IT'S not just about jam and Jerusalem, nor is it about taking off all your clothes. But between these two extremes lies the definition of a Women's Institute.

With their latest exploits brought to the big screen in Calendar Girls, rumours are flying about what goes on in those mysterious, monthly WI meetings. The film stars Julie Walters and is based on the real-life fundraising efforts of women from Rylstone WI, in Yorkshire, who famously stripped off for a charity calendar, their modesty preserved by well-placed pots of jam and cherry tarts. However, one of the stars of the film, Helen Mirren, earned the wrath of WI regulars when she questioned what the "intelligent" woman on which her character was based was doing baking cakes and entering "ridiculous" WI competitions.

"I was livid when I read that," said Pam Jelley, 70, president of the Simonstone with Read branch. "It was outrageous. For two pins I wouldn't have gone and seen her film!"

Fortunately, the subject was so close to Pam's heart, and that of East Lancashire's other WIs, that they're making a special trip to a preview in Walton-le-Dale this week.

"We're very proud of it," said Pam. "There were some dissenting voices, but the general membership fully approved. Those women have given us an up-to-date image and shown we don't just sit around in hats and pearl necklaces."

Far from sitting around, the WI is an active, bustling organisation whose activities go far beyond making the odd pot of jam.

"We wouldn't take our clothes off for charity," laughed Bonnie Kramrisch, 66, of the Billington and Langho branch. "But we have gone hang-gliding."

Bonnie is deeply involved in the educational side of the WI, organising craft courses. "Women are looking to learn new skills," said Bonnie. "At one time, when you reached your mid-50s you were seen as old. But that's not the case any more."

WI courses teach everything from computer skills to boning chickens and, together with choirs, ramblers' groups and the annual WI show, there's plenty going on. Bonnie and Pam both have copies of the infamous calendar in their homes -- Pam's signed by the brave members of the Rylstone WI themselves.