The wedding of Matthew Goldsbrough and Penny (formerly Marsden-Booth) started with a proposal in Frydays, the chip shop at Horwich End. The couple had dropped in for lunch, as Penny gazed at a film about the Romans on the TV, Matthew said “Do you think you’ll ever get married again?” Then … “Do you think you could marry me?”
Happy couple, Matthew and Penny - sharing chips and champagne
Shortly afterwards, the couple married quietly at Bakewell registry office. Penny’s son James was the best man. And a few weeks after that, there was a fabulous reception on their lawn, with a marquee, flowing with champagne – and a chip shop van. Guests swore the fish and chips tasted nicer out of doors – it could be that champagne beats vinegar as an accompaniment!
After a short honeymoon in Scotland, the couple came back to Combs to develop Matthew’s business – helping people to develop their business. Penny, a psychologist originally from Marple, is well used to helping people find their strengths and improve their communication.
The home-based business involves Matthew in helping clients, here and abroad, to devise better ways of business planning. Visit www.goldsbrough.biz or phone 01298 812 402.
The Combs wedding was not the first where Frydays owners Dennis and Tracey Griffin have been the caterers. They had emigrated from Whaley Bridge to the La Rochelle area of France four years ago with their three children, building up a mobile food service there. They offered frites et moules (French fries and mussels) with the option of poisson (fish) and did the catering for a few parties. But the children’s education was a challenge. The family came back to Whaley Bridge, where they had earlier run Frydays at Horwich End.
Frydays owners Dennis and Tracey Griffin
They developed the mobile side with a regular spot at a lay-by near Dove Holes. That led to fish and chip wedding receptions (with options of chilli and a choice of pies) at Hargate Hall near Wormhill. Then came the marriage proposal from Matthew to Penny in Frydays. The rest is history… Contact Dennis and Tracey on 0756 373 0599
Story and photos by James Middleton