News
Tenby woman in British Bake-Off 2019

A MOTHER from Pembrokeshire is in the mix to challenge for this year’s Great British Bake-Off crown.
Michelle Evans-Fecci, of Tenby, has beat off competition from thousands of hopefuls to be chosen to take part in the nation’s favourite culinary contest.
Well-known locally for her cakes and bakes, Michelle, aged 35, is a self-taught baker.
She first fell in love with baking as a child, watching her mother cook at home on their farm in Carmarthenshire.
She works as an administrator in the Tenby print shop, Trade Canvas Print, which is owned by her husband Ben Fecci. To the delight of her husband and teenage son, she bakes almost every other day, with fresh bread for breakfast and sweet treats for pudding always on the menu. She loves to experiment with flavour combinations, using seasonal produce from her garden.Michelle first applied for GBBO back in 2015, when she reached the short-list of 50 out of around 13,000 applicants.
Michelle has spoken about how thrilled she was when she found out she had made it to the tent.
“I was so emotional when I found out, I cry when I am happy and cry when I am sad. I have wanted it for so long, so I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“To meet all the bakers was so memorable and I have found life long friends that have the same passion as me,” she continued.
When asked what she would bake to represent the happiest day of her life, Michelle said: “The day we got married we christened our son on the same day. So we didn’t have a wedding cake, we had a cheese stack made of six tiers of Welsh cheese. So I would probably remake that as a cake. Our favourite cakes are chocolate cake and carrot cake. I would make one look like stilton, one would look like camembert and various cheeses.”
The Bake-Off is a huge programme, loved by millions, there is understandably a high degree of secrecy involved in the production.
“I have been quite limited to the number of people that I have told,” said Michelle, “but I think they will be so pleased as they know I have wanted it for so so long, so they will be really pleased.”
Michelle has always been a huge fan of the show and when quizzed on her favourite contestant from past seasons, she replied: “Martha from Series 5. I love her style and how they photograph her bakes. She seems very down to earth and I have bought her book so we could talk about that while we wait to get rescued!”
The Great British Bake-Off has been running since 2010 and is now into the tenth season. Originally broadcast on BBC, now is shown on Channel 4 with millions tuning in to watch it every week. The presenters and judges remain the same, with Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig back for another year of puns.
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will also be on hand to judge the best bakes produced in the famous white tent.
This year’s line-up consists of a baker’s dozen – 13 – instead of the usual 12, and there’s a decidedly younger contingent. More than half of the contestants are in their 20s, while the oldest contestant is 56.
It will be air every Tuesday from 8 pm.
News
Milford Haven: Man charged over two burglaries and criminal damage

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have released an update in relation to the spate of burglaries in Milford Haven
34-year-old Thomas John Picton has been charged with two burglaries and criminal damage in the town.
He is, say police, suspected of being involved in a burglary carried out at Cohen’s pharmacy of November 26, another at Heaven Scent shop and criminal damage to a door at The Precinct on the same date.
He will appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Courts this morning (Dec 3).
An arrest has also been made in relation to a more recent burglary at the Royal British Legion on December 11. He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of class A.B and C drugs. He has been released under investigation.
One suspect is outstanding.
Some 11 arrests have now been made in connection with a spate of burglaries that has targeted businesses and homes in the town.
Dyfed-Powys Police has vowed to continue to crack down on suspects and prevent further burglaries in the lead up to Christmas.
Sergeant Terri Harrison from Milford Haven’s Neighbourhood Policing team said: “Hopefully this arrest provides some reassurance to the public following recent burglaries in the town. One burglary is one too many, and we will ensure that it will remain a priority for us, ensuring that we bring as much patrol cover and preventative effort as we possibly can.
“We are also aware of the impact that burglaries can have on individual householders and businesses alike. Don’t make it easy for them, stay alert to your surroundings and report anything suspicious to police immediately no matter how insignificant it may seem. The report of a suspicious vehicle or people acting strangely in your neighbourhood can help us to prevent and detect crime. We need to work together to tackle this.”
Chief Inspector Harries added: “There has been a significant amount of work carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department, response officers and neighbourhood policing teams from across the county to tackle this rise in burglary offences. We are committed to maintaining patrols in the area and seek support from the community to report any concerns.”
If you would like further advice on home security you can contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.
News
Carmarthen West & South Pembs still blue as Hart increases majority

SIMON HART has retained his Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire seat with an increased majority.
Polling over 22,000 votes, he comfortably saw off the challenge of Labour’s Marc Tierney, who recorded just shy of 14,500 votes.
Plaid’s Dr Rhys Thomas polled over 3,000 votes in third. Alistair Cameron of the Liberal Democrats finished fourth.
News
Stephen Crabb demolishes Labour with his biggest ever majority

POLLING the largest ever number of votes for the Conservatives in Preseli Pembrokeshire, Stephen Crabb increased his majority in yesterday’s General Election.
Mr Crabb polled 21,381 votes against his nearest rival’s (Labour’s Philippa Thompson) 16,319.
Plaid Cymru finished third with 2,776 votes and the Liberal Democrats trailed home in fourth with 1,943 votes.
After Returning Officer Ian Westley announced the outcome, Mr Crabb gave a notably short victory speech in which he concentrated on thanking his opponents for a good campaign fought hard but with little personal rancour.
Philippa Thompson called on Mr Crabb to work for the benefit of all his constituents in response.
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