When you hear the phrase “show-stopper,” what it the first thing that comes to mind? (writes Fern Jarrold) 

Did you just quietly think of Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood and The Great British Bake off?  

“I’m glad you did because a bit of Channel 4 was brought to Cosheston Village Hall during our October meeting when Michelle Evans-Fecci gave us a fascinating talk about her time in the tent and how her love of baking began.  

”As a farmer’s daughter and now a farmer’s wife, I totally relate to Michelle’s upbringing and can understand how being surrounded by food and cakes ready to feed the next farm helper as a child sparked her passion.  Unfortunately, my husband complains that my cooking is hit or miss so I will not rivalling Michelle any time soon!

”Michelle even brought along some of her delicious bakes for us to try.  We gave Michelle the opportunity to be a judge for the evening as our members went head to head in our own bake off competition where we decorated cupcakes in a harvest theme.  The results: 1st  Louisa Watts; 2nd Fern Jarrold; 3rd Mary James.

”On a completely different topic, I had the opportunity to fly the flag for Cosheston WI at a meeting of the Cwm Brombil Ladies WI in Margam where I was invited along to teach them how to make fabric pumpkins.  I can honestly report that those ladies are an inspiration! Such welcoming, happy personalities and I thoroughly enjoyed absorbing the positive energy. 

”On a less positive note, Jean Williams, one of our quiet and very loyal ladies sadly passed away.  Everyone including the village fitness group will miss her.

”Next meeting on November 14 at 7pm is the big one of the year and the following meeting is on December 12 where we will be making fused glass Christmas decorations.“