0:00:31 > 0:00:34I thought I was joining something that was...
0:00:36 > 0:00:39..not what I've probably joined.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43The travelling was better than the arrival.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50The WI is a bit middle-aged
0:00:50 > 0:00:54and a bit boring, really, and they've all got stuck in this...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57they're stuck in frump-land, actually.
0:00:57 > 0:01:04And what it needs is people who are enthusiastic
0:01:04 > 0:01:07to come into the organisation and push it forward,
0:01:07 > 0:01:14and to say to some of these women, who are obviously stuck in some hideous time warp,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17"Actually, move aside."
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight is the second smallest town in Britain.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45But it's home to a revolution in the Women's Institute.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49OK, can you all hear me?
0:01:49 > 0:01:51ALL: Yes!
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- Amazingly enough.- Of course.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Welcome, everybody, to our summer party.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01Successful cookery writer and mother Amy Willcock has started a new branch of the WI,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04which is fast on its way to becoming the biggest in the country.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07We have a very special guest tonight.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11We have Jean Worlidge.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12Jean, come and take a bow.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18Because Jean is our judge for the decorated picnic baskets.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- Bunny is the secretary. - Yeah, I do all the work...- Sshh!
0:02:25 > 0:02:26Amy is the president,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28who hands me pieces of paper.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- No-one wanted to be president, did they?- No.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34So I stood up and said, "My name is Amy Willcock.
0:02:34 > 0:02:40"I'm...whatever...and I'm going to save the world, and I do want to be president."
0:02:40 > 0:02:42And so I was elected president.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Someone had to be, and we started it, and that was it.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- And because I'm...- Bossy! - ..a control freak!
0:02:51 > 0:02:52Look at this one!
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Wow.- Look at that one!
0:02:55 > 0:03:02'I think the WI have to do more work dispelling the myth that all we do is sing Jerusalem and make jam.'
0:03:02 > 0:03:08At 38, Amy is one of the youngest WI presidents in the country,
0:03:08 > 0:03:13and she's wasted no time persuading all her friends to join her new group.
0:03:13 > 0:03:19I never sort of thought about joining the WI, and then Amy suddenly, she was telling us about reopening it,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23and would we be interested? Next thing we knew we were members.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29Yes, and she said, "WI on Thursday", and I didn't know what she was talking about, so I turned up.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31The next thing we are on the committee.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34And we have never looked back.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- I don't know, but actually we enjoy it, don't we?- Yes.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44We don't remember life before it. Do we?
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Amy keeps us busy the whole time.
0:03:46 > 0:03:47Oh! Oh!
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Look at it! Oh, that's fantastic!
0:03:51 > 0:03:57I just think it has been so difficult, because your baskets are all amazing.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03But...I have to say, I have to go for Michelle.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05APPLAUSE
0:04:08 > 0:04:10The winning basket.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Well done, so you get four points.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19The Women's Institute may be 91 years old,
0:04:19 > 0:04:24but Amy is determined to push the boundaries with her new WI,
0:04:24 > 0:04:29even if it means ruffling the feathers of the more traditional members.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- Kathy...- What?!- Don't snap at me!
0:04:37 > 0:04:40It's your president speaking.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41Curtsy!
0:04:54 > 0:05:01There are 40 WI groups on the Isle of Wight, the highest concentration per square mile in the country.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07They are overseen by an executive committee of retired ladies, known as the Federation.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Chairman Joan Kirby is no pushover.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16It's ideas and new life and inspiration we're looking for.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Not people who want to totally overturn the tables.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24That's not what we need. She has got Yarmouth going, most definitely.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28I imagine she really is the power behind the throne.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31She is the throne, isn't she? She is the power.
0:05:31 > 0:05:38But, of course, if you want to belong to the WI, there are certain parameters that you must fit within.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42We still have a few rules that I think are very important.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52But it's not long before the WI's arcane rules on flower arranging
0:05:52 > 0:05:56and baking come under attack from Amy and her committee,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00after they attend the Isle of Wight's annual spring show for the first time.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06As you know, I was really keen that because we are new,
0:06:06 > 0:06:11and we don't want to have them think we are fly-by-nights, I wanted us to enter.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16So the easiest thing I thought we could enter was the flowers in a jam jar.
0:06:16 > 0:06:22I know it sounds ridiculous, but we had to have a one-pound or 450g jam jar,
0:06:22 > 0:06:29it had to be clear, and it couldn't be a honey jar, and we all said,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32"How high can it be?" because the jam jars here had to be balanced,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36it had to do that, the thing that won was just horrific.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- It was like a rocket. - It was about that tall.
0:06:39 > 0:06:46It had one huge leaf, and seven or nine puce carnations.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52And actually, those are not the flowers that I would put in a jam jar.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Ours were all garden flowers.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Ours were all from the garden, they were all seasonal, they looked beautiful.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01I left saying, "First, second, third, fourth,"
0:07:01 > 0:07:04because the stuff that was there was just hideous.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- But you fell down on the rules? - What was I told?- Too many flowers.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11There was no light or air in there. I had stuffed in every flower that was possible.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- But you'd been told to put as many flowers as possible.- Yes!
0:07:14 > 0:07:21The most disappointing element is the three jam tarts on a plate.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24At which point I lost the will to live. I did this when I was six.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29What about the lady that was disqualified for having three different types of jam?
0:07:29 > 0:07:31She had three different types of jam.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- You didn't say you couldn't have different jams.- She was mortified.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37It was a bit sad, really.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40There are all these cracking women on the Isle of Wight,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42and they are brilliant, they are all fantastic.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- They're being embarrassed... - Most people are fantastic cooks.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50They're given no leeway for any originality at all in this.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51One woman was in tears.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Why would anybody do it? It's supposed to be fun.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Exactly.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01If it's not working, and the majority of members think the judging is crap,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04get rid of the judges! And get rid of the judging system and change it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- Start again.- It's not as though they don't have the calibre of people to reorganise the system.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Exactly.- It's ludicrous.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17Just because it's been in place for 1,000 years, doesn't mean it has to stay in place.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20So that's why we've got to send this letter.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- In which case, I like the letter. - Good.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I think the letter's a great idea.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40"Following our first ever spring show,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44"which quite a few of our members entered in various categories,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48"we thought it would be a good occasion to give some feedback from a fresh point of view.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52"Frankly, we were very disappointed with the judging process.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56"We believe that all entrants are doing their very best
0:08:56 > 0:08:59"and should be given constructive encouragement,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01"regardless of the standard they have reached.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06"We were dismayed by some of the judging comments,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10"which seemed gratuitously caustic and humiliating."
0:09:10 > 0:09:16I find that totally incredible, I really do. I do not believe that.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19"If this aspect is left unchanged,
0:09:19 > 0:09:25"then we fear that very soon there will be no entrants nor branches who are willing to participate.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28"Our comments in this letter are given in a constructive spirit,
0:09:28 > 0:09:33"hopefully for the benefit of all branches of the Isle of Wight WI.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38"Yours sincerely, G Davies, pp Amy Willcock.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42"President of Yarmouth WI."
0:09:42 > 0:09:48The piece about the judges being caustic and humiliating... I really do take issue with that.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54"WI spring show feedback.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59"Dear Amy, thank you for your letter which was READ at the executive committee meeting.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00"Your comments were noted."
0:10:00 > 0:10:02I bet they were!
0:10:02 > 0:10:09"We were concerned at the, in quotes, gratuitously caustic and humiliating, end of quotes, comments.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13"As you say, that is not in the spirit of the WI.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17"Criticism should be constructive, not destructive."
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Those were the show comments that we were walking around and looking at.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24I don't know, I think it's a bit of a nothing letter, really.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27We'll see what Bunny says, see what she thinks about that.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29What's the next stage? What will you do next?
0:10:29 > 0:10:36Well, I think Bunny has actually put me forward for executive committee.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40I think, you know, there's a "if you can't beat them, join them" sort of attitude.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43I think that what we felt was as we have so many members,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46we should probably be represented on the executive committee,
0:10:46 > 0:10:47so, I don't know.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52I think you have to be part of the executive to then be part of the show committee.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57I did say that we'd be more than willing to put our money where our mouths were and help out with that.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01So, you know, I think we're definitely not in it just for the short term.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05We're in it to really make the whole thing fly.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12It's taken over Mummy's life because it's always,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14"Oh, no. The Women's Institute is on that day.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17"Oh, I've got to do something for the Women's Institute."
0:11:20 > 0:11:23And, "What?! I can't believe the judges did that to me."
0:11:23 > 0:11:27You know, her flower arranging wasn't that good or something.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29She told me...
0:11:29 > 0:11:34that the person that won was just horrible.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37"Floral art is a prickly area."
0:11:41 > 0:11:45I think all you can do is keep banging away, really, in a positive way.
0:11:45 > 0:11:52She's representing the WI, so she's not going to say anything contentious.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54But I think the thing that they've got to take on board
0:11:54 > 0:11:58is that fewer and fewer people are going in for it every year.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59They didn't comment on that.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03And the new ones are dissatisfied with what we're offering.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06So, you know, what are they going to do about it?
0:12:06 > 0:12:12The only way to do it is be on the executive committee or whatever and fight from inside.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25The inner workings of the WI are laid bare at the annual general meeting in Cardiff.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32It's Amy's first chance to size up the WI establishment.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39There were probably a handful of people under 40 there,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43bearing in mind there were 4,000 women there.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48So I arrived at 9.30...
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Beautifully dressed!
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- What were you wearing?- Crimplene! - LAUGHTER
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- Polyester!- I was the only one not wearing Crimplene.- No, stop it, Amy.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Lycra?- No, there was no Lycra.
0:13:02 > 0:13:08No, I was wearing a thong and I want to know how many other people were wearing a thong. Not many!
0:13:12 > 0:13:17And the interesting thing was, one lady said to me, "You will be me in 30 years' time."
0:13:17 > 0:13:19I thought, "Yes..."
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- She was lovely, actually. - She's right.- She's right.
0:13:22 > 0:13:29But the WI does need younger members so that in 30 years' time, I WILL be the old one there.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33I wrote this down because again I thought this was really good.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37The Guardian voted the WI
0:13:37 > 0:13:42one of the 10 world-changing organisations in the world.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45One of the 10 in the world!
0:13:45 > 0:13:52And just what we were saying, that the WI has for far too long been hiding their light under a bushel.
0:13:52 > 0:13:59The WI were campaigning for school dinners and school food way before Jamie Oliver.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- But it needs the... - It needs the stardust.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06It needs the stardust and that's, I think, from my point of view,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and I think probably from all of us, they need stardust now.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26PHONE IS DIALLED
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Hello, can you hear me? - Yes, I can.- Oh, fantastic.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33I want to speak to somebody on the Isle of Wight, if that's possible?
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Yarmouth or Freshwater Police Station would do.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44My name is Amy Willcock, and I'm with the Yarmouth Women's Institute.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Tomorrow we have a packaging campaign day
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and we wanted to know where we could stand
0:14:51 > 0:14:59so that we were on public sort of highway or road to hand out a leaflet near the Co-op supermarket.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02I mean, this is a national campaign that's happening.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06There's a long tradition of direct action in the WI.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10But it's new territory for the Yarmouth girls.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Yeah. Everywhere, apparently.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15Hello.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I haven't been on a demo before.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25I mean, I must admit I've been banging on about this for years,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29saying if they gave us less packaging we wouldn't have to throw it away.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31I mean, it's so obvious, isn't it?
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- It is.- You know.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Keep Britain Tidy is a slogan that we all know about.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42And that was brought out in the '50s.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47That was because of a WI campaign, to keep Britain tidy.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52It's pretty big stuff. Now, look, there's not enough action this side.
0:15:52 > 0:15:58It's when they put one piece of fish into a polythene bag and then they put it into another polythene bag.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59It's madness.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01So many things.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04We haven't got many left, have we?
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I think that went really well. - That was fun.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13I think that the WI have to make sure people do take us seriously
0:16:13 > 0:16:18and do understand that we have been campaigning for 91 years.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20This isn't just a flash in the pan.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Amy's agenda to shake up the WI is gathering speed.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33But the organisation is used to a different pace.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Just slow down a little bit, Amy.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36Just a trifle!
0:16:41 > 0:16:47One of Yarmouth WI's oldest members is 81-year-old Maureen Smith.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50She's belonged to the WI for 52 years.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Until now a typical WI member has been somebody
0:16:57 > 0:17:00who's probably retired, in this neck of the woods, anyway.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I know this doesn't apply in other parts of the country.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07And who bakes the cakes and makes the jam
0:17:07 > 0:17:11and I find it very hard to see some of them doing that in Yarmouth WI.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19It's not a worry, but I suppose it is in a way, can they keep it up?
0:17:19 > 0:17:23I mean, we're going at such an impetus, things are happening,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27big things are happening and they've got such big ideas.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29As if money is no object.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46Amy and Bunny are embarking on a glamorous plan to raise money for their WI.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51They've convinced the cream of Isle of Wight society to pay £35
0:17:51 > 0:17:54for a lavish evening of entertainment.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58But they are upholding at least one WI tradition.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06I think this is a very typical WI activity, in fact I think this is a stereotypical WI activity.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11But we thought it would be just slightly ironic. There's a bit of irony to our jam-making.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16It's actually going in the goodie bags for our fundraiser
0:18:16 > 0:18:19in September. So that's why we're making it.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21We're not selling it, we're giving it away.
0:18:23 > 0:18:29We're going to be giving out a WI magazine so that there's lots of WI awareness to the whole event.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33People are arriving. They've got masses of champagne.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38The speaker is David Howard and he's the head gardener to Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales
0:18:38 > 0:18:40and the Duchess of Cornwall, so we are very excited.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42He's the head gardener at Highgrove.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47We'll raise lots and lots of dosh, and that's great.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50It's our only fundraiser for the year, so we've got to make our money
0:18:50 > 0:18:54on this particular night so that we can then fund all our events throughout the year.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59When I say events, our speakers, our travelling, our this, our that and the other.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02We have to put everything into it.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Can you imagine in the war? This is what they did.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Day after day, month after month. - That's right.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18What prompted me to think about all this was because I found
0:19:18 > 0:19:22my mother-in-law's Christmas list from 1955 and, you know,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26the children literally got a colouring book and some crayons.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28And that was Christmas.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31That sounds really pathetic, but that is how it should be.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36What I'm saying is that every day is Christmas Day, isn't it? We can eat anything we want.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41We can buy anything we want, even if we can't afford it because you can take a, what do they call them?
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- A loan, if you need it. - Or you can use plastic.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Or use the plastic. Everything's instant for people nowadays.
0:19:47 > 0:19:53Actually, making strawberry jam in the summer is sort of,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55a good thing to do.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58I think that actually life has to go back to that.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03Happiness isn't a thing, it's a state of mind.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Yarmouth WI is going from strength to strength.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Three months after launching, they move their monthly meetings
0:20:18 > 0:20:22to the members-only Royal Solent Yacht Club.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24And start looking for speakers.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31This is the Speaker's list for the Isle of Wight County Federation of Women's Institute.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- And this is the Speaker's list for 2006.- OK.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37So, do people put themselves forward for this?
0:20:37 > 0:20:44They do. You can contact these people, and also, if we have any good speakers, we can add to this.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Pass them on.- Yes, if they are prepared to do it. Absolutely.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Some of these are just ridiculous.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Rubbish! Are you honestly going to have Lynne Clarke to talk about rubbish?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Well...- Maybe they should call that recycling.- Probably.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Because I would be interested in recycling and, you know, Eco...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Compost...- But, rubbish?
0:21:05 > 0:21:10They need to rewrite this. My life as a chauffeur for Willie Whitelaw, MP.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12That could be quite interesting.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- They always have had a speaker at WI meetings.- Yes.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18And that's it!
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- Because one of the founding premises of the WI was information, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- It was learning, information... - Education for women.- Yeah.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- So, it's finding more about things. - Yes.- On specialist subjects.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31You have to push the limits.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35If you don't upset people, you're never going to get anywhere, I'm afraid.
0:21:43 > 0:21:50Yarmouth's dynamic new ideas have not escaped the notice of other WI members on the island.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54They certainly have a different programme from
0:21:54 > 0:21:56the other WI that I have belong to.
0:21:56 > 0:22:02The others seem to have similar talks and film shows.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07Whereas, I think, these people are aiming for rather more lively speakers.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14Their choice of speaker was bound to raise a few eyebrows.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25We wrote up a list of issues, really, that we thought would be interesting to talk about. And then,
0:22:25 > 0:22:31we happen to know somebody who is a QC who specialises in divorce.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I mean, I've been divorced.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38They have access tonight to one of the top divorce lawyers in the country.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42A lot of the husbands are saying, oh, you've got the divorce lawyer coming.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I think it is just something...
0:22:44 > 0:22:48I think that's quite good, rattle their cages. We do use people that we know, don't we?
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Like we're going to use my gynaecologist.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- That's right.- Um...hopefully. She doesn't know that yet.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56I had a really sexy gynaecologist when I had a hysterectomy.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Peter said to me, this is the oldest cliche in the book.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03You are not allowed to fancy your gynaecologist. I've now got a woman.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- They're usually quite smooth, aren't they?- He was so smooth.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10He was then in Harpers and Queen as one of the top 10 gynaecologists in Britain.
0:23:12 > 0:23:20Of course, years ago, it would have been complete heresy to have somebody talk about divorce.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25I bet there isn't a woman in this group who hasn't either been divorced or is married to
0:23:25 > 0:23:30someone who's been divorced or has a parent or a child or a sister a brother who has been divorced.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I should think, just about everybody here has that...
0:23:33 > 0:23:35I can see people nodding, shaking their heads.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Well, I'm wrong, the Isle of Wight divorce rates are lower.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42But I bet you have a friend who's divorced or married to someone who's divorced.
0:23:42 > 0:23:48It's pretty common. The most common ground of divorce is unreasonable behaviour.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Unreasonable behaviour is the...which is the name of my boat, by the way.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54LAUGHTER
0:23:54 > 0:24:00I've done one where a Russian was worth more than the whole GDP of Luxembourg and Holland put together.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04He was worth, we were counting his wealth in billions,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07and he wanted to restrict the amount of money
0:24:07 > 0:24:12- that his Thai wife would get if the marriage broke down. - LAUGHTER
0:24:12 > 0:24:17In fact, the negotiations over the prenuptial agreement broke down and they never got married.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21I could tell you so much more but it is probably enough for one evening.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Tricia? My friend from across the road, yes.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Yes, she is coming over to gin-and-tonic corner.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43We, um...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46We enjoy our little G and Ts.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54Oh, Gill, I should have my elegant dress on.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Well then, ladies, what lunch.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01It's so brilliant this hat.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04It's lovely, isn't it?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09I mean, it wasn't a subject I would necessarily...
0:25:09 > 0:25:14But he was very good, wasn't he? The man about divorce.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Divorce isn't in my agenda.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18It's not in yours, now, is it?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21No, but I think, you know, it's just the way that he...
0:25:21 > 0:25:23The whole property thing...
0:25:23 > 0:25:27You know, things you don't think about it unless you have to.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31He put it over very well. I'm sure he helped some of the younger ones.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Yes.- I'm not sure that the menfolk liked it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Perhaps they didn't. THEY LAUGH
0:25:38 > 0:25:43I don't think the husbands were too keen. I heard various remarks being bandied around the club.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Yes, it was perhaps a bit unfortunate that was the very first one.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49In the club.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Hang on, there were 65 women there who thoroughly enjoyed it
0:25:58 > 0:26:00and said they all learnt something from it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05Because it wasn't just about divorce. It was about family law.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Divorce is now so prevalent that, you know, you have to get seriously organised.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14We put on our programme, D I V O R C E.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18And then, I think we put in brackets, don't worry, he's not singing. And it was funny!
0:26:18 > 0:26:23Well... He didn't... He said, "I think this is ridiculous
0:26:23 > 0:26:28"and inappropriate that women should be having this talk in the club."
0:26:28 > 0:26:31And I just thought, well, I won't say what I thought.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- But, well, he was just a tosser. - THEY LAUGH
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Frankly.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Yarmouth WI's desire to be thoroughly modern knows no limits.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54But Noreen has a foot in both camps.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00She also belongs to one of the older WI groups on the island.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03When I was talking with the Yarmouth girls,
0:27:03 > 0:27:08I found they had never been to a traditional WI meeting.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11So, I asked them if they'd like to come along to Heddon Hill.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14I thought it would be quite nice if they saw another institute.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22Well, I wore a skirt tonight, even though my legs are badly in need of a wax
0:27:22 > 0:27:27because I rather suspect they'll all need glasses so they won't see the hairs on my legs.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31Just gives you some idea of the sort of age group we might be walking into.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36Noreen hopes Yarmouth WI can learn lessons from Heddon Hill.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37These are my friends from Yarmouth.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- This is Iris, my president.- Hello.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- Hello, Iris, Amy Willcock.- Oh, Amy, we spoke this afternoon.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- And that's Cathy.- Cathy's a very important person!
0:27:49 > 0:27:51- Yes.- Right.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Hello, Cathy, I'm Iris. - Hello, pleased to meet you.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Delighted to have you. Do come in.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- CHATTERING VOICES - Raffle tickets, 50p a strip...
0:28:02 > 0:28:05So, can I have four, please?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Two white and two pink.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12It's a wonderful organisation.
0:28:12 > 0:28:19And the shame of it is, when you do look around, they are older members.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23It sounds as if they have much more money than the average WI.
0:28:23 > 0:28:29Perhaps some of our members are a bit envious of the fact they are younger and able to do these things,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32get better speakers and that sort of thing. But we do our best.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Now, I think we'll have the finance, please, Madam Treasurer.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39I know you're all waiting on the edge of your seats to see how we did.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43We actually took more proceeds than we've ever done before.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48We took £628.26.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53But unfortunately, our expenses were a bit high.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58The deposit account, it's now got interest of £2. APPLAUSE
0:29:03 > 0:29:09Right. Now, I think before we go on, you'd like to say a word, would you, Amy, about Yarmouth?
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Oh, yes, is that all right? - Of course.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16Thank you very much for making us feel very welcome.
0:29:16 > 0:29:22It's our very first non-Yarmouth WI meeting. It's really interesting.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- We've never been to another WI before.- I'm amazed.
0:29:25 > 0:29:30- Well, apart from the AGM in Cardiff. - Well, that's a little different. - It's a little different.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33We don't, sort of climb to those decisions.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34I think you're doing very well.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39Just to say that on Friday night, this Friday night, we're having our fundraiser.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44We're having a lecture by David Howard, who's the head gardener from Highgrove.
0:29:44 > 0:29:50He's the head gardener to their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52And the tickets are £35 per person.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56We have a few tickets left. The ticket price includes...
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Actually, I should say Taittinger champagne reception.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05There's also a goodie bag for which we've made 140 pots of jam to put in our goodie bags.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07So we've been hard at work.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Thank you very much. It sounds very interesting.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31I think people need to come in.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- Then they want their champagne out there.- They will if it's nice.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39After three months of planning, the big day has finally arrived.
0:30:39 > 0:30:45They're expecting over 100 people to turn up for early evening drinks and a top drawer speaker.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47It's lovely, it's September.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49It looks fabulous. Don't trip over that.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53I love organising things, so I'm in my element when I'm organising things.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56So, um, good, absolutely. Absolutely.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02How many were there the other night?
0:31:02 > 0:31:0430?
0:31:04 > 0:31:07I thought they were terribly nice and I liked Iris.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10I thought she was pretty go-ahead.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16But if you had walked into that WI...
0:31:20 > 0:31:23..would you have stayed? Yeah, I did ask to open the door
0:31:23 > 0:31:27but they said no because some of the older members don't like the draught.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29What is this one?
0:31:29 > 0:31:36Amy had planned to promote the WI to her guests by giving them copies of the latest WI magazine.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39This is August. What date is that?
0:31:39 > 0:31:42We have a selection.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44How bizarre!
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Oh, hello, Joanna Gray, please.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51The stuff about the fucking magazines...
0:31:54 > 0:31:57You should have 10 for each month, probably.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- I don't want May's. - The reason I'm ringing,
0:31:59 > 0:32:03I've got a selection of magazines rather than all September issue.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Is that right?
0:32:09 > 0:32:15Well, I have to say I think it's a bit odd that we're giving them backdated magazines.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21These women that were at Heddon Hill, a lot of them had been members since it started 45 years ago.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Therefore they were in their 20s and 30s when they started with it.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27No, it doesn't have a bad image.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29You're right, it doesn't have a bad image.
0:32:29 > 0:32:35But the image the WI keeps on saying it doesn't want to portray is exactly...
0:32:37 > 0:32:39That's a better image.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42No, I think the need is there.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Especially in the cities.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49Look how lonely some of these people say they are, these young girls.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55..31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40...
0:32:55 > 0:32:59'We've made our speaker aware that there will be a lot of traffic.'
0:32:59 > 0:33:02So I was just on the phone to him saying,
0:33:02 > 0:33:06"Look, just so you know, there's a lot of traffic.
0:33:06 > 0:33:13"6.30 for 7 is the invitation for the event and we hope you're here."
0:33:19 > 0:33:23..96, 97, 98, 99, 100.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28We very much enjoyed going to Heddon Hill.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- That's great. - Thank you for asking us.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34They really enjoyed having you. They've been so anxious.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39And I was really relieved that we get everything in at our meetings that we're supposed to get in.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45- Yes, you did. Oh, yes.- I said to Bunny, that's what I was... I was thinking...
0:33:45 > 0:33:48No, we don't get a treasurer's report.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50We don't, but then we don't have to do one.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52We don't have to do a treasurer's report.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- I've never been in an institute where there hasn't been one every month.- You're in one now!
0:33:58 > 0:34:00That's brilliant.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03No! You mean you're not going to?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Well, we will...
0:34:05 > 0:34:07I think members are interested.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- <- What do you mean by a treasurer's report?
0:34:10 > 0:34:13What money's come in and what money's gone out.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18"We've had X number of new members since the last meeting.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23"Three full ones and one dual member, totalling X, Y, Z.
0:34:23 > 0:34:30"We have had expenses for Amy and Bunny and Cathy to go to so-and-so..."
0:34:30 > 0:34:31Paris, shopping!
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Yes, yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36We ordered three new Hermes handbags!
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- Yes, yes.- To be raffled.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41No comment!
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Otherwise I'll just have to eat it.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- OK, Edwina.- Yes? - You know what you're doing?
0:34:51 > 0:34:53You are standing...
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- That way.- ..on the terrace and directing people through to the lawn.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- OK. You know you're doing that.- Yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03You know you're doing that, you're OK doing that.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- I'm not allowed to talk to anybody as they come through the door. - You can say the odd hello.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09But I mustn't have them there for half an hour.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- Celia?- I'm in the kitchen.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13No, you're not in the kitchen.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17But you are going to have the kitchen, you are KP.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18- What's that?- Kitchen porter.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- Oh, kitchen porter!- Very glamorous.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23I've been promoted!
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Now, your job is to be a good guest.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- Being what?- A good guest.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- Saying how wonderful we are. - Saying, "Isn't this wonderful?"
0:35:39 > 0:35:41"Can I get you a drink? Can I get you a canape?"
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- Absolutely. You're another hostess. Is that all right?- Fine.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50I think you wore that jacket knowing you were going to wear a sash because it goes so beautifully.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Yes, of course I did. You're right.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57You see, yours has gone round.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04They are unattractive, aren't they? Don't you think? They're attractive?
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- DOORBELL RINGS - Oh, God!
0:36:06 > 0:36:08In position!
0:36:08 > 0:36:14- I'm putting you in charge of the water for our speaker.- I can't do two things!- When you've finished.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Yes, I can't, you know...
0:36:16 > 0:36:21- Jug of water.- Nice to see you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Go through the gap, please. Thank you very much.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Hello. Nice to see you.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32Come in.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34How are you?
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- Was it true that he's missed the ferry?- Yes.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49He has missed the ferry. I was just confirming it.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Hi, David, it's Amy Willcock.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55..David, I think the best thing for you to do
0:36:55 > 0:36:59would be to get the passenger ferry and get a taxi over here.
0:36:59 > 0:37:00- The Red Jet.- The Red Jet.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Oh, OK. Do you think you'll be on that 6 o'clock ferry?
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Excellent. That's fine, then.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11You will be here as soon as you can.
0:37:11 > 0:37:12Excellent.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- They're on the 6 o'clock.- Right.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20They're just loading the 6 o'clock! He's going to be late.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- Actually, there are some shrimps. - What are those?- Prawns. Here we are.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Let's shove those on something.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35They were meant to go on top.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Have we got any yoghurt?
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- What about cream cheese? There must be something.- There's nothing.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Ham?
0:37:45 > 0:37:47I think we need to go to Harvey's.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Hi, David.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Oh, you're joking. - Are they not off the boat?
0:38:05 > 0:38:07OK, I now feel officially sick.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10It's the tides. ..It's just docking!
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Oh, no!
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- OK.- Does he need a police escort?- OK.
0:38:16 > 0:38:17- I think- I- might!
0:38:19 > 0:38:21He's just docking.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24So he's not even physically off the boat yet.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26I'm going to say... Where's Bunny?
0:38:26 > 0:38:29I can't move without Bunny.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31I think she's gone to lie down!
0:38:32 > 0:38:35I'm going to do this, I'm going to say, "He's just docking.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39"Let's be honest, guys, it's a good hour away.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44- "If you can't stay, we're happy to refund your money." - You'll have to say that.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48HANDBELL RINGS Here I am, back with my bell!
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- Back with my bell.- Oh!
0:38:51 > 0:38:54That's what I said, Bee. Oh, God.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59Well, we could have a couple of hymns. Jerusalem, anyone?
0:38:59 > 0:39:05I've just spoken to David Howard and his exact words were -
0:39:05 > 0:39:08my heart just went went woomph -
0:39:08 > 0:39:11"We're just docking now."
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Oh, dear!
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I said, "Great, fantastic.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18"There's people lynching me!"
0:39:18 > 0:39:21If anybody feels they've got to go and they can't stay,
0:39:21 > 0:39:25would you please come and see either Bunny or I?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28LOUD CHATTER
0:39:29 > 0:39:34Well, some of them have made dinner reservations and some of them live the other side of the island,
0:39:34 > 0:39:39so it's 45 minutes away and, you know, it's now five to eight, so they won't be back until nine.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42We should have been over and done with by half past eight.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47- Yes.- He's not even here yet, so that means we haven't even started.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50He was supposed to start to talk at 7, 7:15 at the latest.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- Some people are really angry about this.- They're talking about refunds.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Yeah, I know.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- Are you going to refund them? - We'll have to. We'll have to.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03I'm going to make it up as I go along.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07ON PA SYSTEM: Hello? Excellent. We're live.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10We're live from Yarmouth!
0:40:10 > 0:40:14We're in the Cove Garden and we're absolutely live!
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- It's not very...- I know. Well, thank you for being here.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I've said that.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Massive thanks. I've done that.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Now, I'm just getting through...
0:40:24 > 0:40:27I'm just hearing from my producer that...
0:40:29 > 0:40:34..that we may have, we may have somebody...
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Am I hearing this correctly?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Is he actually here?
0:40:41 > 0:40:43Elvis is in the building!
0:40:43 > 0:40:45LAUGHTER
0:40:46 > 0:40:51Without further ado, I don't think this man needs any introduction -
0:40:51 > 0:40:53David Howard.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- APPLAUSE - Whoo! Whoo!
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Now...how did it go?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23I thought it went really well.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25LAUGHTER
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I thought it was a great success.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- It was. It was super. - It was fantastic.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35So, how much money did we make?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39In fact, we've made about £1,800.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- Fantastic! That's brilliant.- Yeah.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44The main thing is we've made a profit.
0:41:44 > 0:41:50- Yeah, we have. It's brilliant. - Which means we can have some spectacular speakers next year.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53We need to keep that money for our speakers.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55I've got to ring Richard.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- Who's Richard?- The eye surgeon.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02That's very tactful.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- What's Richard going to talk about? - Eye lifts.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- Eye lifts?- He does everything.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12He's international. Very, very, very sort of eminent eye surgeon...
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- OK.- ..who also happens to do...
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- As a sideline...- Nose, chin...?
0:42:16 > 0:42:18No, he just does eyes.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Can't we have one which does everything?- I like your nose.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23You don't have to wear it!
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- I like your nose, too.- Thank you, that's really kind. But I hate it.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38After just eight months, Yarmouth WI is twice the size
0:42:38 > 0:42:45of any WI on the island and Amy wants official recognition for the success of her recruitment drive.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Are we in the top five?
0:42:47 > 0:42:51So, but we are officially 133.
0:42:51 > 0:42:56So I just want to know where we stand in the national, um, stakes.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59I can't believe... I'm sure we're not the biggest,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02but I'd like to think we're in the top five.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05And then they should capitalise on that.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09And if we can do it in a little tiny hickville town like Yarmouth,
0:43:09 > 0:43:11think of what everybody else can do.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Scenting victory, the irrepressible Amy now sets her sights
0:43:19 > 0:43:23on a place on the federation's executive committee.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31- We'll owe you...- OK.
0:43:31 > 0:43:36We're very pleased to have your application for the executive committee.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40Well, we thought I'd better put my money where my mouth is.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42Well, we look forward to having you.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- You may regret that.- Yes...
0:43:44 > 0:43:46No, we won't. It's what we need.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48We need some new life.
0:43:48 > 0:43:53I just hope you're going to have the time to give us all the commitment that we need.
0:43:53 > 0:43:59- I hope so.- Cos it's a surprise to anybody who's been in the WI for a bit exactly what's involved.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03Mind you, it can't take up more time than this WI!
0:44:03 > 0:44:09I mean, I'm very happy to do it, but time is limited cos obviously I work as well.
0:44:09 > 0:44:15Right. If you do join in with us, we need your help at the Spring Show
0:44:15 > 0:44:18and everything that we do, we participate.
0:44:18 > 0:44:24Well, absolutely, you know. And if I can't go at some times, perhaps Bunny can step in?
0:44:24 > 0:44:27- Um...- Is that a possibility?
0:44:27 > 0:44:30We're bending the rules again, but why not?
0:44:30 > 0:44:34If it's possible to short of job-share it, in the sense that if I can't and she can...
0:44:34 > 0:44:36It's a thought, yes.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38I think it could work very well.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41I would imagine you're a very busy lady
0:44:41 > 0:44:45and I must admit I think you're very brave to put your name forward.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49What I'm saying - if you can't do it, let's be honest about it,
0:44:49 > 0:44:53because a floating person is no good.
0:44:53 > 0:44:59I was assuming that, actually, you thought, "Oh, no, we can't be bothered - she's too rowdy for us."
0:44:59 > 0:45:01Far from it!
0:45:01 > 0:45:04And how did those questionnaires go for the Spring Show?
0:45:04 > 0:45:08You'll hear about it this morning, but very interesting, yes.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- Good. And was it a big help?- Sorry?
0:45:11 > 0:45:13- Was it a big help to have those? - It has been.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17It's been an eye-opener. I've had a lot of criticism about judging.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- You haven't, have you?!- Yes.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22What a surprise(!)
0:45:32 > 0:45:36With the marquee still in the garden, Amy seizes an opportunity
0:45:36 > 0:45:39to make some more money
0:45:39 > 0:45:42with a surprisingly traditional plant sale and coffee morning.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49No, I think they can have their coffee and then they can pay at the end. That's all right.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52But if people don't want anything, they'll walk over there with their coffee.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55No, no.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57No, they won't leave.
0:45:58 > 0:46:03They won't leave, but they'll go over there and look and perhaps not come up here and pay.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- They will. They'll get them.- Right.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11I've done it all my life.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14Queen of the fundraising. They didn't tell me to stand out here.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18I've moved myself out here to try and attract people's attention!
0:46:20 > 0:46:23We're not going to get many people.
0:46:24 > 0:46:25No.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31If you don't get them in, you don't get their money, do you?
0:46:33 > 0:46:37- This is an annual event? - No, we're a newly-formed group.
0:46:37 > 0:46:43We formed at the beginning of the year. This is our first fundraising thing. Have a 50p cup of coffee.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47- We probably will have to do that because we can't resist your request.- You're charming!
0:46:47 > 0:46:49- I talked you into it.- You did!
0:46:49 > 0:46:53Go through the door, turn left and then on the right.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55Coffee's served in the marquee.
0:46:55 > 0:46:56Technique all right?
0:47:02 > 0:47:09But as Amy struggles to find customers, on the far side of the island, things are very different.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11At the Isle of Wight's annual pop festival,
0:47:11 > 0:47:17the WI Federation's unexpectedly upstaged Yarmouth with a cake stall.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Everybody for just coffee?
0:47:21 > 0:47:28Well, last night we closed up the tent, unfortunately early because we sold out of cakes.
0:47:28 > 0:47:35We went home, collected provisions for today, and then baked and baked.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39We got to bed in the wee small hours. It's the new rock'n'roll!
0:47:39 > 0:47:42Two here, if you just want coffee.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49Not enough people.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54A bit sparse inside, aren't they?
0:47:54 > 0:47:57They've all gone in free,
0:47:57 > 0:48:01and paying 50p for their coffee. Lots have walked out without having any coffee.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09But they'll learn. It's their first one.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21We must have sold well over 1,000 pieces of cake today.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24We're just very popular.
0:48:31 > 0:48:36All our WI members - I think, probably bar none -
0:48:36 > 0:48:39in their time, have done their bit.
0:48:39 > 0:48:44And when you're new, you have to be careful that you're not saying, "What you did was rubbish,"
0:48:44 > 0:48:51because it wasn't. You must respect those who've gone before because the WI would not exist without them.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56That's nice. There. OK.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Here we go. That's great.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06OK, same again. Little bit that way.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08You look divine.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14News of Yarmouth's achievements has reached WI Head Office in London,
0:49:14 > 0:49:19and Amy has been invited to appear on the front cover of the new WI magazine.
0:49:23 > 0:49:28I want to have a genuine WI member on the cover of each issue
0:49:28 > 0:49:35and I want to project an image of the WI that's similar to Amy.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39And if you...sort of put your boobs out. Right.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41THEY LAUGH
0:49:42 > 0:49:49Great gynaecologist coming as one of our speakers to talk about vaginal weights.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51- Vaginal weights?!- Yeah!
0:49:51 > 0:49:53Believe me,
0:49:53 > 0:49:55some of us need them!
0:49:55 > 0:49:58But, you know...
0:49:58 > 0:50:02You do. And it strengthens your pelvic floor.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04She's also a sex therapist as well.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07- So we thought that would zhuzh our members up.- It will.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11In fact, in our third issue we've got a piece about vaginal health.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13- Have you?- Yes.
0:50:15 > 0:50:21Sometimes you need to shake up the whole situation and make people stop,
0:50:21 > 0:50:25listen, look around and say, "Maybe we do need a few changes, actually."
0:50:25 > 0:50:31Let the new people come and share their expressions and tell it like it is.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44Back in the real world, Amy needs to attend a Federation Christmas fair.
0:50:44 > 0:50:49Yarmouth WI have the honour of manning the jam-jar tombola.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56Roll up, roll up, to the jam-jar tombola!
0:50:59 > 0:51:03Frankly, I'd like a few lights, a few flashing lights.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07I'm not the president of this, Joan's the president of this.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10I'm just president of the world!
0:51:10 > 0:51:16It's a month since Amy suggested she and Bunny could job-share on the Executive Committee.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19But it turns out the WI constitution won't allow it,
0:51:19 > 0:51:23though Joan has her own reasons for vetoing it.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25I don't think that's going to work.
0:51:25 > 0:51:30I think it diminishes the role of an Executive member
0:51:30 > 0:51:36because really you are there to give your time and your efforts to the Federation
0:51:36 > 0:51:40and if you really can't do that,
0:51:40 > 0:51:43you really need to think your position through again, really.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47So, no, it's not really a job-share, we don't feel.
0:51:49 > 0:51:55- Anyway, I wanted to say thank you very much for applying for the Executive Committee.- Did I get in?
0:51:55 > 0:51:57You will have a letter.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02- You'll have a letter. You were interested in exactly what it involves, weren't you?- Yes.
0:52:02 > 0:52:08- Do you remember?- Yes, and I did say, I don't think Bunny heard, but I did say if there was the odd meeting,
0:52:08 > 0:52:14- to keep the continuity of a Yarmouth person, Bunny would probably pop in. - Right, OK.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18I've run that past the secretary,
0:52:18 > 0:52:22- and we're not 100% happy with that. - OK.- We would accept both of you,
0:52:22 > 0:52:24you know, as equal members.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27- OK.- Because we have the space.- OK.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29But not to exactly job-share.
0:52:29 > 0:52:35- Right, OK. - Whether that needs some rethinking or not on your part, I don't know.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38- I think that's the fairest I can be. - How many spaces do you have left?
0:52:38 > 0:52:42We'll be eight and we usually have 12.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44So you need a few more.
0:52:44 > 0:52:48- Well, I might see what I can do then. - Yes.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02Massive success, as usual. As usual.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07- Excuse me. We're off.- Oh, right.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09We did £54.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11Well done, that's brilliant!
0:53:11 > 0:53:13I don't know if that's good, bad or ugly.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16- That's very good indeed. - It's not too bad, is it?
0:53:16 > 0:53:19That's brilliant. Thanks ever so much. Give me a kiss.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21- Good to see you.- Cheerio.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Happy Christmas, if we don't see you.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26Absolutely, and you. All the best.
0:53:38 > 0:53:42- On Monday, you know, we might not be a WI.- Why's that?
0:53:42 > 0:53:45Because we were so hacked off with that stupid fair,
0:53:45 > 0:53:49we don't want to be associated with the WI, if THAT'S going to happen.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52- What happened?- Well, it was crap.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54Yeah, it was crap. It was so tiny.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57I thought I was going to walk into a huge fair.
0:53:57 > 0:54:02It was stupid. It was crap, there weren't Christmas decorations.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04There wasn't any Christmas music.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07There weren't any mince pies. It was shit.
0:54:07 > 0:54:12And I tell you what, we've had members that came up to us that came to that.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15You know, "Everybody has to come to the Christmas fair."
0:54:15 > 0:54:18They said, "We don't want to be associated with this."
0:54:18 > 0:54:24Meanwhile, in the midst of all this dullness and dirge that was the Christmas fair -
0:54:24 > 0:54:29I don't think so - Joan Kirby came over and said...
0:54:29 > 0:54:32Cos you know they'd asked me to go on the committee?
0:54:32 > 0:54:36And I said I would, so they said that's fine.
0:54:36 > 0:54:42But I had said, "Look, I can do it, but there might be times when, say, Bunny will go in
0:54:42 > 0:54:48"and we'll sort of job-share the committee position, the role."
0:54:48 > 0:54:54She said, "We've had a chat about that, and we don't feel that will be acceptable."
0:54:54 > 0:54:57I then said, "OK, well, have you filled all the spaces?"
0:54:57 > 0:55:02And she then said, "No, we actually have four openings."
0:55:02 > 0:55:05We have to have a revolution.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08We have to have somebody from Yarmouth, we have to.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11- But we need to have more than one person from Yarmouth. - We need numbers.
0:55:11 > 0:55:17It doesn't matter if actually they said, "You know what, you're so... YOU run it." Because we could.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20And we could run it a damn sight easier and better.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22And we could do the house.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24It would be fantastic.
0:55:24 > 0:55:28We could. We're the only ones...
0:55:28 > 0:55:31that will actually do something. Let's make no mistake about it.
0:55:31 > 0:55:36The email came through last night from the National Federation of Women's Institutes,
0:55:36 > 0:55:38King's Road in London, saying,
0:55:38 > 0:55:44"Congratulations, you must be very proud, you are the largest WI in the country."
0:55:44 > 0:55:49- Yes, it's amazing. - Hello, Yarmouth is the second smallest town in England.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51Yes.
0:55:51 > 0:55:57So if they don't listen to us, frankly, they do need their heads examined
0:55:57 > 0:55:59because if we can do this here,
0:55:59 > 0:56:04then, you know, we obviously have something very, very much to give.
0:56:04 > 0:56:09The other thing is, if our Federation led, if we were the best Federation in the country
0:56:09 > 0:56:13- and we shifted everything... - Amy! She's power-crazed!- Of course.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17You know, we could get rid of this paperwork.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Yarmouth WI is less than a year old.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26But with the prospect of four Yarmouth places on the Federation Executive Committee,
0:56:26 > 0:56:28there's much to celebrate.
0:56:28 > 0:56:33Now there's just the small matter of getting Amy re-elected as president of her own branch.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38Hello and welcome to this,
0:56:38 > 0:56:43our first Annual General Meeting of the Yarmouth WI.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46This is very, very exciting.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48Amy is our president.
0:56:48 > 0:56:53She has agreed to have her name put forward this time.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56All the committee endorse that and support her,
0:56:56 > 0:57:00but all of you have to vote in the president, the membership.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02So everybody has to vote.
0:57:06 > 0:57:11Amy has talked about the Federation events, the spring show and the Christmas fair.
0:57:11 > 0:57:15And as she said, we've made our feelings known about these - not in a negative way,
0:57:15 > 0:57:22but in a way that maybe, hopefully, we can push them in the future to greater heights.
0:57:22 > 0:57:26And everybody just needs a bit of new blood.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29- Now we will go forward.- Yeah.
0:57:29 > 0:57:33We'll do the Executive, we'll give it a time limit.
0:57:33 > 0:57:35We're very positive about our WI.
0:57:35 > 0:57:39- It confirms that women still want the company of women.- Oh, yes.
0:57:39 > 0:57:45And still want to gather together en masse, and have a good laugh.
0:57:45 > 0:57:49Yes, absolutely. We counted all the votes,
0:57:49 > 0:57:54and overwhelmingly it's 48 votes for Amy.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58Unanimous!
0:57:58 > 0:58:05As you know, we are already the largest WI in the country.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07THEY CHEER
0:58:08 > 0:58:10Yes!
0:58:19 > 0:58:23Because what we're looking for is someone who's got a nice, fresh smile
0:58:23 > 0:58:26without being too overpowering.
0:58:26 > 0:58:29She's a bit snarling and fierce there.
0:58:29 > 0:58:32That's a bit shy looking.
0:58:32 > 0:58:33Which she clearly isn't.
0:58:33 > 0:58:36- Any of these?- Not that one.
0:58:38 > 0:58:40That's too "Cheshire Cat"!
0:58:40 > 0:58:42- Too toothy.- Yes.
0:58:42 > 0:58:44A choice between those two, I think.
0:58:44 > 0:58:47- Definitely that one.- OK.
0:58:51 > 0:58:54Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd 2007
0:58:54 > 0:58:56E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk