Meet The Team

Pip

Pip Gale is a renowned director and wine expert, with a passion for bringing people together through food and drink. As the director of Gales Wine Bar, he has overseen the growth and success of one of the most popular and beloved establishments in the community.

As a member of the food festival committee for over 10 years, he has helped to plan and organise some of the most memorable and enjoyable food events in the region.

Pip was elected chairman of the Llangollen Food Group. In this role, he works closely with a diverse range of stakeholders to support and promote local food and drink businesses. His expertise and experience have helped to create new opportunities for producers, retailers, and hospitality businesses to work together and grow.

In his free time, he is an avid board gamer and enjoys spending time with friends and family over a good bottle of wine.

Donna

Donna Hughes is a seasoned expert in the food industry, with over 12 years of experience working with micro and small food producers in North East Wales. Her passion for food and commitment to supporting local businesses have earned her a reputation as a valuable resource for those looking to grow and thrive in the competitive food market.

Donna’s work has been instrumental in helping food producers to develop new products, improve their processes, and gain access to new markets. She been crucial to the success of many local food businesses.

For the past 7 years, Donna has been an active participant in the Llangollen food festival. As a regular contributor to the festival, she has helped to showcase the very best of local produce, providing visitors with a unique and authentic taste of North East Wales.

Despite her busy schedule, Donna never tires of eating and trying new foods. Her love of food is infectious, and she is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others. Whether she’s sampling a new dish or offering advice to a new food producer, Donna’s enthusiasm and expertise are always on display.

Liz

Introducing our committee secretary for the food festival, Liz Taylor, a remarkable woman with a wealth of experience in education and hospitality. Liz’s career in education has been significant, but it was her passion for good food that led her to run a successful five-star B&B for over 20 years, earning her the prestigious N.E.Wales Best small accommodation provider award.

Liz’s commitment to using locally sourced and home-grown produce earned her the Breakfast Award, and her expertise in the hospitality industry led her to write reviews for Sawdays and undertake telephone surveys for the AA. Coming from a “foodie” family, her husband, a talented chef, trained under the renowned Dai Davies, while her daughter worked for Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

Living in the countryside, Liz has made the most of her surroundings, producing her own jams, jellies, and fruit gin, showcasing her passion for home-grown produce. Liz’s passion for good food and hospitality is contagious, and her knowledge and experience make her an essential member of our committee. We are thrilled to have her on board, and we know that her expertise will be invaluable in creating an unforgettable food festival experience.

Yvonne

Yvonne Ryan is a passionate advocate for the arts, culture, and local food scene in her hometown of Llangollen. She helps run Llangollen’s beloved community cinema, “New Dot Cinema”, where locals and visitors can come together to enjoy a diverse range of independent films and documentaries.

In addition to her work with the cinema, Yvonne also has a deep love of local food and wine. She is a regular attendee of the Llangollen Food Festival, where she relishes the opportunity to meet and chat with local food and wine producers. Her passion for local ingredients and sustainable food practices is evident in her cooking, as she tries to incorporate locally sourced ingredients into her recipes whenever possible.

Despite her adventurous spirit in the kitchen, Yvonne admits that she often falls back on old favourites when it comes to cooking, opting for quick and easy one-pan meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Nevertheless, she remains committed to exploring new culinary horizons and is always on the lookout for exciting new recipes to try.

For Yvonne, the combination of art, culture, and local food is what makes Llangollen such a special place to live and work. Her dedication to promoting and preserving these aspects of the town’s heritage is a true testament to her passion and commitment to building a strong, sustainable community.

Bob

Introducing Bob Jaques, the heart and soul of our beloved food festival! Bob has been a long-suffering treasurer and committee member who has dedicated countless hours of his time and energy to make our food festival a success. Bob’s passion for local community and dedication to supporting local businesses has been a driving force behind the food festival’s success.

When Bob is not busy crunching numbers and balancing budgets, he can be found volunteering at the steam railway and dial a ride services for the local elderly. His selflessness and dedication to making a difference in his community is truly inspiring.

But that’s not all, Bob is also a passionate supporter of Wrexham football club, and his love for the beautiful game is contagious! He has been a loyal fan for many years and can often be found cheering on his team at the local stadium.

Prior to his retirement, Bob was the former owner and proprietor of the Bryn Dewey hotel, where he honed his culinary skills and developed a deep appreciation for good food. It’s no wonder he has been such an asset to our food festival committee!

As Bob approaches his well-deserved retirement, he is looking for someone to train up to take over his role as treasurer and committee member. We are immensely grateful for all that Bob has done for our food festival and our community, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Thank you, Bob, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to making our food festival a success!

Chem

Austin “Chem” Cheminais is a passionate advocate for the town of Llangollen and its rich culinary heritage. As a former town mayor, he has a deep understanding of the local community and a commitment to supporting the town’s businesses and cultural events.
With his experience as town crier and organiser of the annual Christmas festival, Chem knows how to draw a crowd and create a memorable event. He has a talent for bringing people together and creating a sense of excitement and celebration.

In addition to his civic roles, Austin is a retired head teacher and has a wealth of experience in leadership and organizational management. He brings a strategic and practical approach to his work on the Llangollen Food Festival committee, with a focus on ensuring the festival is accessible and enjoyable for all.

Above all, Austin is a man who loves to shout about Llangollen. He is passionate about the town’s history, culture, and cuisine, and is committed to promoting it to a wider audience. His enthusiasm and energy make him an invaluable member of the Llangollen Food Festival committee, and a true asset to the community.

Rich

Let us Introduce Rich Donallon, our talented entertainment booker and DJ, who also happens to be part of a popular Bolivian street food business.

Rich’s passion for music and food has taken him on an exciting journey, from spinning tracks in clubs to dishing out mouth-watering treats at food festivals. He has curated a stellar lineup of performers, ensuring that every moment of the festival is filled with energy and excitement.

But it’s not just his music and food expertise that sets Rich apart. He has also made a name for himself as an actor, having been an extra in a BAFTA-nominated feature film. With his talent and charisma, Rich brings a unique and dynamic presence to the festival.

When it comes to food, Rich is part of a family run Bolivian street food business which is a must-try for all festival-goers. Their menu features a variety of traditional Bolivian dishes which are fused with western favourites to deliver a truly unique experience. With bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Rich’s food is sure to leave you wanting more.

So come join us at the food festival and experience the vibrant music and delicious cuisine that Rich and his team have to offer. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!