ESP September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 Issue 229

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Una Healy Feature

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LITTLE MIRACLES ARE QUEENSGATE’S CHARITY OF THE YEAR!

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

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

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

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It’s good to see another smaller local charity is set to benefit from the support of Queeensgate this year.

Little Miracles is the Shopping Centre’s charity of the year for 2018/19.

Last year the centre’s support gave Anna’s Hope invaluable awareness and managed to raise a whopping £11,100.

Now Little Miracles, a charity that supports families that have children with additional needs, disabilities and lifelong conditions is set to reap the benefits. Just like everyone else, these children and their families need a place to play, laugh and create friendships which Little Miracles helps to provide through their ten centres across the East of England.

There’s already a Little Miracles sensory room inside the centre but during the next year, Queensgate will use all its resources available to support the charity and will help host in the centre fundraising events and engage with the local community to raise funds and awareness. This money will help the charity to continue to help and improve the lives of the families that have children with additional needs. www.littlemiracles charity.org.uk

GRANTS BRING FITNESS TRAIL A STEP CLOSER A new ‘trim trail’ to give adults and children a fun way to boost their fitness is on its way to Jubilee Park in Deeping St James.

It includes a series of outdoor gym equipment spread around the grassy open space, a community area which already has a children’s play park.

South Kesteven District Councillors Judy Stevens and Phil Dilks have each donated £330 from their respective Ward Member Grants to help the £12,600 project become a reality.

The project could get off the ground this autumn, helping to improve the park’s standing as a leisure destination in the area, making it more familyfriendly and at the same time reduce antisocial behaviour.

PANTO AUDITIONS FOR PETER PAN

Here’s a chance for young people in the city to take to the stage and gain valuable experience.

Anyone aged 10-18 who wants to be a star could be part of Vivacity’s 2018 Panto, Peter Pan. Auditions take place on Sunday September 9 at the Key Theatre. Children aged 10-12 are welcome from 11am and ages 13-18 kick off from 2pm. It’s open to all – youngsters don’t need any previous experience, or be a member of a dance or drama club either, selections are made solely based on the audition on the day.

Successful chorus members will perform in 20 shows over the Christmas period.

Vivacity are looking for 3 enthusiastic teams of 12 children to perform between Thursday December 6 and Sunday January 6. It’s a great chance to get early stage experience alongside a professional company and perform on the Key Theatre

stage throughout the Christmas period.

To sign up, go to www.vivacity.org/audition or pick up a paper form from Vivacity’s Key Theatre.

OPEN-AIR CINEMA @ CATHEDRAL

Here’s a great new idea for a night out in the city. How about sitting under the stars watching some of your fave films this month as Luna Cinema brings outdoor screenings to Peterborough Cathedral.

You can catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on the Cathedral Green on Friday September 7 at 7.30pm complete with an exclusive pre-recorded intro from Newt Scamander himself, Eddie Redmayne.

That will be followed on Saturday September 8 by the musical phenomenon, The Greatest Showman, so join Hugh and company for a night of showstopping entertainment. There’ll be a full bar and gourmet hot food available on site so round up your mates or get planning that date night!

For details and to book, visit www.theluna cinema.com. Doors open at 6pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CINEMA SCREENINGS Adapted cinema screenings are being introduced at the Key Theatre to allow people living with dementia keep up their love of film.

Vivacity is launching dementia friendly screenings with the first film, The Sound of Music, on Thursday September 6 from 1.30pm.

There’ll be certain differences to a regular screening, such as additional signage around the venue, no adverts or trailers, lights left on dim and volume reduced, the cinema isn’t filled to capacity, people can sing, dance and talk during the film, there will be a 15 minute

interval, reduced ticket prices and free tea and coffee.

It’s just £2 admission and it’s free for carers. They’ve already lined up a series of screenings including Young Frankenstein on Thursday October 4, Some Like It Hot on Thursday November 1 and It’s a Wonderful Life on Thursday December 6.

To book tickets call the box office on 01733 207239.

To download the cinema guide, visit alzheimers.org.uk/cinema or email programmepartnerships@ alzheimers.org.uk

HUSH FASHION BRAND

Listen up fashion fans – a new contemporary brand is now available at John Lewis. The Queensgate store is now stocking a beautiful range by Hush.

This is a clothing brand aimed at women of all ages who like fashion but are not a slave to it, who want to look good but don’t want to spend ages doing so, who want to be comfortable but not at the expense of style.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS This year’s Heritage Open Days weekend promises to be the biggest and best ever. Up to 40 buildings in the Peterborough area will be taking part.

David Jost, Organiser for the Peterborough area, explained that this year the annual event takes place from Thursday September 6 to Sunday September 9, with three more the following weekend.

“Across the country England’s fascinating heritage is celebrated by thousands of events set up to showcase our fantastic history, architecture and culture” he said. “In Peterborough a total of 33 buildings and places will be involved.”

The programme is the result of close co-operation between Peterborough Civic Society, the Cathedral, Peterborough City Council and Vivacity who’ve encouraged participants to open their doors free of charge.

It’s a rare chance to see behind the scenes of some of our historic buildings, churches, mosques and several modern developments too.

Pick up a copy of the free brochure from the Visitor Information Centre, the Cathedral or your local library or take a look at the Vivacity, Cathedral, Civic Society or Council websites.

WALK FOR PARKINSON’S MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT COFFEE MORNING September is the month when we’re all encouraged to get together for a brew or a coffee and raise money for the Macmillan cancer charity. Lots of venues are taking part – or you can hold one yourself. St Andrews United Reform Church Hall in Ledbury Road, Netherton, is just one of them.

Admission’s £2 which includes coffee or tea and a scone and there’ll be various stalls to have a mooch around too. Head down on Saturday September 29 from 10am to 12 noon.

For more details on The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk.

Fancy getting some exercise in aid of a good cause?

Peterborough Parkinson’s charity is staging a fundraising 4 mile Sponsored Walk on Sunday September 16 from Castor.

Full details are on their webpage www.parkinsonspeterborough.org.uk or Facebook page Peterborough Shakers.

For details contact Ruth Brinkler-Long on ruthbrinkler@hotmail.com.

LocalEntertainment

Chloe Wilkinson has the ESP guide to the best shows around…

One Night of Queen

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Shake it down to The Cresset with an almighty Zig-A-ZigAhh as Peterborough celebrates one of the biggest girl bands of all time - The Spice Girls.

Flash back to the 90’s and join Ginger, Scary, Posh, Sporty and Baby Spice in the touring sensation that is WANNABE: The Spice Girls Show. The WANNABE show revives chart-smashing tunes and invites us back to the era of Girl Power, twisting our hips from Spice Up Your Life to the tear-jerking Goodbye.

On Wednesday September 19, the biggest 90’s party in town will take place, welcoming costumes, groups and families to sing, dance and have the night of their lives!

Why would you want to miss out?

‘Hai, si, ja, hold tight’ and book now! On 01733 265705. Tickets cost £23.

HAVE FAITH George Michael’s legacy is still going strong in 2018 and if you’re anything like us, you can’t help but tear up at Last Christmas or get your groove on to Club Tropicana. Join us as FAITH: The George Michael Legacy comes to Peterborough on Saturday September 15.

During a spellbinding spectacle of his songs, delve deep into the life and success of the Wham! singer with Wayne Dilks. Wayne’s been performing the songs of George Michael for over 16 years and is internationally recognised as the closest to the legend in vocals, stage presence and look.

This amazing show is a celebration of over three decades of hit records, sure to get you on your feet to classics such as Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, I’m Your Man and Fast Love before moving you to the tear-jerking, heart ache ballads like Careless Whisper and Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. Tickets are available to book from The Cresset on 01733 265705 at £24 each.

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One Night of Queen is coming to Peterborough so you better be sure to grab tickets before you’re the one biting the dust!

Lifelong Queen fan Gary Mullen, winner of ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes in 2000, has spent several years travelling the world and performing as Freddie Mercury going from strength to strength along with his four-piece band.

Recognised and commended by Brian May, One Night of Queen will be coming to The Cresset on Friday September 28 during the 15th anniversary of the touring stage-show bringing you all of your favourite legendary rock hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, Under Pressure, Radio Ga Ga, We Will Rock You and many more.

The high-energy two-hour spectacular recreates the live atmospheric sounds, look and showmanship of one of the world’s greatest rock bands.

Tickets cost £23.50 on 01733 265705.

Backlash Ballroom

Get your best outfits and dancing shoes on before you head down to The Stamford Corn Exchange for Backlash Ballroom; a ballroom and Latin dance spectacular.

This intoxicating dance performance is guaranteed to leave you mesmerised by insane moves and stunning costumes from Strictly Come Dancing! Choreographed by Richard Miller, Strictly’s very own Len Goodman called this show ‘…a thriller from Miller’.

Expect various performances including the Waltz, the Quick Step, the Argentine Tango as well as The Charleston just to name a few, performed by six professional ballroom and Latin dancers, as well as a world class singer.

Join them on Saturday September 22 and book your tickets now on 01780 766455!

Concessions are £20 with other tickets priced at £21.

Hairspray Act II Theatre Company are preparing to take you back in time to the swinging sixties with several performances of the feel-good musical that is Hairspray.

In a tale about overcoming adversity and segregation, be ready for big tunes, big laughs and more importantly big hair! After the success of Hairspray the film in 2007, theatre companies have adapted the story to create spectacular presentations of the well-known production.

We expect no less from Act II who are recognised for their outstanding acting skills within the county. This amateur performance is not one to miss, with music by Mark Shaiman.

Performances run from Wednesday September 26 until Saturday September 29 at 7.30pm,

with a matinee performance on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets can be booked through the South Holland Centre in Spalding on 01775 764777 or at www.southhollandcentre.co.uk.

Prices start at £8 per ticket.

Night Fever We love the Saturday Night Fever we get from the Bee Gees… even if it’s a Thursday!

Immerse yourself in the sounds of the sixties, seventies and eighties and rock up in your flares to experience the distinct sound of one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time – including hits of artists they wrote for such as Celine Dion and Dolly Parton. The authentic production ensures the Gibb brothers’ music and legacy is stayin’ alive whilst taking your breath away with timeless classics such as You Should Be Dancing, Jive Talkin’, How Deep Is Your Love? If I Can’t Have You and more than you could probably list off the top of your head!

Join the rest of the fans at The Cresset on Thursday September 27 for You Win Again: Celebrating the Music of The Bee Gees.

Tickets cost £23 and are available to book on 01733 265705.

The Vicar Of Dibley

Pull up a pew for a night of divine comedy as Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society invite you to join The Vicar of Dibley for a very special show.

Adapted from the original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul MayhewArcher, Peterborough Operatic & Dramatic Society bring us the stage play of The Vicar of Dibley. Following the society’s smash hit musical Dirty Rotten

Scoundrels in March, PODS now tell the story of Geraldine Granger who’s been appointed the new Vicar in the village of Dibley.

However, being a larger than life lady Vicar who doesn’t mince her words and a chest to impress, she isn’t quite what the locals were expecting.

If you’re a Dibley fan this promises lots of laughs and for those who’ve never seen it before you’ll be pleased to hear the stage play packs in all the best moments from across the series. There are lots of farcical parish meetings, ridiculous village politics, lard and fish paste sandwiches from Mrs Cropley, marriage proposals that should and shouldn’t happen and even a telly tubby wedding!

And what’s more all the

characters we love are back together again. There’s inappropriate Owen Newitt, dithering no, no, no, no Jim Trott, the pedantically boring Frank Pickle and the culinary challenged Mrs Cropley, headed up by the pompous David Horton, his put-upon son Hugo and completely in her own little world, Alice Tinker.

So grab your dog collars and save your seat in the Dibley parish meeting by booking your ticket before they all go.

The Vicar of Dibley is at The Key Theatre Studio from September 25-29 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £15 from the Key Theatre box office, by calling 01733 207239 or by visiting www.vivacity.org/whatson

Keep Mum Back To The 80s

Grab your leg-warmers and tutu, backcomb your hair and spray it until it doesn’t move, share around your neon face paint; finally get down to 80’s Party Night at The Cresset!

The biggest 80’s party is coming back to town and we want to see you all go along. Fun games, props, surprises and a mega fancy dress competition is just the start of what is expected on Saturday September 22. The bit we’re most excited for? The cheesy pop music of course!

Girls, boys and kids all just want to have fun.

Tickets cost £6.50 in advance or £7.50 on the door. For booking, call 01733 265705.

Peterborough's newest playwright, Sean Flynn is delighted that his own dramatic society, the Peterborough Revellers, will be performing the premier performance of his first play in the Broadway Suite of Peterborough’s Broadway Theatre.

Keep Mum is a brand new comedy which centres around a dearly departed grandma and her controversial will that affects mainly the granddaughter of the family, her father who has absolutely nothing to say, and her alcohol loving granddad who has a lot of strong things to say about how his beloved wife’s legacy has been distributed, until she comes back to intervene from the other side. Clive Read, who’s well known within local theatre for many years is

directing this great comedy.

Keep Mum runs from September 27 to 29 and tickets cost £7.50. You can make a night of it and for an extra £5 fish and chips can brought to your table during the interval. Order your tickets by phoning Sylvia on 01733 755176.

Peterborough Arts Cinema

Private Parts Jamie Laing and Francis Boulle are bringing their Private Parts to Stamford with a side-splitting performance adapted from their hit podcast PRIVATE PARTS. These two lovable, laugh-a-minute boys are coming to share the intimate and sordid details of their lives, on and off screen banter as well as the nitty-gritty of the show. The Made In Chelsea stars are becoming a familiar face in the area, with this show being a perfect opportunity to meet them both.

VIP options are available for the show on Monday October 1, giving you a premium seat in the audience and a chance to meet them backstage after the show. Be sure to show us the cracking selfie if you get one!

Tickets cost £22.50 each and are available to book on 01780 766455.

The new autumn season begins this month at Peterborough Arts Cinema at the John Clare Theatre inside the Central Library on Broadway.

Showings are every Thursday at 7.30pm and the programme gives you the chance to catch a wider variety of films or those that only saw a short run at larger cinemas.

Firstly on Thursday September 13 the talented Saoirse Ronan stars in Lady Bird (R) alongside Laurie Metcalfe and Tracey Letts. Christine ‘Lady Bird’ MacPherson is a high school senior from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’. She longs for adventure, sophistication, and opportunity, but finds none of that in her Sacramento Catholic high school. Lady Bird follows the title character's senior year in high school, including her first romance, her participation in the school play, and most importantly, her applying for college.

Next up on Thursday September 20 is boxing drama Journeyman (15) starring Paddy Considine a middleweight boxing champion coming towards the end of his career who collapses after a devastating punch - when he awakes from the coma, the real fight begins.

Russian film Loveless (R) screens on Thursday September 27 charting the final stages of a bitter divorce and the effect on the couple’s 12 year-old son.

To find out more visit their website www.peterboroughartscinema.co.uk. www.espmag.co.uk

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LocalEvents

The city’s Italian Festival is one of the biggest celebrations of Italian culture in the country and celebrity chef Aldo Zilli loved it so much he’s returning for the full two days.

The tenth annual Peterborough Italian Festival will be held in Cathedral Square on September 8 and 9 and Aldo, famed for his TV appearances and string of Zillithemed restaurants, will share his culinary expertise and sign books for Italian food lovers.

“The reason I am coming back is because last year I was made to feel so welcome and the great people of the area all asked me to come back, so I am not letting anyone down by coming again,” Aldo told ESP. This great free festival is organised by Peterborough's Italian Community Association and supported by Peterborough City Council. You can’t beat it for giving us a taste of ‘la dolce vita’.

If you love Italian food, sweet treats, cars and music it really has it all and there’s always a fantastic atmosphere.

It’s a real Mediterranean extravaganza featuring an Italian market, classic Italian cars and motorcycles, confectionery, ice-cream, pasta, football and boxing demonstrations, scooters and lots more.

The festival runs from 12noon to 5pm on both days.

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Don’t Miss the Whittlesey Festival Whittlesey Festival is back for its eleventh year and the town will be packed with music, displays and entertainment on Sunday September 9.

It all starts at 10am with a carnival parade and closes with a musical finale at 4pm. It’s a fantastic day out for families and all age groups with a vast variety of stalls, fun activities and rides for children (many of which are free or subsidised) and over 100 vintage vehicles on display. There’ll be marching bands including The Melton Mowbray Toy Soldiers and The Peterborough Highland Band plus ‘Cockney Pride’ Pearly King and Queen will be back by popular demand entertaining with their band.

There’s a full day’s programme of entertainment with dance including, the Rug-Cutters Lindy Hop, The Solas School of Irish Dancers, music of all genres, Majorettes, free face painting and puppet shows, Schools Art exhibition, World War II flypast (the Spitfire ) and much more.

Ferry Meadows’ 40th Birthday Activity Weekend This year Ferry Meadows is celebrating its 40th birthday and there’s a great line-up for the second weekend of celebrations taking place over the weekend of September 1 and 2. The main hub of activities will take place around Lakeside with further activities stretching from Lakeside Play onto Coney Meadows as far as the Visitor Centre.

There are a whole host of activities on offer throughout the weekend, including helicopter trips, a climbing wall and assisted tree climbing, a dog show you can enter your four-legged friends into, the miniature railway will be in operation, pedal-powered activities, fairground rides, food stalls on Coney Meadow and a pop-up skatepark at Lakeside.

All the normal watersports activities and hire will be running at Nene Outdoors on Gunwade Lake, plus additional taster sessions for those who fancy their hand at sailing.

Visit the new Nene Park website for more details: www.nenepark.org.uk.

We all know Burghley House in Stamford is pretty spectacular any time for a visit but early next month you can enjoy an extra special view at twilight.

Great houses like Burghley were designed for entertaining, and on October 3-6, you can experience your very own grand night out in stately surroundings.

After the success of 2017’s inaugural event there’ll be a magical mix of music and lights when the House will be bathed in floodlight and the state rooms romantically illuminated by candlelight.

Photo: ShutterBox Photography

Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli guests @ Italian Festival

Twilight at Burghley

You’ll be serenaded by musicians as they turn back time and become evening guests to explore England’s greatest Elizabethan house as darkness falls.

This year there’s more focus on music, including Elizabethan minstrel Dante Ferrara, a multiinstrumentalist and singer, who specialises in music, song and entertainment of renaissance Europe.

Burghley at Twilight will be open 6-8pm each night, and tickets cost £20 per person, which includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival in the Old Kitchen followed by a selfguided free-flow walk through the candlelit State Rooms.

During the event, the Orangery Restaurant will also be open serving a set menu, and the Burghley shop will also open especially for the event.

For full details and to book tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk or call 01780 752451.

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LocalEvents

Pictured – (some of) Peterborough Rugby Club’s under-15 girls team

Rugby Sign Up Time BE OUR HERO FAMILY RUN

Grab your cape, pull on your mask and put your pants on over your trousers – it’s time for Peterborough’s first ever Super Hero run in aid of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

The local charity’s encouraging everyone to make like a Super Hero and join them for this special event that’s out of this world! Choose from either a 3k or 5k and fly your way around Ferry Meadows.

Whether you’re Wonder Woman, Superman, Kick Ass or Deadpool this is your chance to be a hero for the hospice on Sunday September 30 from 9.30am, with the fun run starting at 10.30am.

There’ll be an array of stalls and food vendors to entertain the whole family and keep your superpowers flowing. Your hard work to save the world will be rewarded with your own superhero medal and the chance to win some amazing prizes, including best costume. Have fun and get creative at Peterborough’s ONLY Superhero Fun Run! Ticket prices start from only £5. For more info, follow them on Facebook: @BeOurHeroRun.

For hundreds of Peterborough youngsters, September not only means the start of school but, more excitingly, the start of the new rugby season.

Fengate-based Peterborough Rugby Club, the biggest in the area, has two registration days – the mornings of Sundays, September 2 and September 9 – ahead of eight months of matches, and will welcome any newcomer who’d like to try the sport.

In addition to their adult sides, who play on Saturdays, the self-styled ‘Club for All’ has a thriving junior section on Sundays. There are teams from every age from under-7 up to under-18 and girls-only teams at under-11, 13, 15 and 18. The club even plays host to a ‘Little Scrummers’ group which introduces rugby to children aged between 18 months and six.

“Rugby’s all about the five core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship,” said Tina Prewer, who runs the junior section of the club. “All of our coaches are properly qualified and DBS checked and there’s always first aid provision on hand, just in case.

Thankfully, we very rarely need to call on that, though.”

PRUFC has a proud record of its teams winning East Midlands League and Cambridgeshire Cup titles, with rarely a season going by without some silverware coming back to ‘Fortress Fengate’. The club’s players are regularly picked to represent the East Midlands, and even England.

“We’ve got a clean and modern club house and the first three weeks are always free of charge so there’s no need to commit to anything before you know if you enjoy it.”

Potential new recruits can contact spotter@prufc.com for more information.

There are also rugby clubs with smaller junior sections in Bretton (Peterborough Lions), Deeping, Oundle and Thorney.

Tickets Selling Fast For KES

There’s not long to go now until KES takes to the stage at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre and the show looks set to generate even more money for The Phoebe Research Fund.

It’s being staged by locally based Psychotastic Productions which is Zoe Crowson and former Coronation Street star Steven Arnold.

Well known as Corrie’s Ashley Peacock for many years, Steven will also be taking a lead role in the stage adaptation of the original 10 www.espmag.co.uk

film by Ken Loach which will run in Stamford on October 26 and 27.

Earlier this year the couple decided to set up Psychotastic Productions to create a continual revenue stream for the charity as 25% of everything they do goes to The Phoebe Research Fund.

The couple have just donated a cheque for £80,000k from The Phoebe Research Fund (1163875) which Zoe Crowson is the founder of to beneficiaries CURE EB (1158672) which goes directly into researching Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, a devastating skin condition which causes the skin to blister and shear at the slightest touch causing the equivalent to a third degree burn. Zoe’s daughter Phoebe was born in 2009

with RDEB which is genetic and life limiting.

The couple have received overwhelming support from local businesses sponsoring the show programme including The Paper Mills at Wansford, The Pizza Parlour and Music Café in Peterborough, Hegarty Solicitors, the Vindis Group and many more.

Casting has now begun in Manchester for KES and rehearsals will start the beginning of October.

More details on Psychotastic Productions and The Phoebe Research Fund can be found at www.phoeberesearch.org.uk.

For tickets to see KES please book online at www.stamfordcornexchan ge.co.uk and to sponsor please call 07718 071645.

LocalEvents

JOIN THE BIG SLEEP OUT TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE Here’s your chance to take part in a major fundraising challenge during an important year for Peterborough which will make a big difference to people sleeping rough in the city. we’re delighted to be working in conjunction with the Peterborough 900 Campaign as well as our fellow charities. We’re hoping to see a fantastic turn out for the Big Sleep Out, so that we can meet our goal of clocking 900 hours of sleeping rough – we need 75 willing volunteers to make that happen!”

YMCA Trinity Group, Hope into Action and Light Project Peterborough provide a variety of services to support those in need.

Together they house and support rough sleepers, young people, vulnerable single adults and families across Peterborough.

C

ould you handle a night out in the open and sacrifice your cosy bed for a good cause?

Last year’s Sleep Easy event was a huge success and now to tie in with Peterborough’s 900 campaign, YMCA Trinity Group, Hope into Action and The Light Project Peterborough are joining forces to host Peterborough’s Big Sleep Out. It’s all to raise awareness of homelessness in the city and the charities have a target of 900 hours of sleeping rough to generate funds to support those in need.

The Big Sleep Out is happening on Friday September 28 at Peterborough Cathedral, and will last from 7pm to 7am.

“

Jonathan Martin, Chief Executive of YMCA Trinity Group said: “From previous experience, this can be an eye-opening event for many people who take part. It’s a particularly significant event this year and

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Ed Walker of Hope into Action said: “In previous years we’ve hosted our own sleepouts but I am delighted that this year we are partnering together with YMCA Trinity Group and the Light Project Peterborough to host the Peterborough Big Sleep Out at Peterborough Cathedral. It gives the people of Peterborough the opportunity to come together and sleep out for one night in order to raise funds for those who have to sleep out night after night.

Supporting this event is one of the ways that we can demonstrate that we care about the homeless in our city and that together we want to see their lives transformed.”

Supporting this event is one of the ways that we can demonstrate that we care about the homeless...

”

ESP has been celebrating the Peterborough 900 campaign marking the anniversary of the cathedral but this isn’t just about parties, events and fun – now is the chance to make a big difference and a lasting impact on the community too.

Steven Pettican, Light Project Peterborough added: “We are extremely excited to be working with the Cathedral and two other amazing charities that serve the city on this event. Homelessness is a real challenge for many in our city and by working together we can do so much more to help them.”

The Big Sleep Out will consist of activities that give you an experience of what it’s like to actually sleep on the streets.

On the night, there’ll be hot refreshments, entertainment and materials needed to make a shelter.

So if you think you can take the challenge and sleep rough for just a few hours to help those who do it every night in all weathers, you’ll just need to pay an entry fee of £10 (adult) or £17 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). All funds raised will be split between the organisations to be used to tackle homelessness in Peterborough.

To register to take part in the event please visit, www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/peterboroughsbig-sleep-out-tickets-43085826868 For more information contact: peterboroughbigsleepout@gmail.com.

Photos: Chris Brudenell

Denmark. At 14, she went to the Beijing Paralympic Games at which point her career really took off. Such was her talent, Lauren switched sports from swimming to triathlon after London 2012’s Paralympic Games where she then went on to win silver at Rio 2016 in the sport’s inaugural inclusion at the Games.

“I first got into triathlon after my uncle, who is a triathlete, suggested I try it,” Lauren told ESP. “I think it’s great pushing my body to the limits in not one but three sports.”

This month Lauren will be competing in the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final in the Gold Coast Australia, she heads there as the European Champion and will be hoping to regain her World Champion Title.

It’s Latin for Lauren as Paralympian triathlete tries ballroom…

Lauren at the launch of Stanground Sport Centre Lauren Steadman is a double World Champion Paratriathlete, Paralympic Silver medallist and six times European Champion.

She was born missing her lower right arm, but this has only spurred her on to be the best she can be, and she relishes the challenge of overcoming these barriers.

P

eterborough has yet another contestant tangoing into this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The city’s Paralympian star Lauren Steadman originally from Sawtry will be taking to the dancefloor this month as the BBC series airs with a new set of celeb’s hoping to take the famous glitterball trophy home.

When it was first announced Lauren was in the line-up she said: “I still don’t think it has properly sunk in that I’m actually going to be part of this year’s Strictly! I have loved the show since I was young, and it’s a huge thing to tick off my bucket list.

“I’m more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final!

But I’m up for the challenge and excited to swap my triathlon kit for dancing shoes and sequins.”

“

...I have loved the show since I was young, and it’s a huge thing to tick off my bucket list.

”

When ESP caught up with Lauren when she officially opened Stanground Sports Centre a few years ago she told us – “When I was born, my parents were worried that I wouldn’t be able to ever ride a bike or make friends. I’ve done everything they feared I wouldn’t do, and much more – I always found a way. I may look silly in the way I do certain things, but the point is that I do them.”

Lauren started her sporting career in swimming at the age of 11, with her first international competition at age 13 in

Lauren’s appearance on the hugely successful dance show sees her follow in the footsteps of several other Peterborough stars to compete on Strictly including previous winner olympic gymnast Louis Smith, singer Aston Merrygold as well Royal Marine Cassidy Little who became The People’s Strictly champion.

The 16th series of Strictly Come Dancing will see Lauren compete against 14 other stars including Lee Ryan from Blue, Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dolls, Faye Tozer from Steps and comedian Sean Walsh. The show airs on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Here at ESP we’ll certainly be rooting for our former local lass and wish Lauren every success!

www.espmag.co.uk

13

ManTown about

ano Pep Cipri

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

A Men’s Health US Facebook survey has revealed 4 million of their male followers shave their legs. Next they’ll be waxing their chests, eyebrows and armpits – wait, they already do. If any (real) women are turned off by this, email pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk to restore your faith.

I’m Moving to La Dolce Vita

Photo: Emma Bothamley

I’ve just submitted my application to the Ferrero company in Italy to be a product tester for Nutella and I’m feeling confident.

Ferrero want to employ 60 people to tastetest its products. The successful candidates will be known as ‘sensory judges’ and be paid to taste Nutella spread as well as their other hazelnut-infused treats.

The only essential criteria the job stipulates is to have no allergies, be able to use a computer and possess a good sense of taste. Clearly, I tick all those boxes. I’m allergic to Penicillin, which isn’t found in Nutella. Not only am I able to use a computer, but a laptop too. And of course I have good taste, I’m Italian.

The work begins on September 30 for two days a week, for three months. See you in January.

Ground Control to Major Tim Our stunning cathedral is home for the next couple of months to the Soyuz spacecraft, which brought Tim Peake and his fellow astronauts back to earth after their Principia mission in 2016.

This special exhibition has only been on display in a handful of major museums across the country, so to be in a cathedral – our cathedral – is a very big deal. An even bigger deal is that Tim came with his spacecraft to a special VIP gathering to mark the start of the exhibition.

Tim doesn’t tour with the Soyuz and we were honoured to have him at the cathedral where he shared stories of his voyage to a very lucky few of which I was one. He was a grounded (excuse the pun) man and a pleasure to meet. Not everyone I come across in this job has been to space!

CIAOS OUT

The exhibition also includes the huge parachute deployed during the descent and Tim’s own Sokol emergency spacesuit.

Entry’s free but if you want to experience what it was like for Tim and his colleagues on their descent back to earth then you need to purchase a ticket (£5) for the ‘Space Descent VR’, which, let me tell you, is awesome.

This exhibition is a major coup for our city and well done to the team at the cathedral whose Peterborough Celebrates 900 campaign has flown into orbit with this gem.

Nice Tats?

Right, I’m putting it out there, I’m thinking of having a tattoo. But... I’ve got puny arms, a midriff like a seal and more body hair than Chewbacca. I was 30 the last time I took my top off on a beach and my legs are full of varicose veins.

So, shall I? Or am I making more of a statement / sensible decision because of my ageing body by not having one. Your views on a back of a postcard please (sorry, so 80s, just email me).

Dave - where’s my free sample? TJ - I haven’t forgotten about the 500! Gemma - here’s your ciao!

Keith & Claire - you got Shaddap You Face? Lisa - didn’t fancy it then? Tony - text me some ride dates

Man About Town proudly sponsored by

62 Albert Place, City of Peterborough, Peterborough PE1 1DD t: 01733 310600 e: info@beehivepub.co.uk | info@poshfishandchips.co.uk

Back for a Pizza the Action

Draped in Beer Gardens!

Festa Italiana!

I remember when The Drapers Arms first opened on Cowgate and other operators telling me it wouldn’t last because of its location.

Well, look at it now. The pub’s still open and doing better than ever. It works because it does the staple things well – good beer, good food, good ambience and a damn good quiz.

Fans of the Drapers will be pleased to hear that plans have been submitted for it to open a roof garden and extend into the car park to make way for a beer garden out back too.

Duty manager Oli Raybould told me: “We’ve put in plans to extend the back of the pub and create a beer garden as well as a roof garden. The designs include an overall refurbishment of the pub but done in a sympathetic way, so it’s an improved Drapers not a different Drapers.

“If everything goes through we’ll have a bigger kitchen too, which means we’ll be able to look at the possibility of cooking pizzas. There’ll be some new jobs created as well, so it’ll be good news all round.”

What’s there not to like! Especially the pizzas bit (yum). Fingers crossed the Drapers gets planning approval and big shout to manager Chris (who’s been there from the beginning) and his excellent crew. Watch this space.

It’s our city’s 10th successive Italian Festival on September 8 and 9 and this year’s event promises to be the best yet.

To mark its 10-year milestone the Italian Community Association has secured new entertainment from two separate regions in southern Italy and both acts will be performing over the weekend. So, if you like dancing, singing and love to be entertained then you’ll love what’s in store.

Better still, last year’s special guest Aldo Zilli returns but this time not only is he staying for the whole weekend, he’s laying on a cooking demonstration too.

I remember Aldo telling me how impressed he was with the festival and it’s no surprise he’s coming back. To my knowledge, there isn’t another city in the UK that hosts an Italian festival as well as we do and certainly for as long as we have.

Over the years we’ve welcomed the late Antonio Carluccio (twice), Gino D’Acampo, Gennaro Contaldo and Strictly dancer Vincent Simone, not to mention thousands of visitors from all over the east and as far south as London.

The city will also be welcoming another famous Italian, or rather Australian-Italian, in the form of international comedian Joe Avati on Thursday September 20 at the Town Hall.

Joe’s performed here a few times and his observational brand of comedy has earned him comparisons to Jerry Seinfeld. He has you in stitches with stories from life around his Italian family and his experiences growing up.

His 20th anniversary 20/20 Vision tour has already been to three continents and he’s on the way to England with it as I type. Tickets to see Joe and his excellent warm-up man Guido Grasso at the Town CAUGHT Hall are available from the In a world swampe IN THE ACT! d with digital deve an d div lop nts Visitor Information Centre ersions the humb le office in andme bo ar out d still has its pla on Bridge Street. ce. Discuss.

Great to hear (I haven’t been in to see it for myself yet) Rinaldo Fasulo is chopping lettuces and washing up at the Pizza House where he’s back at the helm.

Next they’ll tell me he’s wearing a hairnet in the kitchen to keep his ponytail from shedding over his calzones.

I can’t wait to pop in and congratulate him on his return. To complete his comeback trail Rinaldo has to open another nightclub then you’ll see me come out of retirement.

Now that’ll be something – Man About Town going back to his roots...

I still have a bottle of Fahrenheit and a leather jacket. All I need is six weeks in the gym and I’ll be back into my 32” waist Levis.

I’m not sure I can last all night with a tenner though. Some things have definitely changed and drinks prices are one of them!

Tickets for Tony Selling Fast Widely regarded as one of the most popular men in boxing, Tony ‘The Bomber’ Bellew is coming to Peterborough this month.

The former cruiserweight champion of the world will be at The Solstice on the afternoon (12 noon) of September 30 and only a handful of tickets to see the Liverpudlian remain.

Bellew is most recently remembered for destroying David Haye and another of his fine performances was as an actor in the first sequel to the Rocky film series – Creed – where he defeated the son of Apollo Creed.

He’ll be joining boxing fans for lunch before discussing his career and taking questions. Bellew is the latest boxing star brought to our city by promoter Kevin Sanders. To grab the last batch of tickets, call Kevin on: 07872 601467.

MY

WORD OF THE MONTH

ANGLO-ITALIAN Since it’s Italian Festival time I thought I’d share some words my fellow paesani would appreciate. Fried macs, plastic covered sofas, mortadella, olives in the margarine tub, never leaving nonna’s hungry, crucifixes everywhere, cotoletta, 18 carat, four stars, carta d'identita, allotment instead of lawn and constantly correcting Leaning Tower of Pizza to Pisa and Presso to Prezzo.

Food Glori us Food Special The dining out scene in the city just keeps growing so this month we’re taking a look at some of the great places to dine out whether it’s for a more fancy meal or just some delicious pub grub.

September sees a change of menu at many local restaurants as we move into autumn and it’s also the time to start thinking about your Christmas parties and meals out... yes really!

Here’s our guide to what’s on offer at some of our local eateries…

fé a C ic s u M & r u o rl a P a z iz P The The Pizza Parlour & Music Café is situated in the heart of Peterborough’s ‘Restaurant Quarter’ and has built an enviable reputation for its unique combination of authentic Italian pasta and pizzas with feel-good music from the 50s through to the 80s.

Italian owned, local and independent, The Pizza Parlour is the only restaurant in the city centre offering pizzas cooked the traditional way, in an oven fired by wood, keeping the base crisp and tasty.

The aim is simple; to cook great food for people who want to enjoy the real flavour of Italy in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere created by classic music tracks from a time that some might call music’s heyday.

There is a concise menu, all cooked to order, with blackboard specials alongside classic salads, grills and traditional desserts. All dietary requirements and food intolerances are happily catered for.

The Pizza Parlour’s drinks list comprises Italian beers straight from

the pump, a great selection of Italian wines and a full cocktail menu. For those diners looking to extend their evening, at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays the lights are dimmed and this restaurant transforms into a wine and cocktail bar.

The Pizza Parlour & Music Café, 5 Cowgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LR. Call 01733 902233. www.thepizzaparlourpeterborough.co.uk.

Organic September @ Riverford This month is Organic September, a four-week-long celebration of all things organic.

In that spirit, the self-confessed veg nerds over at local organic farm Riverford in Peterborough share with us a few great reasons to try organic produce this month.

Healthier Nature & More Wildlife Organic farming works with nature, not against it. It helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural resources. Organic farms also provide homes for wildlife like bees, birds and butterflies. In fact, there is up to 50% more wildlife on organic farms and they are home to 30% more species on average.

wildlife and the environment by direct poisoning, contaminating water courses and disrupting ecosystems. Pesticides are frequently present in non-organic food and have been linked to numerous diseases, including cancer. There are no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers on organic farms.

Higher Animal Welfare Organic means the very highest standards of animal welfare. Animals on organic farms are reared outdoors and enjoy plenty of green open spaces. The routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is prohibited, and animals are fed a diet that is as natural as possible and free from genetically modified organisms.

Better Taste We think that organic food, produced as nature intended with minimal intervention, tastes miles better. We trial, taste and test – infact we’re completely obsessive about growing only the tastiest varieties.

Fewer Pesticides Some 300 pesticides may be regularly used in non-organic farming. These chemicals often kill more than just the target pest, affecting other 16 www.espmag.co.uk

Find Out More Riverford holds its annual Pumpkin Day on October 27. There will be lots of family friendly activities, including pumpkin carving. For more information and tickets, go to www.riverford.co.uk

Here’s a Riverford recipe to try at home…

GRILLED AUBERGINE, FETA, OLIVE & MINT SALAD Serves 8 A late summer favourite at Riverford, this delicious dish should be served at room temperature to enjoy the flavours at their best. Grilling the aubergines on a barbecue can help to heighten their smoky flavour.

Ingredients About 6 tbsp pine nuts 2 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste 5 tbsp balsamic vinegar 150–200ml extra virgin olive oil 3 aubergines, sliced lengthways 5mm thick Approx. 160g feta, crumbled Good handful of black olives, e.g.

Kalamata, pitted and halved Handful of basil leaves Handful of mint leaves Salt and black pepper

Coming soon…

When Polly Met Fergie We’re very much looking forward to a new addition to the dining out scene in the city with the imminent opening of When Polly Met Fergie.

This new vegan restaurant is opening in Westgate Arcade near the Homemade Burger Co. in Queensgate and will feature a glamorous jazz and cocktail bar upstairs.

It’s the brainchild of Alistair Norwell and partner Paula – Alistair has always worked in kitchens including being London based at Aldo Zilli & Le Gavroche so he knows his stuff!

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the progress and can’t wait to see the end result when it opens any day now – keep an eye on our social media.

There are some unique design touches which will give this new venue a distinctive feel including beautiful parquet flooring, stunning lights and tables and even an amazing sink in the ladies loos!

When Polly Met Fergie (named after the owner’s two dogs!) is set to be a revolutionary plant based café/restaurant, inspired by

the owners’ lifestyle change to become vegan.

Alistair has been working hard for the past few months transforming the unit and says – “We are looking to create a smaller interesting individual concept to support the larger entities in the city. We should feed off each other, and as people stroll around the city the smaller creative cafes and bars will be perfectly placed to offer a personal romantic feel to your day.

“Our surroundings will offer you relaxation, amazing sustainable, healthy fresh produce for you to feast upon, sounds for your ears to swoon to and a space in which you feel most comfortable.”

Fresh Pasta will also be on the menu daily with a variation of amazing but simple sauces.

You’ll be able to pop in for a quick pasta dish at lunch and see the pasta machine in action.

We’ll bring you more news and pictures next month. www.whenpollymet fergie.co.uk.

Blue Bell Inn D O G S T H O R P E

One of Peterborough oldest Pubs we offer a warm welcome in lovely surroundings.

Entertainment Method 1.

Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan, tossing them frequently, until golden.

2. Make a dressing by whisking the crushed garlic with the vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. How much oil you need will depend on the strength of your balsamic vinegar, and personal taste. Go easy on the salt as the feta and olives will all be a little salty anyway.

3. Heat a cast-iron griddle pan until very hot. Brush or rub the aubergines with some of the dressing (just enough to coat on both sides) and grill them in batches until they are soft to their centres and have nice grill marks, about 3–4 minutes on each side.

4. Assemble the salad by layering the aubergine with the pine nuts, feta and olives and drizzling the remaining dressing over as you go.

5. Finish by tearing or finely slicing the basil and mint leaves and scattering them over the top.

September 1st Velocity 8th High Rollers 15th The Guards 22nd Circa 73 29th Cuban and Cognac October 6th RPM

Large screen TV and BT/ Sky Sports Music in the garden Saturday and Sundays Burgers and Bacon Rolls Mon – Sat £2.00

Sunday Lunch from 12-4pm Adults £6.95 Children £4.95 Desserts from £2.95

Variation You could also make this recipe with grilled strips of courgette, which is in season in September too.

Recipes courtesy of www.riverford.co.uk/recipes. www.espmag.co.uk

Blue Bell Inn, Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough PE1 3SA

Tel 01733 313700 17

Food Glori us Food Special House of Feasts, Eye Green

The Dragonfly Hotel, Thorpe Meadows The Dragonfly Hotel is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment programme in its rooms and restaurant and from what we’ve seen it’s going to look pretty impressive once complete!

The hotel’s restaurant is now open all day and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy a meal there. We popped in to sample some of the latest dishes and weren’t disappointed.

The menu includes a range of hand stretched and freshly topped pizzas and ice cream parlour for those with a sweet tooth plus sandwiches if you fancy a snack.

We tried baked nachos (£5.45) crispy chicken strips (£4.95) and cauliflower fritters (£4.95) from the starters – all were crisp and tasty. For mains it was a gloriously filling BBQ pulled pork pizza (£10.95) delicious Thai fishcakes (£11.95) and a tempting fish finger butty (£6.95).

Looking ahead to Christmas, The Dragonfly offers special party nights where they’ll do all the hard work for you plus, of course, you can make a night of it and stay over. There’s a delicious 3 course festive dinner to enjoy for £24.95 on Thursdays or £26.95 on Fridays and Saturdays. Afterwards you can hit the dancefloor and dance the night away until midnight with their DJ playing all your favourite tunes from past and present.

You’re not limited to roast turkey – there’s a choice of fillet of hake or spinach and ricotta tortellini as well plus a choice of 3 starters and desserts.

There are also festive dinners on offer throughout December offering 3 courses for £19.95 or why not try a festive afternoon tea for £14.95 with a few seasonal twists to this timeless classic.

The Dragonfly restaurant is open daily from 12 – 9pm and there’s a children’s menu available. To book your Christmas parties and dinners call 01733 564240.

18 www.espmag.co.uk

Top chef consultant Damian Wawrzyniak has been building a fantastic reputation for his new restaurant in Eye Green since opening House of Feasts around 15 months ago.

We love the rustic interior and the outdoor garden is a great facility for corporate events and barbecues.

Damian prides himself on using locally sourced produce and making as much as possible on site. The menu is constantly changing and September will see the introduction of warmer, stronger flavours and dishes such as pork sticky ribs. Look out for their regular tasting menu evenings when you can get a real flavour of his wonderful dishes – the next one is a one-off Tasting Dinner on Saturday September 29. This includes fourteen courses for £90pp.

Damian is included in the UK Top 10 Food Pioneers by BBC Good Food.

You may have caught him on the news recently promoting his #StopNoShow campaign to try and cut the number of people booking but failing to turn up which costs restaurants like his thousands of pounds.

As well as the amazing dishes he’s turning out on a regular basis, on Saturday September 15 House of Feasts will be hosting a special Black and White themed charity dinner in aid of Sue Ryder. This includes canapés and Prosecco and a 3 course meal for £45. To book call 01733 221279.

Harvest Barn, Ramsey Road, Farcet

We’ve been following the progress of the area’s new farm shop, Harvest Barn which is proving a great place to pick up fresh produce as well as stopping off for a cuppa and cake in their café.

Their café is launching a new autumn menu, with a new range of hot drinks including S’mores hot chocolate & a pumpkin spice latte, as well as a range of freshly made milkshakes. You can grab a bite to eat with delicious handmade cakes and traybakes, warming jacket potatoes and soups or a tasty sandwich, toastie or panini made fresh to order.

As the seasons change so do they and the team are excited to launch their new autumn range both in the farm shop and the coffee shop. They have a huge range of seasonal vegetables and fruit available this autumn, all grown at Harvest Barn including seasonal squash, beetroot, blackberries, apples from their own

orchards, chard, kale and so much more.

They’re now selling their new season apple juice fresh from the orchards.

Harvest Barn’s new deli counter is well stocked with a range of local and popular cheeses, a great mix of olives and antipasti, cured meats and bacon, including the brilliant Suffolk Salami and freshly made sausage rolls, pork pies and scotch eggs.

In their bid to make this a destination you can eat at as well as buy some of your weekly food shopping they’re also keen to make it a family friendly venue.

They’ve now launched their new Muddy Boots Farmyard animal walks and the play area is now open.

You can take a walk around and meet all their friendly animals.

They’re closed on Mondays but open Tuesday – Friday and weekends. To find out more visit www.harvestbarn.co.uk or call 01733 219888.

Christmas at

With its tranquil waterside location and historic name, The Boathouse is an idyllic pub, in the heart of the Nene Valley Country Park.

• Riverside location • Outside seating • Outside play area • Dog walkers • Walking groups welcome • Car parking

• Lunchtime menu (Monday - Saturday 12-4) • Evening set menu (Monday - Thursday 4-10) • Tesco clubcard voucher + Gourmet society cards accepted

Christmas bookings now being taken, please call for full details of our Menu and Festive Price list.

Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough PE3 6GA 01733 898469 | chefandbrewer.com

WE ARE MORE THAN A CAFÉ, WE ARE A DESTINATION

akery at Paul’s D B e Th 33 High Street, Eye, PE6 7UP eli Tel: 07850 491384

Fresh Bread and Cakes Daily Cold Meats, Cheeses, Preserves, Mustards and Jams.

We serve Breakfast, Hot and Cold food, and High Teas.

Small Parties and Outside Catering available.

Outside courtyard for the sunny afternoons.

Dogs welcome.

We have a relaxed seating area where you can enjoy real coffee freshly ground, teas and assorted drinks All of our ingredients are sourced locally

0% 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 £30 or more on food. This coupon is valid all day GSPN TU UP UI 4FQUFNCFS , and after 4pm on Sundays.

The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more. To receive your coupon for 0% OFF food purchase, 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. Alternatively log on to wXw.espmag.co.uk/offers and click on the Ramblewood offer and print out your voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07879 997978

Bookings open early September Available every day from 1st to 22nd December Prices from £13 for 1 course Smaller Portions – available for children, seniors, or those with a smaller appetite All home-made; meats from local producers Willow Brook Farm and Grasmere Live Music on selected nights with various things; male voice harmony choir, Peterborough Big Band

Live music every Friday night

Pub Quiz every Sunday night

Full food menu now available

6 The Green, Werrington, PE4 6RU /bluebellpe4

Food Glori us Food Special The Paper Mills, Wansford If you’re looking for a cosy autumn and winter venue step into the rustic Paper Mills and take in the festive feel. The log fire will be crackling in the fireplace on chillier days, there’s the smell of the fir trees, untouched stone walls and a great atmosphere.

The pub and restaurant has been under new ownership since May 2017 and having tried their food we can thoroughly recommend it! They work with a range of local suppliers for their ingredients and fresh produce, plus they stock locally brewed ales and a wide range of wines and ciders too.

The team will be celebrating Christmas in style so whether it’s a business Christmas Lunch or a family gathering it’s a great venue for your festivities.

Their festive 3 course lunch created by Chef Marcel is £32.95 (£10/pers deposit) and includes tempting starters such as Spiced Apple & Parsnip Soup, Severn & Wye Valley Smoked Salmon and Duck Liver Parfait. There’s a broad range of mains to choose from too ranging form Roast Turkey Breast and all the trimmings through to Braised Beef Cheek or Baked Stuffed Aubergine amongst others. The desserts are definitely a treat with delights such as Mulled Wine Poached Pears.

Their Christmas Day Menu is a mouth-watering 5 courses for £74.95.

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate they cater for Christmas Parties from December 3 up until Christmas Eve (not including Sundays).

Food is served Monday-Thursday 12-2.30pm and from 6-9pm, Friday and Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday 12-6pm.

Pre-orders are required for all Christmas bookings so to find out more call 01780 782328 or visit www.paper-mills.com.

20 www.espmag.co.uk

Orton Hall Hotel, Orton Longueville The beautiful Orton Hall Hotel is now taking Christmas bookings for festive dining as well as their special party nights.

It’s such a great location for a festive night out and their Christmas Party Nights are £37.50, or Midweek Christmas Parties are £32 per person.

If you fancy more of a daytime get together how about relaxing during the festive hustle and bustle of shopping and take some time out for one of their delicious Festive Afternoon Teas (£16.50).

To find out more or book your party just call 01733 391111.

The Ramblewood, Orton Longueville The Ramblewood pub adjoins Orton Hall Hotel and offers a more relaxed dining experience.

You can try their Festive Carvery from £15.95, enjoy a Christmas Day Lunch for £49.95, or Boxing Day and New Year’s Lunch is £24.95.

To book or find out more call 01733 391111.

The Blue Bell, Werrington The Blue Bell on The Green in Werrington is now serving up some tasty pub grub which we’ve been along to try.

We sampled the lasagne, sea bass, steak and vegetarian option and judging by the clear plates at the end everyone enjoyed a delicious meal… and of course we had to sample the puddings as well, well it would be rude not to. Sticky toffee pudding... don’t mind if we do.

It’s all home-made and their meat comes from local producers Willow Brook Farm and Grasmere. They plan to hold special food days and nights offering something extra special too so keep an eye out. They also serve up a lovely Sunday lunch roastie at the weekends.

The team are now taking Christmas bookings from this month.

They’ll be serving festive meals every day from December 1 to 22 for £13 for one course. There’s also a cheaper price for a small portion – ideal for children, seniors, and those with a smaller appetite.

The pub’s also just introduced a Real Ale Club giving you a great chance to try all their real ales and a Whisky Rack, offering over 20 single malt whiskies from around the world.

To book or find out more call 01733 573261.

The Cock Inn, Werrington It’s been fantastic to see The Cock Inn reopen in Werrington with a new look and new management and we have to say it’s looking good.

Not only has it had a complete refresh – we love the new décor – but we’re pleased to see it’s now offering some delicious Tapas which we’ve tried (of course!). It’s delicious and they serve very generous portions. They also offer burgers and desserts.

The food’s home cooked and drinks wise they stock a huge range of gins, cocktails, and spirits, they offer cask ales and the beer garden is back in business for the remaining sunny days.

If you enjoy a tipple don’t miss Wine Wednesdays to get you through the middle part of the week. You can dine on any four of their amazing Tapas dishes plus grab a bottle of house wine for only £25 between 6pm & 9pm!

To book or find out more call 01733 322006.

The Boathouse, Thorpe Meadows It’s no surprise that with the heatwave The Boathouse at Thorpe Meadows has had a super busy summer, but now this great pub by the water moves into the new season with a fresh menu coming in later this month with some different options for eating out.

Looking ahead they’ve just launched their Christmas offering and festive bookings.

Their festive menu will be available from November 13 to January 1 excluding December 25, 26 and after 5pm on December 31. You can choose from 2 courses for (£18.99 per person, £5.99 for the kids) or 3 courses (£21.99 per person, £6.99 for the kids) and there’s a vegan option available too. They’ll also be offering preorder drinks packages too.

If you want to give the oven a rest you can dine out here instead on Christmas Day with a 3 course festive dinner for £52.99 (£19.99 for the kids) or on Boxing Day it’s 3 courses for £24.99. You don’t have to stick to turkey on Christmas Day either, there’s a great range of mains if you fancy something different including a trio of seafood, luxury smoked cheddar tart, wild venison medallions or cannon of sirloin as well as a variety of starters and desserts.

To book call 01733 898469.

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

If you enjoy a home cooked style roast then head over between 12 and 4pm for a generous lunch cooked by their chef, Anton, complete with homemade roasties, Yorkshire pudding and stuffing. All the veg is locally sourced and meat is sourced from the local butcher. Roasts include beef, pork and chicken for just £6.95,

lamb shank at £9.95 and their children’s lunch is just £4.95.

Dessert fans will love their ice cream sundaes with chocolate such as Crunchie/Flake or fresh berries while others include sponge puddings and sticky toffee and syrup, all for just £2.95.

If you need a quick lunch they also serve burgers and bacon rolls Monday - Saturday from 12-4pm for £2.

They can cater for large parties and their private snug area can seat 10 if you want to get your friends or family together for a meal out. For vegetarian and special requests please book in advance.

To book or find out more call 01733 313700. www.espmag.co.uk

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Festive Menu

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11.45am – 10.30pm Fri and Sat 11.45am – 11.30pm Sun 11.45am – 8.00pm.

3 courses for £32.95 £10/person deposit

Food is served: Mon-Thu 12-2.30 / 6-9pm Fri and Sat 12-9pm Sun 12-6pm

Christmas Day Menu 5 courses for £74.95

*Not including Sundays

*Pre-orders are required for all Christmas Bookings

London Road, Wansford PE8 6JB Tel 01780 782328

www.paper-mills.com

TIM ‘PEAKE’S’ OUR INTEREST

Photos: Emma Bothamley

The first weekend saw visitor numbers soar into their thousands at Peterborough Cathedral as the buzz about Tim Peake’s spacecraft taking up residency in this iconic building was finally realised.

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ike many people in the city we’d been getting very excited about the arrival of the Soyuz capsule which is one of the highlights of this year’s Peterborough 900 celebrations marking the anniversary of the cathedral. The ESP team were there for the launch and what could’ve been better than the surprise appearance of the astronaut himself!

ESP Editor, Sharon McAllister, grabbed a word with Major Tim Peake behind the scenes and found this space adventurer couldn’t be more down to Earth…

Settling down for some snacks and drinks with his family behind the scenes, Tim Peake took a breather from the endless calls for selfies and book signings at the launch of the exhibition and reflected on how incredible it is to have the capsule that brought him home from space now taking pride of place in Peterborough cathedral.

“It feels fantastic, it’s a stunning location, a stunning building – I love the contrast, the juxtaposition of old/new, past/present,” Tim told ESP. “But just like this cathedral represents human accomplishment on an epic scale of engineering - what we’re doing today in space and technology, the capsule represents that as well, so it’s a wonderful mix of past and present. It’s great and also to have the capsule in such a wonderful location with the light coming through the stained glass window illuminating the

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canopy, being able to display the whole parachute very high up into the ceiling of the cathedral actually makes it for me. It’s always memorable seeing the capsule, but it makes it that much more special.”

You may think that having seen his Soyuz craft displayed at locations around the country on the current tour, it might have lost a little of its stardust for Tim but he says that’s far from the case.

“It’s never old hat – I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it – it always takes me back,” Tim told ESP. “It’s like seeing my photographs from space as well, it always takes me back to knowing exactly where I was when I took that photo and the same with the capsule, there are so many memories that I associate with that spacecraft that it’ll never be old hat it’ll always be special to see it.”

Now the people of Peterborough and beyond can also get to see it up close and personal right through until November 5.

Peterborough cathedral won a nationwide competition to be the sixth venue to host the exhibition and along with the Samsung Descent VR Experience where you can experience Tim’s descent from space, you really can get a taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut for yourself.

Tim is delighted that so many people are getting the chance to see what he was privileged to do.

...I think the whole point of the tour around the UK was to try and show a piece of space hardware and help people interact with it...

“I think it’s really important – I think the whole point of the tour around the UK was to try and show a piece of space hardware and help people interact with it and get up close and see what it is that we’re doing in space.

And to help people encourage them to learn about space and science and engineering and I think it’s great that it can, that it can try and reach people all over the UK. It’s been a huge success.”

During his visit at the launch the reaction from people was incredible. To many he’s every bit the hero and an idol they were desperate to meet. So how does he feel about this rock star status?

“It is surprising but I think it’s wonderful as well,” Tim grinned. “It’s indicative of people’s thirst for what we’re doing in space and I think people of all different generations have been interested in space and will continue to be interested in space. I think it’s wonderful to be celebrated so I embrace that and I think if we can take that passion for space and use it as a vehicle to encourage

the science that you do – we do about 250 to 300 experiments in every 6 month period so that’s what will be the most fascinating thing about the next mission, it may only be 4 or 5 years in between missions but what we’re studying in that time frame will be very dramatically changed and that’s what I most look forward to.”

The Soyuz capsule is free to visit at the cathedral every day and there’s no need to book.

Opening times are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon until 3pm on Sunday.

Tickets for the Space Descent VR are £5 per person (ages 13+ only). Pre-booking is strongly advised.

Book online at www.ticketisland.co.uk/ peterboroughcathedral or call Peterborough Information Centre on 01733 452336. #SoyuzTour

MUSEUM OF THE MOON There’s an extra special event which will really add to the Soyuz spacecraft exhibition next month as the incredible Museum of the Moon exhibit will illuminate the ceiling near to the capsule.

It’s a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram and as part of Vivacity’s 'Without Walls' programme it’s coming to Peterborough Cathedral from the evening of October 5 until October 14.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the Moon features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and a surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones. In Peterborough, there will also be a full programme of lunar-inspired activities and community events beneath the Moon including a concert, dance performance and silent disco!

TREASURES NOW ON SHOW @ MUSEUM Treasures is an exhibition organised by Vivacity which brings together iconic objects from Peterborough's past that have never been displayed together before. There are some amazing items which have just gone on show and they can be seen right through until January 6 next year as part of the Peterborough Celebrates programme of events.

The show features objects either found in or associated with the city that are now displayed in the collections of national institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. For the first time ever, these objects are reunited in the city together at Peterborough Museum in Priestgate.

Objects include important medieval manuscripts once kept at the Cathedral, and the 'Water Newton Silver' from the Peterborough Roman town of Durobrivae.

CLASSIC AND VINTAGE VEHICLE FESTIVAL Peterborough’s fifth Classic and Vintage Vehicle Festival will take place on The Embankment on September 1 and 2. The event is growing with each year and in 2017 it attracted more than 500 vehicles and more than 3,000 visitors from all over the region and further afield.

This is a fun filled weekend for all the family where there's plenty of variety on display for the enthusiast including cars, motorcycles, scooters, commercial vehicles, agricultural vehicles, buses and military vehicles. www.espmag.co.uk

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Photo: The British Museum

people to look at STEM subjects and encourage younger children to get interested in not just space, but why not go and study physics and maths and why not look at being an engineer yourself or an astronaut or any number of interesting careers you could have in the technology sector – I think that’s what the point of it all is.”

Tim has been a huge ambassador for space missions and has certainly captured the imagination of a whole new generation but will he get a second chance in space?

“I hope so yes, there’s a good chance of getting another mission into space. Two of my colleagues of my class have already been assigned missions.

Alex is already on board now, Luca goes next year and the other four in my class will hopefully follow suit over the next few years.

“I think what will always be different about every mission is

Peterborough’s TV Twins Release New Single

We’ve long supported Peterborough’s super talented soprano twins, Classical Reflection here at ESP. Now we’re hoping Hannah and Naomi Moxon’s recently released single will see them bag a No.1 slot!

Their new single – I’ll Wait For You – is out now on iTunes and features lyrics written by Naomi and Hannah to a piano piece by top Swiss composer Florian Bur. “We found Florian’s music online and both loved his music straight away,” the twins told ESP, “and were really happy to work with him on this single.”

Florian, a 31 year-old highly talented composer has received over 23 million views online, has a unique style to his music and coupled with the beautiful

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Orton Hall Hotel

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To find out more and link to their new single just head to their website at www.classicalreflection.co.uk.

Charlotte first developed a keen interest in birds of prey as a young girl after being taken to various falconry centres around the UK by her father John.

She went on to study and work with them extensively, gaining an insight from several experts along the way, so she really does know her stuff. You can share her enthusiasm for these wonderful birds – along with a little humour when the birds don’t stick to the script – as Charlotte gives you an entertaining insight into their world.

New Bird of Prey Experiences fly into Orton Hall Hotel…

ou know how it is when you’re struggling to think of something to buy as a gift or looking for something new to try? Well we’re pleased to see that the perfect thing has just landed right on our doorstep.

CJ’s Birds of Prey experiences are now being offered at the beautiful Orton Hall Hotel giving you hands on flying sessions with eagles, owls, falcons and hawks.

voices and lyrics from Classical Reflection we think it’s a combination which will hopefully push the girls further into the limelight.

The release has also given them a chance to produce a video to accompany the single – “It was filmed during sunset at Binham Priory in Norfolk which is very atmospheric – just what we were looking for.

The video is on our website and You Tube channel for anyone wanting to have a look.”

This latest release follows the fantastic success they enjoyed last year with their album, Echo which reached No.3 in the Official Classical Charts and was featured on Classic FM and other BBC Radio stations.

So it’s fingers crossed for a hit but Classical Reflection tell us there’s more to come – “We are already working on another album for 2019. We are collaborating with some exciting people which we will keep you posted about later in the year.”

Since appearing on The Voice a few years ago the twins have been performing all over the country and at many prestigious events and venues. They will be back home performing at the Key Theatre in Peterborough on Saturday September 1 in support of the charity, Little Miracles and are in concert at the Royal Albert Hall with the Salvation Army on November 29.

These experiences are usually ones you have to travel to so it’s fantastic it’s now something you can enjoy yourself, or buy as a Gift Voucher and enjoy it right here in Peterborough.

You may already have seen Charlotte Souto Hill and her father John Hill presenting impressive flying displays at local events, but now you’ll be able to benefit from Charlotte’s incredible passion and knowledge of her birds whilst getting the chance to handle them yourself. You will be part of a group.

Participants must be 10 years+.

The new 2 hour Educational Birds of Prey and Owl Encounter Experiences will be held in the beautiful grounds of Orton Hall hotel when you’ll be able to handle and fly several of their birds of prey and the sessions are just £17pp.

So whether you know a Harry Potter fan who favours owls or are fascinated by Birds of Prey this sounds like the perfect day out. We’ll be giving it a try very soon and reporting back.

There’s a special opening offer for just £15pp so get in quick! You can take spectators along too so they can share the experience for £10, but you must BOOK IN ADVANCE on 07922 093056 or email: events@cjsbirdsofprey.co.uk.

Visit www.cjsbirdsofprey.co.uk to find out more.

paparazzi The Cresset celebrated its 40th anniversary with a huge free community party last month.

ESP popped down for what was a great day and later Penny Hansen head of commercial activity told us – “We were thrilled to see so many people at our birthday celebrations. The Cresset was always designed to be a community hub for people to enjoy, and it’s just great to see that’s still the case today. All our performers were amazing, from the Ukulele Band, to Goldhay Arts and of course Nicole Lawrence, who was actually born on the very day we were opened by the Queen!

“We’ve had so many lovely comments from people, many of whom visited in the early days of The Cresset and are still coming now, which is amazing. Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion, and there was such a great atmosphere, we’re already looking forward to the 50th!”

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

Photos: Bethany Malcolmson

Caught in the act?

40th Party for The Cresset

paparazzi Caught in the act?

The Last Bite

The Last Bite tribute gig in memory of local singer Mark Perks from The Rocket Dogs was a fantastic night which truly did him proud. Mark tragically died suddenly of an undetected heart condition just after his honeymoon with wife Karen, who together with his former bandmates organised this amazing night which saw Peterborough’s music community come together in style.

They not only raised the roof at the Peterborough Sports and Leisure Club but also raised a whopping ÂŁ3,267 for the British Heart Foundation.

ESP was there and it rocked! Our man capturing the action was Mike Harris.

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

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www.espmag.co.uk

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paparazzi Caught in the act?

Fun @ the Raft Race

The 2018 Deepings Raft Race was another huge success and our man Mike Harris was there to capture the fun.

There were 42 rafts in various categories this year and some fabulous designs to go with this year's theme – Heroes & Villains. Loads of people also turned up in some wonderful fancy dress outfits so along with all the stalls and displays it was another great day out. Last year they raised over £8,000 for good causes and tell us they’re hopeful of topping that this year.

Congrats to The Banana Men who won the main race but for all the details of the various winners check out www.deepingsraftrace.co.uk.

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

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It’s that time of year again to don your denim and do your bit for Jeans for Genes Day!

W

e all have our favourite pair so why not join this easy ‘jeanius’ fundraising campaign and wear yours – flared, washed, cropped or skinny – do it in denim this September.

You’ll be in good company as the campaign is also supported by a wide range of celebrities including this month’s ESP cover star Una Healy as well as former Saturdays’ bandmate Kimberley Walsh. Other celebs backing the day include Conor Maynard, Rochelle Humes, Peter Andre, Jamie Lomas, Montana Brown, Jess Wright, Kelly Knox, Hayley Hasselhof, Felicity Hayward, Charlotte De Carle, Frankie Gaff, Ashley James, Michael Dapaah, Candice Brown, Tallia Storm and more.

Peterborough actor and TV presenter Warwick Davis is an ambassador for the charity Genetic Disorders UK which runs the annual Jeans for Genes Day campaign. He has a form of dwarfism known as Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia congenita (SED) a bone growth disorder resulting in skeletal abnormalities but there can also be problems with vision, hearing and other complications.

Jeans for Genes Day takes place on Friday September 21 and raises money for children and families affected by life-altering genetic disorders. It’s dead easy to join in and all you need to do is sign up for a free fundraising pack, pull on a pair of jeans and make a small donation on the day.

The money raised on Jeans for Genes Day funds the work of Genetic Disorders UK and provides grants to organisations for projects, day-to-day support, equipment, respite and events which bring together affected children and their families.

It is estimated that one in 25 children is affected by a genetic disorder, which means 30,000 babies and children are diagnosed in the UK every year. Whereas some disorders are apparent at birth, others are diagnosed at different stages throughout childhood.

Conor Maynard, commented: “I’m so excited to be part of this year’s Jeans for Genes Day campaign as it is a fantastic cause that is continuously helping to transform the lives of children living with genetic disorders across the UK. It is such a fun day for communities to be involved in across the country so please show your support by wearing your favourite pair of jeans and donating on Friday 21st September.”

Una Healy can next be seen performing her new single Never See Me Cry at The Long Road Festival in Loughborough on September 9 and is a keen supporter of Jeans for Genes Day. Una donned her denim and is modelling the charity’s new limited-edition t-shirt on this month’s front cover following the 10th year of the Jeans for Genes t-shirt design competition. The t-shirt is available for the first time in both a men’s and women’s style and is now available for £20 online from the Jeans for Genes website www.jeansforgenesday.org/shop.

Our cover star Una says – “I’m very excited to be involved in Jeans for Genes Day as it has a direct impact on children and families living with genetic disorders. As a mother I understand how it feels to want to do everything possible to support your children and Jeans for Genes gives these families and children specialist support to help them in their everyday lives. I urge everyone to get involved with the initiative and fundraise for such a worthwhile cause. All you need to do is wear jeans and you can help transform lives.”

Jeans for Genes Day takes place on Friday September 21. To sign up for your free fundraising pack visit www.jeansforgenesday.org.

Gavin Miller’s

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Movie Previews

THE PREDATOR Cast: Boyd Holbrook, Jacob Tremblay, Olivia Munn Director: Shane Black

Released

SEP

If anyone has the pedigree to reinvigorate the Predator franchise – then it’s acclaimed director Shane Black (Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang).

He particularly has insider knowledge after a supporting role as a part of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s team of mercenaries in the 1987 original – starring as lewd-talking comedic operative Hawkins.

This time though he’s behind

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the camera for the fourth instalment in the franchise – the first film in eight years since Predators – after a young boy (Room’s Jacob Tremblay) accidentally triggers an alert that brings the universe’s most lethal hunters back to Earth.

Only a rag-tag crew of former soldiers – led by Logan’s Boyd Holbrook and including Thomas Jane (Deep Blue Sea), Alfie Allen

(John Wick) and Jake Busey (Contact) – and a disgruntled science teacher (played by X-Men: Apocalypse’s Olivia Munn) can prevent the end of the human race, with the predators smarter and more deadlier than ever after genetically upgrading themselves with DNA from other alien species.

Sounds like they’re gonna have to ‘get to the choppa’ quick sharp…

Released

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

THE NUN

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While Universal Studio’s Dark Universe seems to have already crumbled with last year’s disappointing The Mummy – Warner Bros’ cinematic horror franchise based around The Conjuring series is definitely thriving. Following from the success of first spin-off Annabelle, another new entity The Nun, is touted as being the darkest chapter yet in the universe. A priest (The Hateful Eight’s Demian Bichir) with a haunted past, and a novice on the threshold of her final vows (Taissa Farmiga of TV series American Horror Story), are sent by the Vatican to investigate the mysterious suicide of a young nun in Romania. But they end up confronting a malevolent force in the form of a demonic sister.

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THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS Recently-orphaned youngster Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) is sent to Michigan to Released live with his zany uncle Jonathan (Jack Black), in a creaky old house with a mysterious ticking heart.

Lewis then soon becomes embroiled in a fantasy world of magic and sorcery when he discovers his uncle is a well-intentioned warlock, while his good friend Florence Zimmerman (Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett) is a far more powerful witch. But when the trio discover that the house was previously owned by a sinister couple who had constructed a powerful clock trying to pull the world into a magical alignment that could bring the end of days – they must stop at nothing to prevent Doomsday.

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Released

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CRAZY RICH ASIANS

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The number one US box office hit – based on Kevin Kwan’s global best-selling novel – should do very well this side of the pond too. This contemporary romantic comedy follows the story of Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an American-born Chinese economics professor who travels to her boyfriend Nick’s (Henry Goulding) hometown in Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. But everyone wants to bring her down when it turns out he is the most eligible bachelor in Asia – coming from a family of extreme wealth.

MILE 22 The fourth film collaboration between Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg – following Lone Survivor, Deepwater Horizon and Patriots Day – sees the A-lister star as James Silva, an operative of the CIA’s most highly-prized and least-understood unit.

Aided by a secret tactical command team, Silva must retrieve and transport an asset – who holds life-threatening information – for extraction before the enemy closes in. Ex-UFC and new WWE star Ronda Rousey, co-stars alongside Oscar-nominee John Malkovich.

Released

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A SIMPLE FAVOUR Bridesmaids and the Ghostbusters reboot director Paul Feig moves from his usual comedic comfort zone to helm this mystery-thriller. It centres around Anna Kendrick’s (Pitch Perfect) mummy blogger Stephanie, who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s (The Shallows’ Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town.

She’s joined by Emily’s husband (Henry Golding), as she unveils twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, and love and revenge, in this stylish flick.

Released

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THE LITTLE STRANGER This horror-drama tells the story of Domhnall Gleeson’s (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) Doctor Faraday – the son of a housemaid – who’s built a life of quiet respectability as a country doctor. But his world comes crumbling down when he returns to the declining mansion where his mother once worked, to find its family of inhabitants disturbingly haunted by an eerie presence. Will Poulter (We’re the Millers), Charlotte Rampling (45 Years) and Ruth Wilson (TV series Luther) complete a British-dominating cast.

SEP

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

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We are really excited to have Peterborough United’s support this year, the campaign will help us reach more children in the city...

I’ve seen first-hand the work that they undertake and I’ve been involved in a Key Stage 1 assembly delivered to children at primary schools around safeguarding. We officially launched the partnership at our fixture with Luton Town last month at the ABAX Stadium but over the next 12 months, we’ll be working extremely closely with the NSPCC on a number of projects.

Photos: www.theposh.com

NSPCC staff at the centre work one to one with young victims of child sexual exploitation and those at risk of abuse as well as doing workshops on topics such as how to help keep children safe online.

I cannot believe I am sitting here writing a column for the September issue of ESP magazine. Where did the summer go? Of course, at this time of the year, we are well underway in terms of the new football season and we have made a good start under manager Steve Evans and there’s definitely a feel good factor in the city at present.

As a football club, we’re working extremely hard off the pitch as well as on it and at the end of August, we were delighted to announce our partnership with the NSPCC with the children’s charity becoming our Charity of the Year.

Sarah Lambley, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Peterborough, said: “We are really excited to have Peterborough United’s support this year, the campaign

”

will help us reach more children in the city and raise awareness about how everyone can help children stay safe from abuse and neglect. The NSPCC Peterborough Support Group do a fabulous job for us and it’s great their work is being recognised with such a highprofile partnership.”

Peterborough United Chief Executive Bob Symns said: “We are pleased to be working with the NSPCC as our charity partner for the 2018-2019 campaign and look forward to helping them raise awareness as well as funds, which will go directly to local children.

“It is vitally important for us that we work with a charity that has a direct effect on the city and its surrounding areas and the NSPCC ticks those boxes.

The NSPCC do wonderful work both nationally and locally and this feels like a perfect fit.”

I’ve been heavily involved in this process alongside chief executive Bob Symns and we both felt that it was vitally important that we aligned ourselves with a local charity and although the NSPCC are national, all funds raised will go directly to families in Peterborough.

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

5 Station Road, Ailsworth, Peterborough, PE5 7AH 32 www.espmag.co.uk

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We love supporting local talent here at ESP and it’s always good to see we have so many city people achieving in all sorts of areas. This month we’re celebrating some more Peterborough authors who have books out in print…

NORTH SEA RISING

BY R.M.CARTMEL

A local author we’ve caught up with before is former local GP, Richard ‘Dick’ Cartmel who’s now turned out several novels.

H

is latest – North Sea Rising – is still a crime story but quite different to his Inspector Truchaud Mysteries: The Charlemagne Connection, The Richebourg Affair and The Romanee Vintage.

These were set in the vineyards of France but his latest works are very much focussed on Peterborough with his gritty 50 Miles from Anywhere now followed up by the wry dystopian murder mystery North Sea Rising set in 2039.

The setting is the British Isles – but not the British Isles as we know them today. The brutal economic impact of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, together with the ever-accelerating effects of global warming have led to a very different environment indeed, in almost every way. Politics, geography and technology are all in flux.

But some things remain the same – greed, murder, conspiracy and corruption among them. His latest story centres around Stephanie Flack, licensed private eye in the Royal Province of Anglia, who’s asked to track down some missing 34 www.espmag.co.uk

diamonds. She soon finds the trail leading her into some very unexpected and highly dangerous places, with dead bodies appearing with alarming regularity.

Including, very nearly, her own.

Dick’s idea for the book was inspired by a map on global warming which showed that if the sea level rose by 7m Peterborough was mostly under water!

This is his second book based in Peterborough but his first, the brutal 50 Miles from Anywhere, was published under the pseudonym Michael Cayzer.

The opening Chapter of 50 Miles is pretty hard reading, graphically describing a brutal attack on a teenage girl called Steff Flack.

“I picked her to be the star of this new book, set 25 years later,” explains Dick.

“Then I decided I wanted to try to write a book in the first person singular. There are a number of other characters who were young in 50 Miles, but have reappeared in this one.

“I have also made a couple of huge political assumptions. That Brexit will still happen, and that if it does in March next year then by the end of February, the Scots will have decided to leave the English and stay in Europe, and that the Northern Irish will have decided that to stay Irish with no hard border in the middle of the Island was the lesser of two evils. That is probably the backbone of the book. I also wanted to look at a killing that I wanted to play with 5 years ago while I

Richard Cartmel was writing Richebourg.”

With its brutal content it’s no surprise that 50 Miles from Anywhere seemed to be what Dick describes as a ‘Marmite book’ which people either loved or hated – his family hated it!

“It feels much more like the Truchaud books. North Sea Rising is certainly gentler than 50 Miles. I see it as a gentle Sci-Fi mystery, whereas 50 Miles was a crime book pure and simple.”

Dick continues to challenge himself and has further stories in mind so we haven’t heard the last from this local writer.

“I have plans for a book either side of North Sea Rising. the third book is a direct sequel starting about 30 minutes after NSR! The previous one is about ten years earlier, looking at how Anglia becomes an independent country too.

“I am also working on another Truchaud book, where I am taking him to Germany, as I am aware that I have already murdered more people in Burgundy outside 1939-45 than history has! I am very fond of the people of Burgundy as well as their product!”

DOLLY THE DOLPHIN

BY JACQUELINE HEDINGTON

SECRET PETERBOROUGH

BY JUNE AND VERNON BULL

LOCAL PAINTERPOET, PUBLISHES HIS FIRST BOOK Peterborough’s Graham Ward has a long history of writing and performing poetry, and has produced many paintings influenced by his wide experience of life – now he’s produced an illustrated book.

His life included growing up under the influence of Rock ’n’ Roll - some significant practitioners of which he actually got to know - and his later experiences in Jamaica.

Graham’s always been a keen observer of humanity, taking delight in the many and various characters he’s encountered, from idiosyncratic dustmen and bus-drivers to famous Peterborough characters like Nobby the Tramp. In his paintings and poetry he portrays all of these people, and their circumstances, with sensitivity, humour, and affection.

His new book gives us a great insight into the workings of an artist’s mind. It’ll surprise, amuse, titillate… and maybe even shock some readers.

It combines poetry and illustrations from Graham’s artwork, and looks set to be an essential addition to the cultural life and history of Peterborough.

It’s a lovely large format book, with full colour illustrations, and costs £17.50 published

by Brilliant Fire Publications.

June and Vernon Bull are well known local historians and are founder members of the Peterborough Local History Society. They’ve now uncovered even more of the city’s secrets in their latest book.

Secret Peterborough explores the littleknown and often colourful history of Peterborough with a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

We all know the city’s famous for the cathedral and is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities, but Peterborough’s history stretches back many centuries.

This book is a chance to explore the less well known episodes and characters in our city’s history through the centuries from its earliest days. They reveal how kings came to venerate St Oswald’s arm, how the city witnessed the last public execution in Britain and was the last place to have the riot act read, the park made of bricks, the city’s oldest business, the sexton who buried two queens, wartime visits by Hollywood legends and many more secret stories.

Walter Cornelius

It’s packed with tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away historical buildings and is available now at Waterstones on Bridge Street priced £14.99, published by Amberley books.

Jacqueline Hedington’s role as a part-time teaching assistant at an infant school in Sawtry has seen her read many a story in class, but now she has her very own tale to read them – Dolly the Dolphin.

“The book came about because my youngest daughter was given a soft toy dolphin which she named Dolly many years ago,” explains Jacqueline “The book idea came from conversations with my youngest daughter because we always wondered if the toys on our bed came to life when we were asleep.

They always seemed to be in a different place when she woke up.

“The book is about what happens to Dolly the dolphin when Hannah falls asleep and her adventures. She goes to a place you'd never think a toy dolphin would go!”

Jacqueline wrote the book last April and read it to her class – the children seemed to love it and she decided to send it to a publisher in Cambridge and got accepted.

“I feel very honoured that someone else out there liked my writing enough to publish me,” says Jacqueline. “At the moment it still seems surreal to say that I am an author and to see my work in print.

My husband John and daughters Sophie and Hannah have been very supportive throughout my journey so far. I am looking forward to seeing where this adventure takes me.”

Jaqueline tells us she got into writing at an early age and wrote many poems for family and friends and has loved it ever since.

“My advice to budding authors would be – believe in yourself and never give up on a dream.”

Dolly the Dolphin is £4.99 and can either be ordered directly through www.jacquelinehedington.com or can be ordered through Waterstones/Amazon/Foyles and www.pegasuspublishers.com.

Jacqueline will also be doing a book signing at The Greystones, The Green, Sawtry on Saturday September 8 from 1 - 4 pm where there will be books available to buy, and a chance to meet Dolly! www.espmag.co.uk

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healTh

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

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

geT ready

– This sepTember is healThy aging monTh Healthy aging month is for all of us – whatever age – to stop and think about the positive aspects of growing older. Too often, getting older is portrayed as a negative thing in society… And don’t even get us started on the beauty industry!

But actually, this month can remind us that it’s never too late to start looking after your health more, find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby.

ESP REVIEW

The CosmeTiCs Company sTore I was super excited to hear The Cosmetics Company Store was opening at Springfields in Spalding.

As you can see from the picture from the opening, there was already a queue of beauty fans waiting to get their hands on some bargains.

I went down to review the store, and was welcomed by the lovely store manager Caroline. So what’s so great about it? When you arrive, it’s a lovely relaxed, minimalist feel.

Everything is clearly laid out in sections based on brands, for men and women with testers to try for most products. The staff are there to help but let you browse through the

items at your leisure.

The other great thing is the selection of products. There are many of your most loved brands including prestige skincare, makeup and fragrance from the Estée Lauder Companies. Makes on offer include Estée Lauder of course, but also Bobbie Brown, Mac, Smashbox, Origins and Clinique. Some of these things might be staples in your make up bag, and all with great savings and discounts off high street prices.

So next time you’re down at Springfields Outlet make sure The Cosmetics Company store is your first port of call.

A few top tips from ESP for September…

Look after your mind: I personally love a good crossword puzzle or sudoko. Experts say that playing games, regular cardio and healthy eating all contribute to your brain health. So get down to the local store and pick one up.

Look at your diet: As our metabolism changes with age, we must become even more selective of the foods we eat. Fresh fruits, veggies, leafy greens, nuts, oats and beans are all packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish your body and help keep you feeling good from the inside out Go to the dentist: teeth health often gets overlooked.

But having the freshest minty breath, and a lovely smile can make you feel wonderful. A quick trip to the dentist for a clean and some top tips is something we often avoid – but make time today to book yourself in.

head To The healTh & Wellbeing markeTplaCe This month I’ll be heading down to the Health & Wellbeing Marketplace on Wednesday September 19 at the Aspire Offices in Bridge Street, Peterborough.

The event will run from 10.30am - 2.30pm and is completely free and open to everyone. It’s a unique opportunity to source many Health & Wellbeing services in one place and there’s something for everyone including, breastfeeding and maternity support services, getting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, mini health checks advisors from Citizens Advice, housing, mental health services, Age UK and Dementia services, local education opportunities and fire safety in the home. We’ll see you there!

36 www.espmag.co.uk

At Vivacity Premier Fitness you can now experience the wide range of new cardio machines:

Now’s the time to join Vivacity gyms If you’re looking to get back in the gym Vivacity have been busy upgrading their equipment and are offering September discounts to inspire you to resume your fitness routine.

A

fter taking on board customer feedback and watching the latest trends the team have spent the summer investing in their Peterborough based gyms this summer to make getting healthy a whole lot more enjoyable.

Ian Rowe, Vivacity’s Customer Growth & Development manager, said: “I am delighted to be able to share Vivacity's latest, high-tech equipment and gym updates. The exciting new transformations will give our members the best tools and motivation to help meet fitness and health goals.”

Not only is there a great range of new and improved equipment to try they’re also offering discounted joining fees this September.

STAY SAFE Don’t forget your SPF

These have the ultimate entertainment and connectivity options; keeping you engaged, entertained and motivated during your workout

•

They’ve also introduced the StairMaster® Gauntlet; combining quality and innovation it provides an excellent lower body workout

Feel the power at the Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre with the installation of: •

New strength training equipment; expertly designed gear that’s easy and comfortable to use by all levels of ability

•

Improved cardio machines

•

Renewed durable flooring

•

Plus there’s a fresh gym layout

If you’ve never been to any of the Vivacity gyms, they’re happy to let you have a tour and meet the team. If you fancy finding out a bit more about Vivacity gyms and membership options just take a look at their website www.vivacity.org/gyms.

Our range of treatments correct damage, protect and enhance your skin • FREE Consultations • IPL Hair Removal • Skin Rejuvenation • Laser Tattoo Removal • Acne Treatments • Fine Lines & Wrinkles – Radio Frequency • Stretch Marks – Micro Needling • Thread Vein Removal – ThermaVein®

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PROFESSIONAL CARE FOR REAL RESULTS! 5F Aston Business Park, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough, PE2 7BX Telephone: 01733 234251 e: info@mybodyessentials.co.uk w: www.mybodyessentials.co.uk

Karen Devine’s

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Well Being

Time to question why we do what we do... and whether it’s any good for us!

D

o you ever question the things you do on a daily basis or question what you believe in?

We come into this world as pure beings then pick up the behaviours, thoughts, beliefs and habits from our parents, teachers, peers, the church and mainstream media but never question if they are right for us.

We’ve all been socially conditioned, it’s steered our thinking, our choices, our desires, habits, behaviours and our reactions. Of course, not all our conditioning is bad but it’s the aspects that may not be serving us well that need some light shining on them to change them.

We will naturally pick up our habits, behaviours and choices from our environment and who’s in it but they’re not set in stone and can be changed. We are allowed to question them!

Recently I was watching a young boy of 5-6 years-old getting excited about Manchester United with his dad, he wore the T-shirt and talked of his favourite player. It’s highly likely he’ll focus in on this one team for the rest of his life. Why? What does this young child know at this age? He’s clearly been conditioned by his dad and others around him. This is just a small example of conditioning and beliefs that we start with and hold on to without question.

Once you start looking for how we’ve become conditioned without question it becomes easier to make different choices.

We’re entering a new era in our evolution where questions are coming up – Why am I here?

What am I here to do? What can I give to this world? What is my purpose? And so on. People are awakening to a new level of consciousness and with that it’s guiding us to look more closely at our lives to be able to claim back our own sovereignty. It starts by questioning why we do what we do.

Anti-Aging beauty advertising – this has to be one of the most concerning areas where we are believing that filling our lips, butt/face cheeks with botox and other toxic fillers will make us look and feel younger. Many have literally become line chasers (wrinkles) spending thousands of their hard earned cash on something that can not only be damaging to health but also to our psyche.

Being ‘sovereign’ means taking back control of our own lives, our thoughts, choices and habits as well as questioning our long held beliefs to see if they are right for us.

I heard a quote recently saying that the quickest way to look old is by trying to look young! We have to change the way we think about ageing, it can be done naturally, healthily and gracefully.

Consumer spending – if we didn’t have the current level of advertising we would all have much more money to spend on the things we really do love. The amount of crap we buy that we don’t actually need is often due to the adverts we’re bombarded with at every turn and end up buying and longing for stuff that we didn’t know we needed until the advertising campaign started!

Diet/ Foods /Excerise – we follow trends that may not be good for our health. Currently the protein hype is still popular, the more the better with snack bars being sold with added protein.

Many of the gym diets are promoting lots of protein in our main meals, snacks and in shakes. Sorry but excess protein promotes acidity, can create kidney stones, bowel issues, leads to faster aging and more. We’re told a high fat diet is key, then low fat, paleo, keto and on it goes. Many are following trends from coaches around the globe on Instagram and Facebook as we no longer trust our own instincts. Exercise trends are made popular more for body image than the health benefits of moderate exercise.

Take a breath, step back and take a look at why you do what you do, is it serving you, is it fulfilling, is it good for your state of health, wellbeing and mind – no? Then start to make changes that are.

In health, Karen www.karendevine.co.uk

38 www.espmag.co.uk

darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk

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Find a personal trainer near you.

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thout seeing the wi old ow gr to an m a r fo e am sh a is ‘It capable’ – Socrates is dy bo s hi ich wh of h gt en str d an ty beau

s e m i T g n i g n e l Cha l Of course, this goes for women too, but nearly 2,500 years ago when Socrates spoke these words, it was probably unheard of for women to take on a sporting event, but we get the point. Brilliantly nowadays, men, women and children run, cycle or swim side-by-side in events, to test their limits and reach new goals.

I love seeing people challenging themselves to goals ranging from Parkruns to marathons, and bike rides to triathlons to raise funds and awareness for great charitable causes.

When we push past our comfort zones, we can learn what we're truly capable of.

I've taken on some pretty big challenges over the last few years and have felt the need to raise the bar a little more each time. Most recently, running 100 miles across a frozen lake in Mongolia in temperatures as low as minus 50! This was an incredible experience with an amazing support team and it helped raise awareness and funds for Stamford based Anna's Hope, a charity I proudly support, helping children in our region, battling brain cancer.

To follow on from Mongolia, I'll be completing the year with more extreme multi-seasonal challenges in bid to raise more funds and awareness for the charity.

Follow more of Darren’s adventures on Instagram @darrengrigas

40 www.espmag.co.uk

September

The 170-mile White Cliffs Relay race from Maidstone, to Dover, to Brighton. I’ll be one of a team of five, covering around 35 miles each, racing alongside 100 other teams. To add our own extra burden to the challenge, we’ll be the only team attempting this whilst carrying a 45lb pack (fools!). Our team are supporting several causes, primarily to support men and women suffering from PTSD. My personal goal is not to be last!

October

PGER (Perkins Great Eastern Run), our own local half-marathon. I’m undecided yet if I may try this with the pack on, but it depends how much skin I lose from my back during the relay in September!

November

Namibian Desert: 300km across mountains, dry riverbeds, canyons and the world’s largest sand dunes, finishing at one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks left stranded in the desert sands.

Table Mountain: A 20km hike up and over Cape Town’s incredible aptly named flattopped Mountain standing proudly at 1,085m tall.

December

Panama, 2x World-firsts.

85km traversing the Panama Canal. I’ll be attempting a world-first, by foot and kayak through croc-inhabited waters in dense jungle, this 85km journey will be a mere taste of the territory before moving on to the final and biggest challenge to complete the year.

Running, hiking and rafting 200km through the hot and humid Panamanian jungle from Pacific to Atlantic coasts, hacking our way with machetes, sleeping in jungle camps amongst the very diverse wildlife and hopefully not getting nibbled too much!

I’m looking forward to resting at Christmas…

Any support will be hugely appreciated and will go directly to helping children and their families battle against brain cancer. https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/challenge-grigas

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

ANYTIME FITNESS, UNITS 30-33 ORTONGATE SHOPPING CENTRE, ORTON GOLDHAY, PETERBOROUGH PE2 5TD WWW.ANYTIMEFITNESS.CO.UK/PETERBOROUGH 01733 530678 / PETERBOROUGH@ANYTIMEFITNESS.CO.UK

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

ESP Interviews Phill Jupitus Following his hugely successful tour of the UK in 2017, stand-up comedian, poet, improviser and TV stalwart Phill Jupitus will be performing his acclaimed stand-up show Juplicity this month at the Key Theatre.

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head of his show we sat down with Phill to talk poetry, pre-show routines and what it’s like performing on the West End...

Audiences probably best know you for your various TV appearances, including as a team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks. What can live audiences expect however from your new show?

“It snowballs as it rolls down the hill of the dates. I wish I had the discipline of my comedy

brothers and sisters and say ‘it’s about this!’ By the end, who knows, it could be about my love of the bridge work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. What happens on the tour becomes added to the tour!”

What was the driving force behind deciding to perform poetry on your new tour?

“I support myself as Porky The Poet, so he goes out and does 40 minutes to start the evening. Because of Buzzcocks and other jobs I was given, I let Porky and the poetry slide but after about a decade I came back to it and wrote new poems, often just chucking stuff out on Facebook for mates to read.”

Audiences may also know you for your very successful stint on the West End, including roles in Spamalot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the musical Hairspray where you played Edna to critical acclaim.

What was it like singing whilst dressed in drag after performing stand-up for such a long time?

“I was thrown into it, three months in a dress, wig and lipstick. I’d just come out of 6 Music and felt a bit adrift: ‘do I want to do stand-up again or this or that’, and then Hairspray comes along and then Spamalot comes along. As a stand-up, you don’t think, ‘this is it now’: there are always other options. That’s why there’s a little resentment about standups because we’re so adaptable.”

You’ve been performing comedy for over 20 years now since your early days of supporting Billy Bragg in the 1980s. Do you have any routines or rituals that you still like to maintain whilst on the road?

“I used to have lunch on the day of a show because for years I told myself that I liked the energy of being hungry: turns out, no I don’t, because you’re actually irritable. So before a show now, I have a proper knife and fork dinner, and it makes me feel like a new guy on stage.

“The other thing I try to do, depending on the actual geography, is travel to the next town after a gig, so I’ll wake up where I’m playing that night. Again, it’s a very different energy to what you’re doing because you’re in situ which also gives you stuff to talk about in the first ten minutes of the show. And wherever I am, I look for art galleries and museums, I’ve got a thing about record shops, bookshops, and secondhand tat shops where I might be able to find old badges. Everywhere I go, I try to find those five things.”

Phill Jupitus will be performing Juplicity at the Key Theatre on Sunday September 16.

To book tickets call 01733 207239.

Local Poet Performs Debut Show After performing at the Greater Manchester Fringe in July, this month local poet Lewis Harlock will be hosting an evening of stand-up and spoken-word in the form of his brand new show, Neurotica.

Originally from Gunthorpe, Lewis is best known for running the popular monthly poetry night What The Thunder Said, which has been going strong since its debut at Charters back in January 2017.

Performing on Wednesday September 12 at the Brewery Tap, Lewis describes his show as an hour of stand-up and poetry which focuses on his break-up, breakdowns, mental health and modern love. There’ll also be support on the night from local poet and actor Jonni Binbagz for an evening which celebrates and supports the city’s growing arts scene.

To book tickets for Lewis Harlock visit www.eventbrite.co.uk.

42 www.espmag.co.uk

Comedy

Gig Guide 9

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CHRIS RAMSEY At the time of writing there’s still a handful of tickets left for Chris Ramsey’s Just Happy to Get Out of the House tour available at the Key Theatre. Added as an extra date by popular demand, this brand new show promises a great night out with a critically acclaimed comic best known for being a regular on Celebrity Juice and hosting his own show on Comedy Central. For tickets call 01733 207239.

LIGHTBOX COMEDY NIGHT The Lightbox Café is firmly establishing itself as one of Peterborough’s hippest venues thanks to their late DJ sets, artisan pop up restaurants, and of course their amazing comedy nights. Whilst the line-up hasn’t been announced just yet Lightbox has a great track record of hosting some fantastic stand-up, and if that’s not enough your first drink is also included in your ticket price! Tickets available on 01733 894444.

September Sat 1st Cuttin Loose Fri 7th Carpark Rendezvous Sat 8th Hooker Sat 15th Children of the Revolution Fri 21st Loose Rocket Sat 22nd Brotherhoods Roundabout Fri 28th The Guards Sat 29th Last Minute Brigade

• 10 Real Ales from £2.00 per pint • Real Ciders • 40+ gins from menu • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev

Staniland Way, Werrington

Tel: 01733 327696

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB Join the South Holland Centre in Spalding for their regular, relaxed comedy night in the Function Hall – perfect for a night out with friends or colleagues. This month's three stand-up entertainers are Larry Dean, Mandy Muden and Alfie Brown and the evening will be kept flowing with the charm and wit of compere Dominic Woodward. Tickets available on 01775 764777.

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB Established back in 1998, The Cresset's Comedy Club brings top-notch comedy, gags, puns and audience banter from the hottest new stars every month. Hosted in the intimate Fitzwilliam Suite, capacity is limited and most months are a sell-out, so make sure you book your tickets early!

Line-up to be confirmed, tickets available on 01733 265705.

Real ales • Live music • Good food served daily • Function/meeting room hire • Open to all

ADAM KAY Award-winning comedian Adam Kay shares entries from his diaries as a junior doctor in this ‘electrifying’ (Guardian) evening of stand-up and music. The accompanying book, This is Going to Hurt, is a Sunday Times bestseller, and copies will be available to purchase and for signature after the performance at The Key Theatre.

Tickets available on 01733 207239.

www.espmag.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER ENTERTAINMENT

SEP

Saturday 1st Friday 7th Saturday 8th Friday 14th Saturday 15th Friday 21st Saturday 22nd Friday 28th Saturday 29th

Cuban & Cognac Buddy Holly vs Black Elvis Soul FX Race Night Backlash One Eyed Cats Outlaw Eagles DJ Wayne Blue Cat Reggae Club (All bands start at 9pm)

Food served daily The Burghley is pleased to announce they have been awarded 5* for their facility

Beef, pork, turkey and local veg

Sunday carvery from - all welcome only

£4.95

7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA Tel: 01733 896989 | www.theburghleyclub.co.uk

NIghTlife

Your guide to the nighttime scene aLTERNaTIVE CLUB NIghTS @ ThE MET LoUNgE

SoLSTICE BIg NIghT oUT Kick the month off big style with The Solstice as the team return with another Big Night Out event Saturday September 1. This one sees an LED Robot in attendance and a night of tunes packed with entertainers, a bongo player, saxophonist plus 4 rooms of music. It's free entry before 10.30pm.

RESIDENT NIghT Saturday September 8 the monthly Resident DJ night returns to The Solstice with their main residents Alessandro Vacca & Steve Andrews. The tunes start from 9pm in the SolGarden. It’s free entry before 10.30pm.

PLaTINUM RaDIo LoNDoN Platinum Radio London take over The Solstice on Saturday September 15 for their monthly session.

There’ll be two guests from Platinum Radio London alongside resident DJ Alessandro Vacca from 9pm in the SolGarden.

URBaN CLaSSICS – TRaFFIC LIghT PaRTY There’s an amazing urban night and Traffic Light Party heading to The Solstice on Friday September 21. Join their Resident DJ's Mr Lion, Supa-T, T-Rex and DJ BDS for another top night of urban flavas, it's free entry for ladies until 11.30pm (gents 10.30pm). Make sure you pick the right traffic light sticker on entry!

IBIza UNCoVERED WITh KISS FM'S STEVE SMaRT Get ready to end the month in style and say farewell to the summer at the Ibiza Uncovered End of Season Party at The Solstice. There’ll be a guest appearance from Kiss FM's Steve Smart plus J Barker in the SolGarden Room.

It’s all happening on Saturday September 29 and there’s the chance to win a holiday for two to Ibiza including entry to some of the best club nights on the White Isle.

oNE BIg SaTURDaY – PIRaTE PaRTY The next One Big Saturday event at Edwards/Flares/Red Room on Broadway is a Shipwrecked Pirate Party on Saturday September 29.

They’ve got loads of giveaways including pirate bandanas and the special WKD offer of 3 bottles for £7!

All three rooms will be open, and there’s 50% off drinks till 10.30pm. Find them on FB for more event details, and tickets are available now!

VaNITY Hosted in Red Room on Broadway, Vanity is all about the sexy RnB, old school urban classics & garage anthems on Friday September 7. Get yourselves on the Ciroc guest list too for a free glass of Ciroc + mixer! Keep your eyes peeled on the Vanity Facebook page for this month’s event special and all the event info you need.

44 www.espmag.co.uk

MELLa DEE hEaDLINES MIXoLogY Closing the summer events at Mixology at Red Room on Broadway they have one of the most in demand DJs in the world headlining!

The man responsible for possibly the biggest track of not only 2017 but also 2018 Warehouse Music’s head honcho Mella Dee. Influenced by the likes of Underground Resistance, Floorplan and Head High, London based Ryan Aitchison is masterfully finding his sound; creating a unique blend of driving techno by fusing elements of house with essences of disco, bleeps, hardcore and jungle.

Techno Disco Tool has been a transient track throughout the dance music world with DJs such as Patrick Topping, The Black Madonnna, Spencer Parker, Bicep, Daniel Avery, Haai, Mall Grab, Annie Mac, Len Faki & Darius Syrossian all supporting arguably one of the biggest dance records that’s been released this decade.

Voted ‘breakthrough label of the year’ by DJ Mag, Mella Dee’s Warehouse Music has released some incredible productions which have seen Ryan light up Annie Mac’s Lost & Found festival, Darius Syrossian’s Do Not Sleep at Amnesia, Gottwood, Lovebox, Parklife & Elrow. The diversity of these festivals showing the broad appeal Mella Dee has.

Joining Mella Dee on the line-up will be as always their three mega Mixology residents: Tom Skinner, Dan Clare & James Chan.

This is set to be another incredible Mixo, all in the intimate confines of Red Room on Friday September 28. Grab your tickets early for this one as they’re gonna go fast!

EMBRaCE @ ThE MET LoUNgE The Met Lounge continues to flag the flag for Alternative Club nights in the Peterborough and immediate area in September with a busy month of events.

Every Thursday the EMBRACE LGBT night caters for the LGBT community in the area but is open to all . The campest and most colourful night in town! Hosted by the legendary Ritzy Crackers. Expect to hear camp disco and classic dancefloor tunes from resident DJ Brian Campbell. Doors 9pm-2am.

Entry £4 before 11pm /£5 after.

Every Friday from 11pm and Saturday from 9pm the Met Lounge on Bridge Street hosts the area’s longest running and most popular ‘alternative’ club nights.

Expect to hear the biggest mix of Rock / Indie / Alternative / Metal / Punk and Dance music anywhere!

It’s 18+ for entry to club sessions.

Entry’s £5 or pre-book via www.skiddle.com for discounted entry.

IDENTITY & DUBSToMP2BaSS NIghT Nicky Blackmarket headlines this Drum & Bass and Jungle night at Mama Liz’s in Stamford.

Head down between 9pm and 3am on Saturday September 15, admission’s a tenner. It features a big line up including Cludini back to back with Coda and Emgee back to back with Bomber and a whole load more along with MCs keeping the night lively.

SoUL CoLLECTIVE If you like your soul tunes then The Brewery Tap’s function room is the place to be on Saturday September 8. The Soul Collective crew move into The Tap Room with DJs Mick McKenna, Ian Pass and Lady J.

So DoPE It’ll be a mash up of the latest and greatest in house, RnB and hiphop with one resident DJ Stefano in Edwards on Friday Sepember 14 for So Dope and in Flares it’ll be the ultimate party! DJ PJ will be giving you the biggest party anthems non stop - there ain’t no party like a Flares party! Look out on the So Dope FB page for this month’s event special. Tickets available online.

Saturday nights are full of soul, funk and disco at the Lightbox Café on Bridge Street as the Eclectic Ballroom guys take to the decks.

This daytime café turns moody evening venue as the lights dim and the tunes begin. Catch them on Saturday September 1, Saturday September 8 and Saturday September 15 with special guest DJ’s SAS on Saturday September 22.

PERIoDIC hoUSE NIghT

ECLECTIC BaLLRooM PRESENT SaS Andy & Iain McArthur started their house music pursuit with Peterborough’s most renowned Deep House Sound System, SafeAndSound. The brothers began playing for the likes of Grooveyard sound system in the late 90s, following on to hold a residency for Dizzyfunk House Music Collective and continually rocking the dance floor at free parties for the legendary Nottingham based Sound System Smokescreen. The boys have graced venues up and down the UK, around Europe, culminating in Goa. Catch them live as they make a rare return to Peterborough exclusively at the Eclectic Ballroom/Lightbox Café from 9pm till late on Saturday September 22.

Entry’s free.

ICoNS oF gaY DISCo

If you like your house tunes in an intimate venue the guys from Periodic bring you Elements of House again this month. Head along to The Lightbox Café on Bridge Street on Friday September 21 when the daytime café dims the lights and transforms into a dance haven.

ChaRTERS BaR The mix of entertainment to suit all tastes continues over at Charters this month with Indie Night with DJ Anthony Thornhill kicking off the month on Saturday September 1 at 9pm.

Then Saturday September 8 sees DJ Jo G take to the decks for What the Funk! at 9pm.

DJ’s Julian & Glen McCully bring us Off the Cuff at 9pm on Saturday September 15 and Derek Gibson has the LP’s and 45’s at the ready for Vinyl Night on Friday September 21 at 8pm.

The Heavy Crates night with DJ’s Otis Roberts & Pat Unwin rounds off the month on Saturday September 22 at 9pm.

Glastonbury's very own Eclectic Ballroom and the Lightbox Café on Bridge Street bring you a regular monthly event celebrating 70's New York Disco. Be loud, be proud and get down. This month’s Icons of Gay Disco night is on Saturday September 29.

ThE BREWERY TaP Saturday nights it’s time to get your groove on down at the Brewery Tap on Westgate with DJ Rick Allen from 9pm – late with free admission.

On Friday September 7 it’s Thank Funk it’s Friday with DJ Eddie Nash from 9pm – late and free entry. Eddie rounds off the month on Saturday September 29 when he takes over the decks for The Get Down from 9pm – late, free entry.

YoYo CLUB NIghTS Every Thursday join the YoYo gang for more #ThirstyThursday antics coupled with selected £1 drinks from 10.30pm!

Every Thursday, every week all in Edwards! You're only young once, the ultimate excuse to party. Join the Yoyo Club Nights FB page for weekly event details.

hoUSE NIghT @ QUINNS Expect a huge night of house tunes on Saturday September 22 at Quinn’s Bar in Whittlesey. The night includes DJs Massive, Afro Jack and JMY from 7.30pm – 12.30am. There’ll be guest DJs, laser/scanner light show and an 8000watt Origin sound system pumping out the tunes. It’s free admission.

Photo: Nathan Pound

ECLECTIC BaLLRooM @ ThE LIghTBoX CaFÉ

JoE YoUNgER

Here at ESP we’re always keen to shout about local people putting the city on the map. So let us introduce you to some emerging talent on the DJ/music production circuit. DJ Joe Younger – JMY – please step up to the decks…

Fresh off the back of a banging house set at the legendary Mark Knight gig after party at The Solstice over the bank holiday, local DJ Joe Younger is buzzing.

This gig was huge at such an early stage in his career and saw Joe support one of his idols describing it as “the biggest night” he’d played at and that he was “ecstatic – absolutely buzzing.”

Joe will be familiar to those who’ve caught his residency set at the Platinum Radio nights at The Solstice and we’re pretty confident he’ll soon be known to a much wider audience.

This local lad now living in Whittlesey works at an insurance company by day, but after hours he’s an aspiring producer. He’s recently released his own pretty damn hot tech house track ‘What Are You Doing’ on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music which you can listen to on https://soundcloud.com/j mymusicuk1/jmy-whatare-you-doing.

“I like all sorts of music and will be regularly out at nights like Mixology and The Solstice,” Joe told ESP. “I can’t really limit myself to one type of music but any party banger will always get me up.”

Joe’s been honing his craft since a mate taught him how to use the decks as a teenager and he went on to play out drum an bass at the likes of Dissident and Café 24 in the city back in the day, along with some online radio. Then about 3 years ago Joe went to a house music festival and the more relaxed house

vibe resonated with him and a change of direction began. Influences like CamelPhat and Patrick Topping have led him to embrace a broader genre and he’s found his niche.

“I play out as much as possible – I just love it,” says Joe. “It’s my happy place – you just lose all the other stuff in your life while you’re up there. Looking out seeing everyone dancing and happy, that’s what I love.

“There’s nothing better than when you drop a track and get a great reaction.”

A trip to Berlin inspired him to start producing his own tracks and in true ‘bedroom DJ’ style he’s been sampling and creating his brand of house telling ESP – “I just love mixing – making tracks work together. I’m still experimenting, I’ve produced about 50 different versions of the track.”

Joe’s currently working on new tracks and his label, Main Stage Music from Peterborough, are also confident they’ve signed up a hot new talent.

We reckon he's one to watch and he’s now keen to get out and play more so if you’re a venue or event organiser JMY could be your man - book him now before he's raking it in, in Ibiza!

You can next catch him on Saturday September 22 at Quinn’s Bar in Whittlesey as part of a big house night alongside DJs Massive and Afro Jack.

Check him out on Facebook JMY UK @jmymusicuk https://soundcloud.com/j mymusicuk1/jmymainstage-records-mix

www.espmag.co.uk

45

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

Proudly sponsored by

Huge congratulations to the organisers of the Deeping Raft Race. This year’s event in early August was held, as usual, along the River Welland. 42 teams took part and raised a sum for charity exceeding £8,000. But the surrounding fun for all the family took place mainly in the Town Square of Market Deeping which was blessed with beautiful weather and the atmosphere had a real community carnival feel. Centrepiece for this was the bars. The Bull, The Stage and The Iron Horse all featured live music. The ability of being able to wander from one band to another in the sunny open air was a treat and the bands performing all enhanced everyone’s enjoyment of the day.

The Bull had Cosmic Rodney and LMB, The Stage had Another Girl Another Planet, Stone Pony, Revolver and Zebra. Whilst Hooker and the One Eyed Cats were at The Iron Horse. Thanks to all the performers – that’s a great assembly of bands all in one area.

Photos: Martin Gadd

Keith says...

Burning Codes Launch Album with Global Sponsor Yousician

Live Music @ The Met The Met Lounge on Bridge Street continues to fly the flag for great music nights in the city bringing us original acts as well as some great quality tributes.

This month they have the Hi On Maiden Monsters of Rock 30th Anniversary show and Reaper ready to rock us on Friday September 14 followed by Faux Fighters and Royal Blud on Saturday September 15.

Then one of the UK’s most tipped new bands, Oddity Road, return to The Met after supporting The Sherlocks on their recent UK dates. They’ll be live with support from Vigilantes, who recently played on the BBD introducing stage at Latitude Festival, and Skirt taking the stage at the Bridge Street venue for what promises to be a lively night on Friday September 21.

The Guns N Roses Experience & Faux Fighters UK Rock fans are in for a treat at Stamford Corn Exchange this month as two tribute acts to two great bands take the stage.

The Guns n Roses Experience reportedly have the only singer able to deliver the exact same unique vocal style and stage show synonymous with classic Axl Rose and to deliver the hit November Rain on piano. Plus their lead guitarist is officially supported by Marshall Amps, just like Slash himself.

They’ve toured across Europe, the Middle East and palyed all of the major venues and festivals in the UK. The Faux Fighters UK are described as the definitive tribute to the Foo Fighters and their live shows are said to be explosive events and the band go to every effort to reproduce the raw power and dynamics of the original band.

Tickets for the night on Friday September 28 are £17 (concessions £16) on 01780 766455.

46 www.espmag.co.uk

We’re seeing some great gigs and original releases by Peterborough bands lately and Burning Codes continue their authority in the Indie music scene with latest album, Liberator, launched on Friday August 31 at The Met Lounge in Peterborough.

The band partnered with global sponsor Yousician, the education music App with over 8 million users.

The coalition features two of the band’s album tracks on the App for users to learn and then replicate on guitar, bass and other instruments.

“We’re overwhelmed at the positive response from the Yousician team after I used the App to learn in the early days,” says bassist Karen Gadd. “It was a great start to the instrument, but there are many more skills to playing live that Burning Codes are sharing with Yousician members to get them out and about forming bands and getting gigs.”

Burning Codes’ founder Paul Archer, with Simon Bailey and Lloyd ‘Lord Fuzzman’ on guitars and drummer Gary Must will all share their skills and wisdom to help upcoming artists. Burning Codes is the project of talented songwriter and frontman Paul Archer, whose links with Snow Patrol

and other well-known artists are well documented. Paul told us he’s very excited over the new Liberator sound.

“This new album is truly unlike any other. It's like a whole new evolution, explosion of creativity, synergy and expression, a new sense of purpose and dynamism. With liberation from the past and excitement for the future.

“The Yousician link up allows us to share this creativity with a huge audience who can share the Burning Codes ethos by entering into our songs themselves using the App. We are delighted to be part of this great musical opportunity.”

Known for his soaring vocal, Paul says they’re performing some of their most dynamic live Burning Codes gig to date with heavy emphasis on energy, driving rhythms and a wall of guitar sound.

“Live performances just get more and more liberated and we are blown away by how the audiences come on the journey with us and we all liberate one another. I find this whole new chapter profoundly powerful, liberating and it goes to the very epicentre of our 'burning codes' a.k.a. our passionate, unique and yet communal, hidden inner feelings, thoughts and messages.Our live performances confirm this more and more with every gig.”

Singles from the Liberator album include Loss Leader followed by Embrace the Fear. Both have received rotation on BBC Introducing Cambridgeshire along with Cambs 105FM and PCRfm. Now you can grab the album which is available across digital platforms – check out more on www.burningcodes.co.uk.

Live music every week

Time to Meet Maria Marr Lexi Takes the Long Road

I’m handing over this section to one of our keen student reporters, Chloe Wilkinson, who’s caught up with one of Peterborough’s rising stars…

Peterborough’s Americana singer songwriter Lexie Green & The Indigo Blue have been selected to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage hosted

by Bob Harris at The Long Road Festival, Leicestershire on September 8.

The announcement was made by Bob Harris on his Radio 2 show and the performance will be recorded for BBC Radio 2 as well as the network of BBC Music Introducing shows across the UK. Thirty-eight BBC Introducing counties around the UK put artists forward from their own areas for consideration to perform (Lexie and the band were forwarded by the BBC Music Introducing Cambridgeshire team). They then went on to be selected by Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2 production teams and the Long Road Festival organisers and were then invited to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at The Long Road, a brand new Country, Americana and Roots festival this month.

Band members, Sam Carter (Wisbech) – drums, Steve Wilson (Huntingdon) – bass guitar, Kat Moore (Peterborough) – fiddle, John Wright (Cambridge) – lead electric guitar and fronting the band Lexie

If you’re one for local radio stations, you may have stumbled across the popangel that is Maria Marr.

Maria is continuing to rise to pop-fame as we stumble across new singles and local success of this singer-songwriter and we can expect much more over this year, with gigs around the city and potential new music.

"When I play locally, I sing covers as well as original songs and I always try to adapt my playlist to the audience," Maria told ESP. Forget About It is the latest release from the star, being played on BBC Introducing Cambs over the past couple of months, after the rave reviews What I Missed in Class received which was also chosen for Pick of the Uploader by BBC Introducing.

"When it comes to original songs, I play songs from my very first recorded single 11 years ago, then my latest releases.

This is to show the journey of my music."

Catch a live performance by Maria this summer at The Pizza Parlour and Music Café on Sunday September 9. Be one of the first to get a glimpse of what this talented musician is bringing to the area.

For more information or to listen to Maria’s music, visit www.mariamarr.com. Her music can also be found on streaming platforms.

Chloe Wilkinson

Green (Whittlesey) – songwriter, lead vocals & rhythm guitar will be joining the festival line up. Other’s performing at the brand new 3-day festival include Carrie Underwood, The Shires, Billy Bragg, Lee Ann Womack and Ward Thomas.

For those who haven’t caught Lexie Green & The Indigo Blue on the local live circuit, they’re a talented live band, performing all original songs written by Lexie, who describes her influences as Americana, Rock and Vintage Blues.

They’ve been gigging and touring locally and nationally as a band for over 5 years now, with shows from Brighton to Blackpool, 6 Music airplay, live performances on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and at festivals such as Ely Folk, Reepham and Jimmy’s Farm to name a few.

This announcement coincides with the fourth studio release from Lexie Green – Indigo Blue (release date Friday October 5). For all the latest information, releases, gigs and tours visit www.lexiegreen.com and on social media: Facebook @LGreenMusic, Instagram @LGreenMusic, Twitter @LGreenTweets

New Guitarist for Stealer Local band Stealer have been in touch to tell me that local guitar legend Steve Gough will now be joining the band. Regretfully, current guitarist Mike Buchan is hanging up his guitar due to a hand injury.

Steve Valentine, the band’s bass guitarist said – “The band would like to thank Mike for his excellent contribution over the last couple of years.”

You’ll be able to check out the new line up on October 13 at The Three Horseshoes in Werrington.

Dedication Night set to Return I’m pleased to hear that DEDICATION 15, the Phil Lynott tribute show, will be back early next month in Peterborough.

This annual event is always a popular one and this year sees Lizzy On The Loose, Last Minute Brigade, Black Rose and Rocket Queen all, revisit those classic tracks in style.

If you’re a fan of Phil Lynott and Think Lizzy you need to be at the Peterborough Sports and Lesiure Club on Lincoln Road on Saturday October 6. www.espmag.co.uk

47

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

...extra

Photos: Olivia Johnston Photography

On the night, the whole band turned being in awe to their advantage, upping their game to give the show of their lives. The sound was fantastic (well down Colin Smith!), the lights were spot on and every single seat in the house was filled.

Nearly every song they played was their own, and seemed every bit as good as the tiny handful of covers they threw in for good measure. Who’d have thought Python Lee Jackson’s In a Broken Dream is nearly fifty years old now! Their treatment of the song didn’t make it seem more than a day old. To throw in Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd – frequently voted to contain the best guitar solo ever recorded – as the encore, took a lot of balls, but they pulled it off so well.

Austin Gig Was Gold You go to a truly great gig and you get blown away by the experience. That’s the rules of the game, right? But those rules are supposed to apply to the crowd, not the band.

W

hen Austin Gold played their triumphant ‘home coming’ gig at the Key Theatre a month ago, it was them, though, who were overawed by the experience; it was them who were blown away by the sheer enormity of it all. And that made it into the most special of nights.

Whoever would have thought that any local band could ever sell out the Key Theatre, with more than half of the fans wearing their merch, and everyone knowing their songs well enough to sing along?

But Austin Gold aren’t just a local band.

They’re picking up critical acclaim and fans all over the country and can only be a hair’s breadth away from that big breakthrough to the world of fame.

48 www.espmag.co.uk

Blues-rock is big at the moment thanks to bands like Austin Gold. They’ve recently had their song Roadside play-listed by nationwide DAB channel Planet Rock, a station with the best part of a million listeners, who were playing it back-to-back with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, and their work really doesn’t sound out of place in such awesome company.

Frontman Dave Smith is a rock star in every sense of the word – except, perhaps, for fame, wealth and a bathroom big enough to play baseball in, if you pardon the Nickelback reference. The way he stands, the way he walks, the way he works the crowd; he’s got it.

“

Blues-rock is big at the moment thanks to bands like Austin Gold.

”

But he’s still up for chatting to the fans in the bar after the gig, even though he’d been rehearsing since 10 o’clock that morning.

He’s come a long way since playing the Norfolk in Millfield (remember that venue?) as part of Naked.

They’re now busy recording their second album but Austin Gold will be supporting Scottish rockers Gun (best known for their Top Ten cover of Cameo’s Word Up) on four dates later this year. If there’s any justice in this world, they’ll blow Gun off the stage and the fans will go home remembering those shows for the support act rather than the headliner.

Simon Potter

About Time: Flashback Photograph Release First Album Here at ESP we’ve been flying the flag for original local talent and one of the bands on our radar has been Flashback Photograph.

Now we’re pleased to here from the lads that they’ve released their first studio album, ahead of plans to tour the new record over the coming year.

The folk-rock trio of Gary Lee Ward (lead singer and lead guitarist from Peterborough) Matt Worthington (bass and accordion player from Peterborough) and Adam Mansfield (drummer from Cambridge) have been working on the new record for a year.

The new 13-track album, entitled About Time, primarily features new, unheard material, plus some veteran songs that have never been recorded.

About Time includes popular anthemic tracks such as Home, plus new fan favourite Fighting Faith. After month’s of hard work recording lead singer and lead guitarist Gary Lee Ward says the album’s been a long time coming – “We’re so excited to release our first album. It has lots of new material, as well as songs that we’ve wanted to record for a long time but fans might not have heard. There are also some familiar tracks on there too – I think our supporters would riot if we left certain songs off the album.”

The guys will be playing tracks live from the album on BBC Introducing on Radio Cambridgeshire on Thursday September 6 if you’d like a listen.

Bass guitarist Matt Worthington says the process of recording the album has been a real labour of love – “We’ve recorded an EP before, but this album has been another level for us – we decided to take our time with it from the beginning. We love the songs, we love playing and want to continue, but who knows what is around the corner, so it was important we took our time to get it right.”

Gary described the moment he held the first record in his hands as being a dream come true – “It might sound cliché, but music is everything to me and the guys. I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time and now we’ve done it. We have something I can truly say I’m incredibly proud of. I’m just sorry it took so long!”

The album About Time is available now. Copies can be bought at Flashback Photograph gigs or ordered directly by emailing flashbackphotographband@gmail.com or messaging the band on Facebook - www.facebook.com/flashbackphotograph/ www.flashbackphotograph.wordpress.com

Vendetta Celebrate 20 Years Brutal. Uncompromising. Sweaty. Loud. Ignored by the mainstream media. UK Hardcore is alive and well, and one of the top bands in the country is right here under our noses, in Peterborough.

Vendetta celebrate 20 years this month with a new album and a triumphant homecoming headlining gig at the Met Lounge on Saturday September 29.

Drummer Gavin Spiers, bass player Leigh Jungic, front man Tom Amos and guitarists Warren Bekir and Wes Urban are all Boro boys and have mostly devoted half of their lives to creating this monster of rock.

In two decades, the lads have toured both America and Europe, and have played all over this country – including a slot at the prestigious Bloodstock Festival, the spiritual home of metal, in 2016. Slayer, Anthrax and Twisted Sister topped the bill that year. Over the years, they’ve also shared stages with many of the other biggest names of the genre, including New York’s Madball, Death Before Dishonor from Massachusetts and Los Angeles band Terror.

“I’ve lost track of how many gigs we’ve played,” said guitarist Wes Urban. “We’ve been lucky enough to travel across half of the world to play live shows, and we’ve met a whole load of fantastic people along the way. The feeling of brotherhood in this kind of music is unreal, and that’s the inspiration behind the new album.”

But what is UK Hardcore? It’s a name also occasionally used on the rave scene, but this sort of music couldn’t be more different from what you may find there.

It’s a mixture of heavy metal and punk. If you look to Wikipedia for knowledge: “Most bands use tuning ranging between Drop D and A, although lower tunings, as well as 7 and 8 string guitars are

not uncommon. Drummers typically use a lot of double bass technique and general drumming styles across the board.” If you’d rather go for Vendetta’s own description: “We go out and ****ing smash it!”

The mosh pit at the Met Lounge is the place to be on September 29, with three support acts lined up, namely the Deadites, Smokescreen and exciting new Stamford thrash band Morti Viventi. Expect black T-shirts, expect testosterone, expect decibels, expect a real feeling of brotherhood/camaraderie/callit-what-you-want.

The new album, The Laws of Brotherhood is the culmination of a year’s hard work and combines some surprise guest appearances with over 50 minutes of original material and creative samples. Although the release date of the CD is set for September 29, it may be available as a download or to stream a few days before that.

“I reckon we must be one of the busiest and hardest working bands in the area,” added guitarist Warren Bekir. “We have loads of gigs booked all over the country over the next few months and, of course, the 20th anniversary which is a real milestone.”

Oh, and if you’ve spotted that the ‘DCHC’ in their logo doesn’t actually stand for UK Hard Core, have a bonus point.

It’s their own brand – Diesel City Hard Core, paying homage to Peterborough’s industrial heritage.

Simon Potter www.espmag.co.uk

49

GIGGUIDE FRI AUG 31

DIRTY RUMOUR

TUE SEP 4

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH THE BOATMEN

The Midland Railway, Syston

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

ANNA & JIMMY The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

BIG BAND The Blue Bell, Werrington

BURNING CODES + THE BRAYS + FES + DAN DONOVAN The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

LEWIS SPIERS + LIKUID LEMON

REVOLVER The Ploughman, Werrington

STINGRAY The Crown, Lincoln Road

THE CONTACTS

The Hurdler, Stamford

STONE PONY The Crown, Lincoln Road

TIGER CLUB

SAT SEP 8 THU SEP 6

VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH GRAHAM NUNN Mama Liz's, Stamford

BUDDY HOLLY VS BLACK ELVIS

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

SUN SEP 2

CUTTIN LOOSE (2PM) The Village Green, Welby

DIVISION DUO The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

CUBANS AND COGNAC The Burghley, Burghley Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The London Inn, Stamford

HOOKER

BLUEGRASS MUSIC

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Blue Bell, Werrington

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

SOUL FX

TUE SEP 11

THE LAZY OYSTER JAZZ QUARTET

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

THE FYZZ WALLIS BAND

WED SEP 12

HIGH ROLLERS

Puzzles?, Bridge Street

The Blue Bell, Werrington

THE OVERDUBS

The Punchbowl, Spalding

NEW VOX

The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

CUTTIN LOOSE

RIFF RAFF

STRIPPED DOWN STOMPIN BAND Charters, Town Bridge

THE OVERDUBS The Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN The Angel Inn, Ramsey

WHISKY TWIST

FRI SEP 14

BEACHY HEAD DIVING CLUB

SUN SEP 9

HELEN SMITH (4PM)

HI ON MAIDEN + REAPER

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

The Nelson's Head, St Ives

LIVE BANDS (10.30AM - 4PM)

ELECTRIC WARRIORS The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

FAUX FIGHTERS + ROYAL BLUD The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

LET THERE B/DC The Crown, Lincoln Road

RPM Royal Oak, St Ives

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

VELOCITY Puzzles?, Bridge Street

SUN SEP 16

The Crown, Lincoln Road

HUSH

The Ploughman, Werrington

THE GUARDS

The Crown, Lincoln Road

Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

MARK BISHOP

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

GLAM SLAM GLITZ

Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

OUTLAW EAGLES

The Ship Inn, Oundle

The Burghley, Burghley Road

OPEN MIC WITH BON ROGERS WHITE

OPEN MIC WITH STACEY

50 www.espmag.co.uk

MON SEP 10

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

OAKHAM MIC NIGHT

JIMMY DOHERTY

The Burghley, Burghley Road

Scarecrow Festival, Dyke

The Ploughman, Werrington

Puzzles?, Bridge Street

MON SEP 3

BACKLASH

PENNYLESS

The Heron, Stanground

CJ HATT

SAT SEP 15

Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS

Charters, Town Bridge

Puzzles?, Bridge Street

YANKEE & THE FOREIGNERS (3PM)

SONGWRITERS NIGHT WITH STEVE GIBBS

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM

BON ROGERS

The Blue Bell, Werrington

Fletton Ex Servicemens Club, Fletton

LEFTOVAS

SAT SEP 1

Charters, Town Bridge

The Burghley, Burghley Road

Mama Liz's, Stamford

VELOCITY

THE SOUND INJECTORS

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

FRI SEP 7

TUSCOMA + PARDON US + SOVIET FILMS + I GOT SPIDERS

ROB & DAVE ACOUSTIC (3PM)

HIGHROLLERS

The Ploughman, Werrington

FAREWELL TO THE HERON GIG - PALMY UKE BAND

The Ploughman, Werrington

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Millstone, Barnack

The Fox Inn, Thrapston

Mama Liz's, Stamford

OUTLAW EAGLES

VICE SQUAD + MARCH TO THE GRAVE + FYZZ WALLIS BAND

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE Charters, Town Bridge

DARREN BETHELL The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

PENNYLESS (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE (3PM) Waterton Arms, Deeping St James

LEFTOVAS MON SEP 17

Whittlesey Festival, Whittlesey

The Masons Arms, Bourne

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN

MARIA MARR

RETROLUX

BON ROGERSWHITE

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

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

GIGS@ESPMAG.CO.UK TUE SEP 18

SAT SEP 22

SUN SEP 23

FRI SEP 28

SAT SEP 29

DARREN BETHELL

OPEN MIC NIGHT

BROTHERHOODS ROUNDABOUT

ANNA & JIMMY

The Ploughman, Werrington

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Crown, Lincoln Road

ROB BULL ACOUSTIC (3PM)

BLACKSTAR REVOLUTION

BLUE CAT REGGAE CLUB

CIRCA 73 FRI SEP 21

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

CUBANS AND COGNAC

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

BON ROGERS Charters, Town Bridge

THE NUGGETS (NOON) Conservative Club, Peterborough

CUTTIN LOOSE

Puzzles?, Bridge Street

OUTLAW EAGLES The Burghley, Burghley Road

The New Crown, Whittlesey

MON SEP 24

THE RAINMEN The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Masons Arms, Bourne

DB5 The Crab & Winkle, Werrington

DIRTY RUMOUR

HUSH Cottenham Rock Club, Cottenham

TO ENHANCE YOUR GIGS PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01733 381266 FOR MORE DETAILS

LEE JOSHUA ROSE The Fayre Spot, Bretton

LOOSE ROCKET The Ploughman, Werrington

The Crown, Lincoln Road

TUE SEP 25

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Burghley, Burghley Road

Fletton Ex Servicemens Club, Fletton

WED SEP 26

THE FEDZ

BACKROOM

TIGER CLUB The Blue Bell, Werrington

Village Club, Farcet

VELOCITY VELOCITY The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN The Angel Inn, Ramsey

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH GRAHAM NUNN

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Pig and Falcon, St Neots

SON OF A GUN

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

THU OCT 4

GROOVE CARTELL

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

ONE EYED CATS

CUBANS AND COGNAC

The Millstone, Barnack

FRI OCT 5

The Solstice, Northminster

The Blue Boar, Eye

Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road

CLEAVER

CITIZEN SMITH

Charters, Town Bridge

ODDITY ROAD + VIGILANTES + SKIRT

WITH GRAHAM

Puzzles?, Bridge Street

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER

Mama Liz's, Stamford

HIGH ROLLERS

RPM

BON ROGERS

TUE OCT 2

FRANKLY MY DEAR

GENERATION SPAN

PARK LANE OPEN MIC

The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Frothblowers, Werrington

JACK LITTLE The Beehive, Bourges Boulevard

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE The Coalheavers, Park Street

VENDETTA

JUNK PUPPETS

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

The Blue Bell, Werrington

SUN SEP 30

THE GUARDS

The Blue Bell, Werrington

LOOSE ROCKET The Bell, Sawtry

MORTI VIVENTI + KAINE + OSMIUM GUILLOTINE + MERCURY RISING Mama Liz's, Stamford

NEAL DUROSE Puzzles?, Bridge Street

VELOCITY

CUBANS AND COGNAC + CHARITY STOW + CLAUDIO DEVITO

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Glasshouse, Key Theatre

The Ploughman, Werrington

FRANKLY MY DEAR

PHOENIX The Fayre Spot, Bretton

THE GUARDS The Crown, Lincoln Road

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30 THE GLASSHOUSE ACOUSTIC

GIG of the MONTH

The last Sunday of every month sees another Glasshouse session at The Key Theatre on the Embankment. This free, relaxed music afternoon from 2pm to 5.30pm brings together some of our best local talent to perform acoustically in the upstairs bar of the theatre.

This gig sees Cubans and Cognac, Charity Stow and Claudio Devito perform live. www.glasshouseacoustic.org.uk