TO
EE UP FRPICK
Scene THE CITY
Your local magazine about your city
DECEMBER 2011
INSIDE THIS MONTH History; The Custom’s House Community; Boost for Age UK Peterborough Festive Healthy Eating Book reviews & E-readers
Merry Christmas and thank you to all of our readers... www.thescenemagazine.co.uk
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Contents COMMUNITY The Custom’s House; History
17
26 Interiors
4&5
Road crossing safety
8
Age UK Peterborough
8
Useful numbers
9
The Great Exhibition 2012
10
NSPCC fundraising success
10
Froglife & The Olympian
11
HEALTH, HAIR & BEAUTY
40 Travel
28
REVIEWS
Beauty Barbie; Beautilicious Christmas
16
Beauty Barbie Review; Botox
Fitness: festive healthy eating
19
The Baskervilles; Restaurant review 28 & 29
FEATURES Garden Scene
21
Charters Real Ale: 20 years on
25
Interiors; Festive preparations
26 & 27
Family Scene
34
Teen Scene Travel; Banish those winter blues
39 40 & 41
The Scene Team Heidi Semple - Head Honcho heidi@scenepublishing.co.uk Naomi Hand – Numbers & Words naomi@scenepublishing.co.uk Charlotte Charlesworth – Buying & Selling charlotte@scenepublishing.co.uk Sarah Wright – Pretty Pictures sarah@designitwright.co.uk Contributors Megan Templeman, Ryan Semple, Beauty Barbie, Tim Barnes-Clay
17
Book reviews with Freya North
36
E-readers Scene guide
37
EVENTS What’s on
31 - 33
SPORT Peterborough Town Sports Review
42
Ryan’s Football Preview
43
15,000 copies of the City Scene are available FREE throughout the Greater Peterborough area every month. We have over 70 purpose built stands positioned in and around the local area and all of our magazines are free to pick up, or you can log onto our website and view on-line. View magazines online via; www.thescenemagazine.co.uk www.issuu.com/the_scene_magazine Follow us on facebook.com/thecityscene and Twitter @yourlocalscene
Scene Marketing, The Old School House, Great North Road, Wittering, Peterborough PE8 6BX Tel: 01780 783613 | Telephone: Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk 01780 783613 | December 2011 3
COMMUNITY
The Custom’s House
former Granary Town Bridge, River Embankment Originally this early 17th century building topped by
wood and agricultural products like malt and corn from
a cupola was a granary and owned by the Dean and
the fertile Fens. Even French prisoners were transported
Chapter of the Cathedral. It then became a Toll House
by river to Peterborough during the Napoleonic War and
for goods shipped up and down the River Nene and
marched from the Customs House, used as a transfer
was later sold to Earl Fitzwilliam of Milton Hall.
station, to the camp at Norman Cross.
Taxes and tolls were charged on goods that were brought
Church bells cast at William Penn’s foundry located near
in by barges and Fen lighters that travelled between
to where the Town Hall is today were also transported
Wisbech and Northampton. Goods shipped included
by barges. River traffic included passenger vessels or
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
packets which did journeys three times a week from Peterborough to Wisbech. Apparently in 1810 our local poet John Clare used to make this journey regularly. Over the years the railways took trade away from the river and in the late 1920s very little trade was done by river between Peterborough and Northampton with the exception of Fen lighters that traded up to Wansford for stone. Before the improvements of the 1930s, the River Nene which was made navigable in 1713 was tidal up to Peterborough, but even so the tide only gave enough depth for the passage of loaded lighters on approximately five days in every fourteen. Those that did run had to be helped over the Northey gravel shoal between Peterborough and the Dog-in-a-Doublet by the release of water from Woodston and Orton staunches. that the Custom’s House was occupied by the Hammond The Custom’s house is constructed mainly of rubble with
family in the last century. They operated a boat hire
dressed stone with the east end being constructed of
business from the Custom’s House wharf and many a
brick. It has a Cooley Weston slate roof and a hexagonal
pleasant time was had by locals and visitors alike who
cupola with a weathervane mounted above.
chose to hire rowing boats for trips along the River Nene.
In 1888 planning permission was granted to convert
Since 1942 Peterborough Sea Cadets have used the
the west end of the Custom’s House into a residential
building and they continue to do so - operating as T.S.
dwelling. The interior was converted to make three
Gildenburgh - under the present-day guidance of Major
bedrooms on the first floor, with a sitting room, kitchen
Andy Tannock R.M.R.
and back kitchen on the ground floor. No gas or water pipes existed at this time and heating was by coal fires.
June & Vernon Bull – local historians and authors
Many long standing residents of Peterborough will recall
(Next issue – the history of Thorpe Hall, Longthorpe)
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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We are open Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day!
Christmas opening times & prices Afternoon Lunch (12pm - 4pm) Sun - Sat : £10.99 per person Evening Dinner (5pm-11pm) Sun - Wed : £14.99 per person Thu - Sat : £17.99 per person Early Bird* (5pm -7pm) Mon - Sat : £10.99 per person Christmas Day (Noon -7pm) £24.99 per person (Child under 10 years - Half Price) Last admittance: 30 minutes before closing time. Time restrictions may apply.
FIND YOUR LOCAL JIMMY SPICES Birmingham: 0121 643 2111 birmingham@jimmyspices.co.uk Solihull: 0121 709 2111 solihull@jimmyspices.co.uk Sutton Coldfield: 0121 355 1912 suttoncoldfield@jimmyspices.co.uk Epsom: 01372 748 467 epsom@jimmyspices.co.uk Stratford Upon Avon : 01789 296 222 stratford@jimmyspices.co.uk Staines: 01784 460 960 staines@jimmyspices.co.uk Wimbledon: 0208 417 0444 wimbledon@jimmyspices.co.uk Bath: 01225 426 802 bath@jimmyspices.co.uk Peterborough: 01733 564 930 peterborough@jimmyspices.co.uk Luton: 0121 705 8604* luton@jimmyspices.co.uk *Luton opening soon.
*Early Bird Terms & Conditions This offer is valid only if the table is vacated before 7pm. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. reserves to modify or cancel this promotion at any point. Valid Mon - Sat from 5pm - 7pm. 6 The management December 2011the|right Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Christmas Jokes
The top 10 worst Christmas jokes 1. What is Santa’s favourite 7. What’s furry and minty? A polo bear. pizza? One that’s deep pan, crisp 8. How do snowmen get and even. around? They ride an icicle. 2. On which side do chickens have the most 9. Who hides in the bakery feathers? at Christmas? The outside. A mince spy. 3. What kind of paper likes 10. What do you call a music? penguin in the (W)rapping paper. Sahara desert? Lost. 4. What’s white and goes up? A confused snowflake. 5. What do you call a woman who stands between two goal posts? Annette. 6. Did you hear about the man who bought a paper shop? It blew away.
Don’t miss the Scene 2012 event Calendar in the January edition!
Telephone: Telephone:01780 01780783613 783613 || December December 2011
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COMMUNITY
EIGHT YEAR-OLD ELLEN’S MESSAGE FOR DRIVERS TO STOP AT SCHOOL CROSSINGS
TEAM ‘SAFE LOCAL TRADES’ RAISE £3,900 FOR AGE UK PETERBOROUGH!
A city schoolgirl’s poster design aimed at motorists who fail to stop for school crossing patrollers has been made into a banner that was unveiled outside Newark Hill Primary School, Eastfield Road, Peterborough, on 8 November.
Each year, Peterborough-based Safe Local Trades organise fund-raising events for their chosen charity Age UK Peterborough. This year they took part in two events - a Tandem Skydive at Sibson Airfield on Sunday 2nd October and the Great Eastern Fun Run
The SaferPeterborough partnership road safety team voted eight year-old Ellen Carter’s drawing the winner in a competition launched at the primary school where children were asked to create their own messages for drivers who break the law by not stopping for school crossing patrollers. Children at the school helped the SaferPeterborough partnership to launch its ‘Stop Means Stop’ road safety campaign by unveiling the banner, which will also be displayed at other patrol crossings in the city. The banner will be complemented with display boards at other school crossing areas along with leaflets and flyers supporting the campaign. School crossing patrollers will be attending the launch wearing high visibility tabards promoting the Stop Means Stop logo to reinforce the message. The campaign reminds motorists of the legal consequences of failing to stop for school crossing patrollers. Drivers are legally bound by the 1984 Road Traffic Act to stop at patrol crossings when instructed and failure to stop could lead to prosecution.
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on 9th October. Both events were an overall success and Eileen Le Voi, owner of Safe Local Trades, who organised them said “we would like to thank all our skydivers and runners for taking part in helping to raise £3,900 for this very worthy cause, and to everyone who supported us by donating to our teams. It is a privilege to raise funds for Age UK – funds which help them to continue to deliver vital services to older people across Greater Peterborough.” Part of the team included an 82 year old granddad, Brian Jennings from Yaxley, who signed up for the charity tandem skydive and raised over £500 in the process. Eileen said: “I am so incredibly proud of Brian. He is inspirational and epitomises that you are never too old to do anything. Brian was so brave and we were blessed with a cloudless warm day on the 2nd October, which made everyones experience even more enjoyable.” David Bache, CEO of Age UK Peterborough said “We are absolutely delighted with this money and can’t thank Eileen and all the team enough. Without compassionate companies, such as safelocaltrades.com, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the level of service that older people in Peterborough need so badly.”
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS ®
safelocaltrades.com
UTILITIES ELECTRICITY - Emergency number: 0800 7838838
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GAS - Transco Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
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ANGLIAN WATER - Water and sewerage service queries and emergencies:
Recommended & Appro ed
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08457 145 145 (24 hours) Reporting a leak: 0800 771 881 (24 hours) CONSUMER DIRECT - Clear, practical consumer advice
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Not sure who to trust? Need a recommendation?
08454 04 05 06 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
COUNCIL Peterborough Direct Call Centre: 01733 747474 www.peterborough.gov.uk
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...see our recommended list, with local feedback
Peterborough Museum: 01733 864663 www.peterborough.gov.uk/museum
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Library Service: 01733 864280 Automated renewals line: 08458 505 606
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libraryenquiries@vivacity-peterborough.com www.peterborough.gov.uk/libraries
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SPORTS CENTRES Werrington Sports Centre: 01733 576606 werringtonsports@peterborough.gov.uk Bushfield Sports Centre: 01733 234018 bushfieldsports@peterborough.gov.uk
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POLICE For all non emergency enquiries: 0345 456 4564
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Emergencies: 999
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Police information: www.cambs.police.uk Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
n n
HELPLINES Childline: 0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk
WINNER
The award-winning Best New Business Idea 2008 www.safelocaltrades.com is the only trusted website for highly recommended and LOCALLY recognised tradesmen in YOUR area – providing peace of mind and an excellent service. All members are CRB checked, vetted and approved, have agreed to abide by a Service Charter and are monitored on an on-going basis. of
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Parentline Plus: 0808 800 2222 www.parentlineplus.org.uk
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Samaritans: 08457 909090 32-34 St John’s Street, Peterborough PE1 5DD n Phone lines available 24/7, open to visitors 12pm-9pm n
Citizens Advice Bureau: 0844 499 4120 / 01733 558383
n
Our aim is to protect YOU from cowboy and rogue traders. in association with …
16 – 17 St Mark’s Street, Peterborough PE1 2TU www.peterboroughcab.org.uk n Peterborough Rape Crisis: 01733 317899 Helplines: Weds 7pm – 9pm & Sat 10am – 12pm peterboroughrapecrisis@gmail.com Gingerbread: 0808 802 0925 For lone parents and their children
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HEALTH
Peterborough
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
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Peterborough City Hospital: 01733 678000 www.peterboroughhospitals.co.uk
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Dental Access Centre: 01733 295854 5 Midgate, Peterborough
n
Just go to …
www.safelocaltrades.com
Mon – Fri 7.45am – 7.00pm, closed 12.30pm – 1.30pm each day
or phone 0800 014 1832
Service available to anyone not registered with a dentist. Appointments are booked on a first come, first served basis. People seeking urgent or out of hours treatment can call the dental emergency
The safest way to source a local tradesman
service on 01223 471798.
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
9
COMMUNITY exhibitions set about to highlight the achievements of Great Britain in a huge celebration of culture and industry and in 2012 Britain has again got the opportunity to showcase its wares to the world and that it’s not just London 2012 that makes Britain great.
Peterborough is named as Host City for The Great Exhibition 2012 The Great Exhibition 2012 is delighted to announce that their first ever Host City will be Peterborough. The Great Exhibition 2012 will showcase the best of Britain in a huge, two week festival – spanning arts, business, food, drink, innovation, technology, engineering, manufacturing, industry, people and places, with contributions from all over the UK. It follows in the footsteps of the Great Exhibition of 1851 at Crystal Palace, and the Festival of Britain in 1951. Previous
Next year’s event will take place at sites across the city and run between Saturday 28 July and Saturday 11 August 2012. The main focus of the Exhibition, The Future Footprint of Britain, will be held on Peterborough’s Embankment, with each region taking over part of the site to showcase what makes them great. The Great Exhibition 2012 team first came to the city because of the excellent support for Peterborough Cathedral in the Greats of Great of Britain online poll. Currently the Cathedral is the UK’s number two Great, behind the British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. Visit www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk to register and you can start nominating your Greats. The online votes have a massive effect on what will be on offer at The Great Exhibition 2012 – so this is your chance to shape what happens next summer in Peterborough.
Thirty-five teams of six from businesses around Peterborough took part in the event at the Holiday Inn, in Thorpe Wood. Quiz master and compere Colin Start took charge of proceedings setting questions on music from the last five decades as well as ‘name the introduction’, a green themed round and questions on James Bond film posters.
Charity music quiz nets £2,500 to help vulnerable children Competition was fierce at the annual NSPCC Peterborough Business Support Group’s music quiz night. But the actual winner was of course the charity, which netted around £2,500.
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The runaway winners were Derek and the Dominoes, a team from Perkins Engines, who collected their prize from the Group’s chairman Chris Collier. The group’s next money-spinning event is the 15th anniversary Gala Dinner with Penny Smith.
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
XXXXXXXXX
Olympic Hopeful Hops into Action with Froglife William Sharman, one of Britain’s top hopefuls at the Olympics’ next year, visited Froglife’s Wildlife Ambassadors project in Dogsthorpe, Peterborough on 5 November. Currently training for the 2012 London Olympics hurdles,
Bob Gillespie and his Team want to wish all his clients and customers a
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
William is hopping on board as a project patron for the Wildlife Ambassador project here in the city. William is the fifth fastest British 110m hurdler of all time and has had many championship successes around the world. www.froglife.org
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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CITY SCENE ER READ OFFER
TWO FOR ONE ON BOTOX To help you look fresh and younger during the Christmas season the Herlington Dental Practice is offering
Two areas of Botox for the price of one only £210 (price includes a free top up if needed)
The benefits of Botox
(see page 17 for review)
• Excellent non-surgical wrinkle reduction • Extremely safe with minimal side effects • Inexpensive, compared to surgery, • Virtually painless • Appointments 15-30 minutes • Maximum effect reached between 7-12 days and lasts between 3 and 5 months The Herlington Centre also offers Dermal Facial Fillers (Hyaluron) and Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating). Excellent non-surgical processes. Call or visit us to find out more.
Call us for a consultation: 01733 234566
For more info visit us: www.peterboroughdentist.co.uk Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011 13
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
HEALTH, HAIR & BEAUTY GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
• Sienna - Spray Tans • Lash Perfect – Eyelash Extensions • Nubar – Gel Varnish • CACI Ultimate – Facials • Environ – Vitamin Facials
Zula Beauty Sanctuary | The Holiday Inn | Thorpe Wood | Peterborough | PE3 6SG Tel: 01733 289905 | Email: info@zulabeauty.co.uk | Web: zulabeauty.co.uk
Get a flawless look for your Christmas party Zula Beauty Sanctuary based at the Holiday Inn, Thorpewood, specialise in beauty treatments, make-overs and make-up.
We wanted to show you how good Jane Iredale make-up is at hiding uneven skin tones and even freckles. Zoe Roberts, a real life model from Peterborough, kindly allowed us to photograph her before and after her make-over.
Jane Iredale, their choice of products are a completely innovative range of make-up, based on natural mineral ingredients, suitable for all skin types and so delicate they can be used immediately after facial treatments.
At Zula Beauty Sanctuary we also offer a wide range of beauty treatments from slimming body wraps, tanning and waxing to specialist facials, tanning, eyelash extensions and Nubar nails.
Even the most sensitive skins and acne sufferers will feel and look fabulous. Jane Iredale products are ultra water-resistant and formulated for a comfy, all day wear as it allows your skin to breathe. There is no doubt why Jane Iredale products are the first choice of many of the best make-up artists worldwide.
To book now contact us at: Zula Beauty Sanctuary | The Holiday Inn Thorpe wood | Peterborough | PE6 Telephone: 7NG | 01733 01780289905 783613 | December 2011
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HEALTH, HAIR & BEAUTY Hi beauties, Welcome to December my favourite month of the year because I love CHRISTMAS, which also means the shelves are stocked to the brim in our favourite beauty stores with beautilicious present buys. Your find to die for limited edition gift packs from all the usual brands and new introductory beauty ranges from celebs like Fearne Cotton and fashion brands Lipsy and Joules - all for bargain prices. To say my Christmas wish list is packed is an understatement, luckily I’ve been a very good girl….
BEAUTILICIOUS CHRISTMAS 1. Teddy Make-up Bag
4. Liberty Hello Kitty
This gorgeous teddy make-up bag is so adorable; it would be a great stocking filler and a bargain at £13 from River Island.
For all you Hello Kitty fans out there the cute brand from Japan has teamed up with the Art Fabrics Department from famous department store Liberty to bring out a range of luxury cosmetic products featuring the famous prints. I adore the cosmetic bag complete with mini lipgloss, eye shadow and mascara, £16 – Boots.* *Don’t forget all stickered Christmas gifts from Boots are 3 for the price of 2 – so grab a bargain!
2. GHD Scarlet Deluxe Gift Set Melanie Richard’s have a variety of gorgeous hair related gifts for this season, my favourite has to be the divine GHD Scarlet Deluxe gift set, it has amazing packaging containing a glam presentation box in which you will find tissue wrapped red detail straightners, mini hairdryer, clips and cute red clutch which can also be used as a heat protection pad, all for £149 - snap it up before it goes!
3. Joules Bath & Body Collection I love the new Bath & Body collection from fashion brand Joules; perfect for mums or your horsey friends – my fav product has to be the cute egg box soaps £6 – Boots*.
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5. Benefit As usual, quirky brand Benefit has brought out some dazzling beauty sets for the festive period. My best-loved items have to be the POWda WOWza face powders - £19.50 and the ‘I’m glam therefore I am’ make-up kit; this includes 4 shades of eye shadow, highlighter, face powder, lip gloss and BADgal mascara, £29.50, available at John Lewis and Boots.
If you have a beauty related service or treatment you would like me to review get in contact; Email: beautybarbie@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeautieBarbie, Twitter: @BeautieBarbie I wish you all a merry Christmas and to be the beautie you are…
BB x 16
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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Wrinkles be gone... Often in the press we wonder how our favourite celebs maintain their youthful looks, stars like Kylie Minogue, Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson have all admitted being Botox addicts with others like Nicole Kidman putting her wrinkle free face down to healthy living and using sunscreen, much too some tabloids disbelief. Botox is a popular non-surgical
start to show after 3 days and can
injection that temporarily reduces
last up to 4 months.
or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases and crows feet. Botox blocks
Victoria insists on not giving her
the nerve impulses, temporarily
patients the ‘frozen look’ and always
paralysing the muscles that cause
suggests less is more, as a top up can
wrinkles which gives the skin a
be given when you come back after
smoother fresh appearance.
2 weeks to check you are satisfied with the outcome. There can be some
So this month I went along to the
minimal side effects including slight
Herlington Dental practice to meet
tenderness and/or bruising where
Victoria Victorova (who is 1 of 2
the needle goes in after treatment -
dentists that specialise in injectables)
which disappears after a few days.
to have a consultation about having Botox so I could see what it’s all about
I was really happy with the results
for myself! She has been practicing in
and was surprised how quickly you
Botox and fillers for 6 years so I felt
can be wrinkle free. Victoria has a
safe in her hands.
really professional approach and has high standards of infection
As I’m still relatively young I wanted
control and application; I would
to have the treatment just to delay the
highly recommend her. These factors
creeping lines that had started to form
are really important when choosing
next to the corner of my eyes (crows
where to have your treatment,
feet) and in-between my eyebrows,
some mobile practitioners of Botox
the treatment takes 10 minutes or
may be cheaper, but you have no
so and is practically pain free, no
where to complain if they don’t
anaesthetic is needed and the results
have a practice and make sure you
TWO AREAS OF BOTOX FOR THE PRICE OF ON E* checked their qualifications/training. Remember buying cheap usually means buying twice, so always choose a professional …
Experience rating 9 / 10
*CITY SCENE READER OFFER To help you look fresh and younger during the Christmas season the Herlington Dental Practice is offering City Scene readers two areas of Botox for the price of one area (£210) or 3 areas for the price of 2 (£255) - price includes a free top up if needed. Herlington Dental Practice Orton Malborne, Peterborough PE2 5PR 01733 234 566
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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HEALTH, HAIR & BEAUTY
iFestive Healthy Eating Tips
e
T
The high-calorie food extravaganza often begins in early December and lasts right into the New Year. Office parties, family gatherings and Christmas parties with your friends = tight clothing, increased waistline and loss of muscle tone.
g e ie
To help combat this, start your day off with a healthy breakfast, reducing the chances of an unhealthy Christmas food binge. Fitting in all of your regular meals, helps keep you on track and full, when you do face Christmas treats. Christmas beverages can also add to the waistline but won’t completely derail a healthy diet. Balance these drinks with plenty of water.
245
s calorie s s la g per
g
Don’t accept every holiday treat passed your way. Save your indulgences for Christmas treats you truly love to make the calories worth it.
T
i
112
calories per glass
If you are hosting a Christmas celebration, plan a healthy menu or make substitutions in the classic Christmas dishes for lighter versions. The occasional slip-up is inevitable on the best of days, and slip-ups are more likely during the holidays. If you end up eating a little more than you intended to or can’t make your workout session, go easy on yourself. I know I will !
g ee i
e
i
T
45
calor ies each
Mark Gordon www.fitness2health.co.uk Facebook: Mark FitnessTrainer
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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HOME & GARDEN
Garden Scene By Joseph Whitehead www.gardenwiseadvice.com
A few jobs in the garden to help work off that second helping of Christmas pudding • Start pruning apple and pear trees, also soft fruit including currants and gooseberries. • Keep forking over bare ground exposing pests to hungry birds. • Prune ornamental and edible vines also figs before Christmas to prevent bleeding of sap. • Keep out of the cold, clean and repair tools and tidy the potting shed! • For wonderful scent and flowers over the winter months, plant Sarcoccoca, Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’, Lonicera x purpusii or Viburnum bodnantense. •
Clean down glass houses inside and out to remove over wintering pests like Red Spider mite and their eggs.
• Continue to cut down, lift and divide herbaceous perennials when the weather allows.
With our long and often glorious autumns it doesn’t feel quite right that Christmas is nearly here again. Over a mince pie or two, time to reflect on the season now past - what grew well and perhaps what not so well, make plans and thumb through seed catalogues, get ready as spring’s on the way! ‘My Poinsettia has lost all its leaves’ – ‘My cyclamen has turned to mush’… Never fear, top tips here for getting the most out of these festive fancies. Merry Christmas!
Poinsettia Poinsettias need plenty of warmth. • Protect the plant from the cold, even when shopping for it! • Average temperatures of 12-15°c are optimum. • At night don’t trap your plant behind the curtains where it will get cold. • Water thoroughly and wait until the compost dries out a little before watering again.
Cyclamen • • • • •
Cyclamen quickly rot off if watered from the top, so water by immersing pots in a container of water to just below the rim, allowing water to be well absorbed. Keep moist at all times. Pick off any dead flowers or leaves. Keep cool ideally 10°c. Avoid direct sunlight, but give bright light. Stand plants on a tray of wet pebbles.
Azaleas • Keep cool 10-12°c, on a light windowsill but not in full direct sun light. • Use soft water and keep moist at all times. • Mist the leaves regularly. Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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REAL ALE BAR CHARTERS REACHES 20 YEAR MILESTONE Cast your minds back twenty years ago. Who can recall the arrival of Leendert-R (Charters) 176ft barge arriving in Peterborough. Well it was certainly a milestone for local businessman and Oakham Ales Partner Paul Hook.
Tight fit
Paul Hook was a mere 36 years of age when he travelled to Holland in search of his ideal vessel. The barge was sailed across the North Sea before docking in the market town of Wisbech where the vessel was stripped out. The shell of the boat was brought to Peterborough where it underwent extensive refurbishment and Charters was born. The Scene had a chat to Paul about the event.
What was your inspiration to have a pub/ restaurant on a boat?
Under renovation
I wanted a venue that was different and liked and understood boats - also nothing inspired me as far as a building was concerned at the time. One other factor was that it was cost effective and if it did not work in Peterborough then I could up anchor for another location!
How did you find the boat you purchased and how did you end up in Holland? I spent many weeks and visits to the continent looking for a suitable vessel as there nothing in the UK. I had made a lot of contacts including a Dutch broker who was great, he phoned me up one day to say that he had found what we were looking for, so we went back to Holland and bought it.
Where did you get the name from? “Charters” came from another business I had running boat trips on the river, Nene Charter Company... simple really.
Is the boat sailable? If so, have you ever thought of taking it somewhere? Yes, but it would require a lot of effort now to get the engine running again - however, in a dark Peterborough winter a mooring somewhere warmer is tempting...
Completed and ready for action
What is the future for Charters? Excellent, I feel we have a really strong offering - great beer, really good authentic oriental fusion cuisine and a venue which is unique - 20 years on and still going strong... Charters = “Real Ale, Real Food, Real Boat”
Charters Bar Town Bridge Peterborough PE1 1FP Tel: 01733 315700 Email: Charters.manager@oakagroup.com www.oakhamales.com
HOME & GARDEN
free standing & wall hung
P
reparing for
Christmas can be quite a stressful time, especially if you are entertaining over the festive period. Sorting your home so that you can deal with the invasion of guests (some invited, some not) and working out just how you are going to feed
Preparing for the festive season Create Space Creating enough space so that people can move around easily and comfortably will
everyone and where
help them to feel more at ease and relaxed so look around your home – is there any way
everyone will sleep,
middle of the lounge. Look at the furniture you have scattered around, could anything
is, unfortunately, just the beginning. However with some careful strategic planning, you can be prepared.
you can create extra space? It might be as simple as removing the coffee table from the be moved into the garage on a temporary basis? If you have young children visiting, move any expensive ornaments so they are out of reach. This will prevent people being on tender hooks when excited children are running around Christmas morning.
Seating If your seating is limited, think about investing in some bean bags or cubes. These are great for children and young adults and can be used anywhere. They can also be easily stored when not in use.
Sleeping Arrangements If you haven’t got the luxury of unused space then just be logical about it. You might have to give up the main bedroom - especially if you have to utilise the living room as a make-shift bedroom. If you use the room it will help things run more smoothly and avoid any unnecessary ‘awkwardness’ in the morning if you
26
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
By Sue Hessom Tidy Interiors 01476 564035 or 07540612143 www.tidyinteriors.co.uk are waiting for your guests to wake up.
cereals or sachets that are past their
of the chairs and simply gather about half
Besides with a house full you’re bound
sell by date and any items that you
way down and tie with a big, luxurious
to be up early anyway!
haven’t used in the last six months.
ribbon. Same applies for all your plates,
Check any inflatable beds and spare
Make the most of the new found space
cutlery, serving dishes and pans. See
bedding. If they have seen better days
and stack your festive food carefully
what you can borrow from the family and
invest in a couple of blow up beds
and logically.
friends who may be spending Christmas
and extra ‘fluffy’ pillows and duvets.
elsewhere, again think about colour
important, so don’t leave it until the last
Eating arrangements
minute to check them.
Ideally everyone needs to be eating at
can be purchased singularly – there are
the same time. If necessary consider
plenty of bargains out there so have a
purchasing a sheet of MDF and
good look round.
Making your guests feel comfortable is
Food
schemes if appearance is important to you. Alternatively, find some plates that
TBe prepared and have your menus
polystyrene sheeting to place over
sorted.
Consider any allergies or
your current dining table – once it is
Whatever your plans this year, remember,
requirements people may have. If you
covered and decorated, no-one will
that spending time together is what is
don’t know – ask as this will avoid any
know the difference and it will allow
really important, so accept any help
embarrassing moments.
ten people to be sat round a table
that’s offered, don’t try to do it all yourself
Storing food could be an issue. So
that normally holds six. Extra chairs
and definitely don’t try to keep the house
start munching your way through
needed? Borrow them! If you really are
as tidy as normal.
your freezers contents now to free up
particular about creating a wow factor
some space. Look through cupboards
with your dining experience, then use
and throw away any condiments, tins,
white pillow cases to put over the back
And the most important thing – enjoy it!
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
27
The Baskervilles Hotel, Bar and Restaurant
The next time you are looking to go out for a lovely tasty lunch or to dine out for the evening, you would be very wise to consider the Baskervilles.
Superb Dining
Real Ales
Head chef Carl Turner has created a very diverse and interesting menu with something to suit all tastes. With a large selection of starters, mains and desserts, the only problem you will have, if you are anything like me, is deciding what delights to have. The Scene team headed to the Baskervilles for lunch last week to sample the great food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. As we entered the restaurant we noticed all of the hard work the new owner had put in with the refurbishment and it had certainly paid off. The new decor was both tastefully done and the new lighting made a huge difference to the ambience. After perusing the menu, it was not long before our mouths were watering and had chosen our starters and mains. We had Pate, Tempura Prawns, with the lightest batter I have had in a very long time, Pork Meat Balls and Fried Chicken Strips. We all loved the look of everyone’s dishes, so decided to eat then swap plates, so we could have a taste of each. The only criticism (if you can call it that) is that the portions were very large, although saying that, we had five totally clean plates. We had a small break between courses and enjoyed
28
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Wifi Available Here
Oreo Cheescake
a glass (or two) of the house wine, which went down very well. For our mains, we ordered a cross section of dishes - Vegetarian Thai Curry, Seabass, Lasagne (this came with hand cut chips, salad and garlic bread) and a delicious seafood platter, that was a dream dish for fish lovers as it included Prawns, Smoked Salmon, Whitebait, Crayfish and a salad served with chunky bread. The menu also included steaks, burgers, scampi, kangaroo (next time we are going to try this!), and more traditional dishes like gammon and fish and chips. I couldn’t believe we ordered desserts, but it was for research purposes.... and someone has to do it!! So, once again, we ordered a selection so we could sample them. Oreo Cheesecake, Syrup Sponge, Chocolate Brownie, AND (would you believe) a Cheese Board. Once again our only issue was that they were huge - but everyone was absolutely delicious. The Brownie was warm and soft and really moist (not many Brownies have that consistency), the Cheesecake was light, creamy and had Maltesers on the top (a great touch). We had to take the Cheeseboard away with us as it was just too nice to leave, but room was running out. I have to give the Baskervilles 8/10 for service and atmosphere, and 10/10 for food, price and value.
Cheeseboard
The Baskervilles Christmas Day Menu £45 Book Now!!
Open Boxing Day Carvery
Heidi x
Special Offer Kids eat free with every paying adult during November and December between 5-6.30pm Mon-Thurs. The Baskervilles also have a loyalty card programme too, so be sure to pick up a card as you will definitely be going back. The Baskervilles Sunday Carvery 12-4pm 1 course £8.95 2 courses £12.95 3 courses £14.95
1 course £9.95 2 courses £13.95 3 courses £15.95
New years Eve Party (limited spaces) For more details and booking please call
01778 560010
Main Street, Baston, Peterborough, PE6 9PB
Tel: 01778 560010 Email: enquiries@thebaskervilles.co.uk www.thebaskervilles.co.uk
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The following are just a few of the reasons why you should consider Maxey House Residential Home when looking for somewhere for your loved ones: • Providers of professional reassuring care
Maxey House Retirement Home Maxey House is a beautiful Georgian House, which is independently owned and has been tastefully converted to provide professional, reassuring care to our residents. The home is situated 6 miles from the town of Peterborough and is close to Market Deeping, a small market town full of character and charm. We provide 24 hour care and attention to 31 residents.
• Experience with physical disabilities & dementia • Beautiful landscaped gardens • Five Star rated for Food Hygiene • Independently Owned • Varied activities on the social calendar
Contact us for an informal chat and to arrange for a visit to the home to see all we have to offer.
Maxey House Residential Home | 88, Lincoln Rd | Deeping Gate | PE6 9BA | 01778 342244
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
WHAT ’S ON... 11 DECEMBER, 4pm The Grinch Re-Told £2 (family of 4, £5) This is an event for all ages! Life Church Stamford presents ‘The Grinch Re-told, a modern day drama featuring; Christmas Carols from Life Song Community choir, the famous Grinch story re-told and the real meaning of Christmas, all hosted by Max and The Grinch.
13 DECEMBER, 1pm & 7.30pm Cranford At Christmas £10.50 (£8.50) Brush off your bustle and fasten your bonnets as Chapterhouse Theatre Company invite you to the sleepy village of Cranford where a mysterious new arrival is setting hearts aflutter. At the centre of the village are the outrageously proper spinster sisters, Matty and Deborah Jenkyns, who head an unforgettable collection of loveably misguided womenfolk. Set deep in the tranquil English countryside, this most traditional tale of splendid snobbery, gossip and social scandal pits lost loves against old friends with sensational results.
27-31 DECEMBER Cinderella - Stamford Pantomine Players £9 (£7) Tick, tock, tick, tock, panto time is fast approaching. Don’t miss out on what promises to be the biggest and best party in the land, a delight for audiences of all ages, with non- stop fun, memorable songs and plenty of audience participation in this 60th Anniversary celebration. Cinders is but a lowly housemaid with two rather ugly sisters. The handsome prince is looking for a bride. Will true love take its course (assisted by our heroine’s Fairy Godmother and the broken-hearted Buttons.
STAMFORD CORN EXCHANGE Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011 31
WHAT’S ON finger puppets and other winter creatures to take home. The crafts will be inspired by specially chosen stories which you will be able to read and enjoy as a family.
Family Festive Fun at the Library
FREE events in association with City College Peterborough’s Family Learning service.
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER From 10am Craft & Gift Fair Sacrewell Farm www.sacrewell.org.uk
SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 10pm-12pm Make Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments Free event. For more information telephone 01733 864280 or contact the relevant library. Werrington Library will be offering you the chance to make your own salt dough Christmas ornaments.
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 10.30am-12.30pm (Orton Library) 1.30pm-3.30pm (Central Library) SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 10am-12pm (Hampton Library) 1pm-3pm (Bretton Library) Suitable for ages 6-11 accompanied by a parent or carer. Family craft events in selected libraries across the city. Drop in and make patchwork paper decorations, seasonal
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2-4 DECEMBER Christmas Tree Festival Friday 2nd December – 11am-5pm Saturday 3rd December – 10am-5pm Sunday 4th December – 12-4.30pm All Saint’s Church, Park Road, Peterborough Admission £1 (accompanied childrenFree) Refreshments available.
11 DECEMBER, music at 5pm Peterborough Jazz Club Christmas Special, at The Great Northern Hotel TINA MAY QUINTET faturing JIM MULLEN To book, email: enquiries@peterboroughjazzclub.co.uk Back by popular demand, Tina May returns to the Club for our Christmas Special with a fabulous band, with special guest the great Jim Mullen on guitar.
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER From Bottle to Bird Feeder Ferry Meadows Country Park Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize when you finish.
WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER Volunteer Day-Willow Harvesting Ferry Meadows Country Park Help the Rangers cut, sort and bundle the Nene Park willow. Times: 9.45am - 12 noon Meet at: To be confirmed at time of booking Cost: Free Booking: Essential
imes: 11am - 3pm Meet at: Visitor Centre Cost: 50p Booking: No need to book
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER TUESDAY 3 JANUARY
FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER Winter Wander Ferry Meadows Country Park and surrounding area. The walk will be of a gentle nature covering up to 10 miles. Times: 10am - 3pm Meet at: To be confirmed at time of booking Cost: Free Booking: Essential
Seasonal Trail Ferry Meadows Country Park Give your feathered friends a Christmas present by joining Park Ranger Steve Wickens who will help you to make a garden bird feeder from a plastic bottle. imes: 10am - 12 noon Meet at: Visitor Centre Cost: Free Booking: No need to book
For more information please call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193 or e-mail visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
17 DECEMBER, 7.30pm Peterborough Male Voice Choir
Art at Andronicas presents Nature inside and out. An exhibition of paintings by John Lincoln - Mary Kemp - Tony Nero René Viner
Peterborough Cathedral www.peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk Tickets: £10 - £25
31 DECEMBER, from 8pm Party on the Square Cathedral Square www.peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk Tickets: £10 - £25 Hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and sponsored by The Clock Restaurant, the evening will feature a fireworks display at midnight preceded by a full evening of music, fun and anticipation.
A glorious display of sumptuous colours and textures inspired by our natural world will be launched with an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy a glass of wine to celebrate the opening of this new exhibition at Andronicas World of Coffee at Peterborough Garden Park. The exhibition continues until the end of January 2012.
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
33
FAMILY SCENE
FAMILY & CRAFT So family and craft comes together this month, apt as so many of us spend an extraordinary amount of time baking during December! Baking doesn’t all have to be about putting a meal on the table, so how about trying your hand at some edible Christmas decorations and maybe even some delicious edible gifts.
Ginger bread Recipe INGREDIENTS - 250g unsalted butter, 200g dark muscavado sugar, 7 tbsp golden syrup, 600g plain flour, 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 4 tsp ground ginger Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ground ginger into a large bowl, then stir in the butter mixture to make a stiff dough. If it won’t quite come together, add a tiny splash of water. Bake for 12 minutes or until firm and just a little darker at the edges. Once cool, get the children to decorate with sweets and sprinkles!
Readymade kit If you want to try a readymade kit, the finished decorated result can be stunning. A great activity once the children are on their school holidays. www.johnlewis.com Kits from £15
Pickled Red Cabbage INGREDIENTS - Red Cabbage, Salt, Spiced Vinegar (you can buy pickling vinegar spiced already) Remove the outer stalks and the tough inner stalk. Shred the cabbage, wash and drain. Layer the cabbage, with salt between the layers. Leave for 24 hours. Wash thoroughly in cold water and drain. Pack into the clean and sterilised jars and top up with the spiced vinegar. Cover, label and date. Ready after 1 week, but the longer it is kept, the softer it becomes.
34
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
LES CUNNINGTON Helpston Based Painter & Decorator
• Free Estimates • No Job too small
Local Community
Scene Magazines Wherever your target audience, we have it covered...
• High Standard Of Work Contact: 01733 253832 or 07857 835955
Peterborough – 15,000 copies
KELECTRIC Electrical Services NO JOB TOO SMALL
Stamford, Deeping & Bourne – 10,000 copies Rutland – 8,000 copies Local Weddings – 10,000 copies
• Cooker repairs • Sockets/lighting • Fault finding
Business 2 Business – 5,000 copies
01733 578887 / 07850 288997
www.thescenemagazine.co.uk
OML Plastering • • • •
plastering & drylining internal & external work competitive pricing in and around the Peterborough area
Tel: 07515569399
Email: briddy_d@hotmail.com Your Local
Wedding BOOK YOUR Scene
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All the local wedding shows and venues • Hints and tips to plan your perfect day
ADVERTISING SPACE NOW FOR 2012
www.yourweddingscene.co.uk
Free regular chips when you purchase regular cod One portion per token Linfords Fish & Chips Church Street Stanground Subject to availability
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
35
REVIEW Bestselling author Freya North tells us what books she’ll be giving this Christmas.
THE RADLEYS
32 PROGRAMMES
by Matt Haig Canongate
by Dave Roberts bantam press
£7.99
£12.99
Matt Haig is a clever, witty and hugely original storyteller.
You don’t have to be a bloke and you don’t have to like football
Winner of this year’s TV Book Club “Best Read”, this is the
to love this book. Dave Roberts relocates to the USA and his
story of a very ordinary family from the outside. Teenagers.
wife tells him his 1,134 football programmes aren’t coming with.
Dodgy uncles. The usual. However, behind the suburban
He can take just 32. As he begins the task of choosing which,
front door, the dinner parties and Radio 4, it’s a different
memories abound – his youthful football obsession, crushes on
matter. They’re vampires. This book has perhaps the best
disinterested girls, rubbish jobs and trying to impress skinheads.
shoutline I’ve ever seen on a cover – and it sums up the story
One final programme is added to his collection – one that he
brilliantly: “Families: They’re a bloody nightmare…”
thought he’d never say, one which means more to him than all the rest. A funny, touching tale of a man’s life and loves.
THE CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS
THE MISTRESS’S REVENGE
by Cleveland Amory Corgi £6.99
by Tamara Cohen Doubleday £12.99
One snowy Christmas Eve, down a New York alley, the author
“Never have an affair with someone who has less to lose than
and the cat first met. Polar Bear, as he called him, was at
you.” When I read that on the cover, I knew I was in for a page-
death’s door. Cleveland Amory preferred dogs. The story
turner of a read. This is Tamar’s first novel – and it’s brilliant
follows their first year together – an unlikely pair: a stroppy
in that compelling, car-crash way. Clive has been Sally’s lover
stray cat and a curmudgeonly old bloke. Never twee, the
for 5 years. He promised he’d leave his wife for her. He lied.
relationship is recounted in funny and touching prose. Amory
Written in the present tense, in the first person, sometimes funny,
was a distinguished journalist, satirist and novelist – and
sometimes dark, it charts Sally’s desperation, delusion – and
when he died, he was buried next to Polar Bear.
revenge. Gripping. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…!
WORLD BOOK NIGHT Deadlines close 31 Dec 2011 if you want to become a World Book Night giver www.worldbooknight.org
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Ebooks The Scene guide to buying an Ebook reader You may think that the screens on Ebook readers make your eyes strain, but this problem has been solved by the use of a display called ‘e-ink’. They don’t use a back light, which is what typically leads to eye strain. Ebook readers have also been developed now to give you sufficient battery life for between 7,000 and 8,000 page turns – plenty to keep you busy! Ebook readers can store a significant number of books, possibly several hundred with 512mb of storage. Some Ebook readers also come with memory card slots if you are looking at adding a significant number of books to your collection. Some readers can also store audio books, so if this is of interest to you check the capabilities before buying. Audio books do require more memory though. The functionality of Ebook readers can vary with some having touch-screen and stylus input, whilst others have QWERTY keyboards.
Price guides
Students may want to consider a reader which allows notes to be made or highlighted.
The prices below are only a guide, offers may apply and additional memory, 3G capability and functions can add to the price. Offers
Finally the size of the reader needs to be considered – do you want it to fit in your pocket or handbag, or would a larger screen be beneficial.
were available on all devices at the time of putting this guide together. Retailers including John Lewis, Argos, Waterstones and Currys, plus supermarkets have stocked them in recent months.
Ereader brands Kindle, Sony Reader Touch (and pocket edition), Bookeen Opus
Ereader RRP
eReader.
Kindle
FROM £89
Kindle keyboard 3G
FROM £149
Ereader Apps
Sony Touch Reader
FROM £130
Versions of ereader apps can be downloaded for mobile phones and
Sony Touch Pocket Reader
FROM £160
ipads, some for free.
Bookeen Opus eReader
FROM £130
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
37
WHAT’S ON
of
% NT vice 10COUer seCr 01) S l S DI boi te ref f a (Q u o
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www.archway.tv
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
TEEN SCENE
Teen Scene By Megan Templeman
It seems like I was only just writing about exam results in August, and now it’s December and Christmas is just around the corner! I think it’s fair to say that we all love the Christmas period, whether it’s the presents, the food, the festive spirit or simply having a few weeks break from school or college, so luckily there’s not long to wait now!
Christmas TV One of my favourite things about the festive season is TV entertainment, be it Christmas films or Christmas TV specials. This year it is rumoured that there will be Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas, Outnumbered and Top Gear Christmas specials, no doubt amongst many more. Classic Christmas films like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street and more recent films such as Elf , How the Grinch stole Christmas and Love Actually are sure to get you in the mood for Christmas – after all, it’s the only time of the year when it’s acceptable to watch your favourite Christmas movies!
Presents Although it’s always nice to receive presents at Christmas, it’s always a struggle to buy for other people. You either have no money to buy presents for everyone, have no idea what to buy or don’t know exactly who you should buy for. My advice is to buy presents for family and your closest friends only, as otherwise it could get confusing and very expensive! And if you have very little to spend then remember small token gifts still show thought. You could always make gifts if you are arty and creative – it saves a lot of money and is much more thoughtful. As for what exactly to buy for people, think about their interests instead of instantly gravitating to the easy options (i.e bath/shower products or, classically, socks, unless you know they’ll love them), and ask yourself whether they would actually make use of the present – there’s no use in spending money on something than will never be used, so be practical! It’s very easy to get caught up in the stress of Christmas, but remember
to relax over the festive period and have fun. Whether you’re one to wake up at five in the morning on Christmas to open your presents or would prefer a lie in, just chill out and enjoy itit’ll be over before you know it! I hope that you all have an amazing Christmas and New Year and that all of your Christmas wishes come true.
Banish Those Winter Blues
It’s that depressing time of year
away from Spain, this is a country that is a
unique Jamaican Patois language and the
again - short, chilly days and
world apart from its near neighbour. From
breeding ground for a notably fast sprinter.
long, frosty nights that just seem
the picture-postcard fishing villages like
So close you can hear the soothing melody
to sap energy from our mind,
Essaouira, to the manic alleyways and
of the steel drums in the wind…
body and soul! Why not banish
markets of Marrakech, there’s so much
those winter blues and escape
available to make that short break in the
In the Indian Ocean you can find beautiful
to a destination where you can
sun so enjoyable.
and relatively unspoilt islands such as The Maldives, the perfect antidote
ensure you are revitalised and re-energised, and then the only
Think long haul and then think deserted
for
romantics
and/or
water-sports
blues you’ll be feeling this winter
beaches, laid-back vibe and those
enthusiasts. The Republic is spread
will be the bathtub-warm waters
tropical sunsets. The Caribbean islands
across nearly 100,000 km2 dotted with
of an azure tropical ocean!
are like gems that kick back and relax in
1,000 coral islands with over 100 featuring
that notable turquoise sea. Islands such
resorts that offer a true getaway. Laze on a
For instance, as I’ve been typing this,
as St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and
pristine white-sand beach, snorkel in warm
I checked and saw that it is 27°C in
Antigua offer a rich colonial past with all of
waters teeming with fish, enjoy an array of
Morocco. Imagine that in just a 3-hour
the above included with grace and charm.
watersports and at meal time’s feast on a
flight from London you could be in such
Jamaica gives you something unique,
smorgasbord of delicacies. Other Indian
a balmy climate? Although it is just a step
with fiercely proud links to Africa, a
Ocean islands that are perfect for a winter
call: 784380 email: info@inspirational-travel.com 40 01780 December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
escape are Mauritius, The Seychelles or
of wonderful beaches and on the coast by
Mozambique.
Yala National Park you may even catch a
If you seek a bit more activity then maybe
a few wonderful combinations.
leopard or a sloth bear catching some rays
At Inspirational Travel everything we do is
on the beach!!
tailor-made and we pride ourselves on the philosophy that everything we offer can
head to Sri Lanka. This is an island where many cultures meet, and where it seems
Or maybe you want to do something really
be adjusted to suit your wishes, so that
that the Indian Subcontinent has collided
different? What about a unique experience
you can have the perfect time to create
with the Far East and Africa. Sri Lanka has
that combines two countries and the
the perfect memories which will be yours,
a stunning coastline, a fascinating history
close-up sights of wildlife of a safari game
and only yours to last a lifetime.
with a number of World Heritage Sites
drive with some beach time thrown in
and amazing wildlife and birdlife. Old
too? South Africa & Mauritius, Kenya &
world cities like Galle sit beside stretches
Zanzibar, Tanzania & Mozambique are just
& Escape To Warmer Climes
To get ideas for your winter break simply call 01780 784380 or email info@inspirational-travel.com
www.inspirational-travel.com Telephone: 01780 783613
| December 2011
Telephone: 01780 783613 | June 2011
41
41
SPORT
Peterborough Town Report Well the goals keep raining in the men’s hockey National League games but unfortunately the opposition score one more than us. A 5-4 defeat to Wimbledon, followed by 4-3 to Indian Gymkhana and 3-2 to Holcombe surrounding a 4-4 draw with Teddington have left us 3rd from bottom. Up-coming games against other sides towards the bottom will now be ‘must wins’ if we are not going to be sucked into a relegation battle. We should have enough fire power to avoid this if we can just tighten up at the back as some ‘unreliables’ give us more commitment. The second X1 are riding high in East Premier B and with the 3rds and 4ths also toping their leagues, our strength in depth is for all to see. The ladies are holding their own in East League Div 1 after promotion and the other ladies sides are doing well with a very youthful profile. The squash leagues are under way and it is early days but results have not been great. The absence of Dan McGinn has not helped but all in all the Squash section is buoyant with lots of players showing lots of interest. Cricket is out of season with another successful Annual Dinner now past. Indoor nets start at The Thomas Deacon Academy in January when the quest begins to hone those skills which will hopefully end the quest to bring the long awaited Northants Championship title back to Bretton Gate. Tennis is also out of season but a lot of work is under way planning to subtantially improve the facilies at the Club and there is also talk of a Bowls Club!! Possibly exciting developments. Watch this space.
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Peter Lambert
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Ryan’s Football Preview Email me your thoughts to: ryan@semplesoccer.co.uk and visit: www.semple-soccer.co.uk where I will post all my responses
December is historically the busiest part of the football calendar, particularly during the festive period where fans of all ages make the most of their holidays. Below are two fixtures that I’ve highlighted as potential barnstormers. Chelsea V Man City, (12th)
Qpr V Man United, (18th)
The original Premier League billionaire boys club against the new kids on the block in the form of Sheikh Mansour and his bottomless pit of cash. This match also pits two of the games top young managers against each other in Andre Villas Boas and Italian Roberto Mancini. City have been in incredible form right from the off and with firepower to burn in the form of, Sergio Aguero, Mario Ballotelli, Edin Dzeko and the little genius David Silva, (Carlos who!) a betting man may go for an away win on their coupon. Maybe the power is shifting away from the capital up the M1 but write off the Stamford bridge side at your peril. They’ve been ticking over without throwing any great shapes in their pursuit of the Premier League crown but with players like Frank Lampard now hitting top form, not to mention the fantastic acquisition of Juan Mata, they’ll without question be in the mix up in May.
The last time these two sides faced each other in the Premier League the year was 1996, Qpr had a dreadlocked speed demon in their ranks in Trevor Sinclair and the reds had a side of fresh faced kids going by the names of Scholes, Beckham, Giggs and Neville not to mention a certain Eric Cantona aiming to prove Alan Hansen’s famous words “you don’t win anything with kids” were to be well and truly rammed down his throat. Fast forward 15 years and while United have achieved incredible success the west London side have had a long journey back to the top table in English football. With the charismatic Neil Warnock at the helm, Qpr have built up a competitive team with some transfer deadline deals like Shaun Wright Phillips, Anton Ferdinand and Joey Barton and have already taken 3 points from Chelsea, not that many will remember after the ensuing row between Ferdinand and blues skipper John Terry. Regardless of that Sir Alex Ferguson will demand a performance from his men and with Man City unlikely to let up at the top, a positive run of results will be the only thing on his wish list.
POSH Preview The Posh face 5 matches during the month and will want to go into the new year on a upward turn of form to kick on from what has been a so far more than acceptable start to the season. Games against Barnsley, (H) Leicester, (A) Coventry, (H) Nottingham Forest, (A) and Middlesbrough, (A) are what lies between achieving that. Let’s hope they can continue the same belief, passion and ability that’s been on show so often this year and start 2012 in the perfect way.
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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