A PAIR of pie lovers are taking their culinary passion to a new level – by serving up their favourite food at their wedding reception to help The Star’s big campaign in aid of St Luke’s Hospice.
Jenny Beadman, aged 30, and Matthew Leaning, 34, are set to tie the knot later this month, and instead of the usual fine dining experience, guests will be tucking into a hearty pie and peas dinner.
Everyone attending the reception will be asked to give a donation towards the Great Pie and Peas Up appeal, held to raise money for a new £5 million inpatient unit at the hospice in Whirlow.
Jenny said the couple, from Storrs, are planning the novel event as they ‘love a good pie’ – and that they’re looking forward to the opportunity of helping the good cause.
“I think most people that know us understand our love for pie,” said Jenny.
“We go a long way for a good pie. I used to work at St Luke’s, so I’m always looking for ways to still do my bit. In November last year, I lost my uncle to a brain tumour and he was cared for by the hospice, so it all fell into place in terms of being able to do something and make our own contribution.
“Even before we got engaged we said that when we did get married we would have a pie and peas supper.”
Jenny, a project manager at a housing association, said 100 guests are expected at the reception, taking place at Foxholes Farm in Low Bradfield after the wedding ceremony at Underbank Hall, Stannington.
“I expect we should be able to raise a decent amount of money from that,” she said.
Live music will be provided by a group called Acoustic Angels, and the pies are being supplied by a local caterer, representing an alternative from a ‘long, drawn-out, five-course meal’, Jenny continued.
“It’s good hearty fare. A lot of our friends and family are farmers and live the rural life, so pie and peas is right up their street. We’ve never really been ones for cordon bleu cooking.
“We’ve got some envelopes from St Luke’s which we’ll be putting on the tables and we’ll be asking people to put their spare change in them.”
Jenny and Matthew, a content developer for a Sheffield-based digital firm, have been together for four years, and as well as serving up pie, there will also be another rustic treat on the menu – a homemade wedding cake.
“It’s the main thing that’s stressing me out,” said Jenny.
“I didn’t really bargain for how much work it’s taking, I have to keep steeping it in alcohol. It’s taken on a life of its own, we started it before Christmas and currently we’re only on the marzipan stage.”
Pie and pea suppers are happening across Sheffield throughout this month.
One of the first happened at the hospice, where Hallam MP Nick Clegg dropped in to share a meal with staff and patients.
But even though the events have started, there’s still time to sign up.
Everyone who registers will receive a pack to help make their suppers successful and prizes are on offer for the top fundraisers.
Other activities can also be added to events to raise extra funds, such as auctions or raffles.
Are you hosting a pie and peas dinner in aid of St Luke’s?
Send us pictures from your event and we will feature them in The Star. Please email them to richard.blackledge@thestar.co.uk
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