ESP March 2008

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MARCH 2008

SCRAP FREE DON’T THE TAP £1.99 WHERE SOLD

.com

Issue 103

LEISURE & LIFESTYLE for Peterborough, Stamford, Oundle, Whittlesey, Spalding and Bourne WHAT’S ON HEALTH & BEAUTY WHEELS FOOD FASHION Feature SPORT

Time to save the Tap

J y r a M

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Don’t forget Mothering Sunday 2nd March - why not purchase that special gift at the Rivergate Shopping Centre

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG TEL 01733 579707 FAX 01733 579708 EMAIL: OFFICE@ESPMAG.CO.UK

EDITORIAL

P36 Celebs

Editor Sharon McAllister

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

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

Sales Executives Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

STUDIO Art Director Tony Mayer

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

Senior Designer Alex Fahey

alex.fahey@espmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Neil Golding

MODELS Kerry Bates Susan Saunders Becca Evans Josh Cattermole Kathryn Morphew

COLUMNISTS Pep Cipriano

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

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P24

Feature

Health & Beauty

Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

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steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Tempest

Wheels

sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Devine

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

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Joanne Quinney

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

Fashion

Andy Whittaker

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

Tony Stephens

tony.stephens@espmag.co.uk

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REPORTERS

Comedy

Joanne Palmer

joanne.palmer@espmag.co.uk

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SUBMISSIONS Dick Butler Phil Adlam Ian Offers

ESP MAGAZINE LTD Directors Sharon McAllister

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sean McAllister

Paparazzi

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

P10 FEATURE Time to celebrate St. Paddy’s day

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

For all the latest news, views, reviews and gossip, check out ESP Magazine’s Local Leisure Portal www.esp3.net ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any of the Peterborough newspapers. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner.

Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

P22 FEATURE Peterborough’s new events venue

DISTRIBUTION

ESP3.net

P28 CONFESSIONS Susan Saunders lifts the lid on why girls go to the loos in twos

P42 SAVE THE TAP Time to take action to save this popular pub!

21,000 COPIES 63,000 READERS

P52 LIVE MUSIC ESP joins REVENUE on the road

P60 SPORT The Panthers start the new season with their youngest ever team

ESP distribution stands are located right across the Greater Peterborough area with magazines available at over 650 separate locations.

Stop press... sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings from now on. The classes last 45-minutes and are a great calorie burner, resulting in 600 to 800 calories being burnt off each session depending on how hard you work. Classes cost £3.50 with an @ctive card, £4.50 without, and can be booked at Bushfield Sports Centre or by calling 01733 234018. Go on - you know you need to. Belly’s gonna get ya…

Ahead of the RBS 6 Nations the four Home Nation captains put all rivalry aside to show their support (and a bit of leg!) for Sport Relief but they’re not the only ones – Bannatyne’s Health Club in Werrington is right behind it too.

If you like the look of the red and white sport relief socks modelled here by Phil Vickery (England), Ryan Jones (Wales), Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) and Simon Webster (Scotland) you can buys yours from Bannatyne’s on Papyrus Road.

The RBS 6 Nations culminates on Sport Relief Weekend which is March Friday 14 - Sunday 16 March - three days of entertainment, events and energy designed to challenge the entire nation. The guys at Bannatyne’s are getting right behind it with a range of fundraising ideas including £1 lottery tickets to win a range of great prizes, charity waxings (ooer) and our favourite – the chance to pay to have one of their gorgeous fitness instructors as a slave for the day! Now surely that’s got to raise some cash…

See www.sportrelief.com

GET IN A SPIN @ BUSHFIELD We hear Bushfield Sports Centre in Peterborough’s invested in 16 new Star Track Spin Bikes so if you’re looking to get fit this could do the trick. Sessions are currently held from 6.15pm to 7pm, Monday to Thursday, for all levels. However, the additional bikes will allow extra

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KEV GETS A CO-HOST Listen out for a new voice on Hereward FM this month as Kev Lawrence gets a new co-host. Kev couldn’t reveal who it was as we were about to go to press, but tune into 102.7 and all will be revealed!

BANNATYNE’S BACKS SPORT RELIEF

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Ale) tell us they’re presenting the landlord with a Gold Award on March 11. Nip down there for a celebratory real ale while you still can!

“I’m really excited about having a new voice on the show and someone to banter with,” Kev told ESP. “My new co-host will make a big impact, so listen in and see you what think!”

TOBIE IS PUB OF THE YEAR It’s congrats to the guys at The Tobie Norris on St. Paul’s Street in Stamford who’ve just won the 2008 Pub of The Year (POTY) Award presented by the Peterborough and District branch of CAMRA The building dates back to 1280 and is one of the oldest buildings in Stamford and many of its original features have been restored, including oak panelling and stone floors. The pub favours beers from local microbreweries including its very own microbrewery - Ufford Ales.

To be eligible for a POTY Award, pubs have to have been presented with a Gold award within the previous twelve months. The branch membership is then asked to nominate their pub of the year.

The choices, this year, were the Black Swan at Farcet, Prince of Wales Feathers at Castor, the Letter B at Whittlesey and the Tobie Norris, of course.

GRAB A BEER AS ROYAL OAK GOES GOLD Despite being under threat of closure and demolition to make way for flats we hear the Royal Oak in Walton will have something to celebrate this month. The guys from CAMRA (Campaign for Real

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It’s a busy month for Kev all round – he’s hosting the charity auction for the Age Concern Ball at the Haycock Hotel on March 7 (see P. 8). He’s also hosting a presentation for the kids from Kings School all about the Panthers Speedway, and why they (and the city) should all get behind the team. They’ll have a couple of the riders (including team captain Hans Anderson), a bike and some giveaways for the kids! Check out our speedway feature on P. 60.

There’ll also be the chance to win a family holiday and Kev will be big on green issues – listen out for a stunt on March 30 when Hereward will be trying to get the whole city to 'turn off their lights' at a certain time and raise awareness about climate change. Find out more on www.hereward.co.uk

ABSEILERS GET READY Fancy abseiling down the Woolies building? Give it a go or just stay put and watch from below on March 29 and 30 as braver types dangle over the side of Woolworths in aid of The Stroke Association.

Registration’s just a tenner and minimum sponsorship is £75 – easy! You don’t have to be an expert as you’ll be given all the training you need on the day. For all the info contact The Stroke Association’s abseil hotline on 07799 436011.

GET YOUR DRAGONS TOGETHER The Dragon Boat race is on its way with local car dealership Crightons’ of Peterborough backing it once again and 102.7 Hereward FM providing the entertainment.

The 10th annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival takes place this year on Sunday June 22 and consists of 52 boats of up to 17 people battling it out over a 250m course in front of thousands of spectators. It’s open to everyone, and anyone interested in arranging a team can pick up an entry form for the race from Crightons’ of Peterborough now.

For those keen to stay on dry land, the festival also offers plenty of bankside entertainment for all the family, including live music, a funfair and a wide variety of food stalls.

Each year, the festival raises money for a number of charities, including the dealership’s nominated charity – the Peterborough SportsAid Foundation – an organisation that helps Peterborough’s young sportsmen and women to achieve their full sporting potential.

To find out more about this year’s Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, click on to www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/pet erborough

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DRAPERS ARMS Peterborough’s first non-smoking pub celebrates its third birthday on March 9. It’s great to see this real ale pub doing so well and we can’t wait for the forthcoming Beer Festival. All the Wetherspoons pubs will be holding an International Beer Festival from March 27 to April 14 with over 50 real ales in stock including brews from Japan and the USA to name just a couple. Pop into The Drapers and wish Chris and his team Happy Birthday, or nip into The College Arms on Broadway or The Ivy Wall in Spalding and sample a few new brews.

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ESP - keeping you up-to-date with the latest gossip ROUNDHEAD UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT ESP would like to say welcome to Chris Green who’s recently taken over from Marcus at the Roundhead pub in Bretton. He tells us he has a range of improvements planned over the next few weeks and a new restaurant is on the cards so watch this space for more updates. The large function room is available for any events so please contact Chris on 01733 267340 for more details.

NO BULL IT’S KERRY IN NEWBOROUGH Our Face of ESP cheered up regulars at The Bull in Newborough recently when she dropped by to present their charity cheques.

The Landlord Ray Ferris and his wife Julie host several charity events and fundraisers over the year, the main one being a big fireworks display (the biggest organised one hosted from a pub in Peterborough) and then distribute the cash to locally based charities. This year the cash went to NEWDS (the Newborough Amateur Dramatic Society) and to FONS (Friends of Newborough Society). We’ll have more pics from the night in next month’s Paparazzi so keep an eye out.

LITE TALKS PETERBOROUGH Lite FM’s Gregg Nunney is looking to get the opinion of loads of local people when his new show ‘Talking Peterborough’ kicks off on Monday March 3. You can hear Gregg on 106.8FM every weekday afternoon between 2pm and 3pm, dealing with some of the most important issues in the Greater Peterborough area. From the North Westgate Development to Self Assessment, from Banking to the Embankment

– there’ll be great music and banter with people who really know Peterborough. On Monday the show will focus on health, on Tuesday it’s key local issues, Finance on Wednesday and Law on Thursday. On Friday it’s a free for all – if you want to chat about something that’s happened during your week, or simply have a rant about the road works, the lines are open! You can interact on-line at www.lite1068.com or by calling 01733 704106.

SURF’S UP @ COLLEGE ARMS The College Arms on Broadway will be celebrating the Easter weekend with a special Surf Party. Get your Hawaiian shirts on and try your luck on their electronic surf board.

The guys tell us they’re encouraging fancy dress and plenty of singing along to ‘Surfing USA’! Sounds like a party to us.

FOOTBALL FANS GET ON THEIR BIKES Good luck to six football-mad mates who are set to follow their team’s fortunes away from home – the hard way.

Steve Thorpe, Leigh Porter, Barry Squires, Damon Williams, Matthew Booth and Phil Nolan will cycle the 61 miles from Peterborough to Milton Keynes ahead of the two clubs’ league match at StadiumMK. The group are setting off from the London Road Stadium at 10.30am on Friday, March 21 and hope to arrive at the stadium at 5.30pm, giving them a couple of hours to recover before the top-ofthe table League Two clash.

It’s all to raise cash for The Free Kicks Foundation, a Peterboroughbased charity that aims to give ill or bereaved children a special day out with the help of football clubs around the country.

To support the ride, visit www.justgiving.com/freekickscycle tomk You can find out more about the work of the Free Kicks Foundation, and get in touch, at www.myspace.com/freekicksfound ation

Tue, Wed, Fri Thu Sat Sun

10am - 6.30pm 10am - 7.30pm 9am - 5.30pm 10am - 4pm

01733 358835 Located at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre

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LOCALENTERTAINMENT

HAVE SOME LAUGHS WITH TOM, DICK AND HARRY!

ROY ‘CHUBBY’ BROWN RETURNS!

Outrageous comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown is back in the Boro this month ready to shock audiences in a two night run at The Broadway Theatre.

Everyone’s heard of Chubby but surprisingly he’s become a huge superstar without appearing on TV. His videos and DVD’s sell in their millions and his live appearances go down a storm but he’s definitely not one for the easily offended!

In his trademark multi-coloured funny suit and flying helmet Chubby’s toured the UK selling out theatres for the past 20 years, and the popular cult television show ‘The League of Gentlemen’ named a village after him (‘Royston Vasey’) and asked him to play the Mayor!

Damien Williams, the ‘Master of Farce’ returns to the city in a great new comedy, ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’. The Bruce James Production will be at The Key Theatre from March 17 - 22. Joining him will be Andrew Lynford who played ‘Simon’ in Eastenders and Nick Wilton who’s written and starred in many hit comedies such as ‘Carrot’s Lib’ and ‘Three of a Kind’ as well as Lynette McMorrough, (remember Glenda from Crossroads?) This show was a hit at London’s Duke of York Theatre in 2005 and was described as ‘hilarious, daft and utterly irresistible’ by the Sunday Times. The show starts at 7.30pm but there are matinees on the Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. The prices vary between £11.50 - £18 so ring for more information on 01733 552439.

Joanne Palmer

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY AND WHITE SPIRIT ROCK THE BORO

Local band White Spirit have clinched the support act slot for top Thin Lizzy tribute act Limehouse Lizzy at The Broadway on Friday March 7.

You can always rely on Chubby to shock but never disappoint. There’s nothing this man isn’t afraid to talk about…! So don’t miss his live performance at The Broadway Theatre in Peterborough on March 5 and 6 it’ll be a corker.

You might have seen Justin Moorhouse as ‘Young Kenny’ in Phoenix Nights or on Channel 4’s comedy quiz ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, but even if you haven’t, don’t miss his brand new show at Stamford Arts Centre on March 28. Direct from making his Edinbrugh Festival debut Justin tries to reassure parents they’re not alone in thinking parenting definitely isn’t a breeze. Whether you’ve got kids or not this is a scream… and might just cause a decrease in the population! Box office: 01780 763203.

TAKE A LOOK AT GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Joanne Palmer

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Limehouse Lizzy are thought by many to be the number one tribute to Phil Lynott and the guys and as Dave Stevens from White Spirit says - “they’re the closest you’ll get to the real thing.”

They’re so good they featured heavily in the BBC 2 Arena documentary about the band so we can’t wait to see them here in the Boro. Expect tunes like ‘Parisienne Walkways’, ‘Whisky in the Jar’ and the classic ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ as well as some cult album tracks. Tickets are £15 from The Broadway box office: 01733 316100.

WHO’S THE DADDY

Box office: 01733 316100 or see www.thebroadwaytheatre.co.uk

This Dickens classic adapted from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production comes to The Key Theatre from March 26 - 29. The Mask Theatre group’s sure to bring this show to life with a narrative chorus and a group of great actors. Pip, an orphan boy, suddenly finds himself rich and living the life in London, but when he finds himself poorer and wiser, he starts a new life and returns back to his roots. The performances are at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets vary between £10 - £12 with a special of £7 if more than ten of you book good one! Box office: 01733 552439.

The classic rockers who dish out some corking Led Zep, Cult and Deep Purple among others tell us they’re well chuffed to be supporting these guys for the local gig.

MAKE A RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET

The Revellers theatre group return with the sci-fi spoof, rock musical which won the 1990 Olivier award for Best Musical and is still going strong. Expect tunes like ‘Great Balls of Fire’, ‘Good Vibrations’ and ‘The Young Ones’ as you Join Captain Tempest and the crew of the Albatross as they’re lured to The Forbidden Planet. Get you ray guns at the ready guys and catch this one at the Key Theatre, Peterborough from March 11 – 15, tickets are from £11.

Box office: 01733 552439.

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MINOR SPECTACULAR IN STAMFORD

If you fancy a night of original and innovative comedy try ‘Minor Spectacular’ at the Stamford Arts Centre on March 18. It’s the story of a forgotten town holding out for a superhero – then along comes Terry, fixing washing machines and cleansing customer’s souls. But is he the angel he seems? It’s down to a local journo to discover the truth and decide if Terry’s sent from Heaven or Hotpoint! Tickets are a tenner on 01780 763203.

COUNTRY DIVAS COME TO TOWN

Yee-hah! If you like a little of that good ‘ol country music let the Divas of Country turn it up for you.

Three top entertainers - Laurie Briggs, Jane Ellis and Sophie Kent, backed by a live four-piece band are united to celebrate the music and glamour of legends like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette and Billie Jo Spears through to modern greats like Shania Twain, Leanne Rimes, Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. Catch them at the Broadway Theatre, Peterborough, on Sunday March 9 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £15.50 and are available on 01733 316100 or at www.thebroadwaytheatre.co.uk

GET READY FOR ANYTHING GOES!

Fresh from the success of recent productions of My Fair Lady, Copacabana and Thoroughly Modern Millie, those talented guys and girls from the Westwood Musical Society are gearing up for their next show, the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes!

GET FRESH IN SPALDING

Over the past year, The South Holland Centre’s been seeking some new voices in theatre writing. Now they present an evening showcasing the exciting work of four young writers, all with local connections, in a show called Fresh.

It’ll kick off at 6.30pm with a rehearsed reading of work by Bethany Cooper followed by ‘A Gorilla Walks into A Pub’ by Phil Spencer. 'Gorilla' is an autobiographical comedy piece using stand up comedy, story telling and a monkey puppet called Alfred to confront and explore a father and son's different experiences of war in Iraq.

At 8pm it’ll then be ‘Big Sister’ (pictured) by Karl Gernert & Charlotte Graper a look at reality TV which was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. How 'real' is their reality? In ‘Big Sister’, an all female cast directs an incisive sideswipe at reality TV culture and what sisterhood really means! Which housemate will you be rooting for?

If you fancy checking out some new talent give this one a try on March 7, tickets are just a fiver. Box office: 01775 764777 or see the new look website www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

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The show’s a musical farce with fantastic songs, mistaken identities and general chaos set aboard a 1930’s transatlantic liner. Classic show-stopping Cole Porter numbers such as ‘You’re the Top’, ‘It’s de-lovely’ and ‘I get a Kick Out of You’ and the title song ‘Anything Goes!’ feature in the show which looks set to be another cracking performance from this group. Catch it at The Key Theatre from Monday 21 to Saturday 26 April. It’s a popular musical and with the growing reputation of the Westwood Musical society demand for tickets is expected to be high so if you’re in the market for an evening (or matinee) of pure entertainment and escapism on the SS American, book your berth now before it sails away.

Tickets £13 (£12 concessions) Box office: 01733 552439 or see www.peterboroughkeytheatre.co.uk

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LOCALEVENTS

KEV PLAYS AUCTIONEER @ CHARITY BALL

If you want to get your posh togs on join Hereward FM’s Kev Lawrence at the Age Concern Spring Ball at The Haycock Hotel on Friday March 7 when he auctions off some cracking prizes to raise cash for the charity.

The night includes a fantastic three course meal, live eight-piece show band and a prize draw which includes include two first class train tickets, a meal at a top local restaurant, and a day of spa pampering. Worth shelling out on those raffle tickets then guys and girls!

Hereward FM’s Breakfast Presenter Kev will be auctioning off some unique items, including signed football memorabilia, rally days, a film script from Ella Enchanted, autographed by the whole cast including Joanna Lumley, Minnie Driver and Steve Coogan, a day’s course fishing with picnic and a day’s sailing with champagne lunch, plus many more.

Tickets are £50 per person (£500 for a table) from Jane Grant at Age Concern Peterborough on 01733 564185 or by email on j.grant@acpeterborough.org.uk

GET YOUR GLAD RAGS ON FOR 1940’S BALL

You might not remember ration books and spam sandwiches but you can still celebrate the 1940s and get your glad rags on at the Mayor’s charity ball on Friday 4 April. It’s a great charity bash which includes a three-course meal in the Cambridge Suite at the East of England Showground, in Alwalton. To get you in that swinging forties mood there’ll be the sounds of

the Alan Norris Big Band and you can either head along for the meal and the dance, or just join diners from 8.30pm with your dancing shoes on for a bit of a boogie. They’re encouraging you to dress in-keeping with the theme too if you fancy it, but no need if that’s not your thing! Just get your posh frock of DJ and black tie and you’ll still look the part.

Tickets, including dinner, cost £35 each, while dance only tickets are £15 each. To book call 01733 452319.

PROFESSOR FLITWICK @ THE DIAMOND BALL

Peterborough actor Warwick Davis is the special celeb guest at the Diamond Ball at the Holiday Inn on Saturday March 8. The star of Harry Potter, Star Wars and Willow will be auctioning off loads of goodies to raise cash for charity. He’s a great character so this should be a fantastic night. This one’s organised by friends of Peakirk cum Glinton school and includes music from X-Elle. This ball is black tie so make sure you get your posh togs on. Tickets are £40 each and there are special room rates if you want to make a real night of it and enjoy some bevies. If you’d like to go, call Steve for tickets on 07890 953934 or Helena on 07802 279756.

GET READY FOR THE 5K FUN RUN

Help raise some cash for Sue Ryder Care by getting your trainers on for the Thorpe Hall 5K Fun Run on Sunday March 16. Heavy night on Saturday? Well, it starts at Longthorpe Green at 11am and you can just walk it too! Even better there’s a free massage at the end and a goody bag. It’s £5 for adults (£6 on the day) and £2.50 for children. Find out more by emailing Thorpe.Fundraising@suerydercare.org or call 01733 330060.

Among the runners will be Samantha Butterwick and others from the Oundle community who’ll be running in memory of Dean Ingram who died earlier this year from throat cancer. If you knew Dean and want to support Sam’s efforts just go to www.justgiving.com/samanthabutterwick. We’re sure everyone will have a reason for running so give ‘em all your support!

If you’re into running, don’t forget the Thorney 10k is on March 30, it starts at 10.30am at the Bedford Hall, see www.thorneyrunningclub.co.uk for all the details.

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SHIRES HEAD INDOORS

KERRY JOINS SCOOTER RIDE OUT

Our Face of ESP Kerry Bates will be seeing off hundreds of scooter boys (and girls) as they take to the road in convoy on Saturday March 15 for their 11th Annual Easter Egg Run. The Peterborough Lambretta, Vespa and Scooter Club have gathered up loads of choccie eggs to dish out to local kids at The Manor Home and Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. It’ll start off with a custom show at the Cherry Tree pub on Oundle Road at 11.45am and then they’ll ride out at 12.45pm. The fun continues with their evening bash at The Fleet in Fletton with Ska Trek performing live and DJ Jay Watson.

Tickets for that are a fiver. For more info call Corky on 07759 777132 or see www.plvsc.co.uk

Great news this year – if you fancy getting out an about at the weekend and fancy taking the little ‘uns along to the Shire Horse Show at the East of England Showground on March 15 and 16, much of the action will be inside the fantastic new exec exhibition hall so you can enjoy all the action in the warm! As well as over 200 heavy horses on display there’ll be main ring entertainment, a funfair and the chance for some retail therapy with over 200 trade stands and a food hall. Tickets are cheaper in advance on 0845 450 6425 or through www.shire-horse.org.uk but on the day, family tickets (2+2) are £16, adults are £7.50, and kids (5-16 years) £4.50. Gates open from 8am – 5pm.

BACK TO THE 80’s @ CHEQUERS

Shoulder pads at the ready it’s time to step back into the era of Stock Aitken Waterman, leg warmers and Miami Vice. It’s everything 80s at The Chequers in Orton Wistow this month. It’s fancy dress on March 21 so who will you be? Boy George…

Adam Ant… Gloria Estefan?

These are just a few ideas for your outfit – just watch the new series of Ashes to Ashes for some more inspiration.

It’s going to be packed so get there early.

LIVE MUSIC / DJS March

Bar and Restaurant

Latin American food • Tex Mex • Panamanian • Brazilian • Portuguese Served all day ‘til late Fresh fruit cocktails and smoothies Free internet Wi-Fi 2-3 Cheyne Walk, Stamford Tel: 01780 481414 www.panama-joes.co.uk

BRAZILIAN FOOD “SOBRE FUEGO” FROM THE FIRE • Tapas, Latin Specials • Served midday ‘til late • Heated covered patio area • Funktastic cocktail bar • Spacious restaurant • Function room for hire

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21st 27th 29th

Eclectic Ballroom Steel Union (Delta Blues) Irene Rae The Legendary Rhythm Methodists Eclectic Ballroom Comedy Night King Cool

Old Barn Passage, St Mary’s Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 766338 www.mifamilia.co.uk

St. Patrick’s Day It’s time to hit the black stuff and enjoy the craic on St. Paddy’s night. You know us, any excuse for a good night out, so grab a Guinness and make Monday the new Friday…

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

WIN! A MEAL FOR FOUR AT YOUR LOCAL O’NEILL’S Lucky ESP readers can celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style as O’Neill’s are giving four revellers the chance to win a meal for four accompanied by a free pint of Guinness at the Broadway pub.

With the extensive range of traditional Irish dishes available on the O’Neill’s menu you’re guaranteed to find something to satisfy and ensure you’re fully fuelled to enjoy your free pint. You can choose from the hearty Guinness Fish and Chips, Steak & Guinness Pie, or an O’Neill’s Irish Steak Burger amongst other Irish favourites, or, for a lighter bite, opt for the sharing platter leaving room for a delicious pudding.

Guinness drinkers recently voted O’Neill’s the best place to enjoy a pint of the ‘black stuff’. So, this prize will be extra special as your first pint of Guinness will be on the house, expect it served using the trademark 119.5 second 'two part pour rule' guaranteeing that O'Neill's in Peterborough remains the number one place to embrace the Irish spirit.

To be in with your chance of winning simply answer the following question: Q - What day of the week does St Patrick’s Day fall on in 2008?

Terms & conditions • 4 winners will win a meal for 4 entitling them to a meal from the core menu and a complementary pint of Guinness or Guinness Red, small glass of wine, or regular draught soft drink • Offer valid to those aged 18 or over • This prize will only be redeemable at Peterborough O’Neill’s on Broadway • The winner will be notified by post after March 18 • The prize can be redeemed between March 19 2008 and April 30, 2008 • There is no cash alternative • The manager reserves the right to refuse service • The decision of the manager is final and binding in all cases • Please drink responsibly • Promoter: O’Neill’s, 27 Fleet Street, Birmingham, B3 1JP

WHERE TO ENJOY THE CRAIC ON ST. PADDY’S acts - Mary Darcy from Carlow , and Telstar from Strabane and the local Irish dance troupe will also be performing.

SOLSTICE CELEBRATES 11th BITHDAY! If you’re looking for a party there’s bound to be a good one at the Solstice on Northminster for St. Patrick’s as they celebrate their 11th birthday on March 17!

Manager Kevin Jeffery told ESP – “It’s bound to be a great night. We’re still going strong after all those years and things are better than ever. We’ve certainly not been affected by the smoking ban so it’s onwards and upwards!” There’ll be plenty of the black stuff doing the rounds and give-aways on the night so it should be a corker.

The pub launches the Solstice Showdown on March 9 so if you want to get yourself or your band into the competition give ‘em a call on 01733 560231 or check www.myspace.com/solsticeshow down.

Competition code: Gui SPLocal

TEXT HOTLINE

ST.PATRICK’S DANCE

07762 147679

Fancy a traditional knees up in the name of St. Patrick? Get in the spirit of all things Irish at the St Patrick’s Dance on Saturday March 15 at the Post Office Club, Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough. They have two

EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

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It’s the fifth year these events have been held and the guys tell us they’re planning a festival for July too, so watch this space.

Tickets for the dance are £10 each and are available on 01733 755490 .doors open at 6pm

DOG IN A DOUBLET PARTY NIGHT Over at the Dog in a Doublet pub on North Bank, Whittlesey they’re throwing a themed party in the pub for St. Paddy’s on Monday March 17. Expect special drinks promotions and a real craic! For more details call 01733 202256.

WETHERSPOONS PARTY ALL WEEKEND All the local Wetherspoons pubs will be joining in the fun too and making a whole weekend of it.

The Drapers Arms on Cowgate, The College Arms on Broadway and the Ivy Wall in Spalding will all have reduced prices on Guinness, Magners and Jameson’s plus they’ll be stocking Wexford’s St. Patrick’s Ale, brewed specially for the occasion. There’ll also be the chance to win Guinness hats and specs so you can truly get in the spirit of things!

LIVE MUSIC @ THE COMET February 29th Eskimo Joe Jacqui and Gaynor would like to thank all their customers past and present for their support and good times!

March 1st Riff Raff 6th Ian Graham Retrolux 7th Jax and Gaynor’s farewell gig with Smithy

• Food served daily, Mon – Sat 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9pm.

Sun 12 – 5.30pm • 3 course Sunday Lunch £9.95 • Childrens menu and play area • Every Tuesday - Karaoke 9pm • Every Wednesday

(Music ‘til 12 Bar ‘til 1am)

8th

Crossfire reunion gig

(Open ‘til 12.30am)

- Quiz Night 9.30pm

General Knowledge Quiz every Sunday 9pm – £100 CASH PRIZE

March Entertainment 1st Children of the Revolution 7th Storm TBA 8th 14th RnB 15th Riff Raff 21st Undercover 22nd Frankly My Dear 28th Pulse 29th Porky Pig

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 2nd March Book now 3 course lunch £14.95

Open mic night Tuesday (in house PA) with Andy

Watch live sport on large plasma screen Poker every Monday 8pm

Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563

GARTON END ROAD, DOGSTHORPE, PETERBOROUGH 01733 347823

Visit our website at www.cherrytreeinn.co.uk

9 Oundle Road, Fletton,

The Brewery Tap Europe’s Largest Brew Pub and home of

The complete venue • Live entertainment Saturday 1st - Point 7 Pistol, with mystery support band, live from 10pm Thursday 20th - Cocktail night, with Calypso Steel band Phase 5, live from 8.30pm Saturday 29th - Ska night, with back to back DJ's, Ziggy, Shady and Lord X, kicking off from 9.30pm Mothering Sunday - Pre-book a table for 4 or more to dine and receive a complimentary bottle of wine.

• Authentic Thai Food - Freshly prepared and served daily. Lunchtime specials, A la carte, set menus and 'build your own buffets' starting from £5 per person.

• Drinks - Full available range of Oakham Ales and ever changing guest ales. Funky wine list. Top quality and rare spirits. Bottled Belgian beers and lots more.

80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap@hotmail.com

web: www.oakhamales.com Opening Times: Mon-Thu 12noon 11.00pm • Fri & Sat 12noon late • Sun 12noon 10.30pm

Registered member of Peterborough Centre Safe

Pep Cipriano

BENVENUTO FABIO!

Over the years I’ve brought you dozens of big-named interviews and currently they don’t come any bigger than this one. I was recently tipped off by a reliable source that England manager Fabio Capello has chosen our city’s Broadway Language Academy as the official education centre to study English!

Desperate to interview him, I took a long shot and figured that he probably hasn’t eaten a decent homemade Italian meal since he’s been in England. I offered him a place at my dinner table in exchange for a brief interview (in Italian) and sworn secrecy as to when his weekly English studies are – and he accepted!

Better still, he agreed to rate my football skills at a deserted school field (where young lads used to kick a ball around before PlayStation’s and Wii were invented).

Fabio was the most accommodating football manager I’ve ever interviewed. He was a true gent and surprisingly very open about his views on the England team, which I’ve omitted from my transcription for compassionate (towards the players) reasons. I’ve also left out the answer to my question: “Be honest, do you think I’m pretty skilful?”

Fabio, I know you've been to Posh games during your weekly visits to our city. Are there any players in with a chance of a call-up?

“Joe Lewis because he is young and has plenty of time to mature and get better. Also George Boyd, again a young man with potential and finally, Aaron Mclean because of his goal-scoring ability and opportunism.”

You announced recently that England players were starved of technical ability compared to most of their international counterparts and they like to hoof the ball up instead of passing it around. Do you think this style of play has contributed to England being without a trophy (The Tournoi doesn't count) for 42 years?

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“The Premiership demands quick action football and getting the ball forward so there does not seem to be any scope for the patience needed for build up play. When England play internationals they need to change from the final ball being a long ball, when possession can be lost. Sometimes they have to accept that the cavalier attitude does not always work.”

What one Italian player would you like to bring into the starting eleven if you could?

“Without doubt, Gennaro Gattuso.”

Will you play David Beckham ever again?

“David Beckham has been a very good player and captain for England on many occasions. Due to his lack of games his match fitness has not been 100%. If this is corrected I am not ruling out the possibility of him playing and collecting his 100th cap. Sometimes we have to move on, but never say never.”

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What do you say to those fans that opposed another foreign manager taking charge of England?

“England have not won a trophy for 42 years with an English manager and under Sven-Goran Eriksson they achieved better results than in previous years. I cannot understand why they should object to a non-English manager trying to improve the situation.”

Who do you think will win the Champions' League?

“Manchester United or Inter Milan.”

Fabio will soon be coming to my house to eat with my family. I’m so made up I could cry. It’ll be a proud moment in my career. Sadly this time I’ll be unable to bring you another interview and photos after signing a privacy agreement with his agent. Sipping Chianti and eating Mamma’s lasagne in my dining room with Capello… Absolutely priceless.

My thanks to Howard ‘Fabio’ Brown from Peterborough who works for the RNIB – Fabio, I mean Howard, you’re a real sport!

HOW TO GET A PIZZA THE ACTION

Research by PizzaExpress has revealed what really makes or breaks a first date. Basically it’s still down to the guy to foot the bill (nine out of ten men), which is definitely the right thing to do since the man has probably asked the girl out in the first place.

What surprises me is, here in the East 60% preferred an informal dinner at a relaxed venue for their first date. PizzaExpress is the perfect setting but personally I avoid restaurants for first dates. You have to review your eating habits before a first date, as they’ll subconsciously come under scrutiny. It’s a pressure women in particular could do without.

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Sponsored by

Experience has taught me a good majority of women are nervous eaters in front of dates, especially first dates. They order salads and won’t have dessert to give the impression they’re always watching their figures. They also drink more wine than they eat. This is perhaps to calm their nerves, but I’d rather date a bird who’s willing to give any dish a go and not worry if it’ll give them garlic breath or the trots the next day.

H A I R S H O P 22 Broadway, Peterborough Tel: 01733 310879

Like you it’s a little bit special

DECISION ON BREWERY TAP FUTURE

March is a crucial month for The Brewery Tap - its fate will be revealed at the planning department in the Town Hall. This popular city centre pub and restaurant has been under threat of demolition for a number of years now, as part of development plans that will see North-Westgate undergo something of a transformation.

Another stat I was pleasantly surprised by was 29% would go for full-on lip action on the first date and only 10% would go back for coffee, but nothing more. Maybe I’m dating the wrong women or maybe this is the dawn of a return to old school chivalry. If it is then it’s time to dig out my 15 year-old bottle of Brut 33…

THE TAP

.com

DON’T SCRAP

Almost 15,000 supporters of The Brewery Tap have signed a petition to save the venue since planning permission was requested. The people of Peterborough managed to keep the Great Northern Hotel open, fingers crossed we can ensure The Brewery Tap stays too. It’s been business as usual at The Tap from the moment it was put under threat. The management team have recently given it a lick of paint and there’s some new furniture on order too.

This venue is loved by all, which in some ways makes it unique - there’s no clientele divide with The Tap. You can be a regular at Toho or at the Draper’s Arms and still have no qualms with spending a night at the Tap. It’s welcoming and more importantly, it’s one of the few places you can be proud to promote about Peterborough.

General manager, Jessica Loock, had this to tell me, as she and her team prepared for the March 18 decision. “We’re Europe’s largest Brewpub, we’ve always been a well respected, extremely popular venue that draws people to Peterborough from all over the world and does nothing but help to put Peterborough on the map. The main issue with the development is there’s no technical reason why we couldn’t be incorporated into the plans and remain exactly where we are.

“We appreciate all the support we've had from everybody concerned about the future of The Brewery Tap and sincerely hope the sheer number of names on our petition will have some impact on the planner’s decision.” Good luck guys.

CHANGES AT THE RAZZ HELM

Café Razz is soon to have a new owner, if indeed it hasn’t already. At the time of writing, owner Lee told me he was reluctantly selling up due to other business commitments. He would like to thank all the support he’s had since opening and I’d personally like to thank him for serving decent Sambuca instead of that cheap label c*ap that most of the other bars get away with. Thanks Lee and good luck with your new venture. Let me know if it involves Sambuca.

MAN ABOUT TOWN LIVE ON LITE FM!

Popped into El esha to get my ears lowered and back waxed (thank you Georgia) and ended up posing with the team in their Valentine’s hats.

Jayne’s girls, who are currently working on an Easter rabbit theme for March 22, created these decorative fashion accessories in the midst of a colour sale. These girls are flat out every time I swing by and it’s good to see they can make time for a bit of fun too. Many happy returns to Jayne who’s 4? on the 18th and hello to Lizzie, who told me off for not mentioning her yet. Check out El esha on www.youtube.com

In February I began my weekly stint live on the Lite FM breakfast show with Keith Dalton. You can catch me every Wednesday on 106.8 FM between 8-8.30am. Feel free to call in on 01733 704106 or email keith@lite1068.com if you want to join in on the banter. It’s a match made in heaven, as we have lots in common. We’re like a pair of old women, we both suffer from verbal diarrhoea and we’re both passionate about Peterborough. The only difference (apart from I’m 30 years younger) is that Keith definitely has a face for radio bless him.

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HATS OFF TO EL ESHA TEAM

CIAOS OUT TO:

• Suggs - when we having that caramel macchiato?

• Raph F – get me sorted and I’ll make you famous • Phil – it’s been emotional…When we going ‘office’?

• Mandy – belated 39th. X • Gary – Discombobulate. Great word, thanks.

• Rai (and Rob) – “every birthday”

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HI GH LI GHTS OF MY CARI BB EAN HONEYM OON:

• The Englishman who, if he wasn’t wearing the same Leeds United top every day for the entire fortnight, must have had 14 different ones with the same egg stain.

• The old woman trying to reclaim her youth by dressing like a pop star – affectionately known to us as Gran Stefani.

• The ugly little old man (must’ve been rich) who spent an entire week by the pool draped round his young bit of fluff as if he couldn’t quite believe she was with him (newsflash – neithe r could we).

• The woman from Minnesota who thought I was - “Just adorable!” (What?)

• The other woman from Minnesota who wante d to know my thoughts on the monarchy and particularly Prince William; and the look on her face when I answered - “Well, I’d sh*g him, if that helps?”

• Getting hammered on free champagne.

• Watching the Superbowl on the big screen in a room full of baying Americans whilst pretending not to be the only Brits in there (I think we pulled it off - Whoo! Yeah! C’mon now!”)

• My lovely new husband all to myself for two weeks (altogether now – aah!), and the hardest decision of the day being - “Pool or beach?”

Worst bit: Realising my sexy new tan and sun bleached blonde hair actually made me look more like Donatella Versace. Thank God we were already married, he might’ve changed his mind!

It may sound like the start of a really bad joke but what’s the biggest mistake that Kerry Katona and Britney Spears have made in the ongoing train wreck that is their lives? It’s not just the relationships with losers, the drug allegations, the custody battles for their kids, the rumoured squandering of fortunes and the car crash TV shows; the biggest connection that these two share is that as their lives started to spiral out of control, they both cut the one person who could have pulled them into line, out of their lives – their Mums. OK, amid rumours of her own drug taking and loose morals shall we say, Kerry’s mother may not have exactly been a contender for Mum of the Year (but then, Kerry’s managed to win it a couple of times so maybe she fits the criteria perfectly, who knows?) but whatever their own faults,

BYE BYE BEADLE One of the great ironies in life is that on the very day we managed to record a camcorder classic definitely worthy of £250, news filtered through to us on honeymoon (via text, how sad is that?!) that ‘You’ve Been Framed’ legend Jeremy Beadle had

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your Mum is the person who truly has your best interests at heart, usually, no ulterior motives for getting involved in your life. I can’t help thinking things for Britney in particular could be so different if she’d just go home to Mum for a while. So here and now, I make the pledge never to marry a

loser (definitely kept that one!), never to forget my knickers and flash my lady garden whilst drunk (well, not to do it again anyway), never to shave my hair off in a crazed frenzy, never to go into the jungle and most of all, never to advertise frozen mini kievs with Jason Donovan. Happy Mother’s Day Mum!

died. I met him once when he came in to record an interview at a radio station I used to work at and I have to say that he truly was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He chatted to everyone, took huge interest in the certificates on the wall (of advertising qualifications for the sales execs – anyone who takes an interest in

those has to be a nice bloke!) and sat back having a cuppa in reception. He was definitely one of life’s gentlemen and I think it’s really sad that he’s gone. In this new culture of a minute’s applause instead of a minute of silence, I would say give him a big hand… but that would just be in poor taste.

VE RY CAR E LESS WH ISPE RS forthcoming tell all

Michael’s Rumours abound that George is poor old brain addled George – g sna a hit autobiography has want ctly exa of ils deta cific spe lling apparently having trouble reca to fill early solo career! So in a bid went on in his Wham! days and dinner of es seri a g ngin arra tly aren in the blanks, George is app a few people from his past to share parties and inviting exes and gine ima t Jus s. pter cha few first the anecdotes and stories and fill could fabricate the most You ies! part e were at one of thos the fun you could have if you e the wiser. I’d convince him non old George would be totally r poo and nts eve of lous scanda ian affair; that Wham! and the n embroiled in a rampant lesb that Pepsi and Shirley had bee wball fight (a la the Last been involved in a vicious sno had boys from Spandau Ballet had away from Pepsi, and that it ley Shir ling stea for Martin Kemp n out take had eley Ridg Christmas video) in revenge rew And by after a particularly girly throw all ended in tears and arrests k of fiction since the Spice Girls It could end up the biggest wor ley.

Had up y Ton an unsuspecting great alternative to “I hooked a e claims. It would definitely mak ds” frien t grea h ”. suc all girls ’re “we ended to like ing, tartan clad surfer and pret with a talentless, guitar strumm

SPLIT THE PRIZE? And the Sony Award for the best prize ever to be given away on radio has to go to the radio station in West Virginia who decided to give away a divorce in a Valentine’s Day competition!

Call me old fashioned but I’d rather have a box of chocolates.

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Visit us at the Recruitment Fair Holiday Inn Thorpe Wood, Peterborough Thurs 13 March 10am - 7pm

Excellent career opportunities and benefits

Call Centre Operators • Peterborough – Permanent (inbound calls only) • 35 hrs per week shift (9am–6pm, Monday – Friday) • Competitive salary, bonus and benefits Are you someone who thrives on outstanding customer service; are interested in excellent career opportunities and benefits package and want to share in the success of Diligenta – if so, we are currently looking to recruit people like you to join a successful team who are responsible for handling inbound customer calls (no sales calls), providing a quality customer service.

Diligenta manages one of the largest ever policy administration deals in the life assurance market.

Our aim is to transform, manage and support our Life & Pensions clients' operations to deliver outstanding customer service.

We recognise that it’s our people that are the key to our success, which is why we offer a competitive salary, a performance related bonus and a generous benefits package. We also provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills and to realise your own personal career ambitions. If you have a minimum of four C grade GCSEs, or equivalent, or can demonstrate previous call centre experience, we would like to hear from you.

To apply: send your CV to careers@diligenta.co.uk quoting ‘ref esp0208’

Delivering outstanding customer service

To find out more: visit www.diligenta.co.uk/careers or call 0845 8826747

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

SPRINGFASHION It’s soon going to be time to put those black tights to rest as the warmer weather slowly gets here (as does the pale leg panic), so stores will gradually be getting together their Spring/Summer 2008 collections. ESP’s Joanne Quinney has a sneaky peak into what we’ll be wearing in the next few months with her top fashion predictions…

1920’S GLAMOUR

Combine luxurious fabrics like chiffon and layers of silk to create this glamorous 1920’s flapper-girl look. The new nude shades are sophisticated and sexy, teamed with intricate detailing and the ruffles on skirts and dresses create this gorgeous trend. Also wear neutrals like grey, black and pastel shades with a dash of sequins and lace to gain an elegant touch.

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Ivory Ruffle Dress

Silver Sequin Top

Navy Frill Dress

Tiered Frill Dress

£45 Dorothy Perkins

£28 Dorothy Perkins

£40 Dorothy Perkins

£35 New Look

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FLORAL

Over the coming months its time to think more ‘bohemian’ and less ‘grandma’ as 1960’s flower power hits the nation. From flowing chiffon tea dresses to flowerembossed chunky bangles we’ll look at-one with nature with this new season trend. Think ‘less is more’ and just wear a key piece i.e. a dress and top and accessorise with wooden jewellery and tan platform shoes. You’re inner hippy will feel gorgeous man!

Floral Dress

Dress

£60 Warehouse

£65 Warehouse

Dress

Dress

Accessories

£60 Warehouse

£60 Warehouse

from a range at Wallis

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joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

SPRINGFASHION

White Trench Coat £80 Warehouse

THE TRENCH COAT

It’s not quite time to ditch a jacket altogether; well we’re a long way off yet, so ease into spring with a trench coat. Inspector Gadget must’ve been ahead of his time! It’s a wardrobe staple that will see you through season after season. Why not invest in one, we may not see any sun for a while yet, and it’ll keep out that winter chill.

Mac

Neutral Mac

£35 New Look

£65 Next

THE SHIRT

A simple key piece to any wardrobe is a shirt, or blouse. A crisp white shirt makes any outfit look sophisticated, with that added ‘secretary/office’ appeal whether dressed up or dressed down with dark jeans. Stay on trend with a chiffon blouse with added details like ruffles and large buttons as a statement feature. In any colour, tucked in or out, a shirt can be worn to any occasion and can be dressed up as much as you like with a waist belt and killer heels.

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Check shirt

White shirt

Ruffled shirt

Ivory Frill Blouse

£28 Warehouse

Warehouse

£20 New Look

£25 Dorothy Perkins

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RELAX‌‌UNWIND Solaris would like to welcome back Nathan and also introduce our funky new stylist Emma.

Toni and Guy trained.

No appointment necessary, colour specialist and competitive rates.

Introduce a friend and receive 10% discount off your next cut.

Spring is coming why not top up your tan, 20% OFF tanning packages.

1st floor Westgate Arcade Peterborough

01733 557077

Open Mon ........10-6.30 Tues ........10-6.30 Wed ........10-6.30 Thurs ......10-8.00 Fri ............10-6.30 Sat .......... 9-5.00

As the official hairdresser of our Face of ESP, P.Kai Hair have made Kerry look even more gorgeous. Now they’re getting national recognition from GHD! There’s a buzz of excitement over at P.Kai hair when our Face of ESP Kerry Bates heads in for her latest transformation. Salon owner, Kai Wan has made it through to the final eight of the national ‘GHD Expert Awards’ in the category of the Innovation Award and has been invited to attend the ‘GHD Expert Awards Ceremony’ which will take place on March 17 at the Café Royal in London’s West End. To qualify Kai had already been chosen as the salon’s resident ‘GHD Expert’ where he was given the chance to learn more about styling, direction and fashion and given indepth product knowledge to share back at the salon. You can see from the photograph of one of his creations why he wowed the expert panel, including celebrity stylist Paul Merritt and Hair Magazine editor Louise White, and was chosen from hundreds of entries as one of the finalists.

make a suggestion which he thinks is bad he’s very quick to tell me so! I like that quality in him though, it means my hair will always look good and for that I thank him.”

There’s a team of 25 at P.Kai who are part of a regular training programme, The styling which has seen Kai within the team there make it to the finals of the ghd Expert Awards are colour experts and each stylist has their own individual specialities so there’s always someone who’s your perfect match for whatever you’re looking for.

Kai’s also working closely with Wella on their trend forecasts. So, you can settle back into your salon chair confident these guys are trained and taught in the very latest techniques.

If you’re feeling bold though, P.Kai are looking for models willing to let their more experienced stylists try out some new advanced techniques. So if you’re willing to put yourself in their more than capable hands and don’t mind how dramatically your hair is cut and styled, get in touch.

“We work hard to provide the highest quality customer service to end product for Kerry and all our clients,” Kai tells us. “It’s all about the feel good factor, if you’re hair looks great, you feel great.

We want all our clients to check themselves out in every shop widow when they leave the salon.”

Of course the trademark of P.Kai is their dressing techniques, something they’re famed for and they’ve worked wonders many times with our models and ESP dancers at various shows. If you want a fab up-do – this is the place to go!

Part of Kerry’s huge prize package as the Face of ESP was a £400 tab at P.Kai in Serpentine Green for top quality styling and colouring. You can see that in the capable hands of Marco, Kerry’s had a fab cut and colour so she’s looking stunning for all her appearances.

“I love the way Marco does my hair,” says Kerry. “He always gives me good advice and if I

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Serpentine Green, Hampton 01733 358835

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Dry Cleaning, Member of The repairs and Guild of Cleaners alterations to the & Launderers highest standards

Over 40 years of combined experience Open Mon Fri 8.30am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 3pm

43 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SQ (next to Bombay Brasserie)

TEL: 01733 566777

ITALIAN RESTAURANT re s t a urant

Great food - fine wines

25% off your meal!

Pre-theatre bookings - receive

Bookings now being taken for Mother’s Day and Easter Weekend Set menus available Please ring for more details 52 Broadway,Peterborough

01733 890131 www.avellinosrestaurant.co.uk

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! Could this be the new concert venue everyone’s been crying out for in Peterborough? Capable of housing an audience of 5,000 for a music concert the new ‘exec’ exhibition hall at the East of England Showground could finally mean the city gets the shows and acts we’ve been dreaming of.

mid-November to March, due to the weather. Now, however, we’re able to hold large shows throughout the winter. Also, the Peterborough area does not have a facility of this size for holding concerts, awards ceremonies, large dinners and functions and trade exhibitions, as well as indoor consumer shows. The Showground was felt to be the ideal place, as we have the room and the parking, and our transport links are fantastic, being just on the A1.

What sort of events does this now open up for the showground in future?

We’ll be offering all the old favourites including the Shire Horse Show, East of England Show, Autumn Show and Christmas Festival – all of which will include the new building. We will also be continuing with shows such as the BMF, Truckfest, the National Motorhome Show, Antiques Fairs and all the usual events, plus, new for this year the Kit Car and Car Builder Show in August.

All we can say is WOW! The new exec Peterborough exhibition and events centre has quietly opened at the Alwalton showground following a year of building work, but once you see it you’ll be amazed as we were after our tour round the new facility.

It’s cost over £8 million and if you want the tech spec it brings the total undercover exhibition space to 14,000m2. There’s a huge main hall that’s heated and air conditioned which is then connected to the 937m2 Atrium, which is an ideal space for dinners and smaller events – so there, did you get that?! That’s similar to the Hammersmith Apollo, bigger than Brixton Academy and certainly far bigger than the Cambridge Corn Exchange!

In simple terms it means we now have a huge great indoor space available that should really rock our world. It’ll open Peterborough up to a huge range of events and help improve those we already have.

Over the last nine years since we launched ESP there have been countless calls for a concert venue and a chance to attract big acts – this looks like it could be it! We can barely contain ourselves, so we pinned down Vikki Guy, the marketing and communications executive to bring you all the details…

It’s a huge outlay, why did you feel this centre was needed?

We felt the exhibition hall was needed for a number of reasons. Firstly, having the additional space will make the Showground an all year round venue.

Previously, the Showground was unable to hold large scale events from around

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The new building has enabled us to host a lot of trade exhibitions, for the people of Peterborough though, the exhibition hall will enable us to host concerts, sporting events and other shows. As we can seat just over 5,000 people, this will hopefully enable us to attract bigger names that the existing venues are currently unable to.

Does this now give us the concert hall style venue for larger music acts many people have been crying out for?

Yes, we’re working with events and concert promoters in the hope of bringing some concerts and events here in the near future.

How soon will we see some of these events coming on stream?

The Shire Horse Show on March 15 and 16 will see the main arena in the exhibition hall, which will be fantastic – to see those majestic animals in such fabulous (and warm!) surroundings. The East of England Show on June 13-15 will see the food hall and lifestyle area inside, including the cookery demonstration stage (with James Tanner and Lesley Waters) and the main stage, which this year has Boney M on the Saturday evening. Other events will be using the facility throughout the year. As for concerts, sporting events and other shows, we have lots of exciting plans in the pipeline, so watch this space!

What changes/benefits will it bring to the regular shows and events?

All shows will be using the new hall, which will enable them to provide a large element of their show under cover – which after last year’s wet summer may well be very useful!

Our Shire Horse Show this year will feature the main arena classes in a sanded main ring in the exhibition hall. As well as providing us with a very welcome, warm environment, we can also have much more indoor catering and trading space, making the show thoroughly enjoyable for all no matter what the March weather throws at us!

Self-employed Hairdressers & Beauty Therapist required.

Please contact Suzanne HAIR & BEAUTY

New salon now open Hayley Nickells, previous owner of Blondies Hair Salon would like to welcome all new and existing clients to her new salon, providing treatments to suit women and men Opening flexible hours including late nights Monday to Saturday Beauty Therapist and Nail Technician required, please ring Hayley for more details Competitive Prices

Opening times Mon/Tues/Wed 9am – 5.30pm Thurs 9am – 8pm Fri 9am – 6.30pm Sat 8.30am – 4pm

Tel: 01733 342111 44 New Road, Peterborough

109 Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, PE1 3SJ Tel: 01733 894060

20% DISCOUNT

with Chloe and Victoria when quoting ESP

GRAB AN ESP DISCOUNT AT NEW ETHOS HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

Fancy a little pampering but saving cash?

Let us help treat you.

Suzanne (former owner of Blondie’s in Cowgate) would like to let all her customers know she’s now moved to 44 New Road, Peterborough and opened a fantastic new salon called Ethos.

Joining her is another city centre hairdresser, Chloe Capon and Nail Technician Victoria Hopper. They’re giving a 20% discount on their hair and nail treatments when you quote ESP.

HEALTH and beauty

The Nude Blush look from Clinique

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STAGE IN GEL NAILS?

If the answer’s yes then get down to Scarlet Nails in Serpentine Green Shopping Centre and ask for Glass Shine Finish Gel Nails.

CLINIQUE GIVES YOU A NUDE BLUSH FOR SPRING Check out the gorgeous new spring make-up collection from Clinique, Nude Blush which they tell us is ‘about the attraction of opposites’.

Beautiful, light shades are countered with deeper ones and soft matte finishes complemented by shimmer accents. Nude Blush plays on shadow and light created by combining both matte and low-pearl products.

For a beautiful, shine-free complexion with a naturally matte finish try their new Blended Face Powder in Invisible Blend and pair it with the sheen of limited edition Blushing Blush Powder Blush Trios and a pop of pigment from limited edition Shades of Colour Surge Butter Shine lipsticks. The eyes get the same treatment with a wash of new Colour Surge Eye Shadow duo in a new matte formula balanced by the shimmer of the dual-ended limited edition Shades of Cream Shaper for eyes. Top it all off with new Lash Power Mascara, an exclusive formula that extends lashes without flaking or clumping. www.clinique.co.uk

I had a set done and they’re brilliant, more flexible like your own nails and the white tip stays white. I put them to the test too as Ben knew I would from doing a full spring clean in my home to changing a puncture while out on my bike and not to mention my normal Tae Kwon Do classes and they’re still perfect two weeks later.

So why have Gel Nails with Glass Shine Finish instead of traditional Acrylic Nails I here you ask?

The advantages of Gel Nails over traditional Acrylic Nails are great and varied. If you love the strength of acrylic but are disappointed by the dull finish they provide, you’ll love Orange County Gel Nails with Glass Shine Finish. These nails provide both strength and long lasting beauty. Unlike traditional acrylic, these gel nails have no nasty fumes, are acid-free and are non-yellowing, leaving your nails with a beautiful lasting shine.

They’ve only been available at Scarlet Nails for the last two months and have been very successful as they’re also kinder to your own nails too.

For all your other beauty treatments go and visit Sky, she’s lovely and gives good advice and is really excited about the forthcoming expansion of the beauty section, so watch this space… Tel: Scarlet Nails 01733 890689.

Shirley Frost

Suzanne is also looking for other Hairdressers and Beauty Therapists to join the team on a self employed basis so if you’re interested, give her a call for more details.

The salon itself looks amazing and offers a large range of treatments, there’s free parking behind the salon too, so no parking nightmares. Give yourself a treat and call the girls on 01733 342111 - and don’t forget to quote ESP for your discount!

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION WIN A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF NEW SURE FOR WOMEN ROLL-ON Sure for Women launches revolutionary design for the smoothest roll-on Fed up with those annoying morning niggles? Make your morning go smoother with new Sure for Women roll-on anti-perspirant, created expressly for women. With a revolutionary ‘upside down’ design, Sure For Women rollon is always ready to use, gliding on in one smooth, continuous motion. The best ever roll on formulation from Sure also dries faster to give the smoothest start to the day, complete with 24hr protection.

Sure for Women has teamed up with ESP Magazine to give away a year’s supply of new Sure for Women roll-on antiperspirant to 10 lucky winners.

The new Sure For Women roll-on anti-perspirant is available in four gorgeous fragrances: Biorhythm, Cotton Fresh, Cool Blue and Clear Aqua.

All Sure for Women products are available nationwide. www.sureforwomen.co.uk To get your name in our beauty bag, just text or email the word SURE, along with your name, age and address.

Terms and conditions: One year’s supply of Sure for Women roll on antiperspirant is equivalent to £20.28, which will be supplied by way of coupons. There is no cash alternative.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 28/03/08.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

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BE PAMPERED BY THERAPISTS AND STYLISTS OF THE FUTURE!

Peterborough Regional College are crying out for members of the public to come and experience their hair, beauty therapy, make-up and holistic therapy treatments due to an overwhelming number of new students wanting to learn these skills.

The college based salons are a great way to treat yourself – you can have your hair cut and coloured, enjoy a massage, facial, manicure, reflexology or Indian head massage and loads of other treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to high street salons. The stuents are monitored by their tutors and always take time and care during their treatments so no need to worry – you’ll be in safe hands!

Scarlet

For more info or to book a treatment, just call the salon reception on 01733 762185.

WANT TO LOOK YOUNGER? THEN KICK THE FAGS!

You know you should do it… quit the ciggies that is. But what you need is a little willpower and a little help!

So here’s the help… sign up to the No Smoking Day challenge this March with Peterborough Quit Smoking Service (PQS) and Serpentine Green Hampton and you’ll receive £75 worth of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches and gum. Plus, if you’ve quit after four weeks, you’ll also get a free day pass to Esporta gym – now how helpful is that?

This year’s No Smoking Day is on March 12, but not content with just the one day, PQS are extending the no smoking challenge for the whole month. Throughout March, the PQS team will be available at the Serpentine Green Hampton store (and other local pharmacies) to help you kick the habit with friendly advice and support. Free NRT and PQS support is also available at local pharmacies. To find out your nearest one, or to talk about other services available, contact them free on 0800 376 56 55.

Smoking ages your skin and makes you look loads older than you actually are! It also makes your breath and clothes stink let alone the fact it can kill you so with all this help around why not opt to give up?

No-one says it’s easy, but you’re ten times more likely to quit for good with support so go and see the guys from PQS at Serpentine Green – your skin, your body (and your friends!) will thank you for it!

BAGS OF MOISTURE AT BODY SHOP

Quench your skin’s winter thirst with the Body Shop’s new Moringa Bath and Body range which hits the Queensgate store this month.

It includes six fab products for cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising which contain moringa seed oil (used for 4,000 years by the likes of the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians don’t you know!) and the fragrance of the Moringa flower.

Pack them into your Bag of Passion from The Body Shop and play your part in making a difference. Priced at just £3, 40% of the proceeds from every bag sold goes to Children on the Edge which is a charity working with vulnerable children, every time you use it you’re helping protect the planet and it’s made by Teddy Exports a Community Trade supplier in southern India. So do your good deed of the month… and go shopping!

Introducing the new Glass Shine Finish Gel Nails from Orange County Landmark @ Serpentine Green Shopping Centre www.scarletnails.biz

Tel: 01733 890689

Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

TV

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

pick up cheese, bread, meat, fish etc. The supermarket shop is fortnightly or monthly to stock up on dried stuff and cleaning stuff.

How many times do you walk round the supermarket with its thousands of different food products to choose from and can’t find a thing to eat?

You don’t know what you fancy and usually end up like ‘ground hog day’ picking up the same foods down the same aisle (except when they suddenly move it and you end up running around like you’re on Supermarket Sweep trying to find it).

It’s so convenient to have it all under one roof, we can get anything now from milk to insurance to computers - you name they stock it. In fact I even remember one had a shopping night for singles (no I didn’t go, I just heard about it)!

But what a chore it is, the boredom on the faces of other shoppers tells me that I am not alone.

So was it always like that? Well actually no it wasn’t, it’s come about as a result of us wanting to shop quickly to fit in with our fast lifestyle. We have cheaper food now with all the ‘2 for 3’ offers, but one interesting fact is that in the 1930’s we spent more of our wages on food than we do now (ask Tony Sharpe he’ll remember!) I say food, not all the other stuff we buy. We want to do a weekly shop (or longer) and want everything to stay as good as the day it was bought.

Take a loaf of bread; if you make it yourself it only lasts 1-2 days before it can be used to build a brick wall, that’s because there are no chemicals in it. We now expect to buy bread and it last five days or maybe more, in fact we get put out if after five days it’s got mould on (now don’t tell me you’re the one who picks off the mould round the crust so you can eat it…because it cost you 89p!)

So what about the other ways of shopping? You know, the old way or should I say the traditional way? I went to a farmers market the other day and found I really enjoyed it, people actually spoke and were friendly, it just felt really different. In fact the smells and the atmosphere reminded me of holidays abroad.

Take the continent; they go to their markets a few times per week to

It can be great that we have the convenience of the supermarkets, even if it is three in the morning, but there are other ways to shop. There are loads of farmers markets and farm shops around as I’ve been discovering which I will tell you have taken the boredom factor out of shopping. It just brings a new dimension to it; we also have our organic veg box deliveries all around us that can deliver fresh seasonal foods.

It’s not a case of having to go shopping every day, we have freezers we can use, but for me it helped me to really appreciate not only the food but the local community it affects in a positive way too The old saying goes ‘use it or lose it’ - you never know you might actually like shopping again!

For more information on ‘real food’ go to my new look website at www.nutritionalenergy.co.uk

CALLING ALL ‘REAL FOOD’ RESTAURANTS AND PUBS

ESP columnist and nutritionist Karen Devine is launching her own local ‘campaign for real food’ to encourage us all to support local food producers and to eat more ‘real’ food that’s food that’s less processed and not treated with loads of chemicals.

If you’re a local restaurant or pub using local or organic produce – shout about it and let Karen know. Just email karen.devine@espmag.co.uk and she might just give you a shout out in ESP!

SEE KAREN AT THE COUNTRY SHOW

You can find out more about eating better when Karen makes an appearance at The East of England Country Show on Saturday June 14 this summer. You might already have spotted Karen making various TV appearances, and you’ve read her column in ESP, now you can see her at the Peterborough show. She might not be quite as famous as Jamie Oliver just yet, but our Karen’s far better looking!

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

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08457 90 90 90 samaritans.org *All calls charged at local rate

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

Loos are for twos… why do girls go to the toilets together and just what naughty conversations has our Susan overheard?

This month she ‘fesses up on the girly goings on and lifts the lid on the cubicle chat…

Now some of you lads may wonder ‘why do girls go to the loos in twos?’ It’s a question many of my bloke mates have asked over the years. This time I thought instead of just saying ‘mind your own’ I’d actually enlighten you.

There’s no real formula, I mean some may want a gossip, to check their make-up or just simply want the toilet at the same time!

There’s also the sharing cubicles (not for anything untoward), comparing notes on bikini waxes (landing strip or no landing strip?) Who knows?

One of my gorgeous bachelor mates was telling me how he’d been left hanging when the ‘fittest bird ever’ (as he put it), who he was getting on great with, was dragged away from his macho grasp and cheap chat-up lines (sorry but they are!) by her ‘fat, ugly friend’ (as he also put it!) apparently mumbling something like ‘I need to speak to you – in the toilets’.

This was followed by a chat with our very own ‘Man About Town’ Pep Cipriano, who confided –“I’ve always wondered why you girls go to the toilets in groups, but it’s so obvious that you just go to speak about us men.” WHAT?!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a bit of arrogance – I’d even go as far as to say a little’s attractive (I love a man with confidence) but that’s just RIDICULOUS and borderline cocky!

Determined to set this record straight once and for all, let me tell you there are a number of reasons why we go to the ladies in groups (girls, draw your own conclusions, but these are mine). First trip is usually necessary the second you set foot in town as something huge will have already happened in the taxi on the way in which needs attending to. For example: one of the girls will have thought it a good idea to text a stupid boy who she’d previously vowed not to contact, ever again, and certainly not when drunk (I’m never guilty of doing this!). This means the texts need reading out and analysing and depending on the nature of the response, numbers may get deleted!

Some drinks later o’clock you then have pay a visit for the ‘three point check’. This consists of hair, lippy and eyeliner. I’m first to ask my gals what my hair looks like and after being told it resembles Chris Kamara’s (funny football pundit), I then regret asking…

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Then there’s the intelligence gathering. Picture the scene (if you’re not squeamish), I’m in the loos at Toho cocktail bar, when I can’t help (honest) but overhear a conversation between two girls in the cubicle next door saying how fit they thought a guy was, who just so happens is my friend’s boyfriend! Girl 1 asks if he has a girlfriend and as Girl 2 didn’t seem too bothered by this concept, I pipe up - “Yes, he does have a girlfriend!” And then… silence.

Realising that in fact the conversation hadn’t included me, nor did it require my input, I find it’s a good idea to familiarise myself with the cubicle interior. Here is where I would stay until like, forever. Slight exaggeration but at least until the coast is clear…

Then there’s the ‘friend rescue mission’. A few drinks on and your previously ‘sweetness and light’ friend turns into ‘Demon Child’ AKA ‘Drunken Crying Friend’ (one of my gals - you know who you are! I wouldn’t mention but after a year of these antics you’re officially a repeat offender!) She’s upset because her ex boyfriend’s been – ‘kissing some girl who’s miles prettier than me and is really rubbing my face in it…’

After shoe-horning her into the toilets pronto and touching up her make-up, I have to let her into a secret. The guy she’s been lurking in the corner staring at (‘Stalker Central’ or what?) actually isn’t her ex, but when we go back out there, he’s going to think she’s absolutely mental! Searching her face for any sign of what I’m saying sinking in, I realise she isn’t bl**dy listening! It might be that the five Mojitos she drank, all without ice (!), are getting in the way of her logical thinking.

Ten minutes later as my previously inconsolable friend practically knocks innocent bystanders over as she skips out of the toilets, I give my apologetic glances whilst my dear friend, declares to the world and his dog, at the top of her voice – “I love being single!” Arghhh – cue the red mist! How do you reason with somebody who just won’t listen after five iceless Mojitos? Answers on a postcard please!

So you see my sweet bachelor buddy and my Mr Pepsi (as I call Pep), no, we don’t just go into the toilets to talk about you guys, we have other things that occupy our thoughts - mostly anyway.

Now I wonder if that hot guy will be out again next week…

The Grass is Always Greener….

T

his statement epitomizes the human belief that a change will always be better. Whilst this covers all areas of our lives it is particularly relevant when we start seeking a new job. The primary reason people think about moving jobs is not because they want to do more or achieve a higher salary, it is due to discontentment in their current position; The push factors to leave an employer is normally greater than the pull factors a new position offers, however once on this journey there is often no looking back as the mind is made up.

Anthony Barnes, Director of Sphere in Peterborough believes “if you are a happy employee, you feel challenged, valued and an intrinsic part of the company you will not even notice other opportunities available in the marketplace, irrespective of how attractive they may be simply because they do not appear on the radar. Compare this to an individual who feels un-challenged, under-valued and unfulfilled, they will almost certainly be spending considerable amounts of time reviewing vacancies on websites and in the local press in the desperate search for something better. The applications they make will be for a vast array of different roles, many of them not ideally suited, however it is the change of job more than the job itself which is so desperately sought.

When we interview new job seekers the signs are easy to spot and we look to provide assistance accordingly. Basically if this is the mind-set, then this positive change is seldom achieved and is often doomed from the start.

This is because the focus is on leaving behind the current issues and hence considering anything and everything which will only ever be a short-term solution. The focus needs to be on the new position, and asking yourself certain questions such as: • What do I enjoy?

• What is relevant to my experience?

Below is a selection of current permanent opportunities Mgmt Accountant - Peterborough

£37,000

• What would I like to develop further?

Business Analyst - Peterborough

£35,000

• What size of company suits me?

Fin Accountant - Spalding

£32,000

Comm Analyst - Peterborough

£32,000

Mgmt Accountant - Peterborough

£30,000

• What locations would I consider?

Once this has been determined then you will be more positive, more motivated and more successful in achieving your ideal role and a long term career.”

Mgmt Accountant - Holbeach

£28,000

Accountant, Practice - Peterborough

£25,000

Financial Analyst - Stamford

£25,000

Asst Mgmt Acct - Long Sutton

£22,000

Choosing this route along with clear thinking and determination, should ensure....

Financial Analyst - Spalding

£20,000

the grass is always greener!

Purchase Ledger Exec - Peterborough

£18,000

Finance Administrator - Peterborough

£18,000

Purchase Ledger Clerk - Spalding

£17,000

Sales Ledger - Peterborough

£17,000

Part-time Fin Asst - Peterborough

£16.500 pro rata

Part-time Fin Asst - Spalding

£16,000 pro rata

Accounts Assistant - Peterborough

£16,000

Accounts Admin - Sutton Bridge

£14,000

Reconciliations Clerk - Peterborough

£13,500

Immediately available temporary assignments Interim Accountant - Peterborough

£20.00 PH

Payroll Controller - Peterborough

£10.50 PH

PT Payroll Coordinator - Peterborough

£10.00 PH

Credit Controller - Peterborough

£9.00 PH

Sales Ledger Clerk - Peterborough

£8.50 PH

Accounts Receivable Clerk - Peterborough £8.50 PH Credit Control Assistant - Peterborough

£8.00 PH

Accounts Assistant - Bourne

£8.00 PH

Input Clerk - Spalding

£7.75 PH

Purchase Ledger Clerk - Long Sutton

£7.50 PH

Part-time Cashier - Stamford

£7.00 PH

If you are seeking a career move, please contact Sphere Financial Recruitment for further information on 01733 234000 or email jobs@spherefinancial.co.uk

Tel: 01733 234000 Fax: 01733 237050 www.spherefinancial.co.uk I info@spherefinancial.co.uk Sphere House 44 Tyndall Court Lynchwood Business Park Peterborough PE2 6LR

Local band takes Lite FM’s Keith and Claire to ‘The Brink’!

Keith and Claire wage war against each other on their Lite FM Saturday show, but a new feature inviting local bands to play and chat on air could finally be something the two agree on!

They’ve often taken each other to ‘the brink’ but Keith Dalton and his Saturday afternoon show co-host Claire Tod are finally united over something - local band The Brink are brilliant!

The lads were the first to take part in their new ‘Band of the Week’ feature, a weekly live session, and they’re both agreed that the band and this new radio slot are destined for success.

Keith Dalton, Lite FM’s breakfast show presenter during the week, told ESP they’re not the only ones who were impressed - “Feedback on both the feature and the band, The Brink, has been astounding. We’ve had loads of people saying how good the lads were. The lead singer has a great voice and I think a great future.

“We were a little apprehensive when we kicked this idea off but it couldn’t have got off to a better start and dozens of bands have now been in touch.”

Usually Keith and his co-host Claire are at odds on most things during the show, with a light-hearted battle of the sexes which gives listeners great entertainment every Saturday, but Claire tells us - “We both have a love of local talent and want to showcase it. That’s something we won’t argue about!”

Things are looking good for The Brink. They recently got through to the last 150 of ‘Britain’s

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Got Talent’ and performed in front of the judges including Simon Cowell. Sadly they were recently knocked out of the next round, but undaunted they’re now heading into the studio to record a demo CD and hope to release an EP/single in May. The band includes Matt Strafford (vocals), Alex Bittles (lead guitar), Gary Connor (bass) and John Terrell on drums. If some of the names are familiar it’s because they’re the original line-up of On the Ceiling and some of them still play in that band too.

The ‘Band of the Week’ sessions run on Lite FM 106.8 every Saturday at 12.30 when local bands are invited in for a chat and to play a couple of acoustic numbers – an original and also a version of a well known tune. The Brink are hugely inspired by Bon Jovi (as well as Queen and Aerosmith) so opted to play their own acoustic take on ‘Living on a Prayer’.

If you’d like your band to be considered for the show you can call Keith at the station on 01733 898106, or write to Lite FM 2nd Floor, 5 Church Street, Peterborough, PE1 1XB with a demo, or email keith@lite1068.com.

For more info on The Brink see their myspace page – thebrinkband.com

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Listen out on Lite 106.8 FM for these featured bands in session…

1 March

Flick66

8 March

The Replicas

15 March

Burlesque

5 April

Crossfire

12 April

Halcyon Daze

19 April

Aladdin Sane

26 April

The Unforgiven

3 May

The Spirit

10 May

On the Ceiling

17 May

Frankly My Dear

24 May

Lloyd Watson

31 May

Craig Saggers

6 Queen Street Peterborough OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

01733 568200 Email: enquiries@bigonstyle.co.uk

Specialists in all aspects of advanced hairdressing with 32 years combined experience.

Very friendly, relaxed personal service.

Very competitive Prices Please ask for Amanda on: on 07925 777351 or 01733 394041 438 Oundle Road, Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 7DB (inside Heaven ‘N’ Hair)

FUL L P R O F E S S IO N A L A LT E R AT I O N SE RVICE

Established LCN Nail Studio up for RENT Main Street, Baston, Peterborough Tel: 01778 560010

Why not treat your Mum for Mother’s Day at The Baskervilles Bookings now being taken for Easter Sunday

“ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR NAIL BUSINESS FORWARD?"

29th Feb – White Spirit live Excellent weddings / functions service individually tailored to suit your needs

I am looking for a motivated, self employed, Nail Tech my well established business which has a ready made client base will be in charge of a fully-equiped, beautiful, modern, Nail Studio.

Under New Management GOOD SELECTION OF FOOD SERVED DAILY KARAOKE weekly LARGE PLASMA SCREEN FOR LIVE FOOTBALL

SI U

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Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough Tel: 01733 267340

FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR ANY EVENT

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FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Contact for more details

L

M E ERY SA V I EV

Require part-time distributors to assist in the monthly distribution of ESP Magazine throughout our expanding network of outlets in the Greater Peterborough area.

Flexible hours to suit £5 per hour

Tel (01733) 579707 for more details.

Require part time delivery driver to service our expanding distribution network. Job involves some lifting and requires a certain level of physical fitness.

Would suit active retired person.

Must have full, clean driving license.

Hours and rates negotiable for approx’ 5 days work per calendar month.

Tel (01733) 579707 for more details and an application form.

ESP PAPARAZZI

Caught in the a THORPE HALL PRESENTS… A CRACKING LIVE BAND NIGHT @ RADIUS! ESP Magazine was pleased to support the launch night for the new CD ‘Thorpe Hall Hospice Presents’ and with such a great line-up of local talent performing live, how could we miss it.

This CD’s been put together in aid of Thorpe Hall Hospice in Longthorpe and features tracks from some of the best local talent (and a few national treasures) who were keen to help raise cash for the Sue Ryder Care charity. The launch night was held at Radius (above the Solstice) and this cracking venue was a brilliant location to shout about this new CD. The place was packed so there were rich pickings for our Paparazzi crew with Pep behind the lens and Becca and Hannah out mingling with the crowds.

Performers on the night were King Kool, Angry Man, Derri Nauendorf, The Surgens and Rebelation all playing a fantastic range of sounds which went down a storm.

Sales of the new CD went well on the night but if you couldn’t make it and would like a copy it’s priced at £7 and can be bought from all local Sue Ryder Care Shops (Peterborough, Wisbech, Eye, Holbeach, Spalding, Whittlesey, March) Thorpe Hall Hospice Reception, The Live Music Shop on Lincoln Road, the Peterborough Music Shop near the market and Advance Performance at Fengate.

It includes a great mix of tracks from the bands who performed at the launch plus the likes of Mesh 29, The Ghears, Boo Hewerdine, Groove Cartel, Ian Archer, The Brackets, Straw Bear, The Loop, Staceman, Duke Special, Homespun, Burning Codes and Slow Burn. We can definitely recommend it.

WANNA BUY A PHOTO?

Why not savour your fame from this, or any other previous ESP Paparazzi by buying your photo.

Just give us a call for sizes and prices on 01733 579707.

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act?

Proudly sponsored by

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ESP PAPARAZZI

Caught

Proudly sponsored by

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in the act?

The ESP Paparazzi crew snapped the action at the launch of the fantastic new Jaguar XF at Marshall Peterborough. Players from Peterborough United, Kev Lawrence from Hereward FM and our own Face of ESP Kerry Bates were among the invited guests.

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ESPCELEBS

J y r a M

e g i l B Six Grammy awards, seven multi-platinum records, 40 million albums sold worldwide and fifteen years of public adoration. It’s safe to say Mary J Blige is one of the greatest female R n B singers of our time. Joanne Quinney takes alook at the ‘Growing Pains’ of Mary J…

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ince her debut ‘What’s the 411’ in 1992 right up to the record breaking album ‘The Breakthrough’ in 2005 Mary J Blige has consistently been one of the major players within the R n B music scene. Now she’s back out there again with her eighth studio album, ‘Growing Pains’ - her first release since ‘The Breakthrough’ debuted at No.1 and sold over 700,000 copies in its first week.

S

So new album, is there new pressure to succeed? What can fans expect from ‘Growing Pains’?

“They’re going to get a sense of what my state of mind is and how I view the world,” says the sassy lady herself. “Hopefully, they’re going to hear the sincere honesty and love that I have for them. I’m always putting myself out there. I hope they're going to be very happy with that.”

Having collaborated in the past with some of Hip Hop’s biggest names, including Wyclef Jean

and Busta Rhymes, Mary’s worked with some great names for her new record; Usher, Ludacris and Neyo all provide guest appearances. She’s taken a break from the norm by releasing an up-tempo new single off this album ‘Just Fine’, as she usually releases a ballad with a new album release. So what’s this record about? “Sometimes it feels like you’re having this miserable time,” she explains, “like all 365 days of the year are tough.

But then, you get one of those days; maybe when your hair is great, or you’re not stuck in traffic; where it’s a ‘just fine’ day.”

Mary pushes herself more than she’s ever done before, particularly vocally, throughout this new, funky album full of variety; from jazzy inflections to 80’s club influences.

She’s definitely matured in the studio and throughout the making of ‘Growing Pains’ she had total control of the recording

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and creative process. “Making records is different than when I started because now I know what I want and there’s not fifty people running the show,” she says. “Now Kendu Isaacs (Mary’s husband and creative partner) and I run the show.

Kendu’s ear is good, my ear is good, and we’re honest with each other.”

With the type of success Mary’s achieved comes pressure, but she keeps herself grounded and is continually grateful to her adoring fans, “I’m still trying to heal and get better and that’s what ‘Growing Pains’ represents. It's about accepting that there’s pain that goes along with growing and change. No pain, no gain.”

Mary J Blige, one of the most successful singers of the past decade, gets her message across loud and clear within this album “Love yourself, believe in yourself, and kick negativity to the curb.” www.mjblige.com

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food@espmag.co.uk

LOCALFOOD DINNER AND A SHOW WITH AVELLINOS

If you’re heading to The Broadway to catch a show there’s a great offer of 25% off your meal at Avellinos if you show your theatre ticket. Nice one! It’ll make the whole ‘dinner and a show’ experience really affordable and make your night out extra special. So, might be a good one for treating Mum! The ESP crew held their staff party at the Italian restaurant on Broadway recently and had a fantastic time.

Good job we had the place to ourselves as we have a feeling we were a bit noisy! Thanks Mick for a great night and some gorgeous tasty food…

FOOD NEWS

NEW MENU @ PIZZAEXPRESS

The new Spring menu at PizzaExpress launches this month. Expect some new dishes to be available at the recently opened Cathedral Square restaurant and the Stamford branch from March 19.

NEW CAFÉ @ WERRINGTON SPORTS CENTRE

THE ORANGERY RESTAURANT AT BURGHLEY’S REFURBISHED

The gorgeous Orangery Restaurant at Burghley House has reopened after extensive refurbishment so go take a look just as soon as you can!

It’s been transformed using the skills of local interior designer Jo Hughes. Jo’s taken inspiration from its original use as a garden room, designed by Capability Brown in the eighteenth century, and has given it a new lease of life by uncovering its original flagstone floor and introducing green hues and antique whites.

Burghley House will be reopening on March 21 so an ideal reason to nip in for an afternoon tea after a tour.

The Orangery Rose Garden’s also undergone extensive works and replanting with new atmospheric lighting added to create a unique venue for evening functions and events.

With fantastic catering available from the Reid Brothers, the Orangery’s well worth a visit and is open Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 4pm until Easter and daily from then on (excluding Fridays on which functions are being held). Special waitress service menus are available on Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday. To book call 01780 767386.

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When you’re using Werrington Sports and Recreation Centre you can now chill out and enjoy a coffee in the new refreshment area.

It’s all been refurbished so you can now kick back before or after your fitness class and catch up with your mates on new comfy seats, grab a snack and watch your favourite TV shows on large plasma screens. It’s open weekdays from 5pm when schools are open and from 9am at weekends and during school holidays. It’ll be closed from 9.30 pm.

COSTA COFFEE ARRIVES IN STAMFORD

If you haven’t spotted it yet, the coffee chain has now opened its latest outlet on Stamford High Street. Expect all their usual trademark coffees and goodies!

Celebrate in style at The Bull Hotel NEW CINNAMON COFFEE SHOP OPENS IN DEEPING A

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There’s a great new Coffee Shop in the middle of Market Deeping which has recently opened called Cinnamon. It has a chic, relaxed ambience but is also very inviting and much needed for this village.

The owner, Maria prides herself on healthy eating and has a large food selection to choose from, all freshly prepared. She also stocks a selection of lovely handmade cakes and cookies. For Mother’s Day she’s offering gorgeous gift boxes for cup cakes but you have to order in advance and they all look yummy!

We popped in to try the Paninis and they were gorgeous – very tasty and lovely and soft. There’s a large selection but we opted for Mediterranean Vegetables with Feta and Humous and the Brie and Bacon Panini and would certainly recommend them both.

Forthcoming Events 2008 Mothering Sunday Lunch Sunday 2nd March 2008 Carvery lunch, entertainment and gift for all mothers £24.50 per adult £13.95 per child (under 12)

Easter Sunday Lunch Sunday 23rd March 2008 Carvery lunch, entertainment & Easter egg for children under 12 £19.25 per adult, £10.75 per child (under 12)

Bull Hotel Wedding Fayre Sunday 11th May - 10am – 4pm Lots of exhibitors in the perfect venue For further information contact our wedding co-ordinator Jo Giggs. Free admission

Father’s Day Lunch Sunday 15th June Carvery lunch, musical entertainment & gift for all fathers £23.50 per adult £13.95 per child (under 12)

To book any of these events please contact our Special Events Co-ordinator on 01733 561364 Special accommodation rates available on request

Cinnamon is open from 8.30am – 5pm Mon – Sat and 8.30am – 2.30pm on Tuesdays. Drop into 8 The Precincts, Market Deeping. Tel: 01778 380410.

SOMETHING DIVINE FOR EVERYONE THIS EASTER

For friends… for romance… for fine food…

We’re the perfect place to dine!

With the big chocfest on its way ditch the feelings of guilt and instead kick back with a Divine chocolate egg and you could be feeling good about your little indulgence for two reasons.

Firstly remember that dark chocolate is good for you (within limits!) so you could choose wisely with that one, and secondly all these eggs are Fairtrade products.

There’s the Dark Divine Easter Egg (with dark Divine covered Brazil Nuts that launched so successfully last year) but if you just have to do milk there’s the Divine Milk Chocolate Egg with Divine mini milk chocolate eggs in an elegant chocolatey brown box, and for little ‘uns (or big kids!) there’s the Divine mini gold foil wrapped milk chocolate eggs in a new chic handbag pack!

If you’re more of a dark chocolate lover – there are now little gold wrapped Dark Divine mini eggs too – little more-ish mouthfuls of Divine’s 70% dark chocolate.

Bookings now being taken for lunchtime specials and parties

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

The page that thinks Bono should buy a pub for St Patrick’s Day and call it ‘Inn the Name of Love’.

WATCH OUT TED! BEADLE’S ABOUT

I can hardly believe that the start of March will mark 10 years since ‘Father Ted’ actor Dermot Morgan passed away. I can still remember how shocked I was to wake up on Sunday 1 March 1998 and hear it announced on the news as Father Ted Crilly, Morgan played one of the great sitcom characters of all time.

If you were too young, too drunk or too busy to watch it the first time around, then go out and buy the box set to see what you're missing.

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Dermot Morgan's death from a heart attack at the age of 45 was a sad loss to the world of comedy, and came at a time when ‘Father Ted’ was just getting into its stride.

The third and final series had only just been filmed when he died, so when it was finally shown later that year I remember each episode become a kind of tribute to him.

Of course I can't help wondering what Father Ted would be getting up to these days. I imagine God's given him quite a cushy job up there in heaven. He'd probably be in charge of the waiting room area where he'd have to meet and greet any new celebrity before they were allowed in by St Peter. I'm sure the waiting room would bear a remarkable resemblance to the Parochial house on Craggy Island with Father Jack sitting comatose in the corner, Dougal helping Ted vet the new arrivals and Mrs Doyle making cups of tea to ease them into the afterlife. I'd like to think it'd go something like this...

JOKES OF THE MONTH "What is it about putting your hand up to the side of your mouth that makes people hear you? You'll be there in the pub, and see your mate over the other side and call out to him 'TONY!', but Tony can't hear you can he, so you use your amplified hand 'TONY!', then he turns around 'cos he can hear you, but he can't see you - not until he uses his telescopic hand, places it above his eyes and then he's 'Oh so that's who it is - thanks telescopic hand' " - Jason Byrne

STAND OUT, STAND UP The new Stamford Comedy Club at the Arts Centre got off to a flying start last month with over 200 people enjoying the comedy stylings of Natalie Haynes, Kevin Hayes and Ivor Dembina. Even compere Alan Seaman was surprised by the turn out, and has assured me that when he returns for the next one on March 14, he’ll be wearing a suit rather than his ‘Zak Dingle’ checked-shirt.

"Saturday's are the worst day to go shopping because if you go to any shopping centre it'll always be full of teenagers... with their children" - Jo Caulfield "Do you think the Queen ever pulls the sheet up to her neck when she's in bed and says 'Look Phillip I'm a stamp!'” - Russell Howard

He’s got another super line-up to keep you entertained which features Christian Reilly, Sol Bernstein and Hils Barker. All three are regulars on the comedy circuit and having seen them all before I know they’re just the type of comedians that’ll get the good folk of Stamford laughing.

FATHER TED v JEREMY BEADLE (The phone rings, Ted answers and hears Bishop Brennan's voice) Bishop - Ah Crilly, now listen I've just sent up a new celebrity. Make sure you look after this one properly, otherwise there'll be trouble.

Ted - Of course, Bishop Brennon you can count on us. I'll just....

Dougal - Who is it Ted ?

Ted- (whispering) It's Bishop Len Brennon, remember him, he's still our sort of boss.

Dougal - (Shouting) AH HELLO LEN! Bishop - How many times I told you, don't call me LEN! (The waiting room shakes at the noise and Father Jack wakes up) Jack - Drink, drink, drink!

Ted - OK, well thanks for the news Bishop (In walks Jeremy Beadle) Dougal - Oh wow, Ted, Ted look who it is, it's them off the telly Ted - Yes I know. I can hardly believe it myself. 'You've been Framed' was one of my favourite shows as well.

Dougal - Is that who it is then Ted, Harry Hill?

Ted - No Dougal it's the other one, you know with the beard.

Dougal - Oh that's right I remember... Lisa Riley.

Ted - Jeremy Beadle, Dougal, it's Jeremy Beadle!

Dougal - (laughs) What him with the small ha...

Ted - Hat, yes, that's it. The small hat, yes, who can forget that small hat of yours.

Beadle – Hat? I don't ever remember wearing a small hat Dougal - Can I shake his small hand Ted? Ted - For goodness sake Dougal, leave Mr Beadle alone.

Mrs Doyle - Well, would you look at that, it's Jeremy Beadle. Will you be having a cup of tea for yourself Beadle - I'd prefer a glass of water if that's alright Mrs D - One cup of tea coming up.

Dougal - Hey Ted, why don't you tell him your Jeremy Beadle joke.

Ted - I don't think Jeremy wants to hear any jokes Dougal - Oh come on Ted, he'd love it, how does it go again?

Ted - I, I, I can't remember.

Dougal - I think I do. What do you do if you're locked in a room with Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Jeremy Beadle and a gun that’s only got 2 bullets?

Ted - DOUGAL!!

Dougal - You shoot Jeremy Beadle twice!

Ted - Jeremy can I assure you that was never a joke I told.

Dougal - Oh come on now Ted, I remember you sending that one into the Craggy Island Chronicle. It won their Joke of Year competition in 1997. I've got a copy of it with all my 'Shoot' annuals. I'll just go and get it.

Beadle – This is all very sad you know. I would’ve thought that now I’m dead I’d get some respect.

Ted – Yes you would’ve thought that - but then you’re hardly Elvis are you.

(Ted goes to sit down on a white plastic garden chair, only for it to break) Dougal – Oh don’t tell me he’s coming around as well!

(And so on… I think you get the idea).

Stamford Arts Centre Box Office: 01780 76320 Here's an interesting comedy dilemna for you on March 28. There's two gigs on the same day and at the same time. One in Stamford and one in Peterborough. Both of these are equally the same distance from my house, and both comedians are (in my opinion at least) as funny as each other. At the Cresset Comedy Club it's a welcome return for Hal Cruttenden (last seen supporting Ardal O'Hanlon at The Broadway), and then at the Stamford Arts Centre it's Justin Moorhouse (Young Kenny from Phoenix Nights). My advice would be to check ticket availability to both before you go.

Stamford Arts Centre Box Office: 01780 76320 The Cresset Box Office: 01780 763203 Meanwhile at The Broadway in March there's two comedy shows definitely worth catching. Omid Djalili on March 1, and Russell Howard on March 20. Omid's enjoying a fair bit of success at the moment. His recent BBC1 Saturday night comedy show got good reviews and will be returning later in the year for a second series, and Russell Howard is definitely a name for the future. Last year when he played to a few hundred people in Stamford you could see his potential so it’s great to see him progressing and embarking on a theatre tour.

The Broadway Box Office: 01733 316100.

NEW YORK, PARIS, PETERBOROUGH?

I'm sure like me, you all enjoyed ESP’s Valentine’s lingerie photoshoot with Becca, Susan and Kerry last month. I don't mind admitting that I spent a good deal longer dwelling on those pages than any others when the magazine came back from the printers. Not because I enjoy looking at women in their pants (and anyone who says I do is a liar), but because I noticed that the leopard print rug that was used in the photoshoot bore a remarkable resemblance to the one that Del Boy used to have in his flat in 'Only Fools & Horses'. If you've still got last month’s copy, it's well worth another look.... Well go on, go and have a look at it... it's not like you've got anything better to do is it. What do you mean, you've thrown it in the recycling bin. Well, what a plonker!

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DON’T SCRAP THE TAP A decision is finally likely this month on the fate of one of our favourite pubs. ESP Magazine remains right behind the Don’t Scrap the Tap campaign and asks you to back The Brewery Tap. It’s not often we get all table thumpy here in the ESP office but the endless reports about the threat to one of our favourite drinking venues has us all riled.

The Brewery Tap is being threatened with demolition to make way for a £450 million redevelopment of North Westgate and on March 18 the city council looks set to make known its decision. So here’s the thing – much needed revitalisation of the city centre = good.

Losing elements which give it some heart and soul = bad!

We’ve been banging on for the last nine years about all the good things this city has to offer and we unashamedly have to say that The Brewery Tap is one of them. Sceptics may say ‘you would say that wouldn’t you’, but all of the ESP team are Peterborough people with a love of the area and we started the magazine to create a sense of pride in the city. This pub has constantly proved itself to us to be a unique venue which appeals to a wide cross section of punters and successfully crosses over from real ale establishment to live music venue, to restaurant. It appeals to all ages and sexes and quite simply achieves something few others can claim to. So why would anyone want to lose it if it can possibly be avoided?

We’ve been backing the campaign since its launch and thousands of you have got behind it too culminating in around 15,000 signatures being presented to the city council recently in protest at its potential demise. Our Man About Town, Pep Cipriano, a big fan of the Tap recently joined the pub’s owner Paul Hook on Lite FM 106.8 to promote the campaign.

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Not surprisingly the guys from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) are set against it being demolished and have added their backing to calls for it to be incorporated into the new development.

Robert Barnes, local CAMRA press officer told ESP - “Not only is this pub used by CAMRA members, it’s also visited by people from far and wide who sometimes come to Peterborough specifically to visit the Brewery Tap. The pub has a fantastic mix of clientele and it is a really well run establishment.”

The Brewery Tap’s general manager, Jessica Loock told ESP - “We’ve always been positive about the re-development, we agree that Peterborough needs this injection of life and investment and see only positive results from the whole thing. This of course is based on the fact that we can remain where we are... the whole point of the development is to offer the people of this region more culture, facilities, extra tourism, a vibrant evening economy, and many aspects that here at The Brewery Tap we already offer, and have established an excellent reputation for. ”The main issue with the development is that there is no technical reason that we could not be incorporated into the plans and remain exactly where we are. We realise that commercially in the developer’s eyes we’re sitting in the middle of the site and it would obviously make their jobs a whole lot easier if they could start with a blank canvas.”

Harry Morten, the branch secretary is none too chuffed with the whole situation either and adds - “I know that other ‘units’ in the new development have been offered but these are not likely to have any character compared to the Tap. Regrettably, developers like to start with a ‘clean sheet’, a bland term for flattening everything and starting again. They are in it for the money. Once they have completed the work they will leave Peterborough. It is us, the local residents, who will have to live with what they have left us.”

This pub occupies a building dating back to the 1930’s which started off life as a labour exchange and then became a jobcentre until Paul Hook took it over and turned it, in 1998, into the largest brewpub in Europe. It’s won loads of awards for its real ales (just look at the certificates donning the walls inside!) and currently holds the title for 'Own Brew Pub 2007' from the Good Beer Guide.

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None of us would say that such a huge investment in the city isn’t needed or largely welcomed, but what we would appeal for is ‘sensitive’ development which makes the city a better place while retaining the good points which have a place in our hearts and retain its character.

We’ve had our rant, now what do you think?

The question is 'Do you think The Brewery Tap should be included in the development?' If so please make your voices heard – write to all press and the city council and make sure you don’t wait until it’s too late. Judgement day may cometh on March 18!

Make your views known to the council through www.peterborough.gov.uk or through the planning department at Bridge House, or see www.oakhamales.com or www.don’tscrapthetap.com

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

ENTER NOW! THE GREAT EASTERN RUN 2008

Half Marathon 13.1miles Sunday 12 October, 11am Cathedral Square, Peterborough The biggest race in the East of England

Fun Run

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

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

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

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

5km (approx) Sunday 12 October, 11.20 am Cathedral Square, Peterborough The biggest fun run in the city Principal Sponsor

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01733 247171

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T. 01733 747474 www.greateasternrun.co.uk www.runnersworld.co.uk/greateasternrun08

A proven winner on the track and on the road, the CBR600RR is one incredible machine! And now with a reduced price of £7,299 On the road, and low rate finance offers available, there has never been a better time to buy one. Call 0845 200 8000 or visit your Honda dealer for full details †

“ For sheer adrenalin-packed performance, knife-edge handling and value for money, the CBR600RR stands head and shoulders above the rest” Adam Child, MCN road tester

Peterborough Honda Motorcycles Tyrrell Park, Boongate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5PT Tel: 01733 561062

Terms and conditions: Offer begins 7th December 2007 and ends 30th May 2008. †Reduced price only applies to 07 Year Model CBR600RRs. Offer ONLY applies to 07 Year Model CBR600RR purchased new from any authorised Honda dealer. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over subject to status. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berks SL3 8QY

Face of ESP Kerry Bates is among the first to see the new XF at its Peterborough launch.

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The team from Marshall Jaguar Peterborough have been voted the winners of the Jaguar Customer Loyalty Programme out of 98 other Jaguar dealerships!

After going to the launch of the new Jaguar XF I knew that this car was going to be amazing, but that is an understatement…

Arriving on a cold foggy Monday morning this car soon brightened up my day. When you slide into the Jaguar XF 2.7 D Premium Luxury model you can feel the quality and workmanship which has gone into this car.

One of the first things you notice inside is a heartbeat pulsing button which when you press it you feel like you’re in your very own Thunderbirds cockpit, all the air vents and gear controls rise up and everything seems to come to life.

It has its own touch screen controls for most major functions, reducing buttons to a discreet panel below the navigation screen. The technology’s stunning, right through from the display screen which shows you what’s behind as you reverse, to the wave of your hand activating the front interior lights and opening the glovebox.

All the modern demands for gadgets and space saving are met too with plenty of room for iPod or MP3 player connections and space for CD cases, sunglasses and even hot and cold cup holders.

When it comes to luxury and comfort the XF has heated (or cooled) seats and steering wheel, heated windscreen, rear screen and mirrors which was

great the next morning with all the ice.

I started the car up and within less than a minute it was all clear without doing anything at all - no more standing scraping my car in the morning I thought, if only! (What do you think Boss no excuse for being late to work then?)

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The boot space on this model is massive, more than enough for me to get my bike in, or my make-up bag my hubby would say.

Driving this car is amazing - the handling is superb and responsive and seeing how white the Editor’s knuckles were when we arrived at our destination I must have gone a bit faster than normal.

You really need to see this fantastic new Jaguar for yourself. It’s a beautiful car with everything you need and starts at £33,900 on the road – I doubt you’d get another car with this much quality for such a price.

A very big thank you to Daniel and his team at Marshall Jaguar Peterborough for the loan of this car.

My verdict - can I have one on long term loan please, I promise to sell more for you…

Shirley Frost

BEN NGUYEN

Scarlet Nails, Hampton Normally drives a Mercedes C Class.

“Brilliant craftsmanship inside and out and I love the powerful looking bonnet and grill. It has excellent and responsive handling and the quality inside is amazing. I am totally sold on owning one.”

Ben’s verdict: “I would never have considered looking at one if Shirley hadn’t brought it over to me as I always buy Mercedes, but this is better both in looks and quality for the money.”

Daniel, when can he pick his up?

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Elite Automotive…log on for even more choice of Performance and Luxury Sports Cars 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 213100 www.elite-automotive.co.uk

wheels@espmag.co.uk

MOTORING WHEELS

Proudly Sponsored by

A Sporty Little Number

TIP

Small and black just what I like, this car has it all and after test driving the Yaris earlier last year I was looking forward to driving another of the Toyota range and I can truly say the Auris is even better in my eyes.

When I picked up the Auris T180 from Ian at Marshall Toyota I had to take this diesel model for a spin, with the 17” alloy wheels and 2.2 litre engine what more can you ask for to give you a buzz on a Monday morning.

Everything about this car feels right, I particularly liked the position of the gear lever which gives you a smoother gear change, and the clocks in the cockpit are nice and clear and not too bright at night time.

Inside it’s big and spacious too with loads of leg room both in the front and back seats, plus the back seats fold down easily to get larger loads in. So, if you want to take to the road with your mates there'll be no holding you back and at £17,995 on the road it's competitively priced.

After picking up our own sporty little number, Kerry Bates our Face of ESP, we took a girlie road trip and as the sun shone for us we stopped off at the

Water Sports Centre at Ferry Meadows. The weather was surprisingly good so I asked if she’d do an FHM style photo shoot but for some reason she wouldn’t lay across the bonnet in her undies… sorry guys!

Kerry usually drives a VW Beetle but was won over by the Auris – “I really liked the car, it was very nippy and had a girly touch to it. It had lots of space in it to hold all my bags and make-up, which is always a brilliant feature in any car for me! I was disappointed to see this model didn’t have a built in glasses case in it as I'm used to having one of those in mine. I did really like the car though, cute, pretty and with a very funky gear stick and handbreak.”

DEALER

£1000 contribrution towards finance on this model or 0% finance available on selected models of Aygo, Yaris & Auris.

See Ian and his team to register for the new 2008 plates and tell them you’ve seen it in ESP.

A big thank you to Ian and his team at Marshall Toyota in Peterborough for the loan of the car.

Shirley Frost

ESP road tested the Toyota Auris T180 • 2231cc 16 valve DOHC Main Features of the Toyota Auris T180 in addition to T Spirit chain drive engine Exclusively available with 2.2 litre D-4D 180 developing 177DN hp • Double wishbone rear suspension • CO2 combine driving • VSC 45.6 g/km • Traction Control • 60 in just 8.1 secs • Double Stitched steering wheel, shift knob and door trim.

• Six speed manual • 5 spoke 17’’ alloys gear box • Darkened bezel headlamps

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screen.scene@espmag.co.uk

SCENE It’s the return of the zombies on the big and small screen. ESP’s Tony Stephens checks out the best of the undead… and the rest.

DIARY OF THE DEAD OUT THIS MONTH

Out: Mar 7

The man who created the zombie movie genre as we know it, George A. Romero returns to the big screen and brings gifts of shambling undead folk and buckets of blood. These new fangled running zombies of late are all well and good, but as well as being terrifying, Romero’s have a certain charm that still makes them the best. If you’ve seen any zombie movies at all then you’ll know exactly what to expect plot wise; a small band of heroes (or victims) attempting to survive an apocalyptic horror, and that sense of shock and dread when a character is bitten by the infected. What’s new here though is the method used to tell the story; it’s all captured on film with a handheld camera by one of the characters. Yes, just like the Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield. This could either be a breath of fresh air for the zombie genre, or a stale one for horror in general. And if the shaky cam in Cloverfield made you nauseous, then Diary of the Dead may see you puking your guts up even before someone has theirs eaten onscreen. Wimp.

10,000 BC

REDACTED

What can we expect from the latest movie directed by Roland Emmerich?

A big, BIG special effects spectacle, perhaps? You got it. No prizes. Sorry.

Taking a sort of sword ‘n’ sandals adventure and throwing woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers into the action should make for lots of fun. A young hunter’s lover is kidnapped from his village, and we follow him as he forms a merry band of warriors to do battle with their oppressors and hopefully get her back. So basically it’s Braveheart starring Barney Rubble.

When a car speeds past a checkpoint in Samarra, Alfa company opens fire, and find that they’ve killed a pregnant woman. A member of the company being killed by the locals in response only leads to further atrocities, and the soldiers intimidating one another to keep quiet about the incidents. The rape and murders in this film are carried out by fictional American soldiers, but are inspired by true events, and presented by Brian De Palma in a fashion that makes us feel like we’ve found the footage ourselves on YouTube.

Out: Mar 14

Out: Mar 14

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DVD SCENE

PLANET TERROR

Out: Mar 10 One half of the Grindhouse double-feature project that was unfortunately cut in two for the UK market. If you hesitated to see Tarantino’s Death Proof, don’t make the same mistake with this ‘un if you have any sense of fun (oh, and a strong stomach). Robert Rodriguez presents an epic of non-stop OTT gory action. The plot is of little importance, but if you must know: Basically, a town is infested with zombies, and a go-go dancer with a gun for a leg fights back. Yes, a gun for a leg. Just get it and see it!

BEOWULF

Out: Mar 17 The centuries old epic poem is adapted into film using CGI that gives actor Ray Winstone a six-pack instead of a spare tyre and allows Angelina Jolie to parade around naked without having to actually do so in front of a camera. It’s not all it could be, but worth a look for the excellent visuals and extreme violence.

GAME ON

CONDEMNED 2 (XBOX 360/PS3) Out: Mar 14

The original Condemned was pretty cool, being one of the few games that would make you jump at your own shadow, and now it’s back, as tense and scary as ever, with the added bonus of multiplayer! At a glance it may induce groans of - “Oh, another first-person shooter”, but guns barely feature at all; crowbars and the like rule here.

The first-person viewpoint puts you as deep into the horrific action as a videogame can, and the psychological thriller plot and CSI style elements add up to making a great game.

RAINBOW SIX VEGAS 2

TAKE 5:

ZOMBIES!!

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968) Where the nightmare began. George A. Romero pretty much invented the zombie movie with this film, and it still holds up surprisingly well thanks to some decent acting. Just beware of the dodgy remakes and ‘colour’ versions.

EVIL DEAD (1981) The undead are a little more energetic (and talkative) in Sam Raimi’s masterpiece of extreme goriness. Characters are decapitated, have their eyes thumbed out or are forced to chop their loved ones into little pieces with an axe. One is even ‘raped’ by a tree. Sounds brutal (it was banned in the UK for years) but it’s so tongue in cheek that you’ll be chuckling as much as wincing in horror.

BRAINDEAD (1992) Although he’s better known now for his Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong remake, there are still plenty of fans who’ll tell you his best film is really Braindead. The last half-hour alone is packed with more gore than all other horror films you’ve seen combined, and the scene where the hapless hero Lionel takes a baby zombie to the park will have you in stitches.

28 DAYS LATER (2002) After Danny Boyles’ iconic shots of a deserted London town, the race for survival begins, running from the infected. The main problem is that those possessed by the ‘Rage’ virus can run too. A good ‘realistic’ zombie holocaust film, and the sequel 28 Weeks Later is a decent watch too.

SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004) Simon Pegg and Nick Frost star in a hilarious comedy that happens to be a very good zombie film too, which pays tribute to the genre rather than simply spoofing it. Despite being described by its creators as a romantic comedy with zombies, it’s a little short on the love stuff, but we’ll take extra buckets of blood over sloppy kisses any day.

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

(XBOX 360/PS3) Out: Mar 20

The first trip to Vegas was probably the best thing on the 360 when it was released, but it’s since been outclassed in many respects by Call of Duty 4 (though they’re really a different type of game). However, the original turned the killing of ‘tangos’ into an addiction, and more of the same would be welcome. More, but even better would be, well... even better!

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN (WII) Out: Feb 29

(Release dates are subject to change).

What could possibly make lightgun games like Time Crisis, Virtua Cop and Ghost Squad even more fun?

Zombies! Okay, the Wii already has Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, which successfully created tension by making ammo for the decent weapons as rare as gold, but House of the Dead offers a much faster paced breed of action. Odd that the original is not included, but if the price doesn’t exceed £30, it should be a good deal for arcade/shooter/zombie junkies.

10 PAIRS OF SHOWCASE TICKETS TO WIN! We’re dedicated to giving you a great social life so if movies are your thing, put down the DVD remote and text or email us the answer to our question and you could be heading to Showcase cinema in Peterborough to see a cracking big screen movie for free!

Q – Simon Peg and Nick Frost star in which comedy zombie film?

Register at www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and you can get show times and special offers by email every week.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 28/03/08

TEXT HOTLINE

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clubland@espmag.co.uk

CLUBLAND Dance Room will see Amber D, Cally Gage, Alex F, Billy Bunter, Oblivious, DJ Syrj and Glen K. Doors from 10pm ‘til 4am, entry’s £10 before 11pm, more after.

BANK HOLIDAY @ CENTRAL

DIG DEEP THIS EASTER

After a great start to the New Year at the refurbished Club Dissident, those crazy Deep House heads commence their Spring Sessions on Easter Thursday March 20 with special guest , Midlands producer and DJ, Da Sun Lounge and then are back again on Saturday April 5 (guests yet T.B.C).

Simon Newby (AKA Da Sun Lounge) began DJ-ing in and around the Midlands Deep House scene nine years ago. In the early days he was resident of the much-respected night 'Travelling Without Moving' playing alongside DJs such as Terry Francis, Inland Knights, Peace Division, Andy Wetherall, Digs 'n' Woosh and Diesel. He’s now been producing Deep House music for over five years, with releases to date on some of the most recognised international labels within the industry and his DJ-ing has taken him around the world.

Support on the night over two rooms of funked up House music comes from DJs Andy and Ian (SAS), Pat Unwin, The Phono Brothers and The Audio Gourmets. Entrance is £4 before 11pm and £5 after, doors are from 10pm – late at Club Dissident, 24 Lincoln Road, Peterborough.

WWW.DIG-DEEP.NET

FUTURE HARDCORE V TASTY

Following on from the success of the big Hyperbolic Hard Dance Night last Easter – it’s back! This time forget the Old Skool as Future Hardcore goes head to head with Tasty, with two rooms featuring a killer line-up of DJs and MCs on Easter Sunday March 23. The Hardcore Room features Darren Styles, DJ Hixxy, Billy (Daniel) Bunter, DJ Nemesis, Paul Grant, DJ No Sweat while the Classic Hard

TUNES!

Easter Sunday action at Central in Stamford has Dr. Dubstep on March 23 with a full on UK Garage and R&B night featuring UK Garage, Nu Skool and Old Skool R&B. If you like T2, H20 and Delinquent Ft K Cat, you’ll love this night!

Doors are open 10pm - 2.30am. Warm up in Brownes from 8pm with BOGOF on all bottles ‘til 10.30pm.

Keep your eyes peeled for some quality DJ’s and PA’s at Central on Broad Street from the likes of Bootyluv, DJ Luck & Mc Neat and many more on the way. Check www.Myspace.Com/Centralstamford

SPUNKY @ CLUB DISSIDENT SPUNKY (the filthier side of House) touches down at Club Dissident, 24 Lincoln Road Peterborough on Saturday March 29.

Showcasing dirty Tech House, Electro House and Bassline House, DJs for this special night are DJ Undecided (Northline Recordings), Garry Keiller, Paul Wiseman, Drew Tilney, Paul Brice, Bamford Brothers and Steve Andrews.

Expect to hear the filthiest House beats currently on the scene. It’s £3 entry before 11pm and £5 after. Doors open at 10pm through ‘til 5am.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ILLEGAL!

The lads behind the ‘Illegal’ night (not literally!) at Radius on Northminster, Peterborough, celebrate their second birthday in style this Easter.

Get Thursday March 20 in your diary people and remember, no work the next day as it’s Good Friday. DJs on the night will be the Illegal residents Budsy and Soapy who most people will know from their hugely popular Saturday nights at the Solstice and also from the old Westside Bar. Music policy will be Funky and Electro House and a trip back in time with some House and Old School classics.

ECLECTIC NIGHTS IN STAMFORD

Mi Familia in Stamford keeps it Eclectic this month with two great nights coming up. Your first dose of Eclectic Ballroom is on March 1 and if that gets you wanting more head back on March 21 for more of the same.

HYPERBOLIC V BRAINSTORM

Hyperbolic goes head to head with Brainstorm for a mega night of Hard Dance and Hardcore at The Park on Park Road on Saturday March 8.

There’s a mega line-up including; Robbie Long, DJ Druid, DJ Ballistic, Paul Grant, DJ Destiny, DJ Doodles, MC Odyssey, Byzee, Surgeon and Bonio. Doors open at 11pm until 5am. Entry’s £7 before midnight.

ANY OLD SOUL @ VERVE

Peterborough's primary Funk night Any Old Soul has it's first outing of the year on Saturday March 8 at its residency, Verve on Church Street, Peterborough. With the emphasis on all things funky, DJs Wayne, Pat Unwin (DIG DEEP) and Dr Shrink (Throwdown) will be dropping Soul, Funk, Hip Hop and breaks on the turntables from 8.30pm - 3am. Entrance on the night is free so get a Spring in your step with Peterborough's finest Funk Heads!

FRIDAYS @ CENTRAL WITH DJ HOWIE J

Friday nights @ Central in Stamford are currently going through a resurgence with resident DJ Howie J in control. The finest R&B, Garage, Dance and Anthems lead the way!

Downstairs in Brownes, after Midnight on Fridays and Saturday is a night out in its own right with people travelling from all over for the full on retro, 70’s, 80’s, party and cheese! Nick and the guys at Central would like to thank all the visitors from Peterborough who come over every week and promise some great things to come!

DEEPEST BLUE RETURN WITH A ‘MIRACLE’ Chart topping dance duo, Deepest Blue, are back in the 08 mix, with a killer tune that’s bound to blow the speakers round clubland.

Production whiz Matt Schwartz and frontman Joel Edwards once again up the dosage with ‘Miracle’ (out April 14 on Destined Records), an eight minute club banger that screams chart success. Coupled with a filthy, Electro House remix by The Drill and we’re all set for some heavy duty rotation.

Already a favourite amongst various luminaries like Pete Tong, Eddie Halliwell, Paul Van Dyk and Tiesto, Deepest Blue have mixed up a new batch of their musical formula for chart success in the form of ‘Miracle’ - the new single taken off the duo’s forthcoming album out later this year. www.deepestblue.com www.myspace.com/deepestblue

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MARCH 1st 8th 14th 20th 21st 27th

Halcyon Daze One Eyed Cats Leon Motown Night On the Ceiling Irish Night

Function room for hire

www.dontscrapthetap.com

How are you getting home tonight?

Don't just get in any old vehicle, know what you’re getting into...

Which should you use?

Bus Train Licensed black cab

Licensed mini cab/private hire

Designated driver

Unlicensed taxi

Photos: A Hernandez

ON THE ROAD WITH REVENUE

After narrowly being beaten in the final of C4's Mobile Unsigned Act of the year in December.

Peterborough band Revenue are back on the road playing to packed crowds at music venues across the country. ESP's Steve Gonzalez pulled on the skinniest pair of jeans he could get into and headed over to Leicester to see them play at The Charlotte. get up on stage with Adam, then a few more.

Pretty soon everyone who can get on stage is up there with them. Someone steps on Jonny's guitar lead, and one of the guitars is lost. Pato and Sav are squashed up against the drum kit, which acts as a more effective crash barrier for drummer James Hearn than the one at the front of the stage with Adam surrounded at the edge of the stage.

BLOOD, SWEAT AND CHEERS… It's 10.30pm on a Friday night and Revenue are two songs into their 40 minute set supporting The Dandelions in Leicester. The venue’s packed with youthful fans, jumping up and down with mobile phones in their hands, singing along, taking pictures of the band and greeting each song with a loud cheer.

For most bands this would be enough, but not for Revenue. Before they launch into their next song 'Deadman' lead singer Adam Bridges says to the crowd - "You're a bit quiet aren't you Leicester ?!" This is answered with the biggest cheer of the night, and raises the atmosphere a notch or two.

By the start of the next song 'Chineseman' cheering, crowd surfing, and singing along is no longer enough for the crowd. Two lads

Unfortunately the raucous exuberance of the crowd comes at a cost. By the time the song ends, the owner is in the sound booth and decides to cut the gig short.

"If the crowd get off the stage can we play one more song?" asks Pato hopefully.

The response back from the sound booth is a musical corker - "No, you've got the crowd too excited".

Pato shrugs his shoulders and replies with... "But that's what we do !"

Before he can continue the discussion, the power is cut from the stage, and the venue's PA starts playing a Jimi Hendrix song. The crowd make their feelings known and chant the band's name over and over.

"REV-EN-YOU, REV-EN-YOU, REV-EN-YOU." But it's to no avail and the band’s ushered off stage.

CRESSET IN OVERDRIVE

Legendary Punk Rock band Stiff Little Fingers hit the city this month when they play there on March 1.

If you’re a bit of a Soul fan rather than Punk, check out The Drifters on March 28 with all the hits and all the mum and dad dancing you can handle!

Tickets are only £18 on the same number.

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It was a disappointment not to get to hear the full Revenue works but we’ll be catching up with them again soon and hope these guys really do get the success that they so narrowly missed out on with the TV show.

Revenue (Adam Bridges (vocals), Jonny Richman (guitar), The Sav on guitar, James 'Animal' Hearn on drums and Simon' Pato' Paterson on bass) will be playing a homecoming gig of sorts at Xoo Bar on Priestgate, Peterborough along with The Gingerbread Men on Friday March 8 at 8pm.

Tickets are likely to sell out quickly, so best get down there early.

If acoustic troubadour Folk stuff is your bag then check out Seth Lakeman a bit later in the spring on May 1. The Mercury Prize nominated singer guitarist has been likened to just about every famous folk guitarist but James Taylor or Richard Thomson spring to mind, £15 is worth every penny.

The Cresset in Bretton is wading into the live music scene in a big way this spring with some great acts.

Jake Burns and the guys have been touring for nigh on thirty years now but still put on a blistering show. It starts at 7pm with a couple of local bands so get down early to catch the full show. Tickets are only £15 in advance or £17.50 on the door. Call the Cresset box office on 01733 265705 to be part of a great gig!

Afterwards I catch up with Pato - "Sorry about that. I thought once everyone got off the stage they'd let us carry on. I can't believe they stopped us because we got the crowd too excited. That's what all these people have come to see us do. Oh well, at least it's given you a good story to write about!"

Seth Lakeman

The Levellers

Then….the gig of the spring…The Levellers! Yep, the renowned crusty Folk Rockers hit the city on May 25.

Having seen them four or five times they’re without doubt one of the best live bands I’ve seen. If you want an evening of dancing like a lunatic and grinning like an idiot then go! The mosh pit will be bouncing, the cider will be flowing and I will be in the middle of it!

Tickets are £17.50, again from the Cresset box office or see www.cresset.co.uk Andy Slater

Members Club

Members Club New members welcome

Live Music

March 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th

Willow Honeywell Mustang Blue Halcyon Daze Irene Secret

£1 members / £3 guests £1 members / £3 guests £1 members / £3 guests £1 members / £3 guests £1 members / £3 guests

Also A selection of fine real ales Darts, dominoes, crib, snooker and pool also available

Grove Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 567352 Function room available for party hire (not Saturdays)

1st March Angry Man + Disco Members Free / Guests £1 15th March Lloyd Watson Band + Disco Members Free / Guest £ 1 22nd March The Beatalls + Disco (all Ticket event) Members £2 / Guests £4 5th April Unkle Monkey + Halcyon Daze + Disco Members Free / Guests £1 19th April The Replicas + Disco Members Free / Guest £2 10th May Noasis + Disco Members Free / Guest £2 17th May Porky Pig + Disco Members Free / Guest £1 31st May Wella Live + Disco Members £2 / Guest £4 7th June Fletton Club Summer Ball in aid of the British Heart Foundation Citizen Smify + Disco Tickets £5

Weekly guest real ales • Sky Sports Snooker/ Pool • Large Beer Garden 243A High Street, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 341326

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC ESP’s music reporter Andy Whittaker has the lowdown on the local live scene…

LIFE ON MARS FOR STORM

IRENE RAE – LIVE AND UNSIGNED

It’s refreshing to speak with someone who has a genuine ambition to make a living as a performer and Stamford’s Irene Rae is one of those performers who deserves to make it big. Having written and performed all over the country for several years, Irene’s recently made it through to the semi-finals of Live and Unsigned UK, a live event being held at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Saturday March 15. “I really would like to drum up some support from this area,” says Irene. “I need to sell tickets for the event, because the audience get a percentage of the vote to decide the winner!”

Live and Unsigned UK is an annual national music competition with over 10,000 entries this year alone and is covered by the ITV network. What makes it unique is that the judges are all established record producers, managers and artists in their own right… so they know what the industry is looking for!

“This is a fantastic opportunity,” continues Irene, “and I am the only female solo artist from the east-midlands to make it this far!”

If you can’t make it to Wolverhampton, make sure you catch Irene Rae locally when she plays The Glass Onion, Burghley Road, Peterborough on Thursday March 6, The Horse & Jockey in Manton near Oakham on Friday March 7, at The International Women’s Day event at The Boathouse in Cambridge (males are welcome too) on Sunday March 9 or at Mi Familia in Stamford on Thursday March 13.

In a weird twist of fate and time, classic-rock band Storm have found themselves catapulted into the 21st Century and have launched a website! In an almost reverse situation to TV’s Life on Mars, these rockers (who’ve been stuck in the 70’s for decades) have found themselves thrown into a modern world, but are still playing classic hits by the likes of Thin Lizzy, Led Zep, Deep Purple and Santana. You can see Storm in all their glory playing The Cherry Tree on Oundle Road Friday March 7, or at the Bluebell, Dogsthorpe Friday March 21, or at The Cock Inn, Werrington on Saturday March 29… and do check out their website! www.stormrocks.co.uk

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London troubadour Jack Savoretti has landed a two-month tour of Caffé Nero venues across the country, landing at the Peterborough café at lunchtime, 1pm, on Monday March 3. With a massive following, Jack’s been likened to Nick Drake and Damien Rice in style and content, so if you want a relaxing lunchtime coffee and sandwich, head to the venue on Broadway, near Cathedral Square. www.myspace.com/jacksavoretti

NEW EP FROM MIDWEZT

Local acoustic four-piece Midwezt have announced the upcoming release of their latest EP ‘Mick’s Place’ in March. Their recent successes have led them to a series of gigs both nationally and internationally, which culminates in July with a US tour, taking in venues as far afield as Utah and New York state. If you want to catch them locally however, you’re in luck. Midwezt will be hitting Peterborough to promote their new release on Thursday March 6 at Unity, Club Dissident (formerly Spirit & Soul) on Lincoln Road at 8pm. www.myspace.com/midwezt1

www.irenerae.co.uk

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SAVORETTI AT CAFFÉ NERO

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JAX AND GAYNOR SAY GOODBYE TO THE COMET

The Comet on Garton End Road, Peterborough is about to lose its greatest assets in Jax and Gaynor, who’ve made a huge difference to live music in the venue over the past few years. So, for the last time under their stewardship, I announce the next few gigs happening their. Friday February 29 sees Eskimo Joe take to the stage, followed by Riff Raff on Saturday March 1 and Smithy playing Jax and Gaynor’s farewell gig on Friday March 7. Bye girls and good luck in everything you do from all of us at ESP.

BOO BOO DAVIS IN THE BORO

Shakedown Blues have finally got their man!

After 2½ years of trying to book top Blues man Boo Boo Davis but struggling with the price tag, a last minute cancellation has finally given them their chance.

He’ll now be appearing at Castor Village Hall with his own touring band of seasoned Dutch Blues warriors on Saturday March 15 and is one not to missed.

From playing the harmonica at the age of five, Boo Boo has turned his considerable talents to the guitar and the drums. With several critically acclaimed albums to his credit and major festival dates including: the North Sea Jazz Festival (Holland), The Pocono Blues Festival (USA), Nancy Jazz Pulse (France) and Colne Blues Festival (UK) it would seem Shakedown have been chasing this Blues star with good reason.

COLUMBIAN NECKTIE ON MTV

We’re doing well for local bands making it on to TV at the moment – now the lads from odd-rock trio Columbian Necktie are set to grace MTV2 in the ‘Get Seen Get Heard’ competition.

They’ve been filmed playing live in Peterborough and interviewed by the music channel for part of a 22-minute programme which will be broadcast on MTV2 (Sky channel 345).

The other 25 UK bands which went through in the rock category will also be featured in the programme and then you’ll be asked to vote for your favourite band (Columbian Necktie obviously…)to go through to the next round.

There’s a session with a music industry mentor and the chance to play a live set on MTV's ‘Spanking New Music Sessions’ at stake.

Tom from the band told ESP – “We're only a small band so managing to get seen on MTV, even at this early stage is pretty mind blowing. We've got a lot of hard work to go though if we want to get further on. All we really want to do is get a tour together and hopefully the MTV stuff will help us with that.”

Keep up with all the latest and details on how to vote through www.myspace.com/columbiannecktie

The Surgens

THORPE HALL HOSPICE PRESENTS… GIG REVIEW

It was an impressive night at Radius Club on Northminster recently, when Sue Ryder Care launched the first ‘Thorpe Hall Hospice Presents’ CD to raise money for the running of Thorpe Hall in Peterborough. The packed venue and fantastic audience enjoyed music from several local bands featured on the CD.

Derrin Nauendorf

First on stage were King Kool, who set the tone for the night and turned up the volume to 11 from the off with their unique garage-rock vibe.

Angry Man continued their return to regular gigging, with an awesome set of songs new and old; and Paul the soundman did an extraordinary job in bringing out the best in the sound system. This didn’t go unnoticed, as Derrin Nauendorf treated the awe-struck audience with a most amazing solo set and with only his voice and a guitar, sounded like he was on stage as part of a four-piece band, just amazing!

Local heroes, The Surgens went to the stage next donning their blood-soaked aprons and array of unusual instruments, which had the crowd virtually on stage with them, as they moshed around to their trademark twisted Blues.

And finally, after having the audience roused into a frenzy, Rebelation took to the stage with their Reggae, Ska and Rocksteady vibes; and as the horn section hit the harmonies, the room was as one with the rudeboy’s and gals skanking the night away into the early hours. This was a great cross-section of the music on the CD, which also features local bands such as Straw Bear and Mesh-29, but also includes better known names like Sam Brown & Dave Rotheray (Beautiful South) and Iain Archer (Snow Patrol). The CD is available online and at selected outlets, including HMV in Peterborough. Check out the website for more details. www.myspace.com/thorpehallpresents

STRAW BEAR GIG REVIEW

Having recently heard their album, I was very keen to see Ely based band Straw Bear in action and wasn’t disappointed. With a definite Talking Heads feel to much of their set, it was difficult to tell whether Ian was an awkward front-man, or if it was an intentional style. Either way, the confidence in their music was astounding as they made use of pre-programmed rhythms and effects to produce great results and compliment their live playing. The answer to my question came later when their raucous and anthemic track ‘Russia’ started up and Ian announced in his own charismatic and tongue-in-cheek way that “I’ve now got to pretend to be a proper frontman!” In between playing Norwich and Camden and supporting Think Floyd in May, you can see Straw Bear locally on Saturday April 5 at The Blue Barn in Little Downham near Ely. www.myspace.com/strawbear

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COLUMN Andy

Slater andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

In his regular look at our local musical talent, Andy Slater grabs a word with bass player Colin Hodgkinson currently on the circuit with none other than Chris Rea… arguably one of the biggest bands in the world at that time - Whitesnake, and with his amiable manner plays it down. “Yeah I knew the lads from up north. They were getting going and asked me to play ,so yeah I played.”

No drama, no histrionics… ‘I played’.

Colin’s own project with Ron Asprey and Tony Hicks was the Jazz rock band ‘Back Door’ formed in ‘71 in Yorkshire, and after a small label, cottage industry type success the NME wrote rave reviews and the band were snapped up by Warner and the album reissued to critical acclaim.

Colin Hodgkinson

After managing to get a promoter barred from his local for being underage, (sorry Jack) following last month’s column, I turn my attentions to a Peterborough man who over the last 40 years or so has carved a very deep notch in the headboard of the world’s greatest bass players.

“I was talking to Tony (Hicks) a while back about dong a ‘Back Door’ thing again and we enlisted the help of Rod Mason as Ron (Asprey) was sadly no longer with us. Unfortunately Tony also passed away and I thought that was it but after a while I decided it would be good to carry the project through and we’ve enlisted Paul Robinson to join in. Paul played with Nina Simone for 15 years so it should be great.”

you either got the Blues or you aint and when Chris wanted a bass player for the album ‘The Return of the Fabulous Hofner Bluenotes’ and resulting tour… only one man was in the frame, Colin.

“Ive been fortunate enough to travel the world but this tour will take me to some new places like Russia and eastern Europe which I’ve never seen.” Looking at the schedule though, I doubt that there’ll be much time for sight-seeing - “No probably not - gig, hotel, tour bus, arena, sound check, gig!”

As a seasoned pro he is under no illusions of the routine of such a tour.

Colin is a softly spoken man of great stature, having shaken his hand it feels like a giant shovel, much needed to play the bass like only he can. Talking to him you get a sense that yep, he’s been there done that. No sordid anecdotes or tales of woe just a man who’s comfortable with his gift.

As you read this Colin Hodgkinson is in the early stages of a massive European tour with Chris Rea. Indeed March will see him land back here from Belgium to start the UK leg of the tour which will be, when finished, the best part of fifty dates. This at the age of 62 is not indicative of a man past his best or winding down!

Colin was born in Peterborough in 1945 and picked up a guitar at the age of ten. He changed to bass at the age of 14 when he saw long time pal Rex Gates playing.

Photos: Andy Johnson

“I saw Rex playing and thought that’s the instrument for me,” Colin told me, “a few years later I was playing with the Dynatones when we supported The Beatles when they played the Embassy (now Edwards bar) in Peterborough.”

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The Beatles are just the first of a list of world renowned musicians that Colin’s been associated with, to list them all would take up the page but try Alexis Korner, Jon Lord, Chris Farlowe, Jan Hammer, Spencer Davis, Frank Deitz, Cozy Powell, Jimmy Page and Charlie Watts to name but a few.

The mid eighties saw Colin playing with

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(L-R) Pete York, Tony Ashton, Milleranderson, Zoot Money, Jon Lord and Colin Hodgkinson Colin also enjoys gigs he plays with Maggie Bell - “I love doing it, the band is a lot of fun, we’ve just recoded a CD.” The thing that crossed my mind at this point was where the hell does he get the time!

So back to today, the Chris Rea gig. “I first met Chris when he was a kid, he came to a Back Door gig and handed me a cassette tape and asked me if I’d have a listen, it was great.”

Colin and Chris‘ paths crossed over the years and the illness that Chris Rea went through is well documented. As they say,

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He’s appreciative of his fortune and his fellow musicians and loves what he does playing bass for his and other people’s pleasure.

My thanks to his sister Hannah for organising the interview, pay a visit to Nene Valley Railway she’d love to see you all, and to Miguel Terol for the amazing Biography!

Riverside dining - blues, brews and fine views

incorporating the home of great food:

The only place in Peterborough to find quality entertainment and Blues on a boat • Bar food menu available 12-2:30, 7 days a week • 12+ real ales available on handpump and 20+ bottled beers/lagers from around the world

• Real Ales served daily • Sky + Setanta - all sporting events shown with drinks offers for the big matches • Food served daily 12pm-9.30pm and Sunday 11am-9.30pm • Karaoke every 2nd and 4th Friday • Don’t miss a thing in our heated and covered designated smoking terrace with TV’s and sound system

PETERBOROUGH’S PREMIER BEER GARDEN

Late Nite Live AKA ‘BLUES ON THE BOAT’

29th Mar 4th Apr 5th Apr

Eddie Blue Lester & The Ravens Derrin Nauendorf The Cockroach Club

DOOR CHARGES MAY APPLY

Live Jam sessions every other Sunday

• 3 beer gardens • Free pool on Sundays

THE HARRIER Gunthorpe Road, Gunthorpe

Town Bridge, Peterborough 01733 315700 www.oakhamales.com manager@charters-bar.co.uk Open 7 days a week from noon

gigs@espmag.co.uk

GIGGUIDE FRI FEB 29 MESH 29 The Park Park Road

WHITE SPIRIT The Baskervilles Baston

PORKY PIG The Whittle Way Stanground

ESKIMO JOE The Comet Dogsthorpe

HOOKER Cherry Tree Oundle Road

101 PROOF Fayre Spot Bretton

SAT MAR 1 STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Cresset Bretton

ANGRY MAN

TUE MAR 4 OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Comet Garton End Road

WED MAR 5 IRENE RAE

The Glass Onion Burghley Road

THUR MAR 6 DAFFY & THE ALIEN London inn Stamford

FEET TO THE FIRE Crown Inn Elton

MIDWEZT

Club Dissident Lincoln Road

FRI MAR 7 STORM

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

Fletton Club High Street Fletton

MARCH TO THE GRAVE

Ebeneezers Grove Street

SMITHY

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

Golden Fleece Stamford

FRIXION

The Dragon Werrington

TURISAS

Brewery Tap Westgate

SAT MAR 8 GRUMPY OLD MEN

WILLOW CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION TUT

THE NUGGETS POINT 7 PISTOL + SUPPORT RIFF RAFF

Comet Garton End Road

Green Man Stamford

Comet Garton End Road

The Fayre Spot Bretton Bluebell Dogsthorpe The Park Park Road

Three Horseshoes Werrington

LIVE BAND

COUNTERFEIT HONEYWELL QUO + THE ALMABOOBIES Ebeneezers Grove Street Corn Exchange Bourne

BURLESQUE The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

MON MAR 3 JACK SAVORETTI Caffé Nero Long Causeway

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

TUT

Royal Oak Bourne

ONE EYED CATS Lime Tree Paston Lane

CROSSFIRE REUNION

Comet Garton End Road

STEEL UNION (DELTA BLUES) Mi Familia Stamford

KEEP IT CASH Bourne Angel Hotel

BURLESQUE

Warboys Sports & Social Club

FEET TO THE FIRE

Horse & Groom Holbeach

PORKY PIG Bluebell Dogsthorpe

BEYOND ALL REASON + SUPPORT The Park Park Road

SAT MAR 15 RIFF RAFF Cherry Tree Oundle Road

MUSTANG BLUE Ebeneezers Grove Street

TUT

Brennan’s Bar Spalding

THE MOONLIGHT SHADOWS Royal Oak Bourne

THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM METHODISTS Mi Familia Stamford

SUN MAR 9 THE CONTRAST LLOYD WATSON + RUN DON'T Fletton Club WALK High Street (Afternoon gig) The Peacock London Road

SUMO Fletton

ARGENT DAWN Dogsthorpe + SUPPORT TUE MAR 18 The Park Park Road OPEN MIC NIGHT TUE MAR 11 The Comet OPEN MIC Garton End Road NIGHT THUR MAR 20 The Comet Garton End Road PHASE 5 Brewery Tap MAR 13 Westgate IRENE RAE FRI MAR 21 Mi Familia Stamford THE MOONLIGHT FRI MAR 14 SHADOWS RNB Abbey hotel Bluebell

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

ON THE CEILING

THE SPIRIT

Crowland

LEON

Lime Tree Paston Lane

O’Neill’s Broadway

Lime Tree Paston Lane

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Swiss Cottage Woodston

PORKY PIG Fayre Spot Bretton

TED COLLINS Bluebell Dogsthorpe

CENTURION The Park Park Road

UNDERCOVER Cherry Tree Oundle Road

STORM

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Whittle Way Stanground

DWAYNE WATSON Fayre Spot Bretton

POSTMORTEM PROMISES + SUPPORT

LEE MAJOR Fayre Spot Bretton

Relentless Weekender The Park Park Road

LLOYD WATSON

SAT MAR 22 GRUMPY OLD MEN

DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

IAN PARKER Charters Town Bridge

FRANKLY MY DEAR Cherry Tree Oundle Road

HALCYON DAZE Ebeneezers Grove Street

THE NUGGETS Golden Fleece Stamford

101 PROOF Bluebell Dogsthope

THE BEATALLS Fletton Club High Street Fletton

VIATROPHY + SUPPORT

Relentless Weekender The Park Park Road

SUN MAR 23 LEGEND Nags Head Bourne

GRUMPY OLD MEN + LEON + RETROLUX + ACER The Deeping Stage Market Deeping

TUE MAR 25 OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Comet Garton End Road

FRI MAR 28 PULSE Cherry Tree Oundle Road

Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Park Park Road

SAT MAR 29 PORKY PIG Cherry Tree Oundle Road

EDDIE BLUE LESTER & THE RAVENS Charters Town Bridge

THE JETS + V8 RUMBLE The Corn Exchange Bourne

THE REPLICAS The Nags Head Bourne

IRENE SECRET Ebeneezers Grove Street

THE MOONLIGHT SHADOWS The Vine South Street Coates

STORM

The Cock Inn Werrington

KING KOOL Mi Familia Stamford

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Prince of Wales Castor

FEET TO THE FIRE Punchbowl Stamford

THE MIGHTY QUINN Bluebell Dogsthorpe

STORM

O’Neill’s Peterborough

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Cross Keys Oundle Road Woodston

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free e-mail gigs@espmag.co.uk or fax on 01733 579708 or post to: ESP Magazine, PO Box 431, Peterborough, PE6 7FG.

pub@espmag.co.uk

PUBGUIDE Chequers

Dog in a Doublet

• Regular Entertainment • Tues - Open Mic Night • Fri – Karaoke • Sat – Games and Poker Night • Sun – Quiz Night • Real Ales and home cooked food • Beer Garden

• A community based family-friendly pub • Food served Tues –Sat in our refurbished restaurant daily • Sunday Roast 12pm-4pm • Children’s menu and play area • Happy Hour - Mon and Thurs 5pm-7pm • £2 all pints - Fridays 7pm – 10pm

Napier Place, Orton Wistow Tel: 01733 230375

North Bank, Whittlesey Tel:01733 202256

Wheatsheaf

Carpenters Arms

• Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Sky and Setanta sports • Beer garden and patio • Food served daily inc BOGOF on steaks every day • Live music (see ESP gig guide) • Entertainment every 2nd and 4th Saturday • Families welcome ‘til 8pm

• Real Ales served • All major sporting events shown including Sky Sports • Sunday lunch 12pm-4pm • Food served daily 12pm-7pm • Karaoke every Friday • Beer garden with dedicated smoking area

Eastfield Road, Peterborough Tel: 01733 562724

South St, Stanground.

Tel: 01733 894554

The Plough

Bluebell

• Full A La Carte menu served • Steak Night Wed & Sun - £7.50 inc sweet • Curry Night Thurs - £7.50 inc sweet • Children’s Menu and Sunday Lunch Menu please book • Large serviced events field for hire • Conference room for hire • Large beer garden with children’s play area

• Family Friendly Pub • Food served Tuesday - Sunday • Regular live entertainment • Real Ales always served • Beer Garden with designated heated smoker’s area

Milk and Water Drove, Farcet Fen. Tel: 01733 844307

The Green, Werrington.

Tel: 01733 571264

Windmill

The Packhorse

EAT ALL YOU CAN - £5.95 MON-WED 6-9PM • Real Ales • Sky Sports shown • Fully refurbished beer garden with terrace • Fri Night & Sunday carvery – booking advisable

• Full evening menu served Tuesday – Saturday • Sunday Lunch 12 - 3pm (booking advisable) • Early bird menu - 5.30 - 7pm, 2 courses £9.95 • Full lunch menu - 2 courses £7.95 • Real ales a speciality – families welcome - beer garden

Cherry Orton Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 231554

Lincoln Road, Northborough.

Tel: 01733 252300

Bluebell

Golden Fleece

• Live music every weekend (check ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Mon-Friday • Sky + Setanta sports • Real Ales • Free pool on Tuesdays • Large family beer garden

• Food served daily • Live music every weekend (see ESP Gig Guide) • Karaoke every Thursday & Sunday • Real Ales served in our welcoming bar • Prize quiz first Wed every month Sheep Market, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 763749

St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890

To have your pub advertised here, please give Andy a call on 01733 579707 or email: andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

sport@espmag.co.uk

LOCALSPORT With their youngest ever team; The Panthers are looking hot and revving up for a new season of all action speedway.

Isn’t it time you took a look?

If you’ve never given the speedway a try – now’s your chance as the Peterborough Muscle Finesse Panthers go to the tapes at the Alwalton Showground on March 13, as this raw and rousing sport kicks off a new season. These are the guys who hit the dirt with no brakes and provide some real excitement as they battle it out around the track.

The 2008 Panthers team is the youngest ever Peterborough side with an average age of just 22, whilst Captain Hans Andersen is the oldest at just 27.

Peterborough have signed March based James Cockle as the team’s No.8 and he’ll deputise for the reserves as and when needed. The fact that Panthers landed Rivergate based team sponsors ‘Muscle Finesse’ and James Cockle in the same time period didn’t escape the national papers, as both The Daily Star and The Sun ran stories covering the ‘Muscles and Cockles’ connection!

The guys kick off their 39th season with an inter league challenge match against near neighbours Mildenhall Fen Tigers this month.

It’s the first time for sixteen years that Mildenhall will have attended the Showground to take on the Panthers as the two teams have raced in different divisions since 1992.

Promoter Colin Horton told ESP: “It’s important that the team get a practice match in before starting the official fixtures and bearing in mind we’re grouped locally with Ipswich and Lakeside in the Craven Shield, I thought it would be different if we attracted opposition that the fans wouldn’t normally see, it also provides Mildenhall

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supporters with a chance to see how their team fare against an Elite League side.

FIXTURES

“I am sure they’ll provide us with an entertaining match and having recently signed Kaj Laukkanen as their No. 1, they have riders who ride the Showground very well.”

Panthers this year open with a derby challenge match against near neighbours Mildenhall and then the rest of the month it’s into home and away Craven Shield action against Ipswich and Lakeside.

So, if you want a flavour of what speedway’s all about, give this night a try – the fans are friendly and will fill you in on the rules if you’re stuck! If you get caught up in the excitement and atmosphere of this unique night out, you might find yourself down the Showground cheering the guys on to (hopefully) another title!

The Panthers start their Elite League campaign with an early date at the end of March at Eastbourne, and Sky visit the Showground for the first time on Tuesday the April 8 when they entertain Eastbourne.

March

MEET THE RIDERS NIGHT

If you’re already a season ticket holder, Peterborough Speedway are holding an exclusive ‘meet the riders’ evening on March 12, with all the team and management in attendance. It’s a night arranged for the club’s sponsors and 2008 season ticket holders and there’s complimentary buffet is being provided.

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Thu

13th MILDENHALL

Home

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Thu

20th LAKESIDE

Home

CS

Mon 24th IPSWICH – 6.30pm

Home

CS

Thu

27th Ipswich

Away

CS

Fri

28th Lakeside

Away

CS

Sat

29th Eastbourne

Away

ELA

April Thu

3rd

LAKESIDE

Home

ELA

Tue

8th

EASTBOURNE (Sky) Home

ELA

Thu

17th BELLE VUE

Fri

18th Lakeside

Mon 21st IPSWICH Peterborough Panthers Website www.peterboroughspeedway.net Peterborough Panthers Speedcall 09068-664681

Home

ELA

Away

ELA

Home

ELA

...coming soon!

Peterborough’s BIGGEST quiz is coming back with even BIGGER prizes and BIGGER fun, so to join in REGISTER today!

Venue: The Brewery Tap, Westgate, Peterborough - Date: May 14, 8pm Register now on 01733 579707 or email bigquiz@espmag.co.uk for details and to receive your sponsorship form – gain sponsorship per point to help raise cash for Sue Ryder Care Thorpe Hall Hospice. 10% off Thai food for teams taking part – meals must be booked in advance on 01733 358500. Maximum six per team - £10 per team.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L :

01733 579707

sport@espmag.co.uk

LOCALSPORT

THE ICE HOCKEY LEGENDS ARE ON THEIR WAY

Don’t forget the biggest ice hockey game ever held in the city is on its way this month with some of the legends of ice hockey making a return to Peterborough!

There’s a cracking night for sports fans coming up at Posh with none other than former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson heading to the Boro.

Get a bunch of mates together and secure a table for £500 + VAT for a table of ten. Alex Harris at Posh has all the info so call him and book on 07834 409426.

Peterborough United Football Club have booked the footy star for a Sporting Dinner in the Caroline Hand Executive Suite at London Road on Friday May 16.

It’s positive news wherever you look at London Road at the minute with season ticket prices frozen for next season and a recent announcement that the club are hosting a season ticket Open Weekend on Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23.

The charismatic Merson, who’s now a pundit on Sky Sports, had a memorable career, which saw him play for the Gunners, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in the top flight before a spell in charge at Walsall as playermanager.

There’ll be a chance to meet the players, go behind the scenes at London Road and take part in many other fun activities. For more info, visit www.theposh.com.

Not surprisingly he’s one of the most in-demand after-dinner speakers on the circuit and always has guests laughing at his tales from his career.

This event is bound to be extremely popular with footy fans and there’s already been interest in tables.

On the pitch, the season’s entering the final home straight and Posh are in a good position to challenge for an automatic promotion place after a good February which saw wins over Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Rochdale and Barnet.

The evening includes drinks on arrival, a three-course meal and a chance to bid for some fantastic items in their sports memorabilia auction.

Merson’s tales won’t be the only think to have you laughing as there’s a top comedian lined up for the evening to.

Remember, all home fixtures at London Road have a fantastic discount for under 16s in the Norwich and Peterborough Family Stand with children under 16 admitted for just £5 with under 10s going free with a paying adult.

Players from the last 25 years will take to the ice in front of a capacity crowd as Ice Hockey fans of the Pirates and the Phantoms come together to cheer on their heroes in what promises to be a fantastic night. With fifty current and ex-players coming together for one game, including ten flying in especially for the weekend from the US and Canada the teams have been split so that each team contains players from each of the sport’s three decades. Some of the players took part in the very first ice hockey game in 1982 whilst others are still playing for teams in the city today.

Expect names like Antti Kohvakka, Tony Hunter, Todd Bidner, Doug McEwen, Lewis Buckman, Dwayne Newman, Cam Plante, Jesse Hammill, Randy Smith, Trent Kaese, Cassie Dawkins and Grant Hendry… there are just too many to mention so check the full line-up on www.LegendsOfPeterborough.com The game organisers are also still in discussion with a number of special guest players for the evening too, so expect a few surprises on the night. You’ll need to get a ticket in advance as it’ll be a sell-out so don’t hang about and end up missing the action!

TALKING SPORT WITH TWO POSH GEEZERS

Sport fans in the Boro have a new radio show to fulfil their hunger for news on all the city’s footy, speedway, ice hockey and rugby action (and the rest!)

Lite FM programme controller Gregg Nunney told ESP – “Peterborough’s a huge city for sport, with a football team on the up – some great teams and potential 2012 Olympic Stars. With this in mind, we thought that what was needed was a dedicated sports hour during the week.”

So now there’s ‘Talking Sport with Two Posh Geezers’ every Wednesday from 7-8pm on Lite FM 106.8. The show’s hosted by Phil Adlam and Leigh Porter who know the local sporting scene inside out – and they should – because they both work at London Road! Don’t think this is going to be all stuffy facts and figures though, the guys promise great music, humorous chat, big guests and great giveaways!

You can interact on-line at www.lite1068.com or by calling 01733 704106.

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Photos: Nene Digital

Photo: fcpix.co.uk

Paul Merson is heading to Peterborough and the Posh Open Weekend is on its way – time to head for London Road…

On March 16, the Peterborough Arena will host the ‘Legends of Peterborough’ ice hockey game in celebration of 25 years of ice hockey in the city and ESP will be there to cheer on the guys. Our Face of ESP Kerry Bates will also be making a special appearance and watch out for those Paparazzi cameras!

KEY THEATRE

TOM, DICK & HARRY Ray Cooney’s hilarious comedy starring Damian Williams Mon 17th – Sat 22nd Mar Nightly at 7.30pm (Except no performances on Good Friday 21st) Matinees Thu & Sat at 2.30pm Celebrating 60 years as a bandleader

HUMPHREY LYTTELTON

Performs music from the likes of Ellington and Basie Fri 18th April at 7.30pm

ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT Join Elmer and his friends for a host of adventures Sun 27th April at 1.30pm & 3.30pm Mon 28th April at 10.30am & 1.30pm Hannah Waterman (EastEnders) stars in

STRANGERS ON A TRAIN

A classic thriller packed with mystery and suspense Tues 6th – Sat 10th May. Nightly at 7.30pm. Mats Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm

DAD’S ARMY Leslie Grantham stars in this revival of the classic BBC TV series Mon 12th – Sat 17th May 2008.

Nightly at 7.30pm. Matinees Thu & Sat at 2.30pm

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE Coronation Street’s Eric Potts stars with Big Brother’s Grace Adams-Short Tue 27th – Sat 31st May Nightly at 7.30pm. Mats Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE The Agatha Christie ‘Masterpiece’ featuring an all-star cast Mon 9th – Sat 14th June Nightly at 7.30pm. Mats Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm

Two course lunch for only £8.95!

RIVA RESTAURANT

For the perfect evening why not enjoy dinner before or after the show?

Only seconds away from your seat are the beautiful surroundings of Riva, serving freshly prepared food that will tempt any taste bud.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try Peterborough’s hottest new dining experience, given Five Stars by the Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

Book now – and make someone’s day …. Tel : 01733 896007 RIVA – SERVING PETERBOROUGH’S FINEST CUISINE, ALL DAY Monday - Saturday 10am – 10pm

The Key Theatre & Riva Embankment Road, Peterborough

Table booking hotline: 01733 896007 or www.fratellis.co.uk Box Office 01733 552439 or book online at www.peterboroughkeytheatre.co.uk