ESP November 2008

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NOVEMBER 2008 Issue 111

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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE for PETERBOROUGH, STAMFORD, OUNDLE, WHITTLESEY, SPALDING, BOURNE ... AND MORE

Join us on Saturday November 15th for our Christmas light switch on and get into the festive spirit!

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG TEL 01733 579707 FAX 01733 579708

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Celebs

EDITORIAL 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

COLUMNISTS Pep Cipriano pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Andy Slater

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andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

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Feature

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Feature

Sarah Tempest sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

Susan Saunders susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Devine karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Joanne Quinney joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

Andy Whittaker

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andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

Tony Stephens

Wheels

tony.stephens@espmag.co.uk

Joanne Cooper joanne.cooper@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS

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Jo Brooks Liv Slater

P32 Paparazzi

SUBMISSIONS Ian Offers

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Feature

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

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

P10 Our THE BIG TURN ON guide to the Christmas light switch ons

Sean McAllister

ESP3.net 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.

P16 AFASHION licence to dress well, Bond style for the guys

DISTRIBUTION

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

P28 Susan’s CONFESSIONS adventures in the Big Apple

P42 WISH LIST The ESP Christmas gift guide

P30 The SCREEN SCENE P62 The SPORT big and small screen ESP girls present releases this month

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KART FOR CHARITY

You’ve read her columns each month in ESP, now how do you fancy a nutritional makeover with ESP’s foody expert Karen Devine? We’re looking for some volunteers who’d like to improve their health in some way through nutritional advice and guidance. New Face of ESP Claire Smith will be the first case study to kick off a new series of features in January in which Karen will tackle some of Claire’s health issues and report back in the magazine. Why not give yourself a boost in the New Year and take part. If you’re interested just give us a call on 01733 579707 or email karen.devine@espmag.co.uk.

NEW SHOPS FOR CITY Far from being hit by the credit crunch, Queensgate is going from strength to strength with new shops set to open in the next few months.

Top brands Miss Selfridge and Jane Norman will be opening in December, just in time for Christmas parties! T Mobile will also be moving into the centre in January and Evans, Wallis, Burton and Dorothy Perkins will all be expanding in the next few months, when they move to what is now the bottom floor of BHS. BHS itself will still be offering a wide range of different things, and the Homeware department will be expanding quite a lot. Watch out for further announcements as more brands join the line-up next year.

TOP DJ’S AT THE OLD COACH HOUSE The Old Coach House in Market Deeping will be hosting top DJ’s every Saturday night from November 15, when Ministry of Sound’s Johnny Millward will be launching the new night. DJ Lee Guthrie will be playing

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FUSION RECRUITING NOW If you’re bored of your job and fancy a new challenge, then Fusion have 40 vacancies for Customer Service Advisors. The contact centre supports loads of well-known insurance brands and offers great opportunities, a good atmosphere and good pay! For more details, visit www.bglgroup.co.uk/ careers.php or call 01733 845758.

FITNESS ZONE Members of the Fitness Zone, ladies only gym in Wentworth Street are taking part in an eleven-hour fitness challenge in aid of the NSPCC at the end of November. They’ll be on the steppers or the treadmill covering the equivalent distance of doing the Three Peaks Challenge from 9am – 8pm.

The girls taking part are looking to raise as much dosh as possible for the children’s charity so give ‘em your support and sign up their sponsorship forms. Good luck girls!

GET GIFT WRAPPED You can get all your Christmas presents wrapped the minute you’ve bought them from November 22 in Queensgate, thanks to volunteers from Sue Ryder Care. They’ll be manning a stall every Thursday evening and all weekend in the run up to Christmas to raise funds for the hospice at Thorpe Hall. If you fancy helping out, the stall needs 3-4 people to run it, Queensgate supply all the materials and it’s a good way to advertise your company or team completely free of charge! For more info call Emma Long on 01733 330060 oremailemma.long@suerydercare.org

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Mallory Road, Boongate Tel: 01733 894894 www.marshallweb.co.uk (including signed stuff) that I’ll be giving away!”

Dub-Dup on November 22 and local hero Ricky Allen will be performing on November 29.

WANTED: VOLUNTEERS FOR A NUTRITIONAL MAKEOVER WITH KAREN

Marshall Volvo

The Peterborough Raceway over in North Bretton has teamed up with Hereward FM to raise cash for the station’s kids appeal on November 26.

For those of you who haven’t been over to the Raceway, it’s a blast! The Karts they use are the fastest in the country and certainly chuck you around the track at breakneck speeds.

The track has demon curves and short straights - a real test for the budding Louis Hamiltons out there.

There’s also a café and viewing area if you’re a non-driver and just want to watch. Good news is it’s totally safe, you get helmets, gloves and coveralls to keep you in shape and the Karts are computer controlled, so if there is an incident the trained staff can cut the power to a dead stop or a crawl. The Charity Night costs £300 for a team of six for a nights racing, that’s £50 each which includes food and drink…of the soft variety! You can also win some great prizes as well as helping less fortunate kids to boot.

Give it a go, book your place by calling Daniel on 01733 281392 or email Daniel.robson@gcapmedia.com or check out www.peterboroughraceway.com

ABBY’S A POSH BIRD Hereward FM breakfast girl Abby Surgeon is now proving she’s a Posh bird too. If you’re a fan of Peterborough United, let Abby give you’re footy fix the girlie treatment with her new show ‘The Posh Update’every Saturday afternoon 2pm - 5pm on 102.7FM. Abby told ESP – “If you can’t get to the game I’ll keep you up to date with all the goals. I’ll also be getting up close and personal with all the players getting all the latest gossip, as well as talking to the girlfriends and the gaffer as well as all the usual great music! And if you love The Posh I have some fantastic goodies

FREE PARKING AT QUEENSGATE We’re all feeling the pinch a bit this year, so Queensgate have decided to let everyone park for free after 6pm week days in December – it’s good to see them helping out! As the shops are open until 9pm every day, there’s time to get your shopping sorted with less stress. They’ve also made it easier for you to pay if you can’t make it in then, as the ticket machines will also be accepting credit and debit cards, meaning you don’t have to panic and hunt for spare change. Also, the Park and Ride scheme is back this year, with the car parks located again at Lynchwood and Perkins, with trips into the city costing just £1 for adults and they’re free for concessions.

CHARITY NIGHT AT THE PERIWIG The irrepressible Matt Zilch, otherwise known as the Lionel Blair of Stamford, is putting on a Beatles tribute night at The Periwig. In what promises to be a great night on November 13, he has enlisted some of The Brays to help out and do a few songs. He’s also collared the beautiful and talented Hayley Sanderson to do some songs as well, she’s currently singing with the band on Strictly Come Dancing!

Entry’s free and all the money goes to children’s charities in Stamford, be a diamond geezer or a proper lady and support this worthwhile cause!

JOIN SANTA’S PRACTICE RUN Abseiling is returning to Peterborough this December and our new Face of ESP Claire Smith has already signed up! For the second year running the Peterborough based charity Kidney

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest gossip Research UK will be hosting Santa’s practice run where people abseil from the roof of Woolworths on Bridge Street. It’s just £10 to register and you’ll need to raise £105 or more in sponsor money. Places are limited so to sign up contact Pete Revell, fundraising manager on 07721 924833 or email peterevell@kidney researchuk.org

PETERBOROUGH DRAMA FESTIVAL If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the next Keira Knightly, Daniel Craig or Benjamin Zephaniah, then don’t miss your chance to prove it! The 2009 Peterborough Drama Competition Festival will be held in March 2009 and will be showcasing the best in all the dramatic arts from all around the city.

With categories including verse speaking, prose reading, bible reading, story-telling, acting, mime, improvisation, choral speaking and Shakespeare, nearly everyone should be able to take part. The deadline for entries is December 5, so for more info or an entry form, call Nicola Pierce on 01733 751792.

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

10 PAIRS OF SHOWCASE TICKETS TO WIN! Feeling the pinch but fancy a night at the cinema? Let ESP and Showcase cinema on Boongate treat you to an evening of big screen entertainment for a big fat zero! Just text or email us the answer to the following question along with your name, age, address and phone number and it could be your name we pull out of our popcorn bucket…

Q – Who plays Indiana Jones?

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 30/11/08

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

FIREWORK FIESTA It’s the biggie! Firework Fiesta at Ferry Meadows takes place on Saturday November 1. On the Lite FM stage this year the line-up includes local band The Brink, Corrie’s Tricky Dicky Brian Capron, singer Mikey Matteo and David Bowie tribute act Aladdinsane. The event’s organised by The Round Table and Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, is sponsored by Serpentine Green Shopping Centre and is East Anglia’s biggest firework event. There’ll be fairground rides and stalls plus the ESP promotions crew will be there giving out goody bags as usual so see you there!

The gates open at 4pm with the fireworks at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Serpentine Green and various other outlets in the city, for full details log onto www.fireworkfiesta.com or call 01733 452336.

MONSTER FIREWORKS The Plough at Farcet Fen are playing host to a massive Fireworks extravaganza on Bonfire Night, November 5. They promise a ‘monster’ firework display and the lack of light pollution out there means that it’ll look fantastic! There’ll also be a disco, face painting, a hog roast and a barbeque. Even better, all pints of lager or bitter will be just £2.25 and will be until November 15. Tickets for the night are £4 advance, or £6 on the door. For more info call 01733 844307.

SPRINGFIELDS FIREWEORKS SPECTACULAR The Firework Spectacular at Springfields, in Spalding has a Classical theme this year and will be compered by Hereward FM. The centre itself will be open until 9pm for food, drinks and shopping and the display starts at 8pm. It’s an all ticket event and it’s advisable to book early! Tickets are £5 adults, £2.50 for children. For more info and to book, call 01775 760909.

events@espmag.co.uk

LOCALEVENTS

PURE CHARITY NIGHT

Local band Pure will be hosting and playing a charity night in aid of Sue Ryder Care on November 14 at The Polish Club, Stanground. As well as live music, there’ll be a massive raffle with prizes such as Posh tickets, free haircuts, jewellery and wine. Tickets are just £3 in advance, so head down, lend your support and try some of the amazing vodka! For more info and to book call 07711 823771.

HEREWARD’S PRINCESS FAIRY BALL

If you know any little princesses, make sure you take them to The Princess Fairy Ball at The Marriot Hotel on December 14. You can meet Cinderella, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Princess Giselle from Enchanted and lots of fairies and pixies!

FLETTON CLUB WINTER BEER FEST

If, like most of us, you're a fan of live music, good food and great beer then make sure you head to The Fletton Ex-Servicemen's Club on Fletton High Street, Peterborough on November 21 – 23 where they’ll be holding a Winter Warmer Beer Festival.

There’ll be over twenty real ales, bottled beers and ciders from around the world and the UK at just £2 a pint, as well as live music from some of the region’s top bands and delicious food.

On Friday The Gangsters, East Anglia's premier Ska band, will be kicking off the festival in style and will be aiming to get the whole crowd skanking and moving. On the food side of things, the club's chef will be serving up his signature homemade curry – perfect with one of the many, many beers!

Sixties revivalists The Nuggets will be making a welcome return to Peterborough on the Saturday night, playing songs that everyone will know and love in their own unique style. Again, there will be no reason to go hungry as there’ll be a hog roast in the evening - always satisfying after a hard day’s drinking!

On Sunday, the club will be hosting its traditional Sunday lunch during the afternoon session and closing the weekend will be the Lloyd Watson Band, playing an electrifying mix of Rock and Blues.

The whole weekend will be hosted by DJ Lez Da Roc (i.e. Lez, who drums in The Replicas,) who’ll be keeping the party going way after the bands have finished.

In all, it’s definitely a winter warmer with something for all tastes – both in beer and music. Thankfully, it’ll all be taking place inside the Fletton Ex-Serviceman’s Club so it doesn’t matter what the weather’s doing! Chairman of the club, H. Guise told ESP – “We really are excited about our first Winter Beer Festival and hopefully we’ll make it a yearly event.

With the beer, bands and food we feel like we’ve got all the essential ingredients for a great weekend, on top of everything we already offer!”

For more info call Neil or Steve at the club on 01733 341326.

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Organised by Hereward FM Kids and Fairy Dream World to raise funds for disadvantaged kids, there’ll be loads going on to keep the little ones entertained. Tickets entitle you to 25% off at Fairy Dream World in Westgate Arcade; refreshments and goody bags will also be provided on the day. Tickets £10, available from Fairy Dream World, by calling 01733 287392 or visiting www.hereward.co.uk/charity.

EASY RIDERS – CAMRIDER OPEN DAY

With the cost of driving a car going up almost daily, you might’ve been thinking of switching to two wheels, but haven’t been sure where to start. Camrider, who offer all the training you need to become a fully-fledged biker, are having an open day on December 6. Marshall Honda will be bringing down their best bikes, and there’ll be police motorbikes for you to ride – even if you’re a complete novice, you can have a go on site. Infinity, the motorbike shop, will be there too with goodies and there’ll also be hot food and drink. It takes place at Brookfield Park, Werrington - near the old Kiddicare. For more info, call 01733 320820.

PETERBOROUGH HAS TALENT

Some of the most talented people in Peterborough will be competing for a prize of £500 at The Broadway Theatre in the ‘Peterborough Has Talent’ competition on November 24. All acts have been chosen from auditions held last month and will be joining local actor Warwick Davies on stage to try and impress a panel of judges including Posh legend Barry Fry. Organised by staff at Peterborough City Council, ‘Peterborough Has Talent’ will be raising funds for The Papworth Trust, which helps people with disabilities. It’s all part of The Grand Challenge, which sees teams competing to raise the most money, so keep an eye out for more events like this! For more info, call 07916 327765 or 07917 784845 or visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/peterborough hastalent. Tickets £10, call the box office on 01733 316100.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE BREWERY TAP

Tickets are on sale now for the New Year’s Eve party at The Brewery Tap. This year, there’ll be a champagne and canapé reception at 7.30 pm, with a Grand Thai Banquet to follow. The music to get you in the party spirit comes from The Mark Wilkinson Trio and there’s funky soul from Groove Cartel. Tickets are £30 and will sell out quickly, so book early – 01733 358500.

SANTA RUN

Don’t forget to get your entry forms in for the city’s first ever Santa Run, which takes place on December 7 at Ferry Meadows.

Organised by Norwich and Peterborough Building Society on behalf of East Anglian Children’s Hospices (EACH), every competitor will be dressed up as Father Christmas! Hereward FM’s Kev Lawrence and Abby Surgeon will be taking part and the run is open to everyone – even if you don’t do running, you can still walk round.

Kerry Morley, N&P’s senior marketing manager told ESP – “Anyone from tots in buggies, to pensioners out for a leisurely stroll, can take part in this event. It’s a great opportunity for families to get in the festive spirit and have a fun morning out. It’s not all about being the first one to finish the course – we want people to enjoy the event while raising money for a great cause!”

Entry for over 14’s is £12, which includes Santa outfit complete with hat and beard, for under 14’s it’s £5, which includes a Santa hat. Register online at www.each.org.uk/santarunpeterborough or call Sally Cassels on 01223 205194.

GREAT EASTERN WAS A WINNER

Thousands of people took to the streets of Peterborough last month for the Great Eastern Run and Fun Run. Around 4,500 people were racing, including ESP’s very own Pep Cipriano, who we are pleased to say finished the half marathon in under two hours. There was a real party atmosphere, with people celebrating the results of months of hard work, as well as their friends and families cheering them on. Race Director Neil Levine told ESP: “Thousands of runners have raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity and they are the real stars of the day. However, thanks must also go to those thousands more who lined the course to cheer on those taking part, the running clubs for their continued support and the scores of volunteers who turned up on the day to help everything run so smoothly.”

FLAG FEN GALA EVENT

Flag Fen will be celebrating their silver jubilee on November 15 with a special Gala Evening at the Great Northern Hotel. As well as a delicious gala dinner, there’ll be a Grand Prize Draw, a worldrenowned caricaturist and a charity auction offering fantastic items such as spa days, a hot air balloon ride and signed books and sports memorabilia. Other entertainment is being kept top secret, but promises to be ‘unique’. The whole evening is to both celebrate and fundraise for this internationally important archaeological centre, which has been described as ‘the Stonehenge of the East’. For more info and tickets call 01733 313414.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

If you’re dreading this time of year simply because of all the stress that comes with Christmas shopping, then head to the East of England Showground on November 7 – 9 for the Christmas Festival to get it all done in one go!

This weekend offers over 250 gift and craft stands, so you’re bound to find something for everyone.

There’ll also be a food hall showcasing local and regional specialities for the big day, as well as treats for now. The atmosphere will be really festive, with a Santa’s Grotto and a free hearty mug of soup, all for just £3 on the Friday and £5 for Saturday and Sunday – kids go free. For more info call 0845 450 6425.

entertainment@espmag.co.uk

LOCALENTERTAINMENT

FULL MONTY @ THE KEY

KATY DOES DUSTY

With 60’s Soul taking over the charts, now’s a good time to catch up on some of the original stars. Katy Setterfield has been touring with ‘That’ll Be The Day’ for years and recently won ‘The One and Only’ on BBC1, starring as Dusty Springfield.

She’s bringing the show that won her a three-month contract in Las Vegas to the stage at The Cresset in Bretton on November 8. Tickets £17.50. Box office: 01733 265705. Liv Slater

Based on the hit film, The Full Monty sees the action moving to the USA and focusing on a group of ex-steelworkers. Full of laughs and bare-faced cheek, it tells the often moving story of six men regaining their pride by getting naked. This West End hit musical sold over 3500 tickets last time it came to The Key Theatre, Peterborough, so book early to catch it there again on November 19 – 29.

Tickets from £15 Box office: 01733 552439. Liv Slater

WEST END TO BROADWAY

Polka Dot Academy presents two hours of unforgettable West End and Broadway showstoppers that’ll leave you dancing in the aisles at The South Holland Centre this month.

Featuring Limelight Youth Theatre and special guests direct from London's West End, this show of pure musical magic will include highlights from ‘Grease’, ‘Hairspra’y, ‘Spamalot’, ‘Les Miserables’ and lots more! November 29 & 30, Tickets: £10.

Box office: 01775 764777. Jo Brooks

PARK BENCH SOCIAL CLUB

Mixing genres from Folk, Bluegrass and Americana to Bhangra and gypsy Jazz, the Park Bench Social Club are definitely a one of a kind band. They’ll be bringing their unique, energetic show to Stamford Arts Centre on November 12.

Tickets £10 Box office: 01780 763203 Liv Slater

SWINGING STAMFORD

Swing comes to the newly revamped Stamford Corn Exchange on Broad Street on November 20 with Fivestar Swing, who’ll be taking you through numbers by Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller as well as songs such as Mr Bojangles and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. Tickets are £12.50 from Judith Mackie on 01780 754829 or Stamford Arts Centre.

Liv Slater

CANTERBURY TALES

Welsh theatre company Mappa Mundi bring Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to the South Holland Centre on November 6. The play’s about a group of commoners making their annual pilgrimage to Canterbury and pass the time by telling stories.

This lively blend of boisterous comedy and romance will show why these stories have lived on for such a long time! Tickets £10.

Box office: 01775 764777. Liv Slater

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OLIVER!

A dark and dirty version of Oliver Twist comes to Stamford Arts Centre on November 12. Closely following the Dickens book, this production will really bring the bleak and violent streets of Victorian London to life with clever staging and strong performance. It’s been described as ‘imaginative, funny, thrilling and wholly absorbing’ by The Stage and tickets are £6. Box office: 01780 763203. Liv Slater

GET YOUR KICKS

The ultimate American musical, ‘Route 66’, rolls into The Broadway on November 18 and promises to take you on a musical journey down one of the world’s most famous roads with songs from the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis and Meatloaf. The cast are all rising musical stars, as well as Doctor of ‘Dr. and The Medics’ fame! For a real escapist treat, tickets are £15.

Box office: 01733 316100. Liv Slater

SOUL AND MOTOWN SPECIALS

Last issue, we had a special feature on Northern Soul and if you fancy hearing what all the fuss is about, then don’t miss the Classic Soul and Motown Night at the Braza Club, in March on November 5. DJ’s include John Bradley, Ian Gray and Andy ‘Smudge’ Smith. If you’re already a massive fan of Northern Soul, get booking now for the Soul Weekender at Searles Leisure Resort at Hunstanton, on November 28 – 30.

With live performances from Kenny Bernard and DJ’s such as Tony Dellar, Steve Gutteridge, Martin Topley and Rob Smith in a five-star holiday park, it’ll be a great event. Tickets are £25, or from £59 with accommodation. To book, call 01485 534211 or for more info call 07950 468011. Liv Slater

BREEZEBLOCK PARK

Peterborough Playgoers will be performing ‘Breezeblock Park’ by Willy Russell on November 1215 at the John Clare Theatre. It’s a comedy about three close families of ‘superior’ council house families, but it also takes a hard look at social climbing and the generation gap. Tickets £8 from 01733 452336. Liv Slater

MAGIC OF MOTOWN

Catch the biggest live Christmas Party Concert Show ever seen at The Broadway this month. Straight from the USA a cast of 15 will be dazzling the audience with Motown classics including songs by the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Leaving all other Motown shows standing in its shadow, make your festive celebrations a magical Christmas party to remember. You'll be dancing in the aisles and screaming for more… of the Magic of Motown on November 27. Tickets £19.50. Box office: 01733 316100.

Jo Brooks

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Chaos takes over the South Holland Centre on November 19 – 22 when SADOS will be staging ‘It Runs in the Family’. It’s set in a London hospital, where the staff are rehearsing for the Christmas panto, while a conference of neurosurgeons takes place elsewhere in the hospital. Then, a former nurse arrives and announces to one of the doctors that the fling they had 18 years ago produced a child. Tickets £8.50. Box office: 01775 764777. Liv Slater

COUNTRY GIRL

A tale of love and redemption comes to the John Clare Theatre at the Central Library on November 4 – 8 when Peterborough Mask Theatre perform ‘The Country Girl’ by Clifford Odets. The play was recently a Broadway hit starring Morgan Freeman and it’s about actor Frank Elgin’s bid for a comeback as well as his relationship with alcohol – and his wife. Tickets £9 on 01733 566468. Liv Slater

Reach For the Sky… Learn to Fly At Sibson our thrills are a mile high

LE RONDE

Banned for over 20 years when it first came out, Le Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler is a sophisticated, savage and ironically funny look at human sexuality. Set in 19th Century Paris and based around a group of characters whose complex but brief affairs bring them together, this play caused huge outrage when it was first staged and this new version promises to recapture that power. See for yourself at the Stamford Arts Centre on November 13. Tickets £9. Box office 01780 763203. Liv Slater

Fun trial flying lesson in a modern aircraft from just £75.00

BEYOND BREAKING GLASS

Hazel O’Conner was a massive star in the 80’s thanks to the film Breaking Glass and she’ll be coming to Stamford Arts Centre on November 1.

Beyond Breaking Glass, her new autobiographical show with Cormac De Barra, combines acoustic reworkings of some of her best loved hits with anecdotes about her showbiz life. Described as ‘unique and unforgettable’ by The Scotsman, it’s not be missed. Tickets £16 from 01780 763203.

Liv Slater

ANDY HAMILTON COMES TO SPALDING

Join award-winning comedy writer and performer Andy Hamilton for a brand new one-man show, brimming with jokes, stories, gossip and music at the South Holland Centre this month. Andy Hamilton is said to be one of Britain's most prolific and successful comedy writers and performers.

He is known to millions for his appearances on TV shows such as ‘Have I Got News For You’ and ‘QI’ . ‘Andy Hamilton just can't stop being funny ’- The Times. So if you fancy a good laugh head down on November 21. Tickets: £14.00 Box office: 01775 764777. Jo Brooks

Wild trial flying lesson in an Aerobatic Cessna Aircraft from just £89.00

Thrill Seeker flying lesson in the Pitts S2A a two-seat open cockpit stunt bi-plane one of the world’s most famous Aerobatic machines, the ultimate Aerobatic experience, from just £140.00

That different experience you have been looking for… or the perfect gift for someone special

… Go on give it a try !

PHILADELPHIA SOUL

One of the biggest-selling Soul groups ever, The Stylistics achieved ten straight Top Ten releases and have appeared on over 40 albums, the latest of which was their ‘Love Talk’ album. They’ve survived this long in a cut-throat industry by simply being good at what they do, so if you fancy some lush Philly Soul, then head to The Cresset, Bretton on November 22. Tickets £20. Box office: 01733 265705. Liv Slater

Sibson Aerodrome, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6NE (Just off the A1 – Stibbington Exit)

Tel 01832 280289 • Website www.sibsonflying.co.uk • Email mail@sibsonflying.co.uk

events@espmag.co.uk

LOCALEVENTS (cont.) THE BIG TURN ON! QUEENSGATE GOES VICTORIAN

CELEBRITIES SWITCH ON THE CITY CENTRE

The main city centre Christmas lights switch on in Peterborough takes place on November 15 late afternoon and will feature celebrity guest appearances and entertainment from Hereward FM and the Thunders.

Kev Lawrence will be hosting the main stage and told ESP - "Following on from the great success of last year it’s really exciting to be involved in the Christmas light switch on again this year – it’s a great event for all the family and everyone at Hereward is very excited!"

Last year Cathedral Square and Bridge Street were absolutely packed with thousands of people turning out to see Richard Fleeshman perform live. Keep listening to 102.7FM for news of this year’s celebrity being announced on the breakfast show!

The Christmas International Market is being held from November 13 -16 and kicks off a season of special events, entertainment and additional markets throughout December.

SPALDING WINTER WONDERLAND

The Christmas lights at Springfields in Spalding were officially turned on by Hayley Tamaddon (Delilah Dingle in Emmerdale) on October 30. She also switched on the new display fountains, which mix water and light to create beautiful displays and are now a permanent feature.

The highlight of Springfields’ festive decorations is the Winter Wonderland Walk, a tour around the Festival Gardens, which includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto and features all the gardens, sculptures and forest lit up and the chance to see the world from inside a giant, colour-changing bauble. David Norton, Chief Executive of Springfields Horticultural Society told ESP- “A visit to Springfields will be even more of a treat this Christmas - the Winter Wonderland walk is an amazing combination of lights, sounds, sculptures and special effects.” Most of the shops will be staying open until 9pm too, so there’s even more time to grab some of the bargains at Springfields, as everything has up to 75% off the usual retail price and loads of new shops have just opened in the extended mall.

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Queensgate’s fabulous decorations will be unveiled on Thursday November 6 and this year they’ve got a traditional, Victorian feel.

Kev Lawrence and Hereward FM will be around from 5pm onwards for the big switch on, as well as lots of cartoon characters, so there should be a real party atmosphere. There’ll be loads of Victorian themed events in the run up to Christmas, as well as carol singers and the Salvation Army band will be playing a Christmas concert on November 29. The centre will be open until 9pm every day from November 23, as well as on Boxing Day, and parking will be free after 6pm weekedays and £1 on Sundays. Yippee!

CAROLS @ RIVERGATE

Earlier on Saturday November 15, Rivergate Shopping Centre will turn on their fantastic lights display too. They’ll have carols from Westwood Musical Society in the afternoon to get you in the festive spirit and the lights will be turned on from sunset. If last year was anything to go by the centre should look great!

CLAIRE JOINS SANTA @ SERPENTINE

Serpentine Green at Hampton will be opening Santa’s Grotto on Saturday November 15 when Father Christmas himself will be flying in at 1pm joined by our very own Face of ESP Claire Smith. There’ll be a chance to meet Postman Pat and some special guests from the panto Aladdin, plus plenty of sweets for all the good boys and girls.

Don’t forget parking is free and you can reserve yourself a space – www.serpentinegreen.net It’s always late night opening at Serpentine Green but the last two weeks before Christmas the shops will be open until 9pm.

LITE MINI LIGHT SWITCH ONS

City radio station Lite FM will be on tour this month flicking the switch on the Christmas lights at several locations around the city.

For the fourth consecutive year they’ve teamed up with Cross Keys Homes to present Mini Lights Switch Ons between 3pm and 4pm on Monday November 17 in Central Avenue, Dogsthorpe, Wednesday November 19 in Hampton Court, Westwood and on Friday November 21 in Lawson Avenue, Stanground.

The events are hosted by the Lite FM presenters Gregg Nunney and Mikey Clarke (pictured) and will include some cracking Christmas music, Santa will be there, along with the stars of the Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey Team and the stars of The Broadway Theatre’s panto, Aladdin, will also be joining in the fun. Local school children will also be there singing Christmas songs.

Programme Controller Gregg Nunney told ESP - “I can’t believe it’s that time of year again!

The mini switch ons are always a huge success, and we’re delighted that Cross Keys Homes have asked us to get involved once again. What better way to kick off Christmas than with local youngsters singing festive songs, and the panto cast there too!”

STAMFORD LIGHTS UP

Historic Stamford is the perfect traditional looking Christmas card location, even more so when the lights are switched on.

Father Christmas will be dropping by to join the Mayor, the Town Crier and carol singers to launch the festive season in Stamford on Thursday December 4. For all the latest details call Stamford Tourist Information Centre on 01780 755611.

THE

BreweryTap Winner of the Good Beer Guide 2009 ‘Own Brew Pub of The Year’ Award Saturday 1st November

Live 60’s Night with tribute band The Nuggets. £3 door entry from 10 pm. Fancy dress optional.

Thurs 13th November – Sunday 16th November

The Brewery Tap’s Winter Beer Festival. 30+ real ales sourced UK wide.

Friday 14th November

Angryman supported by Irene Rae Peterborough band Angryman bring their unique and distinctive sound to the Brewery Tap. Free entry before 10 pm, £3 after.

80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap@hotmail.com

Saturday 15th November

The Brewery Tap is pleased to bring you a special live night featuring The De Zwiebels Dutch Oompah Band. Fund raising event for Children in Need, tickets on sale now £5 inclusive of two lucky draw numbers, great prizes to be won.

Saturday 29th November

The very best in Rocksteady, Reggae and Ska Music, brought to you by Tuffest Sounds International -DJ SHADY, ZIGGY & LORD X. 9pm until late. Free Entry

Christmas Menu out now Book early to avoid disappointment.

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MORE THAN A HANDFUL IS A WASTE

A nationwide Heat Magazine survey of 2,000 men has revealed 89 percent would rather women kept small breasts than invest in a larger, plastic pair. And since I’m not widely known as a boob man, I couldn’t agree more.

There’s nothing worse than watching a bird parade a couple of footballs glued to her chest. They’re not in proportion with the rest of her body and they hang motionless in one place all of the time whether she’s dancing, running, doing the Karma Sutra, washing-up or baking.

Most of the men questioned had something to say about the ‘type’ of girl they thought would get a boob job, with 60 percent labelling them ‘insecure’ or ‘vain’. Some also made a sweeping assumption that girls with boob jobs are more sexually active than a bird with natural breasts. I’ve written to Heat offering my services to prove / disprove this theory.

The local reaction to this survey is hard to measure, mainly because two of the six lads I offered it to didn’t bother replying - shame on Gary Brett and Mark Harbour.

Gary in particular always struck me as a boob man and for that I am surprised he didn’t feed back to me. So here’s a small taste of the Peterborough take on real or fake…

“My first thought is that fakes are a waste of money. If you don’t have the assets to begin with then spending money on them won’t compensate for what others have naturally. However, I guess if they help make a girl more confident then why not. After all I've considered Botox this Christmas!”

Michael Keohan “Life is like a box of boobies, you never know what you’re going to get. Bra technology today means even the smallest flowers can flourish, luring you into a false sense of boobness. I’ve spent many a moment grappling with a Fort Knockers security system only to then find a set of spaniel’s ears. So fake boobs may be cold to the touch but are the way forward - they’re not just for Christmas and you can take them on holiday.”

Darrell Abbondanza “I dont mind if a girl has fake or real breasts. No matter what a guy says to a girl to make her feel more secure about herself, she'll always have doubts about her appearance. I agree if a girl will feel more confident about her appearence, then she should go for it and have implants. After all, fake or real, us guys still enjoy their benefits right?”

Dario Nigro “It doesn’t really matter what size they are, fake or real. It’s all about how they make a woman feel and if she feels the need to have fake boobs to boost her confidence then that can only be good for us! I don’t think fake breasts make a woman more sexually active, sleeping with an Italian man usually keeps her active enough…”

Daniel Santoro

GREAT EASTERN THANKS

‘SMOOTH’ DANIELLE IN NEW YORK

Two weeks prior to me taking part in the Great Eastern Run I was in Manhattan and rotating my breakfast meals between pancakes smothered in maple syrup, four rounds of French toast, and sausage (x4) egg (x2) and cheese sarnies. Following a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts and the odd pizza slice inbetween, I’d munch on six inch hot pastrami filled rolls and massive slabs of Junior’s famous New York cheesecake for dinner.

Five pounds heavier, I returned and still managed to complete the half marathon under my two hour target time. For that I have to thank The Force and a few people. Firstly my mentor for the day, Gary “I’m not a number” De Roux. Former British boxing champ Gary was a useful pacemaker for the first five miles before I left him for smoke.

My customary race partner Darrell (pictured) did his usual and left me on the start line blaming his iPod for getting him in the zone, but his motivation prior to every race we’ve competed in has in turn always motivated me. And last but by no means least, thanks to my regular running buddy Petch. His suggestions for 6.30am runs and tips on improving my speed and strength have played a big part in me coming this far in the first place. Guys, it’s been emotional.

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In-between clogging my arteries with fat in the Big Apple, I met up with our Danielle (she’s a former Face of ESP finalist who sometimes answers the phone when you ring the ESP office). I was pleased to see her, as we were holidaying in NYC at the same time and because she had smooth legs for a change. The last time we saw each other prior to NYC she was wearing leggings under a dress on a hot and sticky day in the office because she was ‘in-between waxes.’ Thinking about it, she was referring to her legs wasn’t she?

LITE FM ICE-HOCKEY STITCH UP!

The Lite FM Talking Sport show with co-presenter Phil Adlam and I has gained groupie status I’m pleased to say. Firstly the whole of Hotpoint listen in every week and we’ve sent signed photos to Gino and Jerry in particular. And then there’s Jo at the Key Theatre who’s labelled us “two old men” with all the moaning and ranting we’ve been doing of late.

Being invited to take part or present at local sporting events comes with the A-list city celebrity status we now fall into. That’s why we’ve been asked to play in a celebrity ice-hockey side at Planet Ice on November 12.

Phil’s only ice-skating moment was on Whittlesey Mere when he was eight and my only experience with ice is with a rum and coke. Should be fun. For details listen to Talking Sport every Wednesday 7-8pm on Lite FM 106.8. You can also catch me on the Early Morning Wake-up with Keith Dalton, Wednesdays 8-9am.

CLAIRE’S CLUES ON MEASURING ME UP

Our new Face of ESP works in events and is also a freelance fashion consultant business. An ideal opportunity then I thought to ask her opinion on some of the latest clobber on sale at Man About Town sponsors Clues. But all she did was make me hot and sweaty with her measuring tape. Guys, if you need some tips on gear then Aaron, the lad with the ginger barnet, is the man to ask in C2 in Westgate Arcade.

Central & Brownes is Stamford and the surrounding area’s No. 1 venue

3 ROOMS - 3 BARS - 1 CLUB!

VESPA GOES ON MAIDEN SCOOTER RALLY!

It’s been three months since I acquired my Taz Motorcycles sponsored Vespa and I’m starting to get into the scooter scene. I no longer call it a ‘bike’, apparently that’s offensive, and I’ve also downloaded ‘The Jam - Greatest Hits’. Next I’ve got to get myself one of those long green coats, so I can go pheasant shooting or whatever it is scooter people do in them.

A few years back I covered Peterborough Lambretta and Vespa Scooter Club's annual Easter Egg Run and wished I could’ve ridden out with them. And last month I got my wish when I joined members of that club and The Minorities club on a scooter rally to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Wednesdays Dance, R&B, Party and Cheese.

Buy 1 get 1 free on VK & Carlsberg

Fridays R&B, Dance and Old Skool with Leeroy. Free entry before 10.30pm. Open until 2.30am plus party in Brownes after 12

Thursdays The very best in Dance, chart , R&B and Pop. Free Entry before 10.45pm

Saturdays Every Saturday, playing the best in R&B, funky House and Old Skool plus party in Brownes after 12

FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER

FREEZING FOG CO2 PARTY

Almost 300 of us met at The Plough in Farcet and rode to Taz in Fengate where I helped judge a best scooter competition, which was won by a beautiful yellow and chrome Lambretta (pictured).

The new foam party! Jets of freezing fog will be blasted into the dancefloor instantly chilling the dancefloor to -10oc!

Now I’ll be making my own donation to the charity with all the money I’ve been saving since getting my Vespa. My fuel bills have gone from £40 a week to £6, my road tax from £120 annually to £15 and my insurance now costs much less than a good night in Angels.

R&B, COMMERCIAL DANCE & DRUM & BASS ROOM 2: 70'S. 80'S, 00'S & PARTY!

All I’ve forked out for is a helmet, gloves, a proper biker jacket and an extra tub of hair wax for sorting my ‘bike hair’ out after a ride. This stuff has cost me a fraction of the money I’ve saved switching from a car to a scooter and at Taz you’ll find gear for all year round riding.

WARM UP IN BROWNES WITH BOGOF ALL BOTTLES TILL 11

I was apprehensive about winter riding at first but with the right clothing, you’ll feel as safe and protected as you do when wearing a condom. And just like condoms, you’ll discover Taz have a selection of great bike gear that appeals to all shapes and tastes. It’s well worth taking a look, as ‘riding bareback’ isn’t recommended.

CIAOS OUT TO:

• • • • • •

Darrell – I think your divorce party upstaged Madonna’s!

Gareth – “It was a pleasure watching you work,” Pulp Fiction.

The guys at Topos – thanks for watching over my Vespa!

Joel & Aimee – congratulations! My invite was lost in the post then…?

Arthur @ The Farmers – a carvery to die for mate.

Kerry – here’s your ciao now how about a demo…?

STAMFORD'S PREMIER COCKTAIL BAR • LIVE DJ EVERY NIGHT • BOGOF ALL BOTTLES TIL 11pm EVERY WED, THURS & FRI • THE BEST 70'S - 80'S - 90'S & PARTY AFTER 12AM FRI & SAT

(CALL FOR HEN PARTY PACKAGES) R.O.A.R – management reserve the right to withdraw promotions and nights without prior notice – over 18s only.

www.centralnightclub.com

ASTON AND THE JLS BOYS HAVE DONE IT! THEY MADE IT THROUGH TO THE LIVE SHOWS OF X FACTOR AND HERE AT ESP WE’RE ALL CHEERING THE GUYS ON EACH SATURDAY NIGHT. JO BROOKS CAUGHT UP WITH LOCAL LAD ASTON MERRYGOLD TO GET THE LATEST X FACTOR GOSSIP… Most guys would’ve probably been gutted that they got Louis as their mentor instead of the gorgeous girl judges, but Aston and the boys seemed pretty pleased. “Bands are his forte,” Aston told me, which is true, if you look at his past success stories which include world hit making boy band Westlife.

In my eyes the boys are in a great position this year and I hope they do well whatever the outcome of the competition. But surely the four boys were gutted they didn’t get Cheryl or Danni, to which Aston replied with a smile “It’s not like we’re a million miles away from them!” I hope the boys aren’t spending too much time ogling and not enough time practising.

After JLS got through to boot camp, they got to visit their mentor Louis’ house in Ireland. “It was crazy… the biggest castle,” was how Aston described it. Being four active boys, I asked weather they broke anything - “We nearly broke a

table,” confessed Aston. “Some woman came in and told us it was 200 years old!” Hey, we all make mistakes!

As Aston’s brother and sister are still at his old secondary school, Jack Hunt in Peterborough, he decided to pay the school a visit and get as much support as possible. I haven’t been back since I left three years ago so I asked Aston if much had changed - “It didn’t feel like Jack Hunt, I performed in a gym which didn’t exist when I was there.”

When I last spoke to Aston he mentioned some partying would occur if they got through to the live shows and he lived up to his word.

“We went out two nights in a row; it was the best two nights I had out with the boys.” Glad to hear they got a chance to celebrate just like their family and friends back home.

After a few days of celebrating, it was back to rehearsing for their first live show. “At the end of the day it’s a competition and I am only

thinking of me and three other people,” he told me. Glad to see that Aston has got his priorities right, however I did ask what he thought of the other contestants.

“If Alexandra or Laura had been in the previous X Factor they would’ve given Leona a run for her money.” He’s got a point but I hope the boys keep up their great performances and stay in the competition for as long as they can.

If just being on X Factor and being in the final twelve wasn’t enough Aston tells the story of meeting his childhood hero. “I walked into Reebok the other day to get some trainers… and there was Darren Campbell and he was like, ‘I am waiting for you guys’!” To say the least Aston was in shock due to his love of athletics from when he was little. For now though, I hope his love for singing takes him all the way to the winning line.

Suits You! joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

LocalFashion

November sees fashion going smart. No more slacking boys! ESP’s Joanne Quinney celebrates the release of James Bond’s Quantum of Solace with a licence to dress well…

This month it’s time to look at men’s fashion, especially with the release of the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace. It’s not just James Bond who can pull off a hot suit, tailoring has made it’s way into high street stores and is a great look right now.

Footballers are also big fans of a smart outfit, including shirts, skinny ties and waistcoats. The 1960’s are a big influence with tones and colours and also the quality fabrics, fine patterned knitwear, trench coats and classic brogues. Accessorise with a chunky scarf or dress the look down with jeans. This look is no longer just for the office!

The look is simple and stylish. Why not use these great tips to make sure you don’t go wrong?

NEXT

1. Keep it coordinated by picking items in similar tones.

Black short Mac – £45

2. Match the shoe and belt colour.

Super skinny tie - £8

3. Invest in classic items that will stand the test of time.

Cashmere cotton cardigan - £18

4. Don’t go rugged; a good shave looks far hotter to complete this look.

Jean - £20

BURTON Black dinner jacket - £100 Jeans - £50 Black scarf - £20 Grey canvas boots - £25

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Grey tailored fit shirt

Chunky scarf

Next £22

Next £10

BURTON Herringbone Crombie - £75 Grey hound tooth cardigan - £25 Brown geo shirt - £25 Grey trousers - £45

Reversible black croc effect belt

Black croc effect shoes

Topman £15

Next £55

BURTON Light grey jacket - £95 Light grey waistcoat - £30 White shirt - £15 Light grey trousers - £40 Black belt - £12

Black and tan brogues

Grey satin lapel waistcoat

Black knit skinny tie

Topman £55

Topman £35

Topman £15

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SH OPPI NG FOR LOVE – OR JU ST A BASKET CASE? When

g as high If it wasn’t for my gas bill bein needing as my mortgage payments and one ing gett of nce cha (fat a bank loan k that though) to fill my car up, I’d thin all this the media was exaggerating g is that economic crisis. The latest thin after t krup ban edly pos sup Iceland is psed. one of their major banks colla ’re still Can’t be that bad though – they d Kerry paying the newly liposuctione ken Katona to gurn with a £1 chic s. tikka lasagne in her sweaty mitt so g thin any of rd hea r eve Have you gross? Come to think of it, the lasagne sounds pretty vile too.

SHE’D HAD HER KNOCKERS… I for one was delighted that Claire Smith was named as this year’s Face of ESP as I had picked her out as a potential winner from the minute she confidently walked in the door, oozing charm and with a big smile on her face.

“See” I triumphantly showed off to the husband as her name was announced, “I was right, I knew she’d win,” (it was a matter of personal pride as I currently have the accolade of having predicted the last three winners of America’s Next Top Model by episode four, I had no intention of letting the side down now) but was surprised that he just looked gutted. “What’s up with you?” I said, “she’s perfect.” “Yes, she’s great,” says husband “but she’s not the one I wanted to win.”

Scanning all the girls I wondered which one of them he could’ve possibly thought was better than Claire. And then in a split second, all became clear and I knew without a shadow of a doubt who was his particular favourite. Let’s just say, she had a couple of things that put her out in front.

Men! Somehow I don’t think his invite onto the judging panel will be forthcoming next year!

I do my shopping in Tesco, all I really need from a shop assistant is a friendly face, to be pointed in the right direction of the Dairy Milk when prompted (via the quickest route, obviously) and a speedy approach to scanning my essential items (said Dairy Milk, wine, more wine and token bag of Granny Smiths so they don’t think I’m a complete nutritional no-go zone) so I can get out of there as quickly as possible.

What I don’t need to know is that the checkout assistant is called Caitlin, has been a ‘team member’ for eight months and that she ‘likes dancing’. Yet for some reason, this is exactly the kind of information the big cheeses at Tesco seem to think I need to enhance my shopping experience and are now emblazoning their staff with badges to that effect . I’m sure it’s a well meaning exercise to create a friendlier environment, but when Brian (team member since 2005 by the way) who likes thrash metal and darts was scanning my perso nals, I couldn’t work out if I was shopping or speed dating. I mean, what are you meant to do? Comment on the proffered interesting fact:“Well, Colin, I see you like line dancing, are you more of an Electric Slide kind of fella or would you prefer a good HonkyTonk Stomp?” Or does etiquette dictate that you are supposed to share something about yourself to complete the bonding process across the shampoo and Ryvita? “Well Chelsey, I see you like collecting teddy bears. How fascinating.

I myself, was once bought a teddy bear. I now feel far more connected to you than that anonymous bunch at Morrisons in Walton, naturally I will never shop there again. And as for that lot at Sainsbury’s in Bretton…”

No, I just can’t see any point to it at all, unless it’s true that supermarkets are the perfect place for single tons to meet (never worked for me, I once tried the old ‘meal for one’ routine, I just looked like a saddo) and maybe Tesco are trying to hook their staff up and the badges are meant to be an ice breaker? Don’t buy it myself but I guess in the love game, every little helps!

SHAKEN AND VERY STIRRED According to a recent survey by Fitness First, Davina McCall tops the list as our ideal gym buddy, supposedly because she provides that ‘perfect combination of someone who is fit and can motivate people but she doesn’t pose a threat in terms of being exercise obsessed’. I get that, I can imagine having a good gossip with Davina whilst earnestly trying not to drop a dumbbell on my foot, but what surprised me most of all was that the gorgeous Daniel Craig was well down the list. Too intimidating and with an ‘unattainable physique’ apparently. I don’t know about that, I for one would love to ‘attain’ Daniel Craig’s physique, and I’m sure I could help him develop his love muscle. Given half a chance.

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sarah.tempest E @espmag.co.uk

dontscrapthetap . c o m

Christmas Party Nights Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December 2008 Monday - Wednesday three course dinner with disco, £33 Thursday - Saturday three course dinner with tribute act and disco, £38

Christmas Day Lunch - Orchards Restaurant Bookings from 12 noon until 2pm £80 per person

Christmas Day Family Carvery - Ballroom

Book early for the perfect Christmas!

Bookings taken from 12 noon until 2pm Adults £39, children 5 -12 years, £18 Children under 5 eat free to include children’s entertainment

Boxing Day Buffet Bookings from 12 noon until 2pm. £30 per person

New Year’s Eve A themed Blues Brothers night with tribute act, black tie ball with a seven course gala dinner and live entertainment. £98 per person

The Haycock Hotel

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London Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JA Tel: 01780 782223 www.thehaycock.co.uk

Panto

Picanto

Need a new motor? The Broadway panto crew were helping shoppers at Serpentine Green to pick up a Picanto with their groceries as part of a charity drive to help the Make A Wish Foundation.

Corrie’s bad guy Brian Capron and X Factor’s Ray Quinn, alias Abanazer and Aladdin, dropped by with some of the other panto crew to launch a charity competition to win the Boongate Kia Picanto car and you still stand a chance of making it yours… oh yes you do! Just fill in an entry form next time you drop

by Serpentine Green and it could be yours. Tickets for the competition cost just £2 from the shopping centre or The Broadway and the winner will be announced live on stage on the last night of the show.

The Lite FM crew were there to help as they’re sponsoring Aladdin and Programme Controller and presenter Gregg Nunney was caught up in the chaos of the panto stars in action, he told ESP – “Brian and Ray are such good sports we just know that Aladdin is going to be a fantastic show. We’ll be talking to the guys on air and giving away tickets in the weeks leading up to the panto and they’ll be helping us turn on Christmas lights around the city during December.”

Aladdin opens at The Broadway on December 6 and runs until January 18 and also includes gorgeous Faye Tozer (Steps) for the fellas and Postman Pat for the kids! Box office: 01733 316100.

NOW OPEN LATIN NIGHTS at BAR CUBA Bar Cuba Presents MURRAY HOCKERIDGE Live music/percussion Soul & Latin Funky House

• Sat 15 November • Fri 12 December • Wed 24 December • Wed 31 December

‘THE’ CHRISTMAS PARTY Party at Latinis this Christmas with our specially prepared 3 course menu at £18 Cocktails from £3 / Shots £1.50 Pitchers from £9

Presenting DJ RAFRO Exclusive to Bar Cuba!

Every Fri /Sat 10:30pm Christmas Eve & New Years Parties R&B, Latin Funk, Soul, Hip Hop & More Check out details at www.latinis.co.uk

36 New Road, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 891224 / www.latinis.co.uk

CIRO & NUNZIA presents

Full lunchtime menu or dine buffet style for only £4.90.

Starters Garlic Bread Prawn Cocktail Bowl of Salami Garlic Mushrooms Bruschetta Fritto Misto Gourmet Pizzas Ciro Special Calzone Selection Calzone Classico Calzone Veggi

Traditonal Pizzas Margherita Americana Napoli Pasta Spaghetti Bolognese Spaghetti Carbonara Lasagna Al Forne Canelloni Verdi Tagliatelle Gamberoni Chicken Alla Crema Rustica Pollo Calisi Da Francino Special Pollo Alla Val D’Ossana

Steak Simply Grilled Pepper Steak Steak Diane Steak Cremosa Steal Al Pomodoro Braciola Napoletana Panuozzo Al Filetto Filetto Alla Brace Fish Monkfish Alla Pazza Sogliola Al Limone Sogliola Alla Creme Salmone All Griglia

Bookings now being taken for Christmas 3 Cattle Market Road Peterborough, PE1 1TW

34 North Street Bourne, Linc’s, PE10 9AE

Tel: 01733 319153

Tel: 01778 420123

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

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The page that can’t wait for the next Halifax TV advert…

Howard busking outside the job centre singing ‘Money’s Too Tight to Mention’.

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AND IT BURNS, BURNS, BURNS....

There's a great story in Alan's book regarding the time he shared a flat in Edinburgh with Aussie comedian Brendon Burns (pictured above). You'll have to read the book to find out more, but in the meantime why not see Brendon for yourself in all his comedic glory as he returns to The Cresset on Friday November 21.

Box office: 01733 265705.

CLAIRE'S CARR SURPRISE WHEN TV FUNNYMAN ALAN CARR CRUISED INTO PETERBOROUGH LAST MONTH, ONE OF HIS BIGGEST FANS, THE NEW FACE OF ESP, CLAIRE SMITH WASN'T FAR BEHIND.

Alan was at Waterstones in Bridge Street to sign copies of his autobiography and branch manager Anna Elmore arranged an exclusive meeting for a visibly delighted Claire. After I'd managed to prise her away from him, this is what she had to say...

"I saw Alan's live performance the 'Tooth Fairy' at the Hammersmith Apollo ages ago and loved it. I didn't think he'd be as hilarious in real life but he really is as fabulous and genuine as he comes across. I am a complete fag hag through and through!"

Having read the book myself, I can highly recommend it. There are some great stories about his childhood, his early jobs, and how he got his big break on TV hosting 'The Friday Night Project' with Justin Lee Collins.

As Alan had to attend the 'Pride of Britain Awards' in London later that

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evening there wasn't time for a proper interview, but I managed to grab a quick word before he had to leave.

"When I was first asked to write the book I wasn't sure about doing it as I'm only 32, but then I went into my local Waterstones and saw Kerry Katona was on about her eighth book, so thought 'why not'!

“Everyone's been wonderful today and I should be back next year with a new stand up show, (keep checking my website).

When I arrived earlier I went on the local radio station (Lite FM) and they got me to read the weather out (laughs). There was also a woman who came along for a book and gave me a purple dress as a present. Once everyone had gone I thought that was it, but look at me I'm still signing copies for people who aren't even here!"

If you weren't able to make it to the book signing, and want a copy then pop into the branch as they may have some signed copies left… along with a few stale sandwiches that Alan didn’t eat (as pictured above in the top right of the photo).

Also keep a look out for ESP's 10th Birthday special issue in December as Alan has contributed something very special for the comedy page.

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I've been a big admirer of his stand up since before I started writing for ESP as he's a comedian who constantly comes up with new, exciting and challenging shows. Last year he deservedly won the IF Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival (formerly known as the Perrier Award) and I was fortunate enough to see the show he performed the night he won - it was without doubt one of the greatest hours of stand up comedy I've ever seen. The show 'So I Suppose This is Offensive' is about to be released (at long last) on DVD, but if you want to see a comedian who's doing things with stand up that no other comic is doing at the moment then buy a ticket to see Burnsy in the Boro.

THE LAST LAUGH

I started this month’s page with the new Face of ESP, so it's only fitting that I end it with last year’s winner Kerry Bates. I'm sure you'll all agree that 'R Kerry' has been a great ambassador for the magazine over the past year. For those of you who are already missing her you can hear her dulcet tones on Lite FM every Thursday between 12-1pm when she reviews the latest movie releases with Inspector Poirot's biggest fan, DJ Greg Nunney.

Also don't forget that all the photographs from this year’s 'Face of ESP' finals are still online at www.espmag.co.uk/photos and available for purchase.

They’are well worth a look particularly the one of ESP's music man Andy Slater who appears to be 'exercising' his middle finger. I predict that in years to come the photo will attract cult status and may even be held in the same regard as that tennis one of the woman scratching her bum.

JOKES OF THE MONTH "Pint for the fella, glass of wine/fruit based drink for the lady. Those are the rules, and if we didn't have rules where would we be? France! And if we had too many rules? Germany! And if we had rules where giant mice went around patting children on the head... Disneyland." - Al Murray "People are saying that food's getting too expensive but I think on the whole supermarkets are great value. £1 for a trolley, you can't argue with that can you.

It's cheaper than a pram - bit embarrassing for the kids but sod them." Dominic Holland "Have you heard the new single from Pink? What a fantastic voice she's got.

She's also the only singer in the world whose name is worth six points at snooker." - Jimmy Tarbuck

For friends… for romance… for fine food…

We’re the perfect place to dine!

"I heard that Spam is making a comeback which I'm really pleased about. I've been eating it every day all my life, cooked in a pan with a bit of oil, but just lately I've started to wonder... am I frittering my life away?" - Milton Jones

STAND OUT

Bookings now being taken for Christmas Fantastic new Christmas Menu available via our website

STAND UP

Rich Hall - Saturday November 15 at The Cresset.

Yes, that's right Rich Hall is coming to The Cresset.

I can hardly believe it. The man who inspired 'Moe' in 'The Simpsons' is a massively talented comedian, and it's a mystery to me why no TV channel has given his 'Otis Lee Crenshaw' stage character its own series. He won the Perrier Award as 'Otis' in 2000, yet you'd be hard pushed to know about it. Having said that, Al Murray's 'Pub Landlord' won the Perrier in 1999 yet it took terrestrial TV bosses until 2007 before they came up with a suitable 'comedy vehicle' for him. Box office: 01733 265705.

Looking ahead to next year - The Broadway have just announced that Ross Noble will be in town on April 9, 2009. It may be six months away but it's going to sell out very, very quickly.

This is likely to be the biggest comedy event of 2009 in the city and is a great coup for The Broadway. If you're a fan of Ross Noble, then you should all buy The Broadway manager Dave King a pint as he's done you a massive favour. Box office: 01733 316100.

Stamford Arts Centre Comedy Club is back again on Friday November 28. Three good quality comedians from the circuit including Barry Castagnola who looks like a cross between Daniel Craig and Peter Kay, and James Mullinger who doesn’t, but is meant to be very funny. Box office: 01780 763203.

www.amicispalding.co.uk

Have a wonderful Christmas party here at The Baskervilles -private or shared Enjoy two courses:

Three Meat Carvery Christmas Pudding & Brandy Sauce Chocolate Yule Log & Fresh Cream Raspberry & Champagne Torte ••• Tea or Coffee with Mince Pies ••• Followed by dancing ‘til midnight with our resident DJ

£24.50 Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays running until Christmas •••

The NIVEA Funny Women Live Tour comes to the South Holland Centre, Spalding on Saturday November 8. It features past and present winners and finalists from the NIVEA Funny Women Awards.

The line-up includes includes 2006 winner Suzy Bennett (C4’s The Diets That Time Forgot), 2008 runner-up Sara Pascoe, 2008 finalist Grainne Maguire, and Funny Women friends, Meryl O'Rouke (Radio 4’s The Hysterical Method of Conception, BBC’s Liquid News) and Carrie Quinlan (Radio 4 The News Quiz regular). Box office: 01775 764777.

Senior Citizen Special 12pm-3pm, Mon-Thurs Two courses - £7.50 Three courses - £9.25

Sponsored by Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

TV

Fruit Aid. Great Smoothies, Funky salads, Wesgate Arcade

That yearly bit of sparkle is heading our way, so if you dig out that ‘little black dress’ and find it fits as tight as ‘a little black glove’ you’ll probably be looking to shed the flesh as quickly as possible, especially if the only pounds you have mounting up are around the belly and hips!

FRUIT AID OFFER OF THE MONTH!

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

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

GOING BACK TO BASICS

The trouble is diets very seldom work, if you are one of the successful ones then well done, but many of us know someone who’s lost the weight but then put it on again over the months or years, that’s the reason why the diet industry is so prosperous!

This means giving your cells the nourishment they need to work, you might eat plenty but if you don’t get the right nutrients to the cells you’ll always crave, feel hungry and your body will basically be saying ‘feed me’.

Fruit Aid in Westgate Arcade is offering 50p off a medium sized juice of carrot, apple, lemon and ginger (great for helping fat metabolism) just take a copy of ESP along to claim your money off.

50p OFF

1. Eat ‘real food’ that nature intended us to eat and drink, if you are just about to open a bottle or a can which is a lovely shade of pink/blue or other highly coloured liquid then ask yourself this ‘is this what nature made or man made?’.

Instead of running into the crash diets of the celebs or the latest American craze maybe consider others options, take off those ‘diet blinkers’ and look at the whole picture.

If you are serious about long term weight loss then you have to get a serious look at your ‘nutritional bank’. We all know that we need certain levels of vitamins and minerals in our body but to believe we all need the same level is not strictly true. If you smoke, drink alcohol, eat a diet high in fats, sugars and are under a lot of stress, then you’ll be using more nutrients to cope. Therefore you will need to put more in.

Weight loss and keeping it off needs to be looked at from the mental and emotional aspects as well as physical, do you – 1. Eat when emotional - does your head sink into the biscuit barrel at the first sight of trouble?

2. Crave foods you know are not doing you any good (sugar?)

When you turn over a packet (if you ever do) can you read the label? Do you really know what the chemical is? Some unreadable chemical names are vitamins which are fine, but many of them are flavourings, colourings, preservatives and other chemicals - if you can’t pronounce it why eat it? Weight loss is controlled by the brain, the brain needs good chemicals!

2. Meet your wheat – if this is the only grain you eat each day and you get bloating, fogginess, tired and a whole lot of other ‘gut grief’ then you might just want to cut back a little.

3. Eat a lot of microwave dinners? You will be more likely to get a heap load of plastic chemicals in your body.

4. Fat fearing? We should eat fats, we thrive on fats in our diet, ditch the hydrogenated (trans) fats and replace with healthy seeds, fish and cold pressed oils.

5. Eat a high load of refined carbs all day? If you don’t need them they turn to fat. Look at how many you eat in the day - can you cut down?

5. Use ready made meals frequently?

6. Restrict fats in your diet?

7. Eat mainly refined sugars, carbohydrate foods - white bread, pastas etc?

If yes, then you might have some other obstacles to get through for healthy ‘permanent’ weight loss.

We know party season is coming along, so with the inevitable late nights and probably a few too many cocktails why not go along to Fruit Aid and let Karen advise you on how you can • support your immune system in-between all those fun nights • choose foods that will help you recover • keep your skin glowing so you can still look fab • minimise the effects of too much rich food • boost your nutritional bank

3. Feel bloated, fatigued and irritable?

4. Eat more or less the same foods every day?

SURVIVE THE PARTY SEASON - KAREN GIVES TALK AT FRUIT AID

OK, it might take time to eat in a healthy balanced way or get your head around eating foods that you have termed ‘off limits or sinful’ but the effects of long term healthy eating is not only good for overall wellbeing but it might also give you the weight loss you’ve been looking for

Karen with her 10 years experience will be sharing her knowledge with you at Fruit Aid (Westgate Arcade) on Tuesday December 2 at 6.30pm. It’s just £3.50 to go along and includes a free, delicious, nutritious drink from the juice bar.

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

For more info call Steve at Fruit Aid on 01733 560992 or email Karen. Places are limited so book early!

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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Terri (far left) started her hairdressing career doing a full time college course and working three days a week during her second year at Michael John. She’s recently completed her NVQ Level 2 and has just started her level 3.

Tonie did her Level 1 whilst still at school and has been hairdressing for three years. She’s also entered four competitions; Tonie won her first area competition and has gained both 2nd and 3rd places in the Nationals. Tonie is now a graduate stylist and loves asymmetric funky hair cuts, creative colour work and enjoys perming.

Hollie literally stormed through her NVQ in record breaking time and went on to not only win the Area Championships but also went on to win the National British Championships.

Hollie’s recently finished her advanced diploma. She enjoys cutting and loves doing the latest Bob haircuts.

Laura started off as a Saturday girl and rapidly completed her NVQ training in half the time.

Since reaching the semi finals at the Nationals, Laura has gone on to complete her advanced diploma. Laura really enjoys cutting, colouring and creating new looks.

Gemma won at the area heats and qualified through to the Nationals but nerves got the better of her and unfortunately did not get placed. But with her fighting spirit, and hours and hours of training Gemma went to the North Eastern Area Finals and not only won first place in the ‘cut and blow dry’ section but also gained 2nd place in the ‘conversion to evening’ becoming overall champion.

Gemma’s speciality is long hair work.

All our Graduate Stylists are offering 20% off all services during November 2008

joanne.cooper@espmag.co.uk

HEALTH and beauty

The fashion world is full of jewel coloured hues and gothic looks this season, and the key beauty looks are following the same strong trends.

Now the cold weather is setting in and talk of office parties begins, the new strong make-up shades will look great with winter woolies and party dresses alike.

New collections are hitting all the beauty stands with Clinique introducing Blackberry Bloom, a wearable and sultry collection that highlights a beautiful glowing face accentuated with a sexy, dramatic eye. For girls looking to go from the office to a festive soirée it’s the perfect collection to go from daytime to playtime glamour in an instant!

The Jemma Kidd Make Up School brings us the new ‘Tweed to Twilight’ vintage collection which looks gorgeous and is inspired by glitzy English society of the 1920s and 30s. Think ‘Gosford Park’ - country house parties, twin-sets and pearls, tiaras and jewels, silk and taffeta. Soft, muted shades of camel, beige and browns through to stunning metallics form the colour palette with accents of vintage teal for glitz and glamour.

CRÈME DUO Crushed Jewel

Shimmering crème shadow with separate micro-fine and lightweight glitter, available in Black Diamond and Bronzite - £12

GEL LINER

Crushed Jewel

A grown-up way to wear glitter! Stunningly wearable, it comes in two flattering shades, Onyx and Azure - £9.50

CELEBRATION TIME AT THE LIMES!

Back in September, The Limes Holistic Therapies in Peterborough won Elite Salon Best Newcomer of the Year Award 2008, a massive achievement for a growing salon. I went along to a special celebration evening to mark the award win, and got the first class VIP party treatment from owner Maria! We all received an amazing Mary Cohn beauty goody bag and Maria told us all about the massive range of new treatments The Limes is now offering, as well as having massage demonstrations and a range of products to browse and buy in the serene salon area. The emphasis is on organic treatments and products which are kinder on the environment as well as delivering great quality. For more info on the Limes and to book an appointment, check out their website www.thelimestherapies.com.

ESP LOVES…

...Plain Lazy for men. Surf wear brand Plain Lazy have released a great range of nononsense toiletries for men.

Designed to be low on the hassle factor and high on the smelling great for the ladies factor, the range is priced from £5.99 and is available from Amazon.com, Play.com, Littlewoods, Freemans and Grattan. Great for Christmas stocking fillers.

BODY CARE IN STAMFORD EXPANDS

Fans of Dermalogica will be pleased to hear that Stamford salon Body Care has moved from it’s old Silver Lane site into expanded premises on Ironmonger Street and things are going well.

STAY-PUT EYELINER Define

Ultimate water-proof and smudge-proof eyeliner, added anti-oxidant vitamin E, available in Teal and Antique Gold - £9

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With two new staff and the popular Dermalogica skin bar, owner Laura Try and her team tell us things couldn’t be better. They now have a shop area upstairs which is also the only outlet in Stamford selling gorgeous Bare Escentuals mineral make-up, and treatment room downstairs. Whether you want skin care advice or a full consultation, your nails polished up at the Jessica nail bar or a relaxing treatment, drop in and see the girls.

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

With not much of a summer to speak of and the dark nights now drawing in quickly, the Mental Health Foundation’s released some top tips to combat that all too familiar winter blues feeling and to help against the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Advice to beat the winter blues As well as getting outdoors during daylight as much as possible – especially in the morning, the Mental Health Foundation recommends the following ways to beat the winter blues: • Listen to your body – if you’re a little slower during the winter then try not to over do it • Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising are great ways to look after your mental health • Outdoor exercise during the hours of daylight can really help to combat winter blues For more info about SAD and advice on how to look after your mental health, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Christmas Promotion Introduce a friend and get £10 off any treatment

• Caci Facial & Body Treatments • Decleor, Environ & Bio-Oxygen Facials • Hand & Foot Treatments • Hair Removal (Waxing, Laser, Threading) • Pamper Packages for all occasions • Senior Citizens discounts available • Tanning Treatments • Medical Aesthetic Treatments • Free Consultation

Esporta Health Club Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SB Tel: 01733 551511

LOVE YOUR SKIN

It’s the second national Healthy Skin Month this November so with the chilly weather on the way it’s time to give a little love to the skin you’re in!

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and one of the most vital. It provides a shield between you and the outside world, keeps your internal workings intact, naturally helps your body to detox itself through sweat, and regulates your body temperature.

Your skin deserves a little pampering!

This year, Healthy Skin Month, supported by Sanex, is focusing on your skin’s three basic healthy skin rights: 1. Protection – strengthening your skin’s protection barrier builds healthier skin that is more resilient, and will help improve your overall skin tone and texture 2. Moisturisation – your skin needs a certain level of moisture to stay soft, hydrated and healthy looking. Ensuring your skin maintains enough moisture also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines 3. Balance – your skin must maintain its natural pH balance in order to prevent moisture loss and protect against bacteria, to help your skin stay healthy Sanex is relaunching its entire washing and bathing range to coincide with Healthy Skin Month with a new easy-grip bottle and flip top lid and Dermo Active 3 formulations which works with your skin to help it stay protected, moisturised and balanced.

Take a look at www.healthyskinmonth.co.uk for expert dermatologist advice.

• 6 Month Smiles • Inman aligners • Invisalign Invisible Braces • Implants • Same Day Crowns and Inlays • Smile Makeovers • Tooth Whitening • Lumineer Veneers

Free Cosmetic Consultations Here at The Smile Boutique we have a passion for perfection and are committed to providing quality dental care. We understand everyone is an individual, we listen to you and recognise your particular needs. Visit our Award Winning practice and discover how to get the smile you deserve.

Official club dentist for the POSH

The Smile Boutique 150 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UB

01733 551534

www.thesmileboutique.co.uk

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

NO SEX IN THE CITY! Part 1… Susan and the girls head for the Big Apple.

Now, I’m no Carrie Bradshaw but being a young, free and unattached girl, I practically jump at the chance to socialise with my friends on a daily basis. Imagine my delight when my close girlfriends Kerry and Amber suggested heading to New York for an adventure holiday. As a hopeless romantic, seeing the Big Apple was always something I imagined doing with a boyfriend, however, remembering the old saying ‘beggars can’t be choosers’, I packed my bag with a smile.

The morning of our fabulous trip came around all too soon.

Early in fact. VERY early. We got up at 3.55am – ouch! Not an impossible task but it is ten times harder to do when you only got to sleep at 1am - it’s preeeeettttty tough!

To pick us up a tad we treated ourselves to a breakfast of champagne (why thank you darrrrling!), scrambled eggs and salmon at 6am in the morning.

Our second meal of the day was on the plane. Well it’s a good job I was still quite full from breakfast because I kid you not, it was NOT good.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve never minded plane food and this trip was going to be no exception.

A humble meal (the vegetarian option – seemed like the less processed of the two) of spinach and tomato pasta with cheese was quite a popular choice (it couldn’t really compete with our delicious breakfast but it was up there). My second meal was actually quite tasty…Yes, you read correctly –

second meal! Let me explain. I wasn’t being greedy and trying to supersize it like our American counterparts. I had to request this second dish, due to a very, dare I say, minor matter of… an actual pubic hair in my first dish! Seriously guys, I couldn’t believe it. It was practically dancing it was that long (apologies for those of you reading over a light lunch). I wasn’t very hungry after that though!

As we landed, I spotted something else – an iPod Touch at the back of the seat in front of me. After checking with those sat all around me and being told that it didn’t belong to anyone, I took it to the cabin crew for safe keeping. On navigating our way to the pictures section of the iPod (to see who the rightful owner was, of course!), we saw who owned it alright – two naked people staring back at us, starring in their very own version of what could be loosely described as… er… porn (wow this was NOT going well!). I felt like such a perv having handed it in. The smiles from the air stewards seemed to have an ‘I know what you’ve been looking at for the entire journey’ type smile plastered across their faces, especially as there were about 500 pictures on there.

Once we’d safely landed at JFK and survived the 40-minute immigration queue, we were ready for our taxi ride to our home for the next five days, The New Yorker hotel.

A lovely American man helped us to the cab with our bags. As we walked up to the yellow cabs (hello Big Apple – we’ve arrived), I felt a big grin appear on my face. As the lovely cabbie carried on walking us past the line of cabs, my smile subsided somewhat. When we arrived at a clapped-out banger, my smile was well and truly gone and Kerry, Amber and I were thinking this was short of a practical joke! I mean, don’t get me wrong, my car has a dent in the side, we were just a bit confused as to where his yellow cab was… did he even have a licence?! Swallowing the feeling of panic that was welling in my throat and after stopping off for fuel in Harlem (wtf), we did actually make it to our hotel in one piece.

Abandoning our previous plan of ‘we’ll just check out our surroundings when we arrive and do shopping and everything the next day’, we headed straight to Macy’s, Madison Square Gardens and then Times Square to the Hard Rock Café (where they dance and mess about on tables) for some grub.

I’ll leave you with some questions before I bid you farewell for now…

What relevance does a lad called Zack, Jekyll and Hyde and NYC’s version of Hugh Hefner have to do with anything?

If I can remember anything about the trip next month, I will divulge all, if not, this is the world’s worst cliff hanger.

As the Vontrap family say – Adieu… Adieu… to you and you and you!

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Footloose and fancy shoes!

Unit 7, The Precinct, Market Deeping

Tel: 01778 348494 www.footlooseandfancyshoes.co.uk

Unit 5b, Serpentine Green Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8BE. Tel 01733 890689 www.scarletnails.biz

November Offers TANNING

BEAUTY

• Introduce a friend and get 20 minutes of tanning free • 20% off all tanning courses

• 50% off all holistic treatments* Massages, Indian head and holistic facials* • Buy a full set of Gel Nails and get 50% off your first infills

OTHER • Friend request us on Facebook and get access to great offers.

• Gift vouchers available

1st floor, Westgate Arcade Peterborough Tel: 01733 557077

screen.scene@espmag.co.uk

SCENE

DVD SCENE

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL Out: Nov 10

The Indy films always made a great trilogy, but the fourth adventure was a long time coming. It’s here now, but is it long in the tooth? Actually, it tries something very different with the plot, though some may find it a bit silly. They should watch the old films again; they were always silly, and that was the point.

Maybe ‘Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ is a bit too goofy; at times it’s like watching other people on a theme park ride. But if you can suspend all disbelief and think like a kid again, it will always welcome you to hop on board and just enjoy the fun.

WALL-E Out: Oct 27

Tony Stephens kicks back with the popcorn and the latest new releases coming up on the big and small screen this month…

There are very few characters in WALL-E. To begin with, there is only one; the Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class, or WALL-E for short. He is the last robot on Earth, left behind to clean up the mess left behind by the humans that have fled to space. Over time he has developed a personality, and has feelings. For the most part, he just feels lonely. When another robot named EVE crash lands on the barren planet to join him, he falls head-over-wheels in love, but does not know how to speak to her cold metal heart. Perhaps it would help if he could speak with real words, but very few are spoken in the entire movie. This is Pixar’s bravest project to date, but it has all the charm their past hits are known for.

OUT THIS MONTH GAME ON MAX PAYNE

GEARS OF WAR 2

Out: Nov 14

While movies are beginning to resemble video games more and more, we’re still waiting for a film actually based on a game that not only does its source material justice, but stands up as a decent piece of work on its own. With a title and character name like ‘Max Payne’ (Mark Wahlberg) it could have gotten away with non-stop action, but although there’s some of that, it also has a rather dark story to tell: Max finds his wife and baby murdered in their home by thugs high on a new type of drug. Yes, that’s pretty dark. This leads to Max joining the DEA to get to the source of the drug, only to wind up framed for the murder himself.

This is where the shooting and the relevance of the name ‘Max Payne’ comes in.

BODY OF LIES Out: Nov 21

Leonardo DiCaprio takes a break from Scorcese for a bit to muscle in on another big actor/director partnership; Russel Crowe and Ridley Scott. Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) is a CIA operative sent to the Middle East to track down the leader of an Al Qaeda-like terrorist organisation, as Ed Hoffman (Crowe) directs him from back in Washington. The story aims to be realistic and as sympathetic as possible to all sides, whilst cramming in enough Bond/Bourne style action to ensure it delivers its message in an entertaining way.

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(XBOX 360) Out: Nov 7 The first Gears of War was almost universally praised for not only being the best looking 360 game at the time (which it arguably still is), but the console’s best software overall. The gameplay is a straightforward affair; literally, you keep pushing forward, gunning down aliens and sticking your chainsaw into anything that gets in your way, taking cover every now and then to avoid getting your own head blown off. Developers Epic Games aim to make every aspect of this sequel bigger, better and more…epic.

Useless fact: the main character Marcus Fenix is voiced

by John DiMaggio, better known as Bender in Futurama.

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR

(Multi) Out: Nov 14 The ‘Call of Duty’ series was created by Infinity Ward, but now the task of developing hit sequels seems to alternate between the originators and Treyarch, another studio. The latter team was criticised for their work on ‘COD 3’, which despite being a good game, didn’t live up to the expectations of those that had played the originals. And it was completely blown away when Infinity Ward returned with the allconquering ‘COD 4: Modern Warfare’. Now Treyarch are back, and so is the WWII setting. Hopefully with the technology and lessons learned from ‘COD 4’, they should be able to deliver another special game.

The abundance of flame-throwers this time should help please the fans too.

(Release dates are subject to change.)

*

Come and try our new cocktail range £3.95 180 DAYS*

1st June - 27th November

180 MINUTES* 9pm to Midnight

180 PENCE*

on selected items listed below: All VK's and bottled beers, all draught lagers, all single shorts with a mixer* (*excludes Red Bull) All shots £1.00

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS (10AM ‘TIL 9PM) Bottled lagers Strongbow 275ml Jacques 75cl VK Flavours VK Blue/Ice All wine 175 ml Newcastle Brown 500ml Marstons Pedigree 500ml

£1.90 £1.90 £3.90 £1.90 £2.10 £1.90 £1.90 £1.90

Becks Vier pint Stella Artois pint All spirits with free mixer All shots (4 for £5) Red Bull Coke / lemonade All J20's

These offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Now recruiting bar and promotions staff!

£2.20 £2.30 £1.90* £1.50

£2.00 £1.00 £1.90

• Live sporting events on 10 screens inc 150" screen • Over 10,000 song jukebox • Pool tables • Football table • Relaxing and comfortable atmosphere

NEW ROAD, PETERBOROUGH 01733 568554 (NEXT TO CHICAGO ROCK)

Caught in th ESP HITS THE TOWN! Man About Town Pep Cipriano dusted off his lens after his trip to New York and hit downtown Peterborough with his glamorous photo assistants Becca and Jess.

The guys couldn’t wait to check out Latini’s new cocktail bar Bar Cuba and weren’t disappointed. Pep wanted the ‘Spiced Love Potion’ cocktail named after him after taking a bit of a liking to the rum, Cointreau and passion fruit juice mix, while Becca and Jess stuck to their favourite ‘Strawberry Dakari’ tipple. Latini’s is known for its tasty South American dishes and it’s fast becoming the place to sip cocktails and take in the sounds of a resident DJ on a top night out.

Next stop was Shooters on New Road where the guys shamefully didn’t have the nerve to have a game of pool! Shooters are still running their great 180 drinks promotions with selected bevies at just £1.80 from 9pm ‘til Midnight, and they also have a great range of cocktails to choose from at just £3.95!

Finally, no good night in the city is complete without a visit to The Solstice where the Halloween theme was going strong. Lots of revellers got into the spirit of Halloween (including the scary looking DJ!) and a great time was being had by everyone. Next door in The Lounge, the Paparazzi crew where able to chill for a bit away from the wild party atmosphere of next door!

Photos now available to buy online on www.espmag.co.uk/photos 32

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he act?

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celebs@espmag.co.uk

ESPCelebs Beyoncé isn’t the only gorgeous, super talented young lady in the Knowles family – meet her sister Solange who’s under a spotlight all of her own.

This girl’s been performing in one form or another for longer than you’d think.

Classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance, she’s been a back up dancer on a Destiny's Child tour, released her first album at the tender age of 16, ‘Solo Star’, and then discovered a new love for writing which she showcased on Kelly Rowland’s debut solo album, ‘Simply Deep’.

Her last acting appearance to date was in the cult film series, ‘Bring It On: All or Nothing’, selling over 750,000 copies.

“Although it was quite the accomplishment,” she says, “it was time for me to express myself creatively in the true sense of where I was in my life. I decided this would be the last time I would attach myself to something because of an opportunity instead of an artistic expression.”

So that’s dancing, singing and writing, just acting to tick off the list and sure enough Solange was selected to play the daughter of Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams in ‘Johnson Family Vacation’, and she was still just 17.

And so came the birth of ‘SoL-AngeL & the Hadley St. Dreams’. Her father bought an empty building plot in a homeless and drug infested area of Houston, but he had a dream of turning it into a recording studio and eventually turned his vision into reality.

Then she embarked on what she describes as “the biggest and greatest accomplishment of my life” - marriage and motherhood. “I spent the next few years of my life focusing on family life by moving to the countryside of Idaho. The life experience in itself there was more than enough inspiration I needed as a writer and it was then that I started exploring the idea for sharing my writing with other artists and projects.”

Solange continued to work for each of the Destiny’s Child ladies, co-writing Beyoncé's ‘Get Me Bodied’ and ‘Upgrade You’ on her B’Day album, Kelly’s song ‘Love’ on her second album, ‘Ms. Kelly’ and Michelle Williams' single ‘We Break the Dawn’ before getting back to making her own music.

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“The name of the street is Hadley St.” explains Solange, “and this is indeed where I started the making of my album. It was an eye opener and an evolution for me as an artist. I felt the bravery in making music that inspired me and started to pull out my old records of Shuggie Otis, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding artists that had messages and melodies that spoke to me.

“If I had to describe the sound of my record I would like to think that it is as if The Supremes, The Marvelettes, Dusty Springfield and Minnie Riperton were to make the music they did in the 60's and 70's now with a modern touch.”

Introducing this new sound to producers took a lot of persistency as most wanted to channel Solange down a more mainstream

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route and it wasn’t until the producers actually heard her new music that they wanted to be a part of it.

But one they did, Solange says the offers flooded in.

“By the end of the project, all of the producers and artists I had ever dreamed of working with such as Q-Tip, Pharrell, Raphael Saddiq, Boards of Canada and Mark Ronson contributed to the album and when I got a call saying the legendary Lamont Dozier would take the time out to write with little old me I was ecstatic beyond words. He is probably the single most influential person that worked on this album!

“When hearing this album, I hope the listener is taken back to a time when music was melodic, sweet, and soulful. When music was less provocative and came from a place of inspiration and storytelling. I hope to have followers with an intelligent ear and that are willing to take risks.”

The new single ‘Sandcastle Disco’ from the album ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams’ is released on November 24.

Her UK tour starts in Glasgow on November 4 with two nearby gigs at the Pigalle Club in London on November 7 and November 13. Tickets for all gigs are £15 at Ticketmaster - www.seetickets.com or on 0844 477 5775.

Now open in Westgate Arcade For quality gifts at great prices, exclusive and distinctive ideas for home decoration, beautiful jewellery and unusual touches for the individual in you.

Silver Fox… as different as you are special.

Westgate Arcade, Peterborough Tel: 01733 552258

The Deepings Premier Venue • Dine in our elegant restaurant or sample our delicious bar snacks • Real ales always served

2008 Christmas Menu 3 courses plus coffee.

Lunchtime £17. Evenings £22.

Please book early to avoid disappointment, £10 deposit per person.

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Bridge Foot, Market Deeping.

Tel: 01778 341460

the correct answers, it’s just as a release and something you can evaluate to perhaps provide further help in some way.” Blimey that’s deep.

Our lass used to live in London. She’s painted and worked with paper sculpture and used to sell them in the capital’s art galleries and restaurants. Every Saturday, Claire worked in the soup kitchen at the American Church on Tottenham Court Road where she cooked, cleaned and provided support for the homeless.

So, Claire’s a creative and charitable girl with cooking skills.

She’s desperate to jump out of a plane for charity (as did Kerry before her) and wants to overcome her slight phobia of horses by learning to ride one. All I’m sure we can turn into reality for Claire in the coming months.

I grabbed a word with Smithy to get an insight into our new celeb…

What prizes have you enjoyed so far and which are you looking forward to the most?

"I haven’t actually used any of the vouchers yet as I haven’t stopped!

I haven’t really got a favourite but I’m looking forward to being pruned a bit. I have this habit of cutting my own hair and the guys at Michael John slapped me on the wrist about that one when I had my cover shoot. My hair was basically at an angle!”

So did you think you were going to win once you got into the final six?

“I really didn’t think I stood a chance as the remaining girls were gorgeous. I had a few tipples to steady my nerves and it worked! I remember sitting on the stool thinking my dress was so short and then a sudden realisation I was in the last six. When my number was read out I still had no idea, hence the utterly shocked expression in the photos. I didn’t clock it was me until I glanced down and looked at the contestant number on my wrist!”

What made you enter in the first place?

“My motto is ‘never say never’ and thought it would show other 30-plus year-olds that if I could then they could too! I thought I’d enter on a whim and honestly never dreamt of even getting through the preliminary stages as I was convinced of being too old and wrinkly!”

How many birds said they missed me on the night (I was on holiday)?

introducing

Claire THE FACE OF ESP’09

Our new Face of ESP Claire Smith has had a hectic start to her celebrity lifestyle for the next year. But we’re pleased to say she still finds time to enjoy one of her pastimes painting, as our Man About Town Pep Cipriano found out…

Claire Smith is going to be a hit as our new Face of ESP. After all, she can stick a spoon to her nose and can say, “Colgate is good for your teeth” in Danish! This then indeed is a very talented girl.

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“There was one ‘he-she’ called Dora. I gave her your number – he / she wants to take you for dinner.”

What would you most like to do and achieve during your year?

“I would love to be seen as someone who honestly tried to help to do something positive in Peterborough. My main aim is to raise money and awareness for local charities and community projects. Other than that I would like to learn to drive a car and a scooter, as yours looks loads of fun. I also want to become a lot fitter and healthier as I’m running the London Marathon next year.”

How do you think being the Face of ESP will help towards your career aims?

“I have worked in fashion for over ten years and have started to make a career diversion already. ESP has already given me the opportunity to have three radio interviews and I loved every minute so more of that would be great! I’ve also dreamed of presenting on TV. Setting up my own art physiotherapy unit would be amazing too.”

SMITHY STATS

Occupation: Marketing and events executive (Bauer Media).

Freelance business consultant (fashion) Marital status: Single

So talented in fact, that I commissioned her to paint a portrait of me, for Smithy is quite a keen painter in her spare time. The results clearly speak for themselves as you can see. She also loves to dance (Salsa and Ceroc) and used to ballroom dance in her youth, or shall I say when she was younger (33 isn’t old is it Claire?).

Height: 5ft 6 ½ inches

Claire’s also studied art psychotherapy – a type of therapy in an art form such as painting, sculpture and photography. She says: “The whole concept of art therapy is to ask your client to produce some sort of art for you to interpret. You’re not there to solve problems or have

Pet hates: Racism, sexism, inequality, ignorance, disrespect, nosepickers, bad manners and money-orientated people who’ve lost the value and meaning of everything

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Vital statistics (please): Err, I think only I should know that!

Nicknames: Smithy, Claire Bear, Clairey, Fairy, Clarabella, Smurf and Smurfette

Claire with Keith Dalton at Lite FM

50% off food voucher*

*Evening Menu only and excludes drinks, Valid until 01/12/08. Please pre book your table and mention that you have 50% ESP voucher. We reserve right to withdraw offer before stated dates.

To get your voucher please text the word ‘Falcon’ with your name and email address to the number shown or email your name and number to offers@espmag.co.uk.

Alternatively log onto www.esp3.net and click on the Falcon logo and print your voucher.

Claire with Andy Burrows at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

Text hotline 07762 147679 or email offers@espmag.co.uk

Claire with Kev and Addy at Hereward

THE STORY SO FAR...

It’s been a whirlwind for Claire since winning the Face of ESP. The weekend after the big night she was whisked off for her makeover and cover shoot and the following week she was up early appearing live on Lite FM with Keith Dalton, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire in Peterborough with Andy Burrows and Hereward FM with Kev and Abby!

The Peterborough Lions Rugby Club House at Bretton Park, behind Sainsbury’s is now open.

All draught beers and lager £2.00 Call in now for a membership form or call Amanda on 01733 558989 POSH programme

"I was really looking forward to doing the radio interviews,” says Claire “as I've always wanted to give it a bash. If you ask anyone who knows me, I constantly babble with no internal monologue! I love chatting, laughing, discussing and mostly learning. Getting paid to do that on a daily basis, would definitely be my ideal job!"

Buffet menu for corporate hospitality, works meetings, office parties and more. Buffet lunches from just £2.10 per head up to £6.10 per head all made from fresh produce in our spotlessly clean kitchens.

City council ##### hygiene award 5% of our buffet takings will be donated to the Peterborough Sportaid Foundation - 'help us to help local young people'

Then it was back in the studio as the guys from POSH were quick to book Claire in for photos with Terry Harris, a make-over with Andrea Connor and an interview with Phil Adlam for a feature in the programme for the Leeds game. We’re sure that brightened up half time for the boys!

Claire’s already shaping up to be another action girl and is planning on abseiling down the side of Woolies next month to raise cash for Kidney Research. The bookings are coming in thick and fast so get ready to meet Claire at an event near you soon!

SANDWICH & SALAD BAR 6 Westgate, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 342469

LOCAL PUBS MAKE THE GRADE!

The Brewery Tap team toast more success

Cheers! Good Pub Guide recognises The Brewery Tap and The George in Stamford.

They just can’t stop partying at The Brewery Tap – first they’re celebrating their tenth birthday then another entry in The Good Pub Guide comes along and it’s time to down some more Oakham Ales and celebrate again!

The Tap’s been given the ‘Own Brew Pub of the Year’ award in the new edition of The Good Pub Guide 2009 – surely more backing to their ‘Don’t Scrap the Tap’ campaign!

The national guide to the best places to down a pint says of The Tap – ‘There’s an easy going, relaxed feel to this striking modern conversion of an old labour exchange that serves a fantastic range of real ales and popular Thai food.’ Yep, we know – it’s a worthy winner and the launch of their new mini brewery just adds to the package. The Tap’s always brewed beer at the Westgate site but now the production of Oakham Ales has been moved to Woodston (JHB and the like are now so popular they couldn’t produce enough at the pub!) and so they can now brew smaller batches of a wider variety of bevies.

“We’re thrilled to receive this award,” says Jessica Loock manageress of The Tap. “What’s really great about it is that when the judging panels make their visits they do it anonymously so everything is based on genuine standards and all round quality. This award is a great way to mark and remember our 10th anniversary.”

In Stamford The George Hotel has also been recognised – they’ve been awarded the ‘Hotel Bar of the Year’ title. The Good Pub Guide says – ‘It seems they can’t put a foot wrong at this marvellously preserved grand old coaching inn…The York Bar, where you can get snacks, is surprisingly pubby with a local feel. There’s a good range of drinks on offer, including Adnams Broadside, Fullers London Pride and Greene King Ruddles County on handpump, an excellent choice of wines, freshly squeezed orange juice and malt whiskies.’

This place looks absolutely gorgeous at Christmas, so well worth nipping in for a cosy drink during the festivities. Well done guys – see you at the bar!

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

3 COPIES OF THE GOOD PUB GUIDE UP FOR GRABS! The Good Pub Guide 2009 (Ebury Press, £15.99) is the UK’s best-selling guide book that gives you the essential lowdown on pubs that offer all round good value and enjoyment at prices that won’t break the bank. Just what we need right now, so get this one on your Christmas list! Backed up by countless reader reports, it’s the bible for pub-goers and the only truly independent guide of its kind.

We have three copies up for grabs. Just text or email GOOD PUB and include your name, age, address and phone number – we’ll then pull some names from the beer barrel.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 31/11/08

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

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Enjoy winter dining and drinking in the picturesque village of Apethorpe Steve and Julia look forward to welcoming old and new customers to Christmas 2008 at The Kings Head, Apethorpe.

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU £15.70 for 2 courses or £19.99 for 3 courses Throughout December, in addition to our seasonal A la Carte menu, try our fantastic Christmas Party Menu.

Book before December 1st and receive a complimentary glass of mulled wine for each of your guests.

Ask a member of staff for details.

CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY NIGHT

This night is always a popular occasion. Book early to avoid disappointment. £15.50 per person

BOXING DAY LUNCH

£15.98 for two courses or £19.99 for three courses BOOKING ADVISABLE

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Saturday November 29th - 11am ‘til 3pm Enjoy a little early Christmas shopping at the Kings Head - interesting gift stalls for all those special gifts

MEET SANTA

Saturday December 13th A real treat for the kids. Meet the great man himself with a gift for all those children who’ve been good. £1.50 entry fee per child to Santa’s Grotto.

Why not stay for our Santa Lunch Special only £10.50 per adult and just £4.50 per child under 12. Please book early for this ever popular event!

JAZZ EVENING

Friday December 12th 7.30 pm ‘til late Free entertainment while you dine

THE KINGS HEAD, APETHORPE. TEL: 01780 470627

food@espmag.co.uk

LOCALFOOD <EAST>

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough, Tel: 01733 315702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Getting ready for the Christmas food fest but not sure where to head? Well, we were invited to try out the new Christmas menu at EAST and certainly weren’t disappointed. What a fragrant and delicate array of flavours this restaurant has come up with for a truly distinctive festive meal. Forget the turkey and trimmings, if you want a break from the traditional, this range of Pan Asian dishes will certainly light your fire. Beautifully presented dishes transport you to all corners of the Orient and tease your taste buds with delicate flavours. Tamarind turkey, Korean beef, royal scallops, golden king prawns and Bota Yaki – tasty marinated pork on skewers – are just some of the dishes in this authentic, freshly prepared festive feast. The EAST chefs are all highly trained in Thailand and it shows. The food was beautifully presented and EAST promote the use of fresh local produce.

This expertly chosen choice of special dishes will be available from November 24 to Christmas Eve so whether you want to treat your staff, hook up with your friends or eat with the family you won’t go far wrong with the Banquet Christmas Menu at £28.95 (thirteen dishes!) or the Set Christmas Menu at £23.95 (eleven dishes).

We love the fact that with EAST situated just above Charters you have the perfect before or after drinks venue. You can also enjoy a pint of Oakham Ale with your meal or take advantage of the extensive wine list. It’s a great location on the river too, particularly nice if you want to dine by the water during the day and relax watching the swans paddle past – try it for a business lunch, it’s only £8.95 and the food’s served in ten minutes!

AMICI RESTAURANT

2 Vine Street, Spalding, Tel: 01775 767696 www.amicispalding.co.uk We wanted to start the weekend as relaxed as possible after a stressful week at work, fancying a change from the city we headed towards Spalding in search of food.

Tucked down Vine Street just off the main road was this cosy but modern restaurant, the staff were amazing, very friendly and welcoming and seemed to know when you needed something even before you looked up.

While trying to decide on what we all wanted to eat we opted for marinated olives and home-made bread which was to die for.

Our starters consisted of breaded Mozzarella with sweet chilli dip for me and my hubby and my son had spicy meatballs, we also had a portion of garlic bread to share.

For mains my son had a dish of pasta with Tuscan sausage and pancetta in a tomato sauce, hubby had a Calzone (folded pizza) and I had one of the special dishes called Agnolott Ail Aragosta which consisted of pasta parcels, slightly larger than ravioli, filled with lobster with a salmon and saffron sauce. I must say this was the best Italian dish I had tasted in a very long time.

We finished off with ice cream for my son but I had to have the lemon tiramisu, all washed down with coffee and lemon vodka.

We all agreed it was the best restaurant we had been to for ages and had a truly friendly atmosphere - we loved it so much we are going again this month!

The owners, Ivan and Peppa have just been awarded the Three Tulip Excellence Award for food and have this proudly displayed in the restaurant for all to see.

To book in at this great little place call 01775 767696 or go to their website and check out the Christmas menu www.amicispalding.co.uk Shirley Frost

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MAMA LIZ’S

‘A dining experience with a difference’

North Street, Stamford, Tel: 01780 765888 There’s always a buzz around Stamford when somewhere new appears on the night time scene and the opening of Mama Liz’s Soul Food Shack on North Street was no exception. We decided to pop over on one of the quieter nights, a Thursday, to sample the New Orleans, Cajun inspired menu. The décor is authentic Louisiana style with a touch of random Americana thrown in, a good start.

I chose Tennessee style ribs which were coated in Jack Daniels, they were delicious. Smothered in a sweet sticky sauce they had a peppery kick, just enough to make you raise your eyebrows. Tracy had Crevettes (huge prawns), on a mixed leaf salad with a lime and tomato salsa. I was reliably informed the dish was delicious. I never got a sample to verify it but hey, she’s trustworthy in the food department.

We both went seafood for mains. I had a seafood Jambalaya, a spicy rice base crammed with catfish, crayfish prawns and mussels. The rice was perfectly cooked and very spicy, the fish succulent and fresh. Tracy’s Gumbo was vegetable based and fish just as fresh and tasty. As with most Cajun grub be prepared for some heat, the good news is, this sensation made the dishes and didn’t detract. The cornbread side order was also very authentically Deep South.

We scoffed desserts as well, piglets I know but who could resist Key Lime or pecan pie? Not us, again they were both a real treat, sweet as you like and displaying all the flavours their names promised.

I washed the whole thing down with a few Sierra Nevada beers whilst Tracy had a Saffron Gin. For £18 a head it was money well spent, we enjoyed it immensely and our return will be imminent, even if only to grab me a po’boy… if you don’t know, then you need to go and try one!

Andy Slater

FOOD NEWS

HOLE IN THE WALL TURNS BISTRO The Hole in the Wall in Stamford is finally open again and now describing itself as a ‘bistro style steak and fish house’. Chatting with manageress Elaine they plan to source their ingredients from local organic producers.

“We want to provide quality food with an ethically responsible ethos,” Elaine told ESP. Fine words but with a sentiment that is being felt around the country as restaurants have realised that local produce is best!

The restaurant is open Tuesday - Saturday and their carvery is £7.95 which is a great price for the quality they promise. We haven’t eaten there yet but will be popping along to Cheyne Walk very soon, why don’t you do the same.

• The Cherry House serves Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm • 3 course Sunday lunch £18.50, includes coffee + mints • Christmas menus available for lunchtime and evening, please call for more details.

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

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

GiftGuide

Wish List XMAS

Scratching your head about what to buy or just struggling with your own Christmas wish list? We asked some shoppers in Peterborough what they’re hoping for under the tree this year and come up with a few suggestions of our own. With 90 shops and new names like Jane Norman, Miss Selfridge and River Island’s flagship new store as well as free parking throughout December after 6pm weekdays, it looks like Santa should be heading to Queensgate!

Stefania Clothes

Apple 16 Gb ipod Touch - Currys.digital £179 Neil

Bomber jacket NEXT £120

Silver and Black iDock - Currys.Digital £99

Jewellery

Vela

Pandora bracelets Stephen Diggle Goldsmiths from £4

JVC MG330 Digital Camcorder from Currys.digital £239.99 Mercedes Shoes NEXT £25

Jewellery

Gemma Boot Warehouse black £100

Jordan GHD Salon Styler Boots £119

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Necklaces from Silver Fox gifts, Westgate Arcade

Proudly sponsored by

Hannah

Olivia

Benefit make-up, Boots or John Lewis

Samsung i8510 mobile phone - Carphone Warehouse £99 Party Wear Top Warehouse £55

Prada sunglasses

Rob

The Oculist, Westgate Arcade £170

Supadry jumper – C2 Westgate Arcade £50 Tom Sony Bravia LCD HD ready Television - John Lewis £499

Tom Ford ‘James Bond’ sunglasses

Ben - Laptop Apple Mac Book John Lewis £949

The Oculist, Westgate Arcade £214 Leon - Watch Gucci G Class Watch Earnest Jones £495

Natalie Sherwan Braun Cordless curling tongs - Superdrug £24.99

Diesel jeans – C2 Westgate Arcade £90

Gifts Stardust gift pack – LUSH £24.95

www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk ( Novemeber )

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shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

This featured car is supplied by Marshall Volvo Mallory Road, Boongate Peterborough 01733 894894 www.marshallweb.co.uk

Volvo XC60

Unveil the beast!

People are clamouring to experience the new Volvo XC60 which is supposed to change the face of Volvo for good, but even Shirley Frost can’t get a test drive... yet!

The secret behind the new Volvo XC60 is something I’ve been told about but unfortunately not been able to get my hands on, as the launch for this new mean machine is not until November 15 and it remains under wraps!

I’ve looked at pictures, watched videos and even touched and sat in the all singing, all dancing new Volvo but as yet I’ve not been able to drive it. (This doesn’t mean you’ve got away with it Charles at Marshall!).

It’s a stylish crossover, combining chunky SUV with sleek coupe. It's stunning inside and out, with classic Scandinavian design. Inside it feels airy, solid, safe and upmarket. Outside, it looks dynamic, sporty and unmissable with the prominent shoulders and bright LED lights on the rear.

While the covers stay on, only a handful of people have actually put this new beast to the test. One of them is Nikki Cupoli from Marshall Volvo who was the lucky sales person given the chance to test drive the mean machine at Rockingham, after all you can’t sell any thing if you haven’t done your research, I should know that!

“It handles superbly and offers the practicalities of an estate combined with the capabilities of an off-roader”

My first impression is that it looks stylish and modern, not at all like the old school Volvos. Inside it feels big and spacious with the large sunroof and the funky leather seats giving it a younger appearance, ideal for families or for people who live life to the full and need the space.

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“It handles superbly and offers the practicalities of an estate combined with the capabilities of an off-roader,” Nikki told me. “It’s incredibly responsive, smooth and feels solid on the road. The steering is precise and the rear

“It’s incredibly responsive, smooth and feels solid on the road.” suspension ensures good comfort and road contact so I think it’ll be great whether you’re driving on city tarmac or country lanes.”

Safety’s always been huge on the Volvo tick list and Nikki believes the XC60 might look fresh, but this is one aspect that hasn’t changed, in fact it sounds like it’s even safer!

“It has innovative safety equipment,” Nikki explained, “which includes City Safety - a unique system that can help you avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks (standard on all XC60s). There's also an optional blind-spot hazard warning, lane-departure warning and more.”

So this is not only the safest Volvo ever, it's one of the most striking in the range, and certainly a car for those trend setters, who want to stand out from the crowd! It’s a must-see, must-drive vehicle so get your demonstration drives booked now… but remember I’m first!

Shirley Frost

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clubland@espmag.co.uk

CLUBLAND

NEW CLUBS FOR CITY

Rumour is that the former The Bar, on the corner of New Road, is set to reopen at last under the name of Sebanna on November 15! A new leisure company’s taken over the premises and are currently revamping it, judging by the pictures we’ve seen it’s going to be something special. They’ll be serving food throughout the day and early evening, as well as serving drinks well into the night with nationally respected DJ’s.

It’s not the only new club opening in the city these coming months, the biggest of which will be Club Metro, in the former bingo hall near the Posh ground. The newly refurbished venue can hold up to 1200 revellers – yes, 1200.

It’ll be strictly over 21’s and they’re aiming to bring a bit of sophistication to the Peterborough club scene with cutting edge design and the best music.

The Hole in the Wall in Cheyne Walk, Stamford is reopening and will be serving great food and drinks, while upstairs will see Charlies re-open. The new venue will open until 3am every night, with a pure cheese night on Saturday as well as £2 Thursdays, where entry and drinks are all just £2 – which sounds like a very cheap night out!

The former Prince of Wales Feathers pub, at the city end of Eastfield Road, is reopening as The Sapphire Club. They’ll be aiming at a decidedly different market though - every Friday night will feature live bands and Saturdays will see DJ’s taking over, offering you an alternative to the city centre. On Sundays, the decks will be open to anyone who wants a set. Obviously, keep checking back here for more details on all these venues and what’s on.

MAMA LIZ’S VOODOO LOUNGE

A legend from the days of warehouse parties, Norman Jay MBE will be bringing his unique blend of House, 70’s Soul and Funk to Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge on North Street in Stamford December 5. He’s got his own show on BBC London and a regular slot at the Big Chill Festival, so don’t miss your chance to catch him in intimate surroundings! Eclectic Ballroom will be playing their unique mix of Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop at the Voodoo Lounge on November 14, 21 and 28 and if you’re into your Funk, then don’t miss Jessica Joy on November 7.

DISPATCH RECORDINGS AT HIJACK

Dispatch Recordings is one of the leading Drum ‘n’ Bass imprints and have had some massive releases this year. Label owner Ant TC1 is bringing their tour to Hijack at The Park on November 29 and will be joined by Budapest’s Chris Su who’s released loads on Dispatch as well as Hospital, Commercial Suicide and C.I.A. 3rd Dimension of Momentum in Leeds will be also be playing a set as well as all the usual Hijack crew. Entry £5.

HIP HORROR AT LOCALITY

Locality are throwing a Halloween bash at Bar Bloc this month on November 1 which will see some spooky ‘hip horror’ from all the locality boys. Mixy – under the name Rabbit Killer – will be reuniting with Peterborough poet laureate Mark Grist, who’ll be going under the name of the Count of Monte Gristo, as well as sets from Shyan and Skillz. There’ll be some terrifying Drum ‘n’ Bass on offer and gory graphics.

Entry’s £2.

CODED MUSIC LAUNCH

A brand-new label called Coded Music will be heard on November 1 at Neuro-Funktion at AJ’s Bar. Created by Phobia, a leader in the Drum ‘n’ Bass scene, it’s already creating a big storm as one of the biggest dubplates of the year will be their first release – although it’s all being kept secret! Entry’s free before midnight with a flyer, which can be found at www.dontstayin.com/uk/peterborough/ajs-bar.

MI FAMILIA

For a night of old-school Soul, Motown, Ska, Vintage Reggae and Rhythm and Blues then head over to Mi Familia, Stamford where DJ’s Julien and Paul D will be playing the best classics on November 29. Relentless will be taking over on November 7 and MC Magico will be bringing his unique mix of Salsa and Hip-Hop to the venue on November 8. Mi Familia is also having a Ladies Night on November 27 with R ‘n’ B on the decks, free cocktails for the girls and loads of drinks offers.

DANCEHALL AT THE PARK

UK Harmony Pt. 2 sees the return of Supa T and Lion to The Park on November 7.

Showcasing some of the biggest nights around, the night features the likes of Lady K, Lady Explosive, Blackheart Sound and Dappa Dan. Entry £5, advance £4.

FREEZING FOG PARTY

Foam parties are so passé – it’s all about Freezing Fog parties now. Central in Stamford are throwing one on November 28 and if you’ve not been to one before, the dance floor gets filled with ice-cold fog. DJ Leeroy will be playing commercial dance, R’n’B and Drum ‘n’ Bass all night to warm you up. Entry is free before 10.30pm. Central also have a new resident DJ on Thursday nights, Nick T (pictured), whose eclectic style means he can entertain pretty much any crowd.

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ELEMENT’S FIRST BIRTHDAY

Benny Page’s rise to the top of the Drum ‘n’ Bass scene has been meteoric, with his first ever release getting airplay from John Peel back in 2004. Since then Shy FX has taken him under his wing and he’s had dance floor hits since such as ‘Turn Down The Lights’. He’ll be coming to Element’s First Birthday Party at Club Dissident on November 7.

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DOUBLE S AT TRIZZACKZ

Fresh from tearing up Channel U, Double S of the Always Collective will be performing his hit single, ‘From Day’, live at Trizzackz at The Park on November 28. It’s open ‘til 4am so you can get the first train/bus home. Entry £5 on the door, £4 advance.

Peterborough’s newest late bar, now open after major refurbishment.

• Friday nights DJ’s host club night • Saturday night live at The Sapphire 7th November - Knocker.

• Sunday is Funday - cash prizes to be won on the dart board and pool table.

• Sunday evening, open decks night …you entertain us!

Venue available for hire for private functions

Eastfield Road, Peterborough Tel: 01733 704163

The penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is now 3 points and a £60 fine.

Switch it off before you drive.

For further information please contact Peterborough City Council Road Safety Team on 01733 453576

COLUMN Andy Slater andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Andy’s back with his profiles of the great and the good in local music circles.

This month he takes a look behind the scenes and talks to Shaun Pearce, the Peterborough guy who makes the musicians sound great!

Another notable break came when he was collared by a posh geezer to do a PA for him in the early nineties. ”We turned up at this baronial hall, me and Pish (Phil Screeton to those who don’t know) without a clue as to who was playing or what it was all about. It turns out it was a charity ball hosted by Princess Diana! We did the PA for Mica Paris and spent the rest of the night dancing with Jerry Hall, Lady Di and Joan Collins!”

After this involvement with bigger power companies it started him working at Cambridge Folk Festival and before long he had the prestigious festival as his own. “We’ve done it for over 21 years now and I still have to be there to over see it. Not because I don’t trust my team of guys but the organisers want me there.”

Shaun Pearce, ‘sparky’ to the stars!

Having spent most of the summer in one field or another enjoying some kind of entertainment, it makes sense that thoughts of how the whole festival thing happens cross you mind. Thoughts like, this was an empty field two weeks ago, now there are 10,000 people enjoying a full-on production here, how?

One man who knows, a thoroughbred Peterborian, is Shaun Pearce, owner of Pearce Hire. His company’s been supplying power, lighting, PA and all things electrical to festivals and events around the country for around 25 years. Reading his client list is like reading a who’s who of the music world - Motorhead, Status Quo, Paul Weller, Daniel Beddingfield , Girls Aloud and Atomic Kitten, the list is endless.

I caught up with Shaun at his office and warehouse complex of which he is rightly proud. “We probably have about £1million worth of equipment here, we’re upside down at the minute, crap up there got to sort that out!” he tells me,

to his craft. The Shaun Lee Roadshow hit the clubs and with other gangly DJ pioneers of the time, Steve Jason to mention one, he blazed a trail of great Soul music across the city.

Jarvis Cocker powered up by Pearce Hire

The change came when Peterborough hosted Johnny Cash at the Peterborough Country Music Festival in ‘87. “I went to have a look around and the smell of the tents, the lighting rigs and, to an apprentice electrician at the time, the miles of cables, I just knew I wanted to be involved.”

More to the point how did a young guy get into this diverse field in the first place?

“It was about the late 70’s, I decided to build my own DJ set up, I was still at school, but I did it.”

The pictures of a fresh-faced youth with a slightly New Romantic style haircut stood in front of the home built set up stand testament

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The organisation that goes into such a festival is immense, for Pearce Hire it involves a ten day load in, a four day festival and then a seven day load out of equipment. Shaun Pearce does it all year round, making sure that the stars we love to go and see can take to the stage and do what we they do best, Shaun does what he does best, he and his team make it happen.

After helping out at a few gigs and being a

“We did the PA for Mica Paris and spent the rest of the night dancing with Jerry Hall, Lady Di and Joan Collins!” typically modest of what he’s achieved in what is a relatively short time.

In some ways I can understand that. When speaking to him there’s a calmness that can only come from the confidence in his own knowledge and that of his staff. Shaun is modest about his success; he has no photographs of him posing with the stars. I get the impression he’d rather be in the background hoping that 10 tonne generators don’t fall off lorries, which has happened in the past, not once but twice!

roadie, often free of charge to show willing, he started going out with PA. “I’d help out at The Mallard Park Hotel when people like Chris Rea came, we also used to do The Glasshouse at the Key Theatre, humping the gear up those bloody stairs! By the time we hired a van and had a couple of beers me and my mate used to end up with hardly any money.” Still, a good grounding in PA hire Shaun…

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Cambridge Folk Festival... enlightened with the help of Shaun

From fresh-faced back garden shed DJ to sparky to the stars has been an epic journey and as his wonderful dad, Sush, told me at the Beer Festival in the summer - “He’s worked hard that’s how he’s got where he has.” Sush was in the warehouse when I went to catch up with Shaun working away in the workshop, he’s in his 70’s… I can see where his son gets his work ethic.

November Entertainment

Cock Inn W E R R I N G T O N

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT • Mon Night Biker Nite • Food served Mon - Thur 128pm, Fri-Sun 12pm - 4pm • Thurs Nite Steak Nite • Sunday Roast - £6 • SKY Sports

October 31st Hooker November 1st Lloyd Watson 7th Grumpy Old Men 8th Karaoke with Trev 14th TBC 15th Not to Scale 21st No Mans Band 22nd Siren 28th Lee Major 29th Slide to Open

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

- Quiz Night 9.30pm

• Bookings now being taken for Christmas lunches, call for more details

1st 7th 8th 14th 15th 21st 22nd 27th

Angels of Sin Black Rose Riff Raff 101 Proof Replicas Mighty Quinn Grumpy Old Men Open Mic Night, 8.30pm start 28th Hooker 29th Undercover

9 Oundle Road, Fletton,

1305 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough

Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

LIVE MUSIC / DJS October 31st Halloween night

Admission £3 or £1 if in fancy dress, loads of prizes for best and worst dressed, bring your pumpkin and win buckets of beer!

Live blues with Steel Union!

Bar and Restaurant

NEW MENU AVAILABLE ALL AUTHENTIC LATIN AMERICAN RECIPES Served 12 noon onwards 7 days a week LUNCHTIME OFFER Buy 2 x main courses ... get the cheapest one free 12 N00N-4PM DAILY. Fresh fruit cocktails and smoothies FREE WI FI IN BOTH SITES!!!

2-3 Cheyne Walk, Stamford Tel: 01780 481414 www.panama-joes.co.uk

BRAZILIAN FOOD “SOBRE FUEGO” FROM THE FIRE

• XMAS / NEW YEAR MENUS AVAILABLE NOW • Tapas (50 items), Latin Specials served at weekends from 5pm-10pm • Served 2pm ‘til late every day • Heated covered patio area • Funktastic cocktail bar • Function room for hire • Upstairs lounge with sofas

November 1st Stone Pony- Blues rock 7th Relentless-DJ’s 8th MC Magico salsa / hip hop 14th Cardboard Box - blues 15th No Bounds - Skate band 21st Angryman - acoustic rock 22nd Junkie Soulz - Latin funk 27th Ladies night - RnB DJ, free cocktails for the ladies, Bogof on selected drinks!

28th Latin Colour –Latin Band 29th Annihilating Rhythm – DJ’s

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

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC Firstly a big thank you to Andy Slater for covering my column last month – nice work fella! Sadly I was side-tracked by loads of ogling at the Face of ESP finals and was left feeling dizzy, cross-eyed and unable to write my column. I’ve recovered now, but I’ll take Mr Slater’s advice in future and wear dark glasses! vocals, Jess Woodcock (South Bretton) on drums and Sarah (Thorney) on electric bass.

launch of a packed Autumn programme, C2 is focusing on bringing more live acts to the city.

This talented group, who are aged between 17 and 20, have only been playing together as a band for just over a year, but they’re attracting a lot of attention for their music and great image. The Orange Unsigned Act show is to be shown on Channel 4 and T4 during November.

“The atmosphere, acoustics and feel of the venue has evoked really positive audience reactions and the musicians love the space too,” said Cresset managing director Julian Stanley. “We want to put The Cresset and C2 Sessions on the live music map and bring some big name acts to the city.”

www.myspace.com/camebyplane

Headlining the Autumn programme on Friday November 28 are Welsh rockers, Feeder, and tickets are selling fast. For more information on the line-up or to buy tickets, contact the box office on 01733 265705, or go online.

A BLOODY HALLOWEEN WITH THE SURGENS It is with great sadness we hear The Surgens have decided to call it a day after four years of performing their unique style of twisted Country, Blues and Surf. They were never going to be mainstream, but enjoyed some outstanding success in their genre and were hailed as being top of their game by Mark Lamarr at the BBC. Asked why they’d decided to go their separate ways, band spokesman Steve Donovan told ESP, “It was simply down to the band members having too many musical similarities!”

If you want to be able to tell your grandkids that you saw The Surgens last ever gig, then get yourselves down to the newly opened Voodoo Lounge music venue at Mama Liz’s Soul Food Shack on North Street Stamford for their Halloween spectacular on Friday October 31.

Supporting The Surgens will be The Dirty Backbeats on their first visit to Stamford. www.thesurgens.co.uk

CAME BY PLANE ON CHANNEL 4

Hot on the heels of being chosen as BBC Radio One’s house band for the Nick Grimshaw show during August, local all-girl band, ‘Came By Plane’, have beaten over 7,000 other bands to make it into the finals of the Orange Unsigned Act competition. Judged by Simon Gavin of A&R Records, Alex James of Blur, TV and radio presenter Lauren Laverne and rapper Lethal Bizzel, the girls have made it into the last 50 acts.

I caught up with bassist Sarah Stuffins and asked her about the experience so far.

“Amazing! We had to queue up for hours for the first auditions and then had to spend a weekend being interviewed and performing in front of a televised audience,” said Sarah. “We were really nervous, but everyone was so cool and relaxed, we soon settled into it.”

‘Came By Plane’ are made up of Sam Percy (Moulton Chapel) on vocals, Anousha Tarabad (Market Deeping) on lead guitar, Leesa Mears (South Bretton) on rhythm guitar and backing

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www.cresset.co.uk

STAMFORD CORN EXCHANGE

At last, the project to build a brand new 400 seat theatre within the shell of the original Corn Exchange in Stamford is complete… and an impressive building it is too! Refurbished almost entirely by volunteers, it’s a testament to the willpower and sheer determination to everyone involved. As a charity organisation, the theatre is dependant entirely on donations and box-office takings, so attracting acts who are happy to be paid from box-office takings only has been quite a challenge. Nevertheless, classic Rock legends Wishbone Ash take to the stage on Friday October 31 as part of their latest European Tour.

And on Saturday November 29, The Wonderstuff will be in town. Possibly best known for their No.1 hit ‘Dizzy’ with Vic Reeves, the band have enjoyed five Top 20 albums, seventeen Top 20 singles and sold over two million records worldwide. For more information, phone the box office on 01780 754829 or check out the website. www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

THE CRESSET C2 SESSIONS

Bosses at The Cresset in Bretton, Peterborough, have invested tens of thousands of pounds to transform one of its concert halls into a stand-up music venue, named C2 Sessions. With the

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THE ONION BAND

It’s that time of year again when the great charity that is BBC Children In Need returns to our screens and, indeed, to our city. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people dressing up in Pudsey outfits and walking around the city centre with collection buckets, but if you want something a little less in your face, head down to The Brewery Tap for a great night out on Saturday November 15 for De Zwiebels (The Onions) from Holland. Think Punk version of Terry Wogan’s Floral Dance, with tuba, trombone, accordion etc, and you’ll about have a handle on it. De Zwiebels are an incredible band to behold, both musically and visually. Tickets are £5 on the door and include a raffle entry to win some great prizes on the night and help raise money for Children In Need. www.dezwiebels.nl

VOODOO LOUNGE

As if Stamford wasn’t spooky enough, a new spell is being cast across the town as the Voodoo Lounge music venue opens at Mama Liz’s on North Street. Having had a sneak preview of this sizeable underground cellar, I think it could become the region’s premier live music venue for intimate, atmospheric gigs and is likely to attract some high-profile artists over the coming months.

For the full run-down of what’s going on, take a look at the listings column, but highlights for the month include the return of Riverside Festival’s monthly Boomerang gig on Saturday November 15 featuring Papatou and Iryna Muha. Saturday November 22 is electric Blues night with Graham Robins and Ronnie Johnson. www.mamaliz.co.uk

RIVERSIDE DINING - BLUES, BREWS AND FINE VIEWS

Great Live Music • Real Ale Emporium • Traditional ciders • Extensive range of Belgian/Continental Beers, Whisky and Wine • Relax by the river in the largest beer garden in the City Centre • Open late every day

NOVEMBER Fri 7 Sat 8 Fri 14 Sat 15 Fri 21 Sat 22

Jake Walker Band Kent Duchaine De Zwiebels Ian Parker Bear Cats Blues Band Giles Hedley & The Aviators Fri 28 Chicago Red Sat 29 Oli Brown Band

NEW YEAR’S EVE Rock the boat... Party on... from late 2008 into 2009 with fabulous live band Citizen Smith.

Limited availability tickets £10.

• All Premiership, European and Cup matches shown live on Setanta sports and Sky sports.

• Rugby Six Nations and all major sporting events.

• Disco on Friday and Saturday nights • Large beer garden and conservatory Town Bridge, Peterborough

01733 315700 www.oakhamales.com

Your sports pub… your community pub!

279 Oundle Rd, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 565103

gigs@espmag.co.uk

GIGGUIDE UNDERCOVER

FRI OCT 31 Whittle Way Stanground

HOOKER Cock Inn Werrington

THE SURGENS + DIRTY BACKBEATS Mama Liz’s Stamford

TWO OLD GITS

The Fayre Spot Bretton

KEV REYNOLDS

SAT NOV 1

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

THE DEAD RABBITS Mama Liz’s Stamford

LLOYD WATSON Cock Inn Werrington

THE NUGGETS Brewery Tap Westgate

WHITE SPIRIT SAT 15 NOV DEAD ACTORS The Dragon NOT TO SCALE Werrington Cock Inn + RETRO Werrington CROOKS + CUT TAKE NOTE THIS CITY + MY Golden Fleece REPLICAS Stamford AUNTIE SAM The Cherry Tree The Solstice FEET TO THE FIRE Oundle Road Northminster Three Horseshoes DAVE JAMES

THUR NOV 6

OPAQUE

FRI NOV 7 Whittle Way Stanground

BLACK ROSE The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

GRUMPY OLD MEN Cock Inn Werrington

HOOKER

Goodbarns yard St Johns Street

KNOCKER Sapphire Club Eastfield Rd

JAKE WALKER BAND Charters Town Bridge

ANGELS OF SIN CIRCUS 73

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

JOHN QUINN Three Horseshoes Werrington

WILLOW Ebeneezers Grove Street

STONE PONY Mi Familia Stamford

R’N’B BAND The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

STORM

Fletton Ex-Servicemens Club Fletton

OAK

Golden Fleece Stamford

LES WOODS Prince of Wales Feathers Castor

Golden Fleece Stamford

STONE PONY The Fayre Spot Bretton

KARAOKE WITH TREV

SAT NOV 8 Cock Inn Werrington

THE GUARDS

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

RIFF RAFF

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

INTRUDERS Ebeneezers Grove Street

THE SPIRIT

Blackstones Social Club Stamford

RETROLUX The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

LIVING HALCYON DAYLIGHTS + DAZE SAMMY’S FATAL Sutton Bridge Constitutional club MISTAKE + Spalding APLOGIES, I CHICAGO RED HAVE NONE

SUN NOV 2

The Park Park Road

Mama Liz’s Stamford

KENT DUCHAINE Charters Town Bridge

Werrington

HALCYON DAZE

SUN NOVEMBER 9 Westwood Herald Club Wicken Way

JYNXT + MILQUD + THE HENDO-DAN PROJECT + SOVIETS

THURS NOV 13

The Solstice Northminster

101 PROOF

FRI NOV 14

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Hit or Miss Stamford

THE NUGGETS The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

LEGEND

The Golden Fleece Stamford

THE SPIRIT

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

NO BOUNDS

Mi Familia Stamford

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

BURLESQUE Whittle Way Stanground

70’S NIGHT Lime Tree Walton

DE ZWIEBELS Charters Town Bridge

ANGRYMAN Brewery Tap Westgate

MEDIUM DAVE AND THE ANGRY RABBITS Golden Fleece Stamford

JASMINE ALLEN The Fayre Spot Bretton

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

FRIXION

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

ALADDINSANE

Whittle Way Stanground

BEAR CATS BLUES BAND

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS

ELMORE JAMES JNR

Walton Highway Village Stamford Arts Centre Club Stamford Nr Wisbech

GILES HEDLEY & THE AVIATORS Charters Town Bridge

SLIDE TO OPEN Golden Fleece Stamford

KNOCKER

PULSE

Golden Fleece Stamford

DWAYNE WATSON

The Fayre Spot Bretton

SLIDE TO OPEN

SATURDAY 29 NOV

THE NUGGETS

Charters Town Bridge

STORM

O’Neill’s Broadway

THURSDAY 27 NOV UNDERCOVER OPEN MIC

The Fayre Spot Bretton

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road

STORM

Three Horseshoes Werrington

LEE MAJOR

NIGHT

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE BRAYS + LOOSE BABY CHARLOTTE + ALEX HEK

Ebeneezers Grove Street

BOOMERANG PASPATOU AND SATURDAY NOV 22 IRYNA MUHA STYLISTICS

Mama Liz’s Stamford

IAN PARKER Charters Town Bridge

LEGEND

Golden Fleece Stamford

PULSE

The Cresset Bretton

LLOYD WATSON The Old Coach House Market Deeping

HALCYON DAZE

The Roundhead Bretton Centre

GRAHAN ROBINS AND RONNIE SUNDAY NOV 16 THE GOODGES JOHNSON Mama Liz’s Three Horseshoes Werrington

Genevas Bar Geneva Street

BLUE MARY JANE + THE CARDBOARD WINTER KINGS BOX Mi Familia + DIRTY AS Stamford MUCK + A MIGHTY QUINN STORY TO TELL Southside Bar Bourne

HALCYON DAZE

THUR NOV 20

The Solstice Northminster

MIGHTY QUINN

FRI NOV 21

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

NO MANS BAND Cock Inn Werrington

THE NUGGETS The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

ALTAMONT NEVER SAY DIE The Cresset Bretton

ANGRYMAN Mi Familia Stamford

BURLESQUE Stamford

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

RETURNS Ebeneezers Grove Street

SIREN

Cock Inn Werrington

LEGEND

The Bluebell Werrington

THE NUGGETS

The Solstice Northminster

LEE MAJOR

FRIDAY 28 NOV Cock Inn Werrington

KRAK’N

Whittleway Stanground

BURLESQUE

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

HOOKER

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

TAKE NOTE

The Deeping Stage Market Deeping

LATIN COLOUR Mi Familia Stamford

OVERDUBS The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

CRACKING

Whittle Way Fletton Ex-Servicemen’s Stanground Club DIVIDING Fletton

GRUMPY OLD MEN

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

BURLESQUE The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

LEAGUE OF MENTALMEN Lime Tree Walton

HOOKER

THE LINE + LOWER THAN ATLANTIS + SILENT GROUND + WE ARE FICTION + SHADOWS CHASING GHOSTS

Cock Inn Werrington

10 DAYS UNSHAVEN SCOTT BATEMAN

The Old Coach House Market Deeping

PORKY PIG Goodbarns Yard St Johns Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

BLACK MARKET THEIVES Lime Tree Walton

RETROLUX Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road

CRYTOPSY + BENEATH THE MASSACRE + TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED + IGNOMINOUS INCARCERATION The Park Park Road

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS The Fenman Stanground

GRUMPY OLD MEN

The Carpenters Arms, Stanground

OLI BROWN BAND

Charters Town Bridge

ELMORE CHICAGO RED JAMES JNR The Park Park Road

Charters Town Bridge

Village Hall Castor

Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road

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

NOW IN: Sexy new costumes from the USA

pub@espmag.co.uk

PUBGUIDE Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE)

The Ruddy Duck

• 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

• Homemade food served 7 days a week • Senior citizen’s lunch Mon-Sat • Early bird menu served Sun-Fri • Traditional Sunday Lunch 12.00-2.30pm • Booking advised at weekends • Children’s menu – cosy friendly atmosphere • Real ales - drinkers always welcome

St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890

St Pegas Road, Peakirk Tel: 01733 252426

The Fox

Carpenters Arms

• Family friendly pub with beer garden • Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Home cooked bar food daily • A La Carte restaurant Thurs - Sat evenings (booking required) • Sunday lunch 12-5pm - booking essential • Garden marquee available for functions, weddings etc.

• Petanque terrain • Outside bars and hog roast available

• Real Ales served • All satellite premiership matches shown • Sunday lunch 12pm-4pm • Food served daily 12pm-7pm • Regular live music (see ESP gig guide) • Beer garden with dedicated heated smoking area

The Fox, Folksworth Tel: 01733 240 258

South St, Stanground.

Tel: 01733 894554

Golden Fleece

Wheatsheaf

• 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

• Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Sky and Setanta sports • Beer garden and patio • New Menu - introducing ‘The Famous Five’ - five meals for £4.95 (each) • Live music (see ESP gig guide) • Entertainment every 2nd and 4th Saturday • Families welcome ‘til 8pm

The Whittle Way

Lime Tree

• Live music every Friday (see ESP Gig Guide) • All Sky Sports events on large screen TV • Real Ales • Quiz night every Sunday • Function room available • Beer garden

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

Central Square, Stanground Tel: 01733 340304

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

The Plough • Full A La Carte menu served • Real ales served • Children’s Menu and Sunday Lunch Menu please book • Now taking bookings for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Christmas parties.

• Snack menu available

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

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Eastfield Road, Peterborough Tel: 01733 562724

Bluebell (GLINTON) • Food served daily ‘til 9pm except Monday night • Sunday Lunch - 12-7pm, booking advisable • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Fri & Sat food 12-9pm • Quiz night once a month • Wi – Fi access • Early bird menu 5.30pm – 7.30pm starter and main £9.95 • Fine real ales • Karaoke every last Saturday of the month High Street, Glinton Tel: 01733 252285

Live Music

Members Club New members welcome

November 1st Willow 8th Intruders 15th TBC 22nd Returns 29th 10 Days Unshaven

Also

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

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)

CALL NOW FOR CHRISTMAS DEALS

SAXONS CELEBRATE A YEAR OF SUCCESS The ESP girls help The Saxons celebrate

The Peterborough Saxons celebrated a record breaking year as they filled out the Powerleague for their end of season awards night and the ESP girls were there to help them celebrate!

The Saxons were a dominant force in the British American Football League this year, winning eight of their ten regular season games and the standout performers from The Saxons youth and senior sides were rewarded in a series of special presentations.

Adding glamour to the proceedings were guest presenters, the girls of ESP, and they certainly proved popular with the lucky winners as they handed them their trophies and certificates. Previous Face of ESP winners Becca Evans and Susan Saunders were joined by contestants from this year’s event Jess Weaver and Alannah Di Cataldo, who made it into the top six.

General Manager Mark Kerr told ESP - “It was great to have the girls along; they were such good sports even when I thought I was going to have to try and prize some of the players away from them!

They really added value to the event, and I’m certain all the winners will be happy to know I’ve already extended them an invite to next year’s bash. I hope they enjoyed being there as much as we enjoyed having them, they were an absolute pleasure to work with.”

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It was an emotional night for many, notably Quarterback Ronnie Foster who received a standing ovation as he collected his award for American Player of the Year. Ronnie, has led the team since 2007 and looked set to call time on his career at the end of this season. Instead Foster stunned the crowd, announcing that he’ll be back for one more year to spearhead The Saxons’ title charge in 2009.

Ronnie told ESP - “This club means too much to me, it goes beyond football, it’s about friendships and family. I can’t be anywhere else and I’ll be working hard this year to bring a championship home to Peterborough.”

Becca told ESP - "I was overwhelmed at how close the team were, some of the speeches were really moving and brought a tear to the eye. You could tell that this was a really proud night for The Saxon's and I wish them all the best for the next season ahead."

Susan added – “There a fantastic buzz on the evening but I really did feel the sense of fun and togetherness - so surprising to see from individuals who play such a masculine sport. I had the pleasure of watching The Peterborough Saxon's last game of the season last month where they unfortunately just missed out to victory. The girls and I had a fantastic time and will be looking forward to our invite for next year. Good luck boys for the new season!”

Also honoured on the night were Head Coach Steve Rose and Defensive Coordinator Brian Williams, neither of whom will return to their coaching roles next year due to working commitments. Steve became only the third inductee into The Saxons Hall of Fame, and Williams who has played and coached for The Saxons the past three years had his number retired, an honour in American sports, meaning no other Saxon will ever wear the ‘29’ jersey.

For information on joining the club in 2009, visit www.thesaxons.co.uk

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Alan Wensak from the Marshall group

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TICKET DEALS @ THE PHANTOMS LOCALSPORT

Photo: Paul Young Nene Digital

They’re also running a number of ticketing initiatives for clubs and local businesses so for info on all the ticketing deals available just email enquiries@peterborough-phantoms.com Now that the clocks have gone back, and the nights are getting a lot colder, November sees the season in full flow. This month The Phantoms face road trips to Swindon, Bracknell, Sheffield (twice) and Telford. This month’s Home Games, which take place at the Peterborough Arena in North Bretton will see The Phantoms face:

Way to go Phantoms! The guys have enjoyed a flying start to their 2008/9 season and currently sit in the top half of the table for the League and the EPL Cup. Time to check out the ice hockey action…

It was a bit up and down for the first few games but the Peterborough Phantoms, who are partly sponsored

by ESP, are back snapping at the heels of the League leaders, so it’s a great time to go and cheer them on.

If you want a night out of full-on ice hockey action take advantage of their various special ticket deals. For instance, if your school or class wants a night out at The Phantoms ice hockey and you want to raise funds for your school at the same time just get in contact on schools@peterborough-phantoms.com.

Sunday November 2 - Isle of Wight at 5.30pm Sunday November 9 - Milton Keynes at 5.30pm Sunday November 23 - Swindon Wildcats at 5.30pm Sunday November 30 - Telford Wildfoxes at 5.30pm Tickets are £10 for Adults and £5 for children.

The Phantoms will also be hosting a Charity Ice Hockey Game on Wednesday November 12 in aid of ‘Sport Aid’ with our own Pep Cipriano taking to the ice and the ESP crew, including Face of ESP Claire Smith cheering him on. Full details of the game can be found on the club’s official website www.peterboroughphantoms.com

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POSH NEWS

Peterborough United have made an impressive start to life in Coca-Cola League One with some excellent results against Milton Keynes Dons, Walsall and notably Leeds United. Over 13,000 supporters packed inside London Road to see Darren Ferguson’s men beat the former Premier League side 2-0 with goals from George Boyd and Craig MackailSmith earning the three points.

Posh have also added to their squad with the recent arrivals of Craig BrahamBarrett and Dominic Green, while Gabriel Zakuani has performed admirably at centre back. Scott Rendell has joined Yeovil Town onloan, while Kieran Charnock has made a similar move to Luton Town.

For a full list of fixtures, just take a look at www.theposh.com where you can also find the latest news about your favourite footy club.

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