John as many people know very well, had been a member since 1974, 49 years of great membership, and as we all know had the passion of the industry running through him.

He held many positions within the industry, from teaching at the Army School of Catering as a grade A instructor, to teaching at colleges including Port Rush in Northern Ireland, and running his own restaurant in North Wales.

As many know he also spent around 18 months working at head office, and taking on the running of the Salon at Hotelympia (HRC Show now days) for a short while was one of his last industry acts.

John was a great statue of a man and chef, he knew many people, and many knew him. During the years he had trained many chef, and even at shows such as Hotelympia many would greet him and share stories of what they were doing now days, and he always listened. He compared many salon over the years, with his voice booming across the stage, you always knew when he was on the microphone.

He leaves behind his devoted wife Eleri, and two daughters. He will be sadly missed, and brings down the curtain to another one of our very own. RIP JR.

The funeral arrangements to celebrate the life of John Retallick are as follows:

• Wednesday 8 November 2023, 1.30pm
• St Lukes Church
• Llanllwni
• Ceredigion
• SA39 9LT

This will then be followed by a wake, where you can all share some great stories about John, and remember fond memories:

• Falcondale Country House Estate
• Falcondale Drive
• Lampeter
• Ceredigion
• SA48 7RX

The dress code is black trousers and a white chef jacket. If you can please let Eleri know if you will be attending the funeral, on [email protected]