ESP November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 Issue 219

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BUSINESSWOMEN RAISE CASH FOR BREAST CANCER CARE

PLACES EDITORIAL

Editor Sharon McAllister sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

ADVERTISING Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk Sales Manager Charlotte Lewis charlotte.lewis@espmag.co.uk

DESIGN Tony Mayer tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum, Emma Bothamley, Mike Harris, Chris Brudenell, Andrew James, Tim Steele

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk Darren Grigas darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk Keith Dalton keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk Phil Adlam phil.adlam@espmag.co.uk Karen Devine karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Mikey Clarke mikey.clarke@espmag.co.uk Sarah Tempest sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk Sarah Slack

CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk Marc Hernandez marc.hernandez@espmag.co.uk Rachael Church rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

ESP MAGAZINE LTD Directors Sharon McAllister sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk Sean McAllister sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Over 300 businesswomen from the Peterborough area tucked into a fundraising lunch in aid of breast cancer care – boosting coffers by a massive £11,500.

The sell-out lunch, now in its third year, saw an inspirational talk by guest speaker Katie Piper, the TV presenter and charity campaigner who rebuilt her life after surviving a brutal acid attack in 2008.

The event was organised again by Carol Collier and held at the Holiday Inn West.

The money raised will help to fund new equipment for the Breast Care Unit at Peterborough City Hospital, and pay for Advanced courses for Nurses, as well as clinic room makeovers.

Carol said: “It was another fantastic turn out, and my huge thanks to everyone who supported and attended the lunch. My passion for fund raising for the Breast Care Unit increases as I hear of more and more women who, like me, have benefited from the care and support they received from the fantastic team at The Breast Care Unit whilst going through their breast cancer journey.”

YMCA SLEEP EASY RAISES CASH

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YMCA Trinity Group’s Sleep Easy event in the city raised over £6,000 for young,

homeless people.

More than 45 people took part, sleeping out in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral to raise funds and awareness of the hardship which young, homeless people endure sleeping rough at night.

The money raised is equal to the amount raised at last year’s event.

Jonathan Martin, YMCA Trinity Group Chief Executive, said – “We were delighted with the response we had to our second Sleep Easy event. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part and spent the night out with us.”

YMCA Trinity Group has recently formed following the merger of YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and YMCA Suffolk.

If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering for YMCA Trinity Group visit www.theymca.org.uk.

CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN @ BURGHLEY The Burghley House Christmas Shop will be open from Saturday November 11 to Sunday December 17 from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. There’ll be a large array of Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal ware available in this dedicated shop located in the Brewhouse building, with the entrance opposite the Courtyard Shop in the Chestnut Courtyard.

Admission and parking are free of charge.

PETERBOROUGH NISSAN DEALER’S PEDAL POWER HELPS HOSPICE Employees at a Peterborough Nissan dealership are riding high after raising more than £2,000 for a local hospice.

The team of nine cycled 87 miles from a Smiths Motor Group franchise in Ilkeston, to Smiths Nissan on Bretton Way, Peterborough.

With a lunchtime stop in between, the team completed the challenge in eight hours.

They collectively raised £2,142 for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

The team comprised Group Managing Director Daniel

Fitzjohn, Group Marketing and Charity Co-ordinator Sarah Fitzjohn, Nissan Dealership Director David Smith, Nissan Technicians Chris Harrison, Ashley Cotton, Robert Pratt and Ryan Brown, Renault Technical Consultant Rory Turner and friend Debbie Bellamy.

THE PLOUGHMAN’S WINTER BEER FESTIVAL It may seem like the big beer festival on the embankment was long ago but fear not The Ploughman in Werrington is here to ease us into winter with their very own beer festival this month.

From Friday November 21 to Sunday November 23 you can enjoy a range of 25 real ales, 10 ciders, great live music as well as specialist gins! Peterborough band Austin Gold who’ve recently been signed and released an album will be the act kicking things off on Friday with a tribute to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers rocking out on Saturday, rounding off with karaoke on the Sunday. It’s all in aid of the mayor’s charities.

WESTGATE ARCADE LAUNCHES ‘ELFIE SELFIE’ GAME

From Friday December 1, head down Westgate Arcade and keep your eyes peeled for Elfred the mischievous Christmas elf.

Hiding in one of Westgate’s retailers’ windows, the playful character could win you a festive package worth over £300… Find him, take a selfie with the elfie and post it on social media with the hashtag #foundElfred to enter.

It’s a great fun way to promote the fabulous independent shops in Westgate Arcade which have some unique, special and oneoff items ideal for Christmas.

Each day, for twelve days, Elfred will hide in a different window on Westgate Arcade, located in Queensgate

Shopping Centre. Find him and take a picture for the chance to win a hamper packed with gifts, goodies and treats from Westgate’s retailers, including Art in the Heart, The Oculist, Style, Grasmere Farm, Pkai, a Queensgate Gift Card plus much more.

The Elfie Selfie competition closes on Wednesday December 13.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT A new festive shopping event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support is being held at the Fleet in Fletton for the first time this month.

There’ll be lots of wonderful stalls to get your Christmas shopping off to a flying start on Saturday November 4 from 10am-4pm Entry’s just £2 and there’ll be refreshments.

Contact Jill Wiles for more information. 07921 149338.

FORCE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE There’s a new website to enable you to contact the local police.

Key features of the new Cambridgeshire Constabulary website mean you can use it for non-emergency crime reporting, the content should now be easier to read and access what you want, there’s a non-emergency web-chat service and a mobile enabled function. The site also includes a postcode search for information on users local area, an A-Z area of crime prevention advice, an effective search facility and simplified navigation.

The non-emergency online forms and web-chat service aims to reduce the need to call 101, leaving police call handlers more time to deal with matters that can’t be handled online.

Visit: www.cambs.police.uk.

CAKES MAKE CASH @ GREYHOUNDS

COMMUNITY FRIDGES TO TACKLE FOOD WASTE In a bid to tackle high levels of food waste and to redistribute food to those most in need, the environmental charity PECT has launched a community fridge project in Peterborough.

Two community fridges and a freezer are being installed at easily accessible locations across the city, to enable local residents in need to access free food – sourced from farms, cafes, stores and supermarkets – that would otherwise have gone to waste.

Anyone can access the community hubs and their fridges to obtain the excess or surplus food, which is collected and distributed by the new food waste community interest group Food for Nought.

The first fridge will be located in WestRaven Community Café (Hampton Court, Westwood PE3 7LD). The final fridge and freezer will open in Gladstone Community Hub and one other location (to be confirmed) in the coming few weeks.

For more details about PECT’s ‘Waste Less, Save More’ activities, visit www.pect.org.uk.

Over £1,000 was raised at just one of the many recent Macmillan coffee mornings as city businesses headed to Peterborough Greyhound Stadium to network and eat cake!

The stadium joined forces with Lloyds Bank to hold Peterborough’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and a variety of local businesses went along to show their support alongside Miss Peterborough, Laura Bailey and ESP Magazine!

Hannah Thompson, the Business Development Manager for the Peterborough Greyhound Stadium said – “I’m extremely grateful to all the businesses that have supported us, whether it was donating to the raffle, baking cakes and turning up to the event. The local corporate community really pulled together to make this a success. I’d particularly like to thank Lloyds Bank for matching the £500+ raised from this event, meaning more than £1000 will go to a great cause.”

LocalEntertainment

Beyond the Barricades If you love the West End shows you can enjoy some of your favourite songs from the best musicals live in Stamford this month.

Beyond the Barricades features a cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables and has wowed audiences throughout the UK and mainland Europe for more than a decade.

This two hour show is packed with songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables!

Catch this amazing concert at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on Saturday November 4. Tickets are £22.50 on 01780 766455.

Top Tributes to Jackson, Dire Straits and Pink Floyd @ The Key For music fans keen to see and hear the next best thing to their idols there are three shows at The Key Theatre this month which should cover most tastes.

Money for Nothing on Sunday November 19 (tickets £19.50) is Europe’s premier tribute to Dire Straits who’ve performed all over the world.

Jackson – Live In Concert on Thursday November 23 (tickets £23) sees long-time fan and hugely talented

Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience in this accurate and exciting tribute to the King of Pop. And finally the ever popular Think Floyd return to the Key on Saturday November 25 (tickets £24). Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's first release, this brand new production features music from all 15 Pink Floyd albums.

Box office: 01733 207239.

Sing-A-Long-A Rocky Horror It’s outrageous, it’s kitsch and it’s the best Transylvanian party of all time!

This cult film never goes out of fashion and returns for a new audience at the Key Thetare on Friday November 24.

Get your suspenders on and get ready to do The Timewarp as Frank ‘n’ Furter and Riff Raff get the full Sing-a-long-a treatment that you love so well.

Expect more audience interaction than ever and a prop bag brimming with surprises!

Tickets are £16 full price, buy 10 get one free on 01733 207239.

Forbidden Nights Christmas Party Night You may have caught a glimpse of these sexy circus artists on Britain’s Got Talent – you certainly won’t have forgotten if you did!

The Forbidden Nights routines include aerial chains, fire acts, acrobatics and live musicians… not forgetting their brilliant comedy compere. Ooh yes, circus just got sexy® so for a night of thrills and fantasy book your tickets for Thursday December 7 at the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on 01780 766455.

Choir Brings Christmas Magic Now in its seventh successful year, the ever-popular Christmas Magic concert is back to get us all in the festive spirit. For one night only this hugely popular night returns to The Broadway on Sunday December 17.

Featuring all your festive favourites and more, including Walking in the Air, Driving Home for Christmas, Little St Nick, Silent Night, Carol of

the Bells, White Christmas and many more - as well as some speciallycommissioned new arrangements – there’ll be something for everyone.

Tickets from £16 are available from Peterborough Visitor Information Centre, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or at www.peterboroughsings.org.uk.

For even more news and events, check out our website

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Peterborough Arts Cinema For films with a difference head along to Peterborough Arts Cinema on Thursday nights at the John Clare Theatre in the Central Library.

Sondheim’s Company Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers First up this month on Thursday November 2 it’s Lady Macbeth (15) set in rural England, 1865.

That’s followed by Get Out (15) on Thursday November 9. Chris and his girlfriend go upstate to visit her parent's for the weekend. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.

Following on from their huge box office success with Annie, award winning Stamford Amateur Musical Society, one of the area’s leading musical theatre societies, are pleased to bring you Company.

From one of musical theatre's most renowned composers, Stephen Sondheim’s Company is a game-changing, sophisticated and honest look at modern adult relationships.

Catch the show on November 9 – 11 at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre.

Tickets are £13.50/£12.50 on 01780 766455.

You need to follow the beat of the drum and head to the Key Theatre this month for a full-on night of showmanship, sheer energy and incredible drumming.

The thundering rhythms of the huge taiko drums teamed with mysterious masked choreography, synchronisation timed to perfection, postapocalyptic martial imagery and infectious humour – it has to be the amazing Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers.

But not just them as on this tour they’re joined by master drummer Hiroshi Motofuji one of the top taiko artists in Japan.

Don’t miss this incredible collaboration on Sunday November 12.

Tickets are £23, £21 for over 60s, and £13 under 18s on 01733 207239.

Bowie, Whitney, Diamond, Jackson and Bublé Tributes @ The Cresset

The Sense of an Ending (PG-13) starring Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling screens on Thursday November 16.

On Thursday November 23 Julian Barratt, Essie Davis, and Steve Coogan star in the comedy Mindhorn (15).

The Cresset has a packed month of great tribute acts bringing a range of stars to life.

The Bowie Experience features all of his hits on Thursday November 9 - tickets £25.50 in an unforgettable journey of sound and vision through David Bowie’s golden years.

The month rounds up with Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller in The Lost City of Z (PG-13) on Thursday November 30. It charts the incredible true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett. www.peterboroughartscinema.co.uk

Fans of the wonderful Whitney Houston will relive all of her classic hits on Sunday November 12 in Whitney: Queen of the Night. This award winning production features a sensational line-up of musicians and artistes. Tickets £24.50 concessions £22.50.

Then on Thursday November 16 don’t miss A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Story. Performed by Fisher Stevens and his sensational band in Europe’s leading Neil Diamond show it charts Neil’s fantastic career and tells the story of the man behind the songs. Tickets are £21.50 and £19.50 concessions.

On Friday November 17 it’s Forever Jackson 2017, saluting 30 years since the release of Michael Jackson’s album BAD, featuring all the classic hits from the album plus the most loved tracks from the Jackson 5 onwards. Tickets are £24.

Finally the month of tributes ends with Thursday November 30 – Feeling Good: A Celebration of the Music of Michael Bublé featuring Mitchell Rutter, one of the UK’s premiere Michael Bublé impersonators.

Tickets are £24 concessions £21.50.

Tickets for all are available on www.cresset.co.uk or 01733 265705.

Peterborough Male Voice Choir Peterborough’s award winning Male Voice Choir travel over to Stamford to share their talents this month.

On Saturday November 25 the guys will be performing at Stamford Arts Centre for their 19th annual concert in the Ballroom.

Tickets are £12 (£10) on 01780 763203. www.espmag.co.uk

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this event for the last few years, I can say confidently that there’ll be a lot of fun and games!

“ There’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm, sipping a hot drink and counting down from 10...”

Photo: Emma Bothamley

It’s beginning to look a lot like

Christmas!

When is it OK to start talking about Christmas? Some people say it’s fine once Halloween has passed, whilst others claim that you must wait until that carbonated beverage advert has aired (you know the one!). For me, I think it’s fair game to mention the ‘C’ word once the Christmas lights switch-on events begin.

T

he lights going on see thousands of locals gather to get into the festive spirit. There’s nothing quite like Mikey Clarke wrapping up warm, sipping a hot drink and counting down from 10 – before the area lights up, transforming the location into a stunning winter wonderland.

We have plenty of opportunities to experience this…

The main city centre switch-on will be taking place on Cathedral Square at 5pm on Saturday November 18. This will be done by the most famous celebrity in the world!

That’s right, Father Christmas himself will be in attendance, alongside the Mayor.

Entertainment will be held from 2pm, hosted by Heart.

For the second year running this will be coordinated with Queensgate, who will be switching their’s on shortly afterwards.

That’s right, just moments after we’ve oooh’d and aaah’d in unison, we get to do it all again inside the popular shopping centre. And if seeing Santa on stage wasn’t enough, why not have a one to one with the 8

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big man at his grotto – which opens its doors for the first time that day. Entry to the grotto is £5.99 per child. Each child will receive a Christmas present from Santa.

Keep your experience forever and have your photo taken with Santa with prices starting at £4.

Also, thanks to Thomas Cook, one person will win a family trip to Lapland to visit Santa and his helpers on Friday December 15 this year. This magical daytrip for four people includes, flights to the North Pole (Finland) and a meeting with Father Christmas (each child aged 2-12yrs receives a gift). Plus, you’ll join Rudolph and friends and ride in their sleighs and much more.

If you like the sound of this and you’re free to travel on Friday December 15, get yourself to Queensgate’s North Square, outside John Lewis, from 5.15pm for your chance to enter. Someone MUST win plus there are more prizes up for grabs too.

The Serpentine Green Christmas light switch-on is happening Thursday November 16 from 4 - 6.30pm. Once again, Kev and Roz from Heart will be hosting the event, joined on the stage by the cast of The Cresset panto Snow White. Having attended

If the switch-on’s mentioned so far don’t manage to give you that great Christmas feeling, maybe the one at Peterborough One Retail Park PE1 (formerly Garden Park at Eye) will be the one to do it? Head there on Saturday November 25 to meet Sid and Scrat from Ice Age. The venue’s gone all out with an ice rink, grotto, 50ft Christmas tree, lantern workshops and parade, music and fire dance performances. If that’s not enough, you can also expect a children’s fun fair, fireworks and the chance to win big prizes! For further details, visit www.pe1.co.uk.

Springfields Outlet Shopping started early with celeb John Thomson from Cold Feet turning on their lights in Spalding on October 26 and they continue with plenty of festive fun this month.

Shopping wise their Christmas Gifts Campaign runs from November 4 – 19 and late night shopping starts November 15 with the shops open on weekdays until 9pm.

Don’t forget the Black Friday bargains on November 24 running to November 27.

The Christmas Grotto opens on November 25 through until December 24.

Cost per child is £7 including a pressie from Santa. For opening times please check www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk.

In Stamford the Christmas Festival and light switch on is being held on Sunday November 26 from 10am – 5pm. The town centre will be full of festive flavour with stalls and entertainment throughout the main streets, a children’s fun fair, Santa’s grotto and even live reindeer!

The ESP team look forward to seeing you at these events and many more. Keep checking out www.espmag.co.uk for the most up-to-date event information.

Mikey Clarke

LocalEvents

Platform 8 a Festival of Theatre for Peterborough

Super Mega Rockin’ Rock Show Season 3 of Jumped Up Theatre’s project Platform8 has five exciting events, full of music, laughter, tears and tall-tales, popping up across the city. The programme starts with The Dreamcatcher, a digital arts project by film maker Judi Alston and artist Andy Campbell from local One-ToOne Development Trust, to which local people have been adding their dreams and aspirations.

The Dream Catcher is a digital installation of film, text, sound and Virtual Reality, which is capturing and celebrating the dreams that people of Peterborough are making come true.

The Dream Catcher will be installed in The Undercroft Theatre in Serpentine Green in Hampton from Thursday November 9 to Saturday November 11.

Also in The Undercroft will be the Edinburgh Festival smash-hit Castle Builder, by Vic Llewellyn and Kid Carpet on Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11, packed with stories and songs about people who don’t wait for permission to do crazy things, like building castles in Colorado or the postman who wanted a palace on his veg patch.

Kid Carpet is also creating one of his anarchic family shows, Super

The Castle Builder Mega Rockin’ Rock Show, in The Undercroft. For one performance only on Saturday November 11 you can show your little ones how to rock-out in a fun afternoon event described as ‘The Mighty Boosh for kids’.

Almost Always Muddy In Almost Always Muddy at The Pyramid Centre in Bretton from Friday November 10 to Sunday November 12, Likely Story Theatre and Kirsty Harris will open up a junkyard of treasure for children to build a daring world of adventure and play, on which a play about courage and risk is created with the young audience.

There are also workshops, secret-gigs and a launch party to sign-up for. Go to Jumped Up Theatre’s website and Platform8’s social media for more information and to book tickets: www.jumpeduptheatre.com

Gin Festival Last month we saw the huge Oktoberfest marquee bring us some Oompah and Bavarian fun on the Embankment as the drinking event visited the city for the first time.

This month it’s now time for gin fans (who isn’t one?) to enjoy anther new event as Gin Fest comes to the cathedral on Friday November 17 – Saturday November 18 for the first time.

The UK’s biggest and oldest Gin Festival visits the city and brings us new gins, exclusive gins, gin masterclasses, the opportunity to meet gin distillers, a gin cocktail bar, live music and food. What’s not to like? See you there!

For booking details please visit www.ginfestival.com.

Christmas Fair @ Ferry Meadows Pop down to the park to grab some unusual gifts at the Christmas Fair on Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26.

There’ll be craft and gift stalls, music entertainment from local choirs and bands, a children’s craft area and refreshments, children’s activities, plus more to be confirmed.

It’s free entry and is on from 11am – 4pm. www.neneparktrust.org.uk.

Burghley Christmas Fair Burghley House in Stamford stages its biggest ever Christmas Fair from Thursday November 23 – Sunday November 26 giving you a unique opportunity to find perfect gifts in the beautiful Elizabethan surrounding of the Chestnut Courtyard and Brewhouse. There’ll be an exciting range of new products on offer including fashions and accessories, jewellery and luxurious soaps and skincare.

During the Christmas Fair their Christmas Shop is also open offering Christmas bargains and the Christmas Fine Food Market will take place in the Stable Courtyard. It’s free entry and there’s free parking.

Brian Blessed the Star of Cathedral Banquet Film and food fans will be excited about a great event coming up at Peterborough Cathedral which will see a fabulous dining experience accompanied by an after dinner speech by none other than the legendary actor and raconteur, Brian Blessed OBE. Altogether now… ‘Gordon’s alive!’ you know you can’t resist saying it when you see Brian Blessed – well we can’t!

The Christmas Banquet is a black tie event in the stunning cathedral nave on Thursday December 7 and includes a a four course candlelit dinner. The evening will start with a Prosecco reception under the tower and members of the Cathedral Choir will sing 10 www.espmag.co.uk

carols and festive music.

Brian Blessed will speak at the end of the evening, sharing larger-than-life stories from his hugely eventful career. He is not only an actor on stage, film and TV, but has also climbed Mount Everest three times, survived a plane crash in the Venezuelan jungle and written six books. The latest of these is his autobiography, Absolute Pandemonium, published by Pan Macmillan in 2015.

Tickets are £100 per person, £900 for a table of ten. Includes pre-dinner drinks, dinner, coffee and petit fours, wine and soft drinks. Full details at www.peterboroughcathedal.org.uk or call 01733 355300.

Winter Beer Festival Weekend for the Mayor’s Charity Friday 24th November

Austin Gold Saturday 25th November

The Chill’s (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band)

Sunday 26th November

Karaoke 25 Real Ales • 10 Ciders • 20 Specialist Gins Hot food available

Civic Award for Community Involvement 2017

Staniland Way, Werrington T: 01733 327696 www.theploughman-werrington.co.uk

Put Toys to the Test in Queensgate Last year we had great fun at the Queensgate Toy Testing event trying out the various toys alongside some of the kids.

So we’re just as excited to see it return for another year, and this time it’s on for two days. On Saturday November 4 and Sunday November 5.

Once again local children, and most likely our ESP reporter Mikey Clarke, can become Santa’s ‘testers’ as John Lewis, Menkind, Game, Argos, Tiger and other retailers bring out their new gadgets and gizmos for 2017.

Located in a giant snow dome in North Square, the free event gives little ones the chance to try, test, play and score each toy, which will ultimately decide which ones make the top 10 for 2017.

From 11am on each day, the kids can enter the elves’ magical dome, put on the scientist’s cloak and goggles and put the toys through their paces.

Tinkerbell, Moana and Cinderella will also be joining in the festive fun, bringing sparkle and treats.

Follow Queensgate’s social media as the centre reveals which toys will be in this year’s Toy Testing event.

This event will be filmed and photographed so parents must remain with their children at all times.

Photo: Matthew Roberts

LocalEvents

Cathedral by Candlelight Tours Now that it’s darker in the evenings why not take a candlelight tour of the Cathedral and see it in a whole new light!

There are tours running on Wednesday November 8 and Saturday November 11 at 7pm giving you a fantastic atmospheric after-hours look at this amazing

Remembrance Weekend Here’s an event if you’re interested in how the war years affected the Gunthorpe, Paston and Walton area or interested in your family history.

As part of the 800th anniversary events at Fulbridge Road Church there’ll be a special Remembrance Weekend event this month.

On Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11 from 10am to 4pm.

There’ll be memorabilia and displays from and about the war years to look at as well as information about the war dead from both world wars from the local parish.

There’ll be audio visual presentations and interactive ‘stations’ helping people to personally explore remembrance and funeral/ burial registers from 1800 to enable family research.

It’s free entry and all are welcome.

Lou Lou’s Peterborough Vintage Fair If you love everything vintage there’s a great shopping event coming to Peterborough cathedral packed with a range of traders selling some gorgeous vintage treats.

Award-winning Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair brings us a selection of the UK’s best vintage traders on Saturday November 11 from 11am – 4pm. Enjoy fashion, homeware and collectables alongside a pop-up beauty parlour, live entertainment and more.

Entry is £2.50 (under 12’s free). www.thevintagefair.com.

While we’re talking vintage, if that’s your thing don’t forget to pop over to Back to Life in the Westgate Arcade before or afterwards for more clothes and accessories.

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building. You’ll be taken round by a trained guide and get to enjpy a glass of wine or soft drink at the end.

Tickets are £12 (concessions £10). Book online via http://shop.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/candlelit-tour or call 01733 452336.

Cathedral Christmas Market

Here’s a nice new event to get you in the festive spirit which it’s hoped will become an annual event.

Peterborough Cathedral is hosting its first ever Christmas Market on Saturday December 2.

There’ll be a range of high quality stalls in the Cathedral nave from 9am until 4.30pm, with a preview evening on Friday December 1 from 6.30pm until 9pm.

The event promises to be a wonderful way to begin preparations for Christmas, with a wide variety of gifts on sale as well as refreshments and carol singers.

Michael Rosen headlines Literary Festival in Peterborough

C

elebrated children’s writer and broadcaster Michael Rosen headlines the line-up of acclaimed writers who’ll be speaking at the event which runs from now until May 2018. Readings are free of charge for students and members of the public to attend and each event lasts one hour from 7pm to 8pm.

Michael Rosen is a familiar voice to BBC Radio 4 listeners as he currently presents ‘Word of Mouth’ and is one of the best-known figures in the children’s book world writing children's favourite 'We're Going On A Bear Hunt'.

Novelist and screenwriter Julie Mayhew will be reading on Thursday November 23, which takes place in the main lecture theatre at University Centre Peterborough. Julie is an actress turned writer who still acts but mostly writes. As well as an awardwinning novelist she’s an award-nominated radio dramatist

and has written short stories and stage plays to critical acclaim. She’s now writing for the screen with her debut short ‘Elsie: Prince of Denmark’ which shoots in Peterborough.

Other writers confirmed for the Literary Festival include awardwinning poets Peter Daniels and John Greening, authors Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Daisy Johnson and popular crime novelist Henry Sutton.

University Centre Peterborough run an established BA (Hons) English Literature degree from their campus in the heart of the city and supports literature and writing at local and national level as well as providing opportunities for undergraduate students to assist with these popular events.

Advance booking is required and further information is available from www.ucp.ac.uk/events

Photo: Michael Bowles

For book lovers everywhere - the University Centre Peterborough Literary Festival is a celebration of established and emerging writers from around the UK. From crimewriters to novelists and poets to award-winning children’s authors, there’s something for everyone this year to enjoy.

ManTown about

ano Pep Cipri

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Gables Crowd is Charities’ Gain

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION? A Boston University study says sleeping for more than six hours can save men from a 42% drop in our chances of conception. But if we sleep for longer when do we rumpy pumpy?

Next up in the series of reunions to celebrate the iconic club that was the Gables is the Gables: Funk Inferno on Friday November 24 at The Solstice.

Organised by G Collective (founded by Graham Fairbairn), the target for this gig is to raise more than the £4,000 that was donated to charity from the summer bash.

Graham told me: “We always wanted to give to local charities and the Peterborough Soup Kitchen and Hope Into Action are both very close to my heart, which is why I’ve chosen them to support this time. I served over 15 years working for the homeless services and related agencies. Christmas is naturally a very difficult time for the homeless, so I felt we needed to take positive action and help these charities.”

Admission on the door is £5. This is Graham’s last gig of the year and it promises to be the best to date.

ESP is getting behind the mother of all city celebrations in 2018 when our majestic Peterborough Cathedral will be celebrating its 900th anniversary.

A series of celebratory events and activities as part of the ‘Peterborough Celebrates’ campaign will be taking place in the city and at our cathedral and this is your chance to be part of it.

Already, more than 100 events and activities are confirmed by local schools, community groups, charities and businesses. The celebrations kick off in January and will include a number of fundraising activities, art projects, festivals, competitions, concerts and much more.

CIAOS OUT

Highlights will include the Katherine of Aragon Festival and Heritage Festival, the 40th anniversary of the official opening of Ferry Meadows Country Park ‘Peterborough Celebrates Nene Park’ and the 30th Anniversary of Nene Park Trust.

Other notable support includes Peterborough United, Papa Luigi, Queensgate, Serpentine Green, Virgin Trains and Anna’s Hope.

Examples of how you can get involved include: • Hosting your own 900-themed event or activity • Adding a Peterborough Celebrates element to your existing campaign event or activity • Adding the logo to your marketing collateral • Volunteering at some of the planned celebrations • Attend an event • Spread the word!

We’ll be reporting on as many of the celebrations as we can and will showcase some of your support in the magazine.

Until then you can find out more by visiting www.peterboroughcelebrates.org.uk

Photo: BBC/Marcos Cruz

900 Reasons to Celebrate

Elvis is King of Cool Great to see the return of Our Girl on the Beeb.

Yes, Michelle Keegan is the medic most of us guys would love to be examined by, but special forces hero Elvis Harte, played by our very own Luke Pasqualino, is just the coolest!

If producers are still searching for the next James Bond after Daniel Craig retires his Walther PPK then look no further than Cool Hand Luke.

Valentina – welcome to the world! x Chris – it’s Superman for PGER 2018 then…

Karen – honey sausages for your birthday please Gary – tried Vespa surfing yet?

Cassidy – need feedback on that script! Marco – when we having Peroni?

For even more news and events, check out our website

www.espmag.co.uk

Where’s the Biscuit Tin?

Photo: Chris Porsz

OF THE MONTH

WORD

Sad, I know, but I've only just found out what the slang term ‘Netflix and chill’ means, so here goes: euphemism, wine, booty, casual, tonsil tennis, tug, steamy, grope, sweat, palpitations, strip, best pants, bite, dirty, meat and two veg, sofa, seduce, affair, popcorn and no actual Netflix, just Film Four.

MY

NETFLIX

My Birthday Photo

According to the UK fruit industry the average office worker puts on half a stone during their first year in a new job. Welcome Emma, Fatema and John.

Born in June like me? This is the photo you’ll see when you buy the 2018 Peterborough Through A Lens calendar by our excellent street photographer Chris Porsz.

Chris emailed it to me as a bit of a teaser to the sort of images the calendar will include. His note read: “Suits you Pep, as you are always on the go!” Too right Chris.

To find out where you can buy the calendar and for details about Chris’s new book where he captures the best of Europe, visit www.chrisporsz.com. We’ll have more on that in our next issue – it’s another good one.

Going Potty for the Queen’s Head It’s good to see our city folk enjoying the delights of the Queen’s Head’s Pizza, Pots and Pints. It’s been an instant hit with pizza lovers and beer guzzlers and it’s really good to see that part of town come alive, especially following the opening of Turtle Bay. And now fans of the Queen’s Head have even more to cheer about, says manager Sam Adams. He told me: “We’ve started live music every Friday from 7.30pm and the terrace is now open too.

“This means there’s something to look forward to every day of the week whether it’s a bottle of Prosecco for £15 on Thursdays or our sumptuous roast on Sundays. Our Christmas menu is going down a treat too, with quite a few bookings already being taken.

“Coming soon is our next Rhythm Of The Week night to coincide with a new menu and watch out for our Bubbles & Banter.”

CAUGHT IN THE ACT! No more co ld knob in the mornings this wi nter.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

Photo: Andrew James Photography

Lightbox is Beaming!

The eagerly awaited (by me because I love homemade cakes) Lightbox Café has opened on Bridge Street and it’s thumbs up from us.

This smart looking licensed tearoom is brimming with delicious pastry chef prepared scones and cakes by day and in the evenings (Thursday to Saturday) it serves as an ideal stop-off for pre and after dinner drinks with sharing platters and nibbles thrown in.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the house speciality of Prosecco and Champagne afternoon teas. But without doubt the best thing are the black and white photos of

Peterborough that decorate the walls. A certain ESP photographer Emma Bothamley is responsible for capturing these images.

Keeping it real and keeping it local. Just what I love.

Well done to owner Eve Warner for giving us this little gem of a place to enjoy. www.espmag.co.uk

15

It’s Panto Season… “…Oh yes it is!”

There are a few things I do to get myself into the Christmas spirit. I’ll order myself a gingerbread latte, take a stroll around a garden centre to admire the decorations and I’ll take my niece to visit Santa – Mikey Clarke whilst giving the big jolly man my wish list, of course.

However, nothing gives me the festive feeling more than a trip to the panto.

Together with an abundance of slapstick, humour, music and spectacle, it’s impossible to walk out of a pantomime without a huge smile on your face. We are fortunate to have loads happening in and around Peterborough. Below are just a few…

The children’s chorus has been selected with 30 kids making up the three teams to rotate through the 60 shows – all singing, dancing and acting their hearts out.

The 360 seat venue allows for a real intimate setting. I’ve been to the Key Theatre every Christmas for the last few years and you really feel a part of the show. I can’t wait to head there again this year.

Sleeping Beauty runs from December 7 to January 7 with tickets ranging from £10 to £18.50. Secure yours by calling the Key Theatre on 01733 207239 or visit www.vivacitypeterborough.com/panto

The Key Theatre will be home to the ever popular Sleeping Beauty. It follows the story of a young girl, Aurora (played by Rebecca Levy who’s previously been on stage in Legally Blonde, Kiss Me Kate and First Lady Suite) who gets cursed by the evil witch Carabosse (Lauren Storer, who’s fresh from appearing in the national tour of Footloose).

Simon Egerton returns again this year as the director, writer, composer and lyricist and Rob Hazle also returns as the musical director and plays the part of Potty the Chamberlain, following his role as Uncle Billy in Dick Whittington last year.

Pantomime isn’t a pantomime without a dame and this year the dame’s played by the man of countless faces – Fred Broom.

He’ll be donning the many frocks of Aurora’s mother, Queen Iona Trumpet.

Fred is no stranger to the stage (or frocks) as the multi-talented, funny man has played dame and drag as well as appearing in Wind in the Willows, Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd.

16 www.espmag.co.uk

Why not head to The Cresset to watch Snow White?

Promised to be another hit production with a few celebs in the cast, this panto sees the title character (played by Victoria Jane, who had her Cresset debut as Wendy in last year’s Peter Pan) joined by seven very special friends as they try to defeat the wickedest of wicked queens and reunite our heroine with her dashing Prince (Mitch Hewer, star of TV’s Skins and Casualty).

The all-star line-up gets even more impressive with the legend, Kevin Kennedy (yes, Coronation Street’s Curly Watts) playing Muddles. Also, the extremely popular Zach Vanderfelt plays the outrageous dame, Madam Bonbon, who’ll no doubt have the audience in hysterics throughout.

Once again, what’s a panto without the involvement of young locals? Performing alongside the professional cast is a team of talented children, selected from over a hundred hopefuls at open auditions earlier this year.

Writer and Director Stuart Morrison has been involved with Cresset pantomimes for many years, and also

directed the best-selling production of Peter Pan in 2016. This year he promises to yet again bring the wow factor. He said, “Snow White’s a classic pantomime, and we’re making sure to include all the traditional elements that people love, but we’ve added some great song and dance routines, loads of laughs, plenty of audience participation, and you can expect a few surprises along the way too!”

Snow White runs at the Cresset from December 9 to 30. Tickets are priced from just £8.50 with fantastic group offers available. You can Book through the box office on 01733 265705 or online at www.cresset.co.uk.

Other panto’s include Aladdin, playing at the South Holland Centre in Spalding.

Who doesn’t love the timeless classic story of the boy, Aladdin, who finds a genie in a lamp who grants him three wishes to make his dreams come true? As is always the way with these shows, expect plenty of audience participation! Check out Aladdin from December 9 – 31. Call the box office on 01775 764777 to get your tickets.

If you love the story of Aladdin but Spalding is a little too far away for you, you can also catch it at the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tomorrow’s Dream Performers’ version is playing on December 16 and 17 at 1.30pm and 4pm.

The Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre is also showing Beauty and the Beast. With Disney releasing the live-action version earlier this year, the story is more popular than ever. It sees Belle having to look beyond the hideous exterior of a beast and recognise the kind heart and soul of the true prince inside. Performances run from December 27 – January 1 at 2pm.

The box office number is 01780 766455.

Mikey Clarke

50% OFF Traditional English Pub Open for meals and snacks - 12pm to 9pm daily

Real food, Real ales, Real pub Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN Tel: 01733 391111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND £30 OR MORE The ESP Reader Offer is only valid when you spend £ or more on food and is WBMJE GSPN UI 0DUPCFS UP UI /PWFNCFS FYDMVEJOH 4VOEBZT OPPO QN . The EJTDPVOU does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more. To receive your coupon for 50% OFF food purchases, just text us the word ‘RAMBLEWOOD’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. "MUFSOBUJWFMZ MPH PO UP XXX FTQNBH DP VL PGGFST BOE DMJDL PO UIF 3BNCMFXPPE PGGFS BOE QSJOU PVU ZPVS WPVDIFS

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679 FOOD SERVED DAILY

Sunday carvery – all welcome

Beef, pork, turkey and local veg

from only

£4.95

• Real ales • Live music • Good food • Function room hire • Wedding parties • Membership available • Salsa every wednesday night

Fri 3 Sat 4

Oompahlievable The One Eyed Cats Fri 10 DJ Wayne Sat 11 Soul FX Band Sat 18 The Intruders Sat 25 The Depps 7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA Tel: 01733 896989 www.theburghleyclub.co.uk

Food Glori us Food

Photos: Emma Bothamley

The Chubby Castor

Lightbox Café Now Open It’s so good to see new independents joining the range of new bars and restaurants in the city centre and now we can welcome The Lightbox Café to the scene.

We popped down to the launch party and were very impressed by what owner Eve Warner has achieved with her new venture on Bridge Street. Eve is from the city and is clearly very passionate about what she does.

This fabulous new café is now open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas Mondays to Saturdays, Sundays 10am – 4pm, and open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for wine, spirits, beers and a selection of sharing platters and nibbles.

We’ve already had a couple of lunches there and the service was warm and welcoming, it's a very relaxed friendly environment. The food’s freshly prepared and delicious. There is a very tempting selection of homemade cakes and scones baked fresh every day – we can highly recommend the scones and chocolate dipped shortbread!

Judging by the way the afternoon tea is so beautifully presented we’ll be popping back to try that very soon too. Even better, as the Lightbox Café is licensed you can have your afternoon tea served with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne to make it even more special!

18 www.espmag.co.uk

At last the beautiful thatched Fitzwilliam Arms in Castor is to have a new lease of life and reopen again.

We’ve had our fingers crossed for this venue to be taken on and now talented chef Adebola Adeshina – who’s worked under Gordon Ramsay – will relaunch it as The Chubby Castor.

This solo venture by the acclaimed chef can’t come soon enough and it sounds as though it is in good hands.

Early in his career, he started working with the Aubergine team under Gordon Ramsay. He remained with Ramsay for six years, cooking at the three Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay Restaurant and at Petrus under Marcus Wareing.

Most recently he’s been leading the kitchen at The Petersham Restaurant since 2014, focusing on modern British

cooking. Success here has seen regular mentions in the food guides and the restaurant achieving two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, a Michelin recommendation and a listing in the Good Food Guide.

Those eager to try out The Chubby Castor can look forward to civilised dining with the focus on fresh and locally sourced produce, cooked in a modern British way.

You can expect dishes like fresh handpicked steamed crab lasagna, toasted coconut flakes or beef tartare, quail egg and walnut homemade bread.

The restaurant will serve a la carte, set lunch and dinner menus, Sunday roast, brunch, bar menu and, of course, afternoon teas.

Also on offer will be seasonal cooking demonstrations held with guests chefs.

In addition, three private rooms are available for functions.

Work is already well underway and The Chubby Castor is due to open later this month.

A Caribbean Christmas at Turtle Bay Step away from the turkey… Christmas 2017 is all about rum, reggae and jerk, as Turtle Bay in Peterborough invites you to celebrate a Caribbean Christmas to remember!

As the festive season gears up, Turtle Bay is offering the ultimate, alternative festive vibe, with its first ever set Christmas menu – featuring dishes inspired by the island life and Caribbean sunshine.

The Caribbean Christmas collection offers a range of laid-back eating options based on Turtle Bay’s beautiful soul food and famous cocktails.

The Festive Platters menu is Turtle Bay’s answer to a chilled out, social Christmas eating experience – all for just £9 per head. Platters are Turtle Bay’s most popular dishes served with a range of delicious sides.

The Festive Lunch menu is a three-course Caribbean bonanza for just £15 per head and the All-Day Christmas Menu with four courses for £24 per head is for those who want to go all out ‘tropical-festive’. This Island-inspired festive experience starts with a range of sharing dishes for your group to graze on, followed by a succulent Caribbean banquet of three courses including Turtle Bay’s famous jerk chicken.

All festivities are better with reggae and the whole experience will be served up to the party sound of the Caribbean!

Authentic and traditional Turkish Cypriot food enjoyed by past generations.

Prepared fresh daily using ingredients supplied locally

Desserts Delivered Here’s a great new idea the sweet toothed ones among us are very excited about!

Come on, who doesn’t like ice cream and desserts?!

This unique new service by Desserts Delivered will see the team deliver tempting treats straight to your home, office party or community event.

Even better – if you mention ESP you’ll get 15% off home delivery this month.

Desserts Delivered Peterborough is a family run business established in the 1970's.

They’ve been in the ice cream trade for many years and now aim to take the idea to the next level.

Managing Director Irfan Akhtar explains – “Coming from the traditional ice cream trade, we reinvented the ice cream van and came up with 'The Dessert Van', an ice-cream innovation bringing together our love of warm cakes, warm cookie dough, warm waffles and tarts along with our expertise in quality fresh dairy ice cream.”

Find Desserts Delivered on Facebook or call direct on Tel: 07583 200358.

Brunch @ Becket’s Tea Room

The Mad Turk Reservations: 01780 238001 Takeaways: 01780 238282 8/9 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE www.themadturk.co.uk

The new brunch menu at Becket's Tea Room at Peterborough Cathedral looks just the thing for a lazy Saturday and there’s no need to rush as it's served until 4pm. Ask them about their new loyalty card, and range of gluten free or vegan options.

The Orangery Gets Festive The beautiful Orangery at Burghley House in Stamford will be serving Christmas Lunch and Afternoon Tea over the Christmas season, perfect for both large parties and smaller groups.

There’s no need to book if there’s less than eight people but above that you’ll need to pre-order.

The Orangery Restaurant is open in the winter season from

15% off

Wednesday November 1 to Sunday December 17.

Breakfast is served from 10am to 12pm, Lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm and Afternoon Tea from 2pm to 3.30pm. The Orangery closes at 4pm.

(Christmas menus will be available from November 23).

Please contact 01780 761989 or email orangery@burghley.co.uk to make your booking. www.espmag.co.uk

19

your home delivery when you mention ESP

New for Christmas and New Years! East Anglia’s Number 1 mobile dessert delivery service Desserts Delivered Peterborough. If you are looking for something extra special and unique for your guests this festive season book the dessert van.

• Special Christmas dessert menu • Office parties, home parties, community events • Cash and card payments accepted

Contact us on

07583 200358

/Dessertsdeliveredpeterborough

If the boot fits…wear it!

We’d never heard of a ‘podascope’, ‘mondo points’ or a ‘custom footbed’ but now we’re enlightened about getting your ski boots to fit just right, let us fill you in!

“It’s like having a Micra when you’ve just passed your test compared to a sporty BMW,” says Matt. “A stiffer boot means every minor movement has a bigger impact which transfers into your skis giving a faster response. That’s great for an advanced skier but a beginner needs a softer boot which is less responsive and more forgiving.”

A fitting can take 1 ½ to 2 hours on average but can take much longer – they’ve even let people come back the next day.

When your legs are straight your toes should touch the front of the boot and then when you bend your knees into your skiing position your heel should then touch the back. Most people have them too big and then over tighten them which can cut the blood flow to your toes.

“You could be the most confident skier but if your feet hurt it’ll ruin it all. An uncomfortable boot will break the holiday,” says Matt.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

“You could be the most confident skier but if your feet hurt it’ll ruin it all.”

Y

ou might think your super warm jacket and cool goggles are the most important part of your ski holiday but if you’re planning on hitting the slopes it’s all in the feet.

Getting your boots fitted correctly needs to be your top priority and it just so happens there’s an expert service on our doorstep.

The Tallington Lakes Pro Shop team can not only help you learn to ski and kit you out with all the gear but their boot fitting experts led by Matt and Mark will make sure your ski boots fit to perfection… and all for just a tenner!

First of all, you might know your shoe size but it’s unlikely to actually correspond with your ski boot size at all! Boot sizes are measured in mondo points which the guys measure you for – a bit like having a shoe measuring in Clarkes! They’ll get a starting point and then it’s all about the fit and how the boot feels.

Their fancy podascope shows up where the pressure points are on the soles of your feet when you stand on it, so they 20 www.espmag.co.uk

can see what support and fit you’re likely to need so that your foot doesn’t collapse inside the boot.

If your foot isn’t supported that would lead to your body’s biomechanics being out of alignment which means a poor skiing performance – and you don’t want that when you’re trying to be flash on the piste!

One set of boots won’t cut it forever though, and as you improve you’ll most likely need some which suit the style of skiing you favour, there are different variations and different flexes as your ability changes.

They stock some good quality preformed footbeds – never rely on the one that comes with the boot as it just won’t have any support. But if you need extra comfort and support their amazing custom footbed machine takes a mould of your feet and then creates a bespoke insole footbed for your boot on the spot!

So why go to all this trouble?

“So you can enjoy your holiday! You can spend thousands on a ski holiday but if your boots give you grief it’s just a waste. They are the most important thing,” says Mark.

“If it’s your first ski holiday there’s nothing wrong with hiring boots so you can see if you like it before investing – but you can still get a fitting to know your size before you go. Be prepared for them not to be the best but don’t leave the hire store until you’re happy with the fit.

“Once you get hooked on skiing then you can invest. Buy your boots first as they’re the closest thing to you and are the most important thing to get right.”

If you’re thinking of taking the kids you can also get them measured before you go so you get the right size when you hire and everyone’s ready for their adventures on the piste.

Holly black gillet £129.99

Panel petrol blue snow jacket - £229.99

Nikaho midlayer jacket - £89.99 Slany Navajo print snow pant - £179.99

Panel dark blue snow pant £199.99

Patagonia brodeo fitz roy grey beanie - £29.99

Smith Vantage matte black helmet - £189.99

Oakley flight deck xm matte white prizm hi pink iridium snow goggles - £174.99

Oakley Airbrake Xl snow goggles £244.99 All Picture Organic Clothing from Tallington Lakes Pro Shop

All Picture Organic Clothing from Tallington Lakes Pro Shop

Piste Perfect Looking cool on the slopes has always been part of the holiday. You want to make an impact with your gear as well as your technique... or if you’re not so good at the skiing you at least want to look the part during the après ski!

Many skiwear companies are now also making moves to not only be fashionable but ethical too.

22 www.espmag.co.uk

Picture are one manufacturer that are a step ahead of the field in terms of sustainability as all of their clothing products have an element of recycled material.

Patagonia’s mission statement is to ‘build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis’.

So if you want to wear skiwear with a conscience and look great whilst saving the great outdoors look no further.

All clothes and accessories: www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com Models: Jess and Mark Photos: Emma Bothamley

Patagonia powder bowl viking blue snow jacket £379.99 Patagonia untracked paintbrush red snow pant £359.99 Smith Vantage matte black helmet - £190 Oakley Airbrake Xl snow goggles £244.99 All from Tallington Lakes Pro Shop

Roxy backyard aruba blue snow pants - £114.99 Roxy jetty snow jacket - £174.99 Patagonia brodeo fitz roy grey beanie - £29.99 Oakley flight deck xm matte white prizm hi pink iridium snow goggles - £174.99 All from Tallington Lakes Pro Shop

www.espmag.co.uk

23

Perkins Great Eastern run is a record breaker!

The sun shone on another fantastic event in the city as the Perkins Great Eastern Run proved another huge success!

ESP’s very own action man Darren Grigas joined thousands in the half marathon as well as many newcomers. One of our photographers Chris Brudenell also took the plunge and tackled the Anna’s Hope Fun Run for the first time.

Whether you were a half marathon hero participating for the first year or an experienced entrant looking for a personal best, or a 5k fun run fundraiser – if you took part we salute you all!

Annette Joyce, service director for city services and communications, said: "As well as being a record breaking event in terms of entries (5,383 for the half marathon and 1,401 for the Anna's Hope Fun Run), we also had a lot of new runners, over half of which had never run the course before.

"The weather was perfect for running and the sun was shining which

24 www.espmag.co.uk

attracted the crowds, many of which were visiting our city for the first time.

"I would like to thank our sponsors and the hundreds of volunteers, businesses and council staff who made this event such a success and once again, put Peterborough firmly on the map. As well as all this, thousands of pounds have been raised for charities and local good causes."

Well done to all the supporters who cheered everyone along the route and over the finish line too – we know they all love the encouragement.

If you’ve been inspired to give it a try or are eager to be part of next year’s event you can register your interest at www.perkinsgreateastern run.co.uk.

Mike Harris was our man behind the lens this year and all our photos can be seen on our Facebook page.

www.espmag.co.uk

25

paparazzi Caught in the act?

Randall Rootz Raises Cash

There were so many great events over the last few months we just couldn’t fit them all in!

So it’s time to revisit the Randall Rootz Festival which returned for the tenth year in August with ESP’s photographer Mike Harris capturing the action.

It was first held in 2007 to commemorate the life of local musician and music promoter, Mark Randall and all profits raised go to Sue Ryder Care at Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

The Friday night saw the UK’s only Pogues tribute band, The Dead Rabbits, perform a lively set at the Brewery Tap, supported by local acoustic/rock heroes, Angryman, who reformed especially for that night and gave a stunning performance.

The music then moved over to Charters for the weekend and featured dozens of live acts. The total raised was over £1,500.

You can see all of our Paparazzi photos on our Facebook page.

26 www.espmag.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

27

Having previously worked as a life model, cabaret dancer, bartender and a magician’s assistant, Brit Award winner and former coach on The Voice, Paloma Faith has had Sarah Tempest plenty of diverse experiences and adventures to draw on and inspire her songwriting. But now she has another title to add to her illustrious CV; that of ‘mother’ and, whilst parenthood may be providing her with some of her biggest challenges to date, it’s also brought a renewed sense of purpose and focus to her music as brand new single Crybaby demonstrates.

She’s also been busy recording forthcoming album The Architect, her first since having her child.

“I’m trying to juggle being a mother and a singer. I have no idea how I am managing, but I am somehow,” she laughs as she recounts her whirlwind existence recording her fourth studio album. And, whilst she may still be wondering where her next night’s sleep is coming from (welcome to motherhood,

Indeed, she once walked out on a deal for a record contract when the agent watching her refused to stop texting on his phone. Needless to say, she went on to secure a major deal that led to her groundbreaking debut album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful, proving to the agent that the aborted meeting was very much his loss.

“Well, that [album] was nearly 10 years ago, and it was what it was. But I think it is great that I’ve managed to sustain a career as unfortunately not many people get to make more than one or two albums these days,” she reflects.

Keen to avoid the common trap of merely recreating a formula for previous hits, by her own admission, Paloma “likes

Paloma; some of us haven’t set an alarm since 2009!), it seems the singer is enjoying this comparatively settled phase of her life with French boyfriend Leyman Lahcine, and it’s apparent that starting a family has directly influenced her music.

“I do feel my approach to music has changed since I’ve become a parent – which does have an impact. With difficult things that are happening in the world, you feel protective and want to make things comfortable for your family.”

Growing up in Hackney, the half-Spanish artist says that she always had something of a creative streak. However, as she initially opted to study dance, it was far from obvious that she was destined to become a singer but “then I did my musical theatre, and I think that music just chose me,” she explains.

“I was surrounded by lots of different types of music – from my mum, I remember listening to plenty of revolutionary music from the 60’s such as Bob Dylan, while my dad was really into jazz.”

And once that path was set, the famously determined Paloma was always destined to achieve everything she set her mind on.

to mix things up a bit” which is certainly the case with her latest material. Her distinctive voice has often led to her being compared to Amy Winehouse, something Paloma is entirely at ease with. “I’m flattered by comparisons to Amy,” she says. “It’s not something I am offended by, though I am quite different. I was a massive fan of hers, and after watching the documentary about her life, I actually wrote a song for her, Price of Fame, which is on the new album. Her death was such a tragedy,” she adds sadly.

Fans will have to wait until later this year to hear that track on the new album and there’s also a wait for her next UK tour, which kicks off next March. “The only reason I do what I’m doing is because I love touring,” says Paloma. “When I’m out there I am excited and feel that I’m in the right place,” she adds, though she may well have a little more to think about with a young child in tow. It won’t however, stop her from enjoying every single moment – even if she has to hire a second tour bus just for the baby’s stuff!

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Crybaby is out now on RCA records.

Photo: Ryan Aylsworth

ESP’s Sarah Tempest discovers Paloma Faith is The Architect of her own fate and is no Crybaby…

Gavin Miller’s

Movie Previews

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Released

NOV

17

Cast: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill Director: Zack Snyder

There should be much more excitement in the air for this DC Comics’ superhero ensemble piece – particularly on the back of Marvel’s success with their Avengers equivalent – but after the catastrophic disappointment that was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, this has been substituted with trepidation instead.

The stellar performance of Wonder Woman this summer may have gone someway to allaying fears and adding hope that Warner Bros’ DC universe is finally moving in the right direction – and the anticipation level has probably

Various characters from the previous DCEU films will pop in for continuity purposes, and Avengers director Joss Whedon has helped with the film’s postproduction, as original helmer Zack Snyder (who will remain as the sole credit) sadly had to depart the film late on due to a family tragedy.

So fingers-crossed it all comes together for him – as the ‘league’ unite for the first time in a blockbuster movie… which in itself at least deserves our attention.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

PADDINGTON 2

Released This lavish remake of the 1974 original sees Kenneth Branagh take up the mantle of the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot.

Based on one of Agatha Christie’s most infamous novels, a train ride housing some of society’s high-rollers unfolds into a suspenseful mystery when thirteen stranded strangers all become suspects after a fellow passenger is murdered on the luxury locomotive – leaving Poirot as the man brought in to solve the puzzle before the killer strikes again.

Oscar nominee Branagh headlines (and also directs) an allstar cast that includes Academy Award winners Judi Dench and Penelope Cruz, fellow nominees Willem Dafoe, Michelle Pfeiffer and Johnny Depp, along with Beauty and the Beast’s Josh Gad and Star Wars starlet Daisy ‘Rey’ Ridley.

Released After giving a warm bear hug to the British cinema-going public with the original (now quite beloved) movie three years ago, the lovable Ben Whishawvoiced Peruvian mammal is back for another helping of marmalade sandwiches.

Now happily settled with the Hugh Bonneville/Sally Hawkins led Brown family – and a popular member of the local community – Paddington picks up a series of odd jobs to buy a unique pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s (voiced by Imelda Staunton) hundredth birthday.

But when the gift is stolen, it is up to him and the Browns to apprehend the thief – in this live action/computer-generated animation mixed family adventure that co-stars Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi, Brendan Gleeson and Julie Walters.

NOV

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

raised an extra notch because of this.

Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity – and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless sacrifice – Bruce Wayne/Batman enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), to face a new enemy.

Together they assemble a team of metahumans consisting of Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, Ezra Miller’s The Flash and Ray Fisher’s Cyborg, as they face the powerful threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and his army of Parademons.

30 www.espmag.co.uk

NOV

10

WWE 2K18 gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

A BAD MOM’S CHRISTMAS There’s fast-tracking, and there’s plain and simple just ‘cashing in’. That’s exactly what greedy movie execs have done here with this super-quick sequel to last year’s generally well-received female comedy ensemble. This time the moms of Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn) get involved as the under-appreciated trio rebel against the challenges and expectations of Christmas.

Released

NOV

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Released

NOV

10

This year’s FIFA hones the improvements it made to last year’s version – to again be a solid ‘official’ competitor to PES. It’s arguably the prettiest footballing game to adorn a home console – and really encapsulates that big game atmosphere with ##### exceptional production values – but the ingame mechanics still feel a shade behind its illustrious competitor despite using the Frostbite engine.

The Journey: Hunter Returns is a noteworthy side story as you big wig with soccer’s greatest stars – and this is still top of its class when it comes to a more ‘simplistic’ but ‘lavish’ experience of the world’s greatest game.

SOUTH PARK: THE FRACTURED BUT WHOLE (PS4/X1/PC)

DADDY’S HOME 2 Probably not quite as shameless a sequel as Bad Moms – there’s been (ahem) a two-year gap here – as Will Ferrell’s Brad and Mark Wahlberg’s Dusty now befriended fathers re-team for this comedy follow-up. They must deal with the intrusion of their own dads (John Lithgow and Mel Gibson) during the Christmas holiday season, along with Dusty dealing with his step-child’s biological father (John Cena).

WWE has really cut the ring in half this year – and what ‘Pedigree’ you want to get out of it will determine if this Seth Rollinsheadlining game is a King Slayer.

On a personal level, the main things ##### long-term fans cry out for are tried and tested: Great graphics, excellent presentation, solid in-ring mechanics – and most importantly a massive roster approaching up to 175 (including NXT, Cruiserweight and legendary) combatants. Main job done – massive box ‘ticked’.

Sadly the MyCareer mode isn’t fleshed out enough – which could disappoint gamers looking for more than just constant multiple match enjoyment – but when it comes to pure wrestling realism this still ‘owns the yard’.

FIFA 18 (X1/PS4/NSW/PC)

ONLY THE BRAVE A stellar cast headline this based-on-atrue-story of the ‘Granite Mountain Hotshots’ – a group of elite firefighters who risk everything to protect a town from a historic 2013 wildfire. Josh Brolin’s (No Country for Old Men) Eric ‘Supe’ Marsh leads the team, which comprises of Miles Teller (Whiplash), Taylor Kitsch (Lone Survivor) and Jeff Bridges, who battle the Arizona-set Yarnell Hill Fire.

(PS4/X1/PC/NSW*)

Released

NOV

22

This sequel to the long-running adult animated series really builds on the success of the critically-acclaimed The Stick of Truth (which you get thrown in for free) – to deliver ##### a seriously funny role-player.

This superhero parody sees you devise your own combatant to join Cartman’s Coon and pals to tackle the chaotic underbelly of South Park – and through enhanced RPG style fighting mechanics really offers something different in the gaming field.

Some areas of the game can drag, but Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s colourfully-devised landscape really is the whole package – but delightfully fractured for die-hards.

THE EVIL WITHIN 2 (X1/PS4/PC)

SUBURBICON George Clooney helms this quirky comedy-tinted crime-drama that sees the suburban world of Matt Damon’s Gardner Lodge turned upside down after the death of his wife. Written by the Coen Brothers, the Oscar-winning scribes of Fargo, it sees the violent underbelly of a deceptively peaceful community come to life after a home invasion. Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac (The Force Awakens) co-star.

Released

NOV

24

Patience is the key to this excellent survivalhorror sequel – because if you put the time in this is a truly rewarding scare.

The follow up builds on the solid grounds laid by the original as your protagonist ##### Sebastian descends into a nightmarishly twisted world, and by the time you’ve worked your way through this terrifying playground – whether going in all guns blazing or by crossbow-utilised stealth – you’ll definitely know you’ve been through the ‘ringer’.

It won’t win any awards for scripting, but this ‘evil’ will leave your heart pounding – and that’s by far and away the main ingredient a horror game requires. www.espmag.co.uk

31

Thousands of homeowners have switched to Peterborough Energy

P

eterborough Energy was launched in partnership with OVO Energy in 2015 and to date, more than 8,000 households have signed up to the city council's competitively priced tariff, cumulatively helping the city save almost £1.5 million on their gas and electricity bills.

OVO Energy have been crowned the uSwitch Supplier of the Year for the past three years running. Benefits include a Refer A Friend scheme, which rewards existing customers for introducing friends and family to the tariff and there's a 3% Interest Reward that ensures all customers who are in credit are thanked for their loyalty.

Councillor John Holdich, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “The level of savings achieved by some of the customers is a good indication that many Peterborough households are still paying too much for their energy.

“Switching is incredibly easy, and can take less than three minutes. It can be done entirely online, but if residents would rather speak to a customer service representative to ask any questions they might have they can arrange the switch over the phone or during a home visit."

For information on switching, visit www.peterboroughenergy.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 0800 408 6706 for pay monthly customers or 0800 408 6710 for Pay As You Go (PAYG).

Peterborough Energy has a dedicated home visits team who can assist with your switch and help you understand your energy bills. To arrange a free, 15minute energy savings home visit, book an appointment at a time that suits you by calling 01733 646272.

“

...more than 8,000 households have signed up to the city council's competitively priced tariff...

”

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More wine and crime from local author…

The novel has had some great feedback with Jasper Morris, Master of Wine and author of Inside Burgundy saying 'after an explosive start, RM Cartmel's latest vintage offering slips down very easily, with an intriguing finish’.

Where did this former Peterborough GP gain his inspiration for the novels?

“When I was a child I Richard Cartmel (right) with ex-ESP’er Andy Slater was taken to Bourgogne on my holiday by my e love giving a shout out to the parents, and my mother's friend's talented folks of Peterborough and it mother asked her what I was doing, (I seems we have several talented was doodling in an exercise book) and writers in the city to write home about. she asked me if I would write her one. I One of them is Richard Cartmel who we said 'yes' at the time and then went off reported on back in 2014 when he launched to live a productive life, and when I his first book the Richebourg Affair, a murder came to my retirement from medical mystery set around a French vineyard for practice, I looked back over my life and which he’s coined the term ‘wine and crime’. realised that the one thing I hadn't done He’s just launched his latest in that series, was write that book so that was my The Romanee Vintage, and told ESP – “The next project.

Romanee Vintage, is the third in the trilogy, and “It took two years to write The is the last for the time being to be set in NuitsRichebourg Affair, and when it found Saint-Georges. It is set during the vintage itself, itself a publisher, the deal was that it and a lot of the story is built round the wine had sequels. So far it has two, The harvest. There is of course some nasty Charlemagne Connection and now The skulduggery that goes on in one of the vineyards, Romanee Vintage.” which is what qualifies it to be a mystery.”

W

While his wine and crime series is suitable for most ages with no extreme language, with the violence happening 'offstage', his Peterborough based novel, 50 Miles from Anywhere, is a very different affair. With graphic violence from the outset and bad language throughout this gritty x-rated tale about the city was written under his pseudonym, Michael Cayzer.

Next to be released is a standalone novel set in East Anglia with the working title of North Sea Rising which is due out next spring with another in his mystery series, A German Crossing, by the end of 2018.

We’ve told you about several Peterborough authors who’ve had books published recently and we bet there are plenty more budding writers in the city so does he have any tips?

“Read it out loud to yourself, and be prepared to share it with a respected editor and allow them to pull it apart so that it can be put together better,” advises Richard.

“Between the lot of you, you will write a better book. My advice if you get stuck, just write, and be prepared not to use any of the stuff you have just written. You may use it one day!”

A lot of support needed for Little Miracles Alongside writing for ESP Magazine, I am a Fundraising Manager for Little Miracles.

Perhaps you’re yet to hear about this wonderful cause?

Little Miracles Mikey Clarke is a local charity that supports families that have children with additional needs, disabilities and life limiting conditions.

They offer everything from fun free play sessions at their centre (The Spinney – based at Hartwell Way, Peterborough), home education, outdoor days and activities (such as Disney and Legoland), counselling

services, OT therapy and behavioural therapy for families in need. The list goes on! Just like everyone else, the children of Little Miracles need a place to play, laugh and create friendships. The charity provides this whilst the families are able to access the advice, support and care that they deserve.

One of the most rewarding things about working for Little Miracles has been talking to the families to find out first-hand how the charity makes a huge difference to their lives. During my very first day in the job, I joined everyone at Bounce Trampoline Park – which the charity hires out every Monday night purely for the Little Miracles families. One parent told me, “My son loses his confidence in the school playground because he gets a lot of stares. He’s truly himself here

because everyone is in the same boat. Nobody bats an eyelid regardless of whatever disability a child has.”

Another parent said, “We’re looking forward to going to the panto this Christmas. My family went with the charity last year.

With Little Miracles filling out the entire seating area, nobody cared about disruptions. Everyone had a great time.”

All trips are paid for by the centre as well as transport to and from with just a small donation per family required. Fundraising is vital to the charity’s survival and to continue the great level of support that it provides to the families.

Little Miracles have lots planned this Christmas – including a coach trip to Winter

Wonderland, the panto (for 680 people!), ice skating, festive craft making, baking, parties, etc.

They’re also hoping to buy gifts for each of the children. The charity’s looking for donations to fund this and much, much more.

It costs around £10 to pay for a Christmas present, £100 for a day’s Arts & Crafts with lunch, £500 to send 200 children ice skating and £5,440 to send 680 to the panto.

So, if you’d like to help in any way please contact me on michael.clarke@littlemiracles charity.org.uk.

On behalf of myself, the team at Little Miracles and the families they support… thank you in advance!

Mikey Clarke

Merry Christmas… and a Happy New Year? Little Miracles are also on the lookout for Charity of the Year support in 2018. As your fundraising manager, there’s plenty I’d be able to do to make your fundraising efforts as simple, effective and fun as possible. To discuss this further email michael.clarke@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk or call 07954 724031. www.espmag.co.uk

35

HEALTH

Proudly sponsored by

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

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

Celebrity hair and makeup artist

John Lewis Move for Movember Beauty Evening Last month, I popped down to the John Lewis beauty evening to see what’s in store for the Christmas period. A wonderfully welcoming sight were the Christmas trees already sparkling and decorated on the ground floor – getting us straight into the Christmas spirit. I saw the lovely Kimberley on the Liz Earle Counter, who explained loads more about their winter signature service. Anyone can go along and book in with her for a facial or make up trial. So, I did just that.

I had a cleanse and polish facial, which is suitable for all skin types. Their products are made of natural ingredients and are suitable for all ages. My favourite products include the skin tonic, which doesn’t have any alcohol and is like a drink for the skin. I was also treated to a cucumber cooling spitz spray perfect for staying fresh, and a Superskin eye cream, which is great for a quick fix for puffy and tired eyes. They all felt and smelt amazing, I was nearly asleep on the chair!

Kimberly passed on some great hints on how to apply eye cream.

Apparently by applying just round the edge of your eye, around the eyebrow and cheeks is all you need, and your eye will absorb what it needs from there.

The Liz Earle Superskin range is generally a must have for 30 something’s like me who want to slow the ticking clock.

They also have a small but great selection of makeup products worth checking out, great stocking fillers too.

It’s that time of year again where more Peterborough men than usual end up with a bushy beard. Great news for us girls if you like a chap with a ‘tache. However, this Movember, everyone can get involved with the ‘Move for Movember’ campaign. It’s simple: Set a distance goal at the start of the month, and walk, run, cycle or swim your way to acheive it. You can raise much needed funds for men’s health whilst you’re at it and get yourself fit before Christmas. Myself and the other half are giving it a go! Follow my Twitter updates on how we are getting on at RachaelHannahC.

Christmas treat for your hair Philip Kingsley has the perfect idea for anyone starting their Christmas shopping early!

Whether it's for the friend who has everything or a treat for you, there are many new things to check out.

Here at ESP we were delighted to be sent some preview products. We loved the winter hairwishes gift set. It comes with an amazing makeup bag in a beautiful dark blue, and comes with all the essentials to revive tired Christmas party hair. It includes an elasticizer, shampoo, moistening conditioner and plumping cream. And it’s a bargain at £55. Plus you don’t even have to go all the way to London to get it, as Marks and Sparks will be stocking these festive treats!

Next Month’s Preview In next month’s column, I’m very excited to be bringing you an ESP personal review of one of the wonderful day packages on offer at Ragdale Hall. So, if you are unsure what to get that special loved one this Christmas, this might just be the inspiration you need! Make sure you look out for this to see what a wonderful time I had.

Specialist in hair and makeup for all occasions, working with national press and TV.

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36 www.espmag.co.uk

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Karen Devine’s

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Well Being

Out with the old and in with the new (you)

Help your body By increasing your fibre intake from root and other veggies, some naturally gluten free grains such as quinoa, millet, buckwheat (gluten can be very sticky for the bowel), as well as fruits/seeds and nuts you will help the bowels peristalsis (movement) to help clear its wastes. You can also consider a bowel cleansing herbal formula or even a colonic (I have an offer on colonics below for November only). Also increase your water intake if you know you are slipping back on drinking enough.

To help the lungs, take some deep breaths out in nature, fill the lungs full of air to oxygenate your body. Exercise each day, dance, power walk, yoga or whatever it is that you like to help strengthen the lungs.

We want the colon to expel its wastes efficiently and for the lung to breath in new life. Shedding the old makes way for the new.

Having just taken a couple of days off to give the house a really good clear out with numerous trips to the tip and charity shops I cannot help but notice how ‘clear’ my mental

“When we have a good clear out on a physical level, the mental and emotional clarity often follows.” vision has become. When we have a good clear out on a physical level, the mental and emotional clarity often follows. For me the late autumn is about prepping for the winter months ahead (which does not technically begin until mid December ) I naturally feel as you will that autumn is a little like the spring in that we naturally want to clear out what we no longer need.

It’s a time when Mother Nature sheds what she no longer needs, think of the leaves falling from the trees which then nourish the soil ready for growth in the spring. We feel that need for shedding too in

Help your mind

order to become more creative in our lives. Just clearing our thoughts can be so freeing. Autumn is a great time to clear out negativity in our lives so what can you do to work with these natural cycles/energies?

There is a little work to do here but the rewards that lay on the other side are well worth it and include clarity, improved vision for yourself, relief from carrying old baggage either physically, mentally or emotionally as you release what no longer serves you.

The two organs associated with the autumn time according to the Chinese Five Elements are the colon (large intestine) and the lung. You may have noticed a change in bowels, maybe a bit sluggish or you naturally feel they need a bit of a cleanse. Or you may feel there is heaviness in the chest area or you are feeling a lot of old grief surfacing?

In health, Karen

Go through your room, house, car, office, handbag, purse, sports bag etc and clear out the junk, sell, give away or throw away what you no longer need. Dead plants? Revive them or compost them.

Help your emotions The emotion connected to the autumn season is grief, have you noticed this past few weeks you feel a deep or niggling grief.

Grief does not always represent a death of a loved one, but it can be a loss of you, who you are, what you were, or a loss of creative energy within yourself.

If you take some time in a quiet place, really feel the heaviness you have inside, you will most likely feel heavy in the heart/chest area.

Write down what comes up for you, seek help from friends/therapist to support you with this. Cry if you need to, just release, let go and let it out, be at one with the natural cycles of nature. It’s all part of this life cycle we go through. Allow the lungs to release the old hurts/grief that no longer serve you.

**ESP READER OFFER**

For November only – 1 colonic £45 If you would like to join one of my talks I have one coming up on Monday November 6.

Please contact me for more details, www.karendevine.co.uk.

38 www.espmag.co.uk

Protect yourself from flu Flu, a highly infectious illness, spreads rapidly through coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus.

A

nyone can get flu and for most people it is an unpleasant self-limiting illness lasting about a week. However for some people at risk flu can be very serious and can give rise to complications such as pneumonia and lead to hospitalisation and even death, so it is very important to protect those people from flu infection.

Flu vaccination protects those at risk. You are eligible to receive a free flu vaccine if you: • are aged 65 years and over • are pregnant (at any stage of pregnancy) • are living in long-stay residential care home/facility • are a carer • are Health and Social Care staff • are a child aged 2, 3 and 4 (using a nasal vaccine) • are a child in school years 1, 2 and 3 (using a nasal vaccine) • are aged 6 months to 65 years with a long-term health condition (chronic respiratory disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, diabetes, immunosuppression) As flu usually circulates during the winter, the earlier you can have it the better. The vaccine is changed each year to take account of the latest circulating strains of influenza virus.

The vaccine is available through GP practices for all those at risk and for children aged 2 to 4 years. For adults at risk groups it is also available from pharmacies. Children in Reception class and years 1 to 4 will receive the nasal vaccine in school.

Photos: Mike Harris

darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk

d ’ p p a r T Riddle me this! You’re in a small room, surrounded by clues, red herrings and distractions, the clock is ticking, the pressure mounts, you fumble and panic, will you escape within the hour or will you remain Trapp’d?!

We were briefed in reception, one of us handed a walkie talkie, then blindfolded and lead into the room to face our challenges. Upon instruction we removed our blindfold to find ourselves in a slightly surreal environment with a lot going on around us and no idea where to start.

We scattered to find clues, use the props, read hidden messages and try to work out what we had to do to solve one puzzle after another to win our way out of the room. It’s surprising how a little bit of pressure can make you fumble over otherwise simple things, I even botched a simple maths question simply by misreading it and asking myself the wrong question. This set us back a bit but I’m glad to say it didn’t stop us, the team solved one puzzle, question and clue after the other and we made it out unscathed despite perhaps realising we may not have been alone all the time we were in there…

We had a great, intense time and are definitely looking forward to taking on Red Rock and also a third room they plan to add, but no clues were given about what theme this will take on. Being located next to the dog track makes it well-placed as a fun addition to a night out, either before or after. Peterborough is the third location for Trapp’d who already run others in Northampton and Corby and it’s great for puzzlers of all ages to laugh and panic together for an off-the-wall experience. www.trappd.com

I

t’s a slight challenge to write about what happened when I visited Trapp’d, based at the Peterborough Greyhound Stadium without giving too much away, I wouldn’t want to spoil it after all.

Trapp’d is a brain-bending new place in town, set up to test your wits under pressure, you and your team of up to six will need to be quick-thinking, puzzlesolving, clue-collecting and clock-racing in order to work your way out of the themed experience rooms before your time is up.

We took on the Madame Curio's Cirque Delirium, the other room we’ll go back for is the western themed The Outlaws of Red Rock.

For even more news and events, check out our website 40 www.espmag.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

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.

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

The ESP Comedy Guide Sarah Slack brings us the ESP guide to where the laughs are at this month…

It’s Byrne’s Night at the Cresset As seen on Mock the Week and countless other popular panel shows, established Irish stand-up Ed Byrne will be bringing his brand new show to the Cresset on Saturday November 4. With Peterborough being one of his first destinations, we caught up with Ed to talk curries, chainsaws and childhood memories...

Thanks for giving ESP a chance to talk to you Ed. Firstly, what’s the deal with the chainsaw on your poster?!

“It’s one of two I own: that one is the smaller of the two. The first time I used one I was fine, though I think it worried my parents that I had bought a chainsaw.”

Peterborough’s one of your first stops before you travel the rest of the UK on your biggest tour to date. What can audiences expect when they come to your show?

“On the first leg of the tour l’ll do about an hour and 15 minutes, plus I’ll have a support act. I keep a tour diary now of places where the curries are disappointing and where they are good and where audiences have been good before.”

John Bishop Plays Two Nights in Peterborough

Tickets available on 01733 265705.

Is this because your parents were strict growing up?

“I grew up in what I would call an aspirational household in that my parents bettered themselves over the course of my childhood. My mother was a radiographer and ended up a lecturer in radiography, while my dad was a sheet metal worker and went up to a supervisory role.”

Bishop is best known for his appearances on A League of Their Own, Live at the Apollo and his current chat show In Conversation With, where he meets a different celebrity guest every week in front of a live studio audience.

Bishop’s two-night tenancy is just one of the many huge comedy gigs coming to the arena in the future, with Jason Manford, Bill Bailey and Jasper Carrott confirmed to play in 2018.

Photo: Roslyn Gaunt

Your new show Spoiler Alert is about the different styles and different ways people can learn to become a parent.

Do you think you’ve nailed parenting yet yourself?

“I’d still say that you are expected to do a lot more parenting than our parents did and that’s a weird thing because you tend to think that your parents are where you learned parenting from. But you don’t, really, it’s more that you look around you to see what’s going on with other parents.”

Headlining back to back gigs at the East of England Arena this month will be none other than Scouse comedy superstar John Bishop, who will be entertaining packed audiences on both Wednesday November 22 and Thursday November 23.

With a limited number of tickets still available, make sure you don’t miss out by booking your tickets from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, although we’re sure this won’t be Bishop’s Farewell (a little something for Oakham Ales fans there…)

For even more news and events, check out our website 42 www.espmag.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

Comedy Gig Guide NOV

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NOV

10

NOV

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NOV

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VOODOO STANDS UP Headlining this month’s comedy club at the Voodoo Lounge in Stamford will be much-loved funnyman Patrick Monahan, winner of ITV comedy competition Show Me the Funny. He’ll be joined by Mark Grist, a previous Poet Laureate for Peterborough and best known for his rap battles and viral videos on YouTube, including ‘Girls Who Read’ which has over 3 million views. Advance tickets are £9 or £10 on the door, email michael@mamaliz.co.uk.

A PINT OF COMEDY Head to Stamford Arts Centre for their comedy evening in The Cellar Bar this month and you’ll have a chance to see a headline set from 2016’s English Comedian of the Year Josh Pugh, who’s just returned from debuting his first solo show ‘A Boy Named Pugh’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The evening will also star Lindsey Santoro, a firm favourite on the Midlands comedy circuit and a semi-finalist in 2016’s BBC New Comedy Awards. Tickets available on 01780 763203.

MILTON JONES Expect surreal one-liners and an hour of absurd observations when Milton Jones comes to the Cresset with his brand new show ‘Milton Jones is Out There’. With limited tickets available, lovers of puns and daft humour should book their seats fast to guarantee an evening of hilarity from ‘the best one-liner merchant in British comedy’ (Chortle). Tickets available on 01733 265705.

JAYDE ADAMS Known for her natural charisma and impressive musical talents, you won’t want to miss this month’s comedy club at the Key Theatre thanks to its fantastic headliner Jayde Adams, who was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Awards. There’ll also be support from musical comedienne Carly Smallman and BBC New Comedy Award finalist Pete Otway. Tickets available on 01733 207239.

PHILL JUPITUS Join stand-up comedian, poet, improviser, and TV stalwart Phill Jupitus for over an hour of tales, laughs and diversions at the Stamford Corn Exchange. As previously seen on QI and most well known for being the longest-running team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, watch in delight and/or horror as this experienced funny man drags laughs out of the chaos of his own life and the uncertain world that surrounds it.

Tickets available on 01780 766455.

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB This month’s comedy club will be headlined by master of one-liners Mark Simmons, who’s previously supported both Seann Walsh and Rob Beckett on their national tours and is known for his silly puns and talented jokewriting. Joining him will be Joe Jacobs, a previous Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year finalist, alongside Canadian comic Paul Myrehaug and popular compere Phil Dinsdale.

Tickets available on 01733 265705.

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS Fabulous Firework Fiesta

Peterborough Lions RFC

Peterborough’s largest organised display returns to the East of England Arena with another spectacular event raising funds for local charities.

Firework Fiesta has been going for over 40 years and never disappoints.

The show will include a live stage show, a larger fair, side shows, stands and food outlets so what a great way to kickstart bonfire night. The event’s being held on Saturday November 4 and you can buy tickets either before the event or on the night.

For more information visit the website www.fireworkfiesta.com.

The club stages its always impressive ninth annual firework display at Solstice Park, Flaxland in Bretton on Sunday November 5. Gates open 5pm with a BBQ, funfair and licensed bar.

Discounted advance tickets available from Sainsburys Bretton Customer Service Desk or they’ll be be £4 for adults, £2.50 for kids and £10 for a family on the gate.

Springfields Spalding The outlet shopping centre always puts on an amazing display and this year their fireworks spectacular will be set to songs form the musicals of stage and screen. It’s all happening on Thursday November 2 in the Festival Gardens, gates open at 6pm and the fireworks go off at 8pm. Book online at www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk/ events.

Stamford Kiwanis Fireworks Bonanza Stamford and District Kiwanis have organised another spectacular event with a truly giant sized bonfire being held on Saturday November 4 raising cash for local charities. There’ll be children’s entertainment, hot food and mulled wine and it takes place at Stamford Welland Academy. Gates open at 5pm with free parking. The bonfire will be lit at 6pm with the massive fireworks display starting around 30 minutes later. Entrance £5 for adults and £2 children.

PRUFC Fairytale Fireworks The rugby club guys might be known for being tough on the pitch but this year their fireworks event at their Fengate ground will have a friendly fairytale feel.

On Friday November 3 there’ll be fireworks to music from 7.30pm with the bonfire lit at 7pm. There’ll be food, face painting a bar and fairytale characters. Advance tickets are £5 for adults or £7 on the gate, £3 for children or £5 on the gate and a family ticket will be £12 in advance or £18 on the night. Visit www.prufc.com or call 01733 569413.

Baston Fireworks Display The popular Baston fireworks event is back again on Brudnell Playing Fields on Sunday November 5.

As well as a fun fair and food court there’ll be two separate firework displays. The children's firework display will come first with not as many big bangs followed by the main firework extravaganza accompanied by theme music to make it all the more dramatic.

You must have a ticket to attend this one so make sure you get yours from Baston Post Office and www.bastonfireworks.com.

Dobbies Fireworks The garden centre at Hampton will be staging a display this year on Friday November 3 from 6pm 8.30pm. You can enjoy street food and fireworks for £6 or a full supper in the restaurant and fireworks for £12.

This family event will be an evening of delicious food, show stopping fireworks displays, shopping and more. For details visit www.dobbies.com.

Bourne Fireworks The annual event returns on Saturday November 4 at the Manning Road sports field. For the third year running, Bourne Abbey Primary Academy PTFA has teamed up with Bourne District Round Table to bring you a dazzling main display but an additional quieter children's display provided by Phenomenal Fireworks. There will also be live music and entertainment, Round Table Beer Tent, Groovy Foods and much more.

Werrington Fireworks Werrington Scout and Guide Council and Werrington Primary School, will be putting on another great display on Saturday November 4 on the school playing field, in Amberley Slope, from 6.15pm with the fireworks starting at 7pm.

Yaxley Fireworks Head over to the Three Horseshoes on Main Street on Saturday November 4 for this annual display organised by Yaxley Scouts and Guides. Gates open at 6pm and the professional fireworks start at 7pm, plus there’ll be a bonfire, food, licensed bar and stalls.

Castor and Ailsworth Fireworks Fiesta There’ll be a professional Firework Display on Friday November 3 by 1605 Fireworks and a licensed bar, hot food and fun. The gates open at 6.30pm, bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and fireworks will begin at 8pm at the Castor Cricket Club.

Skylark Fireworks Spectacular Skylark Garden Centre in Wimblington brings us a fireworks to music spectacular with East Anglia's biggest bonfire on Saturday November 4. Visit www.skylarkevents.co.uk for all the details.

www.espmag.co.uk

43

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POSH PAGE

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

Photos: theposh.com

That last sentence seems unrealistic, but I assure you, I had to take Shearer from the dressing room, through a big crowd into our old media centre. Lovely guy to be fair, even if he had scored from what can only be described as a ‘debatable’ penalty kick.

I have been working for Peterborough United Football Club for over 16 years now and during that time I can honestly say that every year, the Emirates FA Cup always creates that little tinge of excitement.

I have tasted wonderful press hospitality at White Hart Lane and Stamford Bridge, but came out on the losing side by quite some margin in the games and I’ve been on the other side of the coin when dealing with the baying media after a shock defeat to nonleague Kidderminster Harriers in a replay at the ABAX Stadium.

ow I am realistic, the chances of us winning the FA Cup are equivalent to me winning the EuroMillions (and boy do I try), but it is that slim chance of having a good run in the competition that always brings with it that unpredictability.

Everyone has memories of the FA Cup. It might be in testing times with Premier League sides throwing reserve XI’s into the mix because of their determination to focus on the league, but I have no doubt that for the supporters, the magic is still there.

In fact, I would say some of the best experiences in my time as press officer at the ABAX Stadium have come in the FA Cup. I remember in my first couple of years at the club facing Newcastle United in a game that was televised live on Sky Sports.

We face National League side Tranmere Rovers at the start of this month (November 4 to be exact) and the adventure begins again. I’m determined to taste a cup tie at Old Trafford in my lifetime, but do you know what, the best third round tie these days would be Tottenham away – they play at Wembley now remember, why get to the final when the third round pretty much secures it for your supporters?

N

Barry Fry had done some wonderful pre-match photographs in a top hat and I remember thinking at the time, he either really loves this competition or doubles up as a wedding crasher. We might have lost that game (4-2 as I recall), but it gave wonderful moments from David Farrell’s superb solo effort to get the tie back to 2-2, to me personally becoming Alan Shearer’s bodyguard.

I will never get the chance to play at Wembley, but I have lifted the FA Cup (on a visit, security allowed me too) and not many can say that. Unless this year is our year….

Phil Adlam

Commercial, food and product photography, business portraits, press and PR

5 Station Road, Ailsworth, Peterborough, PE5 7AH

LocalEvents

I’m Steaming of a White Christmas

Photo: Kevin McElhone

This year a local Christmas tradition reaches its latest milestone.

The Nene Valley Railway celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Santa Specials. ESP’s Marc Hernandez looks back…

W

ay back in 1977 as everyone waited for that year’s Morecambe & Wise recordbreaking Christmas Special, staff and volunteers at the newly opened Nene Valley Railway (NVR) launched their first ever festive train service. Ever since, the Santa Specials have become a rite of passage for thousands of local families as dedicated staff and volunteers ensure visitors receive a steam hauled experience like no other.

Kevin McElhone, one of the founding members of the NVR forwarded me this fantastic photo he took from Christmas 1979 and recalled what he was doing at the NVR in the build up to Christmas ‘77…

“I helped wrap girls’ dolls in Wansford station building that first year! Besides being a guard I also served the sherry – from a bottle into glasses on a tray, very tricky on the wobbly 4-cor set as no trollies were used on the ‘Santas’ at the start.

Supermarket trollies were too wide and had to be cut and welded to make them fit!"

Meanwhile Doreen Foster who ran Orton Mere station has fond memories

also and told me – “We used to have a lovely time with all the families and kiddies meeting Santa. One year we all dressed up as Snow White and the seven dwarfs, but nobody wanted to be Grumpy as we were all enjoying ourselves so much.

“I remember serving sherry as well (to the adults). One year the brakes were jammed on and I ended up with a whole bottle down my outfit. I had to go home and get changed as everyone thought I’d been on the stuff!

“Then another time Rev Richard Paten was cleaning the outside of the Wagon Lit dining car with a hosepipe. I had all my mince-pies laid out on the tables inside when a gush of water came through an open window soaking them all. We had to put them back in the oven to dry them out!"

From humble beginnings, the NVR’s Santa Specials have blossomed into a well organised and brilliantly run Christmas experience. Having visited other railways around this time of year, I’m in no doubt that the NVR’s Santa Specials are one of the most special. Each year builds on the last, and even if you’ve visited before there are plenty of new touches added that reward repeat visitors.

The continuing popularity means advance booking is absolutely essential, so don’t be left behind!

Visit: www.nvr.org.uk/events/satntaspecials or phone 01780 782833 / 01780 784444 – between 9.30 and 3.30pm.

NVR Christmas Shopping Experience & Christmas Market To celebrate the start of this year’s Santa Specials, the NVR are holding a festive shopping experience on Friday November 24 from 5pm - 9pm and a Christmas Market on Saturday November 25 from 2.30pm 6.30pm there’ll be lots of Christmas gift ideas on sale for all ages, with a bus shuttle service from Stamford bus station to Wansford and return on Saturday. For full details visit www.nvr.org.uk/events/nvrchristmas-market.

Sarah Pigott, general manager told ESP – "It’s an ideal opportunity to pick up some lovely Christmas presents from our gift shop including railway and Thomas themed, a great selection of Dad’s Army gifts and stocking fillers. There will also be a small selection of independent stalls including home made fudge, hand made pet bandanas and beds, and an antiques stall.”

For a small charge, items bought in the shop can also be wrapped in Nene Valley tissue paper and Nene Valley gift bags.

People can call in on their way back from work or even make an evening of it on Friday November 24 and bring a group of friends. You can also book a table in the Turntable Café for a homemade light supper.

Two courses £10, three courses £12.50.

To book a table call: 01780 784444.

For even more news and events, check out our website 45 www.espmag.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

NIGHTlife

Your guide to the night time scene

THANK FUNK IT’S FRIDAY There’s a new night at the Brewery Tap this month which should please the Old School crowd of townies. Thank Funk it’s Friday with resident DJ Eddie Nash bringing you hits from back in the days of Shanghai Sams, L’Aristos and Canters, check out their great drinks deals behind the bar. Join Eddie from 9pm - 2am on Friday November 3 and Friday November 10. Free entry.

URBAN CLASSICS

SECONDCITY @ SOLSTICE The next SolGarden Terrace Sessions see one of the most popular dance DJ’s on the circuit make his debut appearance at the venue on Saturday November 4.

SecondCity will be performing live in SolGarden alongside resident DJ’s Phil Drummond, Alex Vacca, Zoe Roberts & Steve Andrews for another unforgettable night.

Secondcity’s 2014 release I Wanna Feel has amassed over 30 million plays on Spotify alone, the track picked up support from the likes of Skream, Annie Mac & Zane Lowe and received his first ever UK Number 1. Recent years have seen releases with the like of Nic Fanciulli, Sasha & Carl Cox Lables.

Aside from his impressive production skills, SecondCity

has been taking his sound all over the world playing some of the most exciting parties with an Ibiza Residency at Abode.

On the night there’ll be four rooms for music with loads going on throughout the night with confetti bombs, CO2 cannons, extra sound & light and loads more.

In Eden it’ll be The Eclectic Ballroom, in the Solstice Main Room it’s DJ Soape and in Harry's Bar DJ Kizzy.

It’s on from 9pm until 4am, grab your tickets on www.residentadvisor.net/ events/1026638.

Fresh off the back of its first birthday event the next Urban Classics night at The Solstice is on Friday November 17.

Their resident DJ team of Mr Lion, Supa-T, DJ BDS & T-Rex will keep the tunes coming. These nights have been a huge hit with hundreds packing out the dancefloor in the SolGarden every month, making it one of the best urban nights in the city.

SOUL COLLECTIVE Soul fans can get their next fix at the Brewery Tap’s Tap Room with the return of the Soul Collective on Friday November 3.

Guest DJ's Michael Gudge (Banbury, Ease Your Mind) and Ian Pass join the residents for the last one of the year. They’ll be returning next year though with more 70's rare groove, soul through to modern soul.

SATURDAY NIGHT GROOVE DJ Rick Allen brings you a great selection of hits from the 70s to today, accompanied by videos on the large screen. Join him for Saturday Night Groove at the Brewery Tap on Saturday November 4 and Saturday November 11. From 9pm – late.

Free entry.

NEW PARTY NIGHTS @ THE TAP It’s time to get your party started with the Brewery Tap’s new Thursday Party Nights. Resident DJ Rick Allen, will get you up on the floor with a disco and karaoke from 9pm – 1am on Thursdays November 2, 9, 23 and 30. Free entry.

BUBBLE REUNION? Look out for details of a potential Bubble Reunion Event on Friday November 25 at The Solstice. Details hadn’t been fully confirmed but Marc Jameson and guests look set to play in the SolGarden.

KISS FM Kiss FM's Steve Smart is back in the building on Friday November 3 for his monthly residency at The Solstice.

Steve is one of Kiss FM’s top DJ’s and showcases the hottest new dance music to the nation presenting the start to the Kiss Weekend with Friday Night Kiss (7-10pm) and Saturday Night Kiss (8pm-11pm) across the UK on the Kiss Network.

You can catch him on the first Friday of each month in the boro as he’s the new resident DJ in the SolGarden. He will be joined by their resident DJ Alex Vacca and the party carries on until the early hours.

It’s free entry until 11pm and more after, make sure you arrive early.

46 www.espmag.co.uk

WHAT THE FUNK! Funky tunes every Saturday at Charters from 9.30pm. Expect the finest in funk, jazz, soul, disco, grooves and beyond.

SO DOPE WAZE & ODYSSEY The Mixology guys have announced Waze & Odyssey will be their big attraction on Friday December 1 in Red Room on Broadway. They’re behind one of the biggest tracks of 2017, Down with Tha on Eats Everything's Edible Records! Support will come from regulars Dan Clare, Tom Skinner and James Chan. It’s on from 10pm – 5am and tickets for this one are just £5.

The next So Dope night will see one of the best female hip hop and R’n’B DJ’s head to the city.

Sassy Pandez will be on the decks on Friday November 10 at Edwards on Broadway.

THE ELM TREE TAVERN Garton End Road | Peterborough Sunday Lunches 12-4pm from £4.95* Booking advisable * small plate Bands – Entertainments – Quiz Nights November Events 2th November

PUB QUIZ EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT Live music every Friday night

Bingo starts at 8.30pm

Function Room - Free to hire for any occasions including birthday, funeral wakes and parties.

In house catering from £3.50 per head

18th November

Another Girl Another Planet

/bluebellpe4

6 The Green, Werrington, PE4 6RU

Contact details Tel 01733 358134

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

Keith says...

Nice to see a new band on my travels around the area and a couple of weeks ago I chanced upon Tumbling Dice.

They’re a three piece rock covers band majoring in Stones Kinks and Beatles classics, but seemed to be very keen fans of the music of The Who. That's always a delight to hear and the sound blend of the Tumbling Dice vocals and musicians was very enjoyable.

They’re making regular appearances at pubs and events in the Peterborough area so plenty of chances to look out for them.

Their next gig is on Saturday November 4 at The Crown on Lincoln Road.

Lexie Releases New Album

It’s great to see so many local acts getting signed and releasing their own material. Now Lexie Green & The Indigo Blue are the latest to bring out new material having just released a third album – Good Morning America.

Lexie is a regular on the local circuit, and beyond, and always gives a great performance – unsurprising considering she’s been practising since she was five when she used a tennis racket as a pretend guitar!

She made the decision way back then that when she grew up she wanted to be a country singer/song writer and 30 years on she’s lived up to that dream.

Sat at her kitchen table on a December evening after putting the kids to bed Lexie penned her first song.

Since then of course she’s replaced that tennis racket with a guitar and released several albums, built up a great fan base and been played on 6 Music and is out there performing her songs around the UK. Lexie says she sees herself primarily as a songwriter so it’s no surprise the album isn’t set in a concrete bond of country so you’ll hear in her album a mix of country, blues, folk and rock with an essence of soul and rock ‘n’ roll along the way.

Lexie’s written, recorded, mixed and produced the album with a talented group of musicians – The Indigo Blue – who are Sam Carter on drums, Kat Moore on fiddle/violin and Steve Wilson on bass guitar with John Wright making a guest appearance on electric guitar.

You can now download Good Morning America from all major digital streaming sites or grab a CD.

The Met Hosts 2 Homecoming Gigs

Two bands originally formed in Peterborough are heading back here for two gigs at the Met Lounge this month.

First up it’s your chance to catch Phoenix Calling, a 5 piece Brit rock band from Peterborough. The band members are Steven Chapman, Dominic Greenwood, Martyn Hilliam, Matt Cope and Jason Howard.

They signed to The Fort record label in October 2014 and released their highly acclaimed debut album, Forget Your Ghosts, in April 2015 followed by several successful single releases.

They received extensive airplay around the globe and videos were broadcast multiple times on Kerrang! TV and Scuzz.

The band has supported Young Guns on a number of occasions including here at the Cresset and have also shared the stage with the likes of Mallory Knox and Nothing But Thieves. They’ve headlined a number of regional festivals and supported The Vamps at Festival Too in 2016.

Now, Phoenix Calling kick off their UK tour on Saturday November 18 the day after their second album is released.

Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com.

Phoenix Calling Next up it’s The Wytches on Thursday November 23. The origins of this band came when Kristian Bell and Gianni Honey previously lived and played together here in Peterborough in a band called The Crooked Canes, (which the duo later dismissed as being "really adolescent and embarrassing"). Honey was taught by former Morrissey drummer Spike T. Smith and played in local bands, Through Fire This Fall, the Joy Division influenced The Proles and metalcore band Khalo.

When The Canes split Kristian and Gianni moved to Brighton to attend university and were joined on campus by bassist, Daniel Rumsey.

Together they formed The Wytches who are described as a threepiece surf-psych band. They’ve toured extensively over the five years since that meeting and album and single releases found them in big demand.

Tickets are available from www.juiceboxindie.com.

48 www.espmag.co.uk

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Live Soul And Motown Festive Night Out

The Conmitments

Steeleye Span @ The Key

A visit from Steeleye Span is very appropriate at this time of year. Their music always feels festive whether it’s All Around My Hat, Black Jack Davy or their Christmas hit Gaudete, and the electric folk rock band have entertained audiences for nearly 40 years.

Maddy Prior still fronts the band as they visit the Key Theatre on Monday November 20. They’ve added Benji Kirkpatrick from Bellowhead to augment their line up, and with the release of Dodgy B*stards, the 23rd studio album of their career they will have plenty of new material to feature alongside the classics from the seventies.

Steeleye Span still remain one of the most influential names in music. They were pioneers of folk-rock, they changed the face of that genre of music by bringing a vitality to an otherwise sedate folk music performance.

They’re good entertainment so grab your tickets from the Key box office on 01733 207239.

If you are a soul fan (and who isn’t?) here’s an idea for a great way to celebrate Christmas with a meal and a live soul show at The Stamford Corn Exchange.

The date is Saturday December 2 and the pre-show meal is in the Theatre Lounge situated in the cellar below. The entertainment comes from The Motown Sensations and The Conmitments who are coming to Stamford Corn Exchange for a night of fantastic music and festive entertainment.

The famed tribute show with full backing band plays the hits that millions know and love from The Commitments – including Mustang Sally, Try A Little Tenderness, Chain of Fools, Soul Man, Midnight Hour and countless others.

Drawing on some of the best musicians available who’ve performed for many years with the likes of the Robin Gibb band and Paul Weller – singers who’ve worked and sang with the originals from that great era of music, Martha Reeves and Edwin Starr – The Conmitments are now recognised as more than just a tribute, they’re a unique and original interpretation of the classic soul and Motown sound.

The night also includes The Sensations, a tribute to the Tamla Motown era of the sixties. The band has been performing professionally for the past twelve years in both the UK and Europe, recreating the classic sounds of The Temptations, The Supremes, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and many more.

The meal is optional but offers a nice little package, but whether you want the meal or just the show then the box office of The Stamford Corn Exchange is 01780 766455.

Blues Band Back in the Boro The ever popular Blues Band make their annual visit to Peterborough on Thursday November 16.

The venue this year is the Key Theatre and the band which was formed in 1979 consists of some very talented musicians who have plied their trade in other bands but got

together through a shared love of the Blues. It started when ex Manfred Mann group members, Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness got together, originally to play a few pub gigs.

Slide guitar ace and vocalist Dave Kelly was recruited, Gary Fletcher filled the bass post, Rob Townsend of Family fame replaced Hughie Flint in 1982 at the drums.

In the past 35 years the band’s played all around the world in venues ranging from intimate clubs through to civic halls and theatres, and have wowed festival audiences in many countries – including headline appearances at Glastonbury.

They've released 20 or so albums –

culminating in their current album release, Few Short Lines. The albums contain an excellent mix of classic blues tracks together with some original compositions from band members and this is also reflected in their concerts.

Despite performing thousands of gigs around the world in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, I find that every time I go and see these quality musicians, The Blues Band still enjoy delivering the music that they love and the fun reflects onto the audience.

See for yourself at the Key Theatre on Thursday November 16. Tickets are available from the box office on 01733 207239. www.espmag.co.uk

49

GUIDE gigs@espmag.co.uk If you want to get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

WED OCT 25 BACKROOM ACOUSTIC The Railway Inn, Ramsey OPEN MIC NIGHT The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

FRI OCT 27 BEN CALLANAN The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Brewery Tap, Westgate DESPERATE MEASURES The Crown, Lincoln Road DIZZY MISS LIZZYS Burghley Club, Burghley Road GROOVE CARTELL The Solstice, Northminster HOOKER The Ploughman, Werrington ICE CREAM HEADACHE + POLYPIN + BLUSHES Mama Liz's, Stamford JUNK PUPPETS The Ostrich, North Street LIVE MUSIC The Queen's Head, Queen Street LOOSE ROCKET The Mason's Arms,Bourne PARESIS + VIEON AND MORE The Brewery Tap, Westgate PORKY PIG The Crown, Lincoln Road RETROLUX Charters, Town Bridge THE TUNNEL The Fayre Spot, Bretton TRAVIS HADDIX + THE DAVE THOMAS BAND Village Hall, Castor WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

SAT OCT 28 BEACHY HEAD DIVING CLUB The Crown, Lincoln Road BLACK ROSE + FIRED UP + LIZZY ON THE LOOSE + THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN The PSL Club, Lincoln Road FRANKLY MY DEAR The Yard of Ale, Woodston HUSH Live and let Live, Downham Market MARK STEELE PLUS COMEDY CABARET The Braza Club, March PHOENIX Ebeneezers,Woodston RAMSHACKLE SERENADE The Heron, Stanground REVOLVER The Monster Mash by RDS Events, Ramsey RPM Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping THE NUGGETS The Ploughman,Werrington TRAVELLING RIVERSIDE BLUES BAND The Grainstore,Oakham

SUN OCT 29 AMY CLAIRE + BENJAMIN WILLIAM PIKE + HOLLY AND THE BOATMEN The Glasshouse, Key Theatre FRUMENTY (4PM) Mama Liz's, Stamford JACK LITTLE Puzzles?, Bridge Street

50 www.espmag.co.uk

MATTY HAYNES (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge

TUE OCT 31 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER The Blue Boar, Eye

WED NOV 1 OPEN MIC WITH BON ROGERS-WHITE The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

THU NOV 2 ANNA RADFORD Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH GRAHAM NUNN Mama Liz's, Stamford

FRI NOV 3 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road FRANKLY MY DEAR The Back Bull, Whittlesey LEFTOVAS The Fox Inn, Thrapston LIVE MUSIC The Queen's Head, Queen Street OOMPAHLIEVABLE The Burghley Club, Burghley Road RPM The British Arms, Irthlingborough TALLAWAH The Crown, Lincoln Road THE GUARDS (BEATLES NIGHT) Ebeneezers,Woodston THE OVERDUBS Charters, Town Bridge THE ROSE AFFAIR + GOLDEN BANTIC + FES + GOLDBLUME Mama Liz's, Stamford TORI LAMOUR The Peacock, London Road

SAT NOV 4 COURTYARD JUKEBOX Puzzles?, Bridge Street CRASH N BURN The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe DIRTY RUMOUR Kings Cliffe Club, Kings Cliffe KEITH LUCKEY Manor Bowls Club,Whittlesey RAMSHACKLE SERENADE The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road REVOLVER Bourne Fireworks Display, Bourne SON OF A GUN Ebeneezers, Woodston THE CLAIMED Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor THE HELIX The Angel Inn, Yarwell THE NO MARKS + DEADBEAT AT DAWN + BURNT TAPES + INCISIONS Mama Liz's, Stamford THE ONE EYED CATS The Burghley Club, Burghley Road TUMBLING DICE The Crown, Lincoln Road VELOCITY The Ploughman, Werrington

SUN NOV 5 AGI JAROCKA Puzzles?, Bridge Street

CHRISTIAN SMITH (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge LIVE MUSIC Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate MICHAEL KEITHSON Mama Liz's, Stamford OPEN MIC NIGHT Brewery Tap, Westgate

MON NOV 6 CJ HATT Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE NOV 7 ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER Millstone Inn, Barnack OPEN MIC WITH ANNA RADFORD Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

WED NOV 8 BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN The Railway,Ramsey JAZZ DUO Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate OPEN MIC WITH BON ROGERS-WHITE The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard PEMBROKE TENNESON The Fayre Spot, Bretton

THU NOV 9 THE LAZOONS Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

FRI NOV 10 BLACKSTAR REVOLUTION The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road CUTTIN LOOSE The Mason Arms, Bourne JOEL EVANS The Fayre Spot, Bretton LIVE MUSIC The Queen's Head, Queen Street OPAQUE Charters, Town Bridge UNLIMITED The Crown, Lincoln Road

SAT NOV 11 ACOUSTIC NIGHT Puzzles?, Bridge Street CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Solstice, Northminster FAZ FARROW AND PELOTON The Ostrich, North Street JOHN QUINN Yard of Ale, Oundle Road JUNK PUPPETS The Stage, Market Deeping RAMSHACKLE SERENADE Ebeneezers, Woodston RESISTANCE 77 + MARCH TO THE GRAVE Mama Liz's, Stamford REVOLVER The Golden Fleece, Stamford ROCKET '57 The Crown, Lincoln Road SOUL FX BAND The Burghley Club, Burghley Road THE GUARDS London Inn, Stamford THE JUNK PUPPETS The Stage, Market Deeping THE OUTLAW EAGLES The Dragon, Werrington

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor VELOCITY The Dragonfly, Orton

SUN NOV 12 KAT & IAN Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate PENNYLESS (4PM) Mama Liz's, Stamford STEEL UNION (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge THE TINDERBOX Puzzles?, Bridge Street

MON NOV 13 MARK BISHOP Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate SONGWRITERS NIGHT WITH STEVE GIBBS The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

TUE NOV 14 OPEN MIC WITH ANNA RADFORD Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

WED NOV 15 GEORGIA EVANS Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate OPEN MIC WITH BON ROGERS-WHITE The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard VELOCITY The Fayre Spot, Bretton

THU NOV 16 DANNY SHACKELL Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate FUNK SOUL BROTHER Grainstore Brewery, Oakham THE BLUES BAND Key Theatre, Embankment

HELEN SMITH Mama Liz's, Stamford JORDON POOLE Puzzles?, Bridge Street KEITH LUCKEY The Frothblowers, Storrington Way MEG MCPARTLIN (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge RESONATE Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

DIRTY RUMOURS The Hurdler, Stamford GRUMPY OLD MEN The Heron, Stanground HOLLY & THE BOATMEN The Railway,Ramsey MIND THE GAP Yard of Ale, Oundle Road RAMSHACKLE SERENADE The Ostrich Inn, North Street RETROLUX The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe SKYFIGHT Puzzles?, Bridge Street THE CHILLIS The Ploughman, Werrington THE DEPPS The Burghley Club, Burghley Road THE EXPLETIVES The Crown, Lincoln Road VARIOUS ARTISTS The Great Whyte, Ramsey VELOCITY The Golden Fleece, Stamford

MON NOV 20

SUN NOV 26

THE MONEY SHOT Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor THE NUGGETS The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe THE UPSETS The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe TRUE 90'S The Crown,Lincoln Road VARIOUS ARTISTS (1-4PM) St Andrews Hall, Whittlesey

SUN NOV 19

ANNA & JIMMY Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate STEELEYE SPAN Key Theatre, Embankment

TUE NOV 21 OPEN MIC WITH ANNA RADFORD Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate OPEN MIC WITH THE BOATMEN AND PHIL Q The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

WED NOV 22 BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN The Railway,Ramsey OPEN MIC WITH BON ROGERS-WHITE The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

FRI NOV 17

THU NOV 23

LIVE MUSIC The Queen's Head, Queen Street REVOLVER The Church Keys, Boston SUBWAY 77 The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road THE ONE EYED CATS The Fayre Spot, Bretton THE OUTLAW EAGLES Lakeside Bar, Tallington TIGER CLUB The Crown, Lincoln Road

LIVE MUSIC Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate THE WYTCHES The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

SAT NOV 18 CHRISTIAN SMITH Puzzles?, Bridge Street DIRTY RUMOUR The Grainstore, Oakham HOOKER The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road KEITH LUCKEY (2PM) The Fan Zone, Peterborough United FC NEW GENERATION CRASH N BURN Fletton, Stanground and Woodston Ex service and Working Mens Club, High Street PHOENIX CALLING The Met Lounge, Bridge Street THE GUARDS The Ostrich, North Street THE INTRUDERS The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

FRI NOV 24 ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey CARPARK RENDEZVOUS The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road FRANKLY MY DEAR The Ostrich, North Street GO WITH THE FLOW The Crown, Lincoln Road IAN & KAT The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard LEFTOVAS The Mason's Arms, Bourne LIVE MUSIC The Queen's Head, Queen Street TALLAWAH Charters, Town Bridge THE GANGSTERS The Solstice, Northminster THE HOUNDOGS + THE OUTSIDERS Mama Liz's, Stamford

SAT NOV 25 BRITANNIA ROW The Angel Inn, Yarwell CUTTIN LOOSE Boston Bowl, Boston

DAVE SMITH (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge JIMMY & RUSS Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate LEXIE GREEN + SOUNDPOST + JOSHUA ARDY FRANCIS The Glasshouse, Key Theatre SAPPHIRE HENSON Puzzles?, Bridge Street

MON NOV 27 SALMON DAVE Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE NOV 28 OPEN MIC WITH ANNA RADFORD Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER The Blue Boar, Eye

WED NOV 29 NICOLE LAWRENCE The Fayre Spot, Bretton OPEN MIC WITH BON ROGERS-WHITE The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

THU NOV 30 THE RAINMEN Pizza Parlour and Music Cafe, Cowgate

FRI DEC 1 ANNA & JACK The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Cock Inn, Werrington HALO The Cross Keys, Oundle Road LIVE MUSIC The Queen's Head, Queen Street STORMBRINGER + BLACK HAWK DOWN + NUMB + LEWIS SPEIRS Mama Liz's, Stamford SUBWAY 77 The Crown, Lincoln Road TOM WRIGHT BAND The Fayre Spot, Bretton