Mary Attends the Launch of Samaritan Cookbook "Sweet & Savoury"

Mary was on hand 17th October at the Wakefield Samaritans HQ to launch the new cookbook “Sweet or Savoury”. Mary contributed to the cookbook with her delicious recipe “Election Pasta”. Proceeds from the cookbook will go toward the upkeep of the Wakefield Centre.

“Sweet and Savoury” features recipes from some of Wakefield’s most prominent personalities that include Samaritan patron Ian Clayton’s vegetarian dish “Lentil, Mushroom and Spinach Curry”, local artist Les Packham’s “Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble”, Jane de Wend Fenton’s “Pheasant with Red Wine and Prunes”, and Three Houses Inn chef Simon Jackson’s signature dish “Lime and Coconut Bakewell Tart”. 

Samaritan volunteer, Sheila Leith said: “You might have already asked yourself ‘What has a cookbook got to do with Samaritans?’  The truth is nothing at all; except money.  It costs over £25,000 each year to keep Wakefield and District branch going and that is despite not having a single paid volunteer.  Costs are similar to a small business with telephone, heating, lighting and maintenance etc. Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.”

Mary Creagh said: “The Samaritans provide a vital service to vulnerable people in Wakefield.  I am pleased to support such a great cause. This tasty bit of fundraising is definitely something that Wakefield residents can sink their teeth into. My election pasta gives you two portions of your ‘5 a day’ in 10 minutes flat – but you’ll have to buy the book to get the recipe!”

The cookbook can be purchased from WH Smiths, the Tourist Information Centre, the Three Houses Inn, Chocoholics, Sisters Hair Salon, Sandal Newsagents, Hair Plus Beauty, Enroute in Walton, Blacker Hall Farm Shop and Cedar Court Hotel.