ESP November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 Issue 183

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The best of local Leisure and Lifestyle for Greater Peterborough

The Posh Page Live Music Fashion Comedy Movies Events

Xmas in the

Featuring

Holly willoughby

City

Festive Guide SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT 16 PAGE Proudly sponsored by

EvEn morE nEws and EvEnts on www.EsPMaG.Co.uk or LikE us on FaCEbook or foLLow us on TwiTTEr to hEar first

Gossip gossip@espmag.co.uk

AVAILABLE IN

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AND EXCLUSIVELY AT SERPENTINE GREEN

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

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

deborah.grace@espmag.co.uk

DESIGN Tony Mayer

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

COVER Courtesy of ITV

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

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano Steve Gonzalez Karen Devine

Serpentine Green! So now you can save your legs and find all your high street favourites under one roof. They also have Topshop, Topman, Warehouse and more.

It’s a great place to find a present for someone else too or make life really easy and buy an Outfit gift card! Check out the latest looks from Outfit in our special feature on www.espmag.co.uk Promoter Kevin Sanders took

mikey.clarke@espmag.co.uk

ESSENTIALS Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns is the latest in a long line of legendary boxers Kevin has brought to the city and if the last dinner event with Roberto Duran is anything to go by then we’re in for another knockout night.

Hearns became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four divisions. He would also become the first fighter in history to win five world titles in five different divisions.

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

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

T: 01733 381266 E: office@espmag.co.uk

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

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ROOF BIRTHDAY BOY If you’re getting stressed trying to find the party wear don’t forget that KEVperfect HEARNS Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Evans have A PINT all relocated into the Outfit store at

time out for a birthday pint with friendsGET at the Dragonfly in Orton PARTY Malborne before making final READY MY preparations for his@ latest boxing dinnerBODY event.

CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller Charlotte Jolly Keith Dalton Sarah Tempest Sue Donnelly

Two local actors have made it on Not only is the food delicious but we the Power 100 List created by have to say the Banyan Tree restaurant the Shaw Trust in association on Westgate is looking hot too after a with Channel 4. It's aim is to fantastic refurbishment! champion Britan’s most influential disability Ownerpeople Dinesh with Odedraa told ESP – “We’ve or impairment are making a first started ourwho refurbishment and the significant differentWe took phaseimpact has beenincompleted. industries. feedback from our customers on what they’d like to see us do first. There was Harry Potter star Warwick Davis demand for more space downstairs. So, and actor and filmaker David we extended the bar and lounge area Proud from Whittlesey, who and have also created a new space on starred in Eastenders and was the ground floor which is perfect for large most recently seen in Siblings, groups booking their Christmas parties. are both listed.

“It’s created a totally different atmosphere “I'm speechless to have made in the restaurant where there is a great the list,” David told ESP. “When vibe every night. We’re planning to you look at the names on the list introduce some DJ events during the such as Stevenperiod Hawkins, Dame Christmas that utilises this new Tanni Grey Thompson I'm space... so keep your ear toso the ground!" humbled to be mentioned in the same We list.highly I've recommend always hoped myhere the food work can change butBook now whichinfluence is truly authentic Indian. to have confirmed onit01733 342800. in some way is just amazing. It's inspired me to do more. Everyone has OUTFIT IT the ability to change HAS the world aroundALL them UNDER for the better.”ONE

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

REPORTERS Mikey Clarke

WARWICK &TREE BANYAN DAVID MAKE GETS A FRESH THE TOP 100 LOOK

www.espmag.co.uk

Hearns plied his trade in a magical boxing era where middleweight supremacy was sought after by the very best boxers including Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.

Hearns fought them all and will

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CAKE CLUB

If you missed out last Christmas then this If you’ve been glued tobook the depicts Great popular photography BritishPeterborough Bake Off maybe it’s time in the seventies and you joined Stamford Cake Club. eighties through some great candid This friendly group were recently shots. It’s a fantastic slice of social hostedhistory. by the It’swonderful available for William just £13.99 from Cecil, Reba in their Darcy and Bennet in Cathedral Square, Shrives rooms.

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MENU www.clandestinecakeclub.co.uk Spalding’s great Italian restaurant Amici tell us they’ve launched a delicious DAVID’S THE NEW special Christmas menu this December, MAN CHARGE with IN five new starters, five main courses and plenty of mouth-watering desserts that are completely exclusive to the menu.

Running from Sunday December 1 –

before that spent six years as operations manager at 29, you can make Sunday December Springfields in Spalding.

David767696. your booking by calling 01775 said: “It is good to be back on home turf. I’m looking forward LATE NIGHT to working closely with the local community to strengthen SHOPPING Serpentine Green’s position as a @ SPRINGFIELDS great local centre to visit.

It’s not always easy to fit Christmas “I’m lucky to have inherited anLuckily, shopping into a busy schedule. excellent, enthusiastic team, in Spalding Springfields Outlet Shopping whichhave makes my job extended theireasier. openingMy hours to main focus toSpringfields raise awareness help usis out! is now open on of theweekdays excellentuntil retailers 9pm thiswe month through have at Serpentine Green, such until the week commencing Monday as Next, H&M, River Island and December 23. What’s more, the car Holland &will Barrett.” park be free to use from 6pm.

Subway, The Kitchen and Frankie and Benny’s, however, will remain open until NEW BIKES 10pm.

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For more info call Balderston on 01733 565470.

Serpentine Green Shopping Centre’s starting the new season with a new manager in place, David Wait.

PETERBOROUGH INNOVATION WEEK

David’s joined the team after spending a year as operations manager establishing the London Designer Outlet at Wembley.

Peterborough Innovation Week runs from November 8 –15 with lots of events and activities for local people and businesses to get involved in.

He previously worked as centre manager at Manchester Fort and

Run by Peterborough DNA the aim of the week is to celebrate

and encourage creative thinking and innovation and to help get good ideas off the ground.

Innovation Week events include a Smart Supper Workshop on Monday November 10 – The first of two events inspiring young people to think innovatively about solutions to city problems and on Saturday November 15 the Open City Hackathon when Peterborough’s creative and digital people come together for a 24hr Hackathon and help design content for an exciting new interactive screen that will be installed in the city centre.

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There are a number of funding opportunities available through Peterborough DNA including up to £20,000 to support the development of innovative ideas and up to £50,000 to test-bed products and services in live business environments.

To see all available funds go to www.brainwaveinnovations.co.uk/ funding To find out more about Innovation Week and get involved go to www.brainwaveinnovations.co.uk/ peterborough-innovation-week or call Juliet on 01733 317404 or email Juliet.dixon@opportunity peterborough.co.uk

DEMENTIA RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN DAY People affected by dementia and their carers are invited to come along to a new Dementia Resource Centre in Peterborough to enjoy a day of demonstrations, information sessions, talks, a Christmas Craft Session and a spot of pampering from 10am – 2pm.

The open day onThursday November 6, at the centre on Lincoln Road, will also include a light buffet and the opportunity to enjoy a dementia café which will be running in the afternoon from 2pm4pm. Visitors will also get a goodie bag to take away which will include promotional items from Dementia Action Alliance partners.

The Dementia Resource Centre, which opened last month, is a hub

for dementia support offering advice, information and services which include activity groups, training for carers and dementia cafes. It has a relaxed café style waiting area and space for confidential assessment and consultations.

For more info call 01733 893853.

HELP CREATE WW1 WOODLAND The vital contribution that Peterborough's past residents made to the First World War effort will be recognised with the planting of 1,914 trees in a specially created centenary woodland.

The city council and Peterborough Environment City Trust are now looking for volunteers to help plant the native woodland trees on Saturday November 15 between 10am and 4pm.

The trees, which are being funded by the Woodland Trust, will be planted on land between Swanspool and Raleigh Way in Ravensthorpe with a path through the middle.

If you’d like to volunteer for the tree planting contact Simon Belham on 07715 372432 or email simon.belham@pect.org.uk

ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK Following huge success in recent years, The Peterborough Zombie Walk, where locals dress as their favourite zombie and walk the streets of Peterborough is back even bigger this year.

The walk will start from Charters Bar at 4pm on Saturday November 1 and finish at The Brewery Tap where the living dead will have the chance to dance to some ghoulish music and enjoy food from the A la Carte menu until 10.30pm.

A live DJ set for zombies in the Elixir Room (aka The Tap Room) will commence at 6pm. The first 50 zombies will receive a complimentary green vodka jelly.

LOCAL

Entertainment WHAT THE DICKENS Young Charles Dickens is a rookie reporter on The Morning Chronicle. Whilst investigating the foggy slums of Ye Olde London Towne, he accidentally stumbles on a story that could make his reputation.

Follow our hero on the adventure of a lifetime!

STONES IN HIS POCKETS Following a sell-out run on Broadway, four and a half years in the West End and on tour, the worldwide sensation Stones in His Pockets returns with Ian McElhinney, the original director at the helm. Don’t miss it this time!

This inventive and gripping comedy features just three actors playing over 20 roles in 80 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action it’s the most absurd contribution to the Dickens legend you could hope to see.

It’s a riot!

See it at the Key Theatre on Friday November 21. Tickets are available on 01733 207239.

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL

Catch it at the Key Theatre on Sunday November 9 when this hilarious show is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them – from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess!

Tickets are £25 available on 01733 207239.

A MUSICAL VARIETY SHOW If you like variety this charity show in aid of Macmillan has the lot.

Hereward Harmony barbershop, The Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding, A Handful of Harmonies, Peterborough Community Gospel Choir and up and coming acoustic guitar artist Sophie Howes.

They’ll all be entertaining you at the Key Theatre on Saturday November 15 and tickets are £10 available on 01733 207239.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL RARE Productions, the UK’s leading youth musical theatre production company, present the Disney smash hit High School Musical at the Cresset from November 20 – 22.

Set in East High School, Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a newly-arrived and very academic student, decide to audition for the school winter musical. Tickets are £14.50 and £13 (concessions) available on 01733 265705 or online at www.cresset.co.uk.

Set in Dickensian London this musical version is true to the classic Christmas story. On Christmas Eve miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three Spirits, all attempting to show him the error of his ways. The Cratchit family, including Tiny Tim, the Fezziwigs and Scrooge’s own family, past and present, combined with new songs and dancing create a delightfully entertaining family show. An amateur production courtesy of Stage Scripts. See it at Stamford Arts Centre from November 6 – 8. Tickets are £9.50 (£8.50) £8 for groups of 10 or more on 01780 763203.

SWING INTO CHRISTMAS The RAF Swing Wing, which features the very talented musicians and operational service men and women of the RAF, are again joined by the UK’s top big band singer, Matthew Ford, in a benefit concert on behalf of the Help for Heroes charity. Previous concerts have sold out in record time so early booking is recommended. It’s onThursday December 4 at the South Holland Centre in Spalding. Tickets are £19 on 01775 764777.

TORVILL & DEAN: OUR LIFE ON ICE For the first time ever, legendary ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are appearing in a UK theatre tour during November and December, where they will talk to fans in an intimate setting about their fascinating career and give their own side to the stories that have been reported in the press over the years.

The ‘Our Life On Ice: In Conversation With Torvill & Dean’ UK theatre tour follows the publication of their much anticipated autobiography, and comes to the Cresset on November 27. Ticket holders will receive a limited edition copy of the book, only available to audiences of this very limited run!

Ticket price £41.50 (price includes autobigraphy and admin fee) on 01733 265705.

PETERBOROUGH MALE VOICE CHOIR Having turned heads at the Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival in 2013, the award winning Peterborough Male Voice Choir have recently won a hat trick of trophies against stiff competition on ‘choir day’ at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts. Hear them perform varied highlights including choral favourites, ballads and songs from the shows. Not to be missed! The choir will be directed by William Prideaux and accompanied by Matthew Jones when they appear at Stamford Arts Centre on Saturday November 29. Tickets are £12 (£10) on 01780 763203.

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The Twist Show 2014 The award winning smash hit show direct from London is back at the Cresset on Sunday November 16.

Love 50’s and 60’s music? Then you will love ‘Let’s Twist Again’.

Now it it’s fourth successive year and wowing audiences everywhere it plays!

Starring BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing lead singer Chris Madin with a full company of critically acclaimed artistes and musicians, the show combines fun and laughter with the greatest hits of Elvis, Dusty, Buddy, The Beatles, Lulu, Sandie Shaw and many more! Set in an American Diner with your host with the most, ‘Big’ Tony Tremendo with the stunning live band The Twisters it’s a great night out. Tickets are from £19.50 (face value £18) on 01733 265705.

JACKSON LIVE IN CONCERT There will only ever be one Michael Jackson but Jackson Live in Concert sees long-time fan and hugely talented singer Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with a mesmerising, energetic and dynamic performance that captures the essence and magic of the ‘King of Pop’ live on stage.

Ben’s joined on stage by his incredible live band and amazing dancers who work their way through all of MJ’s hits with impeccable precision. Ben’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice.

Get your white socks out for this gig at the Key Theatre on Saturday November 22. Tickets are £19.50 available on 01733 207239.

SINATRA, SEQUINS & SWING! For one night only, Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre hosts the most exciting Big Band concert-show to hit the UK in years – Sinatra Sequins & Swing (The Capitol Years Live!). Featuring the UK’s most genuinely impressive Swing stars and the full-on-and-fabulous world-class Pete Long Orchestra – a rousing 13 piece Big Band. This concert features over 30 hits including Come Fly With Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and many more.

Along the way enjoy some recreations of famous scenes from TV & films plus enjoy hits from the era’s equally popular stars such as Peggy Lee, mesmerising Marilyn Monroe and some swingin’ Bobby Darin too! It’s a night not to be missed on Saturday November 8. Tickets are £19.50 on 01780 766455.

SEASON’S GREETINGS It's Christmas at Belinda and Neville's house, a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the festivities... and celebrate they do! Take one frustrated wife, add a seductive stranger, two eccentric uncles and a mechanical monkey, and watch

the hilarity unfold in Ayckbourn's explosive festive treat. Catch this great SADOS amateur theatre production at the South Holland Centre in Spalding from November 19 to 22.

Tickets are £12 available on 01775 764777.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Scrooge is an old miser who never celebrates Christmas – or anything for that matter! But this Christmas Eve, the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future transport him on a journey through time to make him see the error of his ways. Join Polka Dot Academy and Limelight Youth Theatre in their adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. See it at the South Holland Centre in Spalding on Saturday November 29. Tickets are £11 with discounts available on 01775 764777.

MUSIC @ STAMFORD CORN EXCHANGE Renowned for bringing us some great shows and gigs the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre has a great line up this month.

The hugely popular and excellent local rock ‘n’ roll band The Houndogs appear with special guest Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats on Friday November 14 and tickets are £17.50.

Then for rock fans it’s Bon Giovi on Friday November 21 the UK's Premier look-alike and sound-alike tribute to the New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi.

Tickets are £16 (concessions £15).

Eagles fans shouldn’t miss Desperado Hotel California on Saturday November 29 tickets for this one are £16.

All tickets can be bought from the box office on 01780 766455.

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back by popular demand at the Key Theatre on November 12 and 13! Now in its 11th successive year, this stunning 100% live show combine’s first class music together with the slickest choreography, and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you’ll ever have!

Featuring songs from legendary artistes such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, Edwin Starr and many, many more.

Tickets are £20 available on 01733 207239. www.espmag.co.uk

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LOCAL

Events

WARWICK SWITCHES ON THE LIGHTS @ SERPENTINE GREEN Local actor and Harry Potter star Warwick Davis is this year’s celebrity guest switching on Serpentine Green’s Christmas lights on Thursday November 13.

The Yaxley film star – who played Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies – will switch on the lights at 6.30pm.

Having heard that Warwick is once again heading off to a galaxy far, far away with a part in the latest Star Wars movie, (having started his career as an Ewok!) there’s been added excitement about the news he’s the one to turn on the Christmas lights.

Warwick’s been enjoying fantastic success lately with not just his film career but TV shows such as Life’s Too Short, An Idiot Abroad, Warwick’s Weekend Escapes and most recently hosting Celebrity Squares. We can’t wait to see him back in Peterborough!

The fun will start at 4.30pm when the grotto run by the RNIB opens. There will be lots of entertainment including guest appearances from a couple of POSH players and a Giving Tree.

David Wait, Serpentine Green manager told ESP – “Warwick is an absolute legend to young and old alike.

We are thrilled that he is taking the time to come to Serpentine Green.”

Santa opens his grotto that day at 4.30pm and will then be there every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 6pm. From Monday December 15 Santa will be in residence every day from 10am to 6pm. On Christmas Eve the big man will leave the grotto at 2pm to get ready for his long night ahead.

Tickets for the grotto are £5 and this includes a gift for each child. Santa has chosen special gifts for each age group from babies through to teenagers. He has even consulted the RNIB to find perfect gifts for children with a visual impairment. www.serpentine-green.com

ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE COMES TO THE CITY!

How excited are we about this?! This year Peterborough will see a fantastic new Christmas experience that has everything you need to get festive and have fun – with no queues!

CHRISTMAS COMES TO

weekends of November 21 – 23 and November 28 – 30 and throughout December with the final weekend including extra dates running from December 19 – 23.

SPRINGFIELDS The Christmas lights are on so now it’s time for Santa to take up residency at Springfield’s Outlet Shopping in Spalding!

The big guy will arrive on Thursday November 13 with Santa arriving in his reindeer led sleigh at about 6.15pm. There’ll be plenty of fun on the night too with free face painting for the kids and look out for a naughty Elf likely to be causing mayhem on the malls! The event’s being hosted by Rob Hammond from Lincs FM and you can even have ‘Supper with Santa’ that evening in the Festival Garden Centre (but you do need to pre-book).

The event sees the start of late night shopping at the centre through until December 23. There will also be ‘More Off Mondays’ during that time starting on November 17, with an extra 20% off, 6 – 9 pm in the Festival Garden Centre. There’s a ‘tech’ giveaway on Tuesdays starting on November 18 6 – 9pm, when there’ll be a iphone6 and iphone6 PLUS to giveaway when you spend £10 or more in any store.

As if that’s not enough, it’s Double Discount Wednesdays from November 19 where our Springfields VIP card holders will get 20% off from 6 – 9pm rather than the standard 10% offered. So if you haven’t joined as a Springfields VIP you’d best register now on www.springfieldsshopping.com

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A snowball arena, real Christmas tree maze, giant inflatable games, a state of the art Christmas experience and visit to Santa – the Santa’s Barn experience sounds amazing!

A large barn at Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground is being transformed into the ultimate Christmas scene brought to us by local firm AAA Inflatables Ltd and this is a first for the city, and the region!

The experience will run during the

Families will be able to experience up to two hours of festive fun, activities and a visit to Santa. There’ll be a range of inflatables and games for all ages, stage shows, an atmospheric woodland walk leading to Santa’s House featuring real trees, log walkway, interactive features and free photo opportunities, an arts and craft Fun Factory and the chance to get behind the wheel at Santa’s Driving School (weather permitting). There’s so much going on you can read more on P.57 of this issue!

Admission – which includes all the activities, free of charge photo opportunities, visit to Santa and gift for each person – is £15.50 per child and £8.50 per adult (under 12 months book as an adult). You can book your visit – and preferred time slot to see Santa – at www.santasbarn.co.uk.

Now taking Christmas bookings. Special Christmas party menus. Separate area available for Christmas parties

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Strictly’s Alison Tangos into

It’ll be sparkle and glitz in the Cresset panto this year as Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alison Hammond waltzes into the role of the Genie in Aladdin.

Alison told ESP – “I’m really excited! I used to do Dreams Come True on This Morning so it’s like I’m granting wishes all over again. I’m gonna bring sparkle because I am like one big glitterball, some humour and lots of life to the role – it’s going to be great.”

The classic story of Aladdin who finds a magic lamp and aims to win the heart of the princess always makes a great family panto and this is

by Premier Pantomimes who had record breaking success with Cinderella last year. This is Alison’s seventh one and the TV presenter says she loves live shows – “You’ve really got to believe your role, and that you really are the Genie, which I will be! You will think I came out of that tiny little lamp! It’s all about keeping it true to tradition and having fun, just being able to bounce off audiences which is the sort of thing I like doing.”

Alison had wanted to do Strictly for years and hopes to stay in the BBC show as long as possible – “I hope the Peterborough audience will support me because this is going to be my home for the next few weeks so you’re going to see me around the streets. Obviously if I’m still in the show Aljaz is going to be in Peterborough so I suggest to everyone here that they should keep me in then you’ll get to meet my lovely Aljaz!”

Former Skins star and actor Mitch Hewer who starred in the hit Channel 4 series as dancer Maxxie, and as Danny in ITV’s Britannia High is making his first appearance in panto as the handsome hero Aladdin.

“I’m very excited,” Mitch told ESP. “It should be a lot of fun, there’s the romantic side, the comedy the whole bad guy thing and this is probably one of the best pantos out there. It’s got a lot to give and the

costumes are great. I’m looking forward to playing off the audience.”

Popular Dame Zach Vanderfelt returns playing Widow Twankey and Lawrence Stubbings also returns and is set to be the perfect baddie as evil Abanazar – Booo!

Aladdin runs from December 12 – 30 and tickets start from £8 with group offers available. For bookings call 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk

ONE GIANT

LEAP FOR JACK The Key Theatre panto is always great traditional family entertainment and with its intimate setting you’ll always feel part of the action.

This year they’ve opted for another classic show with Jack & the Beanstalk but this time it’s produced by an entirely new company but promises to be just as good.

Magic beans, Daisy the cow, that famous beanstalk and one big giant add up to a fantastic adventure as Jack tries to save his village.

The Production Exchange work to support the development of theatre performance and Artistic Director Colin Blumenau has directed many pantomimes over the years at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmonds, as well as other shows at theatres across the UK so you know you’re in good hands.

With over 20,000 tickets sold last year, for Jack the only way is up (the beanstalk)!

Tickets are already on sale for all 60 performances. Every seat in the house provides the perfect view to join in with the Fi…Fi…Fo…Fun at the Key this winter so get ready to boo and hiss your way through this fabulous show!

The adventure begins on Thursday December 4 with performances right through until Sunday January 4. Tickets are priced from £9 – £17.50 on 01733 207239 or by visiting www.vivacitypeterborough.com

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LOCAL

Events FIREWORK FIESTA LIGHTS UP PETERBOROUGH

SPRINGFIELDS MILITARY FREE 1940’S FESTIVE FAYRE THEMED FIREWORKS Here’s a great event to get you in the festive mood and it’s free!

Peterborough City College is celebrating its 70th anniversary and is staging a 1940’s themed Festive Fayre packed with fun and goodies on Saturday December 6.

There’ll be vintage crafts, the chance to get your antiques valued, card making and gift wrapping, edible decorations and music from the Take Note Community Choir singing carols as well as a Beat This music workshop.

So head down to the City College in Brook Street between 11am and 2pm. You can catch a Bygone Peterborough film at 11.15 if you fancy seeing what the city was like back in the day.

For more details visit www.citycollegepeterborough@ac.uk

This year Springfields Outlet Shopping have adopted a special military theme for their fabulous fireworks spectacular. They’ll be celebrating our service men and women from WWI & WWII at the event on Thursday November 6 with iconic military themed music, fantastic fireworks and dynamic lighting to create a unique, unforgettable event.

It’s set to be their biggest ever display and they’ll be supporting the Royal British Legion with their annual Poppy Appeal. The doors open at 6pm and the fireworks go off at 8pm with the night hosted by John Marshall from Lincs FM. Tickets are strictly limited and available now priced at £5 for adults & £3 for children U16 – book now on www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk

Peterborough Firework Fiesta, the biggest in the region, is back at Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground on Saturday November 1. Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough Minster and Round Table, all proceeds are ploughed back into Peterborough-based charities and good causes and this year funds are being raised for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall appeal.

There’s free parking, gates open at 5pm with the parade of Guys and bonfire being lit at 6pm.

There’ll be live music compered by Heart FM, fair rides, food outlets, trade and charity stalls.

Tickets will be available on the gate, for all details see www.fireworkfiesta.com

ETTON FIREWORKS The Golden Pheasant in Etton hosts its popular annual bonfire and fireworks display, in association with the local scouts group on Saturday November 8. The fun starts from 6.30pm with the bonfire at 7pm and the fireworks at 7.30pm. There’ll be hot dogs, toffee apples and real ales plus live music in the heated marquee from 8pm and entry’s free.

MANOR FIREWORKS

MEET SACREWELL’S WAR HORSES Do you want to meet a film star at Sacrewell this remembrance weekend?

JOIN THE SANTA STROLL Expect to see hundreds of Santas making a (gentle) run for it at Ferry Meadows next month!

Not only will you learn about their 18th century watermill and how vital it was to sustain the farm and the community, what crops and animals were kept and how farmers helped the war effort, you’ll also get to meet their Shire horses – some of which appeared in the film War Horse based on the book by Michael Morpurgo.

The 5K Santa Stroll and charity Fun Run at Ferry Meadows on Sunday December 14 starts at 11am and there’s still time to join in. All the proceeds are going towards supporting local people with Dementia and it’s organised by the Peterborough Dementia Action Alliance.

In the Shire horse yard, you’ll be able to speak to First World War soldiers about how the horses were cared for and how important they were to not only carry people, but to pull guns and food supplies over the battle fields.

It’s £16.50 for adults and £10 for children which includes a charity donation to DAA and you’ll get a free Santa suit and medal.

The centre is open from 10am to 4pm each day and normal farm admission applies.

Enter now on www.pdaa.org.uk and you’ll get some exercise whilst having fun and supporting a good cause.

If so, head over to the centre near Wansford on November 8 and 9 to take a journey back in time to find out how the farm would have been run 100 years ago.

www.sacrewell.org.uk

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There’ll be plenty of fun for all the family on Saturday November 8 at the fabulous fireworks display at the Manor Centre in Whittlesey with fairground rides, inflatable activities, stalls and food so you can make a real night of it.

The fun starts at 3pm with the fireworks being set off around 7.45pm. There’ll be live music from New Generation Crash & Burn and Phoenix Calling.

Tickets are £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for kids, get them now on www.newvisionfitness.co.uk

FIREWORKS IN STAMFORD The Stamford & District Kiwanis have put together another great annual bonfire and fireworks display which will be held at Stamford Welland Academy, Green Lane on Saturday November 8.

Gates open at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm followed by the spectacular fireworks display. There’ll be hot food, mulled wine and funfair rides. Admission’s £5 for adults and £2 for the kids and parking’s free.

Melanie Richard’s Hair Boutique – A cut above the rest It’s the time of year to plan your Christmas and New Year hair dos. In the coming weeks you’re going to be busy shopping and partying so it’s best to book your appointments in advance.

We’ve been getting Christmas bookings since September, so don’t hesitate in ringing us for your colours, cuts and hair up appointments to see you through the festive season.

Waves and curls are the MUST HAVE styling for Christmas parties. Here at Melanie Richards Hair Boutique, we use all the latest GHD Curves and stylers to ensure your party hair lasts as long as you do!! This combined with GHD and Sebastian styling products, as well as our expertise will guarantee you look and feel fantastic.

Colouring techniques, as subtle or as daring as you would like, can be used to create shine and

texture in any hair. Techniques like Balayage are this season’s most sought after look; you too could enhance your locks with natural looking soft tones like Poppy Delevigne and Kate Beckinsale.

Following on from the autumn/winter catwalks, we also offer a range of soft pastel colours; pink, blue, violet and green, perfect for a temporary change or why not have a few Great Lengths Coloured extensions for a longer lasting colour that won’t fade?!

GHD Curve tongs and wands, the Air Hairdryers and not to mention our vast range of GHD stylers (including the Rose Gold styler), we have a present suitable for everyone!

Don’t forget to glow this season with a natural looking SiennaX spray tan or top up your natural tan on one of our sunbeds.

We are open Monday to Saturday, with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays and even have our own Salon App which you can book your appointments through! Don’t forget to check www.melanierichards-hairboutique.co.uk and our Facebook to keep up with what’s new in salon as well as special promotions such as our current amazing deal on Sebastian shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

As always, we have Christmas gift packs starting from £10.25; with brands such as Moroccanoil, Matrix and Wella Care & Style, plus all the latest

Call us on 01733 553600 for your Christmas hair appointment at Melanie Richards Hair Boutique… we can’t wait to make you look and feel fabulous!

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Pep Cipriano

YOU’RE HIRED! Nurun Ahmed is a woman who needs no introduction. Avid Apprentice viewers have seen Nurun give an excellent account of herself and the type of person we want Peterborough to be associated with.

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eing on television is usually nerve-racking but appearing as a contestant on The Apprentice is a step above having to wear brown pants. It’s a bare knuckle ride where your destiny is something you’re not always in control of. Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t enough and you have to learn to play the game.

Despite hearing the dreaded ‘You’re fired’ from Lord Sugar and his pointy finger too early for my liking, it was great to see Nurun keep her integrity on a show that’s beginning to try too hard to entertain. Despite this, it’s pleasing to see Lord Sugar always picking the right Apprentice in the end.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Nurun for the last few years. I see her every day and can confirm she really does do “20 jobs in five hours”.

She’ll go from writing a marketing plan in the morning and covering her market stall at lunch to spending her five minute afternoon coffee break

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dealing with her business issues and parental caring needs. Most importantly, Nurun always has a smile for everyone.

I’m so pleased we got to see the real Nurun on TV, particularly on the You’re Fired BBC 2 show. She’s honest, conscientious, passionate and genuine. Above all, she’s grounded and lives in the real world which for Nurun means holding down a full time job while running three businesses and being a mum, carer and housewife. In her audition for the show Nurun said she puts Superwoman to shame and I couldn’t agree more.

Never one to miss a promotional opportunity, Nurun brought along a scarf from her City Market Scarfs Inc. stall to our interview and photo-shoot. It fits Lord Sugar a treat don’t you think? As far as we’re concerned – You’re hired!

name I came up with is Sugar and Spice! This would have been a branded wedding planning services company and the only one of its kind.”

How are you coping with fame and how have the people of Peterborough been towards you?

Photos: Studio One

“It’s nice to be important however I think it's more important to be nice. I’m very well grounded and being on The Apprentice hasn’t gone to my head. It’s nice to be recognised and more importantly to be supported. I’ve received so many encouraging words and many wellwishers for the future.”

So Nurun, what made you apply in the first place?

struck, as it was my first encounter with a TV celebrity. It all felt surreal.”

“I’ve always been a massive fan of the show. It was a form of escape from the reality of my life as a glorified housewife and an apprentice…in the kitchen! And as it was the 10th year anniversary series, I just had to apply.”

And what about Karren and the rest of his team?

“Honestly, I thought the stars were shining on me and I was very confident my application would be noticed. I had this gut feeling that at the very least I would get invited to the auditions.

Despite the countless number of applications each year, I was still certain I stood a chance.”

What did you have to do in the audition?

“The audition can be either a very short or a lengthy process, depending on how well you do.

It’s a process of elimination and I don’t think you can really prepare for it. You have to go through various stages, many interviews and a screen test. It is a very rigid process.”

Talk me through the moment when you were told you'd been chosen...

“The day I received the call my father, who has Dementia, went missing in town and the police were involved in searching for him. So it was a roller coaster of emotions and when I got the call I was so mentally exhausted I didn’t come across that grateful! I had to explain my seemingly ungrateful reaction to the production team and they were great about it.”

Did your friends, colleagues and family give any advice before you went on?

“No one knew other than my husband, my mother and my direct line manager. We were made to sign a disclosure form (gagging order!).

In regards to the audition my friends were aware of this. I spoke to my special Italian colleague (Pepstar!) who also had the opportunity to go through the audition process a few years ago when he reached the final 250. It was very helpful to speak to someone who had already been through the process and was able to advise me, which really helped (as I got onto the show, so thanks Pep!)” My pleasure Nurun! So, what was it like meeting Lord Sugar for the first time?

“It was a mixed feeling of excitement as well as being scared and nervous. I was also quite star

It looked like you were stitched up to be made team leader in the second episode. What did you feel then and now?

“I was gutted I took on the role and something I didn’t want to do, but having said that I took the challenge. The task was actually more for the technology savvy. I allowed everyone to jump in and have their say when looking back I should have been more firm and stepped up to the leadership position.”

“Yes. I’ve been asked about my journey and how I manage to multitask. There’s no easy route to success, it's all down to hard work and drive.”

Who do you think will win it?

“I think Mark, Bianca, Katie, Rosin and Solomon are the strongest candidates but picking the winner is of course down to Lord Sugar.”

Are you glad you did it?

“Yes, I have no regrets. I’m happy to have had the experience as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I could never do it again. I don’t think the process is for people with integrity!

“I’ve really learnt from Lord Sugar – he’s a straight talking man but treated me with respect, I was happy with how he treated me and the whole experience of meeting him has been invaluable.

“I don’t think anyone’s taken advantage of me in business but I think going forward I know I tend to think more with my heart than my head, so I may be a little more shrewd and firm, but I’ll stay a nice person!”

Would you say the Nurun we saw on TV is the Nurun we all know?

“Not at all. Those who work with me and do business with me, my family and friends and everyone else I know will say I’m a great person to be around and very capable in all that I do. One bad chapter does not mean it’s the end of a story! I’m very confident and have self-belief in all that I do.”

What positives and negatives have you taken away from the experience?

“I don’t think one has to be ruthless in business, so I can’t see the experience changing me much as a person. One good thing I’ve taken away is the advice from Lord Sugar, which is to focus all my resources on one thing at a time. I’ve also learnt from other candidates when I do need to be shrewd and less considerate.”

What's the one thing you learnt about yourself?

“I need to really toughen up and use my personable attributes according to individual environments. So in business decisions it’s about the business deal and not trying to get on their Christmas gifts list by being too nice!”

Tell me about the business idea you had for Lord Sugar?

“It was the creation of bespoke Asian wedding planning services. The industry is worth more than £300 million per annum and the business

Photo: Emma Bothamley

Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you'd actually get on the show?

“I have great admiration for Karren and she is a great example of how business women should aspire to be. She was very supportive and encouraging. Again, Nick is how you see him on TV, very polite and unique in a way, especially his facial expressions!”

Have you been giving entrepreneurial tips from your market stall since the show started?

Nurun working on her market stall

Entrepreneur Jo Malone said she’d happily work with you so what does the future hold?

“I’m a personable character and I think she could see that. That side of me wasn’t really shown so much on the programme but you saw more of the real me on the You’re Fired show. Maybe we’ll do something together.

“I’m not going to lick my wounds for long and I’ve already set up my website for my bespoke Asian wedding business idea and I’m looking for investors – but I’ll still keep my market stall!” www.espmag.co.uk

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Spice up your Christmas party

with an Indian flavour…

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lucky with local support which I hope we will see reflected over the Christmas period. This is an amazing venue which really lends itself well to group bookings and parties.”

Let’s leave the turkey and sherry till December 25 and instead enjoy cocktails, great beers and really delicious authentic Indian food in the vibrant setting of this wonderful independent restaurant.

In the week leading up to Christmas they’ll be introducing a new concept for the restaurant, a specially designed tasting menu and Dinesh says they go the extra mile to personalise your party’s dining experience – “For Christmas, we have special party set menus and can also organise music for the evening if required. We can organise wines, cocktails and a beer selection for each table. We can also cater for any individuals that have special dietary requirements or if one or two guests don’t favour Indian food we can even provide a British dish.”

he festive season is all about get togethers, parties and Christmas dining but it doesn’t have to be all about a traditional turkey dinner. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate why not transport your guests to Mumbai and enjoy some delicious traditional North Indian cuisine at the Banyan Tree instead?

Photos: Emma Bothamley

The Banyan Tree really showcases what an independent restaurant can achieve and since becoming part of a group which brings together Clarkes and Café Clarkes, the food skills of chef Lee Clarke combined with those of the classically trained team at the Banyan Tree have proved a winning formula.

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If a mass produced Christmas meal fills you with horror for this year’s office bash, this is the place to come for high quality food. The team make regular trips to India to source the most authentic dishes. The food is served in a more modern way but is actually more traditional and rustic than ever. The chefs create everything from fresh, locally sourced ingredients to the highest standards.

Restaurant owner Dinesh Odedra is fiercely proud of what they’ve achieved – “We’ve enjoyed lots of repeat custom and been really

www.espmag.co.uk

With all the menus, the food is served at the table with the starters served on platters to share. All the items on the menu are served so there is no pre-ordering or limiting yourself to just one item.

The Banyan Tree has recently adopted a new look with the downstairs area harking back to 1970’s Mumbai reflecting a vibrant time of change when Bollywood stars were made and India embraced more western culture.

Upstairs the feel is a nostalgic 1940’s feel reflecting the last days of the Raj with family photos carefully sourced by Dinesh adorning the walls.

Indian restaurants aren’t usually famed for their desserts but those with a sweet tooth who fancy a little festive indulgence will be pleased to hear they’ve now introduced a fabulous new dessert menu which looks set to change that.

Homemade and delicious, it’s clear that the alliance with the chefs at Clarkes has added new skills and there are a variety of classic Indian and European style dishes to tempt you.

The Christmas tasting party menu is £18 per person, the general Christmas party menu is £22 per person and the Christmas Eve party menu is £25 per person all for a minimum of 10 guests.

The Banyan Tree, Westgate, Peterborough.

Tel 01733 342800.

Of course a good tipple is vital to getting the party started and the stunning bar area not only looks great but serves up one of the largest range of draught beers, possibly the best of any independent in town.

www.thebanyantree-uk.com

There are four areas perfect for parties each with their own unique vibe or you can even hire the whole restaurant which of course will be made fully festive with decorations and crackers.

ESP READER

OFFER

Groups of 10 or more quote ESP when booking to qualify for a complimentary cocktail pitcher to get their party started.

Xmas Party Season – don’t leave it too late!

Let us top you up with extra cutlery, crockery, glass wear or any replacement or light catering equipment

SEE OUR WONDERFUL DISPLAY OF “NEW” CATERING EQUIPMENT

Come and visit us at our new showroom We have everything you could possibly need under one roof – chef wear, crockery, cutlery, cleaning products, and all catering equipment.

Padholme Road East, Peterborough PE1 5XL

Tel 01733 561555 www.caterfix.com | e: enquiry.info@caterfix.com

Lights of Love are shining at

Thorpe Hall…

Many are added during the annual Thorpe Hall carol service Lights of Love. Thousands of visitors flock to Thorpe Hall to join in the carol singing, meet Santa, get involved in a spot of fundraising… and to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

It’s been an important time for Thorpe Hall with the launch of the £6 million pound appeal to fund a new hospice in the grounds of this historic building in Longthorpe – and boy oh boy have you guys stepped up to the challenge!

The total currently stands at over £3 million, just over half way, so in 2015 there’s more to be done but we know you can do it!

Hospice fundraiser Kirsty Clipston is organising this year’s event on Sunday December 14. She told ESP – “Lights of Love has become a hugely important date on the Thorpe Hall calendar for so many people.

Christmas is such a busy time and Lights of Love gives everyone the chance to step away from the bustle to celebrate and remember. To see the tree decorated with hundreds of messages, celebrating the lives of so many people, is just wonderful.”

Renowned for its holistic care, for patients and their families, there’s no doubt this Sue Ryder hospice has a special place in the hearts of Peterborough people. For 23 years, patients and their families have been cared for on the first and second floor of this beautiful old stately home, despite its limitations. That makes this festive season the 23rd Thorpe Hall has celebrated as a hospice but this will be its last Christmas providing that care in the current building and they’ll be decorating in style.

The fantastic Thorpe Hall Christmas tree has become the centrepiece of the hospice’s seasonal celebrations.

It stands proud in the Great Hall, decorated with hundreds of hand written baubles bearing messages to loved ones.

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- Book a date in your diary to attend Lights of Love on December 14 from 5pm-7.30pm.

- Drop by Serpentine Green in the fortnight before Christmas and add your Lights of Love bauble onto the Christmas tree in return for a donation.

- Hold a mulled wine and mince pie drop in evening for your neighbours in return for a donation.

- Make and sell Christmas cakes at work.

Christmas past This year’s Lights of Love will be a particularly special one for the Sue Ryder hospice. Building work on the new in-patient unit is well underway. By this time next year, patients will be cared for in the new state-of-theart building with the existing mansion house still very much part of the hospice, an important base for extended and new services.

Christmas future – the new garden

There are lots of ways you can get involved and support the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal this Christmas…

Allison Mann is the hospice’s head of clinical services and has been actively involved in drawing up the plans – now becoming a reality on a site adjacent to the current building. It’s clear the new building is going to make a huge difference.

“Private bedrooms with en suites were a must,” explains Alison, “as was easy access to the gardens for patients – which they will have through patio doors.

This new building is exactly what we need to lead hospice care through the 21st century.

“Seeing it taking shape is so exciting. When we think about the incredible level of care we provide in the current building which really isn’t fit for purpose there’ll be no stopping us in the new one!”

Now it’s time for the final big push to bring in the rest of the money, and when better than to support the Appeal than during the season of goodwill?

- Call their fundraising team on 01733 225999 and ask for a box of Christmas goodies to sell in your work place.

- Do your Christmas shopping at your local Sue Ryder shop.

- Have a pre-Christmas clear out to make way for your presents and take what you don’t want to your nearest Sue Ryder shop.

- Donate in memory of a loved one on their website www.thorpehall.org - Pledge to give something up in January and donate the money you save to the Thorpe Hall appeal.

- Text ‘Thorpe’ to 70007 to donate £3.

- Donate using your credit card by calling 01733 225999 or on the website www.thorpehall.org - Send a cheque to Thorpe Hall Hospice, Thorpe Road, Longthorpe, Peterborough, PE3 6LW - Follow them on Facebook (Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice) and Twitter (@SRThorpehall) and help spread the word.

Cape

Blanket Oversized

Shaggy

Dog

Shearling 20

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Colour

LOCAL

FASHION

Coats – What to wear this winter It’s time to wrap up for the chilly days ahead. ESP’s style guru Sue Donnelly has the answer to looking good as the temperature dips…

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ack in the day, your coat was an investment purchase. It needed to fulfil a number of criteria: keep you warm and dry through the snow, wind and rain of a typical British winter; have the quality to serve you for years to come; be suitable for travelling in all forms of transport; suit your figure and personal colouring; and remain in fashion. A tall order for just one garment.

So, it’s with some relief that I can now say that your coat is no longer an investment piece. Coats are now considered to be an everyday item or ‘occasion appropriate’ which means you can have a number of them sitting in your wardrobe providing you with flexibility and fun. Many are rebelling against a classic silhouette so expect to see voluminous proportions, oversize sleeves and a cocoon like feel. It’s your comfort blanket against the economy as well as the weather. This season, swaddling is sexy!

Here are the best of this season’s choices: Blanket Coats: Rosie Huntingdon-Whitely started this trend back in August when she was photographed in a Burberry-Prorsum wool and cashmere blanket setting you back a cool £895. Luckily, you can find your own for a fraction of the price. Wear like a poncho, casually draped over your shoulders or belt around the waist to give it ‘sleeves’ for variety. Looks great with jeans, boots and a denim/checked shirt but also with extremely feminine, sheer, chiffon dresses.

Capes: This is a fashion favourite that keeps making its comeback. This time around there are literally loads of different styles to choose from – with and without sleeves, short, long, with and without a collar, polo necks, bright colours, tweeds and full on black. Fabrics differ too from heavyweight wool to lighter jersey.

Shaggy Dog: The oversized cocoon continues with alpaca or faux fur. These jackets can add pounds but will certainly keep you toasty. Probably not advisable in wet weather but they will certainly add some fun and fluff into your wardrobe. A variety of colours from pale pink to black will ensure you suit your mood as well as your budget.

Shearling: This type of coat has been around a while but the update has a huge collar to keep out the cold. Many are shorter length so look good with jeans but also with a midi skirt. Great for broadening shoulders but beware if you have a bust. The weight of the fabric could add unwanted pounds.

Colour: Winter might be grey but you don’t have to be. Every colour of the rainbow is available this season. Whether you prefer brights or pastels, you can find it in the stores. Many are Duster coats, without collars or buttons. Fabulous for those who need to wear a suit. Slipping this on will give you warmth without any danger of getting crumpled. They have little shape so not always great for the curvier figure. To highlight your waist go for the belted options. More traditional in style but the new colours give it a modern twist.

If you don’t like the idea of a block colour, try tartan. The checks come in all sizes and colours.

Oversized: Oversized sweaters are big for the winter and aren’t just long in length but have REALLY long sleeves hanging way beyond the wrists. Vogue calls them ‘teen angst’ sleeves – the sort of sleeves a sulky teenager would stomp about in. Practical?

No, but then it’s fashion!

If you like the thought of oversized, you can easily translate this look into a coat. Wide sleeves, oversized collar, longer length, lots of fabric but still appearing chic primarily by use of light colours and expensive looking fabrics. Wear with a midi skirt to be bang on trend.

Experiment, have fun and be curious. This season, it doesn't need to cost you a fortune!

Sue Donnelly www.suedonnelly.com

COAT PRICES Grey Autograph coat, M&S £139 Check Per Una coat, M&S £119 Red fluffy jacket, M&S £149 Pastel blue Autograph coat, M&S £110 Cape, New Look £44.99 Natural faux shearling jacket, BHS £70

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www.espmag.co.uk Photos: Mike Harris and Stephanie of Andrew James Photography

ANOTHER ‘GREAT’ EASTERN RUN! You came, you cheered, you ran, you achieved personal bests and you raised thousands for good causes. Job done folks!

From every volunteer to every fun runner, to everyone who stood outside their houses to yell encouragement, to the athletes who broke their own records and to those of you who hobbled home with a whopping great blister – we salute you.

While other runs around the country have seen a bit of a downturn this year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run organised by Peterborough City Council was another stunning success and was the highest attended.

There were approximately 5,000 runners in the half marathon and 1,400 took part in the Anna’s Hope fun run. It was the highest attended PGER ever.

Entries came in from all over the UK and overseas and it was Kenyans who dominated the half-marathon as they did the year previous. Kenya's Jonah Chesum, a 25 year-old Paralympian, stormed to victory in 63mins 36secs.

The first Peterborough runner home was Steve Robinson from Peterborough Athletic Club, who finished 10th in 70.04 while Philippa Taylor of Nene Valley Harriers was the first female finisher from Peterborough in 81.36.

Annette Joyce, assistant Director of commercial operations at Peterborough City Council tole ESP – “The Perkins Great Eastern Run was another fantastic event for the city. It encouraged hundreds of residents to join in as they do every year by getting behind the runners as they pass through their neighbourhoods.

“The support our half marathon gets from residents is one of the things it’s famed for and the atmosphere the race generates is a big reason as to why runners keep coming back. Whether it was Jelly Babies and orange slices or musicians and cheer leaders, the runners were really motivated to the finish.

“Everyone involved in helping the race be as successful as it is deserves a well-earned pat on the back and the support from our principal sponsors Perkins has once again been invaluable. Planning next year’s event is already underway and we will be announcing the 2015 race date in the coming weeks.” www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk

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paparazzi Caught in the act?

VIVA ITALIA AND NIGHTLIFE AT EDWARD’S...

While Mitch Brewster kept an eye on the busy nightlife scene on Broadway at Edwards (which seems to be packed after its recent refurbishment), ESP’s Mike Harris captured the action at the city’s Italian Festival.

Annette Joyce, Assistant Director for Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council, told ESP – “The Italian Festival has been firmly established as one of the city council’s leading events and it was another excellent success. The council and Italian Community Association continue to grow the event and it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the festival over the weekend.

“The city centre was transformed into a little Italy and there was plenty of music, food and of course dancing with special guest Vincent Simone taking centre stage.”

View all our Paparazzi pictures on www.espmag.co.uk or our facebook page.

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PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

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VINCENT ADDS SPARKLE TO

ITALIAN FESTIVAL

ESP’s Sarah Tempest grabbed a word with former Strictly star and Italian smoothie Vincent Simone at Peterborough’s Italian Festival…

transferring the show to the West End. We’ll have two weeks off after that and then we’ll be on tour until the end of May/June.”

Photos: Mike Harris

The show in question is called Dance till Dawn and stars Vincent and Flavia as lovers in 1940’s Los Angeles. As they were engaged once upon a time, surely playing lovers must feel a little awkward? “No,” says Vincent, “it’s much easier because we used to be together. We’ve been together for so long that our relationship became more brother and sister. If anything it’s improved the dancing. We used to finish dancing, then go home together and chit chat and everything but now we just meet, we dance and we dance our best.”

Sarah and Vincent

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t was viva Italia at the city’s recent Italian Festival organised by the Italian Community Association with support from the City Council. Now established as one of the biggest celebrations of Italian culture in the country with pizza, pasta, wine, beer, music and dancing galore. Helping to keep the party atmosphere going was this year’s special guest, dancer Vincent Simone and as we at ESP magazine are huge Strictly Come Dancing fans, I put down my Prosecco just long enough to have a chat with the man himself.

Vincent came to live in the UK when he was just 17 but it’s clearly very important to him to celebrate his Italian heritage – “I’m so happy that after 18 years of being in this country I’m doing something for the Italian community and the great thing about this event is that I’m really involved, teaching some people how to dance. It’s just an honour.”

Previous Festival guests of honour include Vincent’s good friend, chef Gino D’Acampo who was famously mobbed when he came to the city, so what did Gino tell him to expect? “I didn’t have a chance to ask him!” says Vincent. “I did call him when I was going into the jungle to ask what he thought and his advice was ‘don’t do it!’, even though he won it, because it’s tough. He was just

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looking after me. And no, he didn’t give me any good rat recipes ‘cause you know what happened with all of that!”

Gino isn’t Vincent’s only connection with Peterborough, his dance partner Flavia spent plenty of time training here at the Tu Danse studio with our very own Louis Smith MBE with whom she won Strictly in 2012. “Flavia didn’t see much of Peterborough apart from the studio,” says Vincent, “but she did say it was an amazing studio! She’s spent time here since though because her husband (Corrie actor Jimi Mistry) has family here.”

Although Vincent and Flavia left Strictly after Flavia’s victory with Louis, Vincent says they‘ve been busier than ever. “We’ve been on tour for six months but we’re having a little break before

Things are clearly going well for them but Vincent hasn’t caught much of Strictly since they left. “I struggle to watch it now,” he says. “When I first left I couldn’t cope with watching it, hearing Bruce (joking!), hearing that theme tune. I was part of it for eight years and it changed my life so it’s really hard to watch it.” But he has managed to catch a bit of this series, and has high hopes for Alison Hammond, who’ll be starring in panto this year at the Cresset in Bretton as the genie in Aladdin. “I think she’s going to be spectacular, she’s got an amazing personality. She reminds me of Lisa Riley. I saw her on Hole in the Wall with Anton Du Beke and I remember she was wearing a silver swimsuit and she did the splits! So when I saw her I thought ‘wow’ and yes, she’s got some rhythm, you can tell.”

Now a father of two boys he admits – “Having my children settles me down and helps keep my feet on the ground.” Talking of his ‘little sausages’ Vincent is clearly very proud of his boys but when the question of them following him into the family business arises (Vincent’s parents were both dance teachers too) Vincent is adamant – “No, I’d rather they do something else, anything else because it’s so hard.” A racing driver perhaps?

“No, I would like them to be a Gynaecologist!” he jokes with that famous cheeky Italian glint in his eye. Or at least, we hope he was joking!

Dance till Dawn runs at the Aldwych Theatre, London, from October 23 until January 3, 2015.

VINCENT ADDS SPARKLE TO

ITALIAN FESTIVAL

ESP’s Sarah Tempest grabbed a word with former Strictly star and Italian smoothie Vincent Simone at Peterborough’s Italian Festival…

transferring the show to the West End. We’ll have two weeks off after that and then we’ll be on tour until the end of May/June.”

Photos: Mike Harris

The show in question is called Dance till Dawn and stars Vincent and Flavia as lovers in 1940’s Los Angeles. As they were engaged once upon a time, surely playing lovers must feel a little awkward? “No,” says Vincent, “it’s much easier because we used to be together. We’ve been together for so long that our relationship became more brother and sister. If anything it’s improved the dancing. We used to finish dancing, then go home together and chit chat and everything but now we just meet, we dance and we dance our best.”

Sarah and Vicent

I

t was viva Italia at the city’s recent Italian Festival organised by the Italian Community Association with support from the City Council. Now established as one of the biggest celebrations of Italian culture in the country with pizza, pasta, wine, beer, music and dancing galore. Helping to keep the party atmosphere going was this year’s special guest, dancer Vincent Simone and as we at ESP magazine are huge Strictly Come Dancing fans, I put down my Prosecco just long enough to have a chat with the man himself.

Vincent came to live in the UK when he was just 17 but it’s clearly very important to him to celebrate his Italian heritage – “I’m so happy that after 18 years of being in this country I’m doing something for the Italian community and the great thing about this event is that I’m really involved, teaching some people how to dance. It’s just an honour.”

Previous Festival guests of honour include Vincent’s good friend, chef Gino D’Acampo who was famously mobbed when he came to the city, so what did Gino tell him to expect? “I didn’t have a chance to ask him!” says Vincent. “I did call him when I was going into the jungle to ask what he thought and his advice was ‘don’t do it!’, even though he won it, because it’s tough. He was just

26

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looking after me. And no, he didn’t give me any good rat recipes ‘cause you know what happened with all of that!”

Gino isn’t Vincent’s only connection with Peterborough, his dance partner Flavia spent plenty of time training here at the Tu Danse studio with our very own Louis Smith MBE with whom she won Strictly in 2012. “Flavia didn’t see much of Peterborough apart from the studio,” says Vincent, “but she did say it was an amazing studio! She’s spent time here since though because her husband (Corrie actor Jimi Mistry) has family here.”

Although Vincent and Flavia left Strictly after Flavia’s victory with Louis, Vincent says they‘ve been busier than ever. “We’ve been on tour for six months but we’re having a little break before

Things are clearly going well for them but Vincent hasn’t caught much of Strictly since they left. “I struggle to watch it now,” he says. “When I first left I couldn’t cope with watching it, hearing Bruce (joking!), hearing that theme tune. I was part of it for eight years and it changed my life so it’s really hard to watch it.” But he has managed to catch a bit of this series, and has high hopes for Alison Hammond, who’ll be starring in panto this year at the Cresset in Bretton as the genie in Aladdin. “I think she’s going to be spectacular, she’s got an amazing personality. She reminds me of Lisa Riley. I saw her on Hole in the Wall with Anton Du Beke and I remember she was wearing a silver swimsuit and she did the splits! So when I saw her I thought ‘wow’ and yes, she’s got some rhythm, you can tell.”

Now a father of two boys he admits – “Having my children settles me down and helps keep my feet on the ground.” Talking of his ‘little sausages’ Vincent is clearly very proud of his boys but when the question of them following him into the family business arises (Vincent’s parents were both dance teachers too) Vincent is adamant – “No, I’d rather they do something else, anything else because it’s so hard.” A racing driver perhaps?

“No, I would like them to be a Gynaecologist!” he jokes with that famous cheeky Italian glint in his eye. Or at least, we hope he was joking!

Dance till Dawn runs at the Aldwych Theatre, London, from October 23 until January 3, 2015.

Xmas in the

City

Festive Guide 16

PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Proudly sponsored by

Xmas in City

Sponsored by

Photos: Emma Bothamley

the

Christmas comes but once a year – so let’s all spend it here!

It’s not quite been 60 Minute Makeover but most would agree the city centre of Peterborough’s been transformed for the better over the last few years and after a packed calendar of summer events it really comes into its own over Christmas. events are 12 months in planning, so as soon as one’s finished we’re planning that very same event for the following year.”

Annette Joyce (right) at the PGER

N

ow that the historic heart of the centre has really been shown off we think it looks great at night and when the Christmas lights go up it’ll be transformed for the festivities.

The huge Christmas tree in Cathedral Square, a great light display and a new quality gift market look set to make this year’s festivities really special. But it all takes a lot of organising and a small dedicated team holed up in the Town Hall are the city council folk who make it happen.

Headed up by Assistant Director of Commercial Operations, Annette Joyce it must be like organising the festivities at home ten fold – honestly, you think decorating, shopping and preparing for the in-laws to descend is stressful, spare a thought for these guys trying to lay on Christmas for thousands and decorate on a grand scale.

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Annette at the city’s Diwali Festival It’s no easy task but Annette Joyce says it’s all good for the city – “The main reason for staging events including the Christmas lights switch-on is with an economic objective in mind. If we make the city exciting, people will come in and support the businesses that exist here and more importantly return time and time again.

The Commercial Operations team is made up of parking and parking enforcement, CCTV (including an out of hours service), city centre events, markets and street trading, city centre management, Visitor Information Centre and Travel Centre and tourism. All these areas operate with approximately 50 staff. The main role is to encourage more visitors into the city whilst keeping it safe, vibrant and commercially viable.

“Christmas as well as all the other events we stage is discussed every day in the office in some way or another,” says Annette. “Most

The festivities follow a packed summer season of events organised by the Commercial Operations team including the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, Latvian, Portuguese, Italian and Diwali Festivals, the WW1 Centenary Celebrations, Peterborough Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show and the hugely successful Perkins Great Eastern Run. “Peterborough is a beautiful cathedral city, which is centrally placed and easy to get to,” says Annette. “In the run-up to Christmas the city centre’s fantastic shopping and restaurant offering is punctuated with street theatre, trade stands, twinkling lights, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine!”

We can’t wait!

Annette being interviewed for TV

This winter save up to £1000 by car sharing!

Beat the queues and travel in twos, visit: www.carsharepeterborough.com Travelchoice.org.uk offers the opportunity to register your journeys and search for a match. It doesn’t have to be a regular journey, you can register one off trips and there are various options allowing you to narrow your search. Registering doesn’t commit you to sharing but tells you who else is making similar trips to you and you could save up to £1000 a year.

What are the benefits of sharing a car?

Carsharepeterborough.com is completely FREE to use and has been designed for both drivers and passengers and can be used to find a match for journeys. The success of this scheme relies on people logging onto the site and registering journeys.

The greater the number of people using the site, the greater the chances of finding a match!

• Provides a real solution to the transport problems of rural areas

What is car sharing?

Car sharing is when two or more people share a car and travel together. It allows people to benefit from the convenience of the car, whilst alleviating the associated problems of congestion and pollution.

• Saves you money – travelling with others could enable you to reduce your transport costs by up to £1000 a year.

• Reduces the number of cars on the roads – resulting in less congestion, less pollution and fewer parking problems

• Gives employees and employers more transport options • Reduces the need for a private car Please take a few minutes to register any regular or one-off journeys that you are planning, and see for yourself how easily you can be put in contact with other travellers going your way!

For more information about the Travelchoice project, contact the Travelchoice Team on 01733 747474 or email: travelchoice@peterborough.gov.uk @pcctravelchoice

Xmas in City

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the

So here it is…

Merry Christmas!

Peterborough is about to get festive as this year’s fabulous array of lights are set to be switched on in the city centre this month. Cathedral Square will no doubt be packed once again at what is always a great family event.

Paul and Nick will be keeping you entertained with a fantastic stage show through until 7pm backed by the fabulous ESP Dance Crew! There’ll be music from local bands including the ever-popular One Eyed Cats and local young rock band White Clouds and Gunfire. Peterborough Youth Choir will be singing carols and Christmas tunes such as Walking in the Air. Pudsey Bear and the Key panto cast from Jack & the Beanstalk will be dropping by and there’ll be plenty of on-stage fun and games before the lights are switched on at teatime so get there early!

OH CHRISTMAS TREE… This year’s fabulous Christmas tree in Cathedral Square will be around 40ft tall (about the length of a bus).

The beautiful Sitka Spruce, harvested from Kielder Forest in Northumberland and supplied by Elveden Farms (Norfolk) will make a fantastic centrepiece to the lights switch on and this year is sponsored by Travelchoice.

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Managing editor David Harvey told ESP – “BBC Radio Cambridgeshire is proud to be part of the party – the Peterborough Christmas Light Switch on is a momentous occasion for the city and it’s such an important part of the social calendar. It kick starts the Christmas period and will hopefully attract a huge crowd to the city centre.”

Special guests will join The Mayor and Father Christmas on stage to press the magic button and light up this year’s light display followed by a burst of fireworks – so watch this space for more nearer the time.

ESP Dance Crew

The stage will be set for a fantastic start to the city’s festivities with the Christmas tree going up on November 12 which should definitely start to get you in the mood for the arrival of the big guy in red!

There’ll be fair rides for the kids on Bridge Street from November 18 – December 19 and a hot chestnut seller to get you in the festive mood.

Tune into BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on 95.7fm for the very latest updates on the lights switch on event and keep an eye on www.espmag.co.uk and our social media for more.

One Eyed Cats

WCAG

Photo: Mike Harris

It’s all happening Saturday November 15 when BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenters Paul Stainton and Nick Carter will make the party rock in Cathedral Square. Expect some great live music, fun and free entertainment all happening from 2pm!

Photo: Andy James

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Paul Stainton (right) and Nick Carter

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN Santa’s route is clear of traffic… (on Long Causeway and Bourges Boulevard at least)

Have you spent fifteen minutes stuck in a traffic jam over the last couple of weeks?

Fear not. Your Christmas wishes have been answered and you’re obviously on the good, rather than naughty list.

Peterborough City Council is halting all works to Long Causeway and Bourges Boulevard from Friday November 7 to make way for the Christmas shopping stampede into the city centre.

If you’ve managed to miss the pneumatic drills, wagons and workmen seemingly on Long Causeway day and night where have you been?

The council’s been repaving, re-kerbing, removing tree pits and re-locating CCTV cameras. The plan is to clear Long Causeway of

all the clutter that used to get in your way as you were heading to the market or multi-storey car park.

The only work you’re likely to see is the odd patching-up here or quick fix there, with the workmen (and noise, unfortunately) returning in the new year. Rest assured though, it may be bloomin’ annoying when you’re trying to enjoy a coffee or having to dodge dumper trucks as you dart to an ATM, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

The story is much the same on Bourges Boulevard. Yes, everybody knows it’s a bit of a mess at the minute, but give the guys and gals from the council a couple more months and the wait will be well worthwhile.

Once complete we’re going to have new pavements, junctions, street lighting and cycleways. A new toucan crossing (think push a button and wait for the green man / cyclist light to appear) will make it easier to get from the station to town and new trees and railings should all be in place by May 2015.

Again, work will close down from November 7 and apart from any minor bits and bobs you shouldn’t see any road closures or diversions until we’re all well and truly recovered from our New Year’s Eve hangovers.

If you’re still hungover by the time works start up and get another headache, don’t blame the council, you’ve definitely over done it this year and should really think about that New Year detox!

WIN A CHRISTMAS HAMPER! Your Christmas could be sorted with this great FREE PRIZE DRAW hamper competition!

Drop by Peterborough City Market for all your Christmas essentials and fill in an entry card when you shop at any stall for your chance to win a fantastic Christmas hamper packed with goodies from the Market.

Simply fill in the details and drop the entry card into one of the prize draw boxes

throughout December at the City Market.

It’s quick an easy and you can enter as often as you like until the draw is made on December 20.

Enter throughout December and you could have this great hamper delivered to your door.

WIN A FLAT SCREEN TV! Limited participating stalls are also offering the chance to win a 48” Flat Screen TV from now until December 5.

Customers shopping at the stalls participating in the giveaway will be given a raffle ticket as entry to the competition with the draw being made on December 5.

Please see notices around the market for details of participating stalls.

Xmas in City Events the

Sponsored by

Photo: Will Cheung

Hosen Brass

CHRISTMAS MAGIC ON BROADWAY

Children of the Revolution

If this doesn’t get you feeling truly festive nothing will!

Christmas is coming, and for the city’s three award-winning choirs, Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir, that can mean only one thing – the return of Christmas Magic, their ever-popular extravaganza of carols, festive music and seasonal favourites – all accompanied by a professional orchestra.

It’s being held in the fabulous setting of the Broadway Theatre on Sunday December 21 and tickets are on sale now so don’t hang about.

Now in its fourth successful year, the Christmas Magic concert will bring to a close a very successful year for all three choirs under the leadership of international award-winning choral conductor Will Prideaux.

Christmas Magic will include all your festive favourites such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. There are rumours of a new arrangement of Santa Baby as well as some (optional!) audience participation!

Tickets from £15 are available at Peterborough Visitor Information Centre, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or at www.peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk Early bird offers are available until November 10.

SHOPPING NIGHT @ ART IN THE HEART On Monday November 3 from 5pm-8pm, Art in the Heart the award winning business described as ‘the best shop in Peterborough’ launches its 2014 unique Christmas Collections. Some of the most talented local artists and artisans will be offering decorations, paintings, prints, cards, glass, ceramics, textiles and jewellery and much more. In addition there’ll be a one off and bespoke range of beautiful gifts, not found anywhere else in Peterborough's many chain stores. They have been very carefully sourced to ensure the best of quality and ethical practice.

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Chris Porsz one of the city’s celebrated photographers will also be signing his successful book New England sold at Art in the Heart.

Included in the £3 ticket will be exclusive first access to the collection, a donation to their charity Kidneeds and a unique gift from Art in the Heart.

Buy you ticket online www.artintheheart.co.uk or in the gallery, Art in the Heart, 47 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1HA.

DECEMBER

FEST Christmas is all about a great knees up, partying and a tipple or two does help.

The North Street Bar has all that sewn up with one of the liveliest events of the season when their Decemberfest returns.

This take on an Oktoberfest style event proved a huge success last year and returns on Friday December 12 with the amazing Hosen Brass performing two raucous sets between 7pm and 10pm.

Following repeat bookings from last year there are a very limited number of tickets currently available from the bar at £15 per head, including schnapps, appetiser, 2 course meal, waitress service of steins of beer, compere and a fantastic Bavarian Christmas sing-along. The bar’s open for normal free public admission from 10.15pm onwards, with The Rainmen playing live from 11pm.

The Decemberfest fun continues on Saturday December 13 when top local band Children of The Revolution play live from 9pm, followed by Bon & Justin from 11pm. Admission’s free, but to guarantee admission and a seat, pre-booked tickets are available from the bar at £6 per head, including complimentary schnapps and ‘bratwurst mit pommes’.

THE KING’S SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Get in the festive spirit with this fantastic Christmas celebration at the Cathedral featuring the musicians and choir of The King’s School, Peterborough at 7pm on Wednesday December 17. All welcome. Please contact The King’s School on 01733 751541 for ticket information.

BUSINESS AND SHOPPERS’ CAROLS You don’t have to miss out on the carols just because you’re at work or busy gift hunting. Business workers and shoppers are invited to Peterborough Cathedral on Thursday December 18, at 1pm for a lunchtime of traditional Christmas carols.

Now in its third year this is a great opportunity for colleagues to get together, and for shoppers to take the weight off their feet, as they join in with carol singing led by members of Peterborough Cathedral choir. short readings will tell the Christmas story. The 30-40 minute event, led by the Dean of Peterborough, the Very Revd Charles Taylor, will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

Packed on the pounds with party food?

Filled out over the festivities?

Get in training for next year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run and you’ll soon shed those Christmas calories!

JOHN RUTTER’S GLORIA: THE CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Join the Peterborough Cathedral Music Association’s Christmas concert on Friday December 19, performed by the Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir and Festival Chorus. The programme will include John Rutter’s Gloria and starts at 7.30pm.

Give yourself a New Year goal and enter the 2015 half marathon or the Anna’s Hope fun run on www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk

Directed by Steven Grahl tickets are £18, £15 & £12. Discounts for U18s and members of PCMA, available from Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203 and Peterborough Visitor Destination Centre 01733 452336 or online via: www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk

The Cathedral’s annual service for young children and families includes seasonal readings, carols and music performed by local school children. During the service children will receive a lighted Christingle – an orange representing the world with a red ribbon representing the blood of Jesus, sweets representing the fruits of the earth and the seasons, and a candle representing Jesus as the light of the world. All are welcome on Saturday December 21 at 3pm. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

Photo: Matthew Roberts

CHRISTINGLE SERVICE

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES The carol service at the Cathedral is always popular and packed and is the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve. Get there early though if you need a seat!

The afternoon service of Readings and Carols is at 4pm, then it’s Bethlehem Now! at 8pm with carols with the Salvation Army Band of Peterborough really getting you in the spirit and geared up for the big day.

All are welcome. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

BIN DATES Christmas bin collections are all wrapped up!

Normal Collection Date

Revised Collection Date

Tuesday 23rd December Wednesday 24th December Thursday 25th December Friday 26th December Tuesday 30th December Wednesday 31st December Thursday 1st January Friday 2nd January

Monday 22nd December Thursday 23rd December Wednesday 24th December Saturday 27th December Monday 29th December Tuesday 30th December Wednesday 31st December Friday 2nd January (BACK TO NORMAL)

Please remember to put your bin out before 6.45am.

If you have any questions about bin collections call the council on 01733 747474 or join the 21st century and tweet @greenerpboro.

www.espmag.co.uk – XMAS IN THE CITY

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Xmas in City Events the

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PEPPA POPS IN FOR QUEENSGATE LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Peppa Pig is popping back to Queensgate to turn on the lights but this year she’s bringing the whole family!

The Queensgate Shopping Centre Christmas light switch on takes place on Friday November 7 hosted by Heart FM presenters, Ros and Kev. From 2pm and on the hour, Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, will merrily trot into Central Square for narrations and storytelling, which is completely free for everyone to watch and join in.

At 6pm, Peppa Pig will be joined by the cast members from the Cresset’s panto Aladdin, to begin the countdown and press the big button to illuminate the Centre’s Christmas lights.

To top it all off, the biggest star of all, Father Christmas will take up residency in his grotto on the night. Based in North Square, he’ll meet and

greet all the good boys and girls, listen to their Christmas wishes and send them off with an early present. Santa will take to his chair next to the fireplace until Sunday November 9, and then daily from Saturday November 15 Monday – Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturdays – 9am to 6pm and Sundays – 10.30am until 4.30pm Tickets cost £4.50 per child and he’ll be there until Christmas Eve. Finally, the perfect Christmas package is complete with the Salvation Army Brass Band guaranteed to be in full fine form, playing Christmas songs on Saturday December 6 and 13 and December 20. www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

FATHER CHRISTMAS @ SACREWELL Photographer, Vanessa Barton, will capture a fireside family portrait if you'd like one, and you'll be able to take it home with you that day.

How does Father Christmas get around while his reindeer are resting up for Christmas Eve?

By Shire horse and carriage, of course!

Father Christmas himself will once again be arriving at Sacrewell in style on Saturday November 29, the first day of the centre’s Christmas event. To see him arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, get to the farm for about 10.30am and he might even stop for a chat.

Sacrewell’s traditional Father Christmas, who won the accolade of ‘best Father Christmas ever’ from one

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XMAS IN THE CITY – www.espmag.co.uk

enthusiastic visitor, will meet and greet all visitors by the fireside as he takes time to talk to each child about what they’d like for Christmas, gives presents and poses for family photos.

For an all-inclusive price, visitors will be dropped off for the first time ever at their Georgian farmhouse after taking a shuttle sleigh ride on their rosy-nosed tractor, where Father Christmas will be greeting his guests in the cosy sitting room.

He’ll be there every weekend and then daily from December 13 to 24.

Afterwards you can visit the donkeys in the living Nativity scene in the Animal Village, try your hand at traditional Christmas decorations, browse craft and gifts from local traders and of course, make the most of the winter by exploring Sacrewell.

Prices also include entry to the new Playbarn where children can let off some steam and parents can enjoy a soothing hot drink from the kiosk, served by Origin8 @ Sacrewell.

An all-inclusive price of £9 per child covers all day entry to Sacrewell, a tractor ride and a present, or normal admission applies to those who don't want to pay a visit to Father Christmas this time.

Sacrewell's low season prices apply to adults.

SANTA

SPECIALS @

NVR

Let your festivities begin with Santa at the Nene Valley Railway where the whole family will enjoy themselves on this great Christmas outing.

Now a Christmas ‘must do’ for many local families the Santa Specials have become part of the city’s festivities you shouldn’t miss. Extra entertainment is provided at busy weekends and you can enjoy a visit to Santa's log cabin where each child receives a special present from the man himself.

Then it’s all aboard the steam hauled, decorated Santa train for a 55 minute ride to Peterborough and return.

During the journey kids receive chocolate treats and drinks while mums and dads receive a tasty mince pie with either an alcoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink.

Santa takes a wander through the train to see the children and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

There are three great options including Classic Santa, First Class and Premier 1st Class so take a look at www.nvr.org.uk/events/santaspecial for more details and book early!

Be safe, be seen like Santa!

No need to put your bike away just because summer has gone.

The road conditions change dramatically during the autumn and winter months, with increased hours of darkness and more challenging road conditions to face. It is therefore extremely important for cyclists to take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety.

For information on free bike lights, bike information and bike security marking by Travelchoice and the Safer Peterborough Partnership go to www.travelchoice.org.uk or www.saferpeterborough.org.uk @pcctravelchoice

Xmas in City

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GIFTS GALORE

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET ON ITS WAY!

SHOP TILL YOU DROP…

The pressure’s on to find that perfect pressie but this year there’s a great new Christmas market ready to set up in Peterborough offering something truly different. selection of hats, scarves, handbags, felt slippers, gloves, cheese gift boxes, bottled craft beers and hampers, ceramic pans, lamps and decorative bowls, garden ornaments, wooden and metal handicrafts. Come on, doesn’t dad deserve a change from comedy socks and mum would love something unique rather than supermarket choccies!

Even better, and just to add to that cosy Christmas feel, there’ll also be a festive tavern with a small bar area where you can chill out and take a break from indulging in retail therapy and relax with your mates.

Peterborough's Cathedral Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland of festive shopping and dining in the run-up to Christmas.

During the 14 days of the market we’ll be tempted by an array of Christmas gift ideas, arts, crafts and clothing as well as a wide choice of culinary delights, mulled wine and spiced cider.

The host of stalls in the food court will include goodies such as a warming hog roast, duck wraps, sweet Spanish churros, traditional British sausages and speciality coffee.

If you’re struggling to find that perfect present you’ll be able to choose from a world class

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Queensgate is offering free parking after 5.30pm until 11.30pm from December 1 until December 23 and late night trading is until 9pm on weeknights.

If you struggle to wrap your pressies head along to the Kidney Research Charity Gift Wrap desk which is open from November 27 until Christmas Eve. The jolly team of wrapping experts are on hand to cut, fold and stick around presents of all shapes and sizes – even the tricky ones!

Event coordinator Paul Kennedy told ESP – "As a local company we are delighted to be given the opportunity to provide Peterborough city centre with this exciting and atmospheric event.

Event specialist Market Square Group, based in Sibson, will be staging a traditional Christmas Market in the city centre from Wednesday December 10 through until Tuesday December 23 so plenty of opportunities to pick up something a little different.

With a mix of seasonally-decorated chalets and marquees, Cathedral Square will become a destination for Christmas shopping combined with a great food experience all beneath twinkling festive fairy lights. If this doesn’t get you in the festive mood nothing will!

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

BARGAINS GALORE ON BLACK FRIDAY! "We look forward to welcoming visitors from both the city and further afield to enjoy a great shopping and dining experience in a welcoming festive atmosphere.

"We are confident our Traditional Christmas Market will prove to be a boost not only for the market traders, but also for our beautiful city's great range of national and independent shops, restaurants and bars."

Peterborough’s Special Christmas Market will be open from 10am until 6pm each day, with the tavern and food court remaining open until 9pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

This year, Black Friday returns to Queensgate on Friday November 28. The American shopping phenomenon has grown year-on-year and 2014 is expected to be bigger than ever.

On this day, stores will offer their biggest pre-Christmas discounts, giving plenty of opportunity to snap up a bargain or two for the family – or even a cheeky treat for yourself. Look out for discount details on social media channels nearer the time.

Christmas shopping or hitting the sales?

Save money and avoid the queues – hop on the bus instead.

Visit www.travelchoice.org.uk for information about the different bus services in Peterborough.

Timetables and routes for the regular services, journey planner, community transport schemes, buses and more.

Please check our website www.travelchoice.org.uk for the latest bus travel times during Christmas and New Year or contact 01733 747474. @pcctravelchoice

Xmas in City the

A Merry Christmas on t

If the word ‘market’ conjures up images of Del Boy and Only Fools and Horses, we reckon it’s time to think again.

The Christmas madness is about to begin folks so while the supermarkets do battle on prices we thought we’d visit somewhere that’s always good value.

Peterborough City Market has 85 stalls packed with everything from gifts through to your decorations and of course all the fruit and veg you need for that family feast!

“You can avoid large queues at supermarkets by ordering all you need for Christmas dinner in advance – having everything boxed and ready for collection to suit you. We also have a fantastic range of stalls catering for gift ideas such as our newly opened Toy Box stall, our two electrical stores, the DVD and console stall, along with a range of wrapping paper, cards, festive tablecloths, wreaths and flowers to complete your festivities.”

If you’ve not visited the Market for a while Steve reckons now is a great time to give it a try and sample what’s on offer – “Buying products from people who are more than happy to have a chat or a bit of banter certainly means each of our customers gets a truly individual service and experience.”

We asked Steve Woolley Markets & Commercial Trading Officer for Peterborough City Council to show us around.

There’s never a dull moment for Steve and his team and he’s hugely enthusiastic about the City Market and what it has to offer – “The market is very much one large community and is able to provide everything you need under one roof. Whether you’re looking for the freshest fruit, veg, fish and meat, searching for a new outfit for a night on the tiles, desperate for the right tools or new wallpaper for your latest DIY project or just making use of some of the fantastic services on offer (computer repair, cobblers, hairdresser etc) the Market is a great place to be able to get all you need at competitive prices whilst supporting small local businesses.”

So as we enter the Christmas shopathon Steve reckons the Market stands head and shoulders above most of the competition.

38

XMAS IN THE CITY – www.espmag.co.uk

Pets need presents too – come on, you know you love giving Rover and Tiddles a treat! One stall, Skells’ Pet Stall is celebrating its 40th Anniversary (or 280th if you’re a dog…) has served countless customers ensuring thousands of healthy and happy pets have benefited from their owners’ visits to the City Market.

Open 8.30am – 4pm Tues-Sat

Xmas Opening 8.30am to 4pm – Tues Dec 16 to Sat Dec 20 8.30am to 4pm – Mon Dec 22 (Extra day!)

8.30am to 4pm – Tues Dec 23 and Christmas Eve Multi Storey Market Car Park – 50p for 1 hour

Sponsored by

Photo: Emma Bothamley

n the Market...

ARE YOU A ‘CANDIDATE’ FOR A STALL? If you fancy a challenge or a fresh start in 2015 why not consider running a market stall like Nurun Ahmed who recently starred in the BBC show The Apprentice? Nurun runs Scarfs Inc, a scarves and accessories stall on Peterborough City Market and since opening in February 2013 she’s already expanded.

“The Market is an ideal place to start off with a small business idea and to see if it’s going to work,” explains Nurun. “It saves you from spending a lot of money on something that might not work; it’s testing the water and fine tuning your formula and your audience. The Market is a great place to do that.”

Nurun works full time but makes use of her business acumen by also running the stall and is keen to see more people follow suit.

“I grew up in Peterborough and my best memories are of going to the Market and it was always hustle and bustle. I feel bad people don’t see the beauty of all what’s available at it and support local trade. It’s in a prime location and we need more businesses and entrepreneurs to bring it back to how it was.”

carol singers from local schools come and serenade our shoppers and we’ll be running our very popular Christmas Hamper competition during December.

Plus, we’re all here bright and early on Christmas Eve ready for anyone who needs any last minute assistance.”

Stall owner Christine Skells told us – “We have a very loyal customer base which has helped us to grow the business to where we are today. In some cases we have served three generations of family members which can only mean all their pets must have given us their seal of approval”.

The atmosphere’s always extra special at Christmas – “As soon as we turn on our Christmas lights on November 21 at 3.30pm, the whole atmosphere of the market changes and everything starts to really focus on the run up to Christmas,” says Steve. “As per previous years we’re looking to have

After beating thousands to appear in the latest series of The Apprentice this local businesswoman hopes she’ll give inspiration to others.

“I hope to inspire business entrepreneurs to try out business ideas,” says Nurun. “It’s such a great place to start out whether it’s just for a day or a fixed pitch, it’s so flexible. All the traders are just fantastic, it’s a lovely community we all support each other and I couldn’t think of any better place to start a business than the City Market.

“Wherever life takes me I think I will still have my little stall because that’s where the journey started and for me it’s my little baby.”

Setting up a small business and needing premises can be a daunting prospect but if 2015 is the year you want to make your mark, make like Alan Sugar and consider a market stall which is far easier to start out on.

Steve Woolley Markets & Commercial Trading Officer for Peterborough City Council says it’s easy – “We’re always looking for more stalls to be opened at the City Market and whether you’re the next Alan Sugar or someone looking to expand on a small cottage industry, the City Market provides an ideal springboard for all budding entrepreneurs to launch their businesses from.”

Anyone interested can email market@peterborough.gov.uk or call the market on 01733 454454 for further details or an application form.

www.espmag.co.uk – XMAS IN THE CITY

39

Xmas in City

Sponsored by

the

DON’T FORGET YOUR BIN DATE, DESPITE YOUR CHRISTMAS HANGOVER!

REIN IN THE SPENDING THIS CHRISTMAS AND RECYCLE Christmas can be a pretty expensive time for most of us; parties, presents and petrol money visiting the dreaded mother-in-law. Unfortunately it’s no different for Peterborough City Council. Each year the council and its partners spend a fortune on a city-wide Christmas clean up. When a city of 180,000+ ‘does’ Christmas it can really make one almighty mess. Everything from leftover turkey to needle-bare Christmas trees all need to be collected, recycled or processed.

That’s why this year the council is asking the good people of Peterborough to roll up their sleeves, do their bit and help save the city a couple of quid.

It could be anything from: – Recycling your Christmas packaging, cards, wrapping paper (even shiny), present bags and big sweet tins. As well as cans, cartons, card, glass, paper and card (to name a few).

– Or making sure your turkey bones go in the grey food waste caddy. You can also put tea & coffee, fish, scrapings, egg shells, meat and any other food waste into your grey ‘Hungry Harry’ caddy.

Christmas office parties will soon be upon us, along with the obligatory dodgy jumpers, garish ties and awkward glances across a beer-soaked dance floor. But while you’re in bed nursing a hangover teams of bin men (or refuse collectors for the PC crowd) are out in all weather collecting bins across the city.

For Santa’s sake don’t forget to put your bin out, otherwise you could be stuck with a ‘Hungry Harry’ full of those uneaten Brussel sprouts or a green bin full of wrapping paper and packaging.

If you remember one thing this Christmas, other than your partner’s prezzie, remember the changes to the bin collection dates over the festive period – they’re all listed on page 33.

Should you forget to put your bin out you’ll need to wait for the next scheduled pickup and the usual rules (no waste in the wrong bin, etc) apply.

If you have any questions about bin collections call the council on 01733 747474 or join the 21st century and tweet @greenerpboro.

The food waste collected in your grey caddy is turned into electricity to power homes Your Hungry Harry bin is collected every week on the same day as your regular collection Did you know that you can now recycle plastic tubs, trays, punnets, carrier bags, foil and aluminium trays?

It all helps cut down on the amount of waste going to landfill. In 2013/14 Peterborough City Council sent 32,300 tonnes of waste to landfill. When you consider it costs around £100 each tonne to process it means the council spent over £3 million in total. Processing recycled items and food waste is much cheaper! That is money that could have been spent on local music festivals, resurfacing Peterborough’s roads or providing extra care to those who need it.

So please keep that festive spirit going for just a little longer after Christmas, pitch-in however you can and help keep streets and communities clean and Peterborough as green as possible.

“Over Christmas, we will collect up to two additional bags presented by your black bin. Just over Christmas though!”

They’ll also collect additional recycling in clear bags on your green bin collection day.

Brown bins and Xmas trees “If you are recycling a real Christmas tree in your brown bin please remember to cut it into pieces” 40

XMAS IN THE CITY – www.espmag.co.uk

Brown bin collections became a paid-for service earlier this year. Garden waste is collected throughout the year but only once a month in December and January.

Normally there are two collections each month.

Brown bins will be collected over the first two

weeks of December on the same day as your fortnightly green bin collection. So if it’s your fortnightly green bin collection on December 4 then that’s your brown bin date for the month. Then again during the last two weeks of January on the same week as your green

recycling bin pick-up.

For those who are not signed up to this scheme you can still recycle Christmas trees at the Householders Recycling Centre in Dogsthorpe or keep your eyes peeled for details on Christmas tree recycling points to be placed across the city.

CITY RD

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PE1 1YZ

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The service can also be activated at car parks by following instructions on displayed signs.

Smartphone users can download free RingGo apps, which identify your location, making paying to park even easier.

First time users will be asked for their vehicle details, location code (a four digit number shown on the signs), payment card information and how long you wish to park for.

WA Y AN

Postcode

RingGo is a new mobile phone service that allows you to pay for parking by bank card via your smartphone. You only have to register once via the city council's RingGo Phone Parking page on www.myringgo.co.uk.

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No need to worry about rummaging for spare change when you head into the city centre to do your Christmas shopping now that the city council’s introduced RingGo a fantastic cashless parking system!

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CASHLESS PARKING WITH RingGo

The details are recalled on subsequent uses and the process is quicker as you only need to confirm your location, duration of stay and your three digit security code.

An optional text reminder can be sent 10 minutes before your parking’s due to run out, giving you the opportunity to top up your stay by text without returning to your car – how handy is that?!

Mick Dolan, Car Parks Manager at Peterborough City Council, said: “With phone parking there is no need to save up coins, go back to the machine to extend your stay or display a ticket on your dashboard. Cashless parking is convenient and it reduces the risk of receiving a parking penalty charge notice.”

The RingGo cashless parking service is available in all council-run city centre car parks with the exception of the Regional Pool. The service has also been installed in on-street parking locations.

Car Parks A Cathedral B Key Theatre C Crown & County Court D Magistrates Court E Passport Office F The Embankment T Toilets Visitor Information Centre

• The City Council has 11 car parks situated around the city centre • Park ALL DAY at the Wirrina for just £3 • Pleasure Fair Meadow has a 50p for 1 hr tariff or park ALL DAY for just £3 • Dickens Street – best value car park in the city at £2.30 ALL DAY and 50p for 1 hr • Multi Storey Market Car Park – 50p for 1 hr tariff

www.espmag.co.uk – XMAS IN THE CITY

41

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY Sarah Tempest

ESP’s Sarah Tempest is a reluctant fan of our cover star Holly Willoughby. So why is the star of ITV’s Surprise Surprise getting under our reporter’s skin…?

W

hen I was pregnant and feeling decidedly weeble-esque and fed up, my friend told me that all I needed to do to cheer myself up was to find my “celebrity pregnancy buddy”. Hers had been Kerry Katona, in all her expectant, jogging bottomed, bloated glory and it had done the trick in no time. “Great idea” I thought, hoping for Billie Piper with her black roots and sack dresses but no such luck for me. Which celebrity did I get to compare myself to? None other than glamourpants herself, Holly Sodding Willoughby.

As my stretch marks became a map of Gunthorpe and I morphed into a Tweenie with my swollen feet and strange pallor, Holly Willoughby positively bloomed on our television screens, all neat white teeth, bright eyes and perfectly fitting stylish maternity frocks – that she designed herself! Man I wanted to hate that woman with a hormonal, sneering passion. But that’s the thing that, more than anything, drives me completely insanely, bonkers about her – no matter how hard I tried (and believe me, I tried), it seems it’s entirely impossible to hate Holly Willoughby.

Fast forward a few years and we’re both older, wiser and the mothers of three children each but that’s where the similarities end because whilst the closest I get to a spa treatment these days is three minutes to actually wash the shampoo out of my hair before someone comes into the bathroom needing a wee wee, Holly oozes perfectly groomed sophistication.

Picture the school run; my house is a jammy fingered, toy strewn, congealed Weetabix warzone with me, Major Janet Street-Porter screeching commands and imploring speed, whereas Holly and her perfectly behaved children float out of their immaculate house in a cloud of lavender and Elnett to arrive smiling at school, healthy packed lunches in hand, ready for a day of A* learning; no last minute loo stops or screaming to find book bags for our Holls, oh no. OK, so I may have made that last bit up, but seriously, this woman is so goddamn perfect, I can’t imagine that it’s any other way.

It’s been a busy old year for Holly, juggling pregnancy, two kids and filming commitments for This Morning and Celebrity Juice as well as launching her own ‘romantic’ bedding range for BHS and releasing her fourth ‘Summer Holiday Mystery’ novel with her sister Kelly, there’s clearly nothing the fragrant wonder can’t turn her hand to.

And now, although she’s currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her third child, Chester (who no doubt popped out in 30 seconds flat with our Holls draped on a velvet chaise longue in a silk gown, barely pausing to put down her cup of Earl Grey, Grrrrr), Holly is back on our screens hosting a new series of Surprise Surprise, bringing loveliness, joy and the odd holiday of a lifetime to deserving people.

And therein lies my major problem with Holly Willoughby, if her beauty, talent, humour and, in short, perfection, weren’t enough to make me want to hate her, she goes and says stuff like that.

Damn you Holly Willoughby, you’re just too flipping likeable.

The new series of Surprise Surprise continues on Wednesday nights on ITV at 8pm throughout November.

With her charm and caring nature, Holly was the natural choice to step into the formidable shoes of ‘Our Cilla’ when the series was revived in 2012, especially as, infuriatingly, she just happens to be a fantastic presenter too. And if you thought only Cheryl Tweedy-Cole-Fernandez-Wotsit had mastered the art of crying prettily, think again – Holly too weeps twinkly, diamond tears. Come on Willoughby, would it kill you to give us a snot bubble?!

Clearly the future continues to look extremely bright for Holly; if she can honour all this year’s commitments whilst heavily pregnant, there’s no way baby number 3 is going to slow her down and next year is bound to bring yet more of that special Willoughby brand to our High Street and television screens. But for now, Holly is very content with her lot, perfect family, perfect co-host with Phillip Schofield on This Morning, perfect fun with Keith Lemon on Celebrity Juice and she obviously loves to become involved in her Surprise Surprise guest’s stories. "Anyone who's seen me on This Morning will know that I can't be anything other than myself in those [emotional] situations," she explained to TV Choice. "And if I were watching at home, I'd be crying. I think when you're listening to somebody's story and you buy into them and what's going on, you can't help but be moved by it."

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Events CHARITY BALL

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The event’s on Sunday November 2 and is being held to raise cash for a state of the art wheelchair for Jade, a Peterborough girl with Cerebral Palsy.

Get your glad rags on for the next Connor Wright Shwachman Diamond Project charity ball. These events have raised thousands and are always a huge success so don’t miss this year’s 9th anniversary event on Saturday November 15.

Adam Night, the act for the evening is a highly recommended and entertaining routine. Adam is a professional act and you’re promised a real treat. Check him out on www.adamnight.co.uk

Tickets are £50 and include a 4 course meal and complimentary drink. There’ll be live music from Vision, an auction and plenty of fun and games. It’s a black tie, glamorous night at The Holiday Inn so grab your ticket now from Rachel at Swanky Rags on Broadway on 01733 345181 – you could pick a dress up there too!

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT FERRY MEADOWS

Doors open at 5.30pm with the show starting at 6pm so you can grab a few drinks in The Solstice first (The Manchester Derby match will be on, City V Utd, kick off is at 1.30pm).

Get in the festive spirit by heading along to a Christmas Fair in the wonderful natural surroundings of Ferry Meadows Country Park. It’s all being held on Saturday December 13 from 11am – 3pm and attractions will include a Christmas craft market, carol singing and seasonal food and drink as well as plenty of activities for the children. Even better, it’s free entry although there may be a charge for some activities.

COMEDY HYPNOSIS CHARITY NIGHT

Ticket prices are £20 available by donating on Jade’s GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/eatz58 and asking for a ticket or from behind the bar at The Solstice or by contacting Ross Connor on 07927 516759.

Here’s a night with a difference at The Solstice in Peterborough – a comedy hypnosis show!

There will also be a raffle on the night with some great prizes to win.

Visit www.neneparktrust.org.uk for more details

WHIZZ-KIDS CHARITY RACE NIGHT A race night’s being held at The Barn in Baston on Saturday November 29 to raise cash for Whizz-Kidz, a national charity which transforms the lives of disabled children by providing equipment and support.

BURGHLEY CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Tickets for the evening cost £10 and include 12 races, which are being sponsored by local businesses, a buffet, a fully-licensed bar and a raffle, with all profits being donated to Whizz-Kidz.

If you want to find an unusual gift the Crafts for Christmas event at Burghley House in Stamford offers a unique opportunity to find special presents for special people. It’s the perfect place to work your way enjoyably through your Christmas list. The event’s run by the Rural Crafts Association and features top quality products so drop by from Thursday November 27 – Sunday November 30.

For more info or to buy tickets for the race night, visit www.offonajolly.co.uk.

For further details visit www.ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk or call 01428 684494.

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• Live music on the weekends • Bouncy Castle from Friday til Sunday evening • Bar-B-Q every Sunday from 12pm – 3pm • Separate pool room, Crib and dominos • Guest beers on offer • Happy hour weekdays 5 – 7pm Mon – Fri • Bluebell looking for pool, cribbage and darts team members

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• CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 • CAMRA pub of the year 2014 * • Sky Sports showing all major premiership/championship games • Visit our website at www.theploughmanwerrington.co.uk • Happy hour Mon – Fri, 5 ‘til 7pm • Live entertainment – see ESP Gig Guide • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev • Join our Facebook group The Ploughman

• Live music every Friday night - free entry • Sky Sports & BT Sport • Pool table & Darts • Huge enclosed garden • **Function room** with private entrance, bar and facilities • Free house - Range of local real ales • THE HERON PUB QUIZ TUESDAY NIGHTS • FREE tea & coffee for over 65’s. Mon/Tue & Wed from 1pm to 3pm

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gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Movie Previews

INTERSTELLAR

Released

NOV

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain Director: Christopher Nolan wormhole, the astronauts surpass the limitations of human space travel to try and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage – in an attempt to see if mankind has a future among the stars.

With our time on Earth coming to an end due to a lack of vital resources, a team of explorers undertake the most important mission in human history to find a solution.

Joining McConaughey in an all-star cast, includes fellow Oscar-winners Anne Hathaway and Michael Caine, and Oscar-nominees Jessica Chastain and Casey Affleck.

By making use of a newly discovered

Here’s hoping this is out of this world...

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINJAY – PART ONE

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

The worldwide phenomenon that is The Hunger Games will undoubtedly set the box office alight once again with this third part of the quadrilogy.

New adversaries stand between Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day) and their dreams of success – as they return for this sequel to the 2011 comedy smash hit.

After shattering the existence of the infamous games, Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen is back in District 13 to reluctantly lead an uprising as Suzanne Collins’ final book Mockinjay is split into two parts a la The Deathly Hallows and Breaking Dawn.

When a slick investor (Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz) double-crosses them after they start their own business, the trio of would-be entrepreneurs resort to another hairbrained scheme – this time hatching a misguided kidnapping plot.

Under the leadership of Julianne Moore’s President Coin, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), who has come under the control of the Capitol.

Released

NOV

Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman – in his final role – all return.

20

NOV

17 REVIEW

EARTH TO ECHO (PG) www.espmag.co.uk

With nowhere to turn after being swindled, the trio kidnap the investor’s son Rex (Star Trek’s Chris Pine) in an attempt to get back control of their company.

Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx all return.

While not exactly living up to its ‘E.T. for the new generation tag’ – this still proves to be watchable family fare.

Released

46

All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

7

Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) headlines one of the movie events of the year – from highly-acclaimed Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy director Christopher Nolan.

When an inseparable trio of boys, including former US X-Factor contestant Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley – recently seen starring alongside Liam Neeson in A Walk in the Tombstones – receive a bizarre series of encrypted messages, they embark on an sci-fi adventure with an

Released

NOV

28

extra terrestrial being that needs their help.

Its comparisons with the aforementioned Spielberg classic doesn’t do it any favours – particularly when it veers closely to stereotypical plot mechanics – but this does provide a reasonably entertaining diversion without offering anything groundbreaking.

###

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – PART ONE FORZA HORIZON

FIFA 15

(XONE/360)

The Forza franchise continues to impressively evolve with every iteration – and this followup to their Horizon spinoff proves to be no different.

ALIEN:

ISOLATION

(PS4/XONE/WIIU/ PS3/360/3DS/ PSV/PC)

#####

With a mellower tone than its more serious cousin – seen from the start as you make your way to the super-cool locale of the Horizon Festival – this offers a more chilled-out open world experience complete with knock-out graphics along a Mediterranean coastline.

With more than 200 cars to choose from, levelling up has never been so much fun across hundreds of events – and the car handling has never been better.

The ability to switch between online and solo play is the icing on the cake – and uses the same AI friends profiling from Forza 5 – as this continues to be a class act.

While this is undoubtedly an impressive leap to next-gen consoles (last year’s semi-port didn’t really count) – a couple of things have been lost in transition to prevent this being the all-conquering footballing package.

(XONE/PS4/360/ PS3/PC)

####

To be fair it isn’t far from it, with tremendous aesthetical improvements such as proper stadiums dynamics, emotional player intelligence – and of course, simply jaw-dropping visuals.

But the almost ‘over the top’ big match presentation seems to have come slightly at the detriment of the ‘grass roots’ requirements of the game – with some niggly AI issues rearing their head.

Fortunately these minor issues don’t detract too much from this ultimately being the footie game to beat – and it still scores a glorious next-gen goal.

MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR

####

SLEEPING DOGS: DEFINITIVE EDITION

(XONE/PS4/360/PS3/PC)

(PS4/XONE/PC)

The award-winning basketball franchise continues to spectacularly score from ‘downtown’ with its first ‘proper’ next-gen incarnation.

This definitive version of the two-year old GTA clone may be a tough sell to those who have experienced it before, but with 24 DLC extensions in this package – don’t let this sleeping dog lie if you haven’t.

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If you’re being extremely picky the defending mechanisms need a bit of tinkering, but that’s a small price to pay as cover star Kevin Durant and co. deliver another resounding slam dunk.

MXGP: THE OFFICIAL MOTOCROSS GAME

Playstation 4’s exclusive new racing game is an innovative experience – that encourages communitybased participation.

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For owners of the console though, this is still a terrific first effort – complete with luscious visuals – and if you’ve got racing buddies is a must.

Start your next-gen engines...

As undercover cop Wei Shen you can partake in a gritty well-acted story – complete with satisfying combat controls – but whether it needed to jump on the re-release bandwagon will be open to conjecture.

But infiltrating the Triad empire is still undoubtedly an immersive experience.

DRIVECLUB (PS4) By joining a club and staying always online you get more access to races, challenges and special events – complete with an impressive roster of cars and rocksolid gaming mechanics – even though it doesn’t quite have the depth and polish of other driving franchises.

Owing more than a passing nod to the iconic series, you star as cop Sebastian, who awakens in a deranged world with hideous creatures after witnessing the horrifying deaths of his fellow officers.

The story does fizzle out during an impressive 15 chapters, but the combat mechanics – coupled with a palpable nonstop feeling of dread – makes this compelling fare that horror fans should lap up.

NBA 2K15

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It’s not without its isolated flaws – and falls short of classic status – but provides a terrifyingly convincing interpretation of HR Giger’s monstrous creation that offers something a little different. Your neighbours will hear you scream.

This game from Resident Evil creative genius Shinji Mikami embodies what a true survival horror game should be.

With appearances from the likes of Gollum thrown in, this is a must for fans – despite some samey missions – and ends up as one of the year’s most precious gaming achievements.

With 5,000 brand new animations this version looks the most realistic ever with jaw-dropping graphics, coupled with its great broadcast-style presentation, extensive modes – and for the first time including 25 of the top teams from the Euroleague.

Set fifteen years after Ellen Ripley’s disappearance on the Nostromo, her daughter Amanda tries to unravel the truth – but instead gets hunted by the infamous Xenomorph on a ship in Jupiter’s orbit.

(XONE/PS4/360/PS3/PC)

This is undoubtedly the best iteration of a The Lord of the Rings game yet – and one of the best games of the year.

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After the awful Aliens: Colonial Marines, this offers great value for money being a slow, methodical and sometimes gruelling game – that suffers from it’s own success by outstaying it’s eventually repetitive welcome.

THE EVIL WITHIN

(PS4/XONE/PS3/360/PC)

This beautifully-rendered third-person open world actioner – with role-playing elements thrown in – sees you take on the role of valiant ranger Talion in events set between the two Rings trilogies.

There’s much to admire from this adventurous survival horror game – that finally pays faithful homage to the Alien franchise.

(PS4/X360/PS3/PSV/PC)

This is a different racer that any motocross fan cannot do without.

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The longevity of the game obviously depends on your interest in the sport, but it undoubtedly offers a compelling racing experience in its own right.

It’s not without its minor flaws, but with 18 official tracks – and notable PS4 next-gen improvements which adds another star to the rating – this is just about as good as it gets for fans of the sport.

Developers Milestone have nearly delivered just that.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Home style

Wall Mounted Stag Head 14cm Wilko £8

It’s nearly Christ-moose!

Resin Reindeer 3D Head by Sainsbury's £20

Deer oh deer folks, you’ll be stagg-ered by the number of antler-influenced goodies destined to adorn your home this winter!

The trend for wildlife imagery continues popping up on just about everything and as we hot-hoof it towards Christmas any reindeer, moose or stag related piece should sit nicely in your cosy abode.

Whether it’s glitzy, cute, picture perfect, embroidered or printed you’ll find there’s a deer for all tastes and every room so bring out your inner Bambi and go wild!

Moose Salt And Pepper Shakers NEXT £6

Morris Moose Head NEXT £20

Wild Wood Fur Deer Table Decoration Wilko £4

Sitting Reindeer Tealight Holder M&S £70

Silhouette Stag Mug White & Red

by Sainsbury's £2.50

Woodland Scene Tealight holders M&S £7.50

Reindeer Cushion BHS £18

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by Pep

Cipriano

Proudly sponsored by

WHEELS MOTORCYCLES First Drove, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5BJ Tel: 01733 358555 www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

E P U O C E C A N A S I E GRAC There are friends of mine who’d struggle to accept women being fiercely into football or cars and I say shame on them. I’m the total opposite. I’ve yet to meet a woman whose idea of a perfect night in is watching repeats of Wheeler Dealers, Count’s Customs and Fast N’ Loud but Rachel MacLeod could be the one.

H

Photos: Chris Brudenell

yundai Coupe owner Rachel from Peterborough’s been car mad ever since her stepfather came home with a 3 series BMW when she was at primary school. ‘Grace’ is the name of her Coupe, bought for her in April by fiancé Stuart.

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But her Ford Focus didn’t quite make the part exchange money Rachel was hoping for and that’s when Stuart stepped in and bought it for her birthday.

It’s a love affair Rachel has had with Hyundai Coupes for ten years when her search for a Land Rover Freelander was abruptly halted at the accidental glimpse of a black Coupe for sale. It was love at first sight and ‘Bess’ became hers.

Rachel told me: “Coupes remind me of an Aston Martin, which happens to be my dream car.

Grace is sleek and very sexy, a Hyundai might not appeal to some but Grace has a certain look about her that I love. She’s an absolute joy to drive and is responsive when you need to go round something quickly.

The credit crunch forced Rachel to let Bess go in 2011 but fate was to bring a Coupe back into her life. A friend saw one in a local garage and Rachel couldn’t resist, especially as it was the 2.0 version.

“I love that when I put my foot down she finds a little extra for me and I find myself making excuses to take her out for a spin, jumping at any chance of a road trip! Right now I can’t see me parting with

her, I kept my last one for seven years so I think there’s plenty of adventures yet to come.

“Grace, my boy and I have had plenty of days out, including trips to the West Country. I’m a keen amateur photographer, so we’re always heading out taking pictures, mainly of cyclists. We pack the boot with my camera, some chairs, food and plenty of coffee and off we go in search of people wearing lycra!”

So what’s your Pride & Joy? Keep them coming in to office@espmag.co.uk to be featured here. We’re loving seeing what gets your motor running when it comes to your favourite wheels, whether it’s a bike, truck, car or whatever!

Pep Cipriano

Xmas Menu Available

REAL ALES, CASK MARQUE APPROVED, CAMRA GOLD AWARD • Proper food at proper prices served daily, Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm and 6pm-9pm.

• Sunday roast with special Sunday gravy 12.00-4pm • Function room available for private parties • See Gig Guide for bands

NEW WHEELS WEBSITE IS GO! Wheels Motorcycles in Fengate have launched their new website, which is dedicated to its Peterborough store and full of perfect Christmas gift ideas for that biker in your life (that’s me; I’ll have a brand new Aprilia please).

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

It’s a virtual shop window for the huge amount of motorcycles Wheels has in stock and the excellent clothing and accessories they sell. All the latest colours and specifications of motorcycles from the world’s top manufacturers can be seen whatever platform you’re viewing it on.

Clothing can be purchased online and delivered for free to your door and if you can’t decide yourself what to buy then wrap up a Wheels gift voucher instead.

Take a look at www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk

BE SAFE AND SEEN

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

Now that the clocks have gone back it’s important we’re all seen by motorists when we’re cycling, walking the dog or nipping down the offlicense for a pint of milk.

The Safer Peterborough Partnership is reminding young people in particular of the importance of being safe and seen when out near roads.

The city council’s road safety team will be visiting schools to remind students to wear something bright and reflective during the darker mornings and evenings.

Here are some tips on how to be bright and seen: • Brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing shows up well in daylight and at dusk • Wear reflective gear like vests, sashes or wristbands to ensure you’re seen in car headlights. Remember, fluorescent clothing does not work after dark • Don’t forget to accessorise! Even small items such as clip-on reflectors, arm bands and stickers on your outfit or bag are a great way to improve your visibility • If you like to cycle, remember that it’s the law to have clean and working lights at night, as well as rear reflectors. It’s good to fit spoke reflectors too www.espmag.co.uk

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Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

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

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

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

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

heAlTh and beauty

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

charlotte.jolly@espmag.co.uk

There’s Mo TiMe like The presenT Yup it’s that time again when men, aka Mo’s, change their faces to help change the face of men’s health during the month of Movember.

Join CerViCAl CAnCer sUpporT GroUp A Peterborough support group’s looking for some extra help.

Every year over 3,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer and it’s the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer offering preventative advice, information and support online and face to face 24 hours a day throughout every stage of the journey.

The Peterborough group has been led by local lady Emmeline Collin for the past four years and she’s looking for a co-leader. The support group meets every eight weeks, giving women affected by cervical cancer the opportunity to meet others who are going through or have been through a similar experience.

Local guy Darren Grigas and his Mo-Bro team raised almost £5,000 last year for Movember donning moustaches and selling naked calendars.

Movember is all about bringing back the mo (moustache) whilst having fun and doing good to raise awareness of men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. By growing a moustache for 30 days Mo’s become walking, talking billboards for men’s health whilst Mo Sistas commit to supporting the men in their lives.

Men have a 14% higher risk of developing cancer than women and 37% higher risk of dying from it with the average life expectancy of men being four years less than that of a woman. The reasons for this, much like men, are complex: 1. Lack of awareness and understanding of men’s health issues 2. Men don’t often openly discuss their health or how they’re feeling 3. Men are reluctant to take action or go to the doctors when they don’t feel physically or mentally well 4. Stigmas surrounding mental health

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Movember aims to change this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on a serious issue but they need your help to do it. The moustache is simply the catalyst in bringing about change and giving men the confidence to learn and talk about their health which could in turn save lives.

•

No faking… no beards, no goatees, NO FAKE MOUSTACHES

•

Use the power of the Mo to create conversation about important men’s health issues

•

Conduct yourself like a true gentleman at all times

Whether you mo it alone or as part of a team, make sure you know ‘How To Mo’ and play by the official Movember rules:

So, you’ve decided to get involved, now you need to decide what style to go for…After all the moustache maketh the man so what kind of man will you be this month?

Maybe you’ll be a Rock Star, a Trucker or perhaps a Connoisseur?

Whatever you choose embrace your Mo and grow, grow, grow!

•

You must begin on 1st Movember with a clean shaven face

•

You must grow and groom a moustache for the entire month of Movember

www.uk.movember.com

38 year old Emmeline was diagnosed with the disease after a routine smear test back in 2009 and says – “Following my own diagnosis I experienced the fantastic benefits that mutual support can bring to a very uncertain and frightening time. I wanted to help other ladies and I was fortunate that the opportunity arose for me to set up the group and I grabbed it with both hands.”

Support group leaders need to have been personally affected by cervical cancer or have a professional link to the disease and will receive training and support. So if you’d like to apply as a co-leader for the Peterborough support group alongside Emmeline simply go to www.jotrust.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteer/support-groupvolunteers.

Applications are open until November 14.

SMilE iN THE FACE OF CANCEr The Smile Boutique on Park Road are bringing Mouth Cancer Action Month to Peterborough by raising awareness.

In the UK alone mouth cancer is diagnosed in 6,500 people annually with 2,000 dying from the disease each year – that’s one death every four hours!

The team at The Smile Boutique are here to help with professional advice by offering oral cancer screening, advice leaflets, self examination checklists and a bit of fun with the Blue Lip Selfie campaign during November 2014. All are invited along and receive a professional check-up and help to save lives.

Dr Phil Johns told ESP: “We’re delighted to get involved in Mouth Cancer Action Month in Peterborough. It’s vital that people are aware of the risks and are checked regularly for signs of mouth cancer – early detection saves lives.”

Mouth Cancer Action Month runs throughout November and features the tagline ‘If in doubt, get checked out’ urging people to be mouth aware and act on changes in their mouths.

What to look out for: •

Ulcers which don’t heal within 3 weeks

•

Red and white patches in the mouth

•

Any unusual changes in the mouth

Prevention is key and lifestyle choices can help minimise risks. Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation advises that the risk of developing mouth cancer is strongly linked to tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as poor diets and HPV (human papillomavirus) which is transmitted via oral sex For more about the campaign visit their facebook page The Smile Boutique, call 01733 551534 or visit www.thesmileboutique.co.uk or www.mouthcancer.org.

BEAUTY NEWS

CAliTri’S HAir DESigN Local hairdresser Heidi Calitri has opened her very own new hairdressing salon in the heart of Market Deeping situated in the popular shopping arcade The Market Gate.

Offering professional, modern and creative hairdressing for both men and women in a relaxed and friendly environment, Heidi and her experienced team look

forward to welcoming new clients.

Calitri’s also stocks a range of high quality hair products from the well-known brand Redken, including their NEW Cerafill Retaliate, a thickening system to give you instantly thicker and fuller feeling hair with proven results.

To make an appointment call 01778 380502.

WELL

BEING with Karen Devine

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Are your feelings feeding your waistline?

The diet and fitness industry is growing as fast as our waistlines. It’s a never ending cycle of hard workouts, controlled eating with the pendulum swing of out of control eating (and drinking) glugging down copious amounts of supplements/shakes, high protein diets and the like. It’s hard work and whilst I’m not saying exercise and a general healthy diet is wrong, I do find it a concern to see how much work it takes to keep it up! Life has developed an incredibly fast pace as it is let alone having to thrash ourselves out at the gym too long and hard to maintain what we think is the ideal body. Balanced exercise, quality nutrients, optimal fluids and of course good sleep all help to support equilibrium in the body.

A

s I sat in Malaga airport waiting for a flight back home recently it was hard not to notice the sizes of the passersby, the bulges were clear to be seen and in various ages and in the sexes. This is not to say I was sitting in judgement of them as individuals but felt more aghast that much of the root cause is in front of us with all the starchy, sugary, fizzy, fatty foods that are constantly shoved under our noses. Clever marketing too sends a subliminal message for us to over indulge in foods that are not health giving in anyway, in fact health and life robbing is more accurate.

Our natural instincts have become somewhat confused (or warped as I call it) as we’re guided into choosing these foods which deplete our vital life force and leave us wanting more due to the highly manipulated flavours that hijack our taste buds. More often than not those choices allow us to soothe the sugar, fat and carbohydrate cravings that are rife right now. Even the so called ‘health products’ can be extremely high in sugars and fats to keep the cycle going.

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Total burn out is common as are the levels of fatigue that many struggle with day to day.

After a week spent in detox I write this from experiencing so many people at a crossroads in their lives, knowing that something feels so unnatural about this and yet not knowing how to move forward. The common thread from them all was the disharmony that they felt within themselves which was leading them to make poor food choices that made them feel worse.

Emotional eating is common with many people using foods as an emotional crutch – if not food then often cigarettes, caffeine, shopping, alcohol etc.

Becoming more conscious of our emotions can shine a light on our destructive tendencies, quite often the only way back out is to go back in. In other words check in with yourself to find out where your sabotages actually come from…

• Are you holding on to painful emotions of grief or loss?

• Are you happy in all areas of your life right now, family, work, relationships, and friendships?

• Do you have healthy boundaries with your family, peers, and friendships? Lack of boundaries can be a great indicator of our self-worth, respect and values which can lead us to become frustrated, angry or deflated and depressed. Our trillions of cells are made up of a membrane

separating them from each other whilst working together in harmony so we have to check in with our own.

• Do you take time in your day to create peace or have a sacred space for you, or are you a stimulation junkie always looking for outside stimulation from other people, TV, computer, social networks etc to avoid feeling strong emotions of fear, sadness, anger, grief etc?

• Are you holding on to old grievances, hurts and past events that are creating a negative space in your body? Is it time to let go?

• Do you know who you truly are, or are you running on others opinions and versions of you?

Make a list of things you really don’t want to do anymore – yes I know there might well be a huge list, but the point of this is to put pen to paper and see what comes up and out for you to pay attention to. It’s from this point that you can explore those things that really don’t bring you joy, peace, contentment or happiness whilst putting your best thoughts forward to allow changes.

I’m not suggesting you take lightly deep emotional traumas you’ve been through, and I cannot stress this enough that if you are in crisis then reach out for help, speak with your GP or other professional that can help you.

There are many fantastic therapists in our area here in Peterborough and the surrounding areas that can help you, so check them out too.

As I have quoted many times, life itself is about growth and change. We are here to expand consciously (not waistbands) and to create the life we truly desire. So life will always be here – it is ready for you when you are.

In health, Karen Karen Devine is a Peterborough based registered nutritionist, colonic hydrotherapist and coach.

We have moved Gift vouchers available

We welcome you to attend our ofďŹ cial launch day at our new premises on december 1st 2014 at 11am.

Join us for a glass of wine any time from 11am and enjoy a fantastic 20% off a treatment for that day only.

9 Church Street, Peterborough, PE1 1XB

t: 01733 897052 | w: www.dvnails.co.uk | e: salon@dvnails.co.uk

DV Nails Peterborough

Photos: Chris Brudenell

GEORDIE SHORE MTV’s Geordie Shore and savings galore in Queensgate… of lessons at school because I refused to read out loud to the class. People think I’m really confident because I’m on the tele. Yes, there are millions of people watching the show, but those people aren’t sat in the room watching me. I’m going to try and put those fears aside though, and enjoy myself.”

T

wo of the most popular members of MTV’s Geordie Shore (Gaz and Vicky) were in Peterborough recently to front a Queensgate Student Discount Event. Perhaps you were one of the lucky students who bagged one of the many offers that night?

Hundreds of excited fans turned up to see the duo with many of them getting a personal meet & greet session – and, of course, a selfie! There was a great atmosphere when Vicky and Gaz took to the stage and afterwards students shopped till they dropped at the special discount evening snapping up some great deals at many of the centre’s retailers.

The fun-loving reality TV stars took the time to have their pictures taken with hundreds of fans.

Due to the fact I was hosting this event; I was beside the celebs for the whole night and can genuinely say that I was impressed with their enthusiasm right through to the last person.

Before their stint on stage, I was fortunate enough to get a few words with the pair. With just an hour to go until they met the crowds I asked how they were feeling. “I’m actually really nervous,” Gaz told me. “I used to get kicked out

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This isn’t the first time they’ve visited our city. Gaz has been to Halo before, and Vicky explained, “I’m in Peterborough a lot. Like Gaz, I’m also a fan of Halo but to be honest, I’m more one for going out to restaurants rather than clubs.” I wondered whether she was recognised much in the city. “A lot of people do a double take,” she said. “But because I’m often in my gym gear and looking scruffy, I think most people conclude it’s not me.”

So, what can we expect from the new series of Geordie Shore? Gaz said, “I’m pleased to say that me and Charlotte are back to having fun. Things have been tense with us during the last few series and we weren’t really talking but we’ve now put our differences aside and are having a good time.” Vicky added,“It’s horrible when people fall out in the house and it’s something that affects everyone.”

Imagine having a bunch of cameras constantly filming you – it must be an odd experience? “You sometimes forget they’re there,” Vicky said.

“There are big in-your-face cameras but there are also tiny one’s attached to the walls, and it’s those ones you forget about. And it’s those ones that capture some of the most awkward scenes.” Gaz continued, “A classic example of that is when I once climbed out of the shower and dropped my towel. I thought nothing of it at the time and was mortified watching the footage… you could see everything. And this is a show my mum watches!”

I’m fairly new to Geordie Shore myself, and to be honest, I couldn’t understand many of the phrases. Luckily, Vicky was able to educate me.

“Wey Aye is a commonly used phrase, meaning yes. Tashin’ On means having a little kiss, and Get Mortal basically means to get drunk.”

Showing their support by attending the event was Vicky’s sister (Laura Pattison) and close friend (James Morgan) – former ice hockey star with the Peterborough Phantoms. I asked what it was like for them watching somebody they’re so close to on a show as extreme as Geordie Shore. Laura said to me, “I can handle it. I find the show really funny but it can be a little awkward at times when our mum is watching too.” James confessed, “I’ve never actually watched an episode in my life. I think it’s for the best that I don’t see what she gets up to on the show!”

See more on www.espmag.co.uk/geordieshore-wow-queensgate-crowds/ The student discount event will return next year.

Mikey Clarke

Mostly Funny

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE 2014 MOFU AWARDS Yes, it's time for the annual 'MoFu's' – The Mostly Funny comedy awards that celebrate the funniest mother fu… I mean, mostly funny stuff from the past year. 2014 has been another sparkling year for funniness, so let's crack open a metaphorical bottle of comedy Champagne and let the jokes spurt out over the rest of the page. Pssshhhh !!! Pssssshhh!!! Ah… stop it, stop it the jokes are stinging my eyes!

Best Award Ceremony Joke – Nick Motown

Best Old Joke – Angela Barnes

gone!? Oh man, I knew I shouldn't have trusted that astronaut."

Best Visual Gag* – Joe Wilkinson

"I was at the Sergeant Major of the year awards last night, You could cut the TENNNSHUN! with a knife."

"I don't do drugs, but I worry I'm missing out so I've got a plan that I'll start doing them when I'm in my 80s.

Makes sense, you won't have to get up in the morning, you'll never have trouble finding a vein and you might not be able to afford to heat your bungalow but you'll always be able to afford to heat a teaspoon and at that stage you won't give a s*** how cold you are."

*(the thing comedians do when they give a human voice to something that isn't human.)

"I've taken up knitting, not very good at it. Tried to knit a pair of shoes but only made the laces."

Best Catchphrase – 'Pantless' Larry from the Lego Movie 'Honey, where are my pants?'

Best Contribution to Charity – Jack Dee "There's nothing more special than reading a good book. Whenever I finish one I always tear out the final page so I'll never forget how it ends… then I donate the book to a charity shop."

Best Sports Joke – Tim Vickery "After Germany beat Brazil if you were giving the Brazilian players marks out of ten, you'd probably give Fernandinho 1/10 just for putting his shirt on the right way round."

Best Topical Pun – Juliet Meyers

Best Response to a Celebrity Tweet – Paul Sinha

"I like Jason Orange, he was the one in Take That to pay all his tax. Unlike Gary who set the Bar low."

"I backed Brazil to win, Fred to score & declared Luiz my man of the tournament. I feel a complete and utter prat" Piers Morgan after Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany.

Best Referendum Joke – Alan Carr "When Scotland voted to stay in the United Kingdom the vote was so close. There was hardly any difference between 'Yes' and 'No'…It was like going on a date with Robin Thicke."

Best 'and I said and he said' Joke – Tim Vine I visited a prison once and the officer said to me "Watch out for one eyed Rick" and I said "Why is he dangerous?" And he said “No, he just keeps bumping into people.”

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"We all get football predictions wrong.

It's the Coulson stuff you'll be judged on". Paul Sinha

Best Anthropomorphism Joke* – Romesh Ranganathan "I don't eat honey because basically it's bee slavery. You put them in a little prison, then every so often you come over pop some smoke in, get them stoned and then burgle them.

Imagine how the bees feel. 'Dude, I am mashed up, I just need something sweet to get over this…wwwhere's it

Best Snack Food Joke – Lee Brace "Gary Twix, Phillip Aero, Terry Boost, Graham Snickers, Alan Drifter, Benjamin Twirl, Stewart Chomp, Bob Kitkat, Peter Galaxy…All names considered before he settled on Bruno Mars."

Best Travel Joke – Frankie Boyle “This is a unique country. We're the only people who give travel reviews entirely in alcohol prices. 'How was Prague?', 'How was it - £1.30 for a litre of vodka and 40p a pint’.”

Best Drinking Joke – Mark Watson "I got asked for ID recently buying wine in M&S. The guy serving me said 'Have you got any proof you're over 18?' and I said 'Well yeah, I'm in Marks & Spencer mate, how much clearer in life do you want my situation to be !?'”

Best Joke About a Regional Accent – Lucy Beaumont "I'm from Hull which means to the rest of you I have an odd accent, but I say things you'll all recognise like 'Mama Mia' – that's me telling my mum I've arrived."

*(doesn't really work in print, but c'mon people use some imagination).

Best Satirical Joke – Robin Ince "I can't believe they're doing a remake of the Iraq war again. This is the third one in 25 years. Foreign policy really needs new creatives."

Best Christmas Joke You Won't Find in a Cracker – Sarah Millican "When babies are born on Dec 25th they're often given Christmassy names like Noel or Holly. I'd call mine Rennie."

Best Knob Gag – Jason Manford "You know sometimes how people get their words mixed up – well I was at the school gates dropping my kids off and this fella was dropping his lad off that was 6 or 7, he runs off to the playground and his Dad's gone to call him sweetpea, but then at the last minute his brain's gone 'let's call him sweetness', so this poor guy shouts out 'See you later sweet penis!'”

COMEDY

GIGS CHRIS RAMSEY

NOV

13

Following a sell-out spring run, Celebrity Juice regular and star of BBC Two’s Hebburn extends his tour into autumn 2014 and stops off at the South Holland Centre in Spalding.

After being “sent off” the Soccer AM sofa last year for misbehaving, Chris wonders whether he really is the Most Dangerous Man on Saturday Morning TV – not to mention, whether he wants to be.

Tickets are £16.50. Box office: 01775 764777. www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

GAGS ON THE GREEN

NOV

17

Headliner for this month’s Gags on the Green in Werrington is Nick Revell who’s been on the circuit since the 1970's and has a string of TV and Radio credits to his name, most famously for writing and appearing in 'Drop the Dead Donkey'.

Also on the bill is Liverpudlian Simon Bligh, another comic with a string of TV credits. Support will be Simon Caine and another act TBC. Tickets are £7 available from the Bluebell, Werrington Green or call/text 07914 421892.

MARK WATSON: FLAWS Winner of five major comedy awards and TV regular Mark Watson stops off at the Cresset with his latest show.

NOV

23

Watson finds that humans, despite our lack of perfection and poor decision-making, are pretty spectacular. Exploring the effects his own considerable flaws have had recently, this is his darkest, most personal… and luckily funniest, show yet. Ticket price £17.50 (face value £16) on 01733 265705.

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB The long established Cresset Comedy Club brings us another top line-up.

NOV

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Cheeky Cockney Rich Wilson headlines with his hilarious tales of mis-adventure, he’s supported Micky Flanagan and is tipped for the top. Support comes from anarchic variety turn Wes Zaharuk, Leicester Comedy Festival award winner Marc Lucero plus compere Phil Dinsdale. Ticket prices from £13 (face value £11.50) on 01733 265705.

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB BOURNE

DEC

5

The Funhouse Comedy Club team rock up at the Red Hall in South Street Bourne with George Egg, supported by Junior Simpson, Simon Feilder and compere Ben Murray. Tickets are £10 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB SPALDING

DEC

5

The Festive Funhouse night features a comedy circuit favourite headliner Junior Simpson – a great observational comic whose boundless energy and huge stage presence will have you hooked on hilarity. Backing him up is George Egg, whose act is hailed as a cross between stand up and music hall – “Tommy Cooper for the 21st century”! Also on the bill; Christian Steel, with compere Scott Bennett.

Tickets are £10 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk or £12.50 on the door.

THE POSH PAGE ESP’s new columnist Neil Gilby brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

Creating the future of Peterborough United Photos: www.theposh.com

DATES FOR YOUR

received was fantastic, and if I’m honest completely unexpected. The enthusiasm I saw from those two assemblies was like nothing I have experienced, and I genuinely feel a large portion of that number will grab this offer with both hands.

During the close season I thought long and hard on how we can create the next generation of Posh fan, how can we ensure that children born in the city are aware that the Football Club they have on their doorstep is a pretty good one?

How can I preach to the youth of today that being a football fan is not about sitting at home on the sofa with your feet up watching Sky Sports?

And so the Peterborough United School Partnership was formed.

We all sat down to discuss and brainstorm the best way of moving forward and after much deliberation we felt we came up with the perfect agenda.

The scheme will see over 20,000 children and parents come through the turnstiles at London Road over the course of two seasons. The formula is simple, we are inviting every Primary and Secondary school in the Peterborough area to join

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forces with the Football Club, in return we will give a pair of tickets to every single child for three home matches. The players will go into schools to explain the scheme to full school assemblies, we present the school with a signed Posh shirt and we offer stadium tours in year groups, ensuring that it’s not just the ground work that we put in place, but the follow up care also.

We also offer exactly the same to the teaching staff ensuring continuity across the school in the hope that on Monday morning both teacher and pupils have something in common from their weekend.

Evidence of this scheme was seen recently (pictured) when we visited William Law Primary School in Werrington and Hampton Hargate Primary School, with these two schools alone we were able to speak face to face with over 1100 children and the reaction we

At William Law manager Darren Ferguson, Grant McCann and Jack Payne took to the stage whilst at Hampton Gaby Zakuani and Jack Baldwin answered the kids’ questions, both schools also saw mascot Peter Burrow make an appearance which really brought out the smiles.

We now have over 40 schools which have decided to take up the partnership, and it’s been incredible how well this scheme has gathered pace, but as I mentioned, the ground work is the easy part, we need to ensure that these kids enjoy their visits to the stadium and ultimately get hooked by what goes on, on the pitch.

If we as a football club can guide just one of those kids into being a Posh fan then I would be very happy indeed.

If you know of a school that would like to take advantage of this scheme then please ask a member of the schools staff to contact myself neil@theposh.com KEEP IT POSH!

DIARY: >>

Saturday 1st November Posh v Scunthorpe KO 3pm

>>

Friday 27th November The Fab Beatles Concert at London Road

>>

Saturday 22nd November Posh v Swindon Town KO 3pm

>>

Saturday 29th November Posh v Bristol City KO 3pm

>>

Saturday 20th December Posh v Preston

>>

Sunday 28th December Posh v Doncaster Rovers

All tickets for matches and events at London Road can be purchased from www.theposhtickets.com or from the London Road box office, in person or by phone 01733 865674.

CLUB

LAND Proudly sponsored by

MIXOLOGY EXCLUSIVE – PATRICK TOPPING & CRISTOPH

and Underground Audio are a testament to the quality of his productions – they’re undeniably peak hour dance floor stompers.

Tracks such as ‘Shelter’, ‘On The Inside’ and ‘Smudge’ have led to sets at the likes of Booom! Mint Club & Egg this year.

Get down early for this one – we’ll see you at the front!

KIEREN ALLEYNE @ MENAGE

On November 28 Mixology will bring two of the finest producers / DJs from Newcastle to the Red Room on Broadway. Get ready to welcome Hot Creations prodigious talent Patrick Topping & Defected’s rising phenomenon, Cristoph.

Patrick Topping made his Ibiza debut last year and has been setting the world alight with his innovative, exciting blend of warped, leftfield samples and infectious basslines.

This year has seen him DJing weekin, week-out at some of the world’s most illustrious clubs & festivals – Sankeys Ibiza, The Warehouse Project, Space and of course DC-10 to name but a few. Tracks such as his debut Walk On, Look Around, Get Beasty, Holiday and his latest dance floor smash Too Much have amassed the Motion co-creator and resident a glowing reputation and fan base.

Expect Mixology to be on another level when he takes to the decks.

When Sidney Charles dropped ‘Shelter’ by Christoph earlier this year at Mixology and sent the place into a delirious pandemonium, they knew they had to get this guy in. A fellow Geordie like Patrick, Cristoph’s DJ sets and productions are innovative and integrate heavy basslines with quality, uplifting melodies. Releases on heavyweight labels such as Defected, Noir Music

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Join the Menage team on Friday November 7 for a very special performance by Kieran Alleyne.

Kieran is a rising star in the British music scene and will be performing his latest track Running Low + many more. Kieran’s track was on MistaJam’s Radio 1xtra show as his Jam Hot track and the Radio 1Xtra DJ also said “Kieran is the UK’s answer to Chris Brown”. Check his infectious track Running Low on his YouTube page, simply search Kieran Alleyne and remember to catch him performing live @ Edwards along with the Menage team and the normal Menage Friday night antics to kick off your weekend!

For more event info check out Facebook.com/MenageNights

THROWBACK Full of those Anthems you used to love but may have forgotten about, Throwback takes over Edwards and Flares on Friday November 21 with a night filled with your all time favourite tunes mashed up with a touch of the biggest tracks in the charts today! Combine that with 50% off all drinks from 5pm until 10.30pm and £1.75 selected premium drinks after that, and you

have the ultimate start to the weekend! Check the event out on Facebook.com/Throwbackparties and get a helpful reminder of some of those forgotten about classics!

toe trainers as you party with the local legends and their guest DJ's Jo G and Juan Baptiste.

YOYO EVERY THURSDAY

www.thesolstice.co.uk

The Thursday night takeover of Edwards and Flares continues as the YoYo team party the way through the night until 4am with a mash up of all the latest and greatest music to keep you moving all night! Combine that with £1 drinks from 10.30pm and loads of giveaways and prizes to be won you’re definitely in for a great night out! This is the unofficial start to the weekend so why not join them!

After all, You’re Only Young Once!

VANITY PRESENTS NO DIGGITY Taking you back to the old school!

Vanity presents No Diggity, a collection of your favourite old school anthems from the likes of Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Blackstreet, R Kelly, Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child and many, many more mixed together with some of the latest hits of today!

Jump on the Guest List for Friday November 14 at Red Room now by texting ‘No Diggity + your full name’ to 07411 258 999 for your chance to win a free VIP Booth for the event.

Check the event out and LIKE the page @ Facebook.com/VanityNights

SHADES OF RHYTHM @ SOLSTICE Yo ho ho....The Star of Bethlehem will be shining down on the 3 Wise Men, that are Shades of Rhythm live at the SolGarden, Solstice on Saturday December 13 from 9pm til late.

Oh yes the boys are back to spread their wise blessings on one and all at what will be a pre Xmas Feast of oldskool and nuskool. The only sacrifice that will be made is your feet shuffling through your old Shell

It’s a free gig – see you there Shadettes!

ENVY SATURDAYS Envy Nightclub is BACK from Saturday November 1... Every Saturday playing the finest Hip Hop/Bashment/RNB/Afrobeats/UKG!

LOCALITY PRESENTS - THE SHOWCASE FUNDRAISER. Favourite Peterborough DJ collaboration, Locality, is back on November 28 for a banging night of hip hop, beatboxing, scratching, drum and bass, reggae and beats.

Only this time its sole purpose isn’t just for the people of Peterborough to get down, Locality is back with a NEW purpose – a fundraising mission.

Every penny of the £4 entrance fee will go towards funding a local Peterborough girl’s custom built electric wheelchair.

So what can you expect on the night at Monroe’s on Broadway? Well Locality will be bringing their usual collection of the freshest sounds mixed with a delicious bit of old school. Local DJs on the night include, scratch master Mista Crowe, Double S, Juxta, Skillz, Nath One and Josh Fox. HIJACK reunion set will see Instant B2B with G Roller and a Reggae Sound Clash ft Amos Vs DJ Linksy. If any local businesses would like to donate raffle prizes for the night they can do so by contacting Shaun Smith on localityreview@gmail.com and will receive recognition on social media sites for their donations.

For more visit the Locality review blog site, www.localityreview.blogspot.co.uk

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS LINE DANCE CLASS STARTING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15th, 11.15am – 12.15 A great way to meet new people, dance to all types of music and feel active.

PARKWAY SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB Maskew Ave, PE1 2AS Please ring or email to enrol JANINA MOSSMAN 01778 590655 or janina@neneschoolofdancing.co.uk | www.neneschoolofdancing.co.uk

DJ Scoots - Mobile DJ Service Mens and Ladies Leather & Sheepskin Jackets. Accessories including Radley and Kipling. Man Bags and accessories.

8 Queen Street Peterborough PE1 1PA www.designerleathers.co.uk | 01733 348917

DJ & Mobile disco for Weddings, Birthdays, Engagement Parties or Corporate Events. Just let me know what you require and I’ll take care of the rest.

Taking bookings now for Christmas and New Year!

10% Forces & Veterans discount

Tel: 07500 335812 email: djscoots@hotmail.com Web: www.djscoots.com

C A R S E R V I C E A N D R E PA I R C E N T R E

We are a fashion rental service hiring out the latest fashions for special events such as prom nights, the races or even a night out with friends.

From as little as £17.50 (exc P&P) www.myvipwardrobe.co.uk

Post office club Peterborough's premier live music venue NOW OPEN to non postal workers (If successful application) membership's OFFER available till the end of 2014 @ £5

November entertainment

Sat 1st Freeze Top Band Sun 2nd Shawn Dean Sat 8th Corey Lewis in the bar Sun 9th Richard York Sat 15th Soul Runners

Sun 16th Dave James Sat 22nd Son of a Gun Sun 23rd Lucus Primer Fri 28th Easier Said in the bar Sat 29th Miscellaneous Sun 30th Chris Bateman

Entry to Richardson Suite Saturdays £2.50 adults, kids go free. Sundays free

Email: Info@postofficeclub.co.uk | Web: Postofficeclub.co.uk Facebook: post office club | Tel:01733 762951

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Please contact Shirley on 07845 484253 or email: shirley.rycroft@espmag.co.uk

MATCHING OUR ONLINE PRICES IN STORE

4 Cattle Market Road, Peterborough PE1 1TW Telephone: 01733 345385 pmusicltd@btconnect.com • www.peterboroughmusicltd.com

Unique gifts and accessories for you and your loved ones 2 Crown Walk, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6BZ Tel: 01572 720227 | Email quirkybirdgifts@yahoo.co.uk

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

HEADBANGER’S BALL IS BACK!

Kissmet

KISSMET RETURN FOR CITY CHARITY GIG Kissmet will be performing their first local gig in several years in order to raise funds to purchase presents and gifts to be taken to the Peterborough Hospital's Children's Ward in time for Christmas. The gig is scheduled for November 14 at Peterborough’s Key Theatre, and the band will be doing a special selection of songs which they like to call their 'Unplugged(ish) Session'.

Short notice I know, but if you’re looking for something different for Halloween, you could try The Yaxley British Legion on Saturday November 1. The event is called The Halloween Headbanger's Ball and features local bands Vendetta, Sons of Kal-El and The More I See (with Gizz Butt).

The date is part of The More I See's 17 date UK tour and so will also include their tour support band Bull Riff Stampede.

The evening is for the benefit of local charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall and promoter Emma Beeken is keen to add to the success of a similar event last year at which she raised over £1,000 for Thorpe Hall.

A rocking good night in store for a worthwhile charity.

Gizz Butt from The More I See

Kismet are based here in Peterborough but spend a lot of the year touring the world playing their own unique brand of Bhangra Rock to huge audiences at festivals in Glastonbury, Europe, Mexico, Goa and the Far East, so it’s a rare opportunity to see them at home in what promises to be something slightly different in the intimate atmosphere of The Key Theatre.

Some really good samples of Kismet’s worldwide performances can be viewed on www.youtube.com/kissmetvideo where there’s also some video of their unplugged(ish) work.

With a new album, One People, due for release in spring 2015 and further concerts scheduled around the world already for the New Year, The Key Theatre gig is a perfect time to see Kissmet right here in their home town so don’t miss out!

Box Office is 01733 207239.

ATTENTION BUDDING MUSICIANS The Stamford Arts Centre in St Marys Street is presenting an open mic session and calling it the Acoustic Café.

It’s taking place on the first Wednesday of every month and it’s aimed at uncovering new talent.

The organisers are looking for local musicians, singers and writers aged between 12 - 25 to go along and showcase their talents in the casual atmosphere of the Arts Centre gallery/café. This is your chance to try out new material and perform in front of a welcoming audience and form some really good contacts amongst like minded people.

Maybe even the possibility of a few writing or performing collaborations.

If you’re interested you can get more information by searching for ‘Stamford Acoustic Cafe’ on Facebook. To book your slot contact Alice by emailing alice@lincolnshireonevenues.com.

The next Acoustic Café is on Wednesday November 5 with a further date scheduled for December 3.

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Motor City Vipers

XMAS SOUL XTRAVAGANZA! What a year for the Motor City Vipers – having performed to massive crowds in Peterborough and around the UK, they received the final music accolade by headlining the Peterborough Beer Festival in August... and now they’re planning to see the year out by hosting a night of soul at The Radius Club in Peterborough (above Solstice) on Saturday December 6.

“It's getting pretty hectic for us as a band”, says frontman Andy Whittaker.

“We spend a lot of time playing private functions around the country, so it's great to have been invited to play some highprofile local events this year and we're looking forward to co-hosting a night of soul with our friends from Tabernacle.”

Motor City Vipers were formed in the spring of 2009 and quickly established themselves as one of the region’s most exciting soul bands; playing some of the greatest soul hits including Motown and Northern Soul classics.

Their reputation as a live band has seen them playing on the same bill and supporting the likes of Geno Washington, Kiki Dee, Neville Staple and The Commitments. Next year promises to be just as successful with a booking already confirmed with Dexy's Midnight Runners.

In addition to MCV the night will feature some great disco. Tabernacle founder and DJ Julz Roberts told ESP – “We're looking forward to what promises to be a great night out! For the DJ sets, we're planning on hitting into our late-1950s jazz/soul collection and then, with live sets from The Vipers, head into the 60s, 70s and beyond, as we play into the early hours.

Everyone is welcome and we're hoping to get people into the Christmas spirit.”

The event at Radius is licensed to run until 2am with advance tickets available directly from the venue on 01733 560231.

Proudly sponsored by

www.charters-bar.com 01733 315700

www.thebrewery-tap.com 01733 358500

WISHBONE ASH IN BOURNE The legendary Wishbone Ash are at the moment on a lengthy tour of America, and on their return launch into a massive tour of the UK and Europe. As part of the tour they visit Bourne Corn Exchange on Friday November 21, which is somewhat of a coup for the Lincolnshire venue.

Wishbone were pioneers of the twinguitar rock that influenced groups from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden – and they visit Bourne as part of their Live Dates Live World Tour for a glorious mixture of the old and new. As well as playing tracks from their highly acclaimed new album Blue Horizon, they’ll be performing their biggest selling album Live Dates in its entirety, to celebrate 40 years since its release.

You will hear rock classics such as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword & Blowin’ Free alongside their latest work from the new album.

As one of the busiest bands in rock and still hugely popular, I suggest you book fast to avoid disappointment!

Contact Bourne Corn Exchange Box Office on 07828 032241.

SKYFIGHT + THE 707 = 2 GREAT LOCAL BANDS I visited The Iron Horse Ranch House in Market Deeping for a meal a few weeks back and sampled their good menu and the music provided on a Saturday night.

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW IN STAMFORD In rock history, there are only a handful of voices which can be easily identified because of their uniqueness. One of those voices belongs to Andy Fairweather Low, and he appears at Stamford Corn Exchange on Thursday November 27. The former Amen Corner vocalist will be belting out blues and gospel, and hopefully, some of his old hits. Andy Fairweather Low's pedigree is the stuff rock dreams are made of and he was certainly one of the icons of the Mod movement.

But it’s the pitch in his voice which continues to captivate his audience.

He has been – and continues to be – the guitarist and vocalist of choice for a phenomenal cast list of musical luminaries. That speaks volumes.

Tickets are available from Stamford Corn Exchange Box Office on 01780 766455.

The impressive band on the night were Skyfight. The four members of the band are vocalist Kerry, Dan (Guitarist), Alex (Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals) and Toby on drums. They got together in 2012, after they met at Peterborough Regional College where they were music students. They performed a nice mix of covers from all eras (loved Ring of Fire!) together with some original material.

Local pub music fans may know the quartet under another name (The 707) and Dan told me – “The 707 is a functions band playing material covering the period from the 60’s to now and reflects some of the songs we grew up with and were exposed to by our parents and family.

Some of the music we play is older than us! Songs we are most known for and which we’ve put our own ‘stamp’ on are Jungle Book’s Bare Necessities and Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire. We find them very popular and some venues won’t let us leave until we’ve played them. We like to feel we play something for anyone of any age.”

This leaves Skyfight playing their original songs and there’s a fine example of it on Youtube with a track called Jumping (Into The Future).

Whether you see Skyfight or The 707, I think you’ll enjoy them.

The 707 have gigs coming up on November 1 at The Railway in Ramsey, November 15 at The Ploughman in Werrington, and on November 21 at O’Neill’s in the city centre.

www.espmag.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS

SPECIALS

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gigs@espmag.co.uk WED OCT 29

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Cherry Tree, Woodston HOOKER Firework Fiesta, East of England Showground KICKBACK THU OCT 30 The Cock Inn, Werrington JESSIE'S GHOST LET THE B/DC + BLAG + CANDELA SABBATH + LIZZY ON + LUNAR ROSA THE LOOSE Attica, Broadway South Grove Community Centre, Woodston LET THERE B/DC Liquid Nightclub, SECOND CHANCE New Road The Straw Bear, Whittlesey OPEN MIC The Solstice, Northminster STACEY LOUTH + FYZZ WALLIS + SIMON OPEN MIC NIGHT RUSSEL + THE WITH DAVE B WATERBOATMEN + The Cherry Tree, FECKIN EEJITS +, Oundle Road PALMERSTON VANQUISH GUITARS UKULELE BAND + NIGHT MICK DAVISON + A North Street Bar, North HATFULL OF HACKETS Street + PRESS The Heron, Stanground FRI OCT 31 THE 707 ACOUSTIC SESSION The Railway, Ramsey WITH DAVE B & PHIL QUINN THE COLLABORATORS The Boat Inn, Whittlesey The Kings Head, Apethorpe DAN COLLINS + GUESTS THE ELEMENTS North Street Bar, The Angel Inn, Yarwell North Street THE EXTONES HOOKER Hole in the Wall, Stamford The Dragon, Werrington THE HIGH ROLLERS KICKBACK The Dragon, Werrington The Swiss Cottage, THE MORE I SEE + Woodston BULL RIFF STAMPEDE LIVE BAND + SONS OF KAL-EL + Charters, Town Bridge VENDETTA Royal British Legion Club, LOOSE ROCKET The Axe & Cleaver, Boston Yaxley THE SOUND MIND THE GAP INJECTORS The Cherry Tree, The Stage, Oundle Road Market Deeping PORKY PIG The Cock Inn, Werrington TOM WRIGHT 6 AND 4 BAND RAMSHACKLE The Swiss Cottage, SERENADE Woodston The Heron, Stanground SUN NOV 2 THE GUARDS The Ostrich, North Street CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION THE RUINED The Dragon, Werrington The Met Lounge, JESSIE'S GHOST Bridge Street Elme Hall Hotel, Wisbech THE ULTIMATE ELTON OAKHAM MIC NIGHT & ROCKET BAND Stamford Corn Exchange, The Brewery Tap, Westgate Stamford OAKLEAS RISE + SAT NOV 1 FRUMENTY + ROCKET BE BOP A LULAS FROM EDEN + Ebeneezers, Woodston CROSSING THE TRACKS CHARITY BAND DAY Key Theatre, Embankment The Heron, Stanground JOE BROWN Stamford Corn Exchange, Stamford OPEN MIC SHOWCASE Attica, Broadway

CJ HATT Charters, Town Bridge CODE RED The Crown, Lincoln Road GO WITH THE FLOW The Peacock, London Road

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MON NOV 3 CHARTERS UNPLUGGED Charters, Town Bridge

TUE NOV 4 CLAUDE DOMINO ACOUSTIC Millstone Inn, Barnack

www.espmag.co.uk

STACEY & DAVE'S OPEN MIC The Dragon, Werrington THE COLLABORATORS The Windmill, Orton Waterville

PENNYLESS The Five Horseshoes, Barholm ROCKET DOGS The Straw Bear, Whittlesey SUBWAY 77 The Cherry Tree, Woodston THE GUARDS The Elm Tree Tavern, Dogsthorpe THE LEAGUE OF MENTALMEN New England Club, Occupation Road THE LIBRARIANS Charters, Town Bridge THE LIMIT Ebeneezers, Woodston THE MISTREATED Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE PULSE The Railway, Ramsey THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN The Heron, Stanground TIDAL DAVE The Village Club, Facet VINTAGE STUFF The Cock Inn, Werrington

Courtyard Function Room For Hire JIMMY DOHERTY Charters, Town Bridge JUNK PUPPETS The Heron, Stan ROCKET DOGS The Swiss Cottage, Woodston SHAKE HANDS ERIC North Street Bar, North Street THE MIGHTY QUINN The Dragon, Werrington THE MISTREATED Three Tuns, Doddington THE ONE EYED CATS The Cock Inn, Werrington

FRI NOV 21

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Ploughman, Werrington CUTTIN LOOSE WED NOV 5 The Masons Arms, Bourne OPEN MIC LEXIE GREEN & THE AtticaVip, Broadway, INIDGO BLUES Peterborough North Street Bar, North Street THU NOV 6 MAIN STREET ACOUSTIC SESSION The Swiss Cottage, WITH AIN'T Woodston MISBEHAVIN Mama Liz's, Stamford NEW GENERATION CRASH N BURN CARCER CITY + The Fayre Spot, Bretton CAMELTOE + SAT NOV 15 THUNDERCUDDLE PHOENIX CHARLES + ROCKET PARK The Cock Inn, Werrington ROBINSON BAND AtticaVip, Broadway, The Peacock, London Road SHADES OF GREEN + Peterborough THE COLLABORATORS CUTTIN LOOSE FRI NOV 7 Parkway Club, The Barge & Bottle, Maskew Avenue BLACK HAWK DOWN Sleaford + KAMIKAZE THE 707 FRANKLY MY DEAR HOTSHOT + THE O'Neill's, Broadway, The Three Horseshoes, MIDNIGHT DOGS Peterborough Werrington The Black Swan, Spalding THE RELICS JESSICA WHITE CHILDREN OF The Bluebell, Dogsthorpe The Angel Inn, Yarwell THE REVOLUTION WISHBONE ASH The Fayre Spot, Bretton LEON Bourne Corn Exchange, The Dragon, Werrington JOHN QUINN Bourne The Swiss Cottage, NOISY NEIGHBOURS SAT NOV 22 SUN NOV 9 Woodston The Blue Boar, Eye ANTOINE FLEURIOT PARISO + RAMSHACKLE PSYCHO BOMBS The Angel Inn, Yarwell RAZOREATER + SERENADE The Swiss Cottage, ITHACA + LET IT DIE North Street Bar, BIANCA & THE Woodston + SEVENTH CIRCLE + North Street TOPCATS SLIDE TO OPEN THE DEADITES + North Street Bar, REVOLVER The Stage, LACERATE + North Street The Masons Arms, Bourne DREAMSMASHER Market Deeping CHILDREN OF South Grove Community SPLIT WHISKERS THE 707 THE REVOLUTION The Cock Inn, Werrington Centre, Woodston Ploughman, Werrington Ebeneezers, Woodston PENNYLESS THE FREDDIE THE GUARDS HOOKER Mama Liz's, Stamford HALL BAND The Cock Inn, Werrington The Old Coachouse, The Heron, Stanground TUE NOV 11 Market Deeping THE PULSE THE GUARDS OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH The Golden Fleece, LLOYD WATSON BAND The London Inn, Stamford JAMES EDMONDS Stamford The Heron, Stanground The Bull, Newborough THE STERADENTS THE RELICS MOLLY'S CHAMBER The Ploughman, The Fenman, Stanground The Swiss Cottage, WED NOV 12 Werrington Woodston VELOCITY ACOUSTIC SESSION TUNNEL FEATURING The Ostrich, North Street MOTOR CITY VIPERS WITH GARY INGREY STACEMAN The Railway, Ramsey New England Club, SUN NOV 16 The Cherry Tree, Occupation Road OPEN MIC Oundle Road JAZZ JAM AtticaVip, Broadway, OLD DOG JACKSON The Brewery Tap, WHITE SPIRIT Peterborough The Peacock, London Road Westgate The Dragon, Werrington THU NOV 13 PENNYLESS MON NOV 17 SAT NOV 8 The Railway Inn, Oakham GRUMPY OLD MEN MALLORY KNOX + AGI JAROCKA Ebeneezers, Woodston REVOLVER FRMKIERO AND THE North Street Bar, The Stone Loach, Deeping OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH CELLABRATION + North Street FORT HOPE + MOOSE TALLAWAH JAMES EDMONDS ANTIQUE ROCK N ROLL The Crown, Lincoln Road BLOOD Charters, Town Bridge The Stage, The Cresset, Bretton SHARKS & BEARS + Market Deeping THE 707 TUE NOV 18 DAVE SMITH The Railway, Whittlesey EASIER SAID + NICK CORNEY OPEN MIC WITH The Dragon, Werrington THE INFLUENCE North Street Bar, DAVE & PHIL The Cock Inn, Werrington North Street INDIE 45S The Boat Inn, Whittlesey Hole in the Wall, Stamford THE OVERDUBS FRI NOV 14 WED NOV 19 The Blue Boar, Eye LOOSE ROCKET BRM + CUTTIN LOOSE The Carps, Boston OPEN MIC THE PULSE Bourne Corn Exchange, AtticaVip, Broadway, The Black Bull, Whittlesey OLD DOG JACKSON Bourne Peterborough Palmerston Arms, THE SOUNDINJECTORS HOOKER Oundle Road The Crown, Lincoln Road London Inn, Stamford

Fri 12th Hosen Brass Sat 13th Children of the Rev + Bon & Justin Wed 17th Funhouse Comedy Fri 19th Jessies Ghost Sat 20th Otis & Jules

THUNDERHEAD The Straw Bear, Whittlesey TRUCKERS The Stage, Market Deeping UNTAMED The Cherry Tree, Woodston VELOCITY The London Inn, Stamford WHO'S NEXT The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

SAT NOV 29

BE BOP A LULAS The Swiss Cottage, Woodston CAPTAIN OBVIOUS The Angel Inn, Yarwell CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Cock Inn, Werrington CIRCA 73 The Blue Boar, Eye DISCO/KARAOKE The Peacock, London Road ISIAH TUE NOV 25 North Street Bar, OPEN MIC NIGHT North Street The Peacock, London Road LEXIE GREEN & WED NOV 26 THE INIDGO BLUES Charters, Town Bridge ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH GARY INGREY NOISY NEIGHBOURS The Railway, Ramsey The Stage, Market Deeping OPEN MIC AtticaVip, Broadway, RAMSHACKLE Peterborough SERENADE The Swiss Cottage, THU NOV 27 Woodston MATT HOWARD REVOLVER The Brewery Tap, Boston Utd Pilgrim Westgate Lounge, Boston OPEN MIC WITH DAVE TALLAWAH The Cherry Tree, The Straw Bear, Oundle Road Whittlesey THE ENDEAVOUR + THE 707 FINDING ANA + Ramsey Forty Foot Village TRIBAL MISFITS Hall, Ramsey AtticaVip, Broadway, Peterborough THE MORE I SEE The Cherry Tree, FRI NOV 28 Woodston CHILDREN OF THE SOUNDINJECTORS THE REVOLUTION The Draymans, Spalding The London Inn, Stamford THIRD STONE FROM CODE RED THE SUN + THE MORE Fayre Spot, Bretton I SEE DAVE JACKSON The Cherry Tree, BLUES BAND Woodston The Brewery Tap, TUNNEL FEATURING Westgate CHRIS BLEASE FRONT COVER Burghley Arms, Bourne The Dragon, Werrington SUN NOV 30 HOOKER The Cock Inn, Werrington BEST OF UNPLUGGED Charters, Town Bridge IAN GRAHAM CJ HATT & KAT MOORE The Heron, Stanground The Swiss Cottage, Woodston LIZZY ON THE LOOSE The Seven Wives, St. Ives LESLEY CURTIS North Street Bar, RED WINE BLUES North Street The Brewery Tap, Westgate OPEN ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE & PHIL SHADES OF GREEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey Central Park, Peterborough REVOLVER THU DEC 4 The Axe & Cleaver, Boston THE EXPLETIVES RED LIONZ The Granary, Long Sutton BANDS NIGHT THE SOUNDINJECTORS North Street Bar, North Street The Cherry Tree, Woodston VELOCITY The Heron, Stanground