Calendar girl - Tricia Stewart

When John Baker died of cancer, many of his friends in the small Yorkshire village of Cracoe were devastated. During his illness Tricia Stewart had joked with him about creating an 'alternative' WI calendar - she and his wife Angela were members - and after his death they were determined to continue and give the proceeds to leukaemia research. It took guts - and a big glass of red wine - for eleven mature women to pose wearing nothing but a string of pearls and a smile. The result was an astonishing two-year rollercoaster ride as the ladies became international stars.

In Calendar Girl, Tricia writes honestly about the whole experience: Angela's courage and strength, the enormous strain that fame placed on marriages, friendships and family, being doorstepped by the tabloid press and the amazing experience of seeing their story be turned into a film. Above all though, she writes about the positive transforming effect the calendar has had on their lives. Funny, insightful and moving, this book will change your view of the W. I. forever.

'Riveting' Valerie Grove, The Times