ONCE, it was jam and Jerusalem with maybe a few knitting patterns thrown in. Nowadays, the Women's Institute is a force to be reckoned with - their slow hand-clap of Tony Blair is still fresh in some people's memories.

Gone are the twin set and pearls, blue rinses and spectacles of questionable taste. Today's WI member is just as likely to wear a shell suit as a wax jacket.

Perhaps it is this eclectic mix that makes the WI want to become more involved with the life of the nation. And, dare we say it, direct action.

Worcestershire members are backing national proposals to boycott supermarkets in an attempt to save the local shop.

It all sounds very worthy. However, this newspaper would like to sound a few notes of caution before the rustle of petticoats reverberates down the high street.

In an ideal world, supermarkets and small shops would co-exist side-by-side. But it has to be remembered that we live in a real world, one where time and convenience dominate everything.

These days, people must juggle work and home life. The weekly "big shop" is now part of the fabric of our existence. The trolley groaning with frozen food and bargain bin Beaujolais has replaced the daily carrier bag with just enough items for that night's tea.

Perhaps a good old British compromise would be in order, whereby people divided their commercial loyalties. Meanwhile we will wait for developments as the good ladies sally forth.