A memorable sunny afternoon at Whitburn was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Our special guest was TRICIA STEWART - the inspiration and driving force behind the Alternative 2000 Women's Institute calendar. In between playing some favourite records she recounted her memories of life in Sunderland, her subsequent move to the Yorkshire Dales and the joke she made at a WI meeting about creating a calendar depicting the crafts of the WI but in the nude. Following John Baker's death from Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (his wife Angela was a close friend and WI member) the now famous calendar was launched in April 1999 dedicated to John's memory and designed to raise funds for research into blood related cancers. The media furore which followed surprised and shocked the ladies, who expected only local interest. The calendar was a phenomenal success not only in this country but across America and around the globe. Following subsequent calendars, a film (Tricia was played by Helen Mirren), a stage play and a musical the total raised so far exceeds £6m. There is little doubt that the calendar changed the image of the WI, altered the perception of older women and spawned thousands of naked calendars- all raising money for various charities.