ESP December 2009

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DECEMBER 2009 Issue 124

This month’s issue is packed full of...

WhaT’s On Live musiC heaLTh & BeauTy FashiOn mOvies FOOd

l y r e h C e l o C Feature

Leisure & LiFesTyLefor

PeTerBOrOugh / sTamFOrd / OundLe / WhiTTLesey / sPaLding / BOurne... and mOre

For Christmas shopping with a difference come to Rivergate‌ For gifts, party looks or just to rest your feet and grab a coffee!

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Celebs

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stamford Calling

DISTRIBUTION 21,000 COPIES

63,000 READERS ESP distribution stands are located right across the Greater Peterborough area with magazines available at over 650 separate locations.

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Fashion

sport

EDITORIAL

STUDIO

COLUMNISTS

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor Sharon McAllister

Art Director Tony Mayer

Pep Cipriano

Karen Devine

Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Joanne Quinney

ADVERTISING

Senior Designer Alex Fahey

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sales Executives Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

Laura Waltham

laura.waltham@espmag.co.uk

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

alex.fahey@espmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Mike Harris Lara Johnson Lydia Fahy

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Tempest

sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Liv Slater Lara Johnson

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

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ESP MAGAZINE LTD Directors Sharon McAllister

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Andy Whittaker

Sean McAllister

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

ESPmag.co.uk

Matt Zilch

For all the latest news, views, reviews and gossip, check out ESP Magazine’s Local Leisure website www.espmag.co.uk

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

Gavin Miller

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Mark Shaw

mark.shaw@espmag.co.uk

Kerry Bates

kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

Maggie Gaziano

maggie.gaziano @espmag.co.uk

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG / TEL 01733 579707 / FAX 01733 579708 / EMAIL: OFFICE@ESPMAG.CO.UK ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any of the Peterborough newspapers. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

Gossip

Marshall Peugeot

gossip@espmag.co.uk

LITE BECOMES CONNECT Local radio in Peterborough will see another big change soon when Lite FM relaunches as Connect FM on 106.8 next month with a new line-up.

Owners the Adventure Radio Group has four stations – Lite FM, Connect in Northamptonshire, Southend Radio and Chelmsford Radio.

Lite FM will change in the New Year and be renamed Connect FM. ESP will have the full story next issue but Adventure Radio Group programme director Mark Jeeves explained – “We’re aiming to replicate the success that Connect has had in its neighbouring county, and by joining up will be able to offer the listener a great choice of new and exciting programmes, big prizes and some of the best local talent.”

The changes will see the departure of long term presenter Keith Dalton while a new show to both Connect stations is theTracie Young Show (10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday) – presented by the former Jam (Beat Surrender) and Style Council singer. Tracie also had solo hits with The House That Jack Built and Give It Some Emotion.

The Tracie Young show will launch in January with ‘Tracie’s Mystery Voices’ – a contest running for 10 weeks giving listeners the chance to win thousands of pounds. Pick up the January issue of ESP for more details.

TRY A DEVINE DETOX ESP nutritionist Karen Devine is running small nutritional workshops in the New Year for all of you keen to learn more about nutrition and health.

2010 will see the launch of Karen’s own Devine Detox retreat weeks in beautiful places such as Italy, Egypt and a unique week on an island. Take a look at Karen’s website for more details www.karendevine.co.uk.

NEW RIVERSIDE PAVILLION There’s a great new facility just opened on Candy Street just off Sugar Way in Woodston.

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5PT

Proudly sponsored by

The Riverside Pavillion serves the new Riverside development and the wider Fletton and Woodston areas in Peterborough. It includes a community hall, kitchen and bar area, facilities for kids and four changing rooms. It’s now available for use by community groups, as a meeting place and also to host wedding receptions, conferences and other events. It also has a floodlit artificial pitch suitable for tennis, football and hockey, and two separate football pitches so something to please everyone!

For more info call 01733 567797 or visit www.riversidepavilion.co.uk

STRICTLY’S HAYLEY STEPS OUT Peterborough girl Hayley Sanderson, singer with the Strictly Come Dancing band is stepping out into the limelight herself and has just released her debut album – Just Songs. Hayley, who was featured as one of ESP’s Perfect Ten Success Stories earlier this year, has been singing for years at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scotts.

Hayley’s frequently appeared at the Key Theatre since she first trained at their Summer Schools and more recently with tribute band Think Floyd.

Her new album features songs she’s sung on Strictly as well as some other favourite tracks and one original called Walking Away. Read our interview with Hayley in next month’s issue as we get the back stage gossip on Strictly – but in the meantime grab a copy of her fabulous album. Visit www.hayley sanderson.com.

BE WHEELY GOOD THIS XMAS While shopping for pressies this year spare a thought for the kids who’ve lost a parent fighting in the war in Afghanistan or whose parents might be stuck over there during the festivities. A local charity, Wheels for Charity, and organiser Rupert

Gladstone has joined with the Forces Children’s Trust and Help for Heroes to give toys to youngsters who might not receive as many this year due to the loss of one of their parents. To donate, take either toys or cheques to David at Thrifty Hire in Fengate – make cheques out to Forces Children’s Trust – and the fundraising petrolheads will take them to the event in London on December 5 when the toys will be allocated.

GET HOME SAFE WITH GOLDSTAR CABS! Goldstar cabs now offer a new text back service for extra safety. You simply text your details and they’ll text you back to let you know the details of the cab you’re getting into and where it’s parked. They also offer a home ringback to let you know your cab is outside to save you going out in the cold! They are the only company offering text bookings in conjunction with a get home safely scheme. All rates are staying the same over Christmas. Text them on 07826 526777 to book your taxi now!

SUSIE’S LUCK CHANGES A gorgeous single mum turned model who feared she was ‘cursed’ after years of bad luck has had all her dreams come true.

Susie Hutson from Hampton Vale has beaten hundreds of girls to a modelling contract worth £50,000 with Wickedelic Lingerie, features in the Help For Heroes 2010 charity calendar and has found her own forces sweetheart in the space of a few months.

Over the last three years sexy Susie’s had a real run of bad luck including a road accident, a breast cancer scare, redundancy and having to declare herself bankrupt. But after winning the

Tel: 0844 3340713 www.marshallweb.co.uk modelling cotnract Susie has also been adopted as No. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment’s sweetheart at RAF Wittering and met her new love.

“All this has been a dream come true,” says Susie. “I was told by many people I was too old for modelling but that just spurred me on.

“My new guy is just gorgeous and it feels like he’s the one I’ve been waiting for all my life. He looked me up on Facebook after I met him at Wittering. He’s going to Afghanistan soon and has asked me to wait for him. He’s an absolute sweetheart!”

Ahhhh…

OASIS IS COMING Look out for the new Oasis store opening very soon in Queensgate next to Warehouse – we can’t wait!

Not only will the new fashion store be bringing us gorgeous outfits the Peterborough store will also be one of a limited number in the country available for fashion parties. You just make an appointment with the store for your private shop, then you and a minimum of 10 of your friends can enjoy a private shopping evening in store. It’s 60 minutes of fashion inspiration with free Cava, cupcakes, style advice as well as 15% discount for you and all your guests. The 'party hostess' also receives a £150 voucher if the party takes over £750 and all guests are entered into a £100 prize draw.

MOTSON’S A SELL OUT We hear the Stamford AFC Sportsman’s Dinner was another huge sell out success and raised a whopping £3,340! Guest speakers on the night were John Motson OBE and Ricky George ex Hereford Utd Football Club who both went down a storm at The Lady Anne's Hotel – despite it being their first time as speakers. John and Ricky shared anecdotes of their careers with John as a world renowned commentator for the BBC plus others and Ricky as

Come and see Shaun and his team for a cracking deal on a brand new Peugeot which is really worth talking about!! a professional footballer and now into his media role. Make sure you don’t miss the next event – we’ll keep you posted.

SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM WESTGATE Westgate Department Store is offering all its customers Something Special for Christmas in the shape of 20% off purchases made until December 24.

With 20% off fashions, accessories and homeware across the store and 10% off cosmetics, perfumery, furniture and electrical, Westgate Department Store have got Christmas all wrapped up.

Simply present your Anglia Cooperative Membership Card at the till point to take advantage of the discount and earn points as you shop. Not a member? Pick up a Promotion Card in store today to claim your discount and be in for a chance of winning a brand new Peugeot 107. So whether it’s a fabulous party dress, a beautiful new perfume or some indulgent lingerie Christmas Shopping just got a whole lot more affordable with Westgate.

HARVEY TWEEL COUNTRY CLOTHING There’s a great new store opened in Oundle. Katie and her partner Ben have gone into business together selling a large collection of men’s and ladies clothing with names such as Le Chameau, Ness and Musto, they also do bespoke hand made tweed jackets as well as jewellery and accessories.

You can find them in The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle. Tel: 01832 272444.

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS Sue Ryder Care is now running a gift wrapping stand at Queensgate every weekend and every day from December 12. They have 172 three hour slots that need filling so they need people to give three hours of their time to help. If your gift wrapping skills aren’t

all that great, you can also help out at their Lights Of Love stand, where people can dedicate a light in memory of loved ones – all you have to do is accept their money and look after the dedication! If you feel you can spare three hours to help Sue Ryder Care raise over £8,000 this festive season, call 01733 330060 or email thorpe. fundraising@suerydercare.org. And if you need your pressies wrapping just head to the wrapping station next to the glass lift in Queensgate.

MINI XMAS PREZ FOR SUE RYDER The Sue Ryder Care team are looking pretty pleased with their Christmas present from Sycamore in Werrington.

The BMW and Mini dealership have extended the loan of a Mini to the Thorpe Hall team to use as a promotional tool for events and to save the charity money on travelling costs.

The original loan was due to run out at the end of October, but Sycamores are now lending it to the charity until the end of the year.

WINDMILL TO OPEN SOON The transformed Windmill pub in Orton Waterville is due to open soon and we can’t wait! Entrepreneur and director Steve Haslam tells us he’s confident he’s created the best pub in the area after ploughing thousands into the project. He already owns two very successful pubs elsewhere in the country and is promising you won’t recognise The Windmill. Things are progressing well and it’s hoped the bar will be opening mid December followed by the restaurant soon after so we’ll keep you posted.

CHRISTMAS POSTING Get your Christmas cards off in time – last post for second class letters is December 18, and December 21 for first class.

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

ON ALL PIZZAS! DELIVERY OFFERS Papa’s Family Feast Any 3 x 12” pizzas from the menu OR pick ‘n’ mix up to 5 different toppings on each 3 x side Orders 1 x Tub Ben & Jerry’s ice cream 1 x 1.5ltr Coke/Diet Coke

£28.95 12” Single Saver Any 12” pizza from the menu OR pick ‘n’ mix up to 5 different toppings 1 x side Order 1 x 500ml Coke/Diet Coke

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Any 15” Pizza off the Menu £9.95

Any 12” Pizza off the Menu £6.95

Any 9" pizza from menu or pick n mix up to five different toppings one side order one can of coke/diet coke

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If you miss that or if you’re sending cheques, Special Delivery is guaranteed and will be running until December 23. For things going further afield the last posting dates start from December 4 – check at your local Post Office or visit www.royalmail.com/ greetings

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There’ll be no deliveries or collections from Christmas Day until December 28, so enjoy a brief respite from your bills!

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957 LINCOLN ROAD WALTON PE4 6AF

25 LONDON ROAD PE2 8AN

OPPOSITE MORRISONS

NR THE POSH GROUND

Open Times: sun-Thu 11am-12 midnight, Fri-sat 11am-1am

IT’S PANTO TIME SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Stamford Corn Exchange is bringing us a traditional panto with chorus and dancers to enhance this fantastic family show at Christmas. Snow White finds herself on the run from her wicked stepmother and finds refuge in a small cottage out in the forest with seven pint-sized men who immediately decide to adopt and protect her. If you want to join them on their adventure, please book tickets early to avoid disappointment. See it at Stamford Corn Exchange from December 29 – January 2.

Tickets £9. Box office: 01780 766455.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Beauty and the Beast is sure to be this year’s family panto and is again being staged in conjunction with Premier Productions. They’re known for their first class shows and ensure that the Cresset is offering the best festive show in the region. It features a vibrant cast, exciting dance routines, fabulous sets and stunning costumes, as well as special effects and lots of laughter and action – definitely something to captivate both young and old. The show opens on December 14 at 10am.

Tickets £14.50, £13.25 for children. Box office: 01733 265705.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL If you want the perfect Christmas, then start your annual festivities with A Christmas Carol at The Stahl Theatre in Oundle. Ebenezer Scrooge, whose very name’s become a by-word for misery, refuses to celebrate Christmas, and cries ‘Bah! Humbug!’ at any suggestion that he should.

Scrooge is visited by four ghosts to help transform him into a jolly and generous man. This is a part sentimental ghost story, wholly uplifting and something for all Christmas lovers! It will be performed from December 2 - 4 & 6 at 7.45pm. Box office: 01832 773930.

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT

FIVE STAR SWING Stamford Corn Exchange is bringing us an exciting night with hits you’ll know and love from the swing era, featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra. This Christmas spectacular will feature tunes from Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller through to songs like Mr Bojangles and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, plus some foot stomping Jools Holland style jazz. The songs are brought to life by multi instrumentalist Chris Smith, using his experience from jazz festivals to Top Of The Pops and saxophonist and vocalist Simone Smith who’s played with the Ivy Benson show band. The BBC rate this show highly, saying – ‘They swing like crazy – superb!’. The show will be performed on December 13.

Tickets are £13. Box office: 01780 766455 / 754829.

LION & UNICORN December is bringing theatre out of the auditorium as East Anglia’s regional touring theatre company is coming to Peterborough with a new performance Lion & Unicorn. One of the characters, Edie climbs onto the roof of the Guildhall, as the emblem on the side of the building comes to life! This is a fast paced, physical piece of theatre, is aimed at audiences from 9 to 90, and throws light on the human antics in Peterborough’s Cathedral Square. You can watch this action packed show on December 1 at the Quakers’ Meeting House, Thorpe Road, or at The Millenium Centre, Dickens Street on December 3 or Orton Waterville Village Hall on December 5. Box office: 01473 211498. www.easternangles.co.uk

The ever popular tale of Dick Whittington And His Cat is this year’s exciting new panto at The Key Theatre. A host of colourful characters will be played by some of The Key’s best known faces, including Paul Crosby and comic actor Patric Kearns. The story’s based on the rags to riches story of a boy and his cat, finding fame and fortune as the Lord Mayor of London. This is a much loved fairy tale, and provides the perfect panto plot, with exotic locations, adventure on the high seas and definitely the coolest cat in Pantoland! The show’s on at The Key Theatre from December 4 – January 3. Tickets from £13. Box office: 01733 207239.

ALADDIN Prepare to be enthralled by the antics of a whole host of your favourite characters in another fantastic traditional panto. Aladdin’s packed with solid comedy, excitement and adventure, launching you on a spectacular journey across time and space to visit the magical city of Old Peking. If you like to join in with ‘booing’ the evil Abanazer and laughing along with Wishee Washee then get yourself down to Stamford Arts Centre on January 2. There will be two showings at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are £6.50 or £24 for families. Box office: 01780 763203.

PETER PAN Who wants to grow up? Over in Spalding they’re off to Never Land with the Magical Adventures of Peter Pan. The Polka Dot team are back with another great family show running at the South Holland Arts Centre from Thursday December 10 to Sunday January 3. Box office: 01775 764777.

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BALLROOM GLITZ It’s time to put on those flares and platforms as one of Europe’s premiere showbands take you back to the 70s.

Six highly experienced and talented musicians will be performing at Stamford Corn Exchange. They’ll be singing all the 70s classics from ABBA to Queen, and if the audience suits, they may even perform their favourite pop legends T Rex, Steve Harley, Cockney Rebel, Bay City Rollers, David Bowie and more! If you’re brave enough then there is the option to get yourself noticed in some retro 70s fancy dress at the show on December 11 at 8pm. Tickets £10. Box office: 01780 766455.

entertainment@espmag.co.uk

LOCALENTERTAINMENT Lara Johnson has the ESP guide to the hottest shows around…

78 RPM BIG BAND If you enjoy a swinging big band then 78 RPM is for you. Led by saxophonist Julian Landymore, the seventeen piece band dominates the jazz, blues, and funk big band scene. They play a wide range of music, from the pads of Ellington and Basie, through to the funk of The Average White Band and Earth, Wind And Fire. To top it off, the band features top West End vocalist Mark Rattray, who sings great numbers that Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole made famous. This show really has all the right ingredients for a great night of music! You can see this great Christmas special at The Mariott Hotel, Lynch Wood, on Sunday December 3 at 8pm. Tickets are £15.

Enquiries: 01733 571764.

TRIBUTE TO KING AND QUEEN OF POP The Bull Hotel is bringing us a night dedicated to the king and queen of pop, Michael Jackson and Madonna on December 22. A tribute band will be performing whilst you sit down and wine and dine with a 3 course meal for just £35 a head. Arrival is at 7.00pm, ready to be seated at 7.30pm. If you would like to know more then you can call The Bull Hotel directly on 01733 561364.

Authentic Food Sample the flavours of South America

Fiery Atmosphere Warm and contemporary, with a traditional feel

LADIES NIGHT Want to have a great hen night? Then grab your handbags and your lippy for Ladies Night at The Cresset. It’s full of thrills, spills, rippling torsos, bare flesh and baby lotion, along with a glass of sparkling wine served by some hunky waiters. Lovely! There’s also a sumptuous buffet, tantalising male strippers, and a disco for all those who love a good boogie. What more could you ask for? Get yourselves to The Cresset on December 4 at 7.30pm for a night you will definitely not forget. Tickets £16, buy 15 tickets and get one free! Group bookers call 01733 842500.

Chillin’ Cocktails Made using premium spirits, from £4.50 each

Christmas menu now online www.flamas-restaurant.com

LOOSE WOMAN REAL JANE HITS DIAMOND TOWN Britain’s best loved diva, international recording artiste and television star Jane McDonald will be performing at The Cresset. Featuring many of the best loved songs from her fabulous repertoire, Jane will be performing along with her brilliant musicians and backing singers, which has brought audiences to their feet night after night. If you enjoy watching her on Loose Women then an evening of music and laughter on January 31 won’t be a disappointment The show starts at 8.00pm, Tickets are £29.50. Box office: 01733 265705.

John Hylton is Europe’s foremost Neil Diamond Tribute performer. He sings all of Neil’s classics such as Love On The Rocks and Brother Love. His UK fanclub have described his performance as ‘Stunning, Spectacular! and his voice is uncannily like Neil’s, certainly giving a flawless performance.’ If you fancy watching John in this electrifying show, then pop along to Stamford Corn Exchange on January 16. John will have you convinced you spent the night with Neil himself! Tickets £15. Box Office: 01780 766455.

Party bookings now being taken Book early to avoid disappointment

Lunchtime Menu Served from 12pm till 3pm Monday to Friday Served from 12pm till 5pm Saturday & Sunday

LUNCHTIME OFFER Fantastic lunchtime deal available every day of the week!

Main courses £5.95 or choose two courses for just £7.95.

Terrific value! Lunch served from 12- 3pm Monday to Friday and 12pm - 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

114 Four Chimneys Crescent, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE7 8FH Tel:01733 241246 info@flamas-restaurant.com • www.flamas-restaurant.com

Grease really is the word!

Head Back To The 50’s And Experience A Great Party Night Christmas Parties – various dates throughout November and December including entertainment, disco and three course meal From £19.00

Just 2 miles from the centre of Peterborough, the Holiday Inn Peterborough West is one of the city's most prestigious hotels, fully air conditioned and situated opposite an excellent 18-hole golf course and some 500 acres of beautiful parkland. With our recent refurbishment, our contemporary restaurant has an excellent reputation, as has the hotel's Club Moativation with pool, spa, sauna, steam room, aerobics, beauty treatment, solarium and gym. Golf at Thorpe Wood course opposite the hotel can be pre-booked.

Holiday Inn Peterborough West Thorpewood, Peterborough PE3 6SG

Friday 25th December Christmas Day Lunch Bring along the family and enjoy a traditional Christmas Day lunch. We will greet you with Bucks Fizz & Canapés on arrival, then you will enjoy a sumptuous six course lunch. Father Christmas will also be paying a visit with a gift for every child. £55 per adult, £19.50 for children under 12 and FREE for under 5s.

Thursday 31st December Gala Dinner New Year's Eve

Tel: 0871 9429 186

Join us to see in 2010 in style at our glittering gala dinner. Champagne and canapés on arrival, a 6 course gala dinner, disco and casino all for £80.00 per person

www.holidayinn.co.uk

Thursday 31st December New Year's Eve Family Disco Celebrate with people who really understand what a family New Year's Eve means! Enjoy a hot and cold buffet and family disco til late. £50.00 per person children under 12 £12.50 and children under 5 go free

Christmas Party Nights Winner of the Good Beer Guide 2009 ‘Own Brew Pub of The Year’ Award 80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap.manager@oakagroup.com web: www.oakhamales.com

OpeningTimes: Mon-Thu 12 noon - 11.00pm Fri & Sat 12 noon - late, Sun 12 noon - 10.30pm

Christmas Party Nights will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December. Free entry (excluding 25th & 26th December).

Christmas Gift Ideas The ultimate gift for real ale lovers – 17 or 34 pint poly pins of Oakham Ale available (must be pre-ordered).

New Year’s Eve Kick off 2010 in style, join us as we celebrate and dance the night away with Citizen Smith.

Registered member of Peterborough Centre Safe

£5 door admission applies, our full A La Carte menu will be available from 7.30 - 10.30 pm.

Europe’s Largest Brew Pub and home of

Christmas is now officially underway in the Boro! The city centre Christmas light switch on hosted by Lite FM saw Bridge Street packed with crowds.

Stars on the night included X Factor’s Nicole Lawrence and local actor Warwick Davis of Star Wars and Harry Potter fame. Other entertainers included our own columnist and former Face of ESP Susan Saunders who belted out some great songs on stage while Posh players signed autographs.

For a truly idyllic start to the festive season, head to Stamford on December 13 for the Christmas Festival 2009. The town will be transformed into a scene from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with a Victorian market with 150 stalls (and counting!) and costumed stallholders selling all kinds of gifts and crafts amidst a couple of snow machines. There’ll also be a huge food market – not surprising considering one of the sponsors is Waitrose and should all this shopping wear you out, there’ll be gallons of hot mulled wine and plenty of hog roasts available to revive your spirits.

There’ll be live entertainment all day long from a David Bowie tribute and the X Mas Factor.

The X Mas Factor is a talent contest in the style of the X Factor, and will be hosted by none other than Nicole Lawrence who recently appeared on the ITV show. She’ll also be performing live later in the day for the candle-lit Big Sing Off on Red Lion Square at 5pm, where she’ll be leading the crowds in festive favourites.

Everyone knows that Father Christmas always finds out who’s naughty and nice, so if you need a few extra brownie points this year then the Christmas Festival organisers are looking for volunteers. For more info, call Rosie Maclennan on 01780 480490 or email info@stamfordtownpartnership.co.uk

Photo: Terry Harris

SCOOTER BASH

Over in Queensgate Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw joined Heart FM’s Kev and Abby on stage to help turn on the shopping centre’s fantastic light display.

They were joined by the Posh players and stars of the Cresset’s panto Beauty and the Beast and Wallace and Gromit.

From Monday November 30 and through to December 23, lucky shoppers will be able to park for free on weekdays after 6pm and the stores will stay open until 9pm, giving everybody more time to find that perfect gift or brilliant bargain. Queensgate will also be opening until 7pm on each Saturday in December in the run up to Christmas.

Over at Serpentine Green shopping centre in Hampton you can now let Santa know what’s on your wish list as the grotto is now open.

Admission’s £4.50 which includes a gift and it’s open until December 24. There’s free parking and stores are open late until 9pm throughout December every night except Sundays. www.serpentiengreen.net

CANDYLAND CHRISTMAS Get saucy this Christmas with the Candyland Christmas Cabaret at the Danish Invader in Stamford on December 14. The Burlesque troupe will be hosting a night packed full of music, songs and naughty dance routines all to raise funds for ASBAH – the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Tickets are £3.50 from 07513 319899 or £4.50 on the door.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP IN DEEPING Make sure you catch the Market Deeping Christmas market and lights switch-on on November 29. With loads of stalls and a stage starring local acts such as Ministry of Dance and the band Bassend as well as Keith Dalton from Lite FM, the fun kicks off at 11am and runs until 4pm.

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

Photo: Terry Harris

Photo: Terry Harris

A STAMFORD CHRISTMAS SO HERE IT IS….

MERRY CHRISTMAS! CAROL WITH NICOLE

The Peterborough Lambretta and Vespa Scooter Club celebrates its end of season do on Saturday November 28 at The Fleet in Fletton. There’ll be live music from Blistered playing everything from The Who to The Jam. It kicks off at 7.30pm and it’s a fiver admission on the door. For details call Corky on 07759 777132. If you’re a scooter fan they’ll be doing their annual egg run on March 27 next year so book it out!

60s NIGHT WITH ROUTE 66 Local band Route 66 are pulling out all the stops for a great night at Langtoft village hall on December 18. If you fancy joining them for this special Christmas party in aid of the Special Care Baby Unit there’ll be tasty nibbles and a raffle as well as some great 60s tunes. Tickets are £7 from Pete on 01778 346439.

ODDSOCKS ALTERNATIVE PANTO Take a trip to Oundle on December 8 for Oddsocks’ alternative to panto at the Stahl Theatre.

Re-inventing the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet in a much more comic style, this production aims to answer questions such as whether pizza or pasta makes the best weapon in a fight and how fast a real Fiat 500 can go on stage, this a silly, feel-good version of a romantic tale. Tickets £16 for adults, £8 for kids or £40 for a family of four. Box office: 01832 273930 or online at www.oundlefestival.org.uk.

LIONS CRAFT FAIR

GET STEAMING WITH SANTA

Get some bargains just in time for Christmas and maybe even make a profit, at the Great Bring And Buy craft market on December 6 at Peterborough Lions Rugby Club at Bretton Park. Inspired by the Spitalfields and Portobello Road markets in London, the idea is that you’ll be able to sell your high-quality clutter, and then spend the profits on unique gifts from local craftspeople and artisans. All stall fees go to the charity Peterborough Sports Aid, which helps youngsters with the financial side of achieving their sporting dreams. To book a stall, call 07889 759072 or email peterboroughlions@gmail.com.

Get into the festive mood at Nene Valley Railway this month, where the Santa Special will be running. Meet Santa in his Grotto at Wansford, where every kid will get the chance to tell him their Christmas wish list in person, as well as receiving an early gift – if they’re good, of course! Then take a 50 minute ride to Peterborough and back on a specially decorated train, pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine himself, where kids will get a drink and some sweets, while the adults can enjoy a hot drink, wine or an alcoholic miniature with a tasty mince pie. Services run every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday this month, but booking is recommended! Tickets from £10 per person on 01780 784444 or www.nvr.org.uk.

events@espmag.co.uk

LOCALEVENTS Liv Slater has the ESP guide to the area’s best events.

SEE SANTA @ THE KINGS HEAD See Santa in a picturesque setting, as he’ll be at The King’s Head in Apethorpe on December 12 for a special Santa lunch from midday. He’ll be talking to kids – and all the over-grown kids too, so it’s the perfect chance to tell him in person what you want on the big day! The meal is £4.50 for children and £10.50 for adults. For more info, call 01780 470627.

WHERE TO PARTY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE See in the New Year in style at East on Town Bridge where you’ll be able to enjoy a full Pan Asian Banquet with specially selected dishes from Southeast Asia alongside a complimentary glass of bubbly for £28.95 for three courses or four courses for £32.95. There’ll be live music downstairs at Charters from The Mighty Quinn, tickets are available for £10 on 01733 315702.

For music and food at the same time, try The Brewery Tap on Westgate. Popular covers band Citizen Smith will be playing live, and you’ll be able to order from the usual Thai a la carte menu. Tel: 01733 358500.

Head out of town to The Golden Pheasant in Etton on New Year’s Eve and you’ll be serenaded as you dine in the marquee. There’ll be a live singer and a chef’s buffet, as well as a roving table magician. Tel: 01733 252387.

Go glam on New Year’s Eve at The Bull Hotel with their overnight Casino Royale Ball. You’ll arrive at 2pm and check into your room, then head downstairs for afternoon tea. After this, you’ll be getting changed into your glad rags and then heading downstairs for champagne and canapés followed by a four-course meal.

The hotel will be transformed into something straight out of a Bond film, with casino tables and even ‘James Bond’ in attendance while a DJ plays music from the 60s to the current day. Party into the night and then on New Year’s Day, enjoy a hangover-busting full English breakfast. Tickets are £130. Tel: 01733 561364.

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

WIN TICKETS TO HOLIDAY ON ICE The fantastic Holiday on Ice show returns to Exec Peterborough at the Alwalton Showground with the fabulous new production – Spirit.

ESP has two pairs of tickets up for grabs worth £29.50 each for the opening show at 7.30pm on February 3.

Spirit takes you on a a spectacular journey around the world from east to west, from the splendour of Asia to tribal Native American Indians. Watch the spirits of the four elements – Earth, Wind, Fire and Water – awakened and brought to life through the magic of dance and music.

The show runs from February 3 – February 7, 2010 and features top class ice stars with Robin Cousins as artistic director. If you like Dancing On Ice or Strictly Come Dancing you’re going to love this!

Tickets range from £14.50 to £29.50 with all children at £10 (subject to booking fee). Group discounts available. Booking Hotline: 0844 581 1315 or visit www.theticketfactory.com.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am 11.30am Closed

4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm - 10.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm

Outlets in:

Peterborough, Sleaford, Lincoln, Mansfield

To enter just text or email the answer to this question along with your name, age, address and contact number (please say NO if you do not wish to be contacted by Holiday On Ice in future).

Q - Robin Cousins is a judge on which TV dance show?

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, there is no cash alternative, answers must be in by 21/12/09.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 eMail: coMPetition@esPMag.co.uk

Fillets in Hampton 4 Stewartby Ave, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE7 8NJ

01733 240 204

MAN

about

TOWN

AS HEARD ON

Wed 12.30-1pm, 7pm-8pm

Pep Cipriano

PANTS AT CHANGING BRIEFS A Debenhams survey’s revealed the average man reaches a peak of buying 31 pants a year at age 23 and by the time he's 40, the woman in his life takes on the job. I'm obviously not the average man then. I'm slightly older than 23 and haven't owned 31 pants in my lifetime. What's wrong with wearing the same pair three days in a row? I'm on day two as I write – it's winter and they're keeping me warm and toasty.

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

JULIAN THE FAMOUS 21ST CENTURY MOD! Local Vespa enthusiast and DJ, Julian Roberts, has managed to do something I've always wanted to do – appear in a book. But not just one, several! The recently published, I'm One 21st Century Mods features Julian posing in a stylish black and white photo next to his beautiful (I'm jealous) 1959 Vespa GS 150 VS-5 during a New Untouchables Modernist weekender in Margate.

He told me – “The photo was taken on a Bank Holiday weekend a few years back and there were loads of great scooters parked up but for some reason mine made the book! My Vespa has plenty of chrome and rare accessories and it's widely thought of as being the best looking Vespa ever made. I've been in and out of the Mod / scooter scene since I was 13 and wouldn't say I'm a purist but there's something about the scene that always draws me in.”

You can catch Julian for his autograph when he plays at Mojo Working ('50s n '60s soul, ska and RnB) on December 5 at The Cellar Bar, Thorpe Lodge Hotel or December 11 at Mama Liz’s in Stamford. Jules will also be at The Limetree in Paston on December 12 and at The Brewery Tap on December 19 when he'll be playing Motown and classic soul.

MERRY CHRISTMAS (NO NEED TO SEND A CARD NOW)

Christmas cards. I don't do them. I've never seen the point. Nowadays you can text, email, MSN, Facebook, Twitter and of course telephone your best wishes for Christmas. Don't send me any, save your money and the planet.

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

TO MY LOVER: HERE'S WHAT I WANT FOR XMAS First things first, I have no official lover this Christmas. The only thing I'll be tucking into on Christmas day is an eight-course Italian meal. But for the purpose of this article, let's just say I've got a festive bit of fluff on my books.

It seems more and more girls are struggling with what to buy their fellas this Christmas and to be honest, I'm baffled. We're the easiest of the two sexes to buy for! Now, I could rattle out a top ten gift ideas that should put a genuine smile on every man's face Christmas morning but I'm not going to bother.

Instead I'm going to compile a list of pressies that I want, just to go along with my imaginary squeeze of course. That way she'll read this and get it right. Also, it might just inspire some women who can't figure out what to get their man.

First, what I DON'T want. I'm tired of unwrapping the same rubbish every year. Please, anyone thinking of buying me a present take note: • I don't wear Lynx • I have no use for a pencil case • I haven't used a pen to compile pieces of work with since 1992 • I don't wear Homer Simpson socks or ties • I don't need a M&S handkerchief set • Tie clips are so 80s • I don't need a keyring of any description • Driving gloves are for women and men with small genitalia • I don't need 31 pairs of pants • I'd rather bathe in cat sick than use Adidas shower gel • A Jordan calendar. She's a mess. I have a calendar on my PC and in my phone

Now for the real deal, listed in monetary sizes to make it easier: A little bit of money: • Any book on cars, bikes, gangsters, female sex symbols, Italy, boxing and interesting people like Frank Sinatra – not David Beckham • Cufflinks – the plainer the better please, have some class • Subscription to ESPN Classic sports channel • A stylish grandad cap and scarf • A bottle of Disarrono Originale • Black socks – a man should have 31 pairs A bit more money: • The Sopranos box set – genius • A pair of brogues – timeless • Clinique M Lotion, scrub and under eye treatment • Fahrenheit Eau De – my partner in crime since 1990 • Abercrombie and Fitch hoodie – too many hoodies lost to too many women • Two tickets (me and my squeeze) to Top Gear studio filming A bit more money still: • • • •

A supercars track day A Posh season ticket A remap, giving my car an extra 40 bhp A classic cut leather jacket – an Italian man can never have too many • A pair of boot cut Diesel jeans – no noise, just plain please • A shipment (from Brooklyn) of Junior's plain cheesecake Quite a bit of money: • • • •

A decent laptop A trip for two to Venice A two-year old orange Vespa 125 PX An Esseesse tuning kit for my car with the titanium alloys • Trade in money (plus my Hornet) for a Triumph Street Triple R • My old Fiat Coupe 20v turbo (if she's still alive) And there you have it. Santa may struggle to get some of these items down the chimney but at least I won't be burning smoke through it after setting fire to the usual 'presents' I lovingly receive.

Merry Christmas. Trust me, I'm grateful, really...

THE NO.1 VENUE FOR STAMFORD, PETERBOROUGH & SURROUNDING AREAS

LEAVE BAGPUSS ALONE! Good news: Bagpuss is set for a return to our TV screens. Bad news: The people behind bringing it back said – “We look forward to applying our proven brand management skills to its re-invigoration and to successfully introducing it to a new generation of children.” This means they're going to make it all contemporary and rubbish. Bagpuss is an icon of Britain. It was never broken so there's no need to fix it. They're going to ruin it. I don't know whether to write to my local MP or start a Facebook group titled ‘Hands Off My Favourite Pussy.”

I'm not happy.

THURSDAY 24TH DECEMBER

Christmas Eve Sexy Santa Party TALKING SPORT FRIDAY SWITCH

STAGE COMPETITIONS & PRIZES FOR ALL! DRINKS OFFERS ON THE NIGHT. DISCOUNT FOR SEXY SANTA FANCY DRESS! DOORS OPEN 10PM-2.30AM

SATURDAY 26TH DECEMBER

From January the Talking Sport show on Lite FM (soon to be known as Connect FM!) skillfully presented by yours truly and Phil 'eyes closed in photos' Adlam, will be broadcast on Friday evenings (time to be confirmed). We've moved from our Wednesday slot in order to better preview weekend sports action and review the week that was. We'll still be joined by the occasional guest like Posh goalkeeper Joe Lewis (pictured) and Emily, our studio eye candy (when she makes an effort). For now you can text Lite (then a space, then your message) to 60300 anytime or email studio@lite1068.com with any sporting questions or subjects you'd like us to cover.

COCKTAILS IN BOURNE ANYONE? Word is there's been a relaunch of a cocktail bar in Bourne... I'm waiting for my invitation. The Ostlers Bar (part of the Angel Hotel) has been renamed Jamie's @ The Ostlers Bar. It'll come as no surprise that a guy called Jamie now runs the place (with his fiancée Kayleigh) and I'm told he's created quite a cocktail list, starting from £3.50. Mine's an Amaretto Sour...

Boxing Night Ball THE BIGGEST BOXING NIGHT PARTY IN THE AREA WITH DJ IAN ALVEY. DOORS OPEN 10PM-3AM

THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER

New Year’s Eve BLACK & WHITE UV PARTY. THE BIGGEST & BEST TUNES FROM 2009.

DOORS OPEN 10PM-4AM

GOOD AT MOJITO, BAD AT SALSA Talking of cheap cocktails, The City Club in Priestgate are doing a 'buy one, get one free' on them every Thursday night. I know this because I sank a couple of Mojitos to calm my nerves before embarking on my first salsa dancing lesson, which they host courtesy of everybodysalsa.com. Giving salsa a go was on my 2009 tick list. I've got about as much rhythm as a hippo on ice but I'm determined to make a go of it. Up until now the only thing I knew about salsa was it compliments a bag of Doritos quite nicely.

Log on to ‘Central Nightclub Official Group’ for exclusive offers, drinks vouchers and discount.

Open as usual on: Wed 23rd, Wed 30th & Saturday 2nd Jan

THE BEST COCKTAILS IN STAMFORD

OUT:

CIAOS

Plus 3 BOTTLES FOR £5 every night - Live DJ & the best cocktails in town

• • • • • •

“Left right together, right left together...” x Anna – you burned my book to keep warm or are they still writing it?!

John and Julie – time for another Posh game?

Keith – best of luck, I'll miss the banter Michael – how did you get a table of fit women?!

Tony – Christmas morning run?

Double-Up Smirnoff for £1 Live DJ every Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat Karaoke every Wednesday Every Saturday after 12pm in brownes:

70s, 80s, 90s & cheese R.O.A.R – management reserve the right to withdraw promotions and nights without prior notice – over 18s only. Join our Facebook group.

www.centralnightclub.com

Christmas Party Menu £15.98 for 2 courses £19.99 for 3 courses Bookings from 2- 60 people

Steve and Julia would like to wish all of their customers a very Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year Kick off Christmas with friends on Friday 11th December Book a table for our Jazz night and enjoy the sounds of Happy Jazz while having a meal in our restaurant.

Come and meet Santa on Saturday 12th December at 12 noon Also why not stay for our special Santa lunch - £4.50 per child and £10.50 per adult.

Boxing Day lunch and New Year’s day Bookings now being taken.

Dates for next year 1st January New Year’s Day lunch – book now to avoid disappointment Saturday 23rd January – Burns night, Scottish menu and piper, recitals and Scottish songs

THE KINGS HEAD, APETHORPE. TEL: 01780 470627

your taste buds

s gs tie w kin ar No boo s p a ng m ki ist ta hr rC fo

Let Burrito’s tempt

With our extensive menu of Tex Mex food, lovingly prepared and served in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

• Parties a speciality • Birthdays, hen parties, company functions, family gatherings • Private dining room if required

• Tuesday to Friday evenings, all main courses are ‘Buy One Get One Free’ 1-2 Castle Street, Stamford, Linc’s, PE9 2RA Tel: 01780 762739

December 2009

• Food served daily, Mon – Sat 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9pm. Sun 12 – 5.30pm • Every Tuesday - Karaoke 9pm • Every Wednesday - Quiz Night 9.30pm

• Function room available for private parties • Every Sunday Texas Hold’em Poker starts 7.30pm

4th 5th 11th 12th 17th 18th 20th 21st 24th 31st

Hooker Replicas Stealer Aladdinsane Open Mic Night Leon Giz Butt Blues 60’s Night Storm – Ticket only Retrolux – Ticket only

Wishing all our customers, old and new, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Halcyon Atherstone Avenue, Netherton, 01733 263801

9 Oundle Road, Fletton,

Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

NYL Black dress £19.99 Pink Sequin Clutch bag £30

NYL Purple Top £24.99 Sequin Leggins £16.99

NYL Black jump suit - £19.99 Gold/Black clutch bag £25

Putting on the 16

www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

glitz

Go-for-it glamour girls get a twinkle in your eye and some sparkle in your look as you get this party season started.

Forget understated – this is your time to shine in full on glitz and glamour. Sequins and metallics reign supreme in everything from leggings to jackets. Make sure you’ve got some sequin detail in your outfit but don’t overdo it. One item along with a glitzy bag will do the trick – you want party girl shimmer, not to look like a Christmas bauble!

Gorgeous new Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw shows she’s a girl with real sparkle in these fast fashion outfits from the New York Laundry range at Westgate Department Store.

NYL NYL Silver sequin jacket - £21.99 Snake skin print trousers - £16.99 Purple Tie Top - £21.99

Sequin Zebra Dress - £19.99 Black/Silver Sequin Cutch bag - £30

Charnos Pink tights - £4

NYL Pink Sequin Dress - £17.99

Pretty Polly Black Tights - £3

Thanks to...

Clothes – New York Laundry at Westgate Department Store Hair – Donna at P.Kai Tel: 01733 358835 www.pkai.co.uk Make-up – Lisa Hinks Tel: 07952 602145 www.bridalmakeupandhair.co.uk Photos – Lydia Fahy at Studio One

www.espmag.co.uk ( Decemberr )

17

Matt

S Zilch T A M F O R DCALLING

MATT SAYS...

I’ll be a busy boy again this Christmas gigging around various places in town (see Gig Guide) and I’ll be handing out prizes to the best dressed sexy Santa. I’ll be hanging mistletoe above my mic stand at every gig. So girls, feel free to make the most of it!

One song I know will be in my set is Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.

Not only is it the best Christmas song but also gives my mum the chance to get up and have a sing along with me. I’m just hoping this being her fifth year she’s finally learnt all the words!

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

MY TOP STAMFORD CHRISTMAS HAUNTS!

The Perrywig The Perrywig guys have just opened a new dance floor and 3rd bar on the top floor! They’ll be having DJs in their new DJ booth every Saturday up til Christmas, plus they’ll be open til 2pm on the Christmas week!

Catch me there live with special guests on Sunday December 20.

Vendetta showed plenty of aggression throughout their set with the guitarist and bassist screaming at each other across the stage while vocalist Adam paced back and forth onstage and off, leaving everyone calling for one more song.

MAMA LIZ’S BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Stamford’s very own punk rockers Don’t Look Down progressed after playing on night three. Having only acquired new, and I have to say very impressive, drummer Dave Pistolas a few months ago they already seem to have knitted well together scoring high on the judges’ cards after playing a tight set which had more than a few people dancing.

Over the last few months I‘ve been invited to judge the Battle Of The Bands competition at Mama Liz’s. I have to say over the four nights the bands have all been quality!

Peterborough horror punks The Ruined are one of these bands to have progressed. Having taken part on the very first night their energetic stage presence and solid set left them wringing with sweat and the judges impressed. Two bands coming through from the second night are Stringfinger and Vendetta. The ever-improving Stringfinger received high scores from the judges with their style of rap/hip-hop metal backed by the recent addition of a live DJ, which has only made the band sound even tighter.

Peterborough’s rap hardcore outfit

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

With new manager Glynn Roberts now settled in, The Toreador is gonna be your key place for karaoke this Christmas with the pub featuring karaoke on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights!

Catch me there live with The Meizters on Wednesday December 23.

The Green Man If it’s a cosy traditional drink or some fantastic Real Ale you want The Green Man’s your place. Always a friendly atmosphere with the best jukebox in town, and even better than that it’s free!

Catch me there live on Boxing Day December 26.

The Pear Tree The Pear Tree will feature some great gigs this month including the fantastic Groove Cartel on December 4, The Locks on December 11 and The Children of The Revolution on December 18. The pub’s also extending to feature a new bar upstairs with a dance floor plus a roof terrace that’ll be booming for the summer! Work starts in just a few weeks and hopefully completed by March next year.

Sixteen bands entered the competition to win a promo video from sponsors Metal on Rock Productions as well as a slot at the tenth Stamford Riverside Festival next year and £150 of T-shirt printing.

Instead of a winner from each night there was supposed to be the four highest scoring bands overall who go through to the final but after a brutally loud fourth night it was revealed that two bands were tied for fourth place.

After a discussion between the judges and the organisers it was decided to allow the two tied bands to play at the final on Friday December 18.

The Toreador

Catch me there live with The Meizters on New Year’s Eve!

Central

Coming into the final of night four were the 2009 Riverside Festival Marquee Stage headliners Death Valley Piledriver.

Going from strength to strength since their Riverside appearance they played a no holds barred set with tearing guitar solos and punishing vocals leaving the crowd well and truly spent.

BOTB Final Line Up: The Ruined Don’t Look Down Vendetta Stringfinger Death Valley Piledriver There’ll also be an air guitar competition after the bands have played with the winner receiving £20!

For your nightclub action Central will be your place! They’ll be having a sexy Santa party on Christmas Eve with stage games and prizes for all.

Boxing night is with DJ Ian Alvey with the biggest club classics all night through til 3am. New Year’s Eve they’re having a black & white UV party which will be going on till 4am. Browns is also open every night offering three bottles for £5, live DJ and the best cocktails in town!

U WEAR THE BOXERS IN THIS TOWN A new underwear shop called UWear recently opened at 45 Broad Street with a very cool launch party.

They had five ‘live’ mannequins including Olympic gymnast Louis Smith and some of our Face of ESP finalists who bravely strutted their stuff in their undies to funk band Groove Cartel. Everyone had a great time and the evening was a huge success!

U-Wear stocks men’s and women’s undies and offers a free fitting service.

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

Each year, you can guarantee many things.

• As soon as your body clock adjusts to your alarm clock, the clocks go forward or go back.

• As soon as you get used to your figure – it changes by generally gaining a few pounds in weight (if you’re anything like me that is!)

• And you can guarantee that by the end of the year, you’ll be a year older.

Another thing you can guarantee is the nonreliance on the weather at Christmas time. Year after year, people in their masses sing Bing Crosby’s (God rest his soul) White Christmas in the hope of seeing some snow, and year after year these hopes are, yet again, dashed.

Now, I think there’s too much reliance on snow to have a good Christmas as there hasn’t been any snow for donks! Now is that to say the last ‘x’ amount of Christmases have been rubbish?

I think not.

I absolutely love Christmas. The lights, the chestnuts roasting on an open fire (not that I ever see these!) the atmosphere – the EVERYTHING! Because of my love of Christmas, for me the festivities are stretched out by two months.

Month one Start writing a list of what you’re buying people for Christmas Month one… and a half Start changing the list (Uncle = socks or tie for the 4th year in a row? Decisions, decisions) and collating some sort of Christmas card list, leaving spares for the people you get unexpected ones from!

Month two Start re-arranging said list as you’ve just virtually spent 100% more than you’d intended before even hitting the shops and so you’re wishing on December’s early pay packet – we’ll think about the longest financial month in the year in January.

Month two… and a half

I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE NICE CHRISTMAS 22

www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

Start seriously thinking about how you’re going to survive as you’ve spent practically all your wages on presents and that ‘must-have’ gift wrap trimming and all the other ‘essentials’ like a bottle of port (that no one will ever drink) and some must-have Santa socks (that you’ll never wear)…which equate to thousands of wasted pennies.

And then it’s here… it couldn’t possibly have come round so quickly… It’s Christmas day and there’s… wait for it… NO SNOW! Christmas morning – if you’re anything like me, you’re up at the crack of dawn. No matter how old you become, you revert back to the behaviour of a small child, thus not sleeping for the excitement. Ooh what did Santa leave for me? I race to the front of the house to look out of the window. Did Santa leave me the black convertible Mini Cooper I’ve been dreaming of? No. Oh well. Today, it doesn’t matter. There may not be any new car or any snow but it’s Christmas. Off I go to grab myself some breakfast, which consists of two mince pies and a glass of bubbly that I was persuaded to buy the week before.

Christmas mid-morning – Mmmm, so hungry and so happppyyy! This calls for CAKE! Not necessarily the fruit variety but more the chocolate log kind.

As family, young and old, start arriving you just have to really embrace the festivities so reaching for another mince pie and glass of mulled wine is essential.

Christmas lunchtime (unmistakably the best bit) – after mum and dad (or mum or dad or neither if you don’t have the ‘perfect’ 2 + 2 family) have been seated and grandma Dot has grumbled that the plate hasn’t been heated (shock horror), you sit down at the table to the feast of the year! After forcefeeding yourself, using practically foie-gras-creating methods, the table now resembles a party of Santa Claus look-alikes.

For what some of us are lacking with non-white hair, we make up for with our bulging bellies.

As the imitation Santas waddle to the sitting room to watch Indiana Jones, Elf and a spot of Mary Poppins the young ’uns reply to a hundred Merry Christmas texts – I think, this is just what Christmas is about! Food, food, friends and family!

Films, disagreements and mulled wine = snoring dad and grandma in one corner of the room and drunken Uncle Ted in the other corner.

A few hours later, as all make their excuses, promising to keep in touch before next year, you’re left with that full but Christmassy feeling and a shed load of presents.

Have a great, but not necessarily white, Christmas!

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

TOP 5 STOCKING FILLERS UNDER £5 1) False eyelashes are a staple party product. These limited edition Girls Aloud by Eylure false lashes guarantee to make you look every inch the party princess. At just £5 they’re an essential stocking filler.

2) Secret Santa, £5, from Lush, is a great stocking filler. It contains a cute Satsumo Santa bath ballistic shaped like Santa and smells of oranges, and a star shaped piece of Snowcake soap scented like the almond icing on top of Christmas cake. Delicious, and will leave you smelling good enough to eat.

3) The handy Essential Colours Eye Palette from Marks & Spencer contains this season’s hottest shades to take you from desk to dance floor in minutes at just £5.

4) Green Apple Bath and Shower Gel from The Body Shop is back and will keep you smelling fresh and fruity this Chrimbo. It creates a luxurious foamy lather, ideal for relaxing in the bath after a late night out this party season and only £3.99.

5) Add the magic touch to your party look with Collection 2000 Glam Glitters, £2.93. These loose glitter wands allow you to apply as much or as little glitter as you desire. It has tinted gel adhesive one end and a glitter pot the other so you can add sparkle wherever you want it

SMOOTH OPERATOR Shaving... it’s not just for Christmas, it’s for life, however the right products and a little know-how can make a noticeable difference to the health and appearance of your skin – ready to impress at the office Christmas party!

So boys, check out some of these products and tips from The Real Shaving Company to help you on your way to a smooth, fuzz free face that’s bound to attract the ladies.

Pre-Shave Prepare your skin by using a good face scrub such as their Daily Face Scrub, which contains lemon grass and black pepper oil, helping to unblock pores to reduce the chance of blackheads as well as removing dead skin cells which prepares the skin’s texture for a close, yet comfortable shave.

Shave For many men shaving is a daily chore but it can be made easier and more convenient with the help of a few simple products. The Real Shaving Company’s Superslide Shave Gel, with willow bark extract and aloe vera, is suitable for even sensitive skin, and ensures a super smooth glide reducing redness and razor burn. Additionally, it conditions and repairs dry, damaged skin. However, if you prefer to use oil whilst shaving try their Shaving Oil with ingredients of Frankincense oil and meadowfoam seed oil; bristles are softened which prevents the skin from tearing under the blade.

TORI GOES GLAM WITH CLINIQUE The Clinique girls gave our Face of ESP – Tori Bradshaw – a fabulous make-over for her appearance at this year’s Christmas light switch on in Queensgate.

Tori looked gorgeous in the season’s new shades – from violet berries to rich plums. Purple is the season’s new red.

To celebrate this purple reign of colour, Clinique’s introduced the new Black Tie Violets colour collection. This sweetly feminine, yet bold line features a range of girly violet tones. A full-face party look draws inspiration from Clinique’s bestselling Different Lipstick in A Different Grape. Eyes and cheeks in hues of luxurious plums and vibrant violets complement a glossy lip.

Our thanks to Amy at Clinique at John Lewis for making Tori look truly fabulous!

Post-Shave Caring for your skin afterwards is just as important as caring for it before you shave. Reduce irritation and discomfort post shaving by using the Post Shave Balm which keeps skin moisturised for up to 24 hours. A moisturiser is also a good idea to smooth and soften skin. Go for the AntiAgeing Moisturiser which helps prevent fine lines and reduces the signs of wrinkles as well as keeping skin hydrated.

Experience a traditional barbershop style shave in the comfort of your own bathroom with any of The Real Shaving Company’s natural and organic products are available at Boots, Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose and Morrisons. Pop to the Potter & Moore discount shop near Mancetter Square in Werrington, Peterborough and bag a bargain or visit www.bargainbeautyshop.com.

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE!!

Dazzle during the festive season with these glitter infused products for a show-stopping look…

- Sparkle Roller Ball, £7 from The Body Shop - Jemma Kidd Silver Screen Mascara Liner Duo with three shades to choose from: Diamante, Sequin, Rhinestone.

- No. 7 Christmas Limited Edition Highlighting Palette, £13

The Estée Lauder look

SHINE LIKE A STAR AT THE XMAS PARTY So, you have your outfit sorted but what about your make-up? Party make-up needs to be that little bit more special to make you feel and look fabulous.

Go from the office to the Christmas party in no time with these tips on the perfect party make-up...

Eye make-up can easily be changed for a more dramatic effect that will have you standing out from the crowd. Instead of wearing just one eyeshadow shade like most women do during the day, try combining four shades for a glamorous evening look. Use deeper, shimmering shades that will add extra sparkle. Try Estée Lauder’s eyeshadow quad in Lavish Plum. Finish with two coats of black mascara or for full-on glamour try false eyelashes. Knock them dead with Girls With Attitude lashes guaranteed to give maximum eye appeal.

For a healthy looking complexion use a natural bronzer over the entire face but give cheeks an extra glow by using a highlighter along the upper edge of your cheekbone. Benefit Moon Beam is perfect for giving instant radiance.

Last but not least are the lips! Ensure lips are in good condition (especially if you’re planning on getting lucky under the mistletoe) so use a good lip balm first to prevent them drying out. If you’ve opted for dramatic eye make-up keep lips simple and nude with a moisturising lipgloss such as Bourjois Eau De Gloss in Moka Frappi. Otherwise, the bolder the lips the better when it comes to the Christmas party season. Opt for pillar box reds to make a real statement that will turn heads wherever you go. I simply love Dior Addict Plastic Gloss in Electrifying Red for a really intense injection of colour.

GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTY THIS CHRISTMAS For Him Capture your man’s heart this Xmas with the DKNY Fragrance set including Eau De Toilette 50ml and After Shave Gel 100ml. The clean, fresh scent will suit men of all ages and tastes.

Make sure your other half is well groomed in time for the New Year celebrations with Clinique’s The Luxury Shave set which contains all he needs for a comfortable shave; aloe gel, face scrub and post-shave Healer Beard Control formula, £30 available from Boots.

For Her No girl wants a bad hair day especially during the party season. Ensure your friends have perfect poker straight hair with this fabulous money saving gift set from S Factor. It contains Serious Conditioner, Shiny Happy People Shine Spray & Heat Defender Flat Iron Spray all for an amazing £20.

Transform pale winter skin with St Tropez Self Tan Indulgence Set, £30. The shower cream and body polish help banish dry, dull skin whilst the body butter will leave your skin soft and moisturised; the perfect base for the Self Tan Mousse, giving you a natural sun-kissed glow. Perfect!

Everyone wants baby soft skin and this Skincare Musts gift set from Clinique can help you achieve just that this Christmas. With Sparkle Skin Exfoliator and Deep Comfort Body Moisture women will be on the way to having super soft, smooth skin in no time.

Other good nutrients for breast health include – Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

TV

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

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

Vitamin D – from eggs, oily fish, sunlight (difficult this time of year) Iodine – from sea veg (or should I say sea-weed – take advice if you have thyroid problems first) Good healthy protein (to help keep tissue strong) – fish, chicken, eggs etc.

Foods to keep to a minimum include – Animal flesh – ideally any animal foods should come from organic sources Refined foods such as sugar and white refined carbohydrates Soya foods – although small amounts of tofu/soya bean can have benefits, guzzling down lots of soya milk and eating soya puddings may not be so helpful long term due to affects on hormones Too much caffeine – think about how much coffee/tea/colas are being taken (try a cup of green tea instead – it does contain a little caffeine but the benefits are excellent) Other considerations include –

I’ve been asked where I find topics or inspiration to write my column each month, this month is no exception and probably the unlikeliest. Now I know in general men are not supposed to be too helpful when it comes to the weekly shop but in the vegetable section in a supermarket recently I stood next to a guy who whispered to his girlfriend – “Pass me your boob and I will weigh it!” How helpful of him! Whoever said romance was dead?!

With the increase in breast enlargements (or boob jobs) I must admit that now more than ever before, we seem much more focused on size (and in his case the weight!) Whatever happened to the cotton wool or loo roll for propping them up a bit to fill out the bra or the low cut top? No, I don’t do that now but it has been known…

Whether we have real ones or have had a helping hand along the way we still need good nutrition to help keep breast tissue healthy. Not only that, we need to have a good working lymphatic system as we have many lymphatic vessels and nodes around the breast area. Lymph is not pumped by the heart so it needs help by exercise to help squeeze/massage the lymph vessels helping them to rid us of waste. So, get out and do something

each day, our bodies are designed for movement!

When it comes to food we have to first look at the benefits of a vegetarian diet. What I find interesting is that over the past decade I’ve met many vegetarians who do not eat (or eat very few) vegetables, their diet consists of pasta and cheese!

True vegetarian diets should contain beans, pulses, seeds, nuts and of course vegetables. High intake of vegetables we know contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, but in particular some contain compounds which are helpful in oestrogen metabolism, such as – Broccoli (this is exceptionally good for us) Cabbage

The amount of chemicals taken in from food and drink. We have to question the amount that we are now surrounded with. Don’t forget our body has to try to metabolise it all and needs good nutrients in order to do it properly Stress levels – affect hormones, so deal with stress and try to avoid a build up Good essential fats – oily fish, seeds, nuts, olive oils etc Bowel health – constipation can carry extra toxic load through the lymph, a healthy balance of bowel bacteria is also essential for breaking down old hormones Alcohol consumption – affects hormones and of course the liver (we metabolise oestrogen hormone in the liver) so keep to a minimum

Curly Kale

Whilst there are numerous other good nutrients needed for overall health, my advice is to vary your diet as much as possible as stop being creatures of habits sticking to the same few types of foods!

Cauliflower

Wishing you all a happy Christmas time. Enjoy!

Collard Grebes

Karen

Bok Choy …to name a few, however if you have low thyroid you should eat all of these with caution.

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

Sprouts – love them or hate them, good old Brussels!

Karen has a diploma in nutritional medicine, nutritional therapeutics and homotoxicology; she is a member of the British Association of Nutritional Therapists and runs her own private practice.

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DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND… BUT A PANDORA BRACELET WOULD BE JUST AS NICE! We’re now officially jealous of Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw who’s prizes are coming in thick and fast with the latest being £500 to spend on gorgeous jewellery at Stephen Diggle Goldsmiths in Westgate Arcade. Wow! The fabulous Pandora charms are the big thing so we can tell she’ll be spoilt for choice. There are some gorgeous new designs available now and the Stephen Diggle store is the biggest stockist of Pandora in the city. There are over 2,000 beads in stock, with new designs just in and many starting from just £12.

“There’s no limit to the number of beads you can own, some customers are on their second or third bracelet!”

Stephen told ESP. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts the Pandora range includes silver, gold and leather bracelets as well as rings and necklaces so there’s certainly something anyone would be pleased to find in their stocking this year!

Now of course, not forgetting that diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, if you fancy treating someone special to something they can treasure, Stephen has diamond jewellery starting from under £100. They’re also offering a

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unique range of handmade platinum diamond rings, made from the best quality diamonds in ‘D’ colour.

“This is such a fantastic prize,” said Tori. “I don’t know whether to treat myself or sort my Christmas gifts for everyone else!

Maybe a little bit of both…”

Stephen Diggle Goldsmith also has a store in Oakham but has been open in Westgate Arcade for nearly 10 years selling a great range of jewellery. If you just can’t find what you’re looking for though, you can have your own designs created for you in their on site workshop.

Stephen

Diggle GOLDSMITH 8 Westgate Arcade, Peterborough Tel: 01733 345757 www.sdgoldsmiths.com

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OFF

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Thorpe Wood Health & Racquet Club, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SB Tel:01733 344307 Email: hairexclusiveltd@btconnect.com • Website: www.hairxclusive.co.uk

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

c

The page that sings 'It's the most expensive time of the year, with the tills ring-a-linging and bank accounts shrinking', but never mind all that, because in the words of Lord Noddy of Holder... 'It's Chriiistmas!'

d

YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING There's plenty of new comedy DVDs released this month, but which ones should you be watching? Here's a selection of some you might like to put on your list to Santa Christmas.

EDDIE IZZARD: STRIPPED Izzard's first live show in six years sees his take on the history of the world, taking in the beginning of the stone age, God's 26 sons and non-existent giraffe alarm calls. It’s everything you'd expect and more from the king of the surreal, and one of the stand-up DVDs that get funnier the more you watch them. If you buy only one comedy DVD this Christmas, get Steve Coogan – but if you get two – get this one as well.

STEVE COOGAN LIVE AS ALAN PARTRIDGE AND OTHER LESS SUCCESSFUL CHARACTERS Been waiting for over a year for this DVD to be released? Yeees!

I saw two dates from the tour this DVD was filmed on last year as, for me, Alan Partridge is one of the greatest comedy characters of all time.

There's also appearances from Paul and Pauline Calf, Tommy Saxondale and Duncan Thickett, but it's really Partridge people want to see and Coogan devotes almost half the show to him with great effect. Lovely stuff.

GEORGE CARLIN – IT'S BAD FOR YA! Better known in the UK for playing Rufus the time-travelling mentor in the Bill & Ted movies, Carlin was also one of THE great American stand-ups of all time before his death in 2008. Bizarrely overlooked in Britain throughout his comedy career (that began in the 60s), this stand-up show filmed shortly before his death is a fitting testament to his comic genius. If you're unfamiliar with his work, imagine Billy Connolly and Bill Hicks turning up at Richard Pryor’s house one night and putting the world to rights and you won’t go far wrong.

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RUSSELL BRAND: SCANDALOUS LIVE AT THE 02 Energetic, boundary-pushing stand-up filmed earlier this year when Brand was being blamed for everything following a message he left on someone's answer machine. Featuring Brand's first hand experience of hosting the MTV Video Music Awards, his rise to Hollywood fame, sexual notoriety and the media storm around 'that phone call’ to Andrew Sachs.

RHOD GILBERT AND THE AWARD WINNING MINCE PIE The misanthropic Welshman performed this show at The Cresset earlier this year, and it tells the tale of how a late night stop-off at a service station led to a near nervous breakdown over the advertising of the aforementioned 'award winning mince pie'. It was a huge hit at the Edinburgh Festival and is sure to help catapult Gilbert further into the comedy stratosphere.

MICHAEL MCINTYRE: HELLO WEMBLEY McIntyre has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame over the last few years. Back in 2006 he was playing to less than 100 people at the intimate Cresset Comedy Club and a few years later he's hosting his own prime-time TV show and selling out arena tours.

His first live DVD last year became the fastest selling stand up DVD of all time and this latest one filmed earlier in the year at Wembley Arena is sure to be a big hit.

MILTON JONES – LIVE UNIVERSE TOUR: PART 1 EARTH Deserves to be a household name due to the sheer number of quick witted, surreal and silly worded jokes that fizz along one after another.

Milton is a master of the one-liner all delivered with a wide-eyed and knowing stare. This is the kind of DVD you can put on and watch with all the family without anyone getting offended. If you think modern comedy is all about swearing and being offensive – prepare for a pleasant surprise.

THE MIGHTY BOOSH – FUTURE SAILORS LIVE Climb aboard HMS Boosh, hoist the anchor, set the controls to crimp and get ready to sail into the future. In this live Boosh presentation you'll see Howard wrestle with the problems of the universe in tiny shorts, Vince getting his hair extra big and flouncing about, Bob Fossil's dance, and Bollo and Naboo moving about saying stuff in their own special way. The Boosh are mighty and sailing straight at ya, getting choppier than an electric sushi.

JASON MANFORD LIVE AT THE MANCHESTER APOLLO First live DVD from Jason Manboobs sees him showcase his cheeky story-telling with a loveable, friendly delivery. He takes us through the rules of driving, urinal etiquette and the lies dads tell, in a likeable display of observational humour. This is from the same tour that saw him play at The Cresset in October. So if you saw that – this'll be a good reminder, and if you didn't – it'll give you an idea of what you missed out on.

STANDOUTLIVECOMEDY The best ones to look out for over the next few months....

CHRISTMAS COMEDY CLUB December 10 - The Cresset If you’re looking to celebrate the festive season with work colleagues, friends or family then this offers a top night out with a two course traditional Christmas dinner, three top comedians from the UK’s club circuit and a disco until 1 am.

MC Kevin McCarthy who normally does the warm-up for Jools Holland’s Later will be hosting proceedings alongside Dan Evans, a master of silly gags and one-liners, and Rhodri Rhys – a dry witted Welshman.

Tickets are £27.50. Box office: 01733 276705. Doors 7pm. Meal served 7.45pm. Show starts 9pm.

STAMFORD COMEDY CLUB Friday December 18 Starring hilarious Scots comic Stephen Carlin (regular at Edinburgh Fringe who’s toured with Stewart Lee), Paul T Eyres energetic, interactive and slightly surreal humour, and James Acaster with hilarious stories of misfortunes and minor triumphs – one of the brightest and most engaging new acts on the circuit.

Tickets: £10, show starts at 8pm. Box office: 01780 763203.

JIMMY CARR - RAPIER WIT January 8 The ever-popular Jimmy returns to The Cresset in an extra date that was added due to the massive demand of his visit in September. If you saw it then, this will basically be exactly the same show – except for any jokes that The Mail on Sunday have complained about and forced him to drop.

Tickets: £22.50. Box office: 01733 276705.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Hello and welcome to the 'Mostly Funny' Christmas comedy spectacular. My contribution to ESP's 11th birthday issue. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my regular reader(s) a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May this time of year bring you all much love, laughter and happiness.

Of course for many people, myself included, Christmas doesn't really begin until December 24 – aka Christmas Eve. I'll sit there, homemade mince pie in one hand and a fluorescent yellow marker pen in the other highlighting all the things in the Radio Times that I want to watch on Christmas telly. Meanwhile my CD of Johnny Cash's A Very Country Christmas is playing in the background and my mind will drift back to my childhood, to Christmas 1988 when I first became aware of the magic that a man with a beard can give at this special time of year... No, not Santa. I'm talking about Hans Gruber in the first Die Hard film!

Christmas Eve 2009 is the 21st anniversary of the time he tried to take over the Nakatomi Plaza in LA. Ah yes, who can forget. It was a Christmas Eve like no other. An off-duty police officer arrives at his estranged wife’s office party, goes to wash his feet in the sink and before he has time to slip his Hush Puppies back on Gruber & Gang have taken everyone hostage!

But they reckoned without one man. Lt John McClane, a maverick New York City cop who begins picking off Gruber's gang one by one in his vest and bare feet...

And if the sight of McClane weighing down the corpse of a terrorist with a computer monitor and throwing it out the window of a 40 storey office block doesn't fill you with that warm, tingly, Christmassy feeling then I don't know what will. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a die hard night!

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Ristorante Italiano

Caught in th ESP DROPS IN AT THE ULTIMATE SPORTS QUIZ The ESP Paparazzi crew of Terry, Tori and Alannah dropped by the Ultimate Sports Quiz at Esporta Health Club to test out their sports knowledge. They didn’t do too well but did manage to get some great photos of some of the teams!

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Peterborough Breakfast Show host Paul Stainton was the quizmaster on the night which also saw Olympic gymnast Louis Smith join in – let’s hope he got the Olympics question right…

Two of Peterborough United's charities of the year had decided to join forces to raise funds for disabled children and adults.

ASBAH (the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus), whose headquarters are in Park Road and Peterborough-based Free Kicks, staged the Ultimate Sports Quiz and auction at the Esporta Health Club to raise cash.

Presenter Paul Stainton also compered a raffle and auction, which saw one lucky fan snap up a signed Manchester United shirt for £230! Other donated items which were auctioned included signed shirts from Chelsea and Peterborough United football clubs, plus a mini cricket bat signed by the South African team, as well as memorabilia from other well known clubs and organisations.

ASBAH event organiser, Shelly Bullard told ESP – “This event was a massive success!

We raised almost two thousand pounds for good causes, while also providing a great night out for all those involved.”

VIEW PAPARAZZI ONLINE Remember all our Paparazzi photos, even those that we just can’t squeeze into the mag, go up on our fantastic new website www.espmag.co.uk so you can see who’s been caught in the act of having a great time! If it was you and you’d like to savour the flavour of that night, you can buy images to keep.

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Her reality TV contestant days are well and truly behind her, as she’s now labelled the nation’s sweetheart. As one of the most talked about and famous women in the country, ESP’s Joanne Quinney gets to grips with how Cheryl Cole made her mark on the industry...

At the age of 26 Cheryl Cole has achieved a great deal more than many people achieve in a lifetime. Having won a place in Girls Aloud through ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals she’s gone on to be part of one of the only pop acts to achieve continued success. The band have achieved a whopping 20 consecutive UK top ten singles, two number ones and a BRIT award for Best Single with The Promise.

Cheryl Cole

Last year saw Cheryl become a firm favourite on the judging panel of The X Factor, where her reality TV background provides great understanding for the contestants who enter. The newcomer went on to win the show with Alexandra Burke. Her seat on the panel also saw her become a huge style icon, gracing the covers of British Vogue and Elle magazine, and also as a regular on best dressed pages.

This year Cheryl added another string to her bow, by venturing out on her own for the first time with her solo career. But how does she feel about not having her four girls around her on stage? “Terrified, to be honest”. The girls are clearly still very close. “The other four girls have been my cushion for almost the entire decade”. She needn’t worry though. Her debut single, Fight For This Love went straight to number one and has become the year’s fastest selling single so far. The lovely thing about Cheryl is that she never forgets where she comes from. She was born in a council estate in Newcastle and has remained down to earth. Everyone loves her; she is the definition of the saying ‘women want to be her; men want to be with her’. She’s proved a master-class of self improvement and shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from – you can reach for the stars, and get there.

Surely her nerves would have calmed a bit, considering she’s played huge arenas like the O2, supported Coldplay and has both Chris Martin and Simon Cowell’s backing. It took the approval of one of the hottest pop producers in the industry, Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas to persuade her to undertake a solo career. “This is how it all began: last year we made a TV show called The Passions Of Girls Aloud. We all went off and did something that we were interested in and I decided I wanted to have a go at street dance. The reward at the end of the show was a guest appearance in a Will.I.Am video, for his single Heartbreaker.” Not only was he so impressed with Cheryl’s dancing he asked her to sing the hook in the song. The girls then decided to take a year out, and Cheryl says – “I barely had time to get me roots done”, – before filming for the new series of The X Factor began.

However between all this Cheryl took up Will.I.Am’s offer to start work on her debut solo album, 3 Words. The album title is also the name of the track that features the producer’s vocals and is the next single to be released. Cheryl says the recording process was particularly nerve-wracking – “The way we work with the Girls is that we’ll go in the vocal booth and do our lines on a track that’s already almost completed.

With Will I was seeing the music being made right from the ground up. He’d ask my opinion on the beats and the words. He’d ask me to write hooks and I’d come back dying with embarrassment.” But the finished results were totally worth it. Cheryl says of her next release – “I still can’t quite believe that song is mine!” It would’ve been a nice reunion for the pair when the Black Eyed Peas recently performed on The X Factor.

So yes, she is terrified of the prospect of going solo, but it’s all been worth it. Her album went straight in at number one, The X Factor continues to reign on a Saturday and Sunday evening, and Girls Aloud will always be successful. With charity work under her belt – having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief with other celebs – there’s just one more thing for Cheryl to do and that is to start a family. After a turbulent year her marriage to footballer Ashley Cole is apparently back on track and she’s described herself as “broody.” But she takes everything with a pinch of salt as far as her career goes – “I have to think that if it doesn’t work then it wasn’t meant to be, but I’ve had the most amazing experience and couldn’t be happier.”

I don’t think you have to worry about anything not working Cheryl!

Cheryl’s album, 3 Words, is in shops now. www.cherylcole.com

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• Stay the night from £65pp including three course meal plus a bottle of wine/chocolates on arrival • 17th Century thatched inn and pub with cosy log fires • Still taking bookings for Xmas • New Year’s Eve menu £55 including champagne cocktail and flight of wine

Bookings for Xmas and New Year now being taken

Abbots Ripton, Moat Lane, Huntingdon T:01487 773440 F:01487 773941 www.thethreehorseshoes.com thethreehorseshoes.com@btconnect.com

CHRISTMAS STYLE AT OUTFIT Tori’s taken a shine to just about all of it and how envious are we of her £500 prize!

“I love shopping in Outfit,” said Tori beaming from ear to ear, “there’s so many different high street brands to choose from! I’ll be spending my £500 slowly (I hope) on accessories, shoes and gorgeous clothes for all my appearances.”

Every girl loves to shop and our new Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw has been snapping up the great new partywear at Outfit.

Lucky Tori won a £500 gift card which has meant she’s had plenty to spend on the gorgeous clobber, shoes and accessories at the store at Serpentine Green. Outfit has a great range of concessions all under one roof so she’s been spoilt for choice.

So what’s in this party season?

Dresses remain a must-have this Christmas at Dorothy Perkins and with a whole host to choose from, there’s no need to wear the same dress twice. Add a twist to the classic LBD and opt for the all-over lace mini dress and team with gothic inspired accessories and statement shoes to finish off the look. Show-stopping shoes are guaranteed to polish off your party outfit. Mega platforms are found on coloured courts and funky strapped heels and the extra height makes legs look long and lean whether they’re worn bare or with tights.

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Evans the shape specialists have designed a feminine collection of elegant and fashionable partywear and accessories, to take you through from Christmas to New Year, to suit every type of curve and occasion. Sequins take centre stage this season at Evans with a collection that shimmers and sparkles. Embellished boyfriend blazers, waistcoats, tops and footwear all add glitz to the party season.

Statement shoulders, sequins, studded detail and body-con dresses are the key silhouettes for Miss Selfridge this season. If you want to dazzle on the dance floor opt for cocktail dresses with gathering, draping detail and jewel encrusted elements or create an eighties silhouette with batwing dresses and tops. Extreme shoulders on a gold foil print tux or a marabou fur jacket complete the look.

Christmas at Wallis is all about high-octane glamour and signature pieces to treasure.

Inspired by the eighties, Wallis pays tribute to the decade that never dies in a grown up adaptation.

The colour pallet remains muted with injections of jet black and silver on accessories while studding in pewter and bronze add a touch of opulent embellishment. The silhouette for Christmas is sexy, emphasising the waist – the key piece being the satin pencil skirt – which can be worn to work during the day and accessorised for a more sophisticated evening look with a black patent belt and silver sequin knit jacket.

Serpentine Green, Hampton Tel: 01733 565019 www.outfitfashion.com

Boheme offers a unique selection of the Vivienne Westwood range of ladies and men’s clothing. To compliment your choice there is a wide range of jewellery and accessories.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 4.30pm Monday - closed

Drayton House, London Road, Wansford-in-England, Cambridgeshire Tel: 01780 784799 Email: info@bohemeclothing.com Web: www.bohemeclothing.com

LET’S HAVE A PARTY!

food@espmag.co.uk

LOCALFOOD

Looking for the perfect place to dine out this Christmas? Liv Slater has the ESP guide to some of the best venues in and around Peterborough… including turkey, so if you’ve got a few fussy people to cater for, try this! They’re also doing special Christmas lunches for just £22.95 per person and if you give them advance warning, they can have you finished in time to get you back to work in the afternoon – not that you’ll feel like doing much after all this delicious food. Tel: 01733 571721.

THE THREE HORSESHOES Abbots Ripton FLAMAS Hampton Hampton’s bustling South American restaurant Flamas is offering festive fiestas with a spicy twist from £21.95 per person for parties of six or more. With dishes like Pieles de Patatas, which are potato skins with chunky salsa, mixed cheeses and sour cream, Salmon del Horno, which comes with a mildly spicy, chilli chipotle BBQ sauce and Vaquero del Sol, which is grilled rib eye steak, with homemade chunky chips and a wild mushroom Bourbon cream sauce. Tel: 01733 241246.

EAST Town Bridge Set aboard a converted barge on the River Nene, East is the place to go for sleek and sophisticated oriental cuisine. While watching the river flow by, you and over three other people can enjoy a variety of menus including the three course Oriental menu for £18.95, the Far East menu for £22.95 and the four course banquet for £24.95. There’s also a vegetarian menu for £16.95, which you can have with other menu options as well as on its own. Tel: 01733 315702.

BREWERY TAP Westgate For more of a party atmosphere, try The Brewery Tap on Westgate where you’ll

be able to have Thai food along with some lovely real ales. If there’s a big crowd of you, then try the Christmas buffet, which will feed over 20 people with three courses. As there’ll be a disco in the Brewery Tap every Friday and Saturday throughout December, if you’re planning on partying hard try the finger food buffet, which again serves over 20 people with prawn crackers, Thai fries and eight other snacks. The Tap also caters for smaller groups, with their two course Christmas menu available for £16.95, the vegetarian menu is £15.95. Tel: 01733 358500.

To retreat from the stresses and strains of the run up to Christmas, try the fantastic Three Horseshoes in Abbots Ripton near Huntingdon. It’s a gorgeous Grade II-listed 17th century building in a picturesque village where you’ll be able to choose from a variety of traditional favourites with a modern twist, from £32.95. It’s guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit and they have some great deals if you want to stay over in their luxurious rooms. Dine out on New Year’s Eve for £55 with champagne and wine. Tel: 01487 773440.

FIDDLESTICKS THE KINGS Wansford

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without roast turkey, and Fiddlesticks restaurant in Wansford is offering proper roast turkey (as in, from an actual bird rather than reconstituted meat!) with all the trimmings as part of a three course meal for £23.96 for parties of between 10 and 20 people.

Tel: 01780 784111.

THE CHERRY HOUSE Werrington The Cherry House Restaurant in Werrington will also be offering a variety of traditional menus, including a three course meal on Boxing Day for £31.95 and a Christmas party dinner for between two and 45 people for £22.95 per person any time this month.

There’s loads of choice on this three course menu,

HEAD

Apethorpe

If you want the traditional festive feel it doesn’t get much better than this! Relax and enjoy all your Christmas favourites at The King’s Head in Apethorpe in a wonderfully comfortable pub in a gorgeous country setting close to Peterborough. They’ll be cooking delicious traditional meals for £15.98 for two courses and £19.99 for three courses. They also have a fabulous deli counter and you’ll always get a warm welcome. Tel: 01780 470627.

THE GOLDEN PHEASANT Etton The Golden Pheasant has a very busy season ahead, with loads of options for your Christmas parties. Their

marquee discos run every Thursday and Saturday, or there’s live music on a Friday throughout the month and the chef will provide a buffet. Get booking now, this £25 night is proving very popular as it caters for up to 80 people, although you can have smaller groups if you don’t mind sharing with other people. For something a little more relaxed, try the three course evening menu for £21.95 per person which includes a mince pie and coffee to finish. There’s also a simpler three course lunch menu available for just £11.50.

Treat the family on Christmas Day to a traditional Christmas meal without the hassle for £60, which includes canapés and cocktail on arrival. On Boxing Day they’ll be serving a mixture of festive and Sunday lunch dishes. For both days it’s advisable to book in advance. Tel: 01733 252387.

THE BULL HOTEL Westgate The coming season is very busy indeed at The Bull Hotel on Westgate, with loads of options for celebrating, ranging from the traditional three course festive lunches in the Brasserie Restaurant for £18.95 to a carvery dinner and disco in the Penthouse suite for £34 midweek and £36 at the weekend. If you’ve got little ones to entertain, take them along to the Santa Lunch on December 20 where in-between scoffing the tasty traditional three course meal, kids will be able to have their faces painted, meet Santa and receive a gift from him for £18.50 for the adults and £12 for kids.

On Christmas Day itself you can minimise stress by letting The Bull Hotel cook for you – they’re offering four courses packed full of festive favourites with a little hint of the modern, plus music and Father Christmas all for £67.50 for adults and £22.95 for kids. Finally, the hotel gets even more sophisticated for Boxing Day lunch where you’ll be able to enjoy a three course meal while listening to

Jazz for £22.95 for adults and £14 for kids. Tel: 01733 561364.

AMICI Spalding Have a Buon Natale at Amici in Spalding, where you can enjoy Italian food cooked with passion and love! They’re offering two menus for Christmas parties, a great value one at £14.95 which includes dishes such as Parma ham and melon; Rigatoni Salsiccia e Pancetta, which is pasta tubes with spicy home-made Tuscan sausages, pepperoni and pancetta or Lasagne Amici – or treat yourself with the £19.95 option. Both menus are excellent value and provide each person with a free glass of Spumante.

These menus are available from November 15 to January 15 2010. Ivan & Peppe look forward to making your Christmas a special one. Tel: 01775 767696.

TOPO GIGIO Cowgate Get passionate at Topo Gigio’s on Cowgate where they’ll be dishing up Italian classics to parties of any size.

Choose from the three course evening menu at £15.95 and the two course lunch menu at £9.95 – they promise they can have you in and out quickly if you’ve got to be back at work after – or of course, you can choose from the a la carte menu. They can cater for parties of any size up to 30 people. Tel: 01733 344122.

THE JUBILEE Bourne Enjoy Italian food in buzzing, funky surroundings at The Jubilee in Bourne, where their kitchen is offering favourites with some modern twists.

Choose from the three course £11.95 menu or the more sophisticated three course £14.95 menu – once you’ve finished eating, head to the busy bar and grab a few of the drinks offers and really let your hair down! Tel: 01778 392700.

For more places to go visit the food section on www.espmag.co.uk 38

www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

Real food with a real Italian welcome!

Christmas set menu available - book now to avoid disappointment.

36 Cowgate, Peterborough

Tel 01733 344122 Open Mon - Sat 12 – 2.30pm 5.30pm – till late. Sun 5.30pm – till late

Authentic Italian Cuisine freshly prepared on site. Parties catered for.

‘A dining experience with a difference’ • Lunchtime Tuesday to Friday – 12pm to 2pm (2 course option) • Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm 3 courses includes coffee & mints £25.95 • 3 course Sunday lunch, includes coffee + mints £19.50 Bookings essential

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

Profile Name:

Pat Clarke

For fire safety advice call FREE on

0800 328 9208 and quote code ESP

Lives: Folkswo rth Years in se rvice: “30 ye ars as a firefig and four years hter as a Commun ity Fire Safety officer” Best thing about the jo b: difficult to reac h safer in their “Trying to make the people who are own home” Worst thing: “Nothing! Ever y da y br in gs different ch Most rewar allenges” ding part: “K now lot safer and ho pefully won’t be ing when you leave someo ne that they’re the victim of fir a e in future”

‘HO HO’ HELP! Think about it – piles of paper, excited kids, sherry infused adults, the cooker on full blast, open fires and candles. It’s easy to see how your Christmas can easily go up in smoke!

Come on, we all do it – light the open fire (if you’ve got one) for the first time in months or at the very least get the candles out for that cosy festive glow.

We dig out the fairy lights from the loft, stick the tree up and then on the big day we’ve all got the cooker on endlessly. Then of course we cram the house full of people, hit the sherry and become somewhat err… distracted!

With that little cocktail in place it’s easy to see why more people die or are seriously injured from fires in their own homes between Christmas and the new year than at any other time.

Pat Clarke from the Community Fire Safety Team has years of previous experience on the front line as a firefighter and knows how true this is – “I’ve seen people who’ve lost everything in house fires.

The place has been gutted and it’s just devastating – even more so if it happens at this time of year.”

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

Now serving as part of the Community Fire Saftey Team in and around Peterborough, Pat and his colleagues Mervyn Vickery and Abi Hirji spend much of their time pounding the streets to get in touch with people difficult to reach with fire safety messages. They’ll target areas, drop a calling card through the letterbox and then call back offering to install free smoke alarms and giving fire safety advice.

Pat says the most important safety message of all is to check your smoke alarms are working by pressing the test button.

“If you aren’t sure how old the batteries are, buy and fit new ones before Christmas. Don’t be tempted to borrow the smoke alarm battery for Christmas toys – the chances are you’ll forget!”

Hmmm, bet there’s a few people who’ve done that before!

concentrate on what you’re doing, keep small children out of harm’s way and never leave your cooking unattended.”

The mammoth tree you crammed in the car might be the pride of your festive display but don’t forget it still needs watering – don’t stick it too close to your open fire or heater and then let it dry to a crisp or it could easily turn into a bush fire! And lighting it up like Blackpool Tower with dodgy fairy lights in an overloaded socket is another no no. Check they carry a safety sign and always turn them off at night or when you pop out.

Pat and the team are always available to give you any fire safety advice you need but a couple of other things to keep in mind – “Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach.

Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and think about where you’re placing them.

Unsurprisingly the kitchen is the area where most house fires start so it might be wise to think like Kim and Aggie and give the oven a good once over – a build up of fat or crumbs can lead to your cooker catching fire. We all hate sprouts but that would be going a little too far…

“Finally before you stagger off to bed after all the excitement, take a minute to just shut the house down safely and make sure candles are out, fairy lights are off, the fireguard is up and that any guests know how to get out in an emergency.”

It’s fair to say Christmas is pretty hectic and if you’re hosting the big feast you’ll be a little stressed.

Don’t forget, if you don’t have smoke alarms fitted, Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service will fit them free if you call 0800 328 9208, so no excuses!

“It’s even worse if you have a lot of people around you and they’re in the party spirit,” says Pat, “so

Victoria Pine Furniture Ltd 27 Victoria Street, Kettering, Northants NN16 0BU Tel: 01536 516203 Open Mon-Sat 9-5.30

13th Century pub, 21st Century Food • Our food encompasses all that is seasonal, and where possible local and organic.

As seen on ITV’sver! o e k a M e t u in M 0 6 • Handmade furniture to your exact requirements: TV units, cupboards, bookcases, fireplace surrounds.

• Contemporary and traditional solid oak, pine, painted furniture for dining rooms and bedrooms.

• Excellent prices

• Handcrafted kitchens, offices, bedrooms.

• Quality is affordable – see for yourself!

• Live Local, Love Local • Christmas bookings now being taking

• New ownership and displays Approved by major insurance companies as a retail partner for replacement furniture

“Let us make your home special”

4 Lincoln Road, Northborough PE6 9BL 01733 252300 www.the-pack-horse.co.uk

DECEMBERS OFFERS Christmas Lunchtime Special 3 Courses, coffee and mince pies - £ 11.50 Christmas Party Nights Lots of options available, please ring for details.

New Year’s Eve Chef’s Carved Buffet, Live Music, Table Magic £35.00

The Golden Pheasant CHRISTMAS RESTAURANT MENU • Lunchtime and evening • £21.95 a head, 3 courses plus coffee and mince pies • Regular menu also available LUNCHTIME SPECIAL AND EARLY BIRDS • 12 - 2pm & 6 - 7pm • 1 course - £6, 2 courses - £7, 3 courses - £9 • Xmas special - £10

CHRISTMAS DAY • Canapés and cocktails 2pm • 5 courses, food served at 2.30pm • £60 a head BOXING DAY • Hot lunch served from 12 - 4pm • Roast lamb • Baked gammon • Normal menu available NEW YEAR’S DAY • Food served from 12 - 4pm

For hire, our fully serviced events marquee, for weddings, conferences, parties, in fact it’s the perfect setting for any occasion.

NOW OPEN all year round.

• Food served daily noon – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm, Sundays 12noon ‘til 6pm • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Pit-stop for Green Wheel cycle route • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area • A La Carte menu freshly cooked local produce

Main Road, Etton, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 252387 www.thegoldenpheasant.net

Dear Santa...

E S P

P R O M O T I O N

This year what I’d like most for Christmas is...

It’s time for pressies and partying but if you’re going to have the best Christmas ever you need to follow a little festive advice from Cambridgeshire Constabulary. They’ll be out and about in force trying to ensure you have a safe, fun time, and will be looking out for those who’d rather steal your stuff than buy their own! But there’s plenty you can do yourself to make sure the only thing you’re a victim of is a damn good time.

...to get home safely after a great night out

Always use licensed taxis, check the driver is registered and ideally book one in advance so you know you’re sorted and can get home at the end of your night out. Stick together with your mates and make sure everyone gets home OK.

...to get to wrap the gifts I’ve bought

When you’re shopping stash your goodies in the boot and either make sure you’re parked in a secure car park (look for the Park Mark blue tick) ideally with security systems. If you’re on a real shopathon go for customer collect so you can’t be watched continuously filling up your boot with more great nickable pressies!

...Not to end up losing it all Don’t flash your cash or your mobile too obviously when you’re out, otherwise someone else might fancy nabbing themselves an early Christmas present.

...to enjoy a tipple without toppling over It’s party time not A&E time... we all want to get merry but keep an eye on your drinks when you’re out so no one’s mixing you up a drug cocktail you didn’t order and go easy on mixing your own booze. Getting too drunk leaves you vulnerable and well... not very good at Monopoly the next day.

...to make sure everyone gets their presents When you’ve wrapped your goodies in their ribbons and bows don’t turn your house into Santa’s Grotto with gifts on full view or else some little elf will break in and nick ’em! Postcode your pressies or use the new ‘Smartwater’ which means your gifts can be identified as yours if someone else opens them instead.

...to find the house as I left it when I get back

If you’re off to have someone else do the cooking (lucky you!) or partying elsewhere make sure your place isn’t being rifled while you’re away over Christmas. Use light timers and make it look lived in.

For more tips on staying safe search for ‘safe about town’ on Facebook and Bebo.

‘ello Hav ‘ello ‘e ea l mer lo! ry C hris tma s!

0345 456 456 4 www.cambs.police.uk

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

• Largest selection of adult toys, lingerie and magazines • Fantasy clothing, latex, pvc, and much more • Over 600 R18 DVDs in stock from only £20 (Buy any 2 get the 3rd half price)

CALL: 01733 896569 Visit us at VP Square, Storey’s Bar Road, Peterborough (opposite the power station)

Open to the public - over 18s only Mon-Sat 9am-6pm and Sun 10am-4pm To order call 01733 567492 or online at:

WWW.ABSOLOOKLEY.COM

Andy Slater’s

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Foolishly the editor has given me license to do something a bit different from my usual bilge; well it is the Christmas issue! After possibly five minutes deliberation, (lots of thought goes into this column you know) I had it…Christmas No.1s!

Now, is it me but since the advent (Christmas pun) of X Factor and Pop Idol the cherished Christmas No.1 slot is a dead cert for one of the gormless finalists, or more likely who Simon moron maker Cowell says will be number one. Gone are the days when the silly novelty song hit the top spot. Guess the last Christmas number one? Band Aid 20 and Do They Know Its Christmas. An instantly recognisable song featuring quite a few instantly forgettable no hopers. Still the song has hit the top spot three times, 1984 and 1989 being the other two. It was a good song first time around but now slightly tedious which tells me there’ll be an all star X Factor version within the next two years, give me strength…

However it’s not all doom and gloom, we have fortunately lost the appetite for really, really annoying dross like Bob The Builder (2000) and Mr Blobby (1993). If you are reading this and you bought either of them you are probably a reality show fan or worse – an Eastenders fan.

The other sick maker was the St Winifred’s Choir with their vomit inducing There’s No One Quite Like Grandma – remember it? Yeah well it could get worse… I hear a rumour that the original choir are getting back together to do a re-release… so it could get worse.

Forget my previous optimism.

If you were to hazard a guess to the artists with the most Christmas number ones I reckon most of us would think Cliff would walk it right? Wrong – he’s hit the top spot three times, once of those with The Shadows (1960, 1988 and 1990) The Spice Girls also did it three times (1996, 1997 and 1998) but the Liverpool scallies The Beatles hold the record (pun) with four top slots (1963, 1964, 1965 and 1967) – none of the songs being Christmassy or novelty which goes to show that the 60s record buyer had a bit of taste. That was until 1969 and Rolf…Two Little Boys. Was he the godfather of schmaltzy Christmas novelty songs? A bit like Neil Young was the godfather of grunge or Ray Davies was the godfather of Brit pop, Rolf was the man responsible for our fixation with the Christmas number one. It had to be a bloody Aussie

didn’t it (sorry Tracy). The case stands up… after this abomination of a song there followed two decades of artistes writing crap just to get that coveted number one, much of it crap worse than his own poisoned ditty. Think about it... Renee and Renato – Save Your Love (1982) Wings – Mull Of Kintyre (1977) Boney bloody M – Mary’s Boy Child (1978). Johnny Mathis, The Flying Pickets, Shakin’ Stevens, Little Jimmy Osmond… the list reads like a death sentence. And, as you’re dragged around crowded shops and supermarkets this Christmas being bombarded by the aforementioned songs, don’t blame your wife or husband, blame that bloody Aussie Rolf Harris – he started it!

If you look hard enough however there is redemption, there are a couple of albums worth looking out for, albums that put a twist on the traditional Christmas song and gladden the heart. Destructors 666 brought out a great Christmas album last year Bah Humbug with nine short sharp songs full of wit and profanity. You can grab a copy from their website www.destructors666.com. Stick it on the CD player after Christmas lunch and see if granny and granddad notice!

The other one, my all time favourite Christmas album is by the Roten Rosen Wir Warten Auf’s Christkind. The Roten Rosen are really German punk legends Toten Hosen who did a spoof Christmas album in 1998. It’s great, it rocks the socks off you turkey malaise. They even-out Slade Slade on Merry Christmas Everybody, and Hark The Herald Angles Sing has been modernised to be a message of middle aged love and Viagra – you get the idea… just find it on www.amazon.co.uk for that special person in your life.

Fohes Fest! (Happy Christmas).

I heard it through the Grapevine... that guitar and song writing hero of Midwezt Mick Davidson is one silky smooth talking cowboy. In fact I had first hand experience of his smooth talking only last month. I was at a Midwezt gig at The Cellar Bar in my favourite cowboy shirt and he doggone smooth talked it right off my back! Yup I ended up with a black shirt and Mick walked home in the red/cream and pearl buttoned beauty. Do you know what? It couldn’t have a better home. Check out Midwezt and the shirt on December 12 at The Grapevine. You won’t git the next sucker Mick!

48

www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

FULLY LICENSED INDIAN R ESTAURA NT

Comfortable 70 seater restaurant Private function room for up to 30 people Cosy log fire Large car park Specialise in Duck and Bengal Fish Traditional Indian Cuisine For special offers please call 01733 223 722 Wednesday night special - £11.95

41 Crowland Road, Eye Green, Peterborough, PE6 5TP Tel: 01733 223 722 Open 7 days a week from 5pm until 11.30pm

Ve nu e

• • • • • • • •

N ew

Now taking bookings for Christmas

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

SCREENSCENE

Reviews TRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Released: November 30 (also on Blu-Ray) The sequel may have built on the success of the first film with its huge box-office take – but bigger is not always better.

Michael Bay’s film is still technically impressive – as Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox return amongst a burgeoning army of robots – but it lacks heart and its epic elongated plot is unnecessarily long.

But you still get plenty of bang for your bucks. #####

GI JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA

AVATAR

Released: December 17 Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver Director: James Cameron

Released: December 7 (also on Blu-Ray) This, on the other hand, wasn’t expected to be much cop at all – but is surprisingly enjoyable fare.

This over-the-top action-adventure boasts a silly script and barely passable acting as Dennis Quaid and Channing Tatum’s special operatives battle Christopher Ecclestone’s and Sienna Miller’s bad guys – but it actually works. Leave your brain at the door and enjoy. #####

HARRY POTTER & THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE Released: December 7 (also on Blu-Ray) If this is the calm before the storm, then the twopart finale should be something magical.

After a 12-year hiatus – since helming the biggest movie of all-time – one of Hollywood’s most powerful men is back behind the camera.

The Terminator and Aliens director, James Cameron, returns to a major blockbuster for the first time since Titanic – and his new sci-fi project is reportedly the most expensive movie ever made.

Up-and-coming star Sam Worthington (Terminator: Salvation) is the lead man in this 22nd century-based heavily computer generated adventure, starring as a paralysed ex-Marine who’s genetically engineered to participate in the Avatar program on distant junglecovered extraterrestrial moon Pandora.

But when he falls in love with the princess (Star Trek’s Zoe Saldana) of the moon’s primitive three metre tall inhabitants, the Na’vi, he gets caught in the conflict between her people and the invading human military searching for invaluable resources.

Anything that Cameron touches usually turns to gold, but this will have to go some to make a profit from its massive outlay, but at the very least it should be a lusciously breathtaking spectacle in both 2D, and particularly 3D, formats.

With his past CV I wouldn’t put it past him to come up trumps.

Check www.espmag.co.uk/reviews for the full lowdown on Avatar once it’s released

Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) enlists the help of Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) as Voldemort tightens his grip on the Muggles in this sixth instalment, which boasts romance, heartbreak and arguably one of the best final thirds in the series.

A noteworthy prelude to Deathly Hallows. #####

THE DESCENT: PART 2 Released: December 2 This sequel to the hugely successful British horror-hit sees sole survivor Sarah (Shauna MacDonald) forced back into the terror-laden Appalachian Mountains caves to come face-to-face with the savage creatures she escaped, when sceptical law enforcers don’t believe her story.

PLANET 51 Released: December 4 This intergalactic adventure is the big-budget CGI animation release for the festive season, as astronaut (Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson) sets foot on a planet inhabited by little green people living in a white-picket fenced world reminiscent of fifties America.

SHERLOCK HOLMES Released: December 26 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most-famous duo get the Guy Ritchie treatment as Iron Man’s Robert Downey Jr and Britain’s own Jude Law star as Holmes and Watson respectively in this latest stab at bringing the legendary world famous detective to the big screen.

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

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

Game On END OF YEAR SPECIAL: PART TWO

ONLI REVIENE WS For the la game test movie, D review s from VD and ESP, vi www.e sit: spmag .co.uk /review s

ESP dissects all the major games in the run-up to Christmas, here’s part two of our bumper guide, which gets the extended cut online at www.espmag.co.uk

CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2

FORZA MOTOR SPORT 3

BORDERLANDS

(X360) Out Now

Anybody still mourning the void left by Fallout 3 can have the next best thing.

(X360/PS3/PC) Out Now

Undoubtedly one of my favourite games of the year is arguably the best driving simulator ever.

It’s the most anticipated and biggestselling launch title of all-time – and the praise is thoroughly deserved.

MW2 betters most aspects of Infinity Ward’s much-loved first instalment, with breathtaking high-octane action and set pieces to make most shooter fans salivate.

The multiplayer and co-op modes are top-notch, with only the single-player campaign – which is still too short – being the only minor complaint for a sensational game.

#####

With more than 400 fully-upgradable cars to be raced on 100 circuits in stunning HD graphics this game is simply the best of its kind – and it’s so easy to play. It caters for both the newcomer and hardcore enthusiast with its wealth of options.

The console drive of your life.

WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2010

(X360/PS3/PC) Out Now

(X360/PS3/WII/DS/PSP)

With improved slick presentation and game modes, slightly slower-paced gameplay and top-notch in-game graphics, this is still the superior option, licenses aside.

Out Now If you were put off by the superficial changes made by previous versions it’s about time you donned hypothetical spandex once again.

With the latest version this franchise can’t do any more to provide the fullest wrestling experience with an outstanding variety of moves, bountiful roster, expanded create-a-wrestler, sensational story designer – and greatly improved Royal Rumble.

The all-round game engine – particularly from a shooting perspective – is simply unbeatable, and for me it’s still champion.

And if you’re not down with that, then I’ve got two words for ya…

#####

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DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS

GHOSTBUSTERS

(X360/PS3/PC) Out Now This page proves there’s a fantastic catalogue of games available over the festive period and if you’re a fantasy RPG fan this is genius.

From the makers of Mass Effect, this epic – sometimes quite gory – dark fantasy is an incredibly expansive and richly rewarding experience that is only hindered by sometimes clunky fighting mechanics.

Thoroughly recommended, even for newcomers to the genre.

(X360/PS3/WII/DS/ PSP/PC) Out Now If you’ve always wanted to go ‘ghostbusting’ but couldn’t (because of course it’s impossible) then this takes you into the movie.

With a new script from messrs Aykroyd and Ramis, you join the original cast members as you take on Slimer, Stay Puft and new terrifying entities in this truly entertaining experience – that’s only let down by an out of date control system.

But with great production values, fans will be in their element.

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BRUTAL LEGEND (X360/PS3) Out Now With an industry that’s reliant on safe sequels, it’s great to see something different.

This polished package which sees the Jack Black-influenced heavy metal roadie Eddie transported to a fantasy world, isn’t without a few teething problems, but an engaging action-packed world complete with tidy graphics, noteworthy gameplay and great humour, deserves to stand out in the crowd.

Top marks for a great effort that shouldn’t be ignored.

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2K Games have unashamedly taken the elements of top FPS’s and RPG’s and amalgamated them into this stylish role-playing shooter set in the cel-shaded world of Pandora.

This hybrid comes up short of being the best at either genre, but with so much weaponry, items and missions at your disposal, it’s a thoroughly engaging experience.

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PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2010 I know of PES die-hards who have finally succumbed to the lure of FIFA and made that change – but not me.

(X360/PS3/PC) Out Now

NBA 2K10 (X360/PS3/WII/PSP/PC) Out Now Despite a bit of a comeback from competitor Live 10 – this is still the king of the basketball court.

It just gets better each year with stunning graphics and in-game engine making this the most complete experience – and with the updating inclusion of NBA Today it keeps the roster bang up-to-date.

Magic’s new recruit Vince Carter alley-ooping to Dwight Howard is poetry in motion.

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AGE OF EMPIRES III: COMPLETE COLLECTION (PC) Released: December 31 For real-time strategy enthusiasts looking for the complete experience, Age of Empires III is the game for you.

Whether a fan of the series or newcomer, this collection – which includes the Warchiefs and Asian Dynasties expansion packs – is a greater pound-for-pound experience than the second game, and is only hampered by a few niggling problems.

Bar that, this is only just short of a classic.

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JAMBO! SAFARI: RANGER ADVENTURE (WII/DS) Out Now If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like being a safari ranger driving across those breathtaking African savannahs – then this takes you there.

Particularly aimed at animal lovers (or even wannabe vets), this enables you to become a fully-fledged ranger as you take on missions and rescue exotic animals by exploring breathtaking landscapes in your Land Rover. A bit of a niche experience, but rewarding for enthusiasts nonetheless.

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HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 2 (WII/DS) Out Now HASBRO gets the timing just right with this family collection of popular games.

With board games now costing a bomb, this gives you five choices in one – from the well-executed Connect 4, passable Operation, and below-par Bop It! – and is the perfect alternative to those bored with singing or quizzing for all ages.

Does exactly what it says on the tin, nothing more, nothing less.

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

51

STUNNING COUNTRIES

Maslow

FESTIVE BBQ AT MAMA LIZ’S Always guaranteed to be different from other venues, Mama Liz’s in North Street, Stamford, along with the Voodoo Lounge venue have announced their line-up and festive plans for the Christmas period. The full line-up is available at the website, but to give you a taste and a few highlights, check out Whisky Jaxx, Martin J Sandom and Tattooed Sex Gods in the Voodoo Lounge on Christmas Eve, plus DJs upstairs in the bar. On Boxing Day, Mama Liz’s will be hosting a fantastic BBQ which is bound to be full of southern delights.

The line-up for New Year’s Eve is no less impressive, with DJ Mad Scatter spinning dance and groove tracks all night long, while in the Voodoo Lounge downstairs, Ted Baker’s very own inhouse band, Maslow will have you well warmed up before live electro-house band Rubbergod will see you sweat right through to the early hours! Tickets for New Year’s Eve are £20 and include a special buffet meal and champagne at midnight. www.mamaliz.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE COACH HOUSE Market Deeping venue, The Coach House, has announced its line-up of bands and live music for the Christmas period. Classic rockers White Spirit will be there on Saturday December 19 while circa73 will be playing songs from circa 1973 to modern classics on Christmas Eve. Why not make a night of it and enjoy a meal there before the gig too. www.coachhousemarketdeeping .com

There’s a new sheriff in town and he goes by the name of Red Deadwood.

Along with his deputy, Tex Longhorn, they spend their evenings frequenting small bars in and around the city and go by the name of The Countries.

Billing themselves as “… a stunning duo to sing along to,” they’ll be performing classic country, western and blues songs from the likes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, The Band, Kenny Rogers and James Taylor, with a couple of Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette numbers thrown in for a giggle. You can see The Countries at the Hand & Heart, Highbury Street, Peterborough on Saturday December 12 or at the Exeter Arms in Helpston on Saturday December 19.

Both shows start at 8.30pm, so go and check ’em out pardner! Cowboy hats are optional. www.facebook.com/thecountries

MOTOR CITY VIPERS Peterborough’s coolest soul and Motown band, The Motor City Vipers are hosting the hottest Christmas party around on Friday December 18 at The Ivy Leaf in Whittlesey. Playing the best soul and northern tracks from Motown, Stax and Atlantic, the eightpiece line-up are fast building a reputation as one of the best party and function bands in the region and guarantee to fill the dance floor all night long. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets for The Ivy Leaf event are just £7.50 from the venue, or by contacting the MCVs on 07976 658712 or 07860 770005. www.motorcityvipers.co.uk www.facebook.com/motorcityvipers

KING KOOL You may very well have to wait until January to see Mr Dan and Mr Pas on stage in Peterborough when they launch their third KK album Vampin’.

We will, of course, keep you in touch

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC with dates as they’re announced, but if you fancy a trip to London this side of Christmas, then you can catch them at The Cross Kings, York Way, London on Wednesday November 25 at 9pm, where they’ll be announcing the single launch to the world’s media. www.kingkool.co.uk

RECIPE FOR TRAVELLING BLACKBERRIES You heard it here first – not The Travelling Wilbury’s… it’s The Travelling Blackberries. Take a heaped spoonful of local musos, including Les Wood, Penny Stevens, Richard Groom, Cherish Burk, Nigel Lavender and Nick Thorpe, give them a set list featuring the best in blues and rock along the lines of Neil Young, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, then put them in a venue near you and you’ve got a piping hot recipe for a great night of music. The problem is, they’re not announcing gigs until we’ve gone to press, so to find out the latest news and gig dates for this stunning line-up, check out our website or theirs! www.myspace.com/thehighway somewhere

THE OSTRICH North Street pub, The Ostrich (previously Bogarts) has undergone an amazing transformation and is now a great venue for good beer, real ale and live music. With live bands on every Friday and Saturday night, highlights in the run-up to Christmas included White Spirit on Friday December 4, 101 Proof on Friday December 11 and Porky Pig on Saturday December 19.

There’ll be music from John Quinn on Christmas Eve and from Lloyd Watson on Boxing Day. Then rocking in 2010 will be Storm playing on New Year’s

Eve. The Xmas and New Year’s Eve gigs are ticket only, while everything else is free!

THE BRAYS – FOUR NIGHT STAND Kicking off at the end of November, The Brays will be playing four consecutive Thursday nights at The Met Lounge on Bridge Street, Peterborough. This is truly a first and each night will have a different theme to be reflected in the music. Thursday November 26 – Somebody Said – their first album from start to finish.

Thursday December 3 – Unplugged – chilled out, acoustic and laid back.

Thursday December 10 – Expanded – classic Brays songs with twisted mixes such as Latino, hip-hop and a live glockenspiel player! Then finally on Thursday December 17 – The Future – playing their latest tunes and new releases. www.myspace.com/thebraysband

RANDALL ROOTZ XMAS DRAW The first ever Randall Rootz Christmas Draw will be taking place at Midday on Saturday December 19 at The Brewery Tap. With a first prize of a ‘seven night trip for two to Canada’ and a second prize of a ‘weekend break for four to Disneyland Paris’ – all provided

by The Very Special Travel Company – the draw promises to make someone’s Christmas dreams come true! You can expect a few acoustic tracks from The Countries and special guests, so why not make a lunch date of it? Raffle tickets are still available at £1 each from Randall Rootz on 07860 770005.

Good luck! www.randallrootz.org www.veryspecialtravel.co.uk

STRUM WHAT YA BRUNG The new music nights Strum What Ya Brung, organised by Ian Bates and the guys over at the Westwood Hotel are rapidly becoming established on the local scene. ESP dropped in on one of their special fundraising nights for the NSPCC and photographer Mike Harris even ended up joining in on guitar!

Head down there on December 23 – it doesn’t matter if you’re a musician or not as there are raffles and auctions to join in with, with prizes usually being something to do with motor sports as the organiser is a fan of them. It’ll be the perfect way to liven up that weird time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve and the last few nights have seen big crowds and music of a far better standard than your average open mic night. They have their own PA equipment and it’s on every last Wednesday of the month.

They’re aiming to raise £1000 for the NSPCC by February 2010 and so far, they’re on around £800 – achievable, but only with your support!

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

special Airport prices: seATs 4 5 Stanstead £60 £65 Heathrow £90 £100 £120 £125 Gatwick Luton £60 £65 East Midlands £70 £75 Birmingham £75 £80 Manchester £150 £160

6 £75 £110 £130 £75 £75 £85 £170

7 £80 £115 £135 £80 £80 £90 £175

8 £85 £125 £140 £85 £90 £90 £180

CORpORATe/peRsOnAL ACCOUnTs WeLCOme AnD FReQUenT UseR DisCOUnT sCheme.

same Rates for Christmas & new Year Bourne £18.00 / Oundle £18.00 / spalding £28.00 / stamford £18.00 / Whittlesey £11.00 Ailsworth ....................£7.50 Alwalton ....................£8.00 Barnack....................£14.00 Baston......................£16.00 Benwick ..................£18.00 Boongate ....................£4.00 Bretton ...................... £6.00 Castor ........................£7.00 Coates ......................£15.00 Conington ................£14.00 Crowland ..................£11.00 Deepings ..................£11.00 Elton ........................£11.00 Etton ..........................£9.00

Eye ............................£6.00 Eye Green ..................£6.50 Farcet ........................£6.00 Fletton ........................£4.00 Folksworth..................£9.50 Fotheringhay ............£17.00 Gedney Hill ..............£20.00 Glatton......................£14.00 Glinton........................£8.00 Gunthorpe ..................£6.00 Hampton Hargate........£6.00 Hampton Vale ............£7.00 Helpston ....................£9.50 Holme Village............£12.00

Kings Cliffe ..............£16.00 Langtoft....................£14.00 Longthorpe ................£4.50 Longueville Village ......£6.00 Lynchwood ................£8.00 Marholm ....................£6.50 Maxey ......................£10.00 Nassington ..............£13.00 New Werrington ..........£7.00 Newborough ..............£7.00 Northborough ............£9.50 Orton Brimbles ..........£7.00 Orton Goldhay ............£7.00 Orton Longueville........£5.00

Orton Malborne ..........£6.00 Orton Northgate..........£8.00 Orton Southgate ........£8.00 Orton Waterville ..........£6.00 Orton Wistow ..............£7.00 Park Farm ..................£6.00 Parnwell ....................£5.00 Paston ........................£5.00 Peakirk ......................£9.00 Ramsey ....................£18.00 Ravensthorpe ............£5.00 Sawtry......................£16.00 Sibson ......................£14.00 Stanground ................£5.00

Stilton ........................£9.50 Sugar Way ..................£4.50 Tallington..................£15.00 Thorney ......................£9.50 Ufford ......................£12.00 Walton ........................£5.00 Wansford ..................£11.00 Warmington..............£15.00 Welland ......................£5.00 Westwood ..................£5.00 Werrington Village ......£6.00 Wittering ..................£15.00 Woodston ..................£4.00 Yarwell......................£12.00 Yaxley ........................£7.50

Don’t wait out in the rain & cold, we now offer text back service to make sure our customers get home safely this Christmas

Fully automated booking & dispatch system Free home Ringback service for your safety Fares to and from City Centre - one pick up - one drop off – up to 4 passengers. Check your price before you start your journey. Prices subject to change without notice.

01733

$

$

310777 Text to: 07826 521333

www.goldstarcars.co.uk / e:info@goldstarcars.co.uk / F: 01733 346662

Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE)

The Roundhead

• Live music every weekend (check ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Monday-Sunday • Sky • Real Ales • Quiz Night Sundays & Tuesdays • Large family beer garden St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890 www. Bluebellpub.co.uk

• Sky Sports • Karaoke every Friday • Disco/ Karaoke every Saturday • Family friendly, children welcome until 7pm • Happy Hour 9.30am – 12pm • Meals from £2.99 • Now serving Sunday Roast • FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE

Lime Tree

Cross Keys

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

• • • • • • •

Sky Sports Beer garden Two pool tables Live music Karaoke / Disco Sats Poker night every Sunday Beer garden and children’s playing area • Quiz night every Tuesday

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

Oundle Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 565103

The Harrier(Hungry Horse)

The Office

• Sky • Carling at £1.99 during major sports • Karaoke every Friday • Live bands Saturdays • Food served all day, every day • Sunday roast from £5.49 – full children’s menu 184 Gunthorpe Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 575362

• Disco / Karaoke - Fridays • Live music on Saturdays • Poker night with free buffet on Wednesdays @ 8pm • Happy Hour - Sunday 12-2pm • Premiership football games including 3pm Saturday kick off’s • Function room for hire • Family beer garden

Rightwell East, Bretton.

Tel: 01733 267340

72 Oundle Road, Woodston Tel: 01733 557248

Live Music

December 5th Irene’s Secret 12th Grumpy Old Men 19th Mustang Blue 24th 60s Gold Disco 26th TBA 31st City Sounds Disco

Members Club New members welcome Admission £2 – members free

DECEMBER

Admission £2 – members free

2nd 4th 5th 10th 11th 12th 17th 18th 19th 24th 25th 26th

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

Food

Also • A selection of fine real ales • Darts, dominoes, crib, snooker and pool also available • Function room available for party hire (not Saturdays)

Food available daily all non members welcome

Ebeneezers, Grove Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 567352

Karaoke Disposable Man Mojo Working 50/60 Soul And R&B Special Guests with Chris Barrie Reggae Nite DJ BigP + DJ TNT The Malingerers Nicky Solo Open Mic Session Aaron Van Beeken Lloyd Watson Simon Russell solo on keyboard (£2 on door) Sweet Brother Greens Vinyl Extravaganza (£2 on door)

Available for private bookings and functions

30th Gizz Butt Red, Black And Blues (£2.50 on door) 31st The Beatles Tribute (£5 a ticket from venue)

83-85 Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6JQ Tel: 07775 841239 Email: thecellarbar2009@hotmail.co.uk

THE PERFECT RIVERSIDE LOCATION TO MEET, EAT, DRINK & ENJOY

12 real ales on tap including award winning beers from Oakham Ales Wednesday 9th December

saturday 19th December

Danny Bryant A Pint of Poetry & His Red Eye Band and a Dash of Free entry Drama Thursday 31st December 8pm start free entry New Year’s Eve Party with Friday 11th the fabulous Mighty Quinn December Tickets on sale NOW – limited angryman availability Free entry

Live Music

November Fri 27 Children of the Revolution Sat 28 Aladdinsane December Fri 4 White Spirit Sat 5 Storm Fri 11 101 Proof Sat 12 The Mighty Quinn Fri 18 Back Street Blues Band Sat 19 Porky Pig Christmas Eve Mighty Quinn TICKETS ONLY Boxing Day The Lloyd Watson Band New Year’s Eve Storm TICKETS ONLY

The Ostrich Inn

Town Bridge, Peterborough 01733 315700 www.oakhamales.com

17 North St, Peterborough 01733 752255

• Quiz night every Wednesday 8.30pm • Selection of real ales • Food served from 12-3pm • Beer garden • Bar Billiards • Mighty Mouth Karaoke with Trev every Sunday 8.30pm

gigs@espmag.co.uk

GIGGUIDE WED NOV 25

NUGGETS

LOOSE JUICE

THE BRAYS

ROSE

LEFTOVAS

WHITE SPIRIT

SAT DEC 26

LAST DAYS OF LORCA

The Dragon Werrington

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Met Lounge Bridge Street

The Decoy Newborough

The Coach House Market Deeping

The Coach House Market Deeping

LLOYD WATSON

FRI DEC 11

SLIDE TO OPEN

LEON

The Harrier Gunthorpe

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SUN DEC 20

THE COUNTRIES

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS

The Grapevine Queen Street

THU NOV 26 IRISH SESSION BAND The Office Oundle Road

THE BRAYS The Met Lounge Bridge Street

FRI NOV 27 BACKLASH The Cross Keys Oundle Road

PORKY PIG Cherry Tree Oundle Road

RETROLUX The Brewery Tap CAMRA party ticket only

Club Revolution Park Road

SEAN ANDREW SINGS THE RATPACK

The Ostrich North Street

The Office Oundle Road

SHAMELESS Westwood Herald Club Wicken Way

CHILDREN OF SLIDE TO OPEN THE REVOLUTION Thorney ExThe Ostrich North Street

CRASH N BURN Cherry Tree Oundle Road

GROOVE CARTEL Charters Town Bridge

Servicemans Club Thorney

STATION 12 The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

STEALER (FREE TRIBUTE)

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Royal Oak Walton

SWOMP ROCK

HOOKER

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

O'Neill’s Peterborough

THE PULSE

LOOSE BABY CHARLOTTE Q Club March

MARYA ROXX + VOODOO JOHNSON

RUINER + RADICUS + HEX + VIRTUES

The Halcyon Netherton

SUN NOV 29 JAZZ CLUB WITH THE JEREMY WATSON TRIO

WHITE SPIRIT

SAT DEC 5 ALADDINSANE The Halcyon Netherton

GIN SOLDIERS The Grapevine Queen Street

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE Pincushion Inn Wyberton

IRENES SECRET Ebeneezers Grove Street

LEFTOVAS The Axe & Cleaver Boston

MADBALL + VENDETTA + IMPACT Club Revolution Park Road

MIDWEZT The Bell Deeping St James

SLIDE TO OPEN The Waggon & Horses Langtoft

101 PROOF The Ostrich North Street

ANGRYMAN Charters Town Bridge

LEE MAJOR The Fayre Spot Bretton

LOIS LANE AND THE SUPERMEN The Decoy Milking Nook

Hand & Heart Highbury Street

THE MALINGERERS The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE MIGHTY QUINN

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS The Bull Newborough

ONE EYED CATS The Lime Tree Walton

STEALER The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE GUARDS The Cross Keys Oundle Road

TOM SHORT

MOTOR CITY VIPERS The Ivy Leaf Club Whittlesey

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

LIVE BAND The Grapevine Queen Street

MON DEC 21 THE BRAYS

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Solstice Northminster

The Ostrich North Street

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

TUE DEC 22

THE NUGGETS

OUTA-STOCK

MIKE TV + The Fenman FOREVER YOUNG Stanground + A STORY TO TUT TELL The Golden Fleece Club Revolution Park Road

The Bluebell Inn Werrington

GIZ BUTT BLUES

HAYLESTONE

Walton

SWEET BROTHER GREENS The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE OVERDUBS The Golden Fleece Stamford

WED DEC 30 GIZZ BUTT RED, BLACK AND BLUES

PORKY PIG

WED DEC 23

Stamford

The Fayre Spot Bretton

WHITE SPIRIT

THE GUARDS

MATT ZILCH AND THU DEC 31 THE MEIZTERS CITIZEN SMITH

Goodbarns Yard Peterborough

The Grapevine Queen Street

SUN DEC 13

SAT DEC 19

'WEST' WESTON & THE BLUESONICS

A STORY TO TELL

The Crown Inn Crowland

YOUNG NEW BLOOD Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

TUE DEC 15

SAT DEC 12

The Boat Inn Whittlesey

Stamford

The Green Man Stamford

The Solstice Northminster

The Grapevine Queen Street

ALADDINSANE

MATTHEW ZILCH

The Moorhen Hampton Vale

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Spalding Football Club Spalding

AARON VAN BEEKEN The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

DANNY BRYANT + HIS RED EYE BAND Charters Town Bridge

Toreador Stamford

The Palmerston Arms Oundle Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Brewery Tap Peterborough

STRUM WHAT YA LEFTOVAS BRUNG The Baskervilles Westwood Hotel Mayors Walk

THE CANDLE THEIVES + ZHEN MERIT Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

THU DEC 24 JOHN QUINN The Ostrich North Street

LEFTOVAS KOMATYZED + The Axe & Cleaver STORM SMOKESCREEN Boston The Cherry Tree The Ostrich Club Revolution + THE THU DEC 17 LLOYD WATSON Oundle Road North Street Park Road PROPHECY TRUE The Cellar Bar NICKY SOLO DRAG THE RIVER THE GUARDS + BROKEN PORKY PIG The Cellar Bar THU DEC 3 Thorpe Road + CHRIS The Lime Tree MENTALITY Thorpe Road A STORY TO TELL O'Neills ONE EYED CATS WOLLARD & THE Broadway Walton OPEN MIC NIGHT Club Revolution The Solstice + DOUBLE SHIP THIEVES + Park Road THE REPLICAS SHANE POOLE The Cherry Tree Northminster PENETRATION THE LIVING The Cherry Tree The Fayre Spot LEFTOVAS Oundle Road The Grapevine THE BRAYS DAYLIGHTS + Oundle Road Bretton The Nags Head THE BRAYS Queen Street The Met Lounge EXCELLENT Bourne TUT THE GANGSTERS Bridge Street The Met Lounge PAT MARTIN'S ADVENTURE The Prince Of Wales The Cellar Bar LIVE BAND Bridge Street THAT'S WHAT I Club Revolution FRI DEC 4 Castor Thorpe Road The Grapevine CALL THE 80'S Park Road FRI DEC 18 Queen Street 101 PROOF THE GUARDS The Decoy SUN DEC 6 GRUMPY OLD BACK STREET The Fayre Spot The Bluebell Inn MICK JONES Milking Nook INTERMEZZO MEN Bretton BOYS BLUES Dogsthorpe The Office SHAMELESS Ebeneezers STRING QUARTET BAND Oundle Road CIRCA 73 THE RETURNS The Fayre Spot Grove Street Mama Liz's The Ostrich The Cross Keys The Grapevine MOONLIGHT Bretton Stamford HIGHWAY North Street Oundle Road Queen Street SHADOWS STORM SOMEWHERE THE RUINED + The Letter B DEVILS ANGEL THU DEC 10 The Cherry Tree SAT NOV 28 The Office DON'T LOOK Whittlesey The Grapevine ACOUSTIC NIGHT Oundle Road Oundle Road AFTER DARK DOWN + Queen Street MUSTANG BLUE WHISKY JAX + WITH JOHNNIE Ebeneezers LEFTOVAS VENDETTA + Ebeneezers DISPOSABLE TAYLOR + FELIX The Bull & Dog THE TRIPPING Grove Street STRINGFINGER + Grove Street MAN CARR + MARTIN BILLIES + Freiston ALADDINSANE DEATH VALLEY The Cellar Bar PORKY PIG J SANDOM TATTOOED SEX The Ostrich MIDWEZT PILEDRIVER Thorpe Road The Ostrich Mama Liz's Voodoo GODS North Street The Grapevine Mama Liz's Voodoo North Street HOOKER Lounge Mama Liz's Voodoo Queen Street Lounge BLISTERED The Cherry Tree Stamford THE COUNTRIES Lounge Stamford The Fleet Oundle Road Exeter Arms CHRIS BARRIE + OUTA-STOCK Stamford Fletton Quinns BURLESQUE Helpston LEFTOVAS SPECIAL GUESTS Whittlesey The Cross Keys GAV & MEL HYDE The Marquis of FRI DEC 25 The Cellar Bar THE REPLICAS Oundle Road The Grapevine RETROLUX Granby SIMON RUSSEL Thorpe Road O'Neill’s Queen Street Three GIZZ BUTT RED Bourne SOLO Broadway JOHNNIE TAYLOR The Horseshoes MIGHTY QUINN BLACK AND The Cellar Bar Mama Liz's Voodoo UNDERCOVER Werrington The Lime Tree BLUES BAND Thorpe Road Lounge The Halcyon Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Ostrich North Street

Baston

MASLOW + RUBBERGOD Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

RETROLUX The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

STORM The Ostrich North Street

THE BEATLES TRIBUTE The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE GUARDS The Old Coach House Market Deeping

THE NUGGETS The Decoy Milking Nook

THE REPLICAS The Fletton Club Peterborough

SAT JAN 2 FRANKLY MY DEAR The Golden Fleece Stamford

Netherton

*ESP can not be held responsible for errors in this listing, be sure to check with the venue for confirmation.

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

MC SKIBADEE @ DISSIDENT Two of the biggest names in DnB will be coming to Club Dissident on December 19 at 4Cross and Terror Bass. MC Skibadee will be backed

by Ruff Stuff on the decks – these two artists have been making massive waves on the scene and are getting an international reputation. Get there early, as this is a sure sell-out.

DON’T LOSE YOUR MOJO If you like soul and RnB 50s and 60s style catch Julian Roberts and Paul Davis on the decks at The Cellar Bar on Thorpe Road on December 5.

Their Mojo Working nights are going down a storm with a good crowd up for a boogie and a laugh.

CENTRAL SEASONAL SAUCINESS

DUBSTEP @ DISTRICT 7 Hybrid and Locality join forces this month on December 11 for a bassheavy night courtesy of none other than dubstep legend Caspa. One of the producers who’s made the dubstep scene take off in such a big way, he’ll be bringing his aggressive, macho sound to District 7, formerly The Park. Support comes from Taskforce, featuring Chester, Farma, Slippers, Inja and Remus as well as the Locality residents.

See some of the sexiest Santas this side of the North Pole on Christmas Eve at Central in Stamford – with competitions and prizes up for grabs, you might be able to bag yourself an early Christmas present!

Get dressed up and entry’s cheap.

Boxing Day doesn’t have to be boring – head to Central for their Boxing Night Ball with DJ Ian Alvey playing the best in chart, commercial dance and RnB, with a few seasonal favourites thrown in!

Warm up at Brownes next door, where there’ll be loads of drinks offers to get you properly ‘merry.’

MOBILE MENTALISTS Have a right royal knees-up this Christmas with the Trainspotter’s Mobile Disco at the Xoo Bar on December 18. The dress code’s strictly festive – dig out your best party outfits, suits or just one of those obligatory woolly jumpers!

The nights one of the most diverse music policies in Peterborough, covering disco, punk-funk, electro, rock, indie, soul, jazz, world music, deep electronics, house music, groovy techno, hip-hop, old school and new school. The DJs Kenny Small, Chris Duff and Simon J will also play any records you bring along, so get searching for those songs you haven’t heard in a club for years. It’s bound to be a good night, and entry’s free.

GET CRUNK Following the massive success of Submerge last month, which saw the unique, world music influences live dubstep band The Worm raise the roof of Club Dissident, they join forces with Crunked Up on December 18 to bring you a resident’s night with incredibly heavy basslines.

58

www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

SHADES @ BACCARA Local legends Shades Of Rhythm will be returning to Peterborough on December 26 for a set at Baccara on Broadway. They were part of the original rave scene in the late 80s and early 90s and will be bringing that vibe back to the city. Support comes from Dave Alan, who’ll be playing old skool classics and Jay Heal, playing upfront house. Entry’s £5.

FUNKY HOUSE FIESTA Have a funky Christmas at Allfunkedup’s Xmas Special at Baccara on December 19 where Lou B, who’ll be playing at Sankey’s in Manchester later this month, will be taking over the decks alongside Jay Heal, Steve Andrews and Dave Hughes with funky breaks and house music. There’ll be a real party vibe, helped along by dancers from Housedolls, who you may have seen at Pascha and Gatecrasher, as well as big live percussion from Phil Lee. Entry’s £3.

parties, their recent release Stop Space Return has previously been The Times newspaper’s album of the month. This act have previously played at the Big Chill Festival, all over Australia and Koko’s in London – don’t miss your chance to catch such a big act in such an intimate setting! Support comes form the Dig Deep residents, advance tickets £5 from Mama Liz’s. www.mamaliz.co.uk

HEADROOM New DnB night Headroom touches down at Baccara on Broadway on December 27. The night includes Commix from Metalheadz/Hospital Records and Fabric with support from DJs Overdrive, Edit and Shift with MC Vigilante hosting. Entry’s £6 and it runs from 9pm – 3am.

SEEKING ASYLUM Lunatic Headquarters take over Club Dissident on December 5 with cutting edge, breaks, DnB, techno and house from Dirtymasisty, Lukas J, Partizant, Nawyk and Uchowsky in the Broken Lab room, while things will be a little more upbeat in the High Vibes room with 2sis, Firework, Dive Dive and Nontoxic on the decks. Entry’s £5.

OLD VS NEW There’ll be something for all DnB and hardcore fans at Club Dissdent on December 11, when Kool Runnings will be splitting the place in two, with one room for all things old skool and one for the new skool.

On the decks will be DJ Glory, MO & Templa , Papa Rudy, J Palm, N.S.K, Poleaxe, Kenny 1, Owen G, Frequencee, Cymulant, Neilbadboy, Mighty Kop, DJ Sniper, Amadeus and Deadly Duo, who are joined by MCs Randy & MC Grossie.

BISH BASH BOSH AND FRIENDS Start the Christmas party season in style with Bish Bash Bosh on December 12 at Club Dissident.

Known for high energy hardcore and hard dance, this seasonal showcase will feature two DJs from every soundsystem they’ve worked with, so expect an eclectic experience!

JUMP AROUND CRAZY NIGHTS One of the leaders of the new disco scene comes to Mama Liz’s in Stamford on December 12. Crazy P, a live five-piece fresh from supporting Groove Armada on tour, are a must see for all fans of funk, disco, Philly soul and deep house.

Perfect for this silly season of mad

Work off those extra Christmas calories on the dance floor of Club Dissident at Quake on December 26. With heavy DnB in the main room, you can jump the night away or wind down a little in the second room, which will be specialising in dubstep. Quake’s Halloween party was massive, so expect this night to be very busy indeed!

clubland@espmag.co.uk

CLUBLAND HIP HOP MASTERS The Time2Throwdown crew join forces with Sensei FM, one of London’s best hip hop radio stations on December 5 at Mama Liz’s in Stamford. With a live four turntable scratch set from Invincible Armour featuring Wireless, a human beatboxer alongside Sensei FM’s DJs J'da Kut, Ironfingaz, Dizar.

Support comes from Throwdown DJs: Demon and Teekutz. The whole show will be broadcast live on www.sensei.fm. Entry’s £3.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FUNK IT @ BACCARA Steve Satchell, one of rising label Daddy Funk Records’ artists, will be headlining the New Year’s Eve Party at Baccara. It’ll be a soulful, bouncy night with a hint of funk – the organisers are promising a very special night, so why not try something new this year! Entry’s £5.

MONOCHROME MADNESS Start getting your outfits planned for Central’s Black and White UV Party this New Year’s Eve in Stamford.

With mad décor and blinding lights, this intense party will feature all of the biggest tracks from 2009.

EXPECT THE ECLECTIC Get ready for the ultimate DJ battle at Club Dissident on New Year’s Eve when all the promoters of the wildly different nights that run throughout the year will be joining forces to make this one of the best parties all year!

PARTY @ MAMA’S Mama Liz’s in Stamford will see an incredibly eclectic party on New Year’s Eve! In the bar, DJ Mad Scatter will be spinning tunes from all kinds of genres, while downstairs in the Voodoo Lounge there are two live dance acts and one incredible DJ. First up are Maslow, an acoustic act who have recently appeared on the Sue Marchant Show on Radio 1 and at loads of festivals, followed by Rubbergod, a five-piece electro house band who’ve played at Ibiza and The Secret Garden Party, while on the Decks will be DJ Nick Noodles of the legendary Krunch Soundsystem. There’ll also be a soul food buffet up for grabs and a champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets £20 from 01780 765888.

sport@espmag.co.uk

LOCALSPORT

Kerry’s

WAG’S

DIARY Photo: Terry Harris

kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

ESP GIRLS CELEBRATE WITH SAXONS The Peterborough Saxons American football team celebrated a solid season by holding their awards night at Peterborough’s Powerleague in Stanground recently – and the ESP girls were there to join in the fun.

Following promotion at the end of 2008 the Saxons found themselves competing in Division One of the British American Football League, one rung below the top tier in the sport. They managed to put in a solid showing, securing their status at the same level in 2010.

ESP girls Tori Bradshaw, Claire Smith, Danielle Asplin and Sadie De’Roux added some glamour to the evening as they handed out the awards. Among the winners was Peterborough based Darren Griffiths, who was voted into the Saxons Hall Of Fame.

Newborough based Griffiths, retired in 2009 after playing in each season of the Saxons’ existence. Over his eight year career Griffiths played every position on the team before settling on defence where he’s been a permanent fixture.

Also receiving an award was Anthony ‘Bobby’ Amissah who scooped the Most Improved Offensive Player. Amissah continued his impressive development and became one of the Saxons’ big play specialists, accounting for a number of touchdowns with big runs.

Jonathan Palmer, a US serviceman, also received two awards scooping the award for Top American Player and also the Players’ Player award. It was Palmer’s first year with the team and he proved to be one of the most versatile players recording tackles on defense as well as points on offence. Palmer was joined by Dervan Alleyne who also claimed joint honours, winning both Special Teams and Offensive Player Of The Year awards for his breathtaking play and touchdown heroics.

One of the most deserved awards went to long serving Saxon Mark Kerr, who scooped the Saxon of the Year award, voted for by all members of the organization. Mark’s a particularly deserving winner after being one of the key backroom staff members since the Saxons came to Peterborough in 2005.

Other awards went to Gergo Toth, Most Improved Defensive Player; Ian Barnsby, Rookie Of The Year; James Hezzell, Offensive Lineman Of The Year; Simon Poole, Defensive Player Of The Year; Mat Dean, Defensive Lineman Of The Year and Adam Gumbs, head coach’s player of the year.

All the avid fans of my column (my mum and dad) will no doubt be pleased to know that Chris and I are now happily settled in our new home. Swapping Hampton for Stamford at first seemed like a big boo boo but after sleep we were both very happy with how our new home was treating us!

You may have noticed slight signs of stress in me last month, but I think you’ll be happy to know that I’m through all that now and my grumpy self has changed and Kerry is finally back to normal. I can’t explain how thankful Chris is of this… I think I was almost a gonner with the amount of earache I kept giving the poor old boy!

The actual moving from house to house was really straight forward. Considering we were moving from a two bedroom house to a show home with all the furniture in it already, you wouldn’t think we had much to move right? Hmm… think again!

It took both of us, Chris’ parents plus FOUR van loads to get everything over to the new house. I know everyone might think it was my shoes and clothes taking up the majority of van space, however, in my defence, I blame Chris! He’s such a hoarder, never letting me throw anything away. We had to pack things like his model helicopter which I’d bought him for his last birthday but which hasn’t been used since he crashed and broke it the first time he flew it!

Anyway we’re in now, and I have to say that even though I loved our old house, I feel like this one is just more of a home so we’re loving every minute of our time in it. Even though the move does mean Chris and I have to leave for work half an hour earlier each morning, it doesn’t bother us too much as we get to listen to Chris Moyles on the radio for longer, which is definitely a bonus as I’m one of those people you’d see laughing in their cars whilst driving!

For all Posh fans: you’ll certainly have noticed the other big event during this month… the departure of the gaffer – Darren Ferguson.

I know I have nothing to do with the day to day football life within the club, but even I was quite sad to hear he was leaving. I know Chris looked up to him and respected him as a gaffer, especially as he was the one who brought Chris to this club. So naturally he was quite sad to hear he was leaving.

I guess throughout Chris’ footy career he’ll see gaffers come and go and become used to it and grow a thick skin – I suppose you have to remember you’re still playing the same game but just with a different mind behind it. At the end of the day the boys are still just kicking a white ball about on a green patch of grass!

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

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GIN, BUT NO TONIC My little boy had a rotten cold last week so I popped into my local chemist to pick him up some medicine. A straightforward problem and solution you might think – ill baby, buy medicine, feed ill baby said medicine, baby feels better, job done. But oh no, in this society of Health and Safety gone mad, even that simple task is fraught with problems and complications.

Picking the medicine I wanted off the shelf, the assistant asked me the standard question to check how old my child was. I replied that he was six months, to which her response was ‘Oooh, I can’t sell you that then, the child has to be at least six years-old.’ I looked at her gone out – ‘What do you mean he’s got to be over six? The box says for babies three months plus!’ Looking decidedly embarrassed, the assistant explained that it was the law now and, however ridiculous it seemed, she really couldn’t sell me the medicine.

So basically, what it comes down to is that, because a few less responsible parents had become a bit addicted to a night’s sleep and had been over-sedating their kids, I was now being prevented from buying something to make my boy feel better. Working on that principle, I’m planning on taking him to The Brewery Tap for his first pint at nine months. Well, if the legal age for medicine is six years, and yet it’s actually suitable for children 24 times younger, beer at nine months must be fine, mustn’t it?!

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sarah.tempest @espmag.co.uk

THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS – SIMON COWELL SAID SO The ‘patronising comment of the year’ award simply has to go to the one and only Simon Cowell on the X-Fac tor. After all the pawns, sorry, I mean contestants, had perfor med their renditions (some OK, some appalling) of classic songs on ‘Queen Week’, host Dermot O’Leary passed the floor back to Simon who ‘wanted to say some thing’. Referring to the legendary band, amon gst whose accolades is the fact that they are the only band where every single member has written a numb er one single, Simon declared – ‘When you sit here tonight, you just realise what brilliant songwriters these guys are. These songs are incredible, so – congr atulations!’ Unbelievable! Queen are so huge that their Greatest Hits album has outsold even The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper, but I’m sure that ‘Congratulations’ from the Cowell on their song writing ability meant the world!

DR WHO CARES? In the interest of embracing the fresh new optimistic start a new year brings, I feel the need to begin 2010 with a clean slate and get a major confession off my chest. Deep breath, here goes. I am, and have been for the past four series, a secret massive Dr Who fan. I liked Christopher Eccleston but my devotion only seriously kicked in when the divine David Tennant took over. I am so in love with him that my husband had to agree that he could be my ‘one that I’m allowed’ if ever the opportunity presented. It wasn’t hard to persuade him. All I had to do was agree that he could have all five of Girls Aloud as his (even the ginger one). I figure I’ve got more of a chance!

Such is my obsession that when we went for our first scan, we were both convinced the baby would have two heartbeats and, for a fleeting moment, I entertained the idea of naming him TARDIS (well he definitely felt bigger on the inside than out!) And now David Tennant is leaving this Christmas and being replaced by some young floppy-haired thing from my home town 45 miles down the road from Peterborough. It’s enough to make me choke on my turkey! How can I worship the new Doctor when he looks like someone I used to babysit for? I want to tell him to stop playing with his sonic screwdriver, wash his face and get to bed so I can raid his parent’s drink cabinet and use their phone to ring all my mates!

If only there was a helpline like that one they set up when Take That split, but no-one seems to understand or share my sense of loss. We may be welcoming in a bright new year on December 31, but I can’t help feeling that I’ll be ending the old one in therapy.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TURN OFF A gig at a Christmas light’s switch on in London ended in chaos after far more fans than expected turned up to see last year’s X Factor stars JLS (featuring Peterborough’s very own Aston) and winner Alexandra Burke perform and many were crushed in the mayhem. After it was announced that the gig was being abandoned, disappointed fans began to hurl bottles and umbrellas at the stage. I can’t help feeling that it would all have been very different if it the performers had been this year’s X Factor contestants John and Edward ‘Jedward’ Grimes. The crowd would only begin hurling stuff at the stage if it was announced the gig was going ahead!

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www.espmag.co.uk ( December )

OH COME ALL YE FRUGAL

Reflecting the curren t state of the economy and the fact that we’re crunch, the top 10 toy all feeling the pinch of s for Christmas 2009 the credit are, for once, all unde under £20 and one, r £50. In fact, most of described as a ‘pocke them are t money toy’ (blimey, was a kid, that’s a wh it’s gone up since I ole heap of Curly Wu rly’s) is under £10.

Good news for paren ts, but I’m going to go one step further this Christ mas. Much as I’d lov e to splurge on the latest Peppa Pig barn conve rsion or whatever the ‘must have’ toy is this year, I’m actually just going to get lots of wrapping paper and, well, that’s it. I mig ht even wrap it for him in more wrapping pape r and, if he’s really luc ky, he might get a box too.

You might think I’m be ing super tight but whatever I bu y, he’ll just try and eat it so there doesn’t seem much point shelling out. I’ll just give him the TV remote to gnaw on and he’ll be happy as the proverbial Larry and, seeing as I can splurge what I’ve not spent on toys on will I. Merry Christma Quality Street and Ch s! ardonnay, so