WOW What's On Where February 2011

Page 1

Issue 29

Complimentary Copy (£2.50 where sold)

Happy Valentines A real smoothie WOW kids get busy in the kitchen

February 2011

Leicester Comedy Festival WOW’s Guide to the big larf!

Music Gig listings

Live music for February

Take it to the maxi WOW looks at late winter trends As we head toward Spring

Win With WOW Win tickets to:

Pinnacle Climbing Centre

THEATRE • CINEMA • COMEDY • MUSIC • FASHION • SHOPPING • ART • EVENTS • MOTORING

The essential guide to what’s on in the Midlands

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1JOOBDMF $MJNCJOH $FOUSF 5JDLFUT Pinnacle Climbing Centre (featured i last month’s WOW Kids) have given us a family ticket for 1 hr for 2 adults and 2 children for an introduction to rock climbing, including using all the wall facilities, intro to ropes etc. For your chance to win, put your name, address, phone no. and email on a postcard and send it to ‘Pinnacle Competition’ to the address at the foot of the page. Closing date for entries is Fridy 4 March.

WOW What’s On Where is published by WOW Publishing Limited, 50 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7DU. TEL: 01858 439999. Fax: 01858 469008. EMaiL: wowmag@live.co.uk. WEbSiTE: www.wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk

EDiTORiaL DiRECTOR: Tracy Webber. FEaTURE WRiTER: Derek Hammond. MOTORiNG EDiTOR: Tim barnes-Clay MOViES EDiTOR: Jaz Cox. CREaTiVE DiRECTOR: Reg Cox. DESiGNERS: Tracey Flaxmer. SaLES DiRECTOR: Paul Calcott. SaLES ExECUTiVE: Jane GiffardTiney.

Š WOW Publishing Ltd 2009-11.

PiCTURE CREDiTS: Front Cover; iStock photo. pp07; Karla Gowlett. pp18, pp29; 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.

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

The Years Between %BQIOF EV .BVSJFS QMBZ PQFOT 3PZBM %FSOHBUFoT .BEF JO /PSUIBNQUPO TFBTPO FRI 4 TO SAT 6 FEB Royal & Derngate opens its 2011 Made in Northampton season with a play by the well-loved novelist Daphne du Maurier. The Years Between takes to the Royal stage from Friday 4 to Saturday 26 February, and is the first of a whole season of works written or inspired by classic British writers. Set in the 1940s it follows the fortunes of MP’s wife Diana Wentworth, and her young son, after her husband is lost in action in World War II. As a single woman, Diana finds unexpected independence; she assumes her husband’s

seat in parliament and begins a relationship with a local farmer. As the war draws to an end and peace returns to the country, a shock revelation threatens Diana’s new existence to the core. Autobiographicallyinspired, The Years Between is one of only two original plays written by Daphne du Maurier, better known as a novelist and particularly as the author of Rebecca and Jamaica Inn. An intriguing family drama, this powerful production directed by Kate Saxon (ETT’s Far From The Madding Crowd) breathes new life into this rarely-performed gem.”

THE YEARS BETWEEN is at the Royal and Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP. For tickets call the box office on 01604 624811 or go online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Three Billy Goats Gruff BOE 0UIFS 'VSSZ 5BJMT SAT 5 FEBRUARY Join the Storyteller, on the run from those three-headed monsters, trying to bring the most fantastic tales from the Magic Land of Three. Are you really sure what happened to the wolf and those three little pigs? What about Goldilocks? Why was she walking in those woods? And as for the three Billy

WOW February 011

Goats Gruff, how did they really deal with that troll? All will be revealed in this beautiful show using puppets and props. It’s full of fun and laughter and has an exciting gypsy soundtrack that you won’t be able to stop singing long after the show has finished. Suitable for everyone aged 3 and up and their pet trolls

THREE BIllY GOATS GRUFF 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.

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77 4 (SJQQJOH QIZTJDBM UIFBUSF Wed 9 FebRUARY Throughout her body of work, Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jasmin Vardimon has illustrated the power to grip and seduce audiences; exciting with athletic prowess, lulling through quiet beauty and tearing our emotions with a gutsy voice of intention. Man’s inhumanity to man never ceases to stun each gen-

eration. 7734 questions the human forces and weaknesses that have manufactured hell on earth whilst illuminating both our capacity for survival and the poetry of hope. Dramatically epic in scale and content, 7734 features stunning designs - a vast watch tower, flying bombs, a wind stormed beach – live video and a richly

diverse soundtrack ranging from Wagner and Shostakovich to Brian Eno and Deathprod. Powerful, impassioned, moving and original, Vardimon’s visceral choreography dramatically combines with text, music and awe-inspiring performances by a nine-strong company of international performers..

Call ThE CASTLE Box Office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk.

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

F70C{B >= If you only go to 30 comedy gigs this month‌ with DJ Fontana Fri SMOKESCREENS & CASTLES: RUSSELL KANE The Stables Milton Keynes CRADLE TO RAVE - A MUSICAL JOURNEY: LENNY HENRY Bedworth Civic Hall HEROES OF FUN: STAN BOARDMAN, JIMMY CRICKET Tamworth Assembly Rooms Fri LOSING IT: RUBY WAX Fri -Sat 5 THE TOUR THAT DOESN’T TOUR TOUR FAREWELL TOUR: PETER KAY Capital FM Arena Nottingham Sun 6 MIRTH CONTROL CORBY: GERRY K Central Bar (Cafe con Leche) Corby Tue 8-Wed 9 THE SUNSHINE TOUR: JOHN BISHOP LG Arena Birmingham Thu 10 MK COMEDY: MITCH BENN Xscape Milton Keynes Fri 11 THE COMEDY CLUB Lodge Park Sports Centre Corby THE PARTY ISN’T OVER YET: WENDY COPE Uppingham Theatre Fri 11-Sat 12 RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW: RUSSELL HOWARD LG Arena Birmingham Wed 16 SCREAMING BLUE MURDER: KENT VALENTINE,

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Jungle beast 0ME EPH OFX BVEJFODF As the only woman ever to win the prestigious Perrier Award at Edinburgh, there are no new tricks required in her self-depracatingly titled new show – we want more sublime grumpiness and acute observation about the state of being 50 and female – but it’s already clear that her spell in the jungle has somewhat refreshed her audience. Deliciously honest, engagingly appalled, delightfully rude. Blimey, we can’t help wondering what would happen if this month’s Comedy Fest interviewee Mark Thomas ever got locked in a room with Mark Steel. The world, at long last, would surely be set to Marxist anti-imperialist anti-corporate comedy rights‌.

Wed 9 OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS: JENNY ECLAIR The Stables Milton Keynes Tue 15 MARK STEEL Curve Leicester 1 Mar The Stables Milton Keynes

Take a punt "MM UPHFUIFS OPX NJMLZ NJMLZ Who’d have ever thought, back in the early ‘90s, that Punt & Dennis would ever win out as the more successful comedy duo born out of the Mary Whitehouse Experience, especially when Rob Newman and David Baddiel were playing stadium tours, then the latter going on to star as Frank Skinner’s straight man. But it’s happened, and

they’re worthy. Now a whole new audience is queuing up to see P&D thanks to his TV roles in Mock the Week and – especially – the sublimely funny sitcom Outnumbered. Wed 9 THEY SHOULD GET OUT MORE: PUNT & DENNIS Birmingham Town Hall Fri 11 The Castle Wellingborough Sun 13 Nottingham Playhouse

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SUSAN MURRAY, ANDREW BIRD The Stables Milton Keynes Thu 17 FIBBER IN THE HEAT: MILES JUPP Loughborough Town Hall IT’S NOT ME, IT’S YOU: JON RICHARDSON The Glee Club Nottingham Fri 18 JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD The Castle Wellingborough SCREAMING BLUE MURDER COMEDY CLUB: STEVE BEST, IVO GRAHAM, PAUL PIRIE, DAN EVANS Royal & Derngate Northampton Sun 20 LAUGHING BOY COMEDY CLUB The Core Theatre Corby JEREMY HARDY Warwick Arts Centre Coventry JERRY SADOWITZ The Cornerhouse Nottingham

He’s the score-keeper on Shooting Stars, and shares some of the surreal humour of his mentors Reeves and Mortimer; but make no mistake there’s a comic slickness to Renton Skinner that belies his slacker chatter about staying in to watch Crimewatch and the new copy of Death Wish that he picked up at the hospice shop.

“If it’s a bad telly night,� endearing Angelos extends his welcome, “then come and watch me mucking about for an hour and a half. I’ll be doing three jokes, two impressions and one dance.� Thu 17 ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU & FRIENDS O2 Academy Leicester Mon 28 Royal & Derngate Northampton

Tue 22 CHATTERBOX: SARAH MILLICAN Royal & Derngate Northampton Thu 24 MAGNERS FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB: STUART GOLDSMITH, KEITH PLATT + Walnut Tree Inn Northampton Sat 26 COMEDY & CLUB

NIGHT: GEOFF WHITING, DANNY WARD + Highlight Comedy Leicester GRUNTLED: ANDY PARSONS Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Sun 27 THE ‘OUT OUT’ TOUR: MICKY FLANAGAN Milton Keynes TheatreOLIVER SILLITO +THE HARLIKINGS + THE KINGSHIP Rescue Rooms Nottingham Fri 21 JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD: GUEST COMEDIANS The Castle Wellingborough Sat 22 COMEDY & CLUB NIGHT: SALLYANNE HAYWARD, DAN NIGHTINGALE, ANDY ROBINSON + Highlight Comedy Leicester Thu 27 MAGNERS FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB: ROGER MONKHOUSE Walnut Tree Inn Northampton Sat 29 CHATTERBOX: SARAH MILLICAN Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Sun 30 NIGHTMARE DREAM WEDDING: TOM WRIGGLESWORTH Warwick Arts Centre Coventry

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ART AND CULTURE NEAR YOU...

The Tin Man .FFU UIF NJSUIGVM NBTUFS NFUBM BSUJTU "OEZ )B[FMMe Tue 1 FeB - Sun 1 May Nationally acclaimed as the master of tin plate art, Andy Hazell creates entertaining and exuberant artworks from what appears the least promising of starting materials. Noone else before him has ever fashioned whole worlds with such humour from a single large sheet of very thin metal and several million blobs of solder. Cartoon-like creations of cities, animals and characters come alive with wacky personalities, infused with Andy’s unique worldview. Tippoo’s Dog, a typically tongue-

in-cheek re-mastering of the V&A’s ‘Tippoo’s Tiger’ will be on display at 78 Derngate

WOW Advertising works! Call: 01858 439 999

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– along with models of Washington, Rio and Montevideo! A successful public artist,

Andy is currently working on a giant sugar cube designed for Liverpool, a globe artichoke for Frodsham and a travelling illuminated hearse. For Northampton, his exhibition of greatest hits is free to all.

Tue 1-Sun 1 May THE WACKY WORLD OF ANDY HAZELL AND HIS TIN CITIES The Gallery Upstairs, 78 Derngate: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House & Galleries, Northampton NNI IUH Tel: 01604 603 407 www.78derngate.org.uk

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WOW is expanding and looking for highly motivated Account Managers. If you feel you are the right person, please email wowmag@live.co.uk and explain why!

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CWT F^a[S 9^]Tb <PST Radio 4’s ‘Sultan of the Surreal’ talks to WOW

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ilton Jones’s wife got a new job recently. It’s hard to say what she does... She sells

sea shells. Milton’s material is that rare thing in comedy: repeatable down the pub. Milton majors on wordplay, littering the stage with delicious puns that draw groans of delight time and time again. Milt’s school had a big problem with drugs... especially Class A. When Milt’s grandfather became ill, his grandmother greased his back. After that, he went downhill very quickly. Trouble is, there are just so many of them, you can only remember two or three at a time, and by the end of the night you need to go and see him again. He’s that good. F>F

What’s your Lion Whisperer show about? <8;C>=

I don’t know. Its just one of the jokes. There are lots of other jokes too. Too many maybe. Not really. You can never have too many jokes. F>F What do you think the brown cubes are in Branston Pickle? <8;C>= They are small blocks of flats for ants that they refused to live in because there were no windows.

<8;C>= The Ring Road. And Leicester is not a scam festival where promoters make too much money.

F>F You’ve written a novel about a comedian. To what extent is it secretly about you?

F>F Who’s your favourite person ever from Leicester, and why? Is it Engelbert Humperdinck? Sue Townsend? The Elephant Man? Somebody else?

<8;C>= 33% is me. 33% other people and 33% I made up. F>F After winning the Perrier Award you stopped playing Edinburgh. What is it about Leicester that just keeps you coming back?

televisions and enjoy the game Boggle. . F>F What would you do if you were invisible for the day? <8;C>=

I’d go to a Weightwatchers meeting and warn them not to overdo it like me!

<8;C>= Leicester Piggot.. F>F What do your Radio 4 fans look like? <8;C>=

They all have beards and no

Sun 6 THE LION WHISPERER: MILTON JONES Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Thu 10 The Glee Club Nottingham Sat 12 Curve Leicester Fri 25 The Stables Milton Keynes

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The gigs, The groups, The goss...

Saturday on my mind &WFSZCPEZ IBT B GBWPVSJUFe After Sheffield Wednesday and Kibworth Tuesday, the Happy Mondays and the Sundays comes the irrepressible, out-on-the-town, just-got-paid vibe of the Saturdays. ‘Forever Is Over’, reckon

WOW February 2011

our Frankie, Mollie, Una, Vanessa and Rochelle, but we reckon there’s still time to shuffle down the de Mont and make your definitive choice of fave Satdeh. The gurlz won Best Group at 2010’s

Virgin Media Music Awards, where Frankie Sandford also scooped, ahem, Hottest Female… but what’s not to like about Una? Ahhh, every Day’s a happy daze…

Mon 21 THE SATURDAYS De Montfort Hall Leicester . For tickets call the box office on 0116 233 3111 or visit www. demontforthall.co.uk

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Boogie by me -FHFOEBSZ TPVM TFMG TBUJTGBDUJPO Two truly iconic performers share a bill in what could be one of the great soul doubleheaders of all time. Back in 1963 Gary US Bonds toured Europe headlining above the Beatles with his infectious, bluesy R&B – and the influence is there for anyone to hear in Bruce Springsteen’s rootsy canon. As kingpin of the Drifters and as a solo act, Ben E King gave the world more ‘60s jukebox classics than anyone you’re likely to see live on stage this year or any other. Stand By Me. Save The Last Dance For Me. Must see. Must hear. .

F70C{B >= If you only go to 30 gigs this month… with DJ Fontana Wed 2 THE WATERBOYS Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Thu 3 JIMMY WEBB The Y Theatre Leicester WIRE The Rescue Rooms Nottingham Fri 4 ROB HALLIGAN + GARETH DAVIES-JONES The Stables Milton Keynes

Tue 1 THE GREAT AMERICAN SOUL BOOK: GARY U.S. BONDS + BEN E KING The Stables Milton Keynes Wed 23 Royal & Derngate Northampton Wed 2 Mar De Montfort Hall Leicester

Sat 5 THE MIGHTY JAH SHAKA SOUND SYSTEM The Auditorium Leicester GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS Tamworth Assembly Rooms Tue 8 COLIN BLUNSTONE The Stables Milton Keynes Fri 11 MICHAEL GARRICK + DOMINIC ASHWORTH Embrace Arts Leicester THE FEELING Roadmender Northampton Sun 13 BARB JUNGR & FRIENDS The Core Theatre Corby MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE LG Arena Birmingham Tue 15 STEVE KNIGHTLEY + JIM CAUSLEY Guildhall Leicester SCHOOL OF LIFE CELEBRATION Royal & Derngate Northampton EMILY SMITH The Stables Milton Keynes Thu 17 SWR: SHAUN RYDER + THE TWANG Rock City Nottingham Fri 18 JAKE & ELWOOD Royal & Derngate Northampton SHOWADDYWADDY The Stables Milton Keynes Sat 1 THE HAMSTERS The Musician Leicester BOB BROLLY Bedworth Civic Hall Sat1 -Sun 20 LIVE TOUR 2011: X FACTOR LIVE LG Arena

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Birmingham Sun 20 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR: SHAKIN’ STEVENS The Assembly Leamington Spa Mon 21 JAMES BLUNT The Royal Centre Nottingham Tue 22 10CCThe Assembly Leamington Spa Thu 24 DAVID MCALMONT The Stables Milton Keynes Fri 25 THE CHRISTIANS The Musician Leicester THE IMAGINED VILLAGE Royal & Derngate Northampton Sat 26 PAULINE BLACK (THE SELECTER) The Venue Corby THE GO! TEAM O2 Academy Leicester MARY WILSON + THE CHI-LITES De Montfort Hall Leicester BARBARA DICKSON Royal & Derngate Northampton ABBA THE SHOW Melton Theatre Melton Mowbray THE STREETS Rock City Nottingham Mon 28 KT TUNSTALL The Assembly Leamington Spa JAzz & CLASSICAL Wed 2 DANISH QUARTET The Stables Milton Keynes Fri 4 VIENNA TONKUNSTLER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA + NATASHA PAREMSKI Royal Centre Nottingham Tue 8 KATE WILLIAMS QUARTET The Stables Milton Keynes Thu 10 MY GYPSY WALTz TOUR: EDUARDO NIEBLA The Castle Wellingborough ACKER BILK & HIS PARAMOUNT JAzz BAND The Stables Milton Keynes

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The survivors )BOET VQ JG ZPV DBO SFNFNCFS UIF n Te You know what they say about remembering the ‘60s vibe and being there: well, here are two legendary acts who stormed the barricades and survived to tell the tale – this month in Leamington. Bonzo Dog Doo Dah originator Neil Innes is an arch surrealist and an unparalleled pop parodist, but what a fantastic songwriter. Shout for the Rutles alternateuniverse smashes, the Innes Book of Record twinklers, and ‘Urban Spaceman’. And British folk-rock revolutionaries the Fairports return to play selections from their new album alongside the complete 1971 concept album ‘Babbacombe Lee’. “The Assembly has become one of our favourite venues, says Simon Nicol, “and we particularly look forward to playing there again.”

Sun 6 FAIRPORT CONVENTION Fri 11 NEIL INNES The Assembly Leamington Spa

Back to the future (PMEFO PMEJFT JO UIF åFTI It isn’t every venue that offers you a choice of decade to revisit along with the more usual ‘circle or stalls’, but the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough is getting a big reputation for these high-quality retro packages, this month zeroing in the rockin’ ‘50s and the groovesome ‘70s. Having taken the sub-halfhour trip from Harborough to see the excellent Mark Little play Caveman, we were impressed by the whole Castle set-up – the auditorium and the roster of shows, the ambience, the free parking; but perhaps most of all the crowds flocking in from all points of the compass. .

Sat 12 ABBA THE SHOW Fri 25 ROCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR The Castle Wellingborough

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Cube of fire 5IF .BO JO #MBDL IFoT CBDL Live from The Core at Corby Cube, the man who strode the line, stared down Folsom Prison, named A Boy Named Sue, and ended up Hurt. It’s the one and only – well, he’s certainly been voted the most authentic Man in Black tribute act – Johnny Cash. With his full, imperious, rockin’ country combo behind him, along with some

atmospheric visuals on big screen, Clive John does more than perform all the Johnny Cash hits. He steps right into the cowboy boots, right into the rumpled, bow-legged Cash strides, and makes you believe‌ Thu 10 JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Core Theatre Corby

Pass the dutchie 3FHHBF HSPPWFT BU OFX -FJDFTUFS WFOVF We’ve heard nothing but good things about Leicester’s new gig on the block, The Auditorium in the Market Place – and we’ll get back with a full report once we’ve been along to see the Buzzcocks at the end of January. Meanwhile, here’s another cracker to look forward to: the high-school reggae sound of 1982 all grown up and hardly a mention of bikesheds; Jamaican Dawn Penn who laid down her first

recordings for Prince Buster back in the ‘60s; and fusion groover Maxi Priest, whose easy-going ‘Wild World’ will make you yearn all the harder for summer sunshine – and whose ‘That Girl’ 45 with Shaggy will bring back more memories of – gulp – is 1993 really already 18 years ago? Fri 25 MAXI PRIEST + DAWN PENN + MUSICAL YOUTH The Auditorium Leicester

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0 aTP[ B\^^cWXT With Valentines day in mind WOW kids create a genuine smoothie, full of nutrition and maybe laced with just a little chocolate!

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OW kids choose to combine strawberries, mango, and bananas and have fun naming their creation Valentino!

F>F 5PRc Rudolph Valentino was an Italian actor, and early pop icon. Known as the “Latin Lover�, he was one of the most popular international stars of the 1920s, and one of the most recognized stars of the silent film era. He is best known for his work in The Sheik and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

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All ingredients available at your local

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75g sliced fresh strawberries 1 mango, peeled and stoned 1 banana, peeled and sliced 150ml milk 1 tbsp honey 10 to 12 ice cubes

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You will need a blender or liquidizer (adult supervision required).

6^ 1P]P]Pb Bananas that are beginning to turn black can be popped into the freezer and can be used directly from the freezer in future smoothies!

Blend the strawberries, mango, banana, milk, honey, and ice cubes until smooth. Pour into a glass and use your imagination to present your smoothie with extra fruit or even that old devil called... chocolate!

#BTJD TNPPUIJF SVMFT

For milky smoothies, blend 1/2 pint (300ml) of milk, a handful of ice cubes, and about 200g of each of your chosen fruits (peeled, cored or stoned as necessary). For yoghurt based smoothies, blend 1/4 pint (150 ml) of fruit juice and 1/4 (150ml) pint of natural yoghurt with 200g of each of your chosen fruits, and a handful of ice cubes.

F>F CX_ To set the scene for your valentine smoothie, why not decorate a serviette or serve with a skewer full of fruit or simply a chocolate like WOW kids did and maybe a heart shaped biscuit!

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

F70C{B >= NeW Films this mONth...

drive angry 'BTU QBDFE % BDUJPO

Friday 4th FeBrUary James Cameron’s sanctum Fighter the rite Friday 11th FeBrUary drive angry Gnomeo and Juliet the debt yogi Bear

Friday 18th FeBrUary i am number Four. Justin Bieber 3d Friday 25th FeBrUary hall Pass Just Go with it

Friday 11th FeBrUary In the newest 3D actionadventure from the director of MY BLOODY VALENTINE, DRIVE ANGRY stars Nicolas Cage as Milton, a hardened felon who has broken out of hell for one last chance at redemption. Intent on stopping a vicious cult who murdered his daughter,

he has three days to stop them before they sacrifice her baby beneath a full moon. He’s joined by Piper (Amber Heard) - a young, attractive waitress who liberates her exboyfriend’s cherry-red muscle car in order to help Milton. Now, the two of them are hot on the trail of the deadly

leader of the cult, Jonah King (Billy Burke), who believes it is his destiny to use the baby to unleash hell on earth. But the bloodthirsty cult is the least of Milton’s problems. The police are after him too. And worse, an enigmatic killer known only as “The Accountant� - who has been sent by the Devil to retrieve Milton and deliver him back to hell. With wicked cunning and hypnotic savagery, the Accountant will relentlessly pursue Milton at high speed across the country until his mission is accomplished. Fueled by high octane and pure rage, Milton must use his anger to go beyond all human limits to avenge his daughter’s murder, before his last chance at redemption is revoked. direCtOr: Patrick Lussier GeNre: Action adventure Cast:Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard, William Fichtner, Billy Burke CertiFiCate: TBC rUNtime: TBC

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the eagle "EWFOUVFST JO 3PNBO #SJUBJO FRIDAy 25th FebRuARy In 140 AD, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism... The Roman epic adventure THE EAGLE stars Channing

Tatum and Jamie Bell and is directed by Academy Award winner Kevin Macdonald. 20 years earlier, Rome’s 5,000-strong Ninth Legion, under the command of Flavius Aquila, marched north carrying their treasured golden Eagle emblem. They never returned; Legion and Eagle simply vanished into the mists. Hearing a rumor that

the Eagle has been seen in a tribal temple in the far north, Flavius’ son Marcus (Tatum), determined to restore the tarnished reputation of his father, is galvanised into action. Accompanied only by his slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out into the vast and dangerous highlands of Scotland - to

confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father’s memory, and retrieve the hallowed Eagle. Along the way Marcus realizes that the mystery of his father’s disappearance may well be linked to the secret of his own slave’s identity and loyalty - a secret all the more pressing when the two come face-toface with the warriors of the fearsome Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim). DIRectOR: Kevin MacDonald GenRe: Action adventure cAst: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim ceRtIFIcAte: TBC RuntIme: 114 minutes

Blue Valentine (15) 3.45pm Neds (18) 6.05pm Midnight Run (18) 8.30pm Live Comedy in Green Tue 1 Black Swan (15) 4pm, 6.20pm, 8.30pm 127 Hours (15) 4.15pm, 8.45pm The King’s Speech (12A) 6.15pm Wed 2 Black Swan (15) 4pm, 6.20pm, 8.30pm 127 Hours (15) 4.15pm, 8.45pm The King’s Speech (12A) 6.15pm Thu 3 Black Swan (15) 4pm, 6.20pm, 8.30pm 127 Hours (15) 8.45pm The King’s Speech (12A) 4pm Girl, Interrupted (15) 6.30pm Fri 4 Biutiful (15) 3pm, 6pm, 9pm Gulliver’s Travels 3D (PG) 4pm 127 Hours (15) 6.30pm, 8.30pm Sat 5 Biutiful (15) 2.30pm, 9pm The Blues Brothers – Charity Screening (15) 6.30pm Gulliver’s Travels 3D (PG) 1pm, 3.30pm 127 Hours (15) 6.45pm, 9.45pm Sun 6 Biutiful (15) 1pm, 4pm, 7pm Gulliver’s Travels 3D (PG) 12pm, 4pm Up (PG) 2pm 127 Hours (15) 6pm, 8pm Mon 7 Biutiful (15) 1pm, 4pm, 7.30pm 127 Hours (15) 1.15pm, 4.15pm, 6.15pm A Night at the Opera (U) 8.15pm

127 Hours (15) 4.15pm, 6.15pm Brief Encounter (PG) 8.15pm Wed 9 Biutiful (15) 4pm, 7.30pm 127 Hours (15) 4.15pm, 6.15pm Jaws (PG) 8.15pm Thu 10 Biutiful (15) 4pm, 7.30pm 127 Hours (15) 2pm, 4pm The Workshop 6pm Idiots of Ants 8pm Fri 11 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.15pm, 8.30pm Blue Valentine (15) 4pm, 6.30pm Neds (18) 8.45pm Laurence Clark 8pm Sat 12 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.15pm, 8.30pm Blue Valentine (15) 6pm Neds (18) 3.30pm Popcorn Comedy 9.30pm Sun 13 Never Let Me Go (12A) 12pm, 3.30pm, 6pm, 8.30pm Blue Valentine (15) 3pm, 5.30pm Neds (18) 8pm Mon 14 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1pm, 4pm, 6.15pm, 8.30pm Blue Valentine (15) 10pm Neds (18) 1.15pm, 5.45pm This is Spinal Tap (15) 8.15pm Tue 15 Never Let Me Go (12A) 4pm, 6.15pm, 8.30pm Blue Valentine (15) 3.30pm, 6pm Neds (18) 10.30pm Get Carter (18) 8.15pm

Thu 17 Never Let Me Go (12A) 4pm, 6.15pm, 8.45pm Blue Valentine (15) 3.45pm Neds (18) 8.45pm Rain Man (15) 6pm Fri 18 Never Let Me Go (12A) 12.30pm, 3pm, 10pm Tangled 3D (PG) 1.45pm Brighton Rock (15) 4pm The Fighter (15) 9pm Henning Wehn 8.45pm Adam Buxton: BUG 6pm, 8.30pm Sat 19 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Tangled 3D (PG) 12pm, 2.15pm, 4.20pm Brighton Rock (15) 6.30pm The Fighter (15) 8.45pm Henning Wehn 8pm Sun 20 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Tangled 3D (PG) 12pm, 2pm Brighton Rock (15) 4pm The Fighter (15) 6.20pm, 8.45pm Mon 21 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Tangled 3D (PG) 12pm, 2.15pm, 4.20pm Brighton Rock (15) 6.30pm The Fighter (15) 8.45pm Tue 22 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Tangled 3D (PG) 12pm,

2.15pm, 4.20pm Brighton Rock (15) 8.45pm The Fighter (15) 6.30pm Wed 23 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Tangled 3D (PG) 12pm, 2.15pm, 4.20pm Brighton Rock (15) 6.30pm The Fighter (15) 8.45pm Thu 24 Never Let Me Go (12A) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Tangled 3D (PG) 12pm, 2.15pm, 4.20pm Brighton Rock (15) 8.45pm The Fighter (15) 6.30pm Fri 25 True Grit (15) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm The Green Hornet 3D (12A) 1.15pm, 4pm Brighton Rock (15) 6.30pm Rabbit Hole (12A) 8.45pm Sat 26 True Grit (15) 1.30pm, 4pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm The Green Hornet 3D (12A) 12.30pm, 3pm Rabbit Hole (12A) 6.30pm Brighton Rock (15) 8.45pm Sun 27 True Grit (15) 12pm, 3.30pm, 6pm, 8.15pm The Green Hornet 3D (12A) 12.30pm, 3pm Brighton Rock (15) 6pm Rabbit Hole (12A) 8.15pm Mon 28 True Grit (15) 1pm, 3.30pm, 6.30pm, 8.45pm Brighton Rock (15) 1.30pm, 8.45pm Rabbit Hole (12A) 4pm, 6.30pm

Wed 16 Tue 8 Never Let Me Go (12A) Biutiful (15) 4pm, 7.30pm 4pm, 6.15pm, 8.30pm

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Floor-length and fabulous – that’s the way to wear your frocks this season.

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0W looks for late winter trends that are going to carry you through to the spring without falling out of fashion. Meet the perfect winter/spring wardrobe staple – the maxi dress. For those who fell in love with the light and airy maxis of summer, think of this as that trend’s older, more sophisticated, sibling. We’re talking longer sleeves, sleeker curves and more luxurious fabrics..

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1 Long Tall Sally. Showstopping printed crinkle satin maxi dress with cap sleeve, £75, knitted longline button through cardigan, £34, slip-on pump with ribbon trim, £30. 2 Simply Be. Black chiffon maxi dress, £50. 3 asos. Plated sleeveless maxi, £65 Archive:4 A|wear. Maxi dress, £50. 5 Mint Velvet. Double twist jersey maxi dress, £59. 6 Tesco Clothing. F&F Velvet maxi dress, £30. 7 Very.co.uk. Fearne cotton velvet maxi dress, £79. 8 Rare. Vintage look knit maxi, £49. 9 Lipsy. Angel-sleeve maxi, £38.

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10 Next. Stripe maxi dress, £28. 11 Monsoon. Garroway navy maxi dress, £180. 12 Monsoon. Flora Maxi Dress, £60. 13 Monsoon. Crochet white maxi dress 833062 £160. 14 boohoo.com. 70s maxi dress. 15 Marks & Spencer, Hat £45, per una Jumper £49.50, Dress £110, Bangle £8

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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.

Step into Spring... XJUI :PVUIGVM 4LJO With Spring on it’s way and hopefully the last of the snow, what a great way to start the year with Decleors Aroma White C+. Developed in partnership with Shiseido, Decleor are launching a new range of High Performance Brightening Products to illuminate your skin. The expert care products respond to the needs of dull, pigmented skins to recover the radiance and translucence. That’s what every women wants!

Brightening Active Ingredients act on the size and intensity of pigment spots and to offer radiance to tired skin. 62% of women say they are worried about their dark spots. Pigment spots are the 3rd worry after wrinkles and sagging of the skin. Aroma White C+ works in two ways-

1SFWFOUJPO "DUJPO Regulates the development

pigmentation Prevents the appearance of brown spots

3FQBJSJOH "DUJPO Lightens Pigmentation Repairs pigment irregularities Results in shine, translucence and an even complexion. The Range is made up of 5 Face Care ProductsBrightening Cleansing Foam, which eliminates impurities and refines the skin’s texture. Aromessence White Brightening Serum, evens and visibly glowing, your complexion’s delicate translucence is restored. Protective Brightening Day Emulsion SPF 15, your complexion is more even and incredibly radiant. Recovery Brightening Night Cream, in the morning the skin is clearer, fresher and more radiant. Facial Features are relaxed. Brightening Spot Corrector, works on the individual spots. 66% reduction on dark spots size.

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By using: Aromessence White Brightening Serum + Protective Brightening Day Emulsion SPF 15 = IMPROVED EFFECTIVENESS Brightening Effect for 88% of women. This exciting new range will be launched in salon from February. I am very pleased to announce we are the Winners for the 2nd year running of the Most Progressive Salon for Decleor, over 6 regions. Happy Spring! Kara x Beauty ManOr is above Browns Hairdressing, Manor House, High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7NL. To book an appointment telephone 0844 999 4365 www.thebeautymanor.co.uk

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C74 ;4824BC4A 2><43H 54BC8E0; WOW PREVIEWS THE BIGGEST COMEDY EVENT OF THE YEAR

Must see! Will larf! 808oT SFDPNNFOEFE IJHIMJHIUT PG UIJT NPOUIoT UI -FJDFTUFS $PNFEZ 'FTUJWBM s 'SJ 4VO 'FCSVBSZ This year’s Leicester Comedy Festival is not only the biggest in Britain, but significantly bigger than last year’s record breaker, with tons more gigs crammed into an incredible 17 days. First held in 1994, it’s the longest-running comedy festival in Europe. Ooyer, there are 50 venues involved. There

F70C{B >= Sat 5 MAX DICKINS AND NAZ OSMANOGLU Belmont Hotel An hour of stand-up shared between two comedians on the rise – Max a Sony Award nominated radio presenter on Absolute Radio, and Naz a multi award-winner, Edinburgh hit and dangerously charismatic wit. Highly rated in the industry. Sun 6 ISY SUTTIE: LOVE LOST IN THE BRITISH RETAIL INDUSTRY Firebug Best known for playing the role of Dobby in the sitcom ‘Peep Show’, (fairly) local Derbyshire lass Isy Suttie is in real life an acclaimed musical comic, all hung up on love and lust in the yoghurt aisle. Tue 8 JOE BOR: IN SEARCH OF THE SIX PACK The Criterion

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are more than 350 gigs and events in total, averaging out at, let’s see, something like, er, 20.5882 gigs and events every single day. Not to mention every single night. We should be proud. We’re certainly spoiled for choice. The pantheon of marquee names headlining the bigger venues include the likes of Lenny Henry,

Winner of Best Value Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2010 (with the magnificently titled A Study Of Embarrassment By A Guy With Two Bumholes) and finalist in the LCR Comedian of The Year the previous year. Wed 9 DAVID MORGAN: TRIPLE THREAT The Crumblin Cookie Camp young comic who ‘sails into the show on a cloud of confidence’ according to Radio Leicester. Whether his Triple Threat is being a hugely talented wit, singer and dancer or gay/ dyslexic/speccy, he reckons that’s for you to decide! Thu 10 IDIOTS OF ANTS Phoenix Square The lads’ ‘Facebook in real life’ and ‘Wii Breakfast’ sketches have become two of the most viewed UK comedy sketches on YouTube. ‘Rock ‘n’ roll hysteria meets sharp and brilliant

Jimmy Carr, Stephen K Amos, Arabella Weir, Jo Caulfield, Greg Davies, Phil Cool and Chris Addison. Special events include the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition, Comedy Heaven, Comedy in the Dark and the Absolute Radio Live Show. But what we’d like to do here is pick out a few hot tips to whet

your comedy wotsit around a spread of venues – acts that aren’t all yet household names but will probably be sidling on to your TV before too long. Let’s get along and have a proper larf! Meanwhile, full details of events, acts, times, dates and large, amusing bananas are at www.comedyfestival.co.uk.

with a goatee. But don’t let the fact that Alfie is obsessed with morality and the search for a common truth fool you. Nor that he uses evocative and fantastic language to condemn the demise of culture. He’s also dead funny.

comedy,’ says the man with five glittery stars at Time Out. Fri 11 DOC BROWN: UNFAMOUS The Crumblin Cookie ‘Comedian, rapper and bloody good entertainer,’ boasts Doc’s website, comically leveraging on the disastrous fact that he used to play to 40,000 with Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, and now ends up talking to 50 people in a room. Sat 12 ALFIE BROWN: THE LOVE YOU TAKE Belmont Hotel A taggle-haired, beautiful boy

Sun 13 JAMES DOWDESWELL Kayal restaurant A quirky impressionist and imaginative, storytelling comedian. Sought-after star of the UK comedy circuit (and, ironically, an extra in Extras) whose absurd observations have carried him as far as Shanghai, Dubai, Oz, Bangkok and Phuket. Mon 14 JO CAULFIELD’S VALENTINE SHOW The Little Theatre Okay, so you already know Jo and most likely lust after

$0.&%:

Roadshow, although there’s no need to hold that against her. Going places. Get in quick.

her foibles and failings and Ramones T-shirt. But, Lordie, we’d never dare call her ‘Wonderfully sharp and bitchy’, like those Observer bods. ‘One of the finest female comics at work’ is more us. Wed 16 DJ DANNY Belmont Hotel DJ Danny is the comic creation of comedian, presenter and writer Danny Robins – a nerdy English teacher who isn’t quite as street smart and cool as

he imagines. One day, Danny, you’ll be able to quit that day job and achieve global superstar status. Wed 16 SIMON DONALD IS COMPLETELY HATSTAND The Crumblin Cookie Viz co-founder shifts from the comic page to comedy stage in this five-character one-man show, telling the history of the Geordie institution in-between his new and outrageous creations. Let’s hope he brings Biffa Bacon, though but. Thu 17 ZOE LYONS Embrace Arts Zoe was part of the Leicester Com Fest showcase in London, which gives a hint of how highly she’s rated. She’s already appeared on Michael McIntyre’s

Sat 19 PAUL SINHA Embrace Arts Wonderfully wordy, repressed and confused, the Indian ex-GP who came out as gay and a pub quiz addict is slowly building a

big rep. You might remember our interview with Paul, when we caught his class act at last year’s Comedy Festival. Sun 20 PAUL KERENSA: TOILET HUMOUR Kayal restaurant Paul’s ‘Borderline Racist’ show isn’t racist, it’s about what every country thinks of its neighbours. But his ‘Toilet Humour’ routine certainly is packed with lavatorial anecdotes. A brilliant writer with projectors, laptops and multimedia props.

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4E4=CB WOW LOOKS AT WHAT’S GOING ON...

Sport to Street &YIJCJUJPO UFMMT TUPSZ PG UIF USBJOFS UNTIL 3RD JULy An intriguing exhibition that traces the history of the training shoe from the earliest pair to the iconic brands we know today is to open at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery in the New Year. ‘Sport to Street’ follows the lifespan of the training shoe, from

its early beginnings as a soft-soled tennis shoe worn by Henry VIII to the iconic footwear of choice that it has become today. Northampton is home to one of the world’s most famous shoe collections and has the oldest known running shoe worn in the early 1860s by the then Lord Spencer. Sport to Street looks at the rise of rubber-soled footwear for sports in the 19th century and the early sneakers manufactured by legendary US companies Converse and Keds. By the 1970s trainers were still predominantly worn by sportsmen and women for their comfort and performance-enhancing design. This only started to change with the craze for aerobics, health and fitness and improved trainer technology that helped move them away from being simply practical items to footwear that makes a fashion statement. The exhibition, which features leading brands including Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok and New Balance, delves into the relationship between brands and sub cultures as well as brands and celebrities. It is part of a wider trainer project paid for by the Heritage Lottery Collecting Cultures fund to enhance collections in a specific field.

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Rebecca Shawcross, Northampton Borough Council museum’s resident shoe expert, said: “The story of the rise of the trainer from its humble beginnings as a simple sports shoe to its status today as one of the coolest items of footwear is fascinating. We are lucky to have what is fast becoming the best trainer collection in the world, and this is the first time we have ever showcased so many in one place at one time.

SPoRT To STReeT will be showing at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery from 15 January to 3 July 2011. opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

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40C8=6 >DC DON’T JUST STICK TO YOUR USUAL HAUNTS, TRY SOMEWHERE NEW TO EAT!

Restaurant of the Month .BOHP -PVOHF 8BUGPSE (BQ /PSUIBNQUPOTIJSF Ob Gratiem – a speciality king prawn dish baked with garlic, chilli and basil leaves (£12.95) – with something more familiar, a dry, hot, green-peppery chicken xacutti curry (£7.95). Oodles of fresh noodles, shared rice and fresh-baked breads perfectly complemented a five-star meal at a restaurant where it really is possible to savour the best of both worlds!.

Situated just off the A5 in Watford, the Mango Lounge attracts customers from miles around to enjoy its unique ambience and pan-Asian flavours, uniquely offering authentic Thai and Indian cuisine under one roof. Customers from Northampton, Daventry and Lutterworth joined those from Weedon and the surrounding villages when we visited (all the way from Harborough!) on a Saturday night. There’s something of the atmosphere of a Thai temple throughout the Mango Lounge, with wooden carvings, sundry goddesses and beautiful detail in the interior design. Together with a sumptuous choice of cuisines, it’s responsible for the resturant’s fast-spreading reputation - though there’s even an additional Valentine’s Night

HOW tO Find it The Mango Lounge, Station Road, Watford Gap, Northants NN6 7UL Tel: 01327 703621 www.mango-lounge.co.uk

promise of a complementary glass of wine and a romantic flower! When in Watford, do as the Indians or the Thai do. Having drunk in the exotic aromas from a neighbouring table, we opted for a Thai veg platter for starters (£9.95), with deepfried sweetcorn patties and beancurd and mushroom toast the star of a rich and varied show. Spoilt for choice, we then decided to share main dishes, mixing and matching Goong

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<>C>A8=6 WOW TAKES A LOOK AT THE LATEST DEALS ON WHEELS

Impressive all rounder 5JN #BSOFT $MBZ ,JB 4QPSUBHF $3%J n 4BU /BWo 8% The new Kia Sportage crossover is a far more attractive car than its predecessor. It now looks expensive, but is actually very affordable, and comes with an unbelievably long warranty. What more could you ask for if you’re in the market for a chic family car? The Sportage line-up now includes four engines, including brand-new highly efficient 1.6litre direct-injection petrol and 1.7-litre turbodiesel units; manual and automatic transmissions; and the choice of front-wheel drive or active all-wheel drive. My test car was the 1.7 CRDi 3 Sat Nav 2WD with Kia’s Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) technology, which shuts down the engine when the car is stationary to help save fuel and reduce emissions. The system restarts instantly as soon as you’re ready to move off again. Together, these measures ensure the new Sportage is as environmentally sound as it is

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stylish and fun to drive. The car is extremely well specified. For example it features a fully integrated 7-inch touch screen satellite navigation with built in reversing camera and upgraded audio sound system. But forget all the gadgetry for a moment because, probably more importantly to most private buyers, the Sportage comes with a seven-year warranty that can be transferred to subsequent owners as long as the 100,000mile limit has not been reached. If that’s not a selling point, I don’t know what is. Looks-wise, the new Kia Sportage is a radical departure from the dull 2004 model it replaces. It is longer, lower and wider and now incorporates the key features of an SUV in a more athletic and muscular package. The high shoulder and low roof lines meet in striking reverse-angle C-pillars that improve the view out for rear passengers. And the

KIa SpOrtage 1.7 CrDI ‘3 Sat Nav’ 2WD Max SpeeD: 107 mph 0-62 mph: 11.9 secs COMbINeD Mpg: 52.3 eNgINe layOut: 1685cc 4 cylinder 16v turbodiesel Max. pOWer (bhp): 114 at 4000 rpm Max. tOrque (lb.Ft): 192 at 1250 - 2750 rpm CO2: 143 g/km prICe: ÂŁ23,065 on the road

.0503*/( ribbed roof, chunky door handles, LED day-time running lights and large wing mirrors make the car appear more street-wise than competitors such as the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan. Inside, the spacious five-seat cabin is as dynamic as the exterior and is dominated by a multitier dashboard that narrows as it sweeps in from the sides towards the middle, leading into an eye-catching centre console. When it comes to loading up,

boot space is adequate, not massive, but the flagship Sportage 3 model makes up for that with full leather upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights with washers, auto light control, front wiper de-icer, premium vision instrument cluster, auto-dimming rear view mirror and 18-inch alloy wheels. For a big car the Sportage is surprisingly easy to drive and park. This is down to a revised power-assisted steering system that ensures light, easy manoeu-

vrability at low speeds but with enough weightiness and feedback to make the car agile and stable at motorway speeds. The Kia also delivers an absorbent and comfortable ride on pretty much any road surface thanks to its all-independent suspension. And despite the rather ‘bling’ 18 inch alloys on my demo, the 1.7litre turbodiesel propelled Kia, with the fuel-saving assistance of ISG, is capable of returning 52.3 mpg, yet it is still a sprightly performer thanks to a slick six-

speed gearbox and a maximum power output of 114bhp. The new Kia Sportage is an impressive all-rounder. On one hand it’s perfect for young families who want a fashionable, sophisticated, fuel-efficient crossover. On the other hand the 1.7-litre turbodiesel front-wheel-drive model will be very appealing to business users because the Sportage has all the space and versatility of a compact SUV with the low CO2 and tax benefits of a smaller hatchback.. .

_a^ R^] POSITIVE • Space • Looks • Low CO2 • Fun NEgaTIVE • Boot isn’t the largest

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The French have all the fun! 5JN #BSOFT $MBZ UFTUT UIF $JUSPĂ…O %4 %4QPSU J 7

CITROĂŤN DS3 DSPORT 1.6I 16V 150 Max SPEED: 133 mph 0-62 MPh: 7.3 secs COMbINED MPG: 42.2 ENGINE layOuT: 1598cc 4 cylinder 16v petrol Max. POWER (bhP): 155 at 6000 rpm Max. TORquE (lb.FT): 177 at 1400 rpm CO2: 155 g/km PRICE: ÂŁ16,300 OTR

It’s great to feel 17 years old again. That’s how I felt driving the CitroÍn DS3 – and it’s no bad thing because it shows that the French offering is a fun, funky and lively motor. All good things as far as I’m concerned. The 1.6i 16v 150 sport version, on test here, was a blast to drive. It rips up the black stuff with aggression and grips corners with ease. Its 17 inch alloy wheels let some road rumble into the cabin at speed and the interior is a bit cramped, but it’s no big deal, because the DS3 delivers such an engaging drive that you forget all about the niggles. However, the DS3 isn’t all about being a boy-racer. The car delivers a sophisticated and comfortable ride, and quality is evident inside and out. On the ever important safety front,

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the CitroĂŤn DS3 has a five star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection; high levels of standard safety equipment include six airbags, a reinforced body structure and two IsoFix child seat anchorage points. One of the best aspects of the compact CitroĂŤn is that it redefines ‘bespoke’ motoring with an unrivalled choice of personalisation options - to reflect each driver’s individual performance, style and technology preferences. That means no DS3 need ever be the same, thanks to the array of different option combinations available. Customers can specify exterior and interior colour variations, materials, finishes, trims and equipment - even the key fob is tailored to the driver’s chosen body or roof colour. So, the CitroĂŤn can be masculine and sporty or

feminine and chic. My test car was in sport red and onyx black with ‘urban-tribe’ roof graphics, white wheels and a personalised number plate spelling out ‘BOY’. That was enough to satisfy me that I was in a more male oriented car! The DS3 is also packed with technology to further entertain and assist the driver. For portable music players, the car can be kitted out with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. MyWay, CitroĂŤn’s integrated widescreen colour satellite navigation system, can be specified - and for excellent acoustic performance, a new eight-speaker Hi-Fi system creates a rich audio experience in the cabin. The CitroĂŤn DS3 is a great alternative to other ‘premium’ small cars like the Mini, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. It

_a^ R^] POSITIVE • Fun • Performance • Grip NEGaTIVE • Road noise intrudes

is also competitively priced, starting at just £12,100 for the petrol VTi 95hp DSign, rising to £16,300 for the top-of-therange petrol THP 150hp and diesel HDi 110hp DSport models. The DS3 certainly doesn’t look like any other car on the road today – so if you’re in the market for a supermini, and being noticed is on the agenda, then this charismatic CitroÍn could be for you!

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1DB8=4BB WOW HAS A LOOK AT REGIONAL BUSINESS EVENTS

PC Pit Stop )BSCPSPVHI $PNQVUFS 3FQBJSTe BOE EJTBTUFS BWPJEBODF The company name leaves little doubt what they’re all about: if you’re in the Harborough area and have problems with a PC or laptop, there’s no-one more expert, experienced or competitively priced than HCR. Better still, if you rely on your computer for work, communication and vital internet access, it might pay to give David a call before your

machine gets stuck on the dreaded ‘blue screen’ or goes ominously silent… HCR offers a full range

of PC and laptop support, maintenance and repair services to residential, small business and educational customers – and perhaps most valuable of all is the peace of mind provided by an annual, comprehensive PC plan to ensure your computers work to their optimum potential. See the website for a fixed price guide – and an invaluable

broadband speed checker to ensure you’re receiving all the bandwidth you pay for! . Harborough Computer Repairs Tel: 01858 469019 Email: enquiries@ harboroughcomputerrepairs. co.uk www. harboroughcomputerrepairs. co.uk

NEW!

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WOW Advertising works! Call: 01858 439 999 email: wowmag@live.co.uk 808 0''&34

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;^bc) P RWdaRW fXcW^dc P eX[[PVT Derek Hammond visits the deserted medieval village of (Not So) Great Stretton

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eicestershire and Northamptonshire are both blessed with an abundance of those scattered archaeological remains, open for all to explore, which serve to remind of us of distant times less fulsomely blessed. We refer to the region’s many deserted medieval villages, now traceable only as hills and hummocks in lonely fields, yet before 14th-century plague or 16th-century enclosure drove the rural population off the land, these were thriving communities.

Great Stretton, south of Leicester, is one of our most striking DMVs, as not quite all of the settlement was swept away by depopulation. Along with a traceable medieval pattern of thoroughfares and raised housing platforms in a single field, the tiny church of

St. Giles remains, now falling into a dangerous state of repair as it oversees its parish gravestones, its long-lost streets to the west and just a couple of cottages down on the road to the east. Prehistoric, Roman, AngloSaxon and post-medieval finds

WOW February 2011

SOme mOre OF LeiceSterShire’S SAmS And dmVS! hAmiLtOn Between Barkby thorpe and Scraptoft, north-east of Leicester. Just in case you’ve got a motorised hang-glider, this is what you can look forward to seeing… ingArSBy Some of the most spectacular, pronounced trackways and house platforms near houghton-on-the-hill. Like great Stretton, ingarsby is spookily survived by its Old hall.

hint at a rich, forgotten history. In the 14th century, none other than the Black Prince’s chaplain, Robert de Stretton, was baptised at St Giles’s traceried font. When Robert died a powerful Bishop, the Prince set up a fund for the priests to sing for soul in perpetuity for the village’s most famous soul. Stretton Magna, as we should properly call the village, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument; though standing on tiptoe to look into the empty church, it isn’t quite clear what it’s a monument to. Slap bang in

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gumLey closer to harborough, look out for the medieval rabbit warrens off the gumleySaddington road, which survive as a series of rectangular mounds.

the middle of the proposed site for the region’s controversially vast ‘eco-town’ housing estate, no plans have mentioned the protection of the site. It’s a romantic spot for a Sunday afternoon walk as the first signs of spring show, but a forbidding and gloomy place when the sun isn’t shining, and you’re driven to whistle a cheerful tune for old Robert.

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