WOW What's On Where September 2009

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Issue 12 Complimentary Copy (£2.50 where sold) September 2009

Events in September Lots of things to do

Arts

WOW looks at local Artists Get to the Open Studios

this month

Win your dream wedding photoshoot Don’t miss our WOW competition

Fashion Bold, not cold

WOW prepares for Autumn

The Animals And friends Talk to WOW

THEATRE • CINEMA • FOOD & DRINK • SPORT • FASHION • SHOPPING • ART • HOME & GARDEN

The essential guide to what’s on in the East Midlands

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Ed’s letter Hello readers,

The essential guide to what’s on in the East Midlands

We have lots on offer this month. The theatres are back from rest and there are stacks of outdoor events taking place. Food and drink seems to be on everyone’s lips! Talking of which, have a look at our recipes on page 14, chocolate fudge brownie, yum!

2

UP FRONT – latest news from the East Midlands with a focus on charity

4

THEATRE – We look at the new productions for September

8

COMEDY – There’s lots to laugh

Our fantastic wedding competition in association with

about this month, WOW shows

Colour White Photography is still running, offering one

you where.

lucky couple a wedding photo package worth £2,200.

10

MUSIC – There’s plenty to listen to for all tastes on the

We’ve other prizes to give away as well, including tickets to see the Animals and friends play in Market Harborough. Check out the interview on page 20. For those art lover’s out there the Open Studios events taking place this month are a must. Lot’s of local artists are opening their studios to the public and will be on hand

music scene this month. 14

together some more mouthwatering recipes. 16

MOVIES – We preview some of the films you can see in September.

18

WOW KIDS – Look ant the

20

INTERVIEW – WOW talks

ancient art of chess.

to chat and offer advice (and maybe sell a piece or two). Find out more on page 32.

RECIPES - The Best Western Three Swans Hotel put

to The Animals and Spencer If you are an excited parent to be or already blessed then

Davis and has some tickets to

don’t miss the Northampton Baby & Toddler Fair, page 38.

give away to see them play in Market Harborough.

Have a WOW September!

22

FASHION – WOW prepares for Autumn this month.

24

WEDDINGS – WOW takes a look at the special day and has a fantastic photography package to give away.

WOW What’s On Where is published by WOW Publishing Limited, 57 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7DS. TEL: 01858 439999. FAx: 01858 469008. EMAIL: sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk. WEBSITE: www.wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tracy Webber. FEATURE WRITERS: Leon Gray, Derek Hammond, Elaine Lavender, Jaz Cox. CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Reg Cox. DESIGNERS: Tracey Flaxmer, Paul Condie. SALES DIRECTOR: Paul Calcott. SALES ExECUTIVE: Lindsey Obie.

28

HAIR & BEAUTY – Looking after yourself.

32

ARTS – Local artists invite the public into their studios this month.

36

EVENTS – September has lots of things to do. Why not try something new?

41

PUB OF THE MONTH – Our top tip for a food award winner.

©

WOW Publishing Ltd 2009.

PICTURE CREDITS: Cover; istockphoto. pp25; Colour White Photography. pp14/15; Stean. pp28; Dreamstime. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it.

42

HOME & GARDEN – Look after your pond, of buy one overseas!

44

SPORT - Santa pod comes to the end of it’s season.

46

CLASSIFIEDS – All sorts of small ads.

48

LADIES THAT DO... – Tracy and Elaine go Tenpin Bowling this month.

WOW September 2009

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D? 5A>=C WOW TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON

And the winner is...

Stone the Crows

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Sophie Grigson anounces the winners Top TV chef Sophie Grigson returned to the county she once called home to judge the finalists in the brand new Northamptonshire Food and

Bruce Littler of Frog Island Brewery with Sophie Grigson Drink Awards 2009. Sophie was joined by Stephen Bulmer, former head chef at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Cookery School and

Chris Saul and Emma Price of Sauls of Spratton

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William Sitwell, editor of Waitrose Food illustrated, to select winners in the categories “Best local produce� and “Best Drink� -the culmination of the culinary festival that was held at Holdenby Food Show. The award for the Best Local Produce went to Sauls of Spratton for their Potted Beef and the Best Drink award was won by Frog Island Brewery for their Fire-bellied Toad Beer.The other 2 prizes still to be awarded are “Restaurant of the Year� and “Pub or Bar Restaurant of the Year�, which will be announced at the Celebrate Northamptonshire dinner at Althorpe on the 9th October. Members of the public can show their support by visiting www.letyourselfgrow. co.uk and voting.

1 th And 13th September Lubenham is getting ready for its ninth annual Scarecrow Festival this month. The event, running on the weekend of 13th and 14th September, is set to be bigger and better than ever. As well as a colourful array of imaginative scarecrows dotted throughout the village, there will be an array of stalls on The Green,including traditional games, crafts and produce for sale. A vintage vehicle display is expected to feature on the Green and there will fairground rides and a range of stalls including traditional games, crafts and produce for sale. SCAreCrOW FeStivAl lubenhAm takes place on 12th and 13th September in Lubenham, Near Market Harborough. Details of the event can be found at www.thebestof. co.uk/local/market-harborough

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fun on the run

pedal & plod

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RUN ‘09 Sunday 4 OCtOber Local Olympian triathlete Hollie Avil has given her backing to the Run ’09 taking place in Northampton on Sunday 4 October. “The Run ’09 is going to be fantastic fun and it’s great to have such an event in the county�. With the course for 5km and 10km runs weaving past some of the town’s iconic landmarks (Express Lifts, All Saints Church, the Guildhall, Market Square, Franklins Gardens), event organisers are hoping the closed roads and big crowds will all add to a London Marathon type atmosphere with music, artwork and dance displays along the route. Speaking about her own pathway to the Olympics, Hollie said “I did my first ever triathlon at Roade School in 2005 and I was really nervous about taking part. I loved it

though and the Run ’09 could be the stepping stone for so many others, whether it’s to the Olympics or just becoming fitter and healthier�. Whether you’re running yourself, bringing the kids to run or coming along to cheer on the fancy dress participants, the run sounds like fun in many different ways. Chris Holmes, Director of Northamptonshire Sport, said: “This event is for experienced runners, novice joggers and walkers alike. It’s all about personal challenge, fun and perhaps the chance to raise some cash for local charities�.

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the run ’09 is taking place in Northampton on Sunday 4 October. If you are interested in taking up the challenge then visit the website: www.the-run. org

Sunday September 27 ‘Pitsford Pedal and Plod’ will start at Brixworth Country Park on Sunday 27 September, 2009 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm and the route takes you around Pitsford Reservoir. It is a great opportunity to cycle or walk in lovely surroundings where wildlife abounds at this time of the year. Cyclists and walkers may take part to remember a friend or loved one or simply enjoy cycling or walking in a beautiful setting. While you’re walking or cycling you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of local cancer patients and their families by raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The money raised will be used to fund Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses who provide high quality nursing, totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families. The NHS pays just half of the cost of a Marie Curie Cancer Care nurse leaving the charity to raise around ÂŁ20 for every hour each nurse works. Lorraine Tester Community Fundraiser says: “ Pitsford Pedal and Plod will

be a great event in Brixworth Country Park. It is bursting with nature and wildlife, perfect for a rejuvenating time with all the family after a hard week at work and every footstep and turn of the pedal will help Marie Curie Cancer Care. We hope participants will raise sponsorship in addition to the registration fee.

pitSfOrd pedal and plOd will take place at Brixworth Country Park, Northamptonshire on Sunday September 27 between 10am2pm. Registration Fees: Adults ÂŁ5. Children under 16 free. For an entry form or for further information please contact Lorraine Tester on 01604 442312

Cancer research uK 10K run 4USFUDI ZPVS MFHT BSPVOE "MUIPSQF Sunday 20th September Here’s your chance to join in an exhilarating 10k run around the grounds of Lord Spencers home to raise money to help Cancer Research UK continue its lifesaving work and research. The route starts and finishes in the beautiful deer park,

goes around the Oval Lake and through pretty villages. CanCer reSearCh uK 10K run will be held at Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ. To register go to www. cancerresearchuk.org/10k or call 0871 641 2401

WOW September 2009

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C740CA4 WOW TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST THEATRICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Has the World gone Crackers?! 5IFBUSF CSFBLT CPVOEBSJFT XJUI FYQMPTJWF PVUEPPS TQFDUBDVMBS Saturday 26 September An extraordinary event for up to 10,000 people will light up the skies of Northampton like never before on Saturday 26 September. Royal & Derngate and The World Famous are bringing Crackers? - a truly unique pyrotechnic experience – to Delapre Abbey Park in a free event that will never be forgotten by the people of Northamptonshire. Crackers? is a celebration of the explosive and dangerous beauty of fire and fireworks and an exploration of our attitudes to risk. Not for the faint hearted, Crackers? is a huge spectacle combining fireworks, projection, performance and music.

Performed ‘in the round’, with the audience surrounded by fire and smoke, spinning wheels

and fireworks, a symphony of pyrotechnic sounds fills the air. It’s loud, disorientating and cacophonous, but there are moments of delicate and profound beauty with dancing flames, giant Catherine Wheels and the ‘human sparkler’... Having wowed audiences in Sydney’s Olympic Park in 2007 and at Singapore Arts Festival in 2009, this is a rare opportunity, exclusive to

Northampton, for the people of the county to take part in a lifeenhancing experience.

CraCkerS? is at Delapre Abbey Park Northampton on Saturday 26 September. Keep your eyes on local press or email crackers@ royalandderngate.co.uk to join the theatre’s email list and receive all the latest news.

To advertise your event in the Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999

WOW September 2009

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Dorian gray "O PME TUPSZ XJUI B OFX UXJTU

thuRSDAY 24 SeptembeR Following the record breaking world premiere of DORIAN GRAY at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2008, Matthew Bourne’s darkly seductive dance theatre event went on to play to sell-out houses at Sadler’s Wells last summer. This mesmerising adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s cautionary fable THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY visits Curve on its national tour. Set in the image-obsessed worlds of contemporary art and politics, this “black fairy tale� tells the story of an exceptionally alluring young man who makes a pact with the devil. Amongst London’s beautiful people, Dorian Gray is the “It Boy� - an icon of beauty and truth in an increasingly ugly world. The themes behind Wilde’s cautionary tale - the destructive power of beauty; the blind pursuit of pleasure; the darkness and corruption that lie beneath the charming facade - have never been timelier. Much of the highly acclaimed original cast of the production return including Richard Winsor as Dorian Gray, and Michela Meazza as Lady H. They are

joined by Leicestershire locals Jared Hageman and Jason Piper. Hageman plays Dorian Gray’s evil twin. Piper plays photographer Basil Hallward. He last worked with New Adventures dancing The Swan in Matthew Bourne’s SWAN LAKE in 2005. Best known for his adaptations of classic stories, SWAN LAKE, NUTCRACKER!, THE CAR MAN and EDWARD SCISSORHANDS. DORIAN GRAY is Matthew Bourne’s newest production. The show reunites the team that created the double Olivier award-winning hit PLAY WITHOUT WORDS: designer, Lez Brotherston, composer, Terry Davies and lighting designer, Paule Constable. New Adventures is the foremost dance theatre company in the UK, having created an enormous new audience for dance with some of the most popular dance productions of the last decade. DORIAn gRAY can be seen from 28 to 30 August. For more information or to book a seat, call the Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or go to www. curveonline.co.uk.

Sing-a-Long-a Sound Of music 1VU PO ZPVS IBCJU BOE IBWF B HSFBU UJNF FRIDAY 11 SeptembeR Sing-a-Long-a Sound Of Music returns to The Castle this Autumn on Fri 11 Sep, 7pm. So for anybody who missed it last time, or if you just want to get involved again, this is the chance to get dressed up and join in once more! Having started in the UK back in 1999, the Sing-aLong-a Sound of Music show has now become a worldwide hit, playing to packed houses across the globe! It’s even filled the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles! Audience members will enjoy a full screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen technicolor, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along! The fun-filled evening activities start with a vocal warm-up led by the

evening’s host, who also takes the audience through their complimentary ‘magic moments pack’, containing various props to be used at strategic points throughout the film. Then of course there is the famous fancy-dress competition in which everyone who has come in costume is invited onto the stage to show off their fantastic tailoring skills. This is the perfect night out for family trips, hen parties, office outings or anyone who has ever shed a tear during Edelweiss!

SIng-A-LOng-A SOunD OF muSIc is at The Castle Theatre, Castle Way, Wellingborough, NN8 1XA on Friday 11 Sep, 7pm. For tickets call the box office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk.

WOW September 2009

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The True and Terrible History of John ‘babbacombe’ Lee " SFBM MJGF XIPEVOOJU XJUI B EJGGFSFODF WedneSday 23 SepTember The Castle is delighted to welcome Kevin Burke and his theatrical spectacular, The True and Terrible History of John ‘Babbacombe’ Lee on Wed 23 Sep, 7.30pm. Set in a Victorian Sideshow, and based around the 1971 “concept” album by Dave Swarbrick and Fairport Convention, this new performance piece by Bear Faced Productions tells the story of the life of condemned murderer John

Lee from his early life in poverty, his brief sojourn in the Navy, his entry into the service of Emma Keyse, his trial for her murder and subsequent attempted execution. Three times the lever was pulled, and three times the drop failed to work… was it luck, was it fate, or was it the hand of God that saved his life? And was he in fact, as he always claimed, innocent of the crime? Using Cabaret and Circus performance techniques, in-

cluding specially commissioned aerial sequences, The True and Terrible History of Babbacombe Lee brings Lee’s intriguing story vividly to life, complemented brilliantly by Swarbrick’s music, performed live on stage by members of renowned folk band Little Johnny England. This production truly has something for everyone, music, dance, & new circus, with a strong narrative written especially for the show by Kevin Burke, and projected images in

the style of a Victorian Magic Lantern show. A real-life whodunnit with a difference, this production promises to be one of the theatrical events of the year. Don’t miss it!

JOHn babbacOmbe Lee Is at The Castle Theatre, Castle Way, Wellingborough, NN8 1XA. For tickets call the box office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk.

Funny money 4NBMM JT CFBVUJGVM BU UIF .PVMUPO 5IFBUSF 12 17 OcTOber For those theatregoers who have enjoyed star-studded shows at the region’s most venerable theatres and experimented with the avant-garde in the inside-out surroundings of the £60m Curve, here’s a new

kind of theatre. Produced on a modest budget and played by fully paidup members of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain, here’s Ray Cooney’s classic farce, as presented by the Moulton Players, at Moulton Theatre, in

the Northamptonshire village of Moulton. Where else? It’s a hilarious play in which a man wants to emigrate as he has picked up a briefcase containing £750,000. A series of farcical events ensues which is described as ‘inspired

demented bliss’! A smashing evening out. And, lordie, there’s a cinema here, too! 12-17 October 2009 www.moulton-theatre.co.uk Box Office 07704 483516 Tickets on sale from 1 Sept.

The Vagina monologues 4UBS DBTU BOOPVODFE TueSday 29 SepTember The Vagina Monologues comes to Royal & Derngate on Tuesday 29 September and a star-studded cast has just been announced. The smash hit show will feature Birds of a Feather star – Northampton’s own Lesley Joseph – and former Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, with Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay completing the line up. Two million men and women who have already witnessed one of the 3,000 performances and

WOW September 2009

25,000 fake orgasms, as The Vagina Monologues continues to wow audiences around the country. The ultimate girls’ night out has proved compulsive viewing for men too – as The Sunday Times said “See it, even if you haven’t got one.” Sex has never been funnier or more poignant than in this collection of highly original stories gathered by the show’s dynamic creator, New Yorker, Eve Ensler. Ensler asked over 200 women of

all ages, ethnic backgrounds and walks of life to share their most intimate secrets in ‘vagina interviews’ on such normally taboo topics as birth, sex, orgasms and relationships, with truly revelatory results. As sharp and witty as Sex and the City, as unmissable as Friends and as funny as Smack the Pony, the show is performed by three amazing women who appear on stage together throughout the evening.

THe Vagina mOnOLOgueS is at The Royal and Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP on Tuesday 29 September. call the Box Office on 01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk. Please note that the show contains adult content.

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Cabaret

Forgotten Things

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Wed 2 Sep – SaT 19 Sep Following its sell out run last year the multi-award-winning production of Cabaret, starring Wayne Sleep as the notorious emcee, makes a welcome return to The Rep this autumn. Since its broadway premiere in 1966 and the famous movie version with Liza minnelli, michael york and Joel

grey, Cabaret has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards including 8 Oscars, baFTas and 13 Tonys. This “Sensational” double Olivier award winner and Variety Club awards ‘best musical’, which enjoyed a record-breaking run in London’s West end, turns Weimar berlin of 1931 into a sassy, sizzling haven of decadence… Come to the Cabaret – it’s divine decadence darling!.

CabeReT Is at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP from Wed 2 Sep – Sat 19 Sep For tickets call the box office on 0121 236 4455 or E-mail: tickets@birmingham-rep.co.uk

THURSday 1 SepTembeR 16 year old Toby believes he’s a failure. He’s losing the will to live…His parents are frightened. They don’t want to lose their baby…Then there’s Grandma Lilly. She’s just losing her mind… Having forgotten ‘something important’ Lilly interrupts Toby to lead him into a mystery of half memories and family secrets. Finding answers might just save both their lives… This is a dark comic play designed for cross-generational audiences, stunningly fusing puppetry and surreal style. Red Ladder is one of Britain’s leading touring companies producing high quality, challenging plays. A weird and wonderful pro-

duction - The Metro Recommended age 14+ Caution: Contains some strong language. FORgOTTen THingS Is at Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DL on Thurs 17 September For tickets call the box office on 01780 763203 or online at www. stamfordartscentre.com

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2><43H WOW FINDS OUT WHERE THE LAUGHS ARE THIS MONTH

TV times 7BSJFUZ XFBSJOH XPNFOoT GSPDLT UIF TQJDF PG MJGF 22 AND 24 SEPTEMBER There’s a distinct sniff of the ‘70s and ‘80s about two barnstorming comedy shows playing this month – first, there’s the (still) subtly subversive prospect of Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson appearing on the same bill in Brum – though for sheer quantity of retro laffs the Best Of British Variety Tour 2009 takes some beating. Even down at the bottom of the bill are two – or should that be three? – stalwarts of childhood telly: Roger de Courcey and Nookie Bear, along with Rotherham’s Norman Collier and his comically broken microphone. As if that weren’t enough, there’s Faith Brown off the Mike Yarwood Show, and Bucks Fizz fresh from Eurovision glory, still minus their whisked-off skirts (and three original members). Top of the pile come gentle Scouse

WOW September 2009

If you only go to twenty comedy gigs this month… with DJ Fontana Wed 2 STAND UP WEDNESDAYS COMEDY CLUB Steve Harris, Mike Wilkinson Careys Nightclub & Bar Coventry LAUGHING COWS COMEDY NIGHT: Mrs Barbara Nice (Janice Connolly) Kitchen Garden Cafe Birmingham Fri 4 AFRICAN COMEDY SHOW Bobby Brown’s Birmingham Thu 3 FUNNY THURSDAYS F&M Bar Northampton FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB: Steve Day, Alan Francis The Lyric Rooms Ashby-DeLaZouch

comic Tom O’Connor and, perhaps inevitably, the mighty Cannon & Ball. Tickets are 25p, a special nod to a week of ‘70s nostalgia. Er, only joking.

TUE 22 BARRY HUMPHRIES’ LAST NIGHT OF THE POMS NIA BIRMINGHAM THUR 24 BEST OF BRITISH VARIETY TOUR 2009 ROYAL CONCERT HALL NOTTINGHAM

To advertise your event in the Midlands’ fastestgrowing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999

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Sat 5 REAL DEAL COMEDY JAM: Kevin J, Eddie Kadi Alexandra Theatre Birmingham Mon 7 JOY COMEDY CLUB: Justin Moorhouse, Jason Cook The Assembly Leamington Spa Tue FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? with Ray Peacock The Maze Nottingham Fri 11 DAVE GORMAN Y Theatre Leicester UNDERBELLY LAUGHS LIVE: Lucy Porter Belgrade Theatre Coventry

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FRI 18 & SAT 19 SEpTEMbER brendon burns proclaims himself the “thinking man’s idiot�, but in fact he’s far from it. He’s garnered a big reputation as the confrontational, noholds-barred comedian who somehow manages not to alienate his audiences, but instead wins them over to his own world view. He’s noisy, he’s manic and he’s in-yer-face. He’s Australian, for crying out loud. And yet he’s intelligent, weirdly accountable, very nearly (whisper it) sensitive. He’s strictly

anti-bigotry, a perrier Award winner, and close to becoming the next big thing. burns’ Night humour is based entirely on honesty, which means 99% of it is unfit for family reading. but here’s what we reckon is a truly offensive sampler: “Hey, you want to feel really handsome? Go shopping at Asda.�.

Fri 18 Sep BOTTLE ROCKET COMEDY CLUB: BRENDON BURNS, MARK OLVER ++ Town Hall Loughborough Sat 19 Y Theatre Leicester

FRIDAY 18 SEpTEMbER Jongleurs – the name which launched the careers of Graham Norton, Rhona Cameron, Jo brand, phil Jupitus, Jack Dee, paul Merton, Dylan Moran and Jenny Eclair now brings the biggest and best stars in the Jongleurs clubs to The Castle. This performance stars Dominic Frisby as MC, and comedians Wayne Deakin, James Sherwood and phil butler. Featuring over two hours of laughs from the country’s best stand-up comedians. Certain to be the best night of comedy you will have in a theatre this year! JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD Is at The Castle Theatre, Castle Way, Wellingborough, NN8 1XA on Friday 18 September For tickets call the box office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle. org.uk.

Screaming Blue Murder -BVHIUFS PO UIF 6OEFSHSPVOE THU 10 AND 24 SEPTEMBER Royal & Derngate’s comedy club returns for another season of laughs on the Underground stage. See some of the best new comedy acts around including:

5IV 4FQ Jeff Innocent

Dave Thompson Windsor

5IV 4FQ Dan Antopolski Jojo Smith Liam Mullone All compered for the evening by Dan Evans

Dan Antopolski

Sun 13 FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB Spiky Mike Kayal Restaurant Leicester Wed 16 SCREAMING BLUE MURDER: Bennett Arron, Mary Bourke The Stables Milton Keynes Thu 17 FASCINATING AIDA Royal & Derngate Northampton Fri 18 JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD The Castle Wellingborough MUSICALS IN MOTION Belgrade Theatre Coventry Tue 22 RAPIER WIT: JIMMY CARR Symphony Hall Birmingham Thu 24 DILLIGAF CAFE WORLD TOUR: Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson The Lighthouse Theatre Kettering DAVE SPIKEY Athena Theatre Leicester Fri 25-Sun 27 MICHAEL MCINTYRE Trent FM Arena Nottingham Sun 27 MEK MI LAUGH with Curtis Walker Royal & Derngate Northampton READY FOR THIS?: TIM MINCHIN Warwick Arts Centre Coventry GOD COLLAR: MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE Playhouse Nottingham Mon 28 RHOD GILBERT & THE CAT THAT LOOKED LIKE NICHOLAS LYNDHURST: Royal Spa Centre Leamington Tue 29 INFLATABLE: ADAM HILLS The Stables Milton Keynes THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES Lesley Joseph (Birds of A Feather), Lisa Riley (Emmerdale) and Sally Lindsay (Corrie) Royal & Derngate Northampton

WOW September 2009

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CHECK OUT WOW MAGAZINE’S PICK OF THE HOTTEST ACTS TO HIT THE REGION THIS MONTH

English to the core 'PML JT OPU B MFUUFS XPSE TIPDL

When Mojo says you’re “arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all,� the temptation must be to put your feet up and take a decade-long ego break. But this is Martin Carthy. And this is folk. 40 years into his career, he’s finally breaking down barriers in the manner of Richard Thompson. And, talk of the Devil, who should he be teamed with now but Dave Swarbrick, another folkie legend who took the Fairport Convention route in parallel to Martin’s Steeleye Span/Band of Hope path after they first played together in the mid-‘60s. On the same night, there’s new folk blood being aired in Harborough, where Chris

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Wood – oft compared to Thompson – continues to convert many an anti-folk fan with his blend of traditional and modern songwriting. And, just to square the circle, Carthy’s daughter Eliza is also on tour, the witty and energetic new star of British folk.

WOW September 2009

Wed 9 MARTIN CARTHY + DAVE SWARBRICK The Castle Wellingborough (Also Sat 12 Taylor John’s House Coventry; Sat 5 Moseley Folk Festival Birmingham) Wed 9 CHRIS WOOD Octagonal Theatre Market Harborough (Also Mon 14 September Stamford Arts Centre) Tue 15 ELIZA CARTHY Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

Jive Talkin’ at the Stables FRI 11 SEPTEMBER ‘Jive Talkin – The Bee Gees Story’ comes to the Stables in Milton Keynes. Described as ‘The show that Bee Gees fans everywhere have been waiting for’, the nine piece ensemble boasts a full live band with string section as well as being fronted by Bee Gees veterans, and brothers, Darren and Gary Simmons as well as Jarrod Loughlin, whose 20 years experience have seen them perform on London’s West End, appear on numerous TV shows and perform with the actual Bee Gees themselves. The performers are also joined throughout the show by special guest artistes to perform the songs the Bee Gees wrote for other artists such as Celine Dion, and Diana Ross. JIVE TALKIN’ is at The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU on Friday 11th of September. For tickets call 01908 280800 or go online at www.stables.org

F70C{B >= If you only go to 20 gigs this month‌ with DJ Fontana Wed 2 BAD MANNERS The Crew Nuneaton Thu 3 NEKTAR Rock City Nottingham Fri 4 THE LEVELLERS New Roadmender Northampton Sat 5 MY TIGER MY TIMING The Labour Club Northampton THE NEW SEEKERS Assembly Rooms Tamworth Mon 7 TORI AMOS Symphony Hall Birmingham Thu 10 THE COMPUTERS Rock City Nottingham Fri 11 THE BLOW MONKEYS The Flowerpot Derby WHISPERTOWN 2000 New Roadmender Northampton THE BEE GEES STORY: JIVE TALKIN’ The Stables Milton Keynes Sat 12 NINE BELOW ZERO Wilbarston Hall Market

PROMOTE

Your Venue, Band, Bar, Club etc.

With a THUMBNAIL AD (like this!) in our listings column. Call the wow team on 01858 439 999.

.64*$

The New West heads East image: dansmallspresents.com

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Strung Out Sisters Female string and vocal trio

Providing musical entertainment for weddings and corporate functions for over 15 years. For more info/bookings call 01858 431 304 or log onto www.sos.inuk.com

Harborough CHARLOTTE HATHERLEY (ASH) Kasbah Coventry Wed 16 THE SEARCHERS Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa Thu 17 ORBITAL O2 Academy Birmingham Fri 18 THE MOVE The Musician Leicester Sat 19 THE ANIMALS + SPENCER DAVIS Leisure Centre Market Harborough PENETRATION The Shed Leicester THE REAL THING The Stables Milton Keynes Sun 20 PETER DOHERTY The Assembly Leamington Spa Tue 22 IT BITES The Stables Milton Keynes

Neko Case comes to Nottingham on Saturday 12th September is a month for sweaty stetsons, fringey suede jackets and guitar gunplay at the local OK Corral. Nottingham alone hosts three new countryrock legends in as many nights. Austin, Texas sharpshooters Okkervil River offer a complex take on Americana, their finest moment being 2005’s Black Sheep Boy – a concept album based around the Tim Hardin song. The Californian Willard Grant Conspiracy are oftened likened to Johnny Cash, while the Virginian Neko Case vibe is (let’s hope she never reads this) sex and good humour head on with Hank Williams. As a founder member of ‘80s barroom rockers Green On Red, Chuck Prophet has

a lot to answer for – all good – in the development of this whole Alt.Country scene; but best of the bunch is Chicago’s Handsome Family, a husbandwife guitar-banjo duo of sometimes stunning wit, simplicity and subtlety.

Thu 10 OKKERVil RiVER The Rescue Rooms Nottingham Fri 11 willARd GRANT CONSPiRACy Bodega Social Club Nottingham Sat 12 NEKO CASE COOPERATiVE Arts Theatre Nottingham Wed 23 CHuCK PROPHET The Musician leicester Tue 29 THE HANdSOME FAMily Taylor John’s House Coventry

Fri 25 JERSEY BUDD Y Theatre Leicester GANG OF FOUR The Assembly Leamington Spa Sat 26 KAJAGOOGOO Rescue Rooms Nottingham Mon 28 PAOLO NUTINI Rock City Nottingham Wed 30 TONY MCPHEE AND THE GROUNDHOGS + MARTIN TURNER’S WISHBONE ASH + FOCUS Royal & Derngate Northampton

Joules Yard Market Harborough

Open Mic Night Every third Thursday of the month. See Talented local musicians or showcase your own ability. Entrance free

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the Ruling Class 5IFZ MPWF TP NVDI UIFZoWF EFDJEFE UP QBDL UIFJS CBHT BOE HP BOE MJWF UIFSF FRIDAY 11 SeptembeR For them, Gary Lineker is still England’s top striker, EastEnders is must-see television and flared jeans and pudding-basing haircuts are fashion essentials.

5IFO UIFSFoT UIF NVTJD The Ruling Class come from all over the place – Sweden, Italy and er Harrogate – , have been brought together by a shared love of The Stone Roses, The Charlatans and Ride and are heading to Leicester’s Sumo bar on September 11 for a night of floppy-fringed baggy revivalism. Theirs is the shiniest of shiny indie pop complete with wibblywobbly guitars, shuffling drums and singer Jonathan Sutcliffe’s breathy vocals and it all sounds so fresh and exciting. “Nobody apart from us,�

says Sutcliffe, “writes melodies any more. It’s all blokes screaming down microphones in sweaty pubs. What’s wrong with a good tune? “We got a bit bored of bands like The Libertines and take our inspiration from elsewhere. We don’t lie about our influences, but nobody is doing what we are doing at the moment.� What these five fellas are doing is causing record labels to get all excited and with The

breath of fresh air 5IF 0 "DBEFNZ SFMPDBUFT UP 5IF %PNF Thu 10 LAUNCH NIGHT: EDITORS O2 Academy, Birmingham Fri 11 OPENING WEEKEND: THE TWANG + Sat 12 THE STREETS Sun 13 OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

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Sun, The Guardian – and now The Week ! - tipping them for big things, this could be the last time you get to see them play in the basement of your local. There you will hear recent double A-side single Marian Shrine and Sleeping Beauty that seem certain to fill sticky indie dance floors in the coming months – and possibly beyond.

:VQ UIFZ BSF UIBU HPPE It all started with ‘Marian

Shrine.’ Sutcliffe was handed a tape of songs written by Tomas Kubowicz and remembered: “I knew I wanted to be in his band after hearing ‘Marian Shrine.’ It was mind blowing and so were the other songs on his demo.� Fast forward just over a year and The Ruling Class have supported The Charlatans – “It’s nice to know they love us back� laughed Sutcliffe – and The Twang and expect to see A & R men squaring up outside Sumo for the right to release their already-completed debut album. Best dust off your flared jeans. tHe RULING CLASS are playing at Sumo. 54 Braunstone Gate, Leicester LE3 5LG on Friday 11 September. Tickets available on the door.

To mark the shift of operations from Dale End to Bristol Street – and an altogether new class of venue – there’s a full opening weekend of local Brummie headline acts. Academy Music Group’s £5m refurbishment of the onetime Dome disco will make this a venue worth travelling to, with star-studded acts to suit. A multi-room operation, the new main room has a capacity of 3,009 while two smaller rooms, O2 Academy 2 and 3, hold 600 and 250 respectively.

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CLIFF RICHARD & THE SHADOWS National Ice Centre Nottingham --------------------------------------Jazz / Classical / World Wed 2 CHARLIE WATTS + The Stables MK Sun 13 MARK ADAMS IS DEAN MARTIN Royal & Derngate Northampton Tue 15 SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR Royal & Derngate Northampton Thu 17-Sun 20 LEICESTER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL New Walk Museum and Leicester Cathedral

Artsfest #JSNJOHIBN 5PXO )BMM JT TUBHJOH B GSFF NVTJD FWFOU FRI 11 – SUN 13 SEPTEMBER Town Hall Birmingham is set to throw open its doors and introduce audiences to a whole new world of music during Artsfest, the city’s annual free festival later this year. The weekend, over Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September, will feature performances from

Town Hall Associate Artists the BBC Big Band, Orchestra of the Swan, Ex-Cathedra, Soweto Kinch and Black Voices amongst other activities including a Bollywood workshop and organ demonstration. Admission for all events is free – no booking needed, just turn up on the day!

ARTSFEST WEEKEND will be at the Town Hall, Birmingham Friday 11 September – Sunday 13 September Admission Free 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk/view/ artsfest-weekend---friday-11september www.thsh.co.uk/view/ artsfest-weekend--saturday-12-september www.thsh.co.uk/view/ artsfest-weekend---sunday13-september

Sat 26 NORTHAMPTON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR Northampton Central Library (2pm – free) Wed 30 KEN PEPLOWSKI WITH THE ALAN BARNES QUARTET The Y Theatre Leicester

PROMOTE

Your Gig, Band, CD, Website, etc.

It’s the Hot Club

With a THUMBNAIL AD (like this!) in our listings column. Call the wow team on 01858 439 999.

(FU SFBEZ GPS B OJHIU PG SPBTUJOH SZUIZNT THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER The Hot Club Of Cambridge bring an evening of Jazz to The Castle, Wellingborough. They be entertaining audiences with their mixture of infectious rhythms and great gypsy swing on Thu 10 September at 8pm. Formed in 2003, the core members met while busking in Cambridge City

Centre. They have since become a popular sight and sound at events and venues around Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Their music is up-beat and uplifting and the rhythms are infectious, paying homage to the Parisian swing of the 1930s made famous by gypsy genius Django Reinhart and violinist Stefane Grappelli.

THE HOT CLUB OF CAMBRIDGE Are at The Castle Theatre, Castle Way, Wellingborough, NN8 1XA on Thu 10 Sep, 8pm For tickets call the box office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk.

Do you have a gig or venue you want to tell people about? Send your listings to WOW What’s On Where, 57 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DS or email them to sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk To advertise, call a member of our sales team on 01858 439 999.

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BT_cT\QTa BdRRTbb More mouthwatering favorites from the kitchen team at Best Western The Three Swans Hotel in Market Harborough.

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:PV XJMM OFFE 400g chicken livers trimmed and cleaned 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon, diced 4 dessert spoons golden sultanas 200ml sweet sherry 200ml double cream 200ml demi glace (rich beef stock) 100g butter 4 thick cut chunks of bread

:PV XJMM OFFE 4 oyster cut chicken legs 200g good quality sausages, skins removed 100g ready to eat apricots chopped 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon 1 sprig fresh thyme, picked and chopped 1 onion, chopped and fried without colour Salt and pepper

8IBU UP EP Melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the diced smoked bacon. Cook until crispy. Add the livers and cook for 23 minutes. Add the sultanas and the sherry, be careful it may flambĂŠ. Add the double cream and stock, cook to reduce by half. Toast the bread and place it onto the serving plates. Ladle over the livers and garnish with chopped parsley.

8IBU UP EP Remove the thigh bone from each chicken leg. Mix the apricots, sausage meat, onion and thyme thoroughly together. Season and fry a little, so you can check if it needs more seasoning. Stuff the thigh cavity with the mixture and fold over to seal. Wrap each leg in two rashers of bacon around the thigh to hold in the filling. Wrap tightly in cling film to resemble the shape of a leg of ham. Poach or steam for about 30 minutes to ensure it is cooked fully. The legs can now be cooled and re-frigerated so they can be roasted at your convenience. Serve with roast potatoes and reduced red wine sauce.

Serves 4

Serves 4

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Photos taken by Stean. Telephone: 01858 545533

:PV XJMM OFFE 150 g butter 2 free range eggs 250g caster sugar 70g self raising flour (sifted)

70g coco powder (sifted) 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 25g chocolate 8IBU UP EP Grease and line an eight inch square baking tin. Melt the butter until it is nearly boiling, then set aside. Whisk the sugar and eggs until it is white and light. (ideally with an electric whisk) Gradually add the butter to the egg mix. Then add the vanilla, fold in the flour, coco powder and the chocolate chips. Pour into the greased tin, cover with cling film and level out the mix in the tin with the back of your hand. Remove the cling film and cook for 25 minutes at 175°C Allow to cool and serve with vanilla ice cream.

F70C{B >=r 0c 1Tbc FTbcTa] CWT CWaTT BfP]b 7^cT[ AUGUST 30th : ACOUSTIC NIGHT The Bank Holiday Acoustic Night will be held in The Courtyard from 6.30 p.m. Come along and hear some of the towns local musicians.

NOVEMBER 19TH: AFTERNOON TEA DANCE Dance the afternoon away and enjoy live music by James Hart. Tickets ÂŁ12.00 per person, including afternoon tea.

Free entry!

Available from reception or by phone 01858 438 305

DECEMBER: CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR WITH US! Festive events are being held throughout December. Call for your brochure – 01858 438 306 For further details of our events, check our website: www.bw-threeswanshotel.co.uk

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<>E84B WOW’S JAZ COX LOOKS AT SOME OF THE NEWEST CINEMA RELEASES

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

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5IF CJHHFTU GPPE FWFOU TJODF CSFBE DBNF TMJDFE RELEASE DATE: SEpT 14 Since childhood, Flint Lockwood has dreamt of inventing something that will make a difference. Unfortunately, all of his absurd inventions (including spray on shoes, hair unbalder and a monkey thought translator) have ended in trouble for not only him, but his parents, friends and the rest of his hometown, Swallow Falls. However, the ceaseless optimist has never given up on his lifelong goal, and now his latest invention; a machine that makes food rain from the sky - and the best part, it actually works and changes the lives of everyone in his small town! Flint is ecstatic, but there is still a nagging suspicion that something, as

always, will go wrong. Flints best (and only) friend and colleague is Steve - a monkey. A bond has been shared between them since Flint decided the world would be a better place if humans could understand the intelligence of animals. He was however proven wrong when the only thought that runs through Steves head is ‘Hungry!’. Nomatter how dim the monkey is, he still proves to be a fearless sidekick. Following Flints suprising leap into fame, is Sam. Sam is a cute, young, enthusiastic weather station

A suprised Flint, talking to Sam as the ground is covered in ice cream in place of snow.

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intern who dreams of becoming a professional TV weather reporter. She gets her long awaited, big break when she witnesses- and exclusively reports- one of the greatest weather stories of all time: a cheeseburger rain! As Flints food machine creates more and more delicious food weather, Sams career catapults worldwide. Everything is perfect until Sam discovers larger than normal food storms in the forecast. Sam can help Flint stop the out of control machine, but to do so, she risks revealing a side of herself that she has kept hidden from the worldand that might mean giving up on her dream career. CERTIFICATE: TBC GENRE: Family Comedy Animated Adventure DIRECTORS: Phil Lord, Chris Miller. CAST: Anna Farris, Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris. RUNNING TIME: TBC

500 DAYS OF SUMMER Released: Friday 4th September When Tom (Gordon-Levitt), a hapless greeting card copywriter and hopeless romantic, is blindsided after his girlfriend Summer (Zooey Deschanel) dumps him, he shifts back and forth through various periods of their 500 days “together” to try to figure out where things went wrong. His reflections ultimately lead him to finally rediscover his true passions in life. DISTRICT 9 Released: Friday 4th September An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slumlike conditions on Earth suddenly find a kindred spirit in a government agent that is exposed to their biotechnology. ADVENTURELAND Released: Friday 11th September It’s the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can’t wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little choice but to take a lowly job at a local amusement park.

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Fame

DORIAN GRAY Released: Friday 11th September The film, based on the classic novel by Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray, tells the story of a strikingly beautiful young man named Dorian who gives his soul to stay handsome and youthful.

*oN HPOOB MJWF GPSFWFS RElEASE DATE: SEPT 25 A reinvention of the original Oscar-winning hit film, Fame follows the journey talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks

of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame. The kind of fame that comes only from talent, dedication, and hard work. In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student’s passion will be put to the test. In addition to their artistic goals, they have to deal with everything else that goes along with high school, a tumultuous time full of schoolwork, deep friendships, budding romance, and self-discovery. As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they’ll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed. With the love and support of

their friends and fellow artists, they’ll find out who amongst them will achieve Fame and who will fall as they watch their dreams get crushed.

CERTIFICATE: PG GENRE: Musical Drama DIRECTOR: Kevin Tancharoen CAST: Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Bebe Neuwirth, RUNNING TIME: TBC

PANDORUM Released: Friday 11th September From the creators of the “Resident Evil� film franchise comes “Pandorum,� a terrifying thriller in which two crew members wake up on an abandoned spacecraft with no idea who they are, how long they’ve been asleep, or what their mission is.

Frozen River " NPWJOH TUPSZ äMMFE XJUI ĂĽPXJOH FNPUJPOT Frozen River is the story of Ray Eddy, an upstate New York trailer mom who is lured into the world of illegal immigrant smuggling when she meets a Mohawk girl who lives on a reservation that straddles the US-Canadian border. Broke after her husband takes off with the down payment for their new doublewide, Ray reluctantly teams up with Lila, a smuggler, and the two begin making runs across the frozen St. Lawrence River carrying illegal Chinese and Pakistani immigrants in the trunk of Ray’s Dodge Spirit. These reluctant partners in crime don’t much like one another, though they soon discover they have something in common apart from poverty

– they both need money to help their children. Courtney Hunt is unflinching in her examination of these hard-pressed lives, yet she finds glints of humanity in the watchful, unsmiling faces of the women. CERTIFICATE: 15 GENRE: Crime Drama DIRECTOR: Courtney Hunt CAST: Melissa Leo, Misty Upham RUNNING TIME: 1hr 37mins

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8c{b h^da \^eT WOW Kids take a look at board game royalty.

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ith many rainy days and too much Nintendo Wii, WOW kids have dusted off some undiscovered board games from the attic, and decided to have a friendly game of Chess. That is, if there is such a thing! With plenty of websites for kids to discover ‘strategy & technique’. WOW parent advice is to leave the kids to it and work out your own strategy before returning and becoming involved in this rather compulsive game!

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Chess is a universal game, it is also one of the oldest skill games in the world and dates back to medieval times. It reflects a game of life that existed in medieval times with the six named pieces reflecting both the ordinary folk and those of rank. Being played many centuries ago in China, India, and Persia it spread to Spain and then throughout Europe. It was only then that Chess pieces were given the names that we call them today, this was to make them easier to pronounce,(king, queen, bishop, knight, castle, and pawn). Although the named pieces are reconised today as being ‘’old fashoned’’ there is no inclination to modernise the names of the pieces other than to may be have a special edition chess set in the form of popular character, i.e Harry potter, Lord of the Rings, or The Simpsons etc.

If you want to find out more about playing chess a good place to start is www.chesskids.com.

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CWT 0]X\P[b 5aXT]Sb Our Great British summer is over, the festival season has drawn to a close, but there’s no lack of top-quality live music in and around the East Midlands this September. If rhythm & blues is your bag, top of the list has got to be a date with The Animals & Friends at Market Harborough Leisure Centre on September 26. The band that shook the world in 1964 are back on tour, featuring the legendary Spencer Davis. Leon Gray from WOW spoke to John Steel, drummer from the original Animals line-up, and Spencer Davis, to find out more about the tour.

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he Animals shot to fame in 1964 on a wave of rock n roll euphoria that swept from America, across the Atlantic, to British shores. So how exactly did the band get together? 9B

I met Eric [Burdon] at art school in 1956, and we just hit it off. We were listening to the same sort of music and watched the same films. We both loved jazz, but then rock ‘n roll was taking off with Bill Halley and the Comets. Everything coming out of America at that time seemed fantastic, and we really wanted to be a part of it. I suppose it was our working class Geordie dream. All the young guys at the time were doing the same thing – buy a cheap guitar and just go out and play. So we did the same. By this time we’d met Alan, who was playing in a group called the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo. I played the drums, Eric sang. Alan played the keyboard, Chas played bass and a guy called Hilton Valentine played guitar. If anyone said we would be playing Times Square a few years later, we wouldn’t have believed them. They were fantastic times. And then The Animals led the British Invasion back across the Atlantic, scoring hits such as We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, and I Put A Spell On You, as well as topping the charts around the world with their multimillion selling anthem House of the Rising Sun.

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The Animals in action.

808 */5&37*&8 The enduring appeal of The Animals continues more than 40 years later with a tour across Europe, from Albania to Sweden. Now they are back in Britain – on tour with the legendary Spencer Davis. 9B

We’ve played with Spencer lots of times before, and we just love him. We’ll play some of his hits – Keep on Running, Gimme Some Lovin, and I’m a Man – as well as some

of our own – past and present. I think we both complement each other’s style. Spencer Davis started out at the same time as The Animals and shared the same influences. Born in Swansea, Spencer moved to London in the late 1950s to soak up the music at some of the folk and jazz clubs around the capital. In 1960, he moved to Birmingham to study and met up with

the musicians who would go on to form the Spencer Davis Group.

John Steel (inset left) Mick Green (centre) and Spencer Davis (inset right)

B3 I was singing with a traditional jazz band at the time, but I’d picked up a 12string guitar and was playing folk songs and some of the rhythm & blues music that was coming out of America. I met up with Muff and Steve Winwood at a gig in the local pub and knew immediately that we had a great band. The Spencer Davis Group just took off like a rocket.

The Spencer Davis Group enjoyed phenomenal success throughout the 1960s, and their songs provided the inspiration for a new generation of musicians, from The Blues Brothers and Chicago to The Grateful Dead. When the group disbanded in 1969, Spencer moved to America and continued to record, mainly blues and jazz, while working as an executive for Island Records. But his passion for playing live music put him back on the road, and he has continued to do so ever since. B3 I just love playing in front of people. Big venue, small venue – it doesn’t really matter. If you took the road away from me, I don’t know what I’d do. Even when I’m back home in Avalon [Spencer lives on Catalina Island off the coast of California] it’s like a busman’s holiday as I’m always playing in the local bars and clubs.

If you miss The Animals and Spencer Davis at the Market Harborough gig you can also see them play at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on September 26. As an added bonus, Very Special Guest Mick Green will play alongside The Animals. Mick Green is the guitarist behind The Pirates and their famous single Shakin’ All Over, as well as appearing on albums by Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, and Bryan Ferry. His influence has touched a generation of British guitarists, from Eric Clapton to Pete Townsend. The gig at Wolverhampton will be the last chance to catch Mick play with The Animals this year. Don’t miss it!

The Animals & Spencer Davis will be playing at Market Harborough Leisure Centre on September 26. Doors 8pm. Tickets advance £15. On the door £17. Call the Box Office on 01858 446 662. For more info go online to www. madhatter-concerts.co.uk

ATPSTa 2^\_TcXcX^] WOW readers have the chance to win a pairs of tickets to see The Animals featuring Spencer Davis at Market Harborough Leisure Centre on September 16. To enter, just send us a postcard to: WOW Animals

Competition. 50 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7DU. First name out of the hat will win the tickets. Don’t forget to include your name and address. Good luck!

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This is the month to browse the rails and be sure you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a coat that will give you maximum impact. 2 1

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OW takes a look at the urban update being applied to country tweeds. For a fresh off the catwalk touch, why not add a corsage and a pair of cheeky forties peep toe shoes or alternatively, to achieve more of a street look, accessorise with animal prints and leather items. Stick with jeans and riding boots to give you a newly re-fashioned rustic country look. For added impact, charm your outfit with some vintage crystal jewellery. For the boys out there a distinctly Brideshead look is revisiting! Salt and pepper tweeds, woollens, and sharp suits. Finish the outfit with a pair of stylish brogues.

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1. Chunky hand knitted cardigan £220, grey knitted T shirt, £65, Trouser £160, Crombie. 2. Autumn Winter 2009 cufflink selection, Gieves & Hawkes, No1 Savile Row. 3. Misty Melange Knit £85, Criminal Check Shirt £47, On Bail Stretch Trousers £65, Jai Heavy Brogue £150, French Connection 4. Leather belt selection, Gieves & Hawkes, No1 Savile Row. 5. Canvas Duffle Bag £28, Next. 6. Mr Smith riding hat by Justin Esq (Heritage and Artisan collection)-£79, Elworthy Limited Edition (Heritage and Artisan collection) frock coat-£599, Hobbs. 9

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7. Bratton Limited Edition (Heritage and Artisan) bolero£199, Dulverton Limited Edition (Heritage and Artisan collection) dress-£249, Hobbs. 8. Parka, £575, Moloh. 9. multi colored Eclectic Gem Brooch £10, Accessorize. 10. Suede and patent peeptoe platform court with dolly bar and bow across vamp- Also in Grey, £75, Faith Footwear. • WOW - The Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September. It is said that wearing the gem will bring good luck and protection. Sapphires come in colours other than blue including yellow, pink and white. Why not add these colours to your wardrobe to get a truly September feel?

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F4338=6B WOW LOOKS AT WEDDINGS AND HAS SOME GREAT PRIZES TO GIVE AWAY

A heaven sent wedding " XFEEJOH BU 5IF $IVSDI #BS 3FTUBVSBOU DPVME CF UIF BOTXFS UP BMM ZPVS QSBZFST This stunning venue dates back to 1138 and was formerly St John’s Church. It is grade one listed and the oldest secular building in Northampton. Situated at the bottom of Bridge Street this unique conversion successfully blends original features with contemporary décor to create a memorable and romantic setting. The entire venue is

available for exclusive hire during the daytime or in the evening or smaller occasions can be catered for in the in the restaurant, Mezzanine or Chapel Bar. The Church boasts an experienced management team who will work with you to create an occasion that is tailor-made to suit your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for a large all-day event or

a small family gathering a Church wedding guarantees to be a heavenly experience!

*OWJUBUJPO Victoria & Patrick would like to invite you and your partner for a complimentary drink in the Chapel Bar at The Church to discuss your big day! There’s no obligation and we’ll be happy to help! Simply contact us on 01604 603800 to arrange a suitable time.

For further information visit www.thechurchrestaurant. com, email info@ thechurchrestaurant.com or telephone 01604 603800.

To advertise your wedding venue or event in the East Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999 24

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Make fairytales come true and enter our WOW Wedding Photography Competition!

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808 IBT UFBNFE VQ XJUI $PMPVS 8IJUF 1IPUPHSBQZ UP PGGFS UIJT FYDMVTJWF QSJ[F XPSUI ~ Welcome to the Wedding Competition 2009 with Colour White Photography of Market Harborough. This is your chance to win a fabulous wedding photography package worth ÂŁ2,200.

5IF QSJ[F JODMVEFT • 8 hours photographic coverage of your wedding day by Colour White Photography, including two photographers. • Stunning Queensberry album including up to 50 images of your choice. • Pre-wedding photo-shoot of the bride and groom at Colour White’s Market Harborough studio.

• A wedding-day makeover by an experienced Estee Lauder make-up artist. Colour White’s wedding photographer Arabella CarterJohnson believes there’s only one way to cover a wedding and that’s ‘completely’. The prize therefore starts with Arabella photographing the bride’s preparations, including an Estee Lauder make-over, whilst the second photographer is capturing the groom’s ‘preparations’ down the pub. Arabella and her second photographer will then be there to capture every detail of your day – from the guests arriving at the venue, to the ceremony

and the reception. Your chosen images will then be retouched and presented to you in an exquisite Queensberry album. Five Runners-Up will each receive a bottle of Verve Cliquot champagne. To enter, simply call Colour White Photography on 0844 800 9124 or email weddings@ colourwhite.com to request an entry form. The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over who are getting married in 2010. Further terms and conditions apply, a copy can be obtained from Colour White Photography and will be enclosed with the entry form.

TO enTer, simply call Colour White Photography on 0844 800 9124 or email weddings@ colourwhite.com to request an entry form. The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over who are getting married in 2010. Further terms and conditions apply, a copy of which can be obtained from Colour White Photography and will be enclosed with the entry form.

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Topiary is a high-quality gift and party shop located within the Old Chapel in the beautiful canal-side village of Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire. It offers a wonderful location for discerning shoppers to take time to look for that special gift, card or celebration item. Items

are personally selected for their innovation, inspiration and that “feel good” factor which will put a smile on everyone’s face! For more information contact Tel 01604 862 221 E Mail topiary@btconnect.com Web www.topiary.uk.com

If you can recommend a wedding service, why not email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk and tell us all about it?

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Kelmarsh Hall Wedding Fair $PNF BOE KPJO UIF 8FEEJOH 5FBN GPS UIF OE "OOVBM ,FMNBSTI )BMM 8FEEJOH 'BJS MORE THAN 60 exhibitors will be unveiling a diverse range of wedding styles, trends and fashions at this year’s Kelmarsh Hall Wedding Fair. Everything from the latest in gowns, beauty, mandaps, mehndi, jewellery, flowers, photography and entertainment will be on offer at the event, on Sunday, September 27, from 10am to 4pm - this year organised in association with TaniaTapel Ltd, voted the UK’s best wedding planners for 2008.

The event will also feature a series of live demonstrations, and the launch of the I’m A Celebrity...Give Me A Wedding competition with the chance to win use of Kelmarsh Hall as a wedding venue plus the services of a Tania-Tapel wedding planner. Inquiries on 01604 686 543.

For further information about Kelmarsh Hall Wedding Fair contact Ian on 07773 371 592 orRanj on 01604 686 146

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708A 140DCH MAKE SURE YOU’RE BEAUTY, NOT THE BEAST...

If you have any beauty questions you would like to ask our expert, please write to: Kara @ Beauty Manor, C/O WOW, 50 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DU.

Say goodbye to cellulite ,BSB 1PUUFS GSPN 5IF #FBVUZ .BOPS UFMMT VT IPX UP EFBM XJUI DFMMVMJUF Many of us women are prone to that stubborn, ‘orange peel’ affect on our thighs, and whilst away I realised just how many people have it. Cellulite – we hate it, even the celebrities have it (which means there is hope for us!), but how do we tackle the concern or how can we make the skin look better? There are so many products available on the market, but do they work? And how can we make the skin look better ourselves without spending loads of money. Lifestyle Tips to help tackle Cellulite. • Drink plenty of water at least 1 ½ /2 litres a day. • Avoid caffeine based drinks

such as Coffee, Alcohol • Exfoliate 2-3 per week or use a body brush. The aim is to stimulate the circulation and lyphamtic system to enhance the release of toxins. Concentrate on the areas with more concern. • Eating your 5 a day along with a balanced diet. Any cellulite products that you choose to use , does need to be used with a healthy diet and regular exercise, otherwise we would be all eating unhealthy and slapping on the cellulite cream would be enough. The cream that i personally recommend having used it myself is the Guinot Double Minceur Ciblee. It contains delipogenese which helps to break down the fat

tissue within the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite. The test results were excellent, you can lose 1.7cm from the thigh, 1.5cm from the tummy and 1.4 cm from the upper arm. Again these test results are combined with a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise (this speeds up the metabolism and the lymphatic system) and following the Lifestyle Tips. By following the lifestyle tips

and guidance from a product then I’m sure you will see a difference over the next few weeks.

Beauty ManOr is above Browns Hairdressing, Manor House, High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7NL. To book an appointment telephone 0844 999 4365

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Beauty and the Beast 8JUI UIF %JTOFZ TIPX IJUUJOH UIF %FSOHBUF TUBHF 808 UBLFT B UPOHVF JO DIFFL MPPL BU NBLF VQ Photo’s by: Robert Workman

Kimberley prepares Shaun’s face for the application of the Beast’s make-up

Kimberley prepares to mount the latex Beast mask on Shaun’s face

Once the mask is in position, Kimberley secures it in place

Once the mask is secured, Kimberley adds the details of the design

Kimberley continues to apply the detail to the mask

Now the mask is complete, it’s time to add the facial hair

Following which, some final retouching of the mask

Finally, the Beast hair piece is added and the job is done

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)"*3 #&"65:

Kara

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ART AND CULTURE IN OUR REGION...

Harborough Artists cluster on view "SUJTUT PQFO UIFJS EPPST UP UIF QVCMJD 2nd Sept tO 3rd Oct During September 2009, everyone is invited to visit the studios, exhibitions and art events organised by the Harborough Artists Cluster as part of Northampton Open Studios, showing the exciting

diversity of professional artists, designers and makers in South Leicestershire. The Harborough Artists Cluster is an informal and diverse group who open their studios to visitors in an annual trail round the town and villages in the Harborough

region. This year’s Cluster has grown to 24 artists working in all artistic disciplines from painting, drawing and illustration, to sculpture, photography, textiles and mixed media. Inspiration for this group comes from landscape, people and relationships, still life,

J. Clark

C.Renee

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the environment, surface and texture, abstract and surreal. This makes for an art trail that will prove engaging, inspiring and special. The trail takes place on Saturday and Sunday 19th and 20th September and includes

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studios in Harborough, The Bowdens (Great and Little), The Langtons, Kibworth, Mowsley, Husbands Bosworth, Lubenham, Clipston, Kelmarsh, Great Oxendon and Barton Seagrave, just over the Northamptonshire border. It is publicised in a colourful leaflet which makes a great souvenir of the event and handy reference for visitors. These are available from outlets throughout the region but also from Quinns Bookshop & Gallery and Roman Way Community Centre, Roman Way in Harborough town centre. Alongside the trail, there will be supporting events bringing the town centre to life. Harborough Artists Cluster are holding their first ‘Big Draw¹ event in the Memorial Gardens (just off the Square behind Harborough Building Society) as part of the much acclaimed Arts Fresco street arts experience day on Sunday 13th September from 10am -¬ 4pm. This free family event encourages artistic expression that reflects and contributes to the festival atmosphere and will promote the open studios trail the following weekend encouraging everyone to pick up a pencil and draw! Harborough Artists Cluster is also holding a new ‘signpost’ display to their studios in the town centre called ‘Art Windows’. This is a new collaboration between artists and local shops where artists will show artwork in the shop windows from 12th – 20th September. On Arts Fresco day there will be a free prize draw with a prize of £50 voucher to spend in Quinns Bookshop and Gallery for those who can correctly identify all shops and work on show. Harborough Artists Cluster is also pleased to renew its relationship with Quinns Bookshop & Gallery who will mount a supporting exhibition of work by the Cluster artists throughout the entire Open Studios period from 2nd September to 3rd October.

D. Brittan

GK Warburton

M.Dodd

L. Askey

Liz Anneli

HarbOrOugH artiStS CluSter – full details shown on their website at www. harboroughartistscluster. blogspot.com All of the artists and designers feature individually in Northamptonshire Open Studios, a three-week art experience encompassing the whole Northamptonshire / South Leicestershire region, more details on www. openstudios.org.uk

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Northamptonshire Open Studios "SUJTUT PG BMM UZQFT XFMDPNF ZPV 5 20 September The 2009 Open Studios event which runs, 5th - 20th Sept, features a myriad of artists with an astonishing array of creative work in every style and medium imaginable. Highlights this year will be printmaking workshops at the central exhibition venue with Jane Birch. A fantastic opportunity to witness kiln-forming, painted, stained and flame work glass to sculptural ceramics at Barton Hall Studios with Catherine Arrowsmith. With over 14,000 visitors

Catherine Arrowsmith, demonstrating at Barton Hall Studios as part of Northamptonshire Open Studios

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last year, this year promises to be an outstanding one with over 200 artists participating. Canons Ashby, a National Trust property in the South of the county will host the Central Exhibition with a Launch Evening on Fri 4th Sept, 7 9pm. Encompassing the Main Hall, Courtyard, Gardens and St. Mary’s Church as exhibition space, it will be a show not to be missed. In addition to visits to artists’ studios, demonstrations and activities there is a programme of exhibitions,

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amongst these a new vibrant art group ‘Practically Perfect’ will be taking the opportunity to launch itself at PhotoArtistry in Northampton on Sat 5th Sept, with a special evening reception 7-9pm, exhibition runs until 19th Sept. Northamptonshire Libraries are staunch supporters of Open Studios so please be sure to check out your local library where demonstrations, workshops and displays by OS artists can be found..

Victoria Folgate, ‘The Daffodil Greets’; exhibiting as part of a group at Kettering Library; www.victoriafolgate.co.uk

Carol Jacobs, ‘Platters’; exhibiting as part of a group at Kettering Library www.projectceramicfutures. com Carolyn Bushell, ‘Stone the Crowes’; exhibiting as part of ‘Practically Perfect’ in Northampton; www. carolynbushell.co.uk

Cheryl Austin, ‘Sleeping Mermaid’; exhibiting as part of ‘Practically Perfect’ in Northampton; www. stitchywitch.co.uk All details can be found in the free full colour brochure which can be obtained at Libraries, TIC’s or online. www.openstudios.org.uk

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4E4=CB WOW LOOKS AT EVENTS NEAR YOU THIS MONTH

Last Night of the proms UI BOOJWFSTBSZ IFME JO NFEJFWBM TFUUJOH

Saturday 26th September Have you ever been to a populist “Last Night of the Proms” set in a spectacular 1100AD medieval setting? No! Then make for the “Crusader Round” at Holy Sepulchre ,Church in Sheep Street, Northampton on Saturday 26th September at 19.30 hours. This 25th anniversary Proms night is an established major Northampton night out with national 2008 gold award winning

leads the finale and the flag waving, red white and blue attired patrons. All proceeds go to the Holy Sepulchre Restoration Trust. A visit to www.stseps.org (click on Restoration Trust Musical Evenings) will reveal the music programme and following high quality concerts. Alternatively call 01604 754 782 to prebook or make enquiries.

Northampton Concert Band, The Cantare Singers and a patriotic Proms finale complete with balloon drop and popper shots. Just completing a major £1.2 million restoration programme,

the exciting Crusader Round acoustics will echo to Elton John’s Candle in the Wind. Elvis Presley’s Love Me Tender, Sea Songs, Rodgers and Hammerstein show music and so much more. Mary Sheldon

Last Night of the Proms will be held at The Holy Sepulchre Church in Sheep Street, Northampton on Saturday 26th September at 7.30pm. Call 01604 754 782 to find out more or book tickets.

Food, glorious food! $BUDI UIF &BTU .JEMBOET 'PPE %SJOL 'FTUJWBM Sat 3 aNd SuN 4 OctOber We’ve all sampled the delights of Melton Mowbray’s internationally acclaimed specialities, Stilton cheese and pork pies – but now the town is fast gaining a reputation for local gourmet thrills right across the menu, this year hosting the 5th East Midlands Food & Drink Festival. Held in the grounds of Brooksby Hall, the award-

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winning 16th-century hunting lodge, the first weekend in October promises a host of taste sensations unrivalled since last year’s festival of flavour. Once again, the air will be filled with the mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked breads, flavoured oils, succulent beef and tender pork, speciality cheeses and home-made soups. Bring on the game, the beers,

WOW September 2009

spices, juices, bison, chocolate, honey, cider, wines, chutneys, sausages, cakes, ostrich, pancakes and much more from some of the country’s finest producers, many from the East Midlands region. And so to the exotic offerings from further afield – from the Mediterranean to India. It’s cheaper than last year at £6 per person and just £5 for

pre-booked tickets, with Park and Ride available from Melton Mowbray – so you can make plans to stay for the whole weekend. eaSt midLaNdS FOOd & driNk FeStivaL. Sat 3 and Sun 4 October, 2009 Brooksby Hall, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2LJ. www. eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk

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Add to kart! 8IJMUPO .JMM ,BSUJOH $FOUSF s GBS NPSF UIBO KVTU LJETo TUVGG Just about everything we assumed about Whilton Mill before we went along for our mini-teambuilding exercise (admittedly, there were only two of us!) proved hopelessly wide of the mark. Right away, put out of your mind images of squealing children trundling around a little seaside track. The thrills on offer here outside Daventry are definitely provided with adults in mind – it’s the sheer range of activities, events and attractions that make the place worth travelling to experience. Established for over 18 years, Whilton Mill is the UK’s most successful karting centre and off-road activities centre, catering not just to individuals and groups but the booming corporate hospitality market. And it’s easy to see why. Boasting two hair-raising tracks and four different layouts, Whilton caters for everyone from karting novices to Wolrd Champions – but even on the entry-level 160cc Biz Evo karts on the floodlit 450-metre track, the whiff of sprint-race competition and sheer closeness to the ground made 40mph feel more like Grand Prix speeds, provid-

ing a serious adrenaline rush along with the highest imaginable safety standards. Watching the 850-metre National Circuit, groups with some karting experience were hitting 60mph in their fleet of race-prepared Wright twin-engined pro karts. And the new international circuit is even tougher – a long, flowing track with fast corners and tight hairpins, “for the ultimate driving experience”. We’re pleased to report that, by this time, we were safely back in the bar in the 18th century water mill, checking out the off-road buggie, Segway, 4x4 and quad bike options. Shooting, too! Multi-activity days make this a perfect stag/hen day venue, and doubtless the talk of thousands of offices up and down the country – though, be warned, you’ll be hard pressed to keep the Junior Karting Days secret from the kids.

WhiltOn Mill KArting And COrpOrAte hOSpitAlity Whilton Locks Whilton, Daventry, NN11 01327 843 822 www.whiltonmill.co.uk

To advertise your event in the Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen, email sales@whatsonwhere. co.uk or call 01858 439 999

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The Northampton Baby & Toddler Fair *G ZPVOH DIJMESFO BSF B QBSU PG ZPVS MJGF ZPV DBOoU BGGPSE UP NJTT UIJT Whether you are an excited/ nervous first time parent to be, or a battle hardened survivor with several toddlers or preschoolers and know exactly what you want, this year’s event on Sunday 13th September at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, is the perfect place to come. Entry is free if you preregister, otherwise £2 per adult on the door and this will give you access to around 70 exhibitors from near and far spread over 1,000m2. They will be offering all manner of products and services specifically aimed at you and your little ones both present and future. Among the exhibitors this

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year be sure to look out for Gill Orton of Butterfly Bras. She provides a traditional bra fitting service for women in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Whilst based in the West Midlands, Gill, the owner of Butterfly Bras, is happy to make visits within a 50 mile radius. “The aim of Butterfly Bras is to provide a wide choice of high quality and good value lingerie which is also attractive, fashionable and feminine”. Gill has completed specific courses in bra fitting to ensure that she is as knowledgeable and professional as possible thus enabling her to satisfy her customers’ needs. While currently specialising

WOW September 2009

in Maternity/Nursing Lingerie, she will be extending her range to include Bridal Wear and Large Cup sizes very soon. Rita Phillips, owner of Little Gems told us why she set up in business. “Little Jems was inspired by the difficulties experienced by my family when trying to purchase Holy Communion wear in the North West of England particularly in the Manchester area. We were looking for dresses, veils, shoes etc. for my granddaughters, Jessica and Emily, who inspired the company name”. “We found the bridal shops with the odd dress but there was nowhere that gave a choice of styles so we resorted to the internet. There we found plenty of websites in the USA and quite a few in the UK but they were all in the South of England and there didn’t seem to be anywhere in the North West which offered a onestop shop for First Communion wear. We decided to redress that balance and visit schools in the run up to the big event allowing parents to purchase everything they need”. “We have put together a range of dresses, veils, headdresses, shoes and accessories so that you can buy everything you need. We also stock gifts, cards and tableware. If green issues are close to your heart and you’re worried about using disposable nappied, you need to speak to Green Bottoms. They are the UK’s first Disposable Nappy Recycling Collection Service. “We offer a solution to parents who want to do the right thing without sacrificing

the convenience of disposable nappies. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to recycle your little one’s nappies without breaking the bank”. For that unique gift item look out for Maddies where you’ll find a selection of personalised items including children’s cot bed quilts, covers, pillowcases, and include a personalised plain co ordinating pillowcase. Many beautiful designs to choose from. Embroidered baby clothing, embroidered and personalised towels and items for the home. The Cricket Ground has plenty of parking and is easily accessible to everyone for pushchair pushers, wheelchair users, little feet and big feet. Baby changing areas will be clearly signposted and a quiet seated area specifically for all you Breastfeeding Mums. Just in case you’re still making your mind up, the first 500 visitors will receive a Goody Bag full of information and special offers so hurry along to the registrations page to enter the prize draw which could see you win £250 cash. Exhibition Brochures will be available on the door and who knows, you might just find a bargain! The NOrThampTON BaBy & TOddler Fair is at Northampton County Cricket Club, The County Ground, abington avenue, Northampton, NN1 4pr on Sunday 13th September 2009 10am - 4pm. entry is free if you pre-register, otherwise £2 per adult on the door. To pre-register go online to www. northamptonbabyfair.co.uk

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northampton market Square "GUFS B CVTZ TVNNFS PG FWFOUT 4FQ UFNCFS CSJOHT FWFO NPSF OFX FWFOUT UP BUUSBDU ZPV JO UP UIF DFOUSF PG /PSUIBNQUPO 4VOEBZ UI 4FQU sees the 2nd Affordable Art Market, over 30 local artists selling their wares. The August event was a roaring success, this second event brings even more traders, some laid back music, and the Nook arty cafÊ stall for Sunday morning tea and cup cakes! Open from 11am – 2pm.

Jonathan Humbert, hosting public valuations in his double decker bus!

4BUVSEBZ UI 4FQU , you are invited to “Take a Fresh Look at Northampton Market Square!�. Meet the traders; see live demonstrations, watch fashion shows, to find out why you should be shopping in the Square.

4BUVSEBZ UI 4FQU is your chance to view antiques, as the square hosts its first Antique Market. Antiques2Go will be joined by local auctioneer

FOr mOre inFOrmatiOn cOntact: Market Square Events 01604 838555 www.marketsquareevents.com

World peace day 8IBUoT ZPVS JOUFSQSFUBUJPO PG 1FBDF Sunday 20 September Residents of Sibbertoft, Sulby and Welford will be “coming together� in Welford Village Hall on Sunday 20 September to celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Organiser Barbara Burton and her committee are hoping for an enthusiastic response to their request for residents of the 3 villages to contribute their own individual interpretations of “Peace� for the exhibition which is being staged for the second year running. “We are looking for exhibits which could be in the form of paintings, poetry, pottery, sculptures, flowers, in factany medium that can portray peace� Said Barbara. “We had an encouraging response to the first Peace exhibi-

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tion 12 months ago with visitors coming from all around the country. By involving the three villages this year, we hope to build on that and raise a lot of money for 4 pre selected charities� 1, Save the Children. 2, Peace One Day 3, The Prem Rawat Foundation 4, Adam Smile - A Lubenham based charity for the construction of an off road cycle route.

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FANCY TRYING SOMEWHERE NEW TO DRINK? LET WOW HELP YOU DECIDE!

The Olde Red Lion /PSUIBNQUPOTIJSF 'PPE %SJOL "XBSET äOBMJTU BOE PVS UPQ UJQ

F

hen Paul Collins and his wife Chris took over the Olde Red Lion in Kislingbury, it was one of those ‘hearts over heads’ decisions that proved an absolute winner. Once down on its luck, the classic village pub now has a spreading reputation, having recently scooped a

CAMRA award and now boasting a superb menu which has put it in the running for another prestigious gong. The 2006 takeover arose because Paul’s great granddad Benjamin Collins ran the pub from 1903-1929, followed by Paul’s granddad Victor until 1947. Paul’s dad Moggy and uncle Ben

(the Cobbler’s footballing hero of the 1950s and 60s) grew up here. And now, after a complete refurb, the old place is once again benefiting from the Collins’ loving care. The Red Lion has everything a proper traditional pub needs – Tomothy Taylor Landlord and guest beers, live music at weekends in a permanent marquee, great pub grub, a fine wine list, a child-friendly garden – plus the added bonus of the splendid Hunters restaurant, and accomodation in the shape of two boutique double bedrooms. Chef Scott Grimsley is a master of procuring seasonal and magically sourced ingredients, which ran to Cornish mussels, veal, French guinea-fowl and venison on the Saturday night we dropped by for a pint – and ended up converted for life. As the pedigree Welsh black fillet steak attests, there’s no better place to let your heart rule your head for a night.

HOW TO FIND IT: The Olde Red Lion High Street, Kislingbury, Northants NN7 4AQ Telephone: 01604 830219 Email: enquiries@theolderedlion.net Website: www.theolderedlion.net WOW FACTOR: Location 4 Beverage range 5 Food 5 Service 5 SCORE: 19/20 FEATURES Traditional village pub since 1830. Regular Events. Child friendly enclosed garden. Two boutique style Bed and Breakfast rooms. A-la-carte Restaurant.

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7><4 60A34= THE JOBS YOU CAN’T IGNORE IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

Pond Cleaning .JDIBFM 8IFBU PG 8IFBUoT $PVOUZ (BSEFO $FOUSF BOE 8IFBUT "RVBUJDT HJWFT TPNF UPQ UJQT PO IPX UP DMFBO ZPVS QPOE UIJT "VUVNO Pond cleaning seems to be a dirty word (no pun intended) when it comes to pond keepers. It is very important to have your pond cleaned, but how to do it? This question is one I’m often asked, and as a professional pond cleaner I have the knowledge and experience to do them! Ponds over the year go through various stages, in spring the plants start to break out from there pots, frogs and newts start to spawn, and fish start to become active and seeking food. Through summer your pond will come up with many problems including blanket weed, duck weed, excessive pond oxygenating weed, uneaten food and a

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steady build up of sludge. Autumn brings fallen leaves and plants dying down in the pond. The cold hard winter can be a gruelling time for your pond. So when is the best time to clean your pond? I would say that late spring and autumn are ideal times for pond clean outs. The best ways in which to clean out your ponds are as follows. Empty 90% of the water leaving the sludge at the bottom of the pond. Split plants like lilies and marginal’s. Remove 50% of the pond weed as it is a fast growing plant, and easy to grow back. All duckweed wants to be removed, which i know is extremely difficult and

WOW September 2009

the best way to remove it is by using a pond vac. Pondvacs are very useful for pond cleaning and I would say essential but are expensive the one which I use and recommend is the Oase Pondovac 3 which retails out at £239.99. With the pond vac you can then suck out all the sludge on the pond floor. Without a pondvac you will need to remove all sludge by hand not a nice job, smelly and time consuming! Is blanket weed a massive problem? Well sucking all the blanket weed out won’t solve the problem. But I have the answer! Blanket Answer is an extremely good product, I only recommend products I use and work with. This product is truly a god send. With a blend of enzymes and minerals it raises the copper levels which is harmless to fish plants and wildlife. It only

removes the blanket weed. An 800g bottle treats 10,000 litres and costs £17.99, only one treatment needed per year. So after you have cleaned out the pond fill it back up with tap water but remember to add a chlorine and heavy metal removing product, then add blanket answer to keep blanket weed at bay. Duck weed buster is also a good product to add to keep the duckweed to a minimum. I hope this has been helpful and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to call us at the Wheats County Garden Centre. Wheats County Garden Centre is at Tilton Lane, Leics, LE7 9FG. Tel: 0116 259 6248

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Invest for the future "OE UVSO QBSBEJTF JOUP SFBMJUZ Starfish Property Investments, run by Tim Earle, specialise in overseas property investment in niche luxury markets in both the Caribbean and Brazil.

If you have ever aspired to owning your own dream property overseas, whilst benefiting from a handsoff investment which offers capital growth and consistent rental income, this could be just what you have been looking for! The freehold investment properties range from studios through to detached villas within a luxury five star hotel resort on the Caribbean islands of Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent, the Dominican Republic and also Brazil. Managed by an international hotel operator, the investments provide an excellent passive income with tax-free equity release of the capital growth on completion. A two-year 10% rental guarantee is followed by an ongoing 50% share of the hotel revenue.

Owners also have the benefit of thirty days free use per year. Fully SIPPS accredited, those planning for retirement can use their pension funds to invest. Wholly private freehold residences are also available. The resorts are being built by one of the UK’s leading financially secure developers, with all contracts being issued in the UK. The leisure facilities within the resorts

will be second to none with golf courses designed by the legendary Gary Player, Pat Cash Tennis Academies, Liverpool FC Soccer Academies, Trader Vic’s restaurants and Mai Tai cocktail lounges and a dozen restaurants offering individual international cuisine. A recent two day launch at The Grove Golf Hotel saw over three thousand attendees including investors, Prime Ministers and Government Ministers of the Caribbean, Gary Player, Pat Cash, master planners, architects, designers and also representatives of The United Nations who flew in from around the world to attend the event. For more information about StarfISh prOperty InveStmentS contact Tim Earle on 07737 749 370 or email tim@timearle.com. You can also visit www. starfishpropertyinvestments. co.uk.

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B?>AC 41035

WOW LOOKS AT SPORTING EVENTS COMING UP IN THE REGION

The Flame & Thunder Show 4FF PVU UIF 4BOUB 1PE TFBTPO JO TUZMF SaTURDaY 31ST OcTOBER It’s time to pull on the scarves and gloves and make your way to what promises to be one of Santa Pod Raceway’s most spectacular events of the year! With over 15,000 visitors expected to attend this action packed season finale and FREE entry for kids under 16, the atmosphere will be electric. This end of season bash will present a winter feast of racing and entertainment for all the family - guaranteed to light up anyone’s weekend. The action! Get in on the action and witness the loudest, fiercest

and most power-packed track display you’re ever likely to encounter with 300mph Nitro guzzling Funny Cars. The Flame and Thunder show will be your last chance to see these 8000bhp machines this season, watch them power down the drag strip and experience the explosive action of what top level Drag Racing has to offer. Take your adrenalin to the next level whilst watching the famous 270mph Jet Car produce its very own firework display as it tears up the track with its 10ft flames roaring behind.

Fireforce 3 makes the crowds roar!

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The cheaper advance tickets are available now and up until 5pm on Friday 4th September both online and over the phone, so make sure you get yours to make the most of this discounted price. Grandstand seats are also going quickly so the sooner you get your seats the more chance there is of getting the seats that you want. For full details on attractions, prices and official entry list please visit www.santapod.com

0GG UIF USBDL BDUJPO Away from the track there’s even more to see – grab yourself a seat in the Live Action Arena for a variety of Stunt Displays from 13 times world record holder Terry Grant, car crushing action from

the mighty Monster Trucks, Freestyle Motocross and much more. Plus don’t miss the amazing 8ft robot “Titan” – back by popular demand with his spooky but highly entertaining performance. Keeping the kids entertained will be easy with so much to see and do – check out the funfair then warm up by the massive bonfire and watch the drag racing season go out with a bang with a huge firework display guaranteed to wow the crowds! Before dashing off why not watch the Hot Air Balloon glow display light up the skies of Northampton with a show choreographed to music. For your chance to book tickets to what promises to be a awesome day for all the family please phone Santa Pod on 01234 782828 or buy online at www.santapod.com.

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2;0BB85843B To advertise in the Midland’s fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen in our region, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999

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Are you holding a Halloween or Bonfire Night event? If so, we’d like to know about it! email sales@ wowwhatsonwhere. co.uk or call 01858 439 999

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1^f[TS >eTa As Autumn arrives, and with dark evenings drawing in, a snuggle in front of an open fire with a glass of wine is definitely calling! But in true Tracy and Elaine spirit we advance to our next quest. of children, or you just want to make life a little easier, you can have gates put up to stop the bowling ball gliding into the gutter. In addition to that you can use a wire rack to roll the ball

F

e decide before the onslaught of seasonal requests from the big kids in our life, to go ten pin bowling, it would be a good idea if we get some sneaky practice in so that we can offer some healthy competition for a change! Excitedly we try on our gorgeous bowling shoes, we wonder if we have the right size? We decide it’s best to go with the slightly larger size, not wanting to squash our feet! Finally, after sorting our feet out, we are shown to our lane for the night. After we set up our interactive scoreboard, its time for the fun to begin... Tracy soon picks up the perfect technique and shows Elaine how its done! Unfortunately however, Elaine is not always so good at taking on those instructions and involuntarily insists on curving the ball in the general direction of the gutter! Of course, confidence is

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from, to alleviate the weight and save any arm/shoulder strain. There is a licensed bar so if you are not driving you can really make an evening of it, also fast food and snacks available so no need to starve either. Parties are great whatever the age, an allocated staff member will make sure the party group do not go without drinks, entertainment and of course a birthday cake. This is certainly a great way of entertaining the children and adults alike, if you’ve just half an hour to fill then one game should do it for you and not break the bank!

Tenpin- Sixfields Leisure, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BE. Telephone: 0871 873 2450 www.tenpin.co.uk

soon falsely risen when a strike is made, only to then mess it up with the next go. After all, practice makes perfect! It really doesn’t matter how good or bad you are at bowling, Its never too hard to have fun! If your team consists

WOW September 2009

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