ESP February 2017

MARCH 2017 Issue 211

R SINCE 1998

Bringing you the best of local Leisure & Lifestyle in Greater Peterborough for 18 years!

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What’s On Movies Live Music The Posh Page Nightlife

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Venues and Party Dresses

Emma Willis Feature

Kate’s visit to RAF Wittering

The Voice UK

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HERITAGE FESTIVAL LAUNCHED

PARCS RESTAURANT GETS AWARD

The team at Vivacity have revealed details for this year’s fantastic Peterborough Heritage Festival.

This great event is one not be missed and is the UK’s largest multi-period living history festival. It’s returning for its 9th year on the weekend of June 1718 and this year is a celebration of 375 years since the start of the English Civil War. We’ve been along every year and fully recommend it. The event is a free day out for all ages and is proudly presented by Vivacity in association with Perkins, Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough City Council and is supported entirely by sponsorship and charitable donations.

To find out more take a look at www.vivacitypeterborough.com/heritagefest and sign up to register your interest.

Congrats go out to staff and students at Peterborough Regional College who’ve been awarded the prestigious AA College Rosette Highly Commended.

Each year, the AA in partnership with People 1st send qualified hotel and restaurant inspectors to mystery shop the restaurant, Parcs, at Peterborough Regional College, and assess them against high level industry criteria.

Highly Commended is the highest award available for College’s from the AA, and an upgrade from their previous visit.

The 90-seater training restaurant which is open to the public during the academic term on weekdays for lunch and on Thursday evenings for fine dining, offers 3 courses and fine dining to plates of plenty, with all of the preparation, cooking and service organised and executed by the students.

ALL SAINTS OPENS Fashion fans listen up. Top brand All Saints has recently launched a concession for their women’s ready-to-wear range in John Lewis in Queensgate. All Saints is a global, digital contemporary brand with an independent spirit – go take a look!

PANCAKES AT THE DOG TRACK Have a pancake and a bet down at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium as they build up to Easter Weekend at their Wednesday Race Night on March 1. They might be a day late but promise their pancakes will be worth it!

Call 01733 296939 to book.

PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL SET TO RETURN The organisers of the city’s great Portuguese Festival have been in touch and tell us it will return for the fourth year on July 22 and 23 in Peterborough.

If you’d like to promote your business or get involved with the festival just get in touch with Paulo Batista on 07766 584535 or take a look at www.festivalportuguese.co.uk

PHANTOMS ICE HOCKEY ACTION The Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey team have reached the EPL Cup Final and will take on local derby team Milton Keynes Lightning.

Both English Premier teams are still competing in the league fixtures, with MK sitting in second place and Phantoms in third currently.

MK and Phantoms have fought off some of the top teams in UK hockey including League leaders Telford Tigers, to get into the final which is a home and away fixture with Phantoms holding the 1st leg on Saturday March 12 at Planet Ice Peterborough.

Tickets are on sale now.

With any local derby the atmosphere’s going to be electric, but with this also being a Final we are in for a fantastic game of hockey.

Phantoms are at home every weekend from now until the first weekend of April, check their website for full fixture lists and more information on the arena and game night tickets.

LIZA BIDS TO BE BEST BARBER A Peterborough barber has made it to the shortlist of a nationwide competition to be crowned the best wet shaving barber in Great Britain.

Liza Schwarz, of Spencer’s Hair Salon, Lincoln Road, will face razor sharp competition from fellow craftsmen near and far in

her quest to win the prestigious competition.

Liza is set to face-off against other top barbers in the East of England regional final at Salon Services in Northampton on Wednesday March 8. If she secures the top spot in the regional heat, Liza will face the most crucial shave of her life at the national final, which will take place inside a boxing ring at Barber UK at the Birmingham NEC on May 21.

BRITISH PIE WEEK The British are a nation of pie lovers and they’re adding some great winter warmers to the menu at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium this month.

Enjoy the racing and tuck into your favourites on Wednesday March 8, Friday and Saturday March 10/11.

Call 01733 296939 to book.

THE MAN BEHIND THE LENS Here’s your chance to hear first hand what it’s like capturing the area’s major news stories and the tales behind those photographs.

Local photographer David Lowndes has covered all sorts of stories over the 41 years he spent with Peterborough Evening Telegraph before turning freelance and now he’s giving you the inside story.

David will host a show and tell of his favourites followed by a Q&A at the Salvation Army Citadel on Bourges Boulevard on Wednesday March 15 in this special event to raise money for the Mayor’s Charities.

Tickets are ÂŁ10 from the Visitor Information Centre or on 07506 388718.

CHARITY PROMS @ CATHEDRAL Get your flags out and get ready to clap and sing along in true proms style at a great concert in aid of the Mayor’s Charities.

The Band of the Royal Anglian Regiment will be playing all the rousing tunes in this Last Night of the Proms style event in the glorious setting of Peterborough Cathedral.

Make sure you’re in good voice for this concert on Saturday March 11. Tickets are £15 for adults, £10 or under 16s and are available from the Visitor Information Centre.

TIME TO ENTER PERKINS GREAT EASTERN RUN Online entry is now open for this year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run. This year's event is promising to be the biggest ever as more than 1,600 people had pre-registered for the race which takes place in Peterborough on Sunday October 8.

2016 saw the highest turnout of runners in its history for the Peterborough City Councilorganised race. A total of 4,262 runners ran the half marathon and 1,257 people took part in the Anna’s Hope 5km Fun Run. It’s never too early to start training for the big day and from July runners can take advantage of the race’s free weekly training sessions that take place at the Peterborough Embankment Athletics Track.

For more information about training and to enter the race visit www.perkinsgreateastern run.co.uk

LASER ERASE THOSE TATTOOS If you’re regretting a tattoo Laser Erase could be the answer!

This purpose built laser studio is based in Farcet (St Marys Street, PE7 3AR) and offers laser tattoo removal from £35, depending on the size of the tattoo.

They use the latest high powered Q switched Ruby, Nd:YAG and KTP lasers, which they tell us ensures superior results and can remove dark and colourful tattoos or do fades for cover-ups.

They also offer Collagen Wave – Radio Frequency facials for £40, with a free diamond suction peel afterwards as well as laser carbon facials, also £40. Check them out www.lasererasetattoo.co.uk or on www.facebook.com/ LaserErasePeterborough or phone 07545 499254.

ELSA ROSE OPENS IN QUEENSGATE A new store for fashion fans has opened in Westgate Arcade in Queensgate Shopping Centre called Elsa Rose.

Featuring exclusive ranges of LYDC handbags, cosmetics and accessories, Elsa Rose offers fashion-conscious shoppers an alternative range for accessorising.

WORLD CHAMP ROB LAUNCHES FUND ME APPEAL In February, at the World Martial Arts Organisation British Championships, city martial artist Rob Taylor won the Masters

U85kgs category, adding the British title to his previous world titles from 2016.

As a result, he’s been selected to represent Team GB at the ISKA World Championships in Greece this May. Anyone wishing to donate funds for Rob to attend can do so by visiting his Go Fund Me appeal at www.gofundme.com/fightingat-the-iska-world-games

NEW PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY TO OPEN IN CITY The Pauline Quirk Academy, PQA, is opening a new Academy in Peterborough offering performing arts classes at The Peterborough School on Thorpe Road.

They’ll be holding a free open day on Saturday April 22 from 9.45am - 1pm when you can find out more about the classes for 4-18 year olds.

The classes are designed to help even the shyest youngsters thrive and gain confidence with various performance opportunities.

Children also get to see themselves on the big screen of the local cinema in one of their short film projects. They can take performing arts exams through organisations like Trinity College London, make like-minded new friends, enjoy new experiences and explore everything from clowning and stage combat to street dance, musicals and film-making.

For more information visit www.pqacademy.com

OUNDLE FESTIVAL The incredibly successful folk performer, Kathryn Tickell returns to Oundle on Saturday March 18 with superb accordion player, Amy Thatcher, to launch the Oundle International Festival’s Music in Special Places 2017 concert series at St Peter’s Church.

Entertainment in the town continues at Oundle Cinema which is screening Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in the Stahl Theatre on Sunday March 19 at 6pm and later in the month, a WWII true story, Anthropoid, starring Jamie Dornan, Cillian Murphy and Toby Jones.

Then get your tickets for this year’s Oundle International Festival, which runs from July 7-15. An outstanding programme of entertainment will fill the 9 days culminating in Oundle’s town celebration Party at the Wharf featuring fantastic rockabilly favourites The Houndogs and headliners Absolute Bowie playing a host of hits from the man himself.

For tickets and more info visit www.oundlefestival.org.uk, call 01832 274734 or visit the Oundle Festival Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle. PE8 4EA. www.espmag.co.uk

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LocalEntertainment

Tiffany Wright has the ESP guide to the best shows around…

Sam Bailey: Sing My Heart Out

Big two get together for Opera Gala

The 2013 winner of The X Factor, Sam Bailey, will be passing through Peterborough on her Sing My Heart Out Tour this March!

Shortly after starring in the critically-acclaimed stage show Chicago as Mama Morton, Sam Bailey is wasting no time getting back out on the road to showcase her ‘incredible voice’ (Gary Barlow) and promote her new album of the same name. The ex prison-officer and vocal powerhouse is set to play The Cresset on Thursday March 30, with standard tickets £31 and meet and greet packages (including photo opportunities with the star and a souvenir laminate) £75 plus booking fees.

For tickets, book online at www.cresset.co.uk or call the box office on 01733 265705.

If you fancy an afternoon of the opera greats, including classics from Verdi’s Aida and Il Travatore, pop down to the Voyager Academy between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday March 5. Bringing together The City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and the stars of Peterborough Opera, conductor Steve Bingham promises an enchanting afternoon. With tickets priced at £12.50 for adults (£10.50 for concessions), and free admission for under 16s, this is bound to be an incredible event, without having to dig too deep into your pockets.

Tickets will be available on the door or at www.cpso.org.uk

The Jukes Down at the Diner A fan of the Jersey Boys? If so, the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre is offering up a treat on Saturday March 11 that might be right up your street. Following the journey of four ordinary guys with an extraordinary dream, The Jukes Down at the Diner will be filled to the brim with hits from the 50s and 60s. The play’s set in early 50’s England and will prove a major cultural throwback for younger generations and happy nostalgia for older ones.

Tickets are £17 (concessions £16) from the box office on 01780 766455.

The Never Ending Nightmare After becoming the first ever circus to reach the finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, the Circus of Horrors has built an impressive list of television appearances (The X Factor, This Morning and Ant & Dec – to name just a few.) On Sunday March 19, the Circus of Horrors will be making their Peterborough debut at The Key Theatre. This spectacular show will contain all of the bizarre, brave and beautiful acts that have come to be expected (and yet are always the unexpected), tied together into an ‘Alice in Horrorland’ type story. The largely tongue-incheek spectacle is for over 16s only and will cost £25 per ticket (including fees) available form the box office on 01733 207239.

Rewind: 80s Party Night Been wanting to get your 80s groove on? Well this could be the night out for you.

With the DJs playing all your favourite hits from the 80s, all you have to do is pull out your legwarmers and make sure your hair is suitably wild and you’ll be pretty much set! Prizes will be available throughout the night for the best dressed (so get groovy), winning themed games and spot prizes in general. Retro cocktails and an incredible party atmosphere are sure to make this an excellent value night out at the Cresset, on Saturday March 11!

Advance tickets are £5 on 01733 265705 or it’s £6 admission on the door.

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Mercury the Ultimate Queen Tribute It’s the news any Queen fan has been hoping for… Mercury are coming back!

Pegged as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to the late Freddie Mercury and Queen, their show at the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on Saturday March 18 is one that shouldn’t be missed. Don’t just take our word for it, even Freddie’s mum, Jer Bulsara, has agreed that, “In this new century, Joseph, Glenn & Mercury are the next best thing (to the original).” So whether you’re a devoted Queen fan who can belt out every song or just a lover of dynamic rock and Bohemian Rhapsody, this will be an experience you will not want to miss out on.

Tickets are £17.50 (concessions £17) from the box office on 01780 766455.

The Three Degrees

The Pillowman After the local success of last year’s production of Jerusalem, Peterborough Mask theatre group are bringing renowned author Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman to life at The Key Studio. Drawing on inspirations such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, The Pillowman promises to be ‘a dark, twisty, and utterly unforgettable masterpiece’.

The almost murder-mystery follows the interrogation of a writer, Katurian Katurian, whose gruesome stories seem to be aligning far too closely with a string of child murders in the area.

Tickets are £10, and the play will be featured at The Key Studio at 7.45pm, from March 29 – April 1. Call the box office on 01733 207239.

The Real Thing Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the charttopping You Are Everything To Me, Liverpool based soul trio The Real Thing are embarking on a nine month UK tour which comes to Peterborough on Sunday March 26. Featuring the group’s three original vocalists Eddie Amoo, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, this show promises to blast you back to the 80s with their classic soul hits, whilst mixing in contemporary grooves.

After forming in 1972, the band were snapped up by Pye Records and went on to release 10 massive hits over a three year period, including Can’t Get by Without You and Can You Feel the Force, which both went on to become top 5 hits in the UK! Singer, and original member of The Real Thing, Chris Amoo commented on their success, saying, “There’s always going to be a sense of nostalgia about our music. It’s the soundtrack to so many people’s lives and that will never die.”

Don’t miss your chance to see them perform live at The Key Theatre. Call the box office on 01733 207239.

The Three Degrees have become such a household name throughout the UK over the past 50 years of being together, even boasting fans such as Prince Charles after they performed at Buckingham Palace for his 30th birthday!

This spring, The Three Degrees return with a short run of shows throughout the UK which will see the Philadelphia-based female vocal trio – the longest running according to The Guinness Book of World Records! – playing a night at the Key Theatre on Saturday April 1.

The Three Degrees are a must-see act, closing generational boundaries in music and a great night of live authentic soul for the whole family.

Tickets are £26 from the box office on 01733 207239.

I Am Beast For one night only, the Sparkle and Dark Theatre Company are gracing us with a production of I Am Beast at the South Holland Centre in Spalding on Wednesday March 8. The awardwinning exploration of grief of a teenager who’s lost her mother features UV landscapes, original live electronic music mixed on stage and a combination of actors and incredible life-sized puppets to portray Ellie’s vivid imagination.

Tickets are £11 (concessions £10) from the box office on 01776 764777.

G4: Live in Concert G4 are back on the road again in March, bringing their classical renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, My Way and Nessun Dorma along with them as they celebrate the release of their new album! Showcasing their outstanding vocals that have wowed audiences wherever they have gone, the hotly anticipated new album features future hits Your Song, Amigos Para Siempre and I’d Do Anything For Love.

Support for the show comes from soprano Mary-Jess (winner of the Chinese X Factor and singer of the Downton Abbey theme, Oli Nez (internationally-renowned multiinstrumentalist) Sorrelli Strings (critically-acclaimed string trio) and a local choir. This is going to be an unmissable event as the multi-platinum vocal harmony group play the Cresset (March 7) for the first time.

If you want to get up close and personal with the critically acclaimed Kings of Popera, VIP tickets are available and include a pre-show meet-and-greet session which allow you photo and autograph opportunities!

General tickets are £29, VIP tickets are £76.50 available on 01733 265705.

One Man, Two Guvnors After hitting a dead end with his skiffle band (read: getting fired), Francis Henshall takes up an alternative occupation of minding the two local hood rats, who just so happen to be rivals. Set in 1960’s Brighton, this play is full of drama and proves that life is certainly never easy.

You might have heard about this particular play; back when James Cordon played the lead in the awardwinning comedy in the West End. This amateur production of the comedy, put together by St Nicolas Players, promises just as many laughs at the South Holland Centre in Spalding from March 22 - 25.

Tickets are £12 (concessions £10) from the box office on 01776 764777.

Top Brass Band Joins Choirs at e Broadway Brighouse and Rastrick has an impressive track record in the world of brass bands. Since forming in West Yorkshire in 1881, they’ve been able to add some pretty impressive collaborations to their resume, including the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. The acclaimed brass band are popular for the 1977 hit The Floral Dance, which after being immortalised by the late Sir Terry Wogan, sat at number 2 in the UK singles chart for nine weeks!

This month, award-winning choirs Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir will be bringing Brighouse and Rastrick to The Broadway Theatre on Saturday March 18 for a night of incredible music.

Tickets from £15 are available from Peterborough Visitor Information Centre, on 03336 663366 or at www.peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk. www.espmag.co.uk

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LocalEvents

Photos: Karen King

The city’s amazing soprano singers, identical twin sisters Naomi and Hannah Moxon, known as Classical Reflection are set to launch their new album in Peterborough Cathedral.

T

his talented duo have gone from strength to strength since reaching a national audience through The Voice on the BBC, two years ago. Coach Ricky Wilson snapped them up for his team and since then they’ve gone on to have sell out concerts nationwide.

Now they’re heading back to Peterborough for a spectacular album launch concert at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday May 13.

Naomi and Hannah told ESP they’re delighted to have the launch in their home town and at such a fantastic venue – “It was

a privilege to record our album here in this stunning and very beautiful building and important to us to support our local heritage.

We realised after performing for the Cathedral’s lunchtime recital series last summer that acoustically it is second to none.”

The special concert will include enchanting songs from West End musicals including, Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera, Bring Him Home from Les Miserables and songs from the big screen including May It Be from Lord of the Rings.

There’ll be special guest appearances including BBC Radio 3 award winning Huntingdon Male Voice Choir, captivating classical guitarist Chris Sommerfield and beautiful dancers from Saldance Studios.

Anyone who caught their Christmas concert at The Marriot hotel will tell you what beautiful voices they have and the Cathedral will be a perfect venue for them.

Their new album entitled Echo is being released in support of the Alzheimer’s Society with 50% of the profits from album sales being donated to the charity. It has

been recorded at the Cathedral with West End musical director Adrian Sutcliffe and Ely Sinfonia Orchestra. The album will be available during the evening and can be personally signed by the girls if you’d like at a meet and greet session after the concert.

“We are looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces and some new ones at the Cathedral,” the girls continued, “and are excited to be working with Alzheimer’s this year as well as performing at some great events including Classic Isle on the Isle of Wight, a show held over two days.

“We felt it was an extremely important charity to support as it’s the main disability that people suffer with later in life. Incredibly music has the power to unlock long forgotten memories even in people with severe Alzheimer’s that have stopped communicating.”

Tickets for the Classical Reflection concert are £15 and £12 concessions and are available from Peterborough Visitor Centre, Bridge Street on 01733 452336, their website www.classicalreflection.co.uk or Oundle Box Office on 01832 274734.

City’s Strictly Stars in Charity Dance Event Peterborough boasts two Strictly Come Dancing champions and you can meet them both at a fantastic dance event at Peterborough Cathedral.

Olympic Champion Louis Smith MBE who won in 2012 and war veteran Lance Corporal Cassidy Little, who won the first ever People’s Strictly, will be guests of honour at a special evening of ballroom dancing in the Nave on Friday May 19.

It’s a fundraising event for the Mayor of Peterborough’s Charities and the Peterborough 8

www.espmag.co.uk

900 Campaign and will start with a Prosecco reception. Then Tu Danse Studios will demonstrate how to perfect your waltz and cha-cha-cha technique before they open up the dance floor. Later there’ll be a Q&A with Louis Smith and Cassidy Little before everyone gets the chance to take to the dance floor before the end of the evening.

So get your glad rags ready and your dancing shoes on and grab your tickets (£25) from the Cathedral website, Oundle Box Office on 01832 274734 or Peterborough Information Centre on 01733 452336.

LocalEvents

TIME TO ENTER THE DRAGON The Dragon Boat Festival has been officially launched and local companies are already signing up to compete.

“Even if the weather is dull, people’s spirits never are,” added Jessica. “It’s so nice to see that even when people are cold and tired, everyone cheers each other on because we’re all really there for the same purpose, and that is to raise as much money as we can.

“We will be raising money for Thorpe Hall Hospice again this year and having raised £2,000 and taken away the Charity Champions award last year, we hope to be able to do the same again this year.”

As the top fundraisers at the event they won a private raceview suite, finger buffet and sponsored race package worth £600 at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium which is up for grabs again this year.

So what are you waiting for, form a crew and enter the challenge – we’ll see you on the water!

Last year’s Charity Champion team from Buckles Solicitors

The fantastic day out at the Rowing Lake on Thorpe Meadows on Saturday June 10 will see dozens of crews take to the water, including an ESP team, all aiming to raise cash for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall and have a laugh in the process.

It’s dead easy, no experience is needed and everything’s provided so why not get your pub team or office mates together and join us?

Buckles Solicitors enjoyed it so much last year they’ve already signed up again.

Jessica Hutchinson, Marketing Administrator at

Buckles Solicitors told ESP – “Having taken to the waters in 2015 as ‘The Muscles from Buckles’ and in 2016 as ‘The Oarsome Lawsome’ we couldn’t resist another fun-filled day to raise money for such a great cause.

“This event is always a good team building opportunity and hopefully now, with a couple of years of experience under our belt, we may make it a little higher up the score board and beat our PB race time.”

It’s a great day out for those involved but even if you’re not competing there’s plenty of bankside fun in between the races and Connect FM will be commentating and keeping you entertained. Like many of the crews, Buckles Solicitors hold a barbecue so it’s a great team bonding day.

Belle @ The Light Cinema Have you tried out Wisbech’s new cinema yet? They’re getting a reputation for putting on great events and will be celebrating the tale as old as time this month.

With the release of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the staff are planning a magical event for princesses young and old on Sunday March 19.

Belle will be making an appearance and there’ll be children’s craft sessions which 10 www.espmag.co.uk

are just £1 per child just visit the website to book.

The cinema, which is approaching its third birthday, puts on regular events, usually based around new films. A recent ladies night event for Fifty Shades Darker attracted more than 400 people!

To celebrate its birthday in May, The Light has booked in live music band The Ouse Valley Singles Club. They’ve attracted a loyal local following, particularly following their viral hit Girl From The Fens.

Ouse Valley will be playing in The Green Room bar on Saturday May 20 from 9pm.

For more info and to book tickets, visit www.lightcinemas.co.uk.

Photo: Andrew Jame Photography

ESP is proud to be the new print media partner for the event as we celebrate our 18th year so we sent the boys down to Serpentine Green Shopping Centre to spread the word and sign up some crews.

Call 01780 470718 or visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/peterborough now!

Martinis, Music and Muses @ Queensgate Get set to get your glam on as Queensgate Shopping Centre is staging a sensational evening of Martinis, Music and Muses, on Thursday April 27 from 5pm.

Headlined by celebrity DJ Lauren Pope, the glamorous evening of cocktails, dancing and discounts will featuring two stunning cocktail bars complete with model waiters, a VIP area, lounge and gaming zone in the shopping centre.

It’ll be free to attend and you can chill out listening to Lauren on the decks or celebrity blogger, Megan Gilbride of Wonderful You who’ll be on hand to give her leading fashion advice!

There’ll be exclusive discounts from Queensgate and Westgate Arcade’s shops on the night too.

For the latest news about Martinis, Music and Muses see www.facebook.com/queensgate.

Ever fancied taking to the stage? As PODS prepare to open their new show 9 to 5 at The Cresset on March 21 – 25, maybe it’s time you considered getting involved…

P

eterborough is fortunate to have several amateur dramatics groups giving local people the chance to shine.

Whether it’s performing or helping to stage some brilliant productions there’s a role for everyone.

Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) is the oldest performing local arts group, formed in 1900, and is about to present their fantastic new musical show, 9 to 5. We caught up with one of its newest members who’s taken the plunge to get involved to see what it’s like.

Newcomer Laura Robson was keen to revive her love of the theatre and is joining the ensemble cast for the first time this season.

“I hadn't done any musical theatre since university days (a good 12 years ago!) but really wanted to get back into it and

thought it'd be a great way to meet new people in Peterborough,” Laura told ESP. “I went to see PODS perform The Addams Family in 2015 and then Hairspray last year and I just knew that this was the group I wanted to join! The talent of the group was outstanding and the shows felt so professional.”

PODS has won some recent national awards for their musicals and director Rob Bristow says it takes commitment to be a member.

“We're very fortunate that we have a professional production team who lead the group. Lots of our younger members go on to train professionally at stage school, some of our members have already been to stage school or studied acting or performing arts at University. We hold auditions to get in where auditionees sing, dance and act. It's a lot of fun and very light-hearted. Our main aim is to

have fun and produce shows of the highest quality for our audiences.”

Laura adds – “It felt a little like X Factor auditioning in front of the panel, but everyone was really friendly and there are PODS members waiting with you to encourage you and help calm your nerves which was a big help.

“The group has been so much fun to join. There were eight new members this year and everyone’s been so welcoming to us all. It's a very social group so there's been a lot of opportunity to get to know everyone and make new friends outside rehearsal time as well.

They call it the PODS family and it really is like that.”

Last year’s show Hairspray was a sell out success and the team are pulling out all the stops to make sure 9 to 5, based on the hit film starring Dolly Parton, is just as good on March 21-25 at The Cresset. It’s the tale of three female office workers turning the tables on their sexist, egotistical boss with plenty of laughs and songs throughout.

If you feel inspired to get involved, Rob says there are various ways you can play your part.

“There's lots more involved than just performing, we have

teams to help with costumes, building and painting the set, sourcing or making props, playing in the band, programme-sellers, and of course, as a charity we need fundraisers and people to help with publicity of our shows.”

Anyone wanting to get involved should contact Peterboroughoperatic@hotmail.co.uk find them on Facebook @PODS1901 or on Twitter and Instagram or check out www.peterboroughoperatic.com.

Tickets are available for 9 to 5 via www.cresset.co.uk or 01733 265705.

Laura Robson

Local theatre groups need new talent…

If we’ve tempted you to tread the boards or to get involved with staging local shows there are plenty of local groups including The Revellers, MASK Theatre, Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan Players, Westwood Musical Society, Peterborough Playgoers, Stamford Shoestring, Stamford Amateur Musical Society, Stamford Shakespeare Company, Oundle Amateur Theatrical Society, Spalding Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, St Nicholas Players in Spalding and many more so why not get in touch and get involved. Most groups are keen for fresh faces and there’s a role for everyone from costume making and staging to makeup and performing.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Photo: The Bexhill Film Company

Pboro V Cancer Celebrities and you vs. cancer!

Mikey Clarke

We are all, in one way or another, affected by cancer.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Today, 11 more children and young people will sadly hear the devastating news that they have it.

When it strikes young lives, the charity, CLIC Sargent’s specialist care teams step in and provide a specialist package of support tailored to each young cancer patient and family. Therefore, it’s no surprise that celebrities are willing to support CLIC Sargent, and you can do so too.

PBOvsCancer is returning to

Peterborough, to raise money for this fantastic cause. The popular annual Celebrity Football Match and Gala Evening will be held at Yaxley Football Club on Saturday July 1 with gates open from 12noon and kick-off is at 1pm.

I had the pleasure of attending the event a couple of years ago on behalf of ESP Magazine. The atmosphere was fantastic. As well as the chance of meeting wellknown faces from the world of sport, stage and screen, there is once again a variety of foods on offer and a fully licensed bar.

The best part is you could be one of the lucky 16 members of the public playing against the celebs! You will need to bid for a place in the Public Team squad. Bidding starts at £50 per place and the process has already begun on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pbovscancer.

With the money going to a good cause, it’s a win - win.

2017 sees even more stars playing or fundraising on the day, including Chantelle Connelly (Geordie Shore), Jemma Lucy (Ex on the Beach), Anthony Crolla (world boxing title challenger), Thomas Turgoose (actor – This is England), Omid Djalili (comedian & Hollywood actor, Gladiator), Tamer Hassan (Hollywood actor, Layer Cake), Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock (former Premier League defender), Sandi (Gogglebox), Wayne Harrold (Dreamboys) and many more.

The evening gala event is at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough from 7pm. It’s being hosted

by Paul Danan (Hollyoaks, Celebrity Love Island, Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side) with places available at £50 per head, which includes a welcome drink, live performances, three course meal and a chance to mingle with the stars.

For more details go to www.PBOvsCancer.co.uk where you can also secure a place at the meal using the form on the ‘Contact Us’ page.

Mikey Clarke

Time for the girls to show cancer who’s boss!

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events are back in Peterborough and Stamford this summer and they’re encouraging the women of Peterborough to pull out their sportswear and walk, run and jog their way to the finish line.

Each of the events, the Peterborough one being held at Ferry Meadows (July 2) and the Stamford event (June 4) at the scenic Burghley House, are non-competitive races that aim to bring like-minded women together in hope of finding a cure for cancer as soon as possible.

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Fiona Murray, Cancer Research UK’s Peterborough and Stamford Event Manager, said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women to set themselves a new and exciting challenge for 2017.

“Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course. Whether they plan to amble with friends or sprint to the finish line, every step they take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“Our aim is that one day everyone will beat this devastating disease and the more research we fund, the sooner that day will come.”

If you’d like to try something a bit messier than the 5K and 10K runs, you could always sign up for the Pretty Muddy race at Burghley House on June 3! This one lives up to its name

and will leave you slipping and sliding about the obstacle course as you raise money for an excellent cause. Don’t worry – it’s not too challenging. ESP photographer Emma Bothamley took part last year and reported back that it was fantastic fun and you don’t have to be super fit to take part!

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

Fiona continued: “Every day, around 90 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England. By taking part in Race for Life, mums, daughters, sisters and friends can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. We urge women to sign up right now and show their support.”

So come on girls, let’s make 2017’s Race for Life one to remember! To enter any of the local events visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Tiffany Wright

www.espmag.co.uk

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Mind The Gender Gap

Pep Cipriano

Apparently, men under 35 take an hour and 20 minutes (that’s longer than their girlfriends) to get ready for a night out. Soon we’ll take longer to reverse park than our better halves and wear marigolds to wash up. The world is going mad.

Your Mother’s always Right…

So many of you have thanked me for the invaluable Valentine’s advice I published last month. It was no trouble and I’m only too pleased to have helped you reignite that spark with the lovely ladies in your life.

But when it comes to giving the ultimate tried and tested advice, women most definitely possess the wisest traits and there’s no better Yoda out there than your own mum.

It’s Mother’s Day this month (March 26), so I thought I’d pay tribute to some of the sound advice and pearls of wisdom my own mamma has drummed into me over the years.

Mini Pep and Mamma Pep

On my girlfriends:

On my health and wellbeing:

On my career:

“She didn’t offer to wash-up, that’s not a good start.”

“Being fat means being well kept.”

“Hard work never killed anybody.”

“Never trust a woman with dirty fingernails.”

“The whole point of eating is to fill yourself up.”

“If she’s wearing a revealing blouse like that now, how is she going to turn up at your funeral?”

“Never go out without money in your pocket. You might meet someone who is selling a pig for a penny.”

“If someone doesn’t like you that’s fine. They’re probably struggling to like themselves.”

“She can’t even boil an egg. And you want kids with this woman?”

“A sandwich is not a meal.”

“Eggs cannot teach the chicken.”

“Don’t spend too much on a haircut, it’ll grow back quickly either way.”

“Look the person you shake hands with in the eyes.”

“Never lie to a priest, a doctor or a solicitor.”

“Act like a sheep and the wolf will eat you.”

“Girls like clean boys, so shower more.”

“A happy heart is better than a full purse.”

“Your head hurts because of that computer thing you use.”

To quote an Italian proverb “A good mother is worth a hundred teachers.” So, treat her well this Mother’s Day because a mum’s education is something you’ll never learn at school.

Photo: Andrew James Photography

Enter the Dragon!

CIAOS OUT 14 www.espmag.co.uk

Another year and another Dragon Boat Festival this summer (June 10) but this time ESP magazine will be supporting the event as its new print media partner.

That means it’ll be even better than it’s always been, as we support the festival’s organisers Gable Events and its charity partner Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

For me, however, the only time I do water is when it comes out of a shower.

This means I’ll be holding everyone’s coat,

taking photos of you all having ‘fun’ on the water or better still, scoffing the barbecue.

Up to 50 teams will battle it out over the 200-metre course at Peterborough Rowing Lake and crews will be invited to raise money for Thorpe Hall Hospice before and on the day.

For more details, go to www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/peterb orough or you can speak to the Thorpe Hall fundraising team on: 01733 225999.

Gary: happy anniversary champ Annila: time for a coffee? Vic camp: it’s showtime!

Zach and Axel: Happy Birthdays x Carole: tomato soup and cottage cheese… Rai: try for pizza night again?

OF THE MONTH

WORD

MY

SPRING Because it’s not too far away and we all think it means summer: 10 degrees = barbecue, shorts instead of jeans, ragtop down, walk to work without a jacket, flip-flops at the weekends, suntan lotion because it’s 15 degrees, get the trampoline out for the kids, can of beer whilst mowing the lawn – and you wonder why we’ve all got colds.

Next Gables Reunion at The Solstice Charity fundraiser Graham Fairbairn has announced The Gables: A Funk Odyssey as his next gig on Friday March 31.

This time tunes from back in the day will be played out from The Solstice and the charity benefitting is the Alzheimer’s Society. It’ll be our familiar names on the decks with Rayan Gee, Eddie Nash, Mark Goodliff, Stuart Skipworth and notable others.

The venue will be split into three sound rooms and this means you can dip in and out of some of the very best classic funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B, garage, house, reggae and much more.

Graham told me: “I started my charity gigs in April 2013 at the Brewery Tap. The aim was simply to bring friends together, have a good time and raise as much money and awareness for any given charity. The gigs have increased in size with each one I’ve put on and the last event reached maximum capacity.

“I’m pleased to be working with The Solstice, which gives us more options to accommodate our expanding numbers.

I'm also very grateful to have the support of so many DJs who are willing to give their time for a good cause. This particular gig has one of the best all-local line-ups seen in Peterborough in years.”

Entry on the door is just £5 and for anyone who hasn’t yet been to a Gables reunion, seriously, you’re missing out.

The people and the music are from a time when nightlife in our city was properly buzzing. That special feeling we had when we used to go out is repeated at its nostalgic best.

Singing and Quizzing for Prostate Awarness

More and more men I know are encountering prostate problems and I’m pleased to learn there’s a focus during March and April on raising money for Prostate Cancer UK – and if you can’t sing then you can enter a quiz instead!

Men United in Song kicks off in April and aims to sign up 40 local men for a gala concert this summer. A range of previous singing experience (including none!) is required and rehearsals continue right up until the June 24 concert date.

Last year more than 100 men participated, raising thousands of pounds for the charity. Men United in Song begins with introduction sessions at the Broadway Theatre from March 29 until March 31 at 7pm until 9pm.

Organisers stress there’s absolutely no previous experience required to join, just a willingness to get stuck in and give it a go. Rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings from 7.45pm until 9.45pm, starting on April 6. For more information, call Jo on: 01733 425194 or email info@peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk But if you’re told your signing in the shower sounds like a squealing pig then take part in Pub Aid’s World’s Biggest Pub Quiz on Sunday March 5 instead.

City pubs will be starting a quiz at 7.30pm and it’s all in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Landlords who’ve signed up will be sent a quiz pack, which includes the opportunity to kit their pub out with ‘Man of Men’ pin badges, collection tins and posters.

Local pubs taking part we know of so far are: The Botolph Arms, Oundle Road; The Crown, Lincoln Road; The Letter B, Church Street, Whittlesey; The Walnut Tree, Deeping St James; The Stage, Market Deeping and The Red Lion in Warmington.

Tickets Almost Gone for Boxing Dinner There are only a couple of tables left for the evening with Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Isaac Morales at Radius on Friday March 24.

These two warriors fought each other three times and every bout was an explosive one between the best that Mexico had to offer. They haven’t seen one another outside of the ring, so it could be a night to remember.

For tickets call Kevin Sanders on: 07872 601467. www.espmag.co.uk

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Photos: Emma Bothamley

Kate’s flying visit to RAF Wittering ESP photographer Emma Bothamley was there to capture the events as The Duchess of Cambridge met young air cadets taking part in their first camp at RAF Wittering.

As the Honorary Air Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets she attended Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing’s Skill Development Camp and happily chatted to the cadets who seemed thrilled to meet her.

Cadets and RAF Air Cadet instructors led the Duchess through a range of activities in the almost 2 hour long visit on Valentine’s Day, including flying training on a simulator and leadership exercises. The Duchess also climbed aboard a Tutor aircraft which thousands of cadets use each year for air experience flights.

Showing the Duchess around the aircraft was Cadet Sergeant Jordan Bertalaso, 17, of 1406 (Spalding) Squadron, a qualified aerospace instructor.

Cadet Sergeant Jordan Bertalaso said: “Flying is my favourite air cadet activity and it was an honour to show the Duchess the layout of the Tutor cockpit, particularly as the aircraft is used by cadets for air experience.

“It’s incredible to have such a high profile Royal as our Patron, especially as she has strong links to the Royal Air Force with her husband being a former pilot.”

Later, HRH also took the controls of a flight simulator with help from Flight Lieutenant Michael Salter and joined in a leadership exercise demonstrating effective planning and communication skills.

RAF Wittering Station Commander, Group Captain Richard Pratley said: “It has been an honour to welcome HRH The Duchess of Cambridge to RAF Wittering to see some of the facilities we offer to cadets to help inspire the next generation.”

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Food Glori us Food It’s time to treat mum for Mother’s Day on Sunday March 26 so what better excuse do you need to dig into some gorgeous cakes, scones and sarnies with the crusts cut off!

Time to make like an English rose, get your posh frock on (girls see our fashion pages) and head out for Afternoon Tea. Here are a few suggestions of where to head…

y House, Stamford The Orangery Restaurant, Burghle Served 2.30 – 3.30pm Light Afternoon Tea clotted cream, Absolute Taste famous Fruit scone with strawberry jam and . £8.95 le tartlet and tea, coffee or hot chocolate chocolate brownie, carrot cake, treac Signature Afternoon Tea r jam and clotted cream, selection of finge Miniature orange scented scones with t cake, treacle tartlet carro nie, brow olate choc us famo sandwiches, Absolute Taste 5 and tea, coffee or hot chocolate. £14.2 Champagne Afternoon Tea es. £19.95 of Champagne and fresh strawberri Signature Afternoon Tea with a flute

The George Hotel, Stamford Served 3.30

– 5.30pm

Champagne Afternoon Tea Full Afternoon Tea, a glass of Le Mesn il, Grand Cru. £31 Full Afternoon Tea The afternoon sandwich selection, scon es, Cornish clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam, selection of cakes and a pot of tea or coffee. £23

Barnsdale Lodge

Served 2.30 – 4.30pm

Barnsdale Cream Tea Fruit scones with clotted cream, lemon curd & strawberry jam. £7.50 Barnsdale Farmhouse Tea Fruit scone with clotted cream, lemon curd & strawberry jam, homemade treats and finger sandwiches. £16.95

Toft Country House Hotel & Golf Club

Served 2.30 – 6pm William Cecil, Stamford for Two Traditional Afternoon Tea cakes, served scones and a selection of Finger sandwiches, warm £30 . fee cof of re etie or a caf with a pot of Teapig’s tea er Champagne for £10 Add a glass of Louis Roeder

Afternoon ‘Tee’ served from 2.30 till 5.30pm

The Old Paper Sh op, Crowland Cream Tea Plain or fruit sco ne, jam, clotted cream and tea, co ffee or hot chocolate. £4.50

Sophie T’s Vintage Teashop, Yaxley

Served 3.30 – 5p m Full Afternoon Tea English breakf ast tea or cafetiere co ffee, finger sandwich es, scone with ric h Jersey cream and stra wberry jam and three mini cakes. £18

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Available after 2pm

Traditional Afternoo n Tea Freshly baked mini scones served with butter and fruit jam , array of mini cakes, selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and a cafetiere of fresh filter coffee or a po t of tea. £15 for two people Luxury Afternoon Tea Freshly baked mini scones served with scrumptious clotte d cream, fruit jam and chocolate dippe d strawberries, mini cakes, sandw iches tea and coffe e as above. £18 for tw o people Prosecco Afternoon Tea The full Luxury At ernoon Tea with the addition of a mini bottle of Prosecco each. £22 for two pe ople Special selection for the kids available too, £4.95 per child

Spalding The Cley Hall Hotel, iches, Lincolnshire

Sophie T Special Tea, sandwich of your choice, 2 x mini scones, jam and clotted cream and a cake of your choice. £14

Old Bridge Hot el, Huntingdon

Dobbies Garden Ce ntre, Hampton

dw A selection of finger san nts, warm homemade -ve -au vol and ls rol sausage ry jam and clotted ber aw str scones served with dmade cakes and a cream, selection of han d s. £14.95 per person (ad tea selection of speciality ) son per .95 per a glass of Prosecco, £18

The Old Barn, W aden

hoe A range of cakes, fruit tarts, scones & cream and any soft or ho t drink £15 per pe rson

h Parcs Restaurant (Peterboroug College)

Regional

21 2pm - 4pm Afternoon Tea Tuesday March cream and jam and cake. with e scon , Pot of tea, sandwich £6.50 per person

Turtle Bay @ Queensgate Inspired by Caribbean street food and beach shacks, Turtle Bay would certainly add a new flavour to the city’s dining out scene.

The restaurant chain is looking to open up in the former H&M unit in Queensgate facing out on to St John’s Square. If approval’s given, the restaurant chain, which has established over 20 venues around the country since launching in 2010, will

be offering up spicy treats like jerk chicken wings, one pot dishes like Caribbean curry fish and desserts including caymanas rum cake. Talking of rum, they have over 40 varieties many used in their tempting sounding cocktails like the Jumbled Julep and Raspberry Reggae.

Watch this space for more news, but fingers crossed we have another summer venue to dine out at!

Pizza Pots and Pints for Peterborough!

The former Clarkes restaurant on Queen Street is set to take on a new guise as a Pizza, Pots and Pints outlet for Charles Wells.

The owners of Clarkes have relocated their fine dining to The Fox Inn at Folksworth which is due to open this month, leaving the city centre site ready to take shape under the new brand.

The nearest Pizza, Pots and Pints concept by the Charles Wells brewery is at The Salisbury Arms in Cambridge, and

Peterborough’s new food and drink venue will recreate what’s proved to be a very successful formula.

You can expect to enjoy light crispy artisan pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven made from freshly-made dough and topped with their in-house tomato base, warming one-pots of comfort food (also cooked in the wood fired oven) and of course tasty pints of beer crafted at the Charles Wells’ brewery in Bedford to wash it down!

It’s hoped it will open in the summer and as it overlooks St John’s Square it will add to the thriving dining out quarter that’s become established in and around Cathedral Square.

Noon The Talbot, Oundle Served

Orton Hall, Orton Longueville Served 12 noon – 6pm daily Afternoon Tea Selection of fin ger sandwiches, w arm fruit scone with cream and jam , assorted cake s and tea of coffee. £14.95 per pers on

– 6pm Talbot Cream Tea ted cream Two scones with butter, clot son per per £7 and jam.

Talbot Afternoon Tea sandwiches, A fine selection of finger from the ts biscuits and sweet trea son per per £12 t. ine pastry cab ale Roy Talbot Afternoon Tea a glass of As above accompanied by ciality Spe a House Champagne or Cocktail. £17 per person ice of tea All accompanied with a cho or coffee www.espmag.co.uk

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Peterborough’s Spice Queen

Photos: Aldanah Photography

Sarah Tempest

ESP’s Sarah Tempest catches up with Peterborough’s ‘Spice Queen’ as she finally fulfils a dream and sees her book in print…

P

arveen Ashraf had always loved to cook but it took a curry SOS from her son, and dying words from her mother to finally push her to turn a passion into a thriving career. Add into the (spice) mix support from the local community here in Peterborough and she had the perfect recipe for success.

When Parveen’s son went off to university in 2008, he was delighted to be based close to the ‘curry mile’ in Manchester. But restaurant curry, largely adapted for the Western palate, failed to live up to his mother’s cooking and so he issued a desperate SOS to his mum who immediately agreed to send him some of her recipes. But even that didn’t cut it as he struggled to replicate his mother’s delicate spice mixes so this time, she mixed, ground and put the right mix of spices into 20 www.espmag.co.uk

little ‘flavour bags’ for him to simply add to his ingredients and thus, Parveen the Spice Queen was born!

“That was my business!” she says, “you’d buy a ‘spice box’ which was a collection of recipes, and the spices, and you could make an authentic curry from my kit. My cookbook was then just a natural progression from writing my recipes.”

Putting all the recipes she’d grown up with and loved to cook to create her cookbook wasn’t the end of the story; as she wasn’t a ‘name’ or had any kind of profile, no publishing companies were interested in her book and so it sat, gathering cyber dust, on her laptop for another 5 years.

Despite her passion and unshakeable belief in her tried and tested recipes, (and an

appearance on TV show Come Dine With Me some years ago), Parveen simply couldn’t make it happen and, resigned, she finally gave herself an ultimatum; if it hadn’t happened by the time of her looming 50th birthday, she was going to give up on her cookbook dream and just continue to teach her recipes at City College instead.

But then her beloved mother fell ill and Parveen’s energies were redirected to hospital visits and caring for her mum. Until one day, her mother asked her what was happening with the book and Parveen told her of her personal ultimatum. “You’re 50, not 90!” she exclaimed “you have to keep going and follow your dreams because I never did. You’re the one who can do this!”

“She was a great wife and a great mother,” says Parveen proudly “but she had aspirations as a woman that were unfulfilled.

She had simple dreams, to learn to drive, to own a house with central heating and a shagpile carpet, but she never achieved any of them because she put her family first. It just gave me the last push I needed and eight weeks after she died, I finally got a publishing deal.”

This Mother’s Day is going to be bittersweet for Parveen but the book is a real homage to her mother. “She always said there’s only one thing you need to cook with and that’s love. But she’d probably still pick my recipes apart and tell me off!” she laughs.

Producing the book has been a real local affair too; the pictures in the book were taken by a local photographer Dana from Aldanah Photography, her publisher Taryn Johnston is up the road in Lincoln, the book has been printed by local printing company Print on Demand (who stepped in to save the day when Parveen was let down badly by another) and is even being sold on local shopping channel Hochanda. “Everyone has been so supportive,” says Parveen, “they’ve really been amazing.”

The book, Parveen the Spice Queen: Authentic Indian Cooking, would make a great Mother’s Day present but, better still, cook for your mum instead.

Even if spicy hot food isn’t her thing, maximum brownie points are on offer with these recipes.

After all, as Parveen says, “My food is a party in your mouth – not a rave!” www.the-spicequeen.com

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Tea Party

style

Ted Baker, pink cape, John Lewis (£199)

Ted Baker print jumper, John Lewis (£109)

Ted Baker embellished jeans, John Lewis (£109) Ted Baker, pink floral bag, John Lewis (£189) Shoes, model’s own.

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Floral wrap dress, Monsoon (£59) Circles necklace, Accessorize (£10) Bead bracelets, Accessororize (£8) Satin clutch bag, Monsoon (£35)

Whether it’s afternoon tea with mum for Mother’s Day on March 26 (check out our suggestions on P.18) a spring wedding, function or party it’s time to don your fancy frocks at last!

Floral is as strong as ever – on prints, in lace details and your accessories so embrace the spring blooms and you’ll be on trend.

If prints are too much for you, add some flower power to your wardrobe with fluted shapes on sleeves, strong colours, delicate floral patterns in lace or let your accessories do the talking.

When it comes to this season’s trends you can have your cake and eat it – there’s a dress shape and bold print or colour to suit everyone.

Model: Photos: Outfits:

Venue:

Gemma Royce Andy Vernum at Studio One John Lewis, Monsoon, Accessorize, Queensgate Shopping Centre Our thanks to Orton Hall Hotel, Peterborough

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Green dress, Hobbs at John Lewis (£129) Agate pendant necklace, John Lewis (£22)

Ted Baker floral dress, John Lewis (£179)

Ted Baker red bag, John Lewis (£129) Shoes, model’s own.

Silver bag, Jigsaw at John Lewis (£98)

Whte floral dress, Monsoon (£119) Silver bracelet, Accessorize (£8) Silver necklace, Accessorize (£12) Shoes, model’s own.

Blue lace top dress, Monsoon (£89) Embellished bag, Accessorize (£35) Bead bracelets, Accessorize (£10) Shoes, model’s own.

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New homes are being snapped up in rural community

The team at Mill View, Cowbit

If you want to make this the year you make the move into your dream home or start on the housing ladder in a home of your own, Ashwood Homes new local developments could be just what you’re looking for – but they’re going fast!

The Holbeach based new home builders have seen great success with their development of The Roostings at Crowland and interest in the Mill View homes at Cowbit is high.

New buyers at the recent opening weekend were keen to snap up one of 37 soon to be built 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes situated on Backgate Cowbit.

Heather Markham Sales

Executive commented – “We received a fantastic turn out especially with the poor weather Sunday, resulting in reservations being taken, the purchasers also receiving a 50inch smart television to be installed upon legal completion. The properties are proving to be in high demand.”

These new homes boast a high specification which means you can move in immediately to a finished home and have the ability to choose from the extensive range of kitchens, tiling and flooring to make it your own.

If you’d like to live in a countryside setting but with good links for commuting Cowbit is a small, tight-knit, rural community and is surrounded by agricultural views and open fields. Spalding is just 5 miles away from the centre with the likes of the Springfields Shopping Outlet and major supermarkets easily accessible. The site’s just 14 miles from Peterborough so it’s ideal for commuting to work or for shopping and activities. With good schools and play areas in its surroundings, Cowbit is a perfect

area for families and professionals alike.

One of the homes on the desirable new development could be yours from £164,995 for a two bedroom property with some plots offering garages; up to £315,000 for an executive four bedroom property with double garage. Whatever your budget, you can trust that the home will be a high specification and good quality build.

“With good schools and play areas in its surroundings, Cowbit is a perfect area for families and professionals alike.”

To find out more about the properties available or make an appointment please contact Mill View Sales & Marketing Suite 01406 432174 / 01406 490590 open daily 10am - 5pm Thursday evening to 6pm or visit www.ashwoodhomes.co

paparazzi Caught in the act?

Gigs are live and kicking‌

Proving yet again that great live music is thriving in and around Peterborough we sent our guy Mike Harris out an about to capture you in the act of having a great night enjoying some of our best local bands.

We visited The Peacock on London Road where Velocity were playing, The Swiss Cottage had The High Rollers, The Burghley Club was rocking out with Betty Swallocks, the incomparable Unlimited were playing to a packed house at The Crown and The Children of the Revolution were bringing down the house at The Dragon in Werrington.

For more great live music check out our Gig Guide and keep any eye on www.espmag.co.uk/thelist for all the latest online.

You can view all our Paparazzi pics on Facebook.

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After the battles it’s now time for the big fight to be this year’s winner of The Voice UK and Emma Willis will be handling the delights and disappointments along the way.

E

The competition’s hotting up in the series, which was snapped up by ITV, and after all the blind auditions (we’re not too sure about ‘the walk of shame’ for those singers the coaches failed to turn for, as ITV seem to have ditched the chance for them to at least be given some feedback on why they didn’t make it) and now it’s getting serious for the remaining acts.

As we enter the live knockout shows this month it’s time for coaches will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones and Gavin Rossdale to see one of their team take the title as the public get their chance to vote. This year’s winner will be scooping a life changing record contract with Polydor Records so let’s hope whoever it is at last sees some lasting success.

Catch The Voice UK on ITV, Saturdays at 8.30pm.

Photos: ITV

mma has become the go-to host of many of our top tele entertainment programmes and shows no signs of stopping.

Fresh from co-hosting The Brits live from The O2 with Dermot O’Leary – presenter of that other singing competition – Emma is coming out of the wings, where she’s been biting her nails with the family and friends of the singers auditioning, to see the contestants of The Voice UK through the next nerve wracking stages and the live knockouts.

The former model and Sunday breakfast show co-host on Heart FM, is married to Busted star Matt Willis and has three children. She is now a seasoned host of many TV shows and if there are any dramas to be had on The Voice UK this season, Emma should be well used to handling them after also anchoring Celebrity Big Brother recently too.

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gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Released

Movie Previews

MAR

10

KONG: SKULL ISLAND Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts The King himself has been given the reboot treatment again as this 1973-set actionadventure serves as an exciting starting block for a potential crossover with Godzilla (that was remade a couple of years back) further down the line.

A team of explorers and soldiers – including Captain James Conrad (Tom ‘Loki’ Hiddleston from Avengers Assemble), Lieutenant Colonel Packard (Samuel L

Jackson) and photojournalist Mason Weaver (Room’s Oscar-winning Brie ‘soon to be Captain Marvel’ Larson) – travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware they’re crossing into the domain of some terrifying monsters, including the mythical Kong.

And this Kong is big – around three times larger than Peter Jackson’s 2005 incarnation – as this version harks back to

the 1933 original design.

But the over-sized gorilla isn’t the only species battling for dominance in this mysterious hidden world, as he battles for supremacy with a frightening breed of apex predators, called Skull Crawlers, responsible for wiping out his kin.

And the new island inhabitants are about to get caught right in the middle…

Released

MAR

17 Released

MAR

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

1

LOGAN

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Stephen Merchant

Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans

This is reportedly the final bow for Hugh Jackman’s iconic razor-clawed X-Men superhero – and it’s literally going X-rated (basically a darn site bloodier) after the success of Deadpool.

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for Patrick Stewart’s ailing Professor X (could it be his final appearance too?) in a hide-out

Unless this is a complete disaster, this should be the first super-massive box office hit of the year – particularly if last year’s The Jungle Book is anything to go by.

Harry Potter star Emma Watson headlines as Belle, a young woman who falls in love with a monstrous-looking prince (The Guest’s Dan Stevens), which leads to her

30 www.espmag.co.uk

near the Mexican border, in this third standalone outing for Wolverine. But Logan’s attempts to hide his legacy from the world are put in jeopardy when a young mutant (Dafne Keen’s X-23) arrives on the scene, being pursued by dark forces headed by Boyd Holbrook’s relentless leader of the Reavers.

envious suitor Gaston (Fast and Furious 6’s Luke Evans) going on the war path for vengeance.

This live adaptation of one of Disney’s greatest animations – which co-stars Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson and Frozen's Josh Gad – should literally be a licence to print money for the House of Mouse.

FIST FIGHT Released

MAR

3

The trailer for this comedy has been getting some great early buzz, as a mild-mannered high school teacher (Horrible Bosses’ Charlie Day) is accused of getting a fellow tutor (Friday’s Ice Cube) fired – and then is challenged to a fight by his disgruntled colleague after the school day ends. Saturday Night Live alumni Tracy Morgan, Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street) and Heat’s Dennis Haysbert all co-star.

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

CHIPS Released

MAR

24

This big movie action-comedy remake of the hit seventies/eighties TV series reportedly ‘pulls no punches’ as it chronicles the adventures of two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers as they make their rounds on the freeways of Los Angeles.

Michael Pena (Crash) stars as the legendary Frank ‘Poncho’ Poncherello with Dax Shepard (who also directs) as Jon Baker, with Vincent D’Onofrio (Jurassic World) in support.

LIFE

Released

MAR

24

Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler) headline this sci-fi horror, which sees six astronauts studying a sample collected from Mars that could provide evidence of the first example of life beyond Earth. Unfortunately it proves to be true, and the life form then manifests to be more intelligent than anyone had expected as it causes havoc on a space station. M:I-Rogue Nation’s Rebecca Ferguson co-stars.

POWER RANGERS Released

MAR

24

There’s high hopes for this modern, more serious-toned, incarnation of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – which had a successful nineties TV series run and movie – which sees Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston on Zordon bad guy duties. A group of superpowerinfused high school kids have to come together to harness their abilities in order to save the world, in this sci-fi adventure that co-stars Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games).

THE LOST CITY OF Z Released

MAR

24

Pacific Rim’s Charlie Hunnam stars in this true-life drama as acclaimed British explorer Colonel Percival Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for a mysterious city in the Amazon. The Twilight Saga’s Robert Pattinson, American Sniper’s Sienna Miller and new Spider-man Tom Holland join the ride in this 1920s set biographical adventure from the Oscar-winning producers of 12 Years a Slave and director of We Own the Night.

GHOST IN THE SHELL Released

MAR

31

Another film that is getting great buzz from the well-received trailers is this Scarlett Johansson headlining sci-fi-drama – based on the internationally acclaimed Japanese manga series. She stars as a one of a kind special ops human cyborg hybrid, who leads elite task force, Section 9, to stop dangerous criminals and extremists. But when a computer hacker aims to wipe Section 9 from existence, she must bring him down to save her kind. www.espmag.co.uk

31

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Happy Birthday Peterborough Film Society

I’ve always had a passion for movies and feel extremely privileged to be able to write film reviews for ESP Magazine, alongside Gavin Miller – regularly uploaded onto our website (www.espmag.co.uk).

So I’m pleased to celebrate our Film Society’s 70th birthday.

W

Film Showings for March:

e’re fortunate enough to have a Showcase De Lux in our city – highly recommended if you’ve not been since all the seats were replaced with comfy recliners. The cinema has become a second home to me over the years and I have fond memories of being there.

It’s a great place to catch up on the biggest films.

However, if I’m in the mood for an Indie or foreign flick – something a little different, there’s somewhere else I tend to go. The John Clare Theatre is situated on the first floor of Peterborough Central Library. The 146 seater venue is home to the Peterborough Film Society, which is currently celebrating its 70th birthday.

That’s right, PFS has been bringing films to audiences in Peterborough since 1947.

The inaugural meeting was held at the Training College in City Road on Sunday March 23 at 2.45pm. Two films were shown; Nine Men and The Hague – and a constitution document was produced stating that the mission of the society was, ‘To advance the education of the public in the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the arts, particularly that of film and allied visual techniques. To promote as well by lectures, discussions and exhibitions, not for profit and open to all above the age of 16 years’.

I caught up with Gary Rossin, the chairman for PFS and the secretary, Alex O'Reilly, to discuss the landmark. They told me, “The Peterborough Film Society has shown some incredible films throughout the 70 years and we’ve shown them at numerous

venues throughout the city. We’ve seen movies that have literally changed our lives and the lives of the others in the audience, changing the way we think, making us more charitable – films like Ghosts, Pride and I, Daniel Blake.

“And there have been some interesting films that have, shall we say, been hard to follow. One time, we actually accidentally played the three film reels in the wrong order and nobody even noticed! The audience respond to our films differently, but regardless of their views on what they’ve just watched, the experience got people thinking, and that’s what we strive for.”

For me, part of the cinema experience is chatting to your friends afterwards, getting their thoughts on what you’ve just seen. The bigger the group, the better – as you’re likely

Thursday March 2 at 7.30pm

Thursday March 9 at 7.30pm

Thursday March 23 at 7.30 pm

Born to Be Blue (US)

Embrace of the Serpent (Columbia)

Suburra (Italy)

Ethan Hawke lights up the screen as jazz legend Chet Baker, whose tumultuous life is thrillingly reimagined with wit, verve, and style to burn.

Oscar nominee Best Foreign Film.

The story of the relationship between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and last survivor of his people, and two scientists who work together over the course of 40 years to search the Amazon for a sacred healing plant.

32 www.espmag.co.uk

In 2011, Ostia is the subject of a giant real estate project intended to make the harbor of Ancient Rome the Las Vegas of today. But the place soon becomes a battlefield where criminals and politicians either join forces cynically or fight each other ruthlessly.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

to get broader opinions. It would seem PFS agree with me, “We announce to the audience that we’ll be going for drinks and a chat after the film,� they said. “We head across the road to The Ostrich Inn, where we’ll discuss our thoughts on the movie. It’s very interesting to get different people’s take on the viewing experience.�

Another thing that makes PFS stand out is that quite often they have guest speakers. “One special event was the showing of Lawrence of Arabia (D.Lean 1962) back in July, 2014 – in commemoration of 100 years since the start of the first World War. This show was accompanied by a talk from a lecturer in archaeology at Bristol University, Dr Neal Faulkner FSA. He’d been excavating sites in Jordan where the events occurred and even discovered a bullet that most likely came from Lawrence's own gun.�

So, how will PFS be celebrating their 70th Birthday? “To mark the occasion we'll be presenting Crossfire, a classic from 1947 starring Robert Mitchum and Robert Ryan. It tells the story of Homicide Capt.

Finlay, who finds evidence that one or more of a group of demobilized soldiers were

involved in the death of Joseph Samuels. In flashbacks, we see the night's events from different viewpoints. This will be shown at our usual spot, John Clare Theatre, on Thursday April 6 at 7.30pm.�

If that film doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of others to choose from. Check out our list below of showings throughout March.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, it costs £12 for the period from January to December 2017. Benefits of membership include discounts on all of the shows plus voting rights for the films shown.

Members pay only ÂŁ4 per film so you can save up to ÂŁ2 each time you attend a film during the year ahead, a potential saving of at least ÂŁ72.

After learning more about PFS, they certainly have a new member in me. I could talk about films for hours at a time.

Here, I have the opportunity to surround myself with likeminded people and do just that.

To become a member yourself, to find out more about the history of the Peterborough Film Society and for a list of upcoming showings, visit www.peterborougharts cinema.co.uk

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Thursday March 30 at 7.30pm

Learning to Drive (UK/US) Isabel Coixet's slice-of-life comedy/drama stars Patricia Clarkson as a middle-aged book critic shattered when her husband leaves her. In order to visit her daughter she takes up driving lessons with Ben Kingsley’s character. The two strikeup a friendship that helps her learn to take control of her life, and him adjust to his new life after an arranged marriage.

www.espmag.co.uk

33

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Photos: Steve Hone

It’s all change at Peterborough Panthers ahead of the 2017 speedway season.

Kenneth Hansen

T

here’s a new owner with promoter Ged Rathbone having completed a full purchase of the club early in the new year.

There’s also a new-look team with Panthers’ septet of riders containing five new recruits in Australian star Jack Holder, popular Danish racer Kenneth Hansen, New Zealand champion Bradley WilsonDean, and British duo Paul Starke and Tom Bacon. Ulrich Ostergaard and Simon Lambert are the only men to return from last year.

They will race in a new league with the second tier of the sport now re-branded as the SGB Championship after being known as the Premier League in the past.

And there’s also a revamped track for the team to call home at the East of England Showground following a recent five-day overhaul by man and machine.

The new campaign will see Panthers going into battle for the first time on Sunday March 19 when they entertain Coventry Bees – a team from the SGB Premiership (the top flight of the sport) in a Challenge fixture at 5pm.

Their first league meeting of 2017 follows a few days later on Friday March 24 when Scunthorpe Scorpions are the visitors to Alwalton at 7.30pm.

And Rathbone, a Middlesbrough-based businessman, hopes his third season at the helm will turn

out better than the second.

Panthers missed out on the play-offs in 2016 after a late slump in form.

Rathbone told ESP – “It’s all about enjoyment for us this year. I want to see smiles on the faces of the management, the riders and the supporters.

“Last season certainly didn’t go as we hoped, but we will put that down as a learning experience and try to make 2017 more memorable.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the team we have put together. We managed to get every single one of our firstchoice targets and I can’t wait to see them out there on the track.

“The first goal will be to reach the play-offs, but that will be far from easy. The league might be down to 10 teams, but there doesn’t look one weak side among them.”

One thing that certainly won’t change is the high-speed thrills and spills served up by some of the most fearless sportsmen on the planet.

For those not familiar with speedway, it involves the racing of 500cc motorbikes around oval-shaped tracks.

With four-lap races lasting around a minute, and the four riders taking part (two from each team in league speedway) usually hitting speeds of up to

Eggcited for 20th Easter Egg Run! I can’t believe it’s the 20th annual Peterborough Lambretta and Vespa Scooter Club ‘egg run’ this year and I feel privileged to have been on a few of them too!

The ride out has relocated to The Heron pub in Stanground and hundreds will set off on Saturday April 1 from around 12.30pm.

Scooters will start arriving from 10am when there’ll be a raffle and custom show. The ride out will then take the Easter eggs to The Manor children’s 34 www.espmag.co.uk

home and Sue Ryder Hospice.

There’s always a brilliant atmosphere at this event and enthusiasts come from far and wide just to take part. Every rider brings an egg with them and the children literally get a lorry load of chocolate treats in time for Easter.

Afterwards the big party is at the Fleet in Fletton from 7pm with live music from The Expletives and DJ Jay Watson.

Admission’s £5 on the door.

If you want to join the ride-out all you need is a scooter and an Easter egg.

70mph, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Oh, did we mention, the motorbikes don’t have brakes either? Yep, that’s right, riders wear a steel shoe (basically a metal cover for their left boot) to scrub off speed.

It’s a white knuckle, edge of the seat experience for racers and fans alike. It’s also well worth a visit if you’ve never sampled the sport before.

Panthers usually stage their home meetings on either Friday nights or Sunday teatimes. There is the odd Bank Holiday fixture too.

Admission is £16 for adults, £13 for concessions, £5 for juniors aged 10-16, and free for children under the age of 10 when accompanied by a paying adult.

Ulrich Ostergaard For more info about the club visit www.peterboroughpanthers. co or follow @PboroPanthers on Twitter.

Two Get Bike Training for Price of One CAM Rider in Werrington is offering two people motorcycle training courses for the price of one until the end of March.

The full test course applies to both people taking it at the same time and riders are required to have passed their motorcycle theory test in advance of their Module 1 test.

The instructors and motorcycles at CAM Rider are the best on offer and now’s the time to get that bike licence ahead of the summer. For full details call CAM Rider on 01733 320820.

Our aim is to provide our customers with the ultimate enjoyment from their music or film collections, because music is our passion. Whether you're buying your first system or just looking to improve your listening experience with better equipment, we can help.

With the recent resurgence of vinyl in the past 20 years, with it being more popular than ever recently, we stock some of the finest turntables , whether your budget is small or large we can get you enjoying your vinyl records again.

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Analogue Seduction was established in 2005 and are dedicated towards two channel Hi-Fi and Multi Channel Audio (Home Cinema) The business has been built on a reputation for supplying the latest products with excellent pre sales and after sales service.

Our showroom premises are a beautiful 15th century manor house, located in the historic market town of Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire (5 miles east of Peterborough) where we offer our customers a friendly, relaxed personal service, with the finest demonstration facilities.

Free car parking, refreshments and a relaxed atmosphere are provided to make your visit enjoyable and satisfying.

Demonstrations by appointment. Home demonstrations also available.

The Manor House, Manor View, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1TF. Tel 01733 350878 Website: info@analogueseduction.net • Email : sales@analogueseduction.net

ESP’s Rachael Church has all the latest health and beauty news‌

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is on Sunday March 26! It’s the perfect time to thank our wonderful mums for everything they do for us. I asked my mum, Caroline, for her recommendations of what she’d like this Mother’s Day‌

I’m still trying hard to keep up those New Year resolutions to stay fit and healthy, so I was delighted to be invited to go and see the newly refurbished YMCA Gym at the Cresset Centre in Bretton. They’re providing the option of ‘exercise on a budget’. Monthly prices are ÂŁ11.99 for students, those on low income and over 60s, and only ÂŁ13.99 for the rest of us. That also includes all their classes, which range from relaxing yoga to the aptly named ‘Insanity’ workout (tried it once – never again!) But what a bargain!

I popped along at 9am on a Sunday, thinking it would be a quiet time for me to have a good nosey round and try some equipment. There were already some keen members getting started on a early morning workout with me – and the impression I gauged was this is a very friendly welcoming atmosphere. Members saying hello to each other, the staff recognising your face. And it was a real mix of men and women of all ages. Certainly a gym that’s inclusive to all.

The space is small to medium size, but has a good range of equipment: four running machines, four bikes, two cross trainers and two rowers to be exact – plus a larger number of weight machines and a very cool cardio wall, which lights up and lets you burn some calories following the lights – took me back to the games you play as a child at the fairground.

My advice is, if you’re just starting out at the gym, want to put a toe in the water, and want to find somewhere welcoming that won’t cost the earth; the YMCA will be perfect for you. Plus, the money is going to a good cause – the charity is doing great work in the city supporting young people. I might just see you down there.

36 www.espmag.co.uk

YSL Touche Éclat Collector – Sparkling Edition – Available at Boots Now, if you don’t know what a Touche Éclat is by now, you must have been living as a recluse. It’s the must have item in any woman’s makeup bag – a magical touch up pen that gets rid of those bags under your eyes. This limited edition one is the perfect Mother’s Day gift at ÂŁ25.50 because, well, as mum says – look how pretty it looks! YSL describe it fittingly as ‘an explosion of stars; adorned in gold and silver sparkle.’ Good choice mum.

Mother and Daughter Spa Treatment, Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Rutland – £72pp Apparently, if I’m feeling particularly generous for Mother’s Day, this is top of my mum’s list. Arriving at Barnsdale Hall in Rutland gets you in the mood for relaxation straight away with its beautiful view of Rutland Water surrounding you. The Spa staff are always so welcoming and very experienced in what they offer. The package offers a back, neck and shoulder massage, personalised express facial and a file and polish on the hands or feet. So, you’ll both go away feeling a million dollars.

Last September, a first response service was launched in Peterborough to support people struggling with mental health issues, and more than 4,000 of us have made a call.

The experienced team can be reached by calling 111 and selecting option 2. Mental health is one of the biggest health issues of our generation.

Sometimes, reading the experiences of others can really help – so I pre-ordered a copy of Fearne Cotton’s book, Happy from the local Waterstones, which I’m currently half way through reading. I bought it, as Fearne is one of those people we probably think ‘has it all’ but has in fact struggled a lot with mental health issues. This book is described as ‘Finding Joy in Every Day and Letting Go of Perfect! It’s a really good, positive read, which I recommend and has something in it for everyone.

My Body Essentials now has the latest Medical Grade Machine and with it, some amazing results are being achieved for those of us wanting hair removal treatments‌ Not only are they now able to successfully target lighter, finer and red hair, the new technology is breaking down barriers in skin rejuvenation too. Areas that had previously proved difficult and sometimes impossible to treat are showing fantastic results after just the first treatment session, mainly possible because of the various shaped applicators being used for harder to reach problem areas. MBE offer an array of specialist treatment solutions to help you achieve long lasting results for healthier, younger looking skin. For more info on all the latest treatments call MBE on 01733 234251 or visit www.mybodyessentials.co.uk to see how these fantastic results are being achieved.

Even better, with Mother’s Day in mind they have a special offer this month – 30% off her Radio Frequency Facial Treatment! www.espmag.co.uk

37

Karen Devine’s

Well

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Being

I

am frequently asked what I generally eat, my reply is simple ‘lots of varieties of plant foods’ as I prefer to discuss what I include in my diet rather than exclude.

Plant foods are our primordial food and yet many find it so difficult to enjoy the vast amount of nutrients found in our plant kingdom that Mother Nature has provided for us and animals alike. We also need to consider that for centuries plants have not only been for eating, they’ve been used for healing purposes too.

“Plant foods in their ‘whole’ natural state, provide us with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fibre and more. ” Plant foods in their ‘whole’ natural state, provide us with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fibre and more. They deliver the correct balance of nutrients in equal balance, for instance take an avocado, rich in nutrients, natural fat and fibre but extract just the oil and you leave the fibre and some nutrients behind.

They also make life a lot less complicated than that of vitamin/mineral supplements which many take as more of a ‘wish in a pill or hope in a bottle’ approach. I’m not suggesting that at certain times a supplement to our diet isn’t needed.

Some do need a targeted nutraceutical approach to help restore equilibrium or during times of sickness the need for nutrients in a drink or capsule are essential.

The basis of many diets still include too much meat, sugar, saturated fats, salts, refined flours, all added with much more flavour enhancers and other chemicals than before. This is NOT a diet we can thrive on and with the growing rates of obesity and disease we see today it’s all too evident. We also have to consider what the production of animal produce such as meat and poultry is having on our planet!

38 www.espmag.co.uk

Grow your diet and get some plant foods on your plate!

By way of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses, we’re introducing the plant kingdom into our diets. Of course I am not talking a pack of salted cashew nuts, nor am I suggesting gorging your way through a packet of them as a snack. But what I am suggesting is eating a wide variety of colourful veggies, some fruits (particularly berries), raw seeds and nuts, pulses, beans, whole grains (if tolerated) and seed grains such as millet and quinoa which supply our body with the nutrients needed for optimal function, healing and rejuvenation.

It’s becoming easier for us to ramp up our intake of plant foods, supermarkets are really becoming on trend now as more of us are looking for quick and easy ways to enjoy more of them. So much of the effort of peeling, grating, spiralizing has all been done for us. We really have no excuses for not enjoying a greater variety of plants in our daily diet. Plus we have our funky kitchen gadgets from blenders, juicers, spirilizers and the like that can help us make up some fabulous tasting meals.

We really do not know what health is anymore, it is not just an absence of disease. So many people experience annoying niggles such as constipation, or having IBS type symptoms, fatigue, aches and pains, brain fog and much more which are all too common. Some may also experience lack of creativity, vitality and enthusiasm in our lives as we feel we are having more of an existence than a wholesome life.

It makes sense to increase foods from the plant kingdom when research shows that eating a more plant based diet has shown to significantly lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, high blood pressure and high blood lipids and can help in weight loss.

Let’s take away the labels of vegetarian, vegan or pescetarian and just enjoy more plants with less from the animal kingdom. For instance, if you eat a lot of meat then it’s advised to reduce some of this and find ways to enjoy more plant foods. It may be a choice of a falafel wrap over a chicken and bacon one, or a baked potato with a dollop of hummus in exchange for tuna mayo! So many plants are delicious when made up and can bring the meaty taste you might crave such as mushrooms. Just become more of a flexitarian!

If you’re interested in learning about plant foods and how to incorporate more into your diet then please do get in touch as I will be running some cookery/raw food classes from the spring onwards.

Plant yourself in Health, Karen x www.karendevine.co.uk www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3662288/

Alwalton Hall: A beauty and wellness sanctuary to rest and rejuvenate…

Peterborough will have a new beauty and wellness day spa offering by the end of March when Alwalton Hall opens its doors to customers.

The former home of Perkins Engines founder Frank Perkins, has been transformed into a fantastic new beauty and wellness sanctuary that we can’t wait to try.

The beautiful Grade II listed building has been converted to offer a taste of tranquillity just on the edge of the city. In addition to the beautiful relaxation areas and Regency lounges, you’ll be able to enjoy five specially themed treatment rooms, plus the former three-room guest suite which has been adapted for the ultimate in pampering.

The Georgian country house in

picturesque Alwalton village is set in five acres of landscaped grounds and formal gardens and is set to open at the end of March. It will offer a wide range of beauty and wellness treatments including facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures, massage and specialist skincare including the latest CACI nonsurgical anti-ageing treatments.

There’s a 15m outdoor heated swimming pool and spa pool with dedicated changing rooms and sun terrace available for you to use on half and full day packages for much of the year.

Well-known local beauty therapist Jess Topping (nee Dovaston) will lead a team of seven highly-qualified therapists who will provide your treatments. They’ve undertaken additional specialist product and treatment training with CACI the non surgical anti ageing specialists, OPI, and premium skincare brand Decleor.

Maggie Jones, who owns the Hall with her husband Brian, said: “We want to create a very different beauty and wellness experience for clients and feel that it will appeal to a wide cross section from those wanting regular treatments in a wonderful setting to those who see this as an occasional pampering ‘treat’. It will also be popular for gifts and special occasions.

“Forward interest has been amazing with people already contacting us to arrange treatment appointments.”

Brian and Maggie will be personally involved in the operational side of the new venture and have been working tirelessly over recent months to ensure that every little detail has been considered to ensure clients are guaranteed a memorable experience.

Brian and Maggie The Hall will offer a wide range of treatments and packages including half and full days complete with lunch and/or afternoon tea in the Regency Drawing Room – just perfect for those special occasions or for gifts.

To book an appointment or to buy gift vouchers please call their reception team on 01733 391166 or visit www.alwaltonhall.com.

darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk

s t r o p s r e t Wa Activities

Photos: Emma Bothamley

F

or those who’ve been in hibernation for the past few winter months, you’ll be thrilled to see the icy cold weather finally easing up and teases of spring are in the air with tweeting birds straight out of a Disney production and even a few daffodils peeking up from the ground. Yes people, that elusive yellow ball of brightness is the fabled sun, we made it, now let’s get outside and get our daily dose of vitamin D and turn those frowns upside down!

A brilliant place to go for outdoor fun is Tallington Lakes where they offer loads of brilliant outdoor activities for all tastes and

40 www.espmag.co.uk

fitness levels including lots and lots of water sports.

Fun and family friendly options include canoes and kayaks, water zorbing, SUPs and sailing dinghies including the junior sailing club. There are raft building challenges amongst other team games and you can even jump on the back of a banana boat and be dragged around the lake seeing who can hang on for the longest time.

New for 2017 at Tallington are the supersized stand-up paddle boards which can take 4-5 people casually gliding along the water

with ease. These are in addition to the very popular regular sized SUPs already available, which are great for a nice leisurely time on the water.

For some next level activities and for those more confident to challenge themselves, you can use the powerful jet skis to race around the huge lakes, try your hand at windsurfing or if you fancy yourself as a real action hero then take on the water skiing or even wake-boarding behind a speedboat dragging you up and down the huge expanses of water. Dare you try the ramp?!

For anyone fancying themselves as an open water swimmer this is a perfect place for hiring top-quality suits and getting a few laps of the marked course, maybe even train towards Tallington’s very own triathlon in June…

There are great facilities for changing and grabbing a warm shower, spectating with a nice hot or cold drink and snack, or even getting a delicious meal and drink during the day at the restaurant overlooking the water.

Tallington Lakes is a fantastic place to spend some quality time, either just for oneoff fun days out or for regular training to master your skills on the open water. Get yourself over for a visit and enjoy being outside on the sunny days ahead.

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• Keep Dry – Aircon systems condition the air and remove the moisture. The air conditioning button will control the humidity and the heater, if needed, will control the temperature leaving you free to enjoy the warmth without it being stuffy.

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• Keep Awake – The cleaner, fresher air with low relative humidity helps to reduce drowsiness on long journeys.

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DRIVING UP STANDARDS

THE POSH PAGE ESP’s columnist Phil Adlam brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

Jimmy Bullard is a former footballer that needs no introduction, but for the purpose of this column (and the fact that this bit goes at the top of the page), I am going to give him one. An ex-Peterborough United midfielder who went on to play in the Premier League with Hull City, Jimmy has appeared on Celebrity Juice, bared his backside on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and once did a knee slide in The Bar (I remember that place fondly!).

Lemon’s number, well at least I think I have. Either that or he gave me a fake one. He is a crazy man as the character, completely different if you went down the pub with him.

Photos: theposh.com

“I have done quite a few shows, from the Jungle to Celebrity Juice and loved every minute of it, but I am trying to get into football management now so I have to show my serious side. To be fair, I wouldn’t have made it as a footballer without a driven determination inside of me to succeed and I want that to continue in my management.”

The madcap star was in Peterborough recently for a Sporting Dinner at the Holiday Inn at Thorpe Wood and enjoyed it so much that he was back in the city weeks later for some filming with hit Saturday morning show Soccer AM. I was Jim’s chauffeur for the Sporting Dinner (don’t worry, I didn’t squeeze him in my Citroën C1), and took the chance to quiz him about a whole range of subjects. Now in the interests of this column, I will leave out the serious stuff because I know you like a bit of gossip (he’s a manager of non-league side Leatherhead nowadays and enjoying it immensely) and tell you who the most famous person is in his phone.

“I once had Michael Jackson’s number,” Jim confidently told me. I like to take everything at face value and although taken aback, I started formulating in my brain that it could be feasible given the fact he played for Fulham and there was a statue of Jacko erected outside Craven Cottage.

“Peterborough was the place where it all started for me and I will forever be grateful to the city and the club. ”

“You are a gullible man,” (the word ‘man’ has substituted the actual word used!) Jim enthused. I should’ve known he was on the wind-up. Most of his footballing career was based on crazy dressing room pranks but the grown up Bulldog still has plenty of juice in the tank when it comes to winding me up.

“I actually have Jimmy White in my phonebook. That might not be crazy for many of your readers, but he was my idol growing up. So to have his number was a big thing for me. I have also got Keith

42 www.espmag.co.uk

He admits he still has great affection for the city – “I love coming back to Peterborough though, it was great to drive through the city (maybe not with me) and see the places I visited when I was a player.

I used to live in Park Farm in Stanground and I remember the places in town. Peterborough was the place where it all started for me and I will forever be grateful to the city and the club.”

He is a maverick in my opinion. A crazy man, but someone who’s made the most out of his life to date and don’t rule him out of being a top manager. He might be a tad old school, but Jimmy certainly knows how to play the game. And he tends to win.

Phil

NIGHTlife

Your guide to the night time scene

CELEB DJ LAUREN HEADING FOR QUEENSGATE

MIXOLOGY 5thBIRTHDAY EASTER ALL NIGHTER It’s hard to believe half a decade’s passed since Mixology started up and they’ve had us hitting the dancefloor with some of the world’s best acts ever since.

They aim to celebrate their 5th birthday in style on Friday April 14 by bringing us a huge name to Peterborough. Get ready to welcome Viva Warriors’ head honcho, Steve Lawler who’ll be headlining this all nighter!

Steve’s discography spans across a plethora of credible record labels, including: R&S Records, Hot Creations, Drumcode, Harthouse, Cocoon, Play it Say it, OVUM, Sci+Tec, Knee Deep, 8Bit, Objectivity, Tsuba, Souvenir, Rekids, Be As One, Soma, Siesta, Leftroom, Skint and of course his own recording label VIVa MUSiC. As the head of VIVa MUSiC (founded in 2006), the imprint became a platform for the launch of many artists’ careers. Leading players including Jamie Jones, Davide Squillace, Luca Bacchetti, Bushwacka, Livio & Roby, Simon Baker, Sante, Luke Solomon, Groove Armada, Peace Division, Ripperton amongst many others and of course Lawler himself.

So make sure you’re at the front at Edwards for an all night birthday bash of mega proportions next month from 9pm – 7am.

44 www.espmag.co.uk

Queensgate shopping centre will be turning ‘nightspot’ next month complete with DJ Lauren Pope playing out on the decks.

Lauren will be there as part of Martinis, Music and Muses, on Thursday April 27 which kicks off at 5pm.

It’ll feature two stunning cocktail bars complete with model waiters, a VIP area, chill out lounge and gaming zone.

Playing two upbeat sets throughout the evening in Central Square, the TV personality, entrepreneur and model, Lauren Pope will take charge of the decks. Having

played at some of the biggest clubs across the world, including Dubai, Miami, Shanghai and Chicago, Peterborough is in for a treat.

It’s free to go along and you can relax with a complimentary Martini cocktail, hit the dance floor and, of course, shop, shop, shop with some exclusive discounts on the night!

Further details and the latest announcements about Martinis, Music and Muses can be found on Queensgate’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ queensgate

PROJECT FEST IS COMING! This year looks set to be a hot one with some exciting events coming our way and one to look forward to is the new Project Fest dance music festival heading here in September.

The organisers tell us this new event at Peterborough Arena will be held on Saturday September 23 with music genres including Ibiza classics, house, trance, hard dance and hardcore across five arenas and will see some of the biggest DJs in dance music!

They’ve just released phase one of the acts so check out their Facebook page to see who’s on and we’ll keep you posted too so watch this space. The arenas will be hosted by Lethal Theory, Pams House, Project Trance, Shindigerz and Love Bug. Early Bird tickets are now on sale so head over to facebook/projectfest. If you get in quick it’s £25+ BF Early Bird Standard Ticket (Saturday September 23, 11am - 11pm) but there are camping packages too from Friday with a pre party.

RIVA STARR @ MIXOLOGY

FUNK IT UP

Warm up for next month’s Mixology birthday bash with a very special night on Friday March 3.

The guys kick start March in style with none other than world famous DJ Riva Starr who’ll be on the decks in Red Room for a night that shouldn’t be missed.

Riva Starr, aka East-London based Stefano Miele, is a widely respected DJ, producer and the owner of Snatch! Records, who’s played some of the biggest stages so make sure you catch him live right here in the Boro!

The new What the Funk! night returns to Charters this month with DJ Jo G. She’ll be on the decks from 10pm on Saturday March 11 with the best funky tunes to get you moving. Free entry.

R&B 90sSTYLE If you like your R&B tunes from the 90s the 100% crew are back presenting another great night at Radius above The Solstice on Saturday March 4.

Expect music from Mary J Blige, R Kelly, Faith Evans, Zhane, Maxwell and beyond. DJs on the night are Eddie Nash, T Rex, Otis plus guests. It’s on from 9pm til 2.30am and admission’s just £3 before 10pm, £5 after.

OPEN MIC @ PUZZLES? The city’s new independent bar Puzzles? on Bridge Street has not only brought us some tasty brews – this month it’s Tydd Steam – they’re also running a live streamed open mic session every Thursday and have live acoustic acts every Saturday.

Give it a try if you’ve not dropped in yet – they’ve just extended their cocktail menu so what better excuse do you need?

VINYL SOUNDS The recently launched Vinyl Night at Charters is going down well and returns on Friday March 17 from 8pm. As that’s St. Patrick’s Day we expect a few of you will be taking your Pogues LPs down there and downing some of the black stuff! Free entry.

GET YOUR GROOVE ON The grooves keep coming thick and fast every Saturday night at the Brewery Tap with DJ Rick Allen, every Saturday this month from 9pm – late.

The last one of the month, Saturday March 25, switches to The Get Down with DJ Eddie Nash again from 9pm – late.

Considering going to Uni? Whether you’re a school leaver or a mature student you can find out more about studying on your doorstep at the University Centre Peterborough (UCP) this month.

UCP is holding open days Wednesday March 15 (5.30pm to 8pm) and then again in the summer on Tuesday June 6 (5.30pm to 8pm). It’s a great opportunity to check out the courses on offer, chat to students and lecturers and have a good look round to make your mind up.

You’ll be spending three years studying there so it makes sense to make sure you make the right decision.

University Centre Peterborough is located in the heart of Peterborough so you’ll save on travel costs and be able to stay closer to home if that’s important to you.

There are 30 courses on offer and if you’re undecided about which is right for you this is the chance to chat to those in the know and find out what you’ll be learning, if the course will help with your career path and what

previous graduates are now doing.

The broad range of courses include everything from business to accounting, computing to construction, English literature to education and childcare, media and journalism to sports coaching, criminology to archaeology and much more.

The university attracts an equal mix of school leavers and mature students but the facilities are equally important for the experience to be right for you so this is an opportunity to find out about what’s on offer from current students who’ll show you around the modern campus.

The admissions and student support teams will be available to

explain how to apply, what finance you’re entitled to, help with student welfare and discuss student accommodation. There are free information talks about student finance when they’ll tell you more about tuition fees at UCP which are £1,500 lower than other universities for full time undergraduate courses and how there are £500 cash rewards on offer to help with studies.

Everyone’s welcome at the open days and you can take family and friends along too.

There’s free parking for visitors on the university campus.

For more information or to book your place on the Open Day please visit www.ucp.ac.uk

Mostly Funny Funny Mostly

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

WARWICK 'THE SNORCERER' FOR COMIC RELIEF 2017

Mirth, merriment and mischief. Yes Red Nose Day/Comic Relief is back and this year takes place on Friday March 24.

Greg Davies, Jonathan Ross and French & Saunders preside over a mammoth night of live comedy, sketches, music moments, fundraising films and plenty more. Broadcast live from Red Nose Day’s new Comedy Superclub, Building Six, in the heart of The O2 it promises to be a night of televised fun, foolery and fundraising so tune in, donate and do your bit.

Dara Mullholland, media officer for Comic Relief told ESP – "For Red Nose Day 2015, people across the East raised and donated more than £2.5 million. Since last Red Nose Day, in the East we have made 169 grants totalling £1,319,80 and we are currently funding 187 grants totalling £3,962,665."

Meanwhile our first ever Face of ESP, Becca Evans and the team at the RSA offices in Peterborough (pictured) are the local call centre for Red Nose Day 2017.

RSA will be Making Things Better Together on March 24 by hosting the Comic Relief phone lines at their fantastic office in Lynchwood, Peterborough.

Our local acting legend, Warwick Davis has already cast a spell on proceedings by lending his voice to 'The Snorcerer'. One of the characters on a cool digital comic strip game on www.rednoseday.com.

The theme of this year’s red noses are nose related characters of different design. Alongside The Snorcerer are Dr. Nose, Sneezecake Snuffles, DJ Boogie, Norse Nose, Snootankhamun, Sniffer and Nose-itall. They’re all available to find in surprise bags from Sainsbury’s and Oxfam so pick your favourite nose and get involved!

Warwick's 'Snorcerer' channels his famous role as Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter films and is just one of the fundraising events going on to support the ever popular charity.

Red Nose Day will as ever culminate in a night of unmissable titillating telly treats on the BBC as Warwick and a whole host of comic favourites including Sir Lenny Henry, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sally Phillips,

Customer Services Director Kirk Bradley told me – “What a great opportunity for RSA in Peterborough to be working, having fun and helping a great cause. We’re all passionate here about creating an amazing place to work and when our teams wanted to support Comic Relief, we thought what a great idea!”

It’ll be a busy night for them so look out for some photos in the next issue of ESP and if you're involved in any Red Nose Day activities, please send us the details to office@espmag.co.uk.

KEY COMEDY FEST Continuing with the Red Nose theme, my 'pick' of this year’s Key Theatre Comedy Festival is Gary Delaney and his brilliantly funny There's Something About Gary stand up show. It's on Saturday March 11 at 8pm. Tickets are £16 available from the box office on 01733 207239.

Gary's a regular these days on BBC2's Mock the Week and is renowned for his ability to write and deliver joke after joke after joke, but back in 2005 he was playing in the back room of Ebeneezers in Woodston in front of a handful of people… and doing his best to get out of having his photo taken with me by shutting his eyes and wishing he was somewhere else!

46 www.espmag.co.uk

COMEDY GIGS

Step up to Platform8 for Peterborough’s Newest Arts Festival!

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There are some great nights lined up this month as Peterborough’s newest arts festival, Platform8, is promising to deliver music, food and pop-up venues from March 8-18.

MAR

VOODOO STANDS UP

10 MAR

A PINT OF COMEDY

Enjoy a pint of fun at the Stamford Arts Centre this month with Carl Jones, one of the rising talents in the Midlands and a writer for BBC Radio 4 Extra’s topical news programme NewsJack, along with Jane Hill a comedian, journalist and novelist and a finalist in the English Comedian of the Year 2009. Look out for further hilarious acts plucked from the national comedy circuit being added to the line-up!

Admission’s £6 which includes a free £1 off voucher for your first drink.

31 MAR

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB

This month’s line up at the city’s longest running comedy club includes Ninia Benjamin - one third of BBC2′s 3 Non-Blondes - who’s rude and outrageous but above all side splittingly funny.

Andy Robinson the Chortle Award winner, who’s supported Jo Brand and Sean Lock brings us delightful tales, anecdotes and gags.

Circuit veteran and London Palladium performer, Otiz Cannelloni entertains audiences with his Tommy Cooper style jokes and magic and the night is compered

by John Mann with deadpan humour and audience banter.

Tickets are £11.50 in advance on 01733 265705 or £13.50 on the door.

4 APR

RUSSELL KANE: RIGHT MAN, WRONG AGE

Are you 16 years old, yet feel 21?

Are you 40, but tragically faking 25? Or maybe you're full-on 80 years, with the heart of three oxen and the sex drive of a bonobo chimp.

Don't worry: this is normal. No one is ever the 'right' age - it is the beauty and the curse of being a real person. In this brand new show coming to the Cresset, Russell Kane unleashes another blisteringly funny, award-winning stand-up performance about growing up and growing down.

Tickets are £18.50 on 01733 265705.

Photo: Jack Offord

The first stand up session at the Voodoo Lounge in Stamford sees Roger Monkhouse and Mike Gunn providing the laughs on Thursday March 9. The second session of the month falls on Thursday March 30 when it’s Rhodri Rhys and James Sherwood taking the stage.

Tickets are £8 in advance on 07595 412056.

Bucket List

N

ot only are the producers of Platform8, Jumped Up Theatre, bringing the award-winning Theatre Ad Infinitum’s show Bucket List (tipped as a hot ticket in The Guardian) when they take over the new Undercroft space in Serpentine Green in Hampton, they’re bringing the space alive with pre-show food and a DJ on Friday March 17, and pre- and postshow live music with Latino Sound on Saturday March 18, so audiences can get social with a drink at the bar.

“I loved the show when I saw it in Edinburgh,” explains Kate Hall, producer for Platform8, “It is a powerful story which whisks you away to the Tex-Mex border, where passions boil over into rage and revenge. The show is full of live music and lively argument, so we wanted to create that atmosphere from the moment audiences arrive in this new space, which is so fitting for a show set in a clothing factory.”

As well as food and music, local artist Rose Croft has been commissioned to decorate the space to add to the atmosphere.

Tickets start at £5, with dinner and show tickets only £20.

And if sport is your thing, Sean Mahoney is bringing his highly praised one-person show about boxing, Until You Hear That Bell, to The Brewery Tap and, quite aptly CAMPOL Boxing Gym in Paston, between March 10 and 12.

Set in the championship ring at Ramsgate’s Hornets Boxing Club this show takes you into the heart of a boxer’s world, and Sean’s journey, encouraged by his father, to get into the boxing ring, train hard, and by the time he was fifteen lift his first youth titles. Funny and honest, Sean’s fast and furious performance, performed between timed boxing rounds, is great

entertainment for anyone who’s worked hard at something, and, slowly, got better and better.

Sean is also going to be joining some sparring sessions at local boxing clubs showing he’s an expert with the gloves as he is with performance.

For more information on booking tickets go to the Jumped Up Theatre website, www.jumpeduptheatre.com where there are also details of other shows, including Reassembled, Slightly Askew, where you lie in a hospital bed and Neverland, for 0-3 year olds where you snuggle into duvets in a big white tent, plus a live performance of radio plays by local playwrights, workshops, talks and a pop-up exhibition by local photographer Jules Corry. Some shows are already sold out so prebooking is recommended.

To find out more email talk@jumpeduptheatre.com, sign up at the Jumped Up Theatre website or on social media (Twitter and Facebook.)

Platform8 is Peterborough’s partnership with Battersea Art Centre’s Collaborative Touring Network, which is funded by grants from the Arts Council England, Esmee Fairbairn, Garfield Weston Foundation and Unlimited Impact, with additional support from Peterborough Presents.

Until You Hear That Bell www.espmag.co.uk

47

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

CROWLAND CHARITY MUSIC DAY

MCV CHARITY GIG @ THE TAP The Motor City Vipers are doing it again at The Brewery Tap on Saturday April 8!

I’ve been to some of their previous charity gigs at the venue held to help maintain awareness of Sue Ryder Hospice and to raise badly needed funds to support the invaluable work that they do at Thorpe Hall. These evenings with MCV are always highly charged, and once again the gig is under The Randall Rootz Community Music initiative remembering local musician Mark Randall.

This year the band will bring a new member to the Rootz event. They feature a new female vocalist, Haylie Mason who joined them permanently a few months ago.

Vipers frontman, Andy Whittaker told me – “Haylie deputised on vocals in the summer for us with only a few hours’ notice when she replied to a desperate plea that we made on Facebook to save a gig after an illness. She was great, especially considering no rehearsals. So when a permanent vacancy arose in the band, she was a natural choice. This will be a Randall Rootz debut for her.”

The eight piece MCV were formed in the spring of 2009 and have gained themselves a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live soul bands – playing on the same bill as Kiki Dee, The Blockheads, The Commitments and the legendary Geno Washington, with whom they appeared at the prestigious Boston Gliderdrome, which is a Mecca for all soul acts because of its history.

Andy said – “We’re hoping The Brewery Tap will be another sell-out for this great cause and we’re looking forward to putting on a top night of entertainment and soulful shenanigans!”

DJs Julz and Uncle Funk will be keeping the music going whilst the Vipers have a breather, and you can expect some great soul and Northern Soul classics from the band. Here’s hoping for Needle in a Haystack.

In The Brewery Tap there’s always a special atmosphere, particularly when there’s live music. I’m sure it will be a sell out on April 8, so get in quick if you want tickets. They are available from the bar on 01733 358500.

48 www.espmag.co.uk

The George and Angel in Crowland has a big live music day approaching on Saturday March 25 in aid of charity.

It’ll run from midday to midnight and there’s a diverse line-up of undoubted quality.

The band line up is: 3pm – 4.30pm, The Bounty Hounds. Travelling from Ipswich, the Bounty Hounds are a folk rock band who play all the major folk festivals around the country.

Then from 5.30pm – 7.30pm it’s local blues guitar legend Lloyd Watson, playing the music day for the second time. Always a popular attraction wherever he plays.

Finally, from 9pm – 11pm it’s the Commitment Brothers. From North Lincolnshire, the headline band for 2017 are a tribute to the Blues Brothers and The Commitments, fresh from their UK tour.

The Simon Crewe Disco will feature all other times. It’s free entry but donations will be appreciated. All money raised will go to Cancer Research UK while nothing is taken from the donations to run this event organised by Simon Wren.

SEAN HEADS TO SHAKEDOWN If you’re a blues fan you should be aware there’s a cracking night held just outside the city in Castor called Shakedown Blues.

This well established night brings us some truly great talent and this month sees London based folk/blues musician Sean Taylor head our way.

This seasoned performer and recording artist of ten years standing has achieved a special maturity and has recently released his new album Flood & Burn.

Sean says – “I felt a freedom and confidence in writing the original songs, and in the making of this recording. And that’s exciting.”

Recorded in Austin, Texas, by ace producer Mark Hallman, Flood & Burn embraces a variety of genres.

In the past Sean’s achieved airplay on BBC Radio 2 from three programmes; Bob Harris Sunday, The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe and the Paul Jones Blues Show.

Now you can catch him live at the Shakedown Blues Club at Castor Village Hall on Saturday March 18 with his band.

Tickets are £16 in advance or £18 on the door. Call 01733 380249 or visit www.shakedownblues.co.uk.

GET READY FOR THE CRAIC March isn’t just about Mother’s Day… it’s also about Guinness!

Friday March 17 is of course St Patrick’s Day so it’s time for an Irish style knees up at many of the local pubs.

There’s shenanigans all day and live music by Jack of Diamonds at the Swiss Cottage in Woodston, O’Neill’s on Broadway will be buzzing and has a great night lined up with James Edmonds, Leon and The Guards, while The Malingerers are at The Ostrich on North Street, The Expletives play The Blue Bell in Dogsthorpe and there are loads more pubs cranking up the live music for what’s bound to be a great atmosphere with a few pints of the black stuff easing the way! Check the Gig Guide in this issue and online www.espmag.co.uk for the very latest nearer the time.

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BOWIE NIGHT @ THE SWISS COTTAGE The Swiss Cottage in Woodston is always the place to head for great live bands – keep an eye on our Gig Guide page and online on www.espmag.co.uk for all the latest gigs each month.

They’re seeing out March in style with a charity night paying tribute to David Bowie and raising cash for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Two great reasons to make sure you’re there!

Get Friday March 31 in your diary for the Blackstar Bowie charity night featuring a selection of musicians.

Graham Drury explains – “Last year a few musicians got together to say a 'goodbye' to David Bowie, after his sad passing. This evening of Bowie tunes was held at The Swiss Cottage and money was raised in support of Sue Ryder via donations and a raffle. Just over a year on, we’re putting on another similar event and music from early Bowie to the Blackstar album is on the set list.”

The core-band for the evening will comprise of local musicians Foz Dixon, Ian Graham, Joe Drury and Graham Drury aka Blackstar Band.

Donations for Sue Ryder are welcomed, as are raffle prizes (a bottle of wine would do!).

The music should start around 9pm and sounds like another great night.

LETZ ZEP ARE READY TO ROCK

The band that I wish I’d seen perform live but never did is Led Zeppelin. And I probably never will.

Five years ago, I saw Letz Zep headline at The Peterborough Beer Festival.

Since then, like the originals, the band have toured non stop selling out venues all around the world taking in 34 countries on four continents.

Now, they’re appearing at The Key Theatre in Peterborough on Saturday March 4 as part of their latest tour where they’ll be performing songs from the band’s back catalogue on their Letz Zep – 10 Years Gone World Tour 2017.

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7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA Tel: 01733 896989 www.theburghleyclub.co.uk Cask Mark Accredited, Guiness Accredited and 5* hygiene rated. It is also the home of the Soul Lounge on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month.

March Gigs

Both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant have attended gigs by Letz Zep, and were suitably impressed, so much so that they invited them to perform at their prestigious official launch party for Led Zeppelin's Mothership CD. In fact legendary Zep frontman Robert Plant commented it was like watching himself on stage after he went to a Letz Zep concert.

Led Zeppelin were reunited for a one off concert at the O2 in 2007 and it looks increasingly likely that will be the last time the surviving members will get together on stage ever again.

So fans of the unique rock created by Led Zeppelin will have to make do with a band formed by talented, experienced and respected musicians who are all true Zep fans with a strong musical pedigree. Not the real thing but a good alternative.

Tickets are available from The Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239. www.espmag.co.uk

49

4th The Soul Lounge with Skip Stuart and friends 11th The Lazoons 18th Motown 25th Pure Klass Karaoke with Paul Hebdon

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26 London Road, Peterborough PE2 8AR

T: 01733 311829 E: Thepeacock1@btinternet.com • Sun – Wed, 12 noon – 11pm • Thursday, 10.30am – Midnight • Friday, 12 noon – late • Saturday, 10am – late

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

gigs@espmag.co.uk WED FEB 22

WED MAR 1

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

THE SHERLOCKS AND THE VIGILANTES

The Railway, Ramsey

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

THE HUT PEOPLE

Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford

THU MAR 2

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6PM

OUTLAW EAGLES

PARK ROYAL

MON MAR 6

Thorney Ex Service Mens Club, Thorney

Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Avenue

Charters, Town Bridge

ROCKIN REVIVAL

PHEONIX

ANDY J

DIVISION

The Braza Club, March

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

SEAN TAYLOR

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

FRI FEB 24

VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE AND STEVE

TUE MAR 7

ARC NATION

Mama Liz's, Stamford

MILLSTONE ACOUSTIC WITH CLAUDE DOMINO

The Peacock, London Road FIRED UP

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston HALO

The London Inn, Stamford LEFTOVAS

The Golden Fleece, Stamford LIVE MUSIC

Cellar Bar, Stamford Arts Centre PHOENIX

The Crown, Lincoln Road THE EXPLETIVES

Charters, Town Bridge THE FEDZ

The Brewery Tap, Westgate THE GUARDS

The Ploughman, Werrington

FRI MAR 3

CITIZEN SMITH

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Crown, Lincoln Road

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH ANNA RADFORD

VELOCITY

The Railway, Ramsey

THU MAR 9

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

PORKY PIG

OPEN MIC NIGHT

RAZZAMAJAZZ

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

RAINMEN

The Hand and Heart, Highbury Street

The Crown, Lincoln Road JESSIES GHOST

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

Lakeside Bar & Restaurant, Tallington Lakes

PENNYLESS

The Lakes, Tallington

THE AUSTRIAN STONES

Charters, Town Bridge

THE DEPS

The Fayre Spot, Bretton STEELYARD BLUES

Charters, Town Bridge CARPARK RENDEZVOUS

The Ploughman, Werrington CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

DIZZY MISS LIZZY AND RAMSHACKLE SERENADE

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston GYPSIES

The Golden Fleece, Stamford IAN GRAHAM AND KAT MOORE

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston PHEONIX

The Crown, Lincoln Road

HIGH ROLLERS

VICE SQUAD AND MARCH TO THE GRAVE

The Golden Fleece, Stamford MULLERED AT THE MILL

The Granary, Long Sutton PARK LANE

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road STEALER

The Heron, Stanground STYKKY FYNGYRS

OUTLAW EAGLES

Georges Bar, March

The Iron Horse Ranch, Deeping

THE COMMITMENT BROTHERS

The Elm Tree, Dogsthorpe THE GANGSTERS

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe THE GUARDS

The Ostrich Inn, North Street THE MOTIVATORS

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE OVERDUBS

London Inn, Stamford

SUN FEB 26 FRUMENTY

Mama Liz's, Stamford SUNDAY SESSIONS WITH LEXI GREEN

Charters, Town Bridge

STEEL UNION 3PM

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Crown, Lincoln Road

SOUL RUNNERS

DESPERATE MEASURES

The Peacock, London Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road

REVOLVER

THU MAR 16

BLANE'S WORLD

FALLEN IDOLS

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

The Deeping Stage, Deeping THE INTRUDERS

Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Avenue THE NUGGETS

The Bluebell, Dogsthorpe THE ONE EYED CATS

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road THE RETURNS

Ebeneezers, Woodston

SUN MAR 5

FRI MAR 17

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

JACK OF DIAMONDS

SUNDAY SESSIONS WITH POOR BOY 4PM-6PM

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston LATE SHOW

The Golden Fleece, Stamford LIVE BAND

Lakeside Bar & Restaurant, Tallington Lakes LIVE MUSIC

Cellar Bar, Stamford Arts Centre MISTREATED

The Crown, Lincoln Road PENNYLESS

The Five Horseshoes, Barholm REVOLVER

The Mason's Arms, Bourne

Mama Liz's, Stamford

MON MAR 20

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Charters, Town Bridge

TUE MAR 21

OPEN MIC NIGHT

FRI MAR 24

ONE EYED CATS

FRANKLY MY DEAR

THE MALINGERERS

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

The Ostrich Inn, North Street

Lakeside Bar & Restaurant, Tallington Lakes

GO WITH THE FLOW

THE EXPLETIVES

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

PENTEGON

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN

ROAD RUNNER

The Wheatsheaf, Edith Weston RPM

The Peacock, London Road THE EXPLETIVES

The Golden Fleece, Stamford THE LAZOONS

DUNMORE & HAMMOND 3PM

The Three Horseshoes, Werrington

Charters, Town Bridge

THE ROCKET DOGS

CITIZEN SMITH

The Heron, Stanground

The Red Lion Hotel, Spalding

THRILLBILLIES

KEITH LUCKEY 3PM

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Dragon, Werrington

The Braza Club, March

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

Charters, Town Bridge FIRED UP

The Peacock, London Road GENIE LAMPS

The Golden Fleece, Stamford HARMONY

Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Avenue HOLDING ABSENCE

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street INDIGO

The Deeping Stage, Deeping MICKEY FLYNN

FRI MAR 31 3 PARTS DIRT

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston HOOKER

The Ploughman, Werrington

LOS COJONES

The Railway, Ramsey

O'neill's, Broadway

SAT MAR 18

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

OPEN ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

PAGEN

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

JAMES EDMONDS, LEON AND THE GUARDS

VELOCITY

MON MAR 27

JUST FOR KICKS

CROSSFIRE

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Peacock, London Road

WED MAR 22

KICKBACK

The Heron, Stanground

JOSH NEWMAN

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

SAT MAR 11

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE

Charters, Town Bridge

DAVID BOWIE CHARITY NIGHT

The Falcon Inn, Whittlesey

Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Avenue

DIVISION DUO 3PM

The Peacock, London Road

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Deeping Stage, Deeping

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

JACK OF DIAMONDS

Mama Liz's, Stamford

SUN MAR 26

GEMMA MCDOWELL

FENS MAG SONGWRITERS CONCERT (8PM)

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

50 www.espmag.co.uk

ACCORD3

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

RETROLUX

TALLAWAH

The Ploughman, Werrington

JAMES EDMONDS FROM 4PM

STEVE BEAN - CLASSICAL GUITARIST

GUSTAV

LOS TOMBSTONES

Charters, Town Bridge

OPEN MIC NIGHT

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN

SUN MAR 19

FRI MAR 10

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

Voodoo Lounge, Stamford

The Crown, Lincoln Road

Charters, Town Bridge

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

IDOLISING NOVA

TUE MAR 14

Rose and Crown, Oundle

Georges Bar, March

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

THE BOUNTY HOUNDS + LLOYD WATSON + COMMITMENT BROTHERS

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

RO?E EUROPY

HUSH

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Heron, Stanground

The Dragonfly, Orton

GLAM SLAM GLITZ

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

Charters, Town Bridge

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

SUBWAY 77

THE 707

THE MALINGERERS

FRANKLY MY DEAR

HIGH ROLLERS

SALMON DAVE

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM

WED MAR 8

The Elm Tree, Dogsthorpe

The Deeping Stage, Deeping

MON MAR 13

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

BLACKJACK DBS BAND

STEALER

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Mason Arms, Bourne

SAT MAR 4

BEACHY HEAD DIVING CLUB

Mama Liz's, Stamford

SOLD OUT

The George and Angel, Crowland

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

Fletton Ex service and Working Mens Club, High Street

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH ANNA RADFORD

Shakedown Blues, Castor Village Hall

The Granary, Long Sutton

Charters, Town Bridge

3D TRIO PENTAGON

The Millstone, Barnack

PENNYLESS

The Deeping Stage, Deeping

THE EXPLETIVES

CUTTIN LOOSE

WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN

SAT FEB 25

SUN MAR 12 MATT HOWARD 3PM

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

PHEONIX SHOWDOWN

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

Lakeside Bar & Restaurant, Tallington Lakes MUSIC V'S THE WORLD -TV SMITH

Mama Liz's, Stamford ROCKET DOGS

The Crown, Lincoln Road SCARLET

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street THE HIGH ROLLERS LIVE

The Brewery Tap, Westgate UP THE FUNCTION

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

Charters, Town Bridge

WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN

THE OVERDUBS

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

TANTRIS 10.30PM

The Crown, Lincoln Road THE ROSE AFFAIR + POCKET SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA + MICHAEL KEITHSON

Mama Liz's, Stamford

SAT APR 1 AUDIO

The Golden Fleece, Stamford DANCE TIL DAWN

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

Fletton Ex service and Working Mens Club, High Street

VELOCITY

DIRTY RUMOURS

THE TUNNEL

The Ploughman, Werrington

Georges Bar, March

SAT MAR 25

KICKBACK

ALL SHOOK UP

LEXI GREEN

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

The Crown, Lincoln Road FRANKLY MY DEAR

The Crown, Lincoln Road GET BACK

The Braza Club, March

The Deeping Stage, Deeping The Angel Inn, Yarwell MIND THE GAP

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE THREE DEGREES SUPPORTED BY HOLLY AND THE BOATMEN

The Key Theatre, The Embankment