issue29

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rhythm an Brews, News, Bands & Reviews - Issue 29 - January/February 2 Peterborough-based band The Replicas have reformed, having “seen the error of [their] ways.” The Soul/Ska/ Punk/Mod covers band formed in 2007, playing a variety of gigs and festivals including the Peterborough Beer Festival 2011 – before breaking up in 2012. Despite going their separate ways and forming new bands, the members – Luke Allport (guitar/lead vocals), Andy Lindsay (bass), Geoff Green (keyboards), Dave Parsons (saxophone) and Les Wheeler (drums) – were regularly asked about the possibility of a comeback. Explaining the reason behind the reunion, Les said: “It's fair to say we missed the buzz of playing the songs we love, with that injection of energy people came to know us by.” Due to other commitments, Andy Lindsay is unable to take part in the reunion. A new bassist will be in place by the first gig i early 2015. For further information on The Replicas, visit www.facebook.com /TheReplicasBand or ring Les on 07751 294898. peTeRboRough • s ouTh l incs • R uTland • e asT n oRThanTs Main picture: The audience enjoying The Replicas at the Deepings RUFC Beer Festival 2 Inset: The Replicas today, clockwise from bottom left, Luke Allport, Les Wheeler, Geoff Gre T he R eplicas R eTuRn

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We welcome the return of the Replicas, remember when the Beatles played Peterborough and visit the pubs of Lincoln. Also contains extensive gig listings, and pub and music news.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Issue29

rhythm and boozeBrews, News, Bands & Reviews - Issue 29 - January/February 2015

Peterborough-based band The Replicas have reformed,having “seen the error of[their] ways.” The Soul/Ska/Punk/Mod covers bandformed in 2007, playing a variety of gigs and festivalsincluding the PeterboroughBeer Festival 2011 – beforebreaking up in 2012.

Despite going their separate ways and formingnew bands, the members –

Luke Allport (guitar/lead vocals), Andy Lindsay (bass), Geoff Green (keyboards), Dave Parsons(saxophone) and Les Wheeler(drums) – were regularlyasked about the possibility ofa comeback.

Explaining the reason behind the reunion, Les said:“It's fair to say we missed thebuzz of playing the songs welove, with that injection of

energy people came to knowus by.”

Due to other commitments, Andy Lindsay is unable to take part in thereunion. A new bassist will be in place by the first gig inearly 2015.

For further information on The Replicas, visitwww.facebook.com/TheReplicasBand or ring Les on 07751 294898.

peTeRboRough • s ouTh l incs • RuTland • e asT n oRThanTs

Main picture: The audience enjoying The Replicas at the Deepings RUFC Beer Festival 2011. Inset:TheReplicas today, clockwise from bottom left, Luke Allport, Les Wheeler, Geoff Green and Dave Parsons.

The ReplicasReTuRn

Page 2: Issue29

Hodgson Centre,Hodgson AvePE4 5EGTel: 01733 578088

Peterborough CamRa Pub of the Year 2014Runner Up

Live Satellite Sports n Live EntertainmentHappy Hour Monday - Friday 5-7pm

Cash Quiz - Sunday from 8pm

Werrington CentreStaniland WayPE4 6NA Tel: 01733 327696

Peterborough CamRa Pub of the Year 2014CamRa Gold award 2013

Live Satellite Sports n Live Entertainment Happy Hour Mon - Fri 5-7pm

t eN Real a leS FRom £2.00 a PINt

SIx Real a leS FRom £2.50 a PINt

Page 3: Issue29

Award winning country andblues duo Red Dirt Skinners(www.reddirtskinners.com)perform at Iron Horse RanchHouse, Market Deeping on 31 January. The duo, the onlyact to have succeeded at boththe British Blues Awards andthe British Country MusicAwards, offer “a wonderfulmagic bag of country, blues,bluegrass and rootsy downhome Americana.” The£8 entry fee includes includea free drink at the bar. For information about, visitwww.ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk

A supergroup made fromthe ‘cream’ of the region’sbands was scheduled to perform at the O2 Academyin Islington at the end of December. Influenced by thelikes of You Me At Six and The Script, Atlantic Avenue(www.facebook.com/AtlanticAvenueUK) wasformed in early 2014 and have performed at Mama Liz’sand The Met Lounge. At thetime of writing was lined up

to perform at Festive-All2014 alongside former X Factor contestants KingslandRoad and singer/songwriterBailey McConnell.

Performance poet andRhythm & Booze contributorCardinal Coxhas released anew poetry pamphlet. The

booklet, his 51st such publication, has a Magna Carta theme and he will bereading verses from it at poetry events round theregion throughout 2015.

What could be the smallestrecord shop in Britain hasopened in Peterborough.Marrs Plectrum Recordsishoused in a brick shed in thegarden of owner MatthewHawton’s Walton home. Aswell as new and used vinylrecords, the Fulbridge Roadbusiness sells Rega RP1turntables and accessories.The opening coincided withthe news that more than onemillion vinyl records weresold in 2014 – the first timesales have breached thatfigure since 1996. For further information about Marrs Plectrum Records, call 07884 357021 or visitwww.marrsplectrum.co.uk

the rhythm section

Red Dirt Skinners.

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n Open all day, every day from 12 noon (11.30am Saturday) n Up to four real ales available n Largeriverside beer garden n Food served Tuesday to Sunday lunchtimes and Monday to Saturdayevenings n Quiz on Sunday evenings (cash prizes)

The WoolpackStanground's Best Kept Secret

- A 15 minute walk from the centre of town

North Street, Stanground, Peterborough Pe2 8JF (01733) 753544

l iVe MusicTraditional Irish Music Sessions

– Every Sunday, 4-7pm

A friendly 18th century inn, serving a well-kept range of ales including a mild or porter.

Our restaurant provides a selection of traditional meals and homemade specialities. Wecater for vegetarians andchildren, please call for further information and bookings.

huntingdonshire caMRa Rural pub of the Year 2014 • locale pub of the Year 2014

RegulaR eVenTs include QuiZ nighT sundaY, pReMieR league MaTches,biKeRs, cYclisTs, WalKeRs & dogs WelcoMe

Two Beer Gardens • Two Real Fires • Real Cider • Refurbished RestaurantChildren’s Bouncy Castle every Sunday throughout the summer

Tuesday 27th January - Caribbean Buffet NightWednesday 11th February – Comedy Night

both events by ticket only

The addison armssawtry Road, glatton pe28 5RZ Tel: 01487 830410

www.addisonarms.co.uk

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Whittlesey’s Annual StrawBear Festival takes place onthe weekend of 10-11 January.This traditional event was relaunched in 1980, and hasbecome a major regionalevent featuring more than 250 musicians, dancers andstreet entertainers, not tomention all day opening andbeer festivals. The Letter BinChurch St, is offering 20 realales and 10 real ciders, andmost of the town centre pubswill be opening early and of-fering a vastly enhanced rangeof beers

Peterborough MP StewartJackson was one of a handfulof Conservative MP’s who rebelled against the government in a Novembervote, helping to overturn the current ‘beer tie’ rules which currently force some publicans to buy at vastly inflated prices from their pubco.

Following the success ofthe Cosy Clubin Stamford,the same company is launching a similar café bar

style venture in Peterborough. The ArgoLoungewas due to open nextto NatWest bank on BridgeStreet during December

Both JD Wetherspoon’sDraper’s Armsin Cowgate,Peterborough and the CaptainNoel Newtonin Oakhamhave won platinum star ratings at the annual ‘Loo ofthe Year’ awards.

The Dragonfly, HerlingtonCentre, Orton Malbourne has been refurbished with afamily theme.

Market Deeping’s StoneLoach Innnow boasts an upstairs Thai Restaurant.Landlord Johnny Parr, whoalso has the Mason’s Arms in Bourne, has employed aThai chef and staff to createauthentic dishes not currently available in thetown. Free pool nights havealso been introduced.

The Red Lion HotelinSpalding may soon be adorned with a blue plaquecommemorating rock legendJimi Hendrix who stayed

there in May 1967 when playing at the famous Barbecue ‘67 concert in thetown. It’s alleged that Hendrixtied bed sheets together anddangled them from the window to help female fansup to his room.

Also in Spalding the landlords of the 16th

century Olde White Horsein Churchgate have employed Master Thatcherof Lincolnshire, Stewart Alexander, to rethatchthe roof.

The Bluebellin Helpston isthriving again under the keeneye of Lesley Newitt. RegularSaturday night live entertainment can be enjoyedalong with locally sourcedfood and a range of four realales including the house beer,10 Woodgate (the pub’s address), brewed by Deeping’sStar Brewery. A gourmet food evening is planned for 21 January.

Bob Taylor, who has run theRutland Arms(better knownas the ‘Dirty Duck’) at

Pub News

Continued overthe Stone loach Inn.

olde White Horse, Spalding.

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Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir since1971, has retired at the age of74. He’s not hanging up hisbar towel, though – he’s turning his attention to theSpringfield Armsin Grantham.

The Three Horsehoes atWhissendine near Oakhamwas the scene of an armedrobbery when Landlord MarkAllen was confronted by robbers who pushed a gun inhis face before fleeing withthe contents of the till.

The Golden Lionin Bourne,featured in our last issue, has been bought by MarkRichardson – owner of theWhite Horseat Baston. Thepub is currently closed for amuch-needed refurbishmentand is unlikely to reopen untillate 2015

When the top floor of the19th century Old Ship InnatPointon near Bourne went upin smoke one afternoon inOctober, the business couldwell have gone the same way.However, landlord AndyO’Shea appealed to localcraftsmen to come to his aid,and as a result the pub reopened a week later. Amongthe 40 or so helpers was PaulGreenslade who gave hisservices for free, Paul Burrelwho attended to the electricsand Mark Osbourne whorefitted the water system.

Almost 2,000 spectatorswitnessed The 2015 WorldConker Championship, held at the Shuckburgh ArmsinSouthwick near Oundle. Winner of the men’s title was John Doyle, the women’swas won by Stephanie ‘TheBee’ Withall.

The Thurlby Group of pubsthat includes Smith’sofBourne, the Lord NelsoninOakham, the Prince RupertinNewark, and the CrownHoteland Tobie NorrisinStamford was rebrandedKnead Group at an event atthe Crown in November. Thiscoincided with the reopeningof the hotel bar as a ‘pop-uppub’ – The ‘Red Cow @ theCrown Hotel’. A new stillageinstalled at Smith’s allows anumber of beers to be servedstraight from the barrel in addition to the six handpulled ales.

Nigel Wright of HopshackleBrewery has announced thatplant will be more than doubled in size from March.The Market Deeping breweryhas an extensive range ofbeers, which has now beensupplemented by a new brew,Midas – a 5.2% “golden, malty,fruity beer with a dry finish.”

The Wicked Witchat Ryhall is open again. DameonClarke, a former chef at therestaurant, is now the leaseholder of the Marston’shouse and is concentrating on “quality local produce ataffordable prices.” Just alongthe road, the Green Dragon

has been awarded Pub of theSeason by Rutland CAMRA

After a long period of discussion, The Jolly Brewerin Stamford will be getting its own brewery, although it won’t be on the premises.Licensee Dean Baker willcommence brewing from anindustrial unit in Ketton from February.

Oundle Mill,until recently a restaurant/hotel is for salewith King West for £1.5m.

The leasehold for the Merrie Monkpub and nightclub at Kirton nearBoston is available throughwww.poyntons.com

The freehold for the BullInnat Rippingale, near Bourne– reputedly the birthplace ofRadio 4’s The Archers – is forsale with www.colliers.comfor £300,000.

Pubs no more…

The Station Gates onWinsover Road, Spaldingcould become a takeaway,while the former Queen Innat Donington could become a private residence if recent planning applicationsare successful.Chris Shilling

Pub News(continued)

the Red Cow @ the Crown Hotel, Stamford.

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The World’s End174 Camden High StreetCamden Town, LondonNW1 0NE020 7482 1932www.theworldsend.co.uk

Despite being the ‘current’Doctor for longer than anyother actor (there are nineyears between his andChristopher Eccleston’s debuts), Paul McGann’s totalDoctor Who screen time isjust over an hour and a half.His two TV adventures wereset in San Francisco – butfilmed in Vancouver – andouter space respectively,meaning, even if pubs werespotted in the episodes, itwould be a long way for meto go to cover them.

Thankfully, McGann’s

Doctor appeared in books,audio adventures and comicstrips, which occasionally featured a pub in the narrative. The most accessibleof these – plot and distancewise – was The Flood, aneight-part strip that ran inDoctor Who Magazine between August 2004 andMarch 2005, which featuredscenes inside the World’s End.

Like the Tardis, the pubseems bigger on the insidewith a traditional cosy frontbar – complete with fireplace– giving way to a larger one at the back. This area includesa mezzanine drinking area, basement snug and arcadestyle mock shop frontsaround the walls.

The hand pumps on bothbars were advertising Greene

King IPA and Old SpeckledHen, however the lines werein the process of beingcleaned. The barmaid suggested a pint of World’sEnd Ale, a 3.6% keg bitter,priced £4.20. I was expectingit to be a craft beer, possiblyfrom Camden Town Brewery.However it was so cold anddevoid of taste that it couldhave been any other creamflow keg bitter.

The pub was fairly quietduring my early evening visitbut gets busier later on and at weekends, especially whenthere’s a gig on at The Underworld below. Like McGann’s Doctor who debut,the pub is a bit of a curate’segg, but I’d probably revisitboth if decent beer was closeto hand.

OOnn tthhee ((TTiimmee))llaasshhA visit to the pubs seen, however briefly, in Doctor Who.

Page 10: Issue29

R a i l R o V i n glincoln

As with Boston last issue, Lincoln can be arrived at by a couple of different routes.The cheaper fares tend to bereserved for the ‘direct’ route via Spalding (around£15 return for a 90-minutejourney) but the quickestroute (about an hour) is upthe main line to Newark for achange of trains. Going fromSleaford is better still, as it’sonly £7.70 return.

While not the largest city inthe UK, Lincoln is surely oneof the most pleasant – it alsohas a LOT of pubs, which arewell spread out so it’s worthhaving a plan. Ours was atwo-pronged attack, withJocky leading one party

through the city centre andnorth, with mine headingsouth, east and west.

Lincoln also boasts theaptly named Steep Hill up tothe cathedral, so the centralboys decided to do the energetic bit first, commencing with the Wig &Mitrehalf way up the hill. Misgivings that this was aneatery were put aside as altitude giddiness set in. Thesmall bar area is located between two restaurant areas– an impressive collection ofpump clips paying testamentto a healthy guest beer policy.Friendly but slow service offered old favourites JHB,Tiger, Black Sheep, along with

Kindling Ash – a 4.4% maltyoffering from Lincolnshire’sTom Wood brewery. Marstonhouses, the Magna CartaandLion & Snake came next, before the next point of interest – the Tower HotelonWestgate. This place had beenrecommended for its AdnamsDry Hopped Lager, whichproved pleasantly floral if alittle fizzy. Four hand pumpswere dispensing LondonPride, Oakham Citra, EverardsRegimental IPA and BlackSheep Blitzen – possibly toomany for what is essentiallyanother restaurant.

Skirting round the mist-shrouded castle, the GoodBeer Guide-listed Strugglers,

Page 11: Issue29

also on Westgate, came intoview. Radio 2 gently played inthe wooden floored bar,crammed with pump clips and breweriana. There’s a tiny snug, a real fire and an impressive range of nine hand pulled ales from thelikes of Kelham Island,Brown Ales, Navigation andPheasantry breweries. Fourhundred and sixty-eight different real ales wereserved in 2013 and landladyAnna confirmed that 2014would see this record broken.No surprise then that it’sbeen voted local CAMRA Pubof the Year twice in recentyears. Anna has been at thepub for six years and was previously at the lamentedCornhill Vaults for over 20years. She was happy to offera taster of the next beer tocome on – the Regimental IPAagain – a far better versionthan was tried earlier.

Just around the corner isanother old favourite, the Victoria on Union Street.Once the jewel in Lincoln’spub crown, this former freehouse has been part of theBateman estate for eightyears. In addition to the

Wainfleet beers were TimothyTaylor Landlord, Hop BackSummer Lightning, Oldershaw’s Mosaic Blondeand Cameron’s Ebony FallPorter. CAMRA members receive a 5% discount and thebeers were on great form, but the almost total absenceof other customers was testament to the sanitised interior and uninterested attitude of the bar staff.Perched on the ring roadclose to the cathedral is Lincoln’s oldest pub, theAdam & Eve. Harvest Pale,Old Speckled Hen, Wild BeerCo Bibble and Adnams

Smoked Ruby were availableand in good form, but theinterior appeared a little soulless. A short walk downhill along Broadgatetakes you to the Jolly Brewer– a no-frills alehouse with agothic styled interior. Thispub’s very popular for its livemusic and regular beerfestivals. Current theme waslady brewers, with beers from Welbeck Abbey, Greg’s,Milestone and Navigation.Sadly there wasn’t time forthe Straight & Narrow, butthis was recommended for afuture visit.

If you’re arriving early atthe station, it’s worth taking aleft turn and left again overthe crossing to sample thedelights of the High Street.The star performers aresituated at either end of thisvery long street, but the lessdiscerning can make it into amini crawl all of its own. Firstup is the Treaty of Commerce– an austere looking Bateman’s house offering agood range of beers includingLocAles served by friendlystaff. Just past the former StMarks railway station (now a shopping centre) stands the Ritz– a former Cinema,

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and one of three JD Wetherspoon’s in the city(the others are the Brayfordand the Forum). Beer isserved here from 9am, anddespite being a little after10am, this place was doing abrisk trade. Along with thepermanent Abbot Ale andRuddles, were Broadside,three festive brews andmulled cider. This was theoriginal coaching route upfrom London via our neck ofthe woods, and there’s still aprofusion of, presumably,former coaching inns.

The Anchor‘sports bar’ was given a wide berth, soonto the City Vaults, originallybuilt as a police station backin 1826, becoming a pub in1844 and now popular for itsChinese food. After a periodof closure the George &Dragonwas due to reopen onthe day of our visit, but therewas no sign of life at thisearly hour. Then come theMillers Arms, Golden Crossand Shakespeare before finallyarriving at theGolden Eagle–a proper real ale hub. Thistwo roomed Castle Rock pub is open daily from 11amand offers up to nine handdrawn beers served by knowledgeable staff, reasonably priced food, aweekly quiz, a loyalty cardscheme and a newly refreshedbeer garden.

To the east of the station,along the ‘Waterside’ lies anattractive Marston’s eateryknown as the Witch andWardrobe.It’s a pleasant location but beer drinkerswill prefer the Green Dragona little further along – a stunning medieval buildingwith a cosy front bar/restaurant and well-keptbeers (Doom Bar, Brains SA

Gold and Black Sheep on ourvisit). Crossing Broadgate,with the cathedral to yourleft, you’ll see the aforementioned Jolly Brewer,and a little further up the hill there’s Monk Street. Afive-minute walk away fromtown brings you to the Dog & Boneon the corner withJohn Street. Run by Chris andSarah Sorrell, the pub has hadseveral names including theRiflemen and the Gay Dog. A Bateman’s house, it offersthree house beers and threeguests plus a friendly welcome, a library area, artcollection and two real fires – just the job after a chillywalk. This is surely Lincoln’sbest-kept secret – indeedeven the locals I asked for directions didn’t seem toknow it. After just a year,Chris and Sarah have createdLincoln CAMRA’s pub of theyear and picked up countyand regional (East Midlands)awards. It’s a meeting placefor several clubs, a walkinggroup and delightfully named‘Stitch & Bitch’ group. Foodand live music feature onselected days.

Over in the west beyondthe trendy Brayford Pool/University Quarter, lies theappropriately named Queenin the West– a Lincoln legendfor many years. Four beerswere available in this friendlylocal – from Timothy Taylor,Wells & Young’s, Thwaites andMagpie. This was a swift visitas time was ticking and I’dheard great things about theWest End Tap in nearby Newland Street West. This vibrant pub (formerly theVine) has been revitalisedwith a great range of well-kept ales and cider from£2.80, plus weekly live music

and open mic nights. Run byself-confessed “bar wench andpub geek” Suzy Aldridge, thisbasic boozer oozes youthfuloptimism. Clearly popularwith the student communityit still enjoys a broad crosssection of regulars. Suzy was happy to offer her recommendations aboutother pubs in the town, alongwith her favourite tipples, soexpect to see something fromDark Star or Hophead on atall times, along with possiblyan Oakham Ale – and don’t be surprised to see Suzy inthe Straight & Narrow or the Morning Star. Clearly acouple of good reasons for areturn visit.Jocky Martin and Chris Shilling

Dog & Bone.

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01780 755141 - www.jollybrewer.com

Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PPLincolnshire Pub of the Year 2009

peterborough & district caMRa pub of the Year 2009

THE JOLLY BREWER

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Ukulele Night (Thursdays) - See our band and join inVinyl Night (Last Friday of the month)

Quiz Night (Every Sunday) - Cash and Beer PrizesLive Music -check thepalmerstonarms for dates

The palmerston arms

82 Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9PA Tel: 01733 565865

o p e n i n g t i m e s :Monday - Thursday 15.00 - 00.00Friday and Saturday 12.00 - 00.00 Sunday 12.00 - 23.00

“oundle Road’s Permanent Beer Festival”

announcing: The Palmerston Pie Cobeef, lamb, vegetable or chicken - £4.50

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The Surrealist Sportsman’s Clubdavid ‘dai’Roll is going round in circles.There can’t be many sportsor games in which Peterborough can boast ofhaving a world champion, butcircular chess is one of them.The rules can be traced backto the late medieval periodwhen Persian author Muhammad ibn MahmudAmuli wrote about Roman(Byzantine) shatranj. Shatranjis a board game related tomodern chess, but has elephants instead of bishops.

In 1983, Lincoln-based historian David Reynoldsdrew up a set of rules closerto contemporary chess. Theboard is made of four concentric circles, each with16 ‘squares’, giving a total of64 spaces. The game caughton locally and spread throughchess circles (sorry). The firstchampionship was held in1996 and by virtue of therebeing no other such events,was named the world championship. In 1997 thechampion was Francis Bowersfrom Peterborough, who has

taken the title a further sixtimes since then.

A number of pubs do have a selection of board gamesavailable for customers toplay, so perhaps circular chess could spread throughsuch establishments. If it did it would be slightly ironic asat the end of the 19th and

beginning of the 20th centuries chess was one ofthe attractions of the temperance hostelries where only soft drinks, teaand coffee were on offer.n Looking ahead, this year’sStilton Cheese Rolling festivalwill take place on Monday 4May, so start getting thoseteams in training.

The Circular Chess Championship 2010, at the Tap & Spile in Lincoln,saw another victory for Francis Bowers. Photo © George Jelliss

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Although early Beatles’ gigsdidn’t always end in cheersand polite applause, the catcalls and jeers that theyreceived at Peterborough inDecember 1962 did come asa surprise.

However, that show, starring yodeller Frank Ifield,at the Embassy Theatre inthough ignominious for thegroup at the time, was to have happierrepercussions. In the audiencewas the Peterborough-born promoterArthur Howes and his secretary SusanFuller, and theysaw the group’s potential, even ifsome of the au-dience didn’t.

Howes was there because Brian Epstein had telephoned him atthe end of October, andtold him – as he toldeverybody who would listen – that his boyswere destined for greatthings. Perhaps surprisingly, on thestrength of Epstein’s enthusiasm, Howesbooked the Beatles on to his Helen Shapiropackage the followingFebruary. He also told

Epstein that in order for himto assess their performancehe wanted the group to firstplay 10-minute spots onIfield’s two Peterboroughhouses for expenses only.

Their hearts may have sunkas they crept offstage thatDecember night, but Howesand his assistant had a surprise; not only did the Beatles retain their spot on

the Shapiro

package, but Howes wastedno time in booking them onto his Chris Montez andTommy Roe double headerthat would immediately follow. Epstein, touched byHowes’ faith in his boys, responded by giving an undertaking that Howes could have first refusal on all future Beatle UK tours.

When the Beatles returnedto the Embassy on 17 March

1963, themood hadchanged andthe EveningTelegraph,who justover threemonths earlier hadsaid that the bandwere “notnearly asbad as theymight havebeen,” nowfelt that “the Beatlesare right atthe top –and they deserve tobe there.”

On thebill for onenight onlywere theDynatones,a local band

WiTh ThebeaTles

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who included respectedbassist Colin Hodgkinsonamong their number. The Beatles made an immediateimpact on the Dynatones with keyboard player AdrianTitman-King even managing tohave a jam with the Beatles’rhythm section. “I was alwayswanting to play the Steinwaypiano at the Embassy and Igot on it that night and wasbeginning to swing – Maccawas tuning up and Ringo wassetting up and then theyjoined in and we played for acouple of minutes until therest of the lads arrived withtheir gear. Later, John Lennoncame up to me at the side ofthe stage between the showsand said: ‘You’re great players,but get off the Shadows’ shit.’I told him that me and thebass player were already play-ing jazz and blues stuff and hesaid that’s what we should be doing.”

The Dynatones were themost popular band aroundtown at the time andHodgkinson believes that iswhy the Peterborough-bornHowes rewarded them with

the spot. “I remember ChrisMontez being on the bill andof course we were delightedto be able to take part. Wewere probably a bit nervousbeforehand because we wereused to playing local dances,not a big stage show like that.Because we opened, we werefree to watch The Beatles onstage later and my memoryis of how incredibly tight theywere as a band – such a freshand tight sound. There wassome screaming, but nowherenear as bad as it got later on.I’m sure Montez and TommyRoe would have gone downwell, but the kids were thereto see The Beatles – youcould tell that.”

Hodgkinson had just bought a Fender bass and, like McCartney, he was left-handed. “The Beatles werevery friendly and approachable. We chatted to them afterwards and I remember talking to Paulabout my new left-handedFender bass. He said he hadn’t played a Fender, so he had ago. They were just down-to-earth guys.”

Dynatones guitarist RichardAustin, who has lived inQueensland, Australia, since1968, also has fond memories.“We went upstairs to watchthe show after our spot. Theguys [Beatles] were really excellent, on and offstage.They just had this charismaonstage – this confidence inthe way they performed. Theyknew everything they playedso well. As musicians yousometimes listened out formistakes, but they were sotight. All those hours in Hamburg I suppose – beingaway from the British popscene and doing their own thing.”With thanks to Martin Creasyfor permission to use extractsfrom his book Beatlemania! TheReal Story of The Beatles UKTours 1963-1965 (published byOmnibus Press).

opposite page: The cover and a page from the Frank Ifield concert programme. above left: The Dynatones,clockwise from left: Trevor Wright (drums), Colin Hodgkinson (bass) and Adrian Titman-King. Bottom row, left to right: Tony Benham (vocals), Mick Lemmon (rhythm guitar) and Richard Austin (lead guitar).

The Embassy as it is today.

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Blue Bell The at MaxeyCAMRA Gold Award Winners 2010, 2012 & 2014 CAMRA Pub of the Year 2006 • Cambs Pub of the Year 2007

Traditional free house

Now with NINE Real Ales includingFullers ESB and London Pride, at least one Oakham Ale and SIXever-changing quality guest ales Club & special event buffets on

request Real fires in winter, always a friendly welcome!

Happy New Year to All Our Customers

High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9EE Tel: 01778 348182

Ditch the shopping and escape to

The osTRichTraditional Alehouse in the heart of the City

caMRa gold award Winner 2013 - all real ales £3live Music every friday and saturday

open all day every day (from 12noon sun-Thurs, 11am fri,sat)

north st (just behind Westgate house), peterborough pe1 2Ra

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On a recent trip to Germany we popped into The Hotel Altora in Wernigerode, which overlooks the main locomotive depot of the Harz narrow gauge steam railway. In case youhaven't had your fill of steam during the day, you place your order with the waitress at yourtable and your beer arrives from the bar by rail – when you're done you simply put your empties back in the wagons which are then whisked away for a refill. Chris Shilling

express delivery?

MaTT and e MMa WelcoMe You To The

ff ii VV ee hh oo RR ss ee ss hh oo ee ss

f ReshlY Made piZZas

cooked in an authentic wood fired pizza

oven every Friday and the last Saturday

of the month. From 5.30-10pm

Barholm, Stamford, LincsPE9 4RA • 01778 560238

Six Real Ales with four on rotation • three draught ciders • threeLagers • Fine Wine & Spirits • large beer garden • Pool room

Enjoy a welcoming open fire in a Traditional Ale Houseopen from 4pm week days, 1pm saturday and 12pm sundays

Page 20: Issue29

The h aRe & h ounds

www.thehareandhoundsgreatford.co.uk

Main Street, Greatford, Stamford PE9 4QA 01778 560332

open all day, every day from 12 noonfriendly staff & open log fireseight cask ales / plus draught belgian beersand old Rosie cidergreat family atmosphere, dogs welcome good home-cooked food, served lunch and evesRenowned for our stone baked pizzas (takeaway available)plenty of car parkingQuiz nights on alternate Tuesdays

Succulent Sunday Roasts

with real ale gravy that really shouldbe on draught!!

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Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival will be back with usover the weekend of 9-11January. As well as the musicand dancing, there will be storytelling at the MethodistChapel on the Saturday (withsessions from 12.30, 1.30 and2.30pm) with Illinois-bornPatrick Ryan. Over at the Library, Peterborough’s Poets United will also be performing, 12.30-1.30pm and 3.30-4:30pm.

The Fenland Poet Laureatecompetition is currentlyunder way, the deadline being 30 January, applicationforms should be available atall the district’s libraries andmuseums. The final will beheld at Wisbech Museum onFriday 27 March, starting at7pm. Always a good night,come along to hear the highquality work.

The Blue Bellat Easton onthe Hill has started a newopen mic night that is happyto have poets perform at it. It is held on the second Sunday of each month (so 11January, 8 February etc).

Top American crime authorTess Gerritsenwill be talkingabout her latest book, DieAgain, on Tuesday 13 January(1pm) at Peterborough Central Library. The book features popular charactersDetective Jane Rizzoli andmedical examiner Maura Isles.Tickets (which are sure to sell out fast), priced £5 (£4for concessions and membersof reading groups), are available from any library or Waterstones in Bridge Street.

Over inOundle,UrsulaBuchanwill betalkingon Friday 16JanuaryaboutJohnBuchanand The Thirty-Nine Steps.The story was first serialised in a magazine in1915 so this year is thebook’s centenary. The talk will be at St Peters Churchfrom 7.30pm. Tickets are £7(£5 concessions) and can bebooked by ringing 07743988181or emailing [email protected]

National Library Dayis Saturday 7 February and Peterborough Central Library will be celebratingthis day with a series ofevents about local writers.

John Clare Cottage in Helpston is hosting an exhibition about the waterways of the fens fromSaturday 7 February for twomonths. To check on openingtimes go to clarecottage.org

I know I seldom mentionPeterborough’s vibrant hip-hop scene (and I am oldenough to remember PublicEnemy play the Wirrina) but Ithought I should rectify that.True, the city has played itspart in the upbringings ofboth Tim Westwood and theProdigy’s Maxim Reality but I wanted to talk about the

current scene and how productive it is. The guys atthe salon Headz-Up havemade a feature film; beat-boxer Skilly Skillz has worked with an orchestra and performed for theQueen; and MC Mixy (former Poet Laureate of Peterborough) has performedat the Edinburgh Festival,been in a comedy on Radio 4and is now training to be ateach English in foreign coun-tries. Ok, so some have beentaken by drugs, but whetherit’s the break-dancers practicing in St Peter’s Passage (every bit an athleticas Louis Smith), LaunchpadRecords releasing tracks, orthe graffiti artists paintingmurals (with permission), Ithink we must have a community here as good asany city.

King’s Lynn Literary Festivalis to be held over the weekend of 13-15 Marchat the Town Hall and willnclude such writers as JillDawson, Romesh Gunesekera,Rachel Hore and LaShondaKatrice Barnett. For full details visit the website atwww.lynnlitfests.com

pub scrawl by C

ardi

nal C

ox

John Buchan

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I’ve lost count of the amountof brewers who use whiskycasks to mature their beer.However Innis & Gunn’s ageing process was more byaccident than design. In 2002,Dougal Sharp, then headbrewer at Caledonian Brewery, was commissionedby distiller William Grant &Sons for a beer to season itswhisky barrels with; the ideabeing that after 30 days thebeer could be discarded andthe mature whisky that replaced it would absorb theflavour of the beer.

The experiment was a success leading to the launchof Grant’s Cask Editions’ AleCask Finish. However, distillery staff feeling it wouldbe sacrilegious to pour thebeer away, decided to try itand discovered a flavoursomebeer, totally transformed bythe oak of the whisky barrels.

After Grant’s managementgot wind of what was in the

squash bottles being takenhome by members of staff,Sharp was invited to form a brewing subsidiary, whichlaunched in 2003, takingits name from his and brother Neil Innis Sharp’smiddle names.

The first beer, Original, isstill available and is populararound the world includingCanada, where it is the mostpopular British bottled beersold there.

Despite its labels looking like they belong toa long-established brand (to the point where peoplebelieve that Innis & Gunn hasbeen around for years), thecompany is keen to innovate.After Sharp bought outGrant’s share in 2008, thecompany developed the Oakerator – a way of massageing the beer by effectivelyputting an oak cask into thebeer itself. By getting over apotential barrel shortage, it

allows Innis & Gunn to launch new varieties including Rum Finish and thelimited edition Irish WhiskeyCask, a stout matured for 60days in, you’ve guessed it, Irish whiskey barrels.

Available on draught in several pubs around Edinburgh, the rest of us canenjoy Innis & Gunn’s beersin 330ml, 500ml or 660mlbottles. Being a traditionalist,I poured my bottle of Original into a glass to bestappreciate the smell as well as taste. There’s more than a hint of whisky in its aromabut its taste is much moresubtle. Normally I take thetasting notes on a beer bottle with a pinch of salt,however in the case of Innis & Gunn Original, I agreewholeheartedly that its“luscious flavours of toffee,vanilla and oak perfectly balance the beer’s backboneand light hop fruitiness.”

Whisky business

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lisTings20 decemberChildren of the Revolution, Ploughman, WerringtonRadius 45, Palmerston Arms, WoodstonRevolver, Axe & Cleaver, BostonSweet Revenge, Cherry Tree, Woodston101 Proof, Angel Inn, YarwellThe Influence, Swiss Cottage, WoodstonThe Nuggets, Ebeneezers, WoodstonVelocity, Straw Bear, WhittleseySaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughOverdubs, Heron, Stanground

21 decemberBianca & the Topcats (4pm), Mama Liz’s, Stamford

22 decemberRutland Big Band Christmas Special, Grainstore,OakhamCarols by Candlelight, Key Theatre, Peterborough

23 decemberQuiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford

24 decemberFront Cover, Golden Fleece, StamfordThe 707, Dragon, Werrington

26 decemberSensational Soul Band, London Inn, StamfordAntoine, Mason’s Arms, BourneMan Alive Band, Cherry Tree, WoodstonNew Generation Crash & Burn, Solstice, Peterborough

27 decemberBianca & The Top Cats (10pm), North Street Bar,PeterboroughThe Nuggets, Ploughman, Werrington7 Sinners, Golden Fleece, StamfordCirca ‘73, London Inn, StamfordDean & Co, Mason’s Arms, BourneChildren of the Revolution, The Stage, MarketDeepingRetrolux, Swiss Cottage, WoodstonThe Guards, Straw Bear, WhittleseyLoose Rocket, Axe & Cleaver, BostonThe 707, Crown, Peterborough

Rocket ’57, Cock Inn, WerringtonCaptain Obvious, Railway Inn, RamseyAntoine Fleuriot, Stone Loach Inn, Market DeepingSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough

28 decemberAin’t Misbehavin’ (4pm), Mama Liz’s, Stamford

31 decemberCJ Hatt (10pm, usual free entry), North Street Bar,PeterboroughThe Soul Runners (ticket only), Ploughman, WerringtonDisco karaoke, Golden Fleece, StamfordLeon, London Inn, StamfordNick Willerton, Mason’s Arms, BourneJumpback 45 (DJ - Ska, Northern Soul etc, 8pm),Ostrich, PeterboroughHigh Rollers, Swiss Cottage, WoodstonThe Guards, Cherry Tree, WoodstonDead Rabbits, Mama Liz’s, StamfordNew Gen Crash & Burn, Fayre Spot,Bretton

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League of Mentalmen, Dragon, WerringtonGrounded (tickets only), Charters Bar, PeterboroughOverdubs, The Stage, Market Deeping

02 January Ian Graham & Kat Moore, Ostrich, PeterboroughAntoine Fleuriot, Cuckoo, Alwalton

03 JanuaryThe Soundinjectors, Cherry Tree, WoodstonJunk Puppets, Peacock, FlettonSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughLive Band TBC, Dragon, Werrington

04 JanuaryOakham Mic Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough

05 JanuaryBingo night (7.30pm), The Bluebell, HelpstonCharters Unplugged, Charters Bar, Peterborough

06 JanuaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneQuiz, Hare & Hounds, GreatfordOpen Mic Night, Dragon, Werrington

07 JanuarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneBe Bop A Lulas, The Braza Club, March

08 JanuaryAladdin, Stamford Corn ExchangeQuiz, Queens Head, Bulwick

09 JanuaryAladdin, Stamford Corn ExchangeCuttin’ Loose, Golden Fleece, StamfordChildren of the Revolution, Swiss Cottage, WoodstonCaptain Obvious, London Inn, StamfordOverdubs, Cock Inn, Werrington

10 JanuaryLimehouse Lizzy, Stamford Corn ExchangeFilthy Lucre, The Granary, Long SuttonPennyless, The Straw Bear, WhittleseyIron Fist (9-11.30pm), Iron Horse, Market DeepingWhittlesea Straw Bear Festival Mini Beer Festival,Letter B, WhittleseyAladdin, Stamford Corn ExchangeMaslow, London Inn, StamfordRelics, Ostrich, Peterborough

Children of the Revolution (Acoustic), New Crown,WhittleseyMan Alive Band, Ship, OundleCuttin’ Loose, Axe & Cleaver, Boston101 Proof, The Railway, BostonSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughThe Fedz, Ploughman, Werrington

11 JanuaryPennyless, Mama Liz’s, Stamford (4-6pm)Aladdin, Stamford Corn Exchange

13 JanuaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

14 JanuarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

15 January Craft market (5-8pm), The Bluebell, Helpston

16 JanuaryAgi Jarocka (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughHarkback, Golden Fleece, StamfordCuttin’ Loose, Mason’s Arms, BourneGo With The Flow, Ostrich, PeterboroughPorky Pig, Dragon, WerringtonRocket Dogs, Ploughman, Werrington

17 January Otis & Jules (DJ Set,10pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughPaul Jones and Dave Kelly, Guildhall Arts Centre,GranthamThe Slingshots (9pm-11.30pm), Iron Horse, MarketDeepingOverdubs, London Inn, StamfordNick Glover Karaoke, Mason’s Arms, BournePorky Pig, Ostrich, PeterboroughRevolver, Axe & Cleaver, BostonOpaque, Charters Bar, PeterboroughSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough

18 JanuaryPaspatou, Mama Liz’s, StamfordJazz Jam Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough

20 JanuaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneQuiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford

21 JanuarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneGourmet Dinner (7.30pm), The Bluebell, Helpston

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23 JanuaryThe Jive Aces, Stamford Corn ExchangeThe Soundinjectors, The Crown, PeterboroughRob & Dave (Children of the Rev, 11pm), NorthStreet Bar, PeterboroughThe Barron Knights, Guildhall Arts Centre,GranthamLittle Big Band, Golden Fleece, StamfordRetrolux, Ostrich, PeterboroughMoon After Sundown, Cock Inn, WerringtonHigh Rollers, Solstice, PeterboroughThe Guards, Dragon, WerringtonLoose Rocket, Stone Loach Inn, Market Deeping

24 JanuaryThe Expletives, Cherry Tree, WoodstonZack Zoot (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughPennyless, The Waterton Arms, Deeping St JamesMilitary Wives with Special Guests, Guildhall ArtsCentre, GranthamJunk Puppets (9-11.30pm), Iron Horse, MarketDeepingJohn Burrows band, Golden Fleece, StamfordThe Fedz, London Inn, StamfordRadius 45, Ostrich, PeterboroughCirca ‘73, The Blue Boar, EyeFront Cover, Ebeneezers, WoodstonCuttin’ Loose, Carpenter’s Arms, BostonSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughUnder_covered, Ploughman, Werrington

27 JanuaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneCaribbean Buffet Night, Addison Arms, Glatton

28 JanuarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

29 JanuaryVoodoo Stands Up, Mama Liz’s, StamfordOmid Djalili, Cresset, Bretton

30 JanuaryRamshackle Serenade (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughThe Mandolinquents, Stamford Arts CentreDrumbluey, Golden Fleece, StamfordAfterlife, Mason’s Arms, BourneBRM, Ostrich, PeterboroughPorky Pig, Crown, WerringtonHigh Rollers, O’Neill’s, PeterboroughLoose Rocket, Axe & Cleaver, BostonHooker, Ploughman, Werrington Children of the Revolution, Dragon, Werrington

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Valentine’s Night bookings now being taken

Home ofCastor Ales

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31 JanuaryMotown Party/The Conmitments, Stamford CornExchangeThe Expletives, Blue Boar, EyeThe Soundinjectors, The Stage, Market Deeping CJ Hatt (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughRed Dirt Skinners (£8, includes a free drink), IronHorse, Market DeepingHayz, Golden Fleece, StamfordRamshackle Serenade, Palmerston Arms, WoodstonBlackout UK, London Inn, StamfordOverdubs, Ploughman, WerringtonNick Glover Karaoke, Mason’s Arms, BourneRocket Dogs, Heron, Stanground Velocity, Quinn’s, WhittleseyThunderhead, Ostrich, PeterboroughChildren of the Revolution, Crown, PeterboroughHigh Rollers, Charters Bar, PeterboroughRevolver, Granary, Long SuttonOne Eyes Cats, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughThe Mistreated, Swiss Cottage, Woodston101 Proof, Railway Inn, RamseyThe Relics, Cherry Tree, WoodstonSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughMighty Mouth Trev, Dragon, Werrington

01 februaryOakham Mic Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough

02 februaryCharters Unplugged, Charters Bar, Peterborough

03 februaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneQuiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford

04 februarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

05 february Craft market (5-8pm), The Bluebell, HelpstonQuiz, Queens Head, BulwickLee Hurst, Key Theatre, Peterborough

06 februaryJames Edmonds (11pm), North Street Bar,PeterboroughHigh Rollers, Golden Fleece, StamfordDetourz, London Inn, StamfordBeats Working, Ostrich, PeterboroughRevolver, Stone Loach Inn, Market Deeping

07 februaryMichael George Variety Show, Stamford Corn

ExchangeFilthy Lucre, Cherry Tree, WoodstonEclectic Ballroom (DJ Set, 10pm), North Street Bar,PeterboroughPennyless, St Michael’s Church, LangtoftCirca ‘73, London Inn, StamfordGrumpy Old Men, Heron, Stanground Redemption, Prince of Wales, CastorVintage Stuff, Ostrich, PeterboroughOne Eyed Cats, Cock Inn, WerringtonSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughOverdubs, Straw Bear, Whittlesey

08 februaryPennyless, Mama Liz’s, Stamford (4-6pm)The Stamford Senior Youth Theatre, Stamford ArtsCentreNational Youth Jazz Orchestra, Key Theatre, Peterborough

10 februaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

11 februaryFascinating Aida, Stamford Corn ExchangeSteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneComedy Night, Addison Arms, Glatton

13 februaryThe Deltaphonics (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughThe Most Ugly Child & Manière des Bohémiens,Guildhall Arts Centre, GranthamSo Comedy: Kevin Day, Stamford Arts CentreIndigo, Golden Fleece, StamfordHigh Rollers, London Inn, StamfordThe Tunnel, Ostrich, PeterboroughChildren of the Revolution, Palmerston Arms,WoodstonCuttin’ Loose, Swiss Cottage, WoodstonMaxwell Hammer & Smith, Cherry Tree, Woodston

14 februaryThe McBusted Experience, Stamford Corn ExchangeBianca & The Topcats (11pm), North Street Bar,PeterboroughThe Soundinjectors, Black Bull, DoningtonCirca ‘73, Golden Fleece, SatmfordValentine’s Dinner (music from Intermezzo Quartet), The Bluebell, HelpstonSmarties, London Inn, StamfordFrankly My Dear, Heron, Stanground Radius 45, Ploughman, Werrington

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Revolver, Mason’s Arms, BourneRocket ’57, Blue Boar, EyeSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughMotown & Philadelphia on Tour, Cresset, Bretton

17 februaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneQuiz, Hare & Hounds, GreatfordJimmy Carr, Cresset, Bretton

18 februarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

19 february Craft Market (5-8pm), The Bluebell, HelpstonSpectacular 60s (Starring The Move), Cresset, Bretton

20 februaryThe Rainmen (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughThe Guards, Golden Fleece, StamfordNick Glover Karaoke, Mason’s Arms, BournePorky Pig, Cherry Tree, WoodstonCuttin’ Loose, Stone Loach Inn, Market DeepingSongbird, Key Theatre, Peterborough

21 februaryThe Rubettes, Stamford Corn ExchangeOtis & Jules (DJ Set, 10pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughLeveret, Stamford Arts CentreBetty Swallocks, Golden Fleece, StamfordVeltones, London Inn, StamfordPorky Pig, Heron, Stanground Radius 45, Quinn’s, WhittleseyGrumpy Old Men, Ostrich, PeterboroughCirca ‘73, Ebeneezers, Woodston101 Proof, Burghley Club, PeterboroughCaptain Obvious, The Stage, Market DeepingSaturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughDave Ellis Blues, Charters Bar, Peterborough

22 february101 Proof (4pm), The Swan, MoultonJazz Jam Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough

24 februaryCurry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

25 februarySteak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne

26 februaryGourmet Dinner (7.30pm), The Bluebell, HelpstonVoodoo Stands Up, Mama Liz’s, Stamford

27 februaryLee Enstone (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughQuiz Night, Toft Country House Hotel, BourneSubway 77, Golden Fleece, StamfordThird Stone From the Sun (tbc), Heron, StangroundSkullduggery, Ostrich, PeterboroughMan Alive Band, Cock Inn, WerringtonRetrolux, Swiss Cottage, WoodstonRevolver, Axe & Cleaver, BostonForever Jackson, Cresset, Bretton

28 februaryAladdinsane, Stamford Corn ExchangeJohn Quinn (11pm), North Street Bar, PeterboroughRevolver, Golden Fleece, StamfordGreg McDonald, Prince of Wales, Castor101 Proof, Horse & Groom, HolbeachThe Relics, Burghley Club, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, PeterboroughDizzy Miss Lizzys, Charters Bar, PeterboroughThe 707, Ploughman, Werrington

Rhythm & Booze, Issue 29 - January/February 2015

All written material, unless otherwisestated, © Simon Stabler

All events are listed free of charge. To ensure inclusion in the March/Aprilissue, or have any other newsincluded in the magazine, email [email protected] by 13 February 2015. Entry cannot be guaranteed for late submissions.

For advertising queries, contact Chris Shilling on 01778 421550, 07736 635916 or by [email protected] Rates (excluding VAT)*

£130 - full page£85 - half page£50 - quarter page * Discounts for series bookings.

Page 28: Issue29

The Yew Tree Inn, Church Lane, Cauldon, Nr Leek ST10 3EJTel: 01538 309876www.yewtreeinncauldon.com

We often hear of pubs being described as ‘time warps’ or ‘heritage’ pubs, but there cansurely be nowhere like this place anywhere inEngland. Run by a couple of elderly ladiesknown to all as “Mrs East and Auntie Mabel”from 1961, a veritable treasure trove of antique items was built up, including an array of Victorian music boxes known as polyphonsand symphoniums, a pair of Queen Victoria’sstockings, ancient bicycles, the remarkable‘Acme Dog Carrier’ and countless other gems.

Their son, Alan took over in the early 1990sand continued until ill health forced him to

take a backseat last year. During that time, the pub gained unique recognition in havingthe only 2-star rating in the Good Pub Guide.

So, having heard that the pub was in newhands and ‘changes’ had been made, I made the two-and-a-bit hour journey to Staffordshire to see what was occurring. Ineedn’t have worried, as the new landlord isnone other than Alan’s stepson, Dan Buckland,who is proud enough of his inheritance tokeep things inside the pub exactly as they’vealways been.

The changes mentioned include an upgradeof the toilets (sometimes tradition benefitsfrom a helping hand), removal of one of thetrees, renovation of outbuildings and development of a paddock as an outdoordrinking area and event/camping field. Indeedthe inaugural ‘Yewstock’ festival took place

NATIONAL TREASURESpotlighting Britain’s best boozers

Page 29: Issue29

in July, attracting well over a thousand visitors– and is to become an annual event. There’s avintage vehicle run each September, and a variety of clubs and societies meet at the pub.

As you make yourself comfortable on one of the antique settles, marveling at the décorand soaking up the ambience alongside a roaring fire, there are a minimum of three ales to enjoy. Immaculately kept Burton BridgeBitter and Rudgate Ruby Mild are always available, plus a guest beer – on this occasionCleric’s Cure from Three Tuns brewery.

The food offering is limited to Staffordhirepies, gravy and peas (the “best pies on earth”in Dan’s humble opinion). Dan was keen to relate the recent story of a local lady whohad brought a photograph of herself and herthen boyfriend taken in 1974 sitting in a corner of the pub. Incredibly the same settlewas in exactly the same spot with the sameornaments behind it 40 years on.

Cauldon is a tiny village, tucked away between the A52 and A523 to the west of Ashbourne, but the neighbouring Tarmac/Lafarge cement works can be seen from milesaway, acting as a beacon for the unfamiliar. The Peak National Park, Churnet Valley SteamRailway and Alton Towers are all within 5 miles, so there’s plenty of reason to be inthe area.

Opening times are 12-3pm and 6-11pm during the week and all day from noon atweekends. A folk night is held on the firstTuesday of the month.Chris Shilling

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- LocAle accredited- Four real ales on permanently

- Live music every weekend- Huge enclosed beer garden

- 120” big screen TV- Function room for hire

- Quiz every Tuesday

www.heronpub.co.uk

Page 30: Issue29

Wisdom for Home Brewers: 500 Tips &Recipes for Making Great BeerBy Ted Bruning and Nigel Sadler, ApplePress, hardback, £12.99

If you are a home brewer who has outgrownthe bucket in the airing cupboard, but notquite ready for hiring out a unit on an industrial estate, then this book is for you. The writers are certainly authorities when itcomes to beer and brewing, with Bruning aformer editor of the CAMRA magazine What’s Brewing, while Sadler runs Essex-basedWibblers Brewery.

Offering logical steps in brewing, it startswith the suggestion that you try various beersand think hard before buying any equipmentand gives several options of what cleaningproducts, before you even get to a choice ofmalts, hops and how to ‘Burtonise’ your wateror liquor as they call it in the trade.

There’s plenty on troubleshooting and the closing chapter offers recipes ontraditional British beers and continental styles. The only part of the book that I didn’tlike is the section marked ‘other flavours’,which talks about the use of herbs, spices,honey and whatever else that should haveceased being added to beer by the end of the Middle Ages.

Chapter and Verse: New Order, Joy Division and MeBy Bernard Sumner, Bantam Press, hardback, £20

Unlike his former colleague Peter Hook, Sumner – the singer/guitarist in electronicrock group New Order – is a relatively private person. The only child of a woman with cerebral palsy, Sumner was kept on a tight rein by his mother, and punished severelyfor the most minor of transgressions.

Despite his feelings at the time, Sumnerbears her no ill will and by that same token,comes across as the bigger man when writingabout Hook’s acrimonious departure fromthe band.

It’s apparent that Sumner has suffered agreat deal of bad luck, personally and professionally, over the years; the greatest of these is the suicide of Ian Curtis – singerin Joy Division, the band whose ‘survivors’ reformed as New Order.

But Sumner now seems to have luck on hisside, cutting down on the partying, turningaway from bad business decisions and able tobalance time between his family and band.

And as for the unfortunate choice of bandnames; Sumner explains that the name NewOrder came from a newspaper article aboutCambodia’s post-Khmer Rouge reconstruction,not –as many people have suggested – a Naziconnotation. Sadly, the same can’t be said ofJoy Division – a name chosen at the height ofpunk, purely for shock value, which Sumner admits “in my more mature years, I probablywouldn’t pick it [again].”

r E V i E W S

Page 31: Issue29

o pen a ll d aY - e VeRY d aY

s eRVing e ighT Real a lesand s ix Real c ideRs

the green man w stamfOrd29 Scotgate, Stamford Tel: 01780 753598

ESTABLISHED IN1796 ASONEOFTHEORIGINALSTAMFORDALEHOUSESWITH A LARGE BEER

GARDEN, A WELCOMINGREALFIRE, ACCOMMODATION- WITHFREEWI-FI.

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