Lottie Storey is one of the founder members of the Malago branch of the Women's Institute. The group was set up in 2008 and is based in Bedminster. Its youthful membership are bucking the stereotype of blue rinse, jam and Jerusalem.

Lottie has encountered consternation and amusement from some family and friends. 'They thought it was funny. I think the WI is unfashionable with my mother's generation but the domestic arts are becoming more popular again.'

Lottie enjoys the activities at the group's monthly meetings which range from more traditional WI pastimes, like knitting, to more unusual activities like art workshops. 'My favourite activity was a talk we had from a documentary film maker who showed us some oral history clips of women talking about their lives and relationships. They were fascinating and really fitted with the values of the organisation.'

Another long-standing member, Hannah, enjoys the activities but does not see them as the most important thing about the WI. 'Most members come for the social side so it's important the activities are planned to fit round time for tea and cake and a natter.'

In 2009, the group hit the local news when they pledged to pose for a nude calendar if planning permission for a large supermarket to be built on the site of Ashton Gate stadium was rejected. President Karen Bowers explains. 'When our members were asked to consider making their feelings known about the Ashton Gate application in such a public way, they enthusiastically agreed and the calendar suggestion was met with cheers.'