club launches, the Funhouse guys stage a similar line-up over at the Late Bar in Bourne, with the main acts hot footing it up the road after their performances. Caimh McDonnell received rave reviews for his Edinburgh shows and writes for the Sarah Millican TV show. Northampton guy Andrew Bird, another Edinburgh success story, and writer for various TV shows. Support comes from Scott Bennett and compere Ben Murray Show starts at 8.30pm and tickets are £7.50 in advance on www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

FUNHOUSE COMEDY @ NORTH STREET

FEB

The Funhouse Comedy club has become so well established at North Street Bar in Peterborough that the club’s expanding to run twice a month with gigs on a Wednesday and now a Saturday night too. It launches on February 1 in the Courtyard Room, a larger space beneath the bar (formerly Clarkes restaurant). The great line up includes Paddy Lennox, John Ryan, Aaron Aardvaark and compere Ben Murray. Book tickets on www.funhousecomedy.co.uk show starts 8.30pm

Interview

Johnny Vegas ESP’s Mikey Clarke grabbed a word with Johnny Vegas when he visited the studios at Ideal World shopping channel in Peterborough… From Mr Stink to Benidorm and the PG Tips ads to multiple panel-show performances, Johnny Vegas has become one of Britain's best-loved comic actors. I had the pleasure of chatting to Johnny during his recent visit to Ideal World – the Peterborough based television shopping channel. I asked him what the visit was in aid of. “I’m looking for a remote control car,” he joked. “I’m mainly here to discuss my book ‘Becoming Johnny Vegas’. I’m also here to have some fun. I may try my hand at selling some other bits and bobs too.”

Home Cooked Food with locally sourced produce served all day. • • • • •

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

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

1305 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 6LW Tel: 01733 322006 w: www.cock-inn.co.uk e: enquires@cock-inn.co.uk

Photos: Chris Brudenell

Having done a little research before my interview, I was amazed to see that at one point he was training to be a priest. How does somebody go from being so religious to being Johnny Vegas? “I was at Catholic School for four terms at the age of eleven. There was a bit of a stigma with kids at other schools commenting on how I was going to be a Priest. I became a bit of a loner, and that’s when Johnny Vegas started to emerge. He was like my imaginary friend. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to get sectioned. With Johnny Vegas I found stand-up comedy.” Hopefully you caught Michael Pennington in the recent Christmas special Still Open All Hours, set in a tiny corner shop. It saw David Jason return as former grocery boy, Granville, now running the shop which was once owned by his uncle Arkwright, who was played by the late Ronnie Barker.

For those confused by the book title, Johnny Vegas is just a character. The comedy legend’s real name is actually Michael Pennington. I wondered what name I should refer to him as. “My family call me Michael. My wife calls me Johnny or Michael if I’m in trouble. I’d say right now you’re talking to Michael Pennington.

So what was it like working on such an iconic show? “Amazing,” he told me. “Being with David Jason and being outside the shop gave me goosebumps. I was a bit nervous at first being part of the show because it’s such a national treasure. The script was amazing. It’s by the original writer and he really kept the tone of the show the same as before.”

“You know I’m being Michael because the set behind me is still standing and there’s nobody blowing a whistle, calling out for security. Seriously though, I’m actually a mellow guy. Johnny is the opposite to me – very shouty and in your face.”

And finally, how could I not ask about Monkey. I joked that I had been speaking to Monkey earlier in the day and that he wanted to know why Pennington hadn’t been returning his calls. Being the witty man that he is, he replied – “He’s got his own book out so things have got personal…”

With the television star about to go live promoting his book on the Ideal World channel, I gave him the opportunity to practice in front of the ESP camera...

Mikey with Johnny

have been amazing. It’s more than your average autobiography. As well as there being jokes in the book it’s also a serious look at the development of my alter-ego. It explains how Johnny Vegas took over and pushed Michael Pennington out of the picture.”

“People should buy my book because my outgoings are a lot more than anyone else that has a book out. Their houses are most likely already paid for and their kids have shoes. My kids don’t have shoes and people frown when I take them to school. Other than that I think it’s a fascinating read and the reviews

Copies of ‘Becoming Johnny Vegas’ hardback books are currently available to order from the Ideal World website www.idealworld.tv Check out our full interview with Michael on our website www.espmag.co.uk which is always packed with more news, videos and loads of Peterborough stuff! Like us on facebook or follow us on Twitter and you’ll get the news first.

Happy New Year from LD Hair Design • Beauty treatments available. Taking bookings now. 25% • Gents welcome off all colour treatments • Open Mon & late in January night Thurs till 8pm • Special Princess Pamper Packages available. • Wedding Packages available • 15% student discount • 20% discount for over 60s every Wed 24 Station Road, Nassington, PE8 6QB

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CLUB

LAND Proudly sponsored by

MIXOLOGY OFF RECORDINGS 5 YEARS TOUR WITH ANDRE CROM & MAT.JOE

OFF's sound selection is eclectic, ranging from deep underground pop tunes over big primetime records from jacking house to reduced groove tools. Diversity and fresh trends are the reason why this label is regarded with such high-distinction across the scene. Such is the magnitude of OFF Recordings headlining at Mixology, that Andre has kindly recorded a one-off Mixology MixTape, which you can grab a copy of at either Red Room download from their website www.mixologyuk.com or search for them on iTunes / Soundcloud.

COMING OUT TUESDAY? A brand new weekly event taking place on Tuesday nights at Red Room is Coming Out Tuesday. DJ AJ is playing anything and everything from 10.30pm till late. There are 2 for 1 cocktails & teapots besides their Tuesday offer of a Jagerbomb + a bottle of WKD or Fosters + a shot for just £5. 2013 was a milestone year for Mixology with some of the biggest acts in the deep-tech house / techno scene gracing their talents at Red Room on Broadway.

Check it out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ comingouttuesday

For their first event of 2014 they have an extra special, one-off event on Friday January 31 as they welcome the prestigious Berlin record label, OFF Recordings to Red Room.

YOYO – ‘YOU’RE ONLY YOUNG ONCE’

Head honcho Andre Crom and the duo of Mat.Joe who’ve been responsible for some of the biggest tracks to grace dance floors in 2013, will be starting the label’s 5 year celebrations tour at Mixology.

Peterborough’s weekly Thursday student session YoYo, brings four different venues together for one massive night out every Thursday!

OFF Recordings were the #8 most charted label of 2012 on Resident Advisor and have had up to 10 tracks in the Beatport deep house top 100 at one time.

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Incorporating Yates’s, College Arms, Flares and Edward’s it’s the student party of the week. For more info follow them on Twitter and Facebook, search YOYO Clubnights.

THE HUGE JANUARY SALE @ HALO! Halo is launching its biggest ever January sale, it doesn't get better than this! Free entry before 12 with your ladies pass or with a flyer, and buy one get one free drinks at the bar during Fridays and Saturdays. Simply turn up and enjoy this great offer!

KARMA @ HALO Renowned for being a huge weekend, Karma Parties launches its first event in 2014 on payday Friday January 31. The full line up will be announced the first week in January, check out www.facebook.com/karmaparties to see who’s coming!

KISS ARE BACK @ LIQUID There’s a huge event coming up at Liquid on New Road on the last pay weekend of the month. They’ll have KISS 100 DJs taking to the decks giving you a night of all the massive old skool anthems and the

biggest floor fillers. After the last great night in Liquid in December when Kiss fm/ Kiss 100s DJ Justin Wilkes took to the decks, they’ll be doing it all over again on Saturday January 25 giving you another epic night to remember. Expect another hot one people!

FILL ME UP FRIDAYS Liquid’s Fill Me Up Fridays are one of the biggest Friday night parties in Peterborough, playing commercial dance and floor fillers. They’ll fill you up until you're full with some great drinks deals!

SATURDAY NIGHT PROJECT The Saturday Night Project takes over Liquid every weekend, bringing you the biggest venue clubbing experience in the city! With all the best commercial dance, classic floorfiller sounds and epic entertainment this is a real club night to take you into Sunday morning dancing.

Get the very latest news by visiting espmag.co.uk /whats-on

l o o h Sc ance D f o

You’ve seen the ESP Dance Crew perform so how would you like to learn their moves? Here’s your chance as we launch the ESP School of Dance! Over the years the fantastic ESP Dance Crew have performed at events like the Face of ESP Finals, Peterborough Festival, the city’s Christmas lights switch ons, fashion shows, car launches and more. Now chief choreographer Nicole Saunders is set to share her moves with you, launching a series of new dance classes starting in Peterborough this February.

Photos: Andrew James

The styles of dance will include 70's, 80's, jazz, cabaret, street/hip hop, commercial (i.e. Pussy Cat Dolls style) and a teensy bit of salsa! All age ranges will learn all styles of dance. The age range is 7-9 years, 10-13 years, 14-17 years and adult (18+). In the future there’ll be an opportunity for you to join an ‘elite’ group of dancers who will attend competitions/auditions etc around the country.

Nicole’s been dancing since she was 3-years-old. She’s trained in ballet, tap, musical theatre, salsa, commercial and street dance so has a great grasp of all styles, and well, you’ve seen what she can do at our ESP events! Nicole is a success story from Peterborough Regional College’s Dance and Performing Arts courses. She’s choreographed several shows including My Fair Lady at the Key Theatre in 2001 and has danced at the West End and internationally as well as dozens of ESP Dance Crew performances Nicole says – “I love to encourage people to express themselves through dance, and just have fun. It’s the easiest way to lose weight with the least amount of pain. And it's a good way to learn some new dance moves to practice on the dance floor at parties!”

SPECIAL

OFFER FIRST 25 PEOPLE TO SIGN UP / REGISTER GET 15% OFF THE FIRST TERM! To register your interest in the ESP School of Dance, please email nicole.danceandevents @gmail.com and look out for more in the next issue.

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Photo: Keith Pattison

I’ve had a good year for live music in 2013 seeing a great number of local bands, my highlight being that Hooker gig at the Beer Festival where they were on top, top form. I’ve also been lucky enough to see The Stones and Green Day on a national level. Sometimes, I am asked why I’m so enthusiastic about live music and why I’d recommend it to others. In other words why should you get out and watch live music in 2014. To begin with, there are many talented musicians and singers in the Peterborough area and they bring a wide diversity of music. A good audience inspires them and gives an extra edge to their performance. Additionally we have so many varied venues to choose from. An ever increasing group of pubs across the area provide entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, whilst during the spring and summer there are not just the big festivals on the Embankment but also many locally organised mini music festivals. These often feature a very wide range of different genres of music. There is literally something for everyone. In many cases you’re encouraging budding new musicians and/or supporting some well established favourites. Add to these reasons, the fact that you’ll be meeting a lot of like-minded people in an enjoyable atmosphere, then you can’t lose. So make it one of your New Year resolutions. Give it a try. If you choose the right music for your taste then you’ll be surprised how much you will enjoy it. Every month, ESP Magazine helps you with its gig guide which is updated regularly on www.espmag.co.uk. Hopefully a few tips from this column helps too. Happy New Year, Keith

GORDIE’S GOT RHYTHM

STARS ON BROADWAY

RE-TAKE THAT IN STAMFORD It seems like Gary Barlow is everywhere at the moment, and with all his solo projects, there’s no sign of a Take That tour. However Stamford Corn Exchange can provide some comfort to fans of the band by offering a concert from one of the best tribute bands in the UK. RE-TAKE THAT appear there on January 24. Their full show features a superb sound and dramatic lighting production with dynamic dance routines, and obviously includes all of Take That’s greatest hits, including... Million Love Songs, Pray, Could it be Magic, Back for Good, Shine, Relight My Fire, Patience and many more. Like the originals, Re-Take That have gone from a four to a five, and now feature the excellent Peter Owen as Robbie. I doubt though that they’ll drop him from the act if Robbie does another runner!

I just want to thank the Bill Kenwright Organisation for bringing the season of West End productions to The Broadway Theatre. Everyone that I’ve spoken to has been hugely impressed with the quality of production and the live musical talent performing here in Peterborough. I went to see Will Young in the classic musical, Cabaret, and I thought it was, in the words of Craig Revel Horwood, A-MA-ZING! Will Young again displays the fact that he’s much more than a pop star showing great comedy and pathos in his performance. The other members of the cast, although less well known, are equally talented and again a completely live band providing the music. The show made me laugh and cry in equal measures, and I defy anybody not to be moved by this particular production. I thoroughly recommend a visit to these lavish shows before the limited season finishes and the Broadway closes its doors. There are still two shows for you to experience with the big production treatment, and they are: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is on until January 5.

Re-TakeThat drop into Stamford at the beginning of yet another very busy year of touring so catch them while you can.

Then Willy Russells’ Blood Brothers is on between January 6 and 11.

For tickets the box office of Stamford Corn Exchange is 01780 766455.

Both shows have matinees on some days. Tickets are available from the box office on 01733 822225.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL WITH MARTY

The Key Theatre Studio is the scene for some very specialist and intimate performances, and on February 10 it plays host to the award-winning Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys.

There are plenty of great gigs coming to the Stamford Corn Exchange in February and more about them in next month’s ESP. However, I want to tip you off about the February 1 visit of the legendary Marty Wilde. He appears in Stamford with his backing group, The Wildcats.

Hailing from Prince Edward Island in Canada they visit the Key as part of a UK tour to serve up old-time roots music with a breathtaking energy level.

It’s a unique chance to see live on stage, one of the only performing rock 'n' roll pioneers still working in the world today.

The Rhythm Boys were given the Galaxie Supernova Award at the 2012 Ottawa Folk Festival for outstanding live performance. Tom Power, host of Deep Roots on CBC, recently called the Rhythm Boys his ‘Best Discovery Band’ at the 2012 East Coast Music Awards.

Marty began his career in 1957 and was one of the first British singers to play a leading part in those formative, and groundbreaking rock 'n' roll years. He was, in those days, THE big star, regularly appearing on TV’s Oh Boy as the main act.

If ever someone deserved the nickname ‘Crazy Legs’, it’s Gordie MacKeeman. His thrilling dance style mixed with great bluegrass vocals, Peter Cann’s blistering guitar solos, and the lively multi-instrumental talents of Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes collectively make Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys an unforgettable live experience.

With his many hits and a host of wonderful songs from that era, Marty and his fabulous band The Wildcats take you back through some of the most exciting musical times this country’s ever experienced.

Box office: 01733 207239.

www.espmag.co.uk

The show’s become one of the most acclaimed rock ‘n’ roll shows in the country today. Box office: 01780 766455.

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“ESP Magazine has played a big part in promoting all that’s good about our wonderful city during their 15 years in business. I’ve seen plenty of magazines come and go during this period – and the fact ESP is growing from strength to strength is a testament to their commitment, passion and dedication for promoting Peterborough. “The magazine shares many of the same values as the city council. We both encourage innovation, business engagement and growth in the visitor economy. ESP is all about raising the profile of our city and what it does particularly well is champion our fabulous events, which have really helped put Peterborough on the map in recent years.

INTERVIEW:

Kerry Devine

Over the past three months, Peterborough singer songwriter Kerry Devine has been busy in the studio working on her first studio album due to be released in March this year. Having received considerable recognition from her live shows, as well as her latest EP Fools That Fall (May 2013), which she toured around France, Kerry will be travelling across the UK showcasing material from the new album from March.

Local lass Kerry Devine, a talented singer/songwriter, has an exciting new year ahead with the release of her first studio album due out on March 1 and a UK tour starting next month. “The album has some surprises,” Kerry told ESP, “and is a big step away from 'Early Riser' which is an acoustic live EP which was released in December. “I've been writing with a band so there's a lot of different instrumentation being used, and styles explored... and there are more electronic references throughout the music on the album.” Kerry credits working with some great musicians as a huge help in putting the album together. The likes of Robert White (Hradesin) on bass, Jes Kerr on drums and Nathan Wieckowski who helped produce the album and also plays a lot of the instrumentation on the tracks, mainly piano, and Benny T aka Peddlebreaker who’s coproduced a couple of tracks. “Recording it on my doorstep makes the world of difference,” says Kerry. “Laffing Boy studios is in Peterborough so I've been able to work closely on the project over a longer period of time. “We started recording the album back in March, and in between I toured around France for two months which was such a cool experience. I had printed a special EP

'Fools That Fall' for the trip and had used old photographs from a box that was found at my grandfather’s house as the artwork, so it was really lovely being able to take that around with me. I got a really extreme response over there; they were so enthusiastic and seem to really love my songs, so I was very lucky.” When asked about her musical influences Kerry says it’s more about the people she hangs around with than other well known artists – “The people that know me will say I know nothing about other people’s music and they'd be right! I listened for the first time to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, just before I went to France and it blew my socks off... the same happened when I heard Joni Mitchell’s Blue for the first time. “Things that I see in the day, memories, they're the tools that I use to write with – artists I listen to include PJ Harvey, Portishead, Annie Dressner and Polly Paulusma. I used to love a band from Cambridge, Model Staggs but not sure what they're up to now, Anthony and the Johnsons, The Wytches – who hail from Peterborough as a matter of fact, and Default Collective, the lead singer is hot and she has amazing lyrics and vocals!” Kerry can't wait to tour the album in February – “The thing I love most apart from the performance itself, is meeting great people, and having a good time. When you get people come over and say 'I was having a really bad day, but then I heard you and you've just turned it around' it makes the long car journeys, never ending searches for a parking space outside a venue and eating from a garage at 1am in the morning worth it!” Keep up to date with Kerry and listen to some of her songs on www.kerrydevine.org

“ESP has always given excellent coverage to events such as the Christmas lights switch-on, Italian Festival and Perkins Great Eastern Run to mention a few. ESP Magazine is an established and trusted brand that we can rely on and I wish it continued success for the next 15 years and beyond.”

Cllr Cav. Marco Cereste OSSI OMRI Leader of the Council

19 North Street Peterborough PE1 2RA

01733 343785 northstreetbar.co.uk

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GUIDE FRI DEC 27

TUE DEC 31

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

BE BOP A LULAS

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

AGI JAROCKA ACOUSTIC

The Cock Inn, Werrington

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

CITIZEN SMITH

CIRCA 73

The Ploughman, Werrington

North Street Bar, Peterborough

HOOKER

BE BOP A LULAS

LOOSE ROCKET

Blue Boar, Eye

The Crown Inn, Lincoln Road

FRONT COVER

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

HOOKER

London Inn, Stamford The Fayre Spot, Bretton

MIGHTY QUINN NEW GENERATION CRASH AND BURN The Dragon, Werrington

OPEN ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH DAVE B & PHIL

THE ATLANTICS THE DIZZY MISS LIZZY'S

Charters, Town Bridge

THE LIMIT

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

REVOLVER

The Axe & Cleaver, Boston

THE RELICS

The Cock Inn, Werrington

THE ONE EYED CATS

The Dragon, Werrington

THE OVERDUBS

The London Inn, Stamford

THE RAINMEN

SAT DEC 28

North Street Bar, Peterborough

BON & JUSTIN ACOUSTIC

THE SOUND INJECTORS

North Street Bar, Peterborough

British Legion Hall, Crowland

ELECTRIC WARRIORS

TWENTY 4

The Cock Inn, Werrington

GROOVE CARTEL

The Stage, Market Deeping

The Brewery Tap, City Centre

FRI JAN 3

LUCKY7

The Cock Inn, Werrington

ROCKIT

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

THE 707

NEW GENERATION CRASH AND BURN London Inn, Stamford

RAINMEN

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

REINST8TED RETROLUX

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

REVOLVER

The Stage, Market Deeping

The Solstice, City Centre

JOHNNY CASH BAND

The Palmerston Arms, Oundle Road

LAWLESS

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

ROCKET JUMP

THE MISS ISLE BAND

SHANE POOLE ACOUSTIC North Street Bar, North Street

BARRETT

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

THE 707

The Dragon, Werrington

THE ISLANDERS

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Brewery Tap, Westgate

MON JAN 6 BON ROGERSWHITE + OUT OF HIDING

The Cock Inn, Werrington

Whittlesey

SAT JAN 18

Old Coach House, Market Deeping

The Dragon, Werrington

CODE RED

SUN JAN 5 ANTOINE ACOUSTIC

THE OVERDUBS WHITE SPIRIT

Ebeneezers, Woodston

Get the very latest gigs by visiting espmag.co.uk /thelist

JIMMY & PEP ACOUSTIC North Street Bar, North Street

STACEY’S OPEN MIC

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION ACOUSTIC O'Neill's, Broadway

DR A'S RHYTHM & GROOVES

Hole in the Wall, Stamford

IAN AND KAT

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

NEW GENERATION CRASH AND BURN The Fayre Spot, Bretton

THE INFLUENCE

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

VARIOUS BLUES BANDS

North Street Bar Courtyard, North Street

North Street Bar, North Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION ACOUSTIC The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

DR A'S RHYTHM & GROOVES

Lord Protector, Huntingdon

FRONT COVER

Ebeneezers, Woodston

HOOKER

The London Inn, Stamford

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Golden Fleece, Stamford

THE MISS ISLE BAND

North Street Bar, North Street

The Ploughman, Werrington

THE TUNNEL

The Cock Inn, Werrington

BACK2THEBONE BLACK HAWK DOWN

SKILLY & ZOOT The Brewery Tap, Westgate

THE JPR TRIO

The Blue Boar, Eye

THE PULSE

CJ HAT ACOUSTIC

SAT FEB 1

North Street Bar, North Street

SUN JAN 19

The Cock Inn, Werrington

JAZZ JAM

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

SUN JAN 12

OPEN MIC WITH DAVE B & PHI

DR A'S RHYTHM & GROOVES + NOMADS AND FLOWERS

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

PENNYLESS

North Street Bar, North Street

FILTHY LUCRE LEE MAJOR

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

MID LIFE CRISIS Old Coach House, Market Deeping

PORKY PIG

THU JAN 23

The Ostrich, North Street

LLOYD WATSON ACOUSTIC

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

FRI JAN 24

The Bull, Newborough

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

UNTAMED

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

OPEN MIC WITH JAMES EDMONDS

PORKY PIG

Kings Cliffe Social Club, Kings Cliffe

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

TUE JAN 14

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Dragon, Werrington

Mama Liz's, Stamford

OPEN ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE B AN PHIL

THE VELVETONES

THE GUARDS

The Straw Bear, Whittlesey

FRANCIE REIHILL

Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

The Cock Inn, Werrington

TUE JAN 21

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Cock Inn, Werrington

Werrington

Charters, Town Bridge

The Ploughman, Werrington

FRONT COVER

BLACK ROSE

North Street Bar, North Street

HOOKER

ROCKET JUMP

THE OVERDUBS

FRI JAN 17

FRI JAN 31

FACINATION THE DELTAPHONICS The Ploughman,

FASTER MUTTLEY

Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

BURNING CODES

MIND THE GAP

SAT JAN 25

The Ploughman, Werrington

TUE JAN 7 Millstone Inn, Barnack

The Axe & Cleaver, Boston

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

Charters, Town Bridge

ACOUSTIC SESSION

LOOSE ROCKET

CUTTIN LOOSE The Axe & Cleaver, Boston PENNYLESS The Masons Arms, Bourne SERIOUS SAM The Masons Arms, Bourne

The Carps, Boston

STEVIE: ONE BLOKE The Falcon, Whittlesey ONE MANDOLIN THE JPR TRIO The Straw Bear,

THE RELICS

The Conservative Club, Burghley Square

REVOLVER

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

The Straw Bear, Whittlesey

NIGHTSHADE

FRI JAN 10

BE BOP A LULAS

PENNYLESS

OUT OF ORDER

MICK, REX AN JEM

The Cock Inn, Werrington

JAMES EDMONDS ACOUSTIC

Street Bar, NOISY NEIGHBOURS North North Street The Blue Boar, Eye

The Axe & Cleaver, Boston The Dragon, Werrington

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

SAT JAN 4

The Cock Inn, Werrington

REVOLVER

BIANCA & THE TOP CATS

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

MONTEREY GHOST

LEON

SAT JAN 11

WALKAWAY

Courtyard Function Room now open

CUTTIN LOOSE

The Dragon, Werrington

THE DIZZY MISS LIZZYS

The Ostrich, North Street

The Dragon, Werrington

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Axe & Cleaver, Boston The Swiss Cottage, Woodston RAINMEN North Street Bar, THE 707 North Street The Burghley Club, Burghley Road TALLAWAH The Cherry Tree, THE LIMIT Oundle Road The Dragon, Werrington Bourne Corn Exchange, Bourne

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

Live music sets from 11pm

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION ACOUSTIC

The Crown, Lincoln Road

FASTER MUTTLEY The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

LEE MAJOR

The Dragon, Werrington

REVOLVER

THE HIGH ROLLERS

The Dragon, Werrington The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

BE BOP A LULAS

The Cock Inn, Werrington

CHRIS HAT

Charters, Town Bridge

CHILDREN OF THE RVEOLUTION

The Dragon, Werrington

COOL CAT CRY Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

CUTTIN LOOSE

The Deeping Stage, Market Deeping

FACINATION

Ebeneezers, Woodston

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

The Granary, Long Sutton

LATESHOW

SUN JAN 26

LET THERE B/DC

PENNYLESS

Mama Liz's, Stamford

THU JAN 30 OPEN MIC WITH DAVE B

The Blue Boar, Eye The Cock Inn, Werrington Langham Church, Langham

THE JPR TRIO The Ploughman, Werrington

The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

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

www.espmag.co.uk

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