MORE than 60 ladies joined forces to launch a Women’s Institute branch with a twist.

Entitled Disparate Housewives WI, it aims to be more Wisteria Lane and less jam and Jerusalem.

The group is based in Twyford near Winchester, which already has its own WI branch, which will continue as before.

The new organisation will run alongside it, and its launch attracted ladies from Twyford along with Otterbourne, Colden Common and Owslebury.

It was held in Twyford Parish Hall last month (November). To get things going, the new Waitrose store in Weeke, Winchester, donated wine and cheese for the event.

Gillian Thomas from the Hampshire County Federation of WIs was guest speaker, and said the movement needed to evolve to meet the needs of modern women.

The fledgling group’s president, Louise Watson, then said it was their aim to have fun, help people to make friends and work as a team.

Activities already planned include salsa dancing, bra fitting and chocolate making. Other ideas include first aid tutorials and even basic plumbing.

Around 50 women have already become members, and the group is open to ladies of all ages, whether married or not.

The branch’s next meeting will be a Christmas quiz on Monday, December 21. After that, events are planned on the third Wednesday of each month at Twyford Parish Hall.

Visit www.disparatehousewiveswi.co.uk or call Louise Watson on 01962 711631 for more details.