ON Friday, the members of Tenby Arts Club gathered to listen to a talk by Michelle Evans-Fecci, who appeared on The Great British Bake-Off in 2019. Michelle told them that she had grown up on a farm near Bronwydd in Carmarthenshire which was where she developed her passion for growing food and cooking it.

Years later, she was at last persuaded to apply for The Bake-Off, but it was only on her fourth attempt that she was finally accepted into the tent. Each time she applied she had to fill in a fifteen-page application and eventually was accepted - but only after an interview with a psychiatrist to assess her suitability to withstand the pressure!

And pressure there was. The contestants were not allowed to wear watches during the cooking period so that they relied exclusively on being told how many minutes they had left. Noel Fielding was a great player of practical jokes, one of which was to hide a photo of Michelle in her pastry, which she discovered when she tried to roll it out.

Michelle was Star Baker on Week 1 and was sad to leave at Week 5.

There were numerous questions from the Arts Club members, particularly on the subject of Paul Hollywood!

Michelle had brought some samples of her baking for all to try - bara brith, Welsh cakes and a pear galette which was most popular. She continued to answer questions and chat to members well after her talk was finished and signed copies of her lovely book of recipes for those who bought a copy.

The photographs in the book were taken by her husband, Ben, and are superb. All agreed that she was a delightful guest.

On Friday, January 27, The Lucky 12 (Duncan and Rebecca Whitehurst) will be entertaining musically.

Don’t forget that the evening starts at 7pm and that there are refreshments after the performance. Small admission fee; members’ discount. All are welcome at St Johns Church Hall, Warren Street, Tenby.