Although there is plenty of scope for traditional pursuits such as flower arranging and cookery, Women's Institutes are just as active in campaigning on local, national and international issues concerning the environment, communities, women and their families.

Cooking up a new image: WI women spiced up the traditional calendar

Current campaigns include the future of the post office network, supporting the human rights of women worldwide and active membership of the Jubilee 2000 coalition to eradicate third world debt.

Members also take part in sport, leisure and learning courses in a variety of subjects with travelling tutors and the WI's own adult education centre.

Describing itself as "a new voice for women", the organisation is non-sectarian, non-party political and is the largest women's national charity, bringing women together to enjoy friendship in local communities.

'Radical organisation'

Naturally, the information age has posed no barrier and the NFWI has its own website.

Sangeeta Haindl, the organisation's national public relations officer, said: "The WI has always been labelled with many negative stereotypes of being staid and dogmatic but in fact it is a very radical organisation that has been campaigning since the 1920s.

"It instigated the Keep Britain Tidy campaign and was one of the first to discuss breast cancer awareness and urge government action.

"It has always been very much ahead of its time, is fed up with media stereotypes and wants to be recognised for what it actually is - a very important grass-roots campaigning organisation."