The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Sutton Bridge cafe owner’s buns are set for the big screen as part of a naked calendar fundraising effort that’s set to raise thousands for charity.
Pippa Jones who runs Pippa’s Pantry on Bridge Street wanted to do a fundraiser for prostate cancer in memory of her dad David Burrows who died seven years ago with the condition aged 73.
The inspiration came from watching the film Calendar Girls.
It’s become a huge community effort with a host of people getting involved.
And there’s also a documentary being made by Two Magpies Media which will be shown in a special screening at The Curlew Centre on October 7.
“I just felt I needed to do something to raise awareness of prostrate cancer and raise funds,” Pippa said. “Women get mammograms and I think men should get checks too.
“I’ve been amazed at the reaction its had.
“Over 100 people have taken part in some way and brought in sponsorship.
“It’s looking like we’re set to raise £15,000.”
The pantry itself has been the main inspiration for all the shots in the calendar.
And Pippa says it’s a continuing source of entertainment for her customers who are looking forward to seeing the calendar and the documentary.
“We’ve all been joking about it, saying ‘oh I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on’, that kind of thing.
“I think it’s brought us all a little closer and it’s also brought out a number of stories we’ve heard from those involved.”
It’s also brought some light in a difficult period for the pantry with Pippa saying that takings were down 60 per cent while the works were taking place on the Cross Keys Bridge.
Thankfully the traffic control issues are now complete.
“We had to go from opening five days a week down to two. It was terrible for local businesses.”
