Pete Brooks - A Magdalena Chef

Pete Brooks 1948-2023

Some of you may remember Pete Brooks, who sadly passed away on New Years day.

In the very first Magdalena Festival in Cardiff in 1986, the budget for which was tiny, Pete built a restaurant in a room in Chapter Arts Centre and provided 3 meals a day for 3 weeks for 35 women from across the globe.

Then in the festival in 1994 he erected a massive tent restaurant at the back of Chapter and persuaded some of the best chefs in Cardiff to take their annual leave and cook for 10 days for the assembled 120 women from around the world. The food was outstanding.

Pete was an old friend from my college days and I will never forget his generous support during those early years of the Magdalena. His input and energy made all the difference.

Jill Greenhalgh