WOMEN’S Institutes, known for jam, Jerusalem, and saucy dates, of the calendar variety, will soon have another claim to fame – the Essex Federation of WIs is making the move into show-business management.

Branches from across the county have joined forces to stage their first commercial concert, titled Music for a Summer’s Evening. Another characteristic the WI is noted for is not doing things by halves, and true to form the budding impresarios have aimed high. They have hired Essex’s largest theatre, the Cliffs Pavilion, and the services of an international singing star, Aled Jones.

“This is the first time the WI has set out to mount a concert of this magnitude,” says organiser Jill Warner, a member of the Wakering and Westcliff branch.

“We’re learning a lot along the way and if all goes well this could be the start of a new role for us.”

The idea emerged during a brainstorming session, as county delegates sought to come up with new methods of fundraising. along with ways to attract new members.

“The idea of running a public concert headed by a big star was completely new, and perhaps a bit intimidating at first, but then we thought, why not?” says Jill.

“The main quality needed for staging a show like this is good organisation, and WI members are very good organisers. We realised there was a risk, but you’ve got to speculate to accumulate.”

The choice of Aled Jones was almost instantaneous, according to another member of the organising committee, Janice Baldwin, of Great Hallingbury branch.

Aside from talent, Aled’s main appeal is his wholesomeness.

“He is a good, hard-working family man, who has never had any bother with drugs or that sort of thing,” says Janice. “He’s made the difficult jump from child performer to actor/performer without any fuss.

“He hasn’t let fame and fortune go to his head. He’s got principles. He’s just a good role model, and we knew we could rely on him.”

Aled has already lived up to his good reputation, endearing himself to WI stalwarts by donating a clutch of CDs, DVDs, free tickets and autographs. They will all go into the kitty as raffle prizes There was another, even simpler reason for hiring this particular star.

“Many of our members are big, big fans,” says Janice.

It’s not just Essex organising skills, but Essex creative talent that will be on display on the night. Aled will be supported by two Essex acts, Southend Brass Band and Southend Festival Chorus. The compere is Steve Scruton, of BBC Essex fame.

With less than one month to go until the big night, Jill and Janice lack just one trademark trait of professional impresarios, a state of permanent nervous breakdown.

With the deals all sewn up, Jill and Janie are “relaxed and looking forward to the concert”.

It looks as if they could enjoy a great future in showbiz, WI style, but Jill cautions: “We’ll have to see how this concert goes, but I think we can say we’ve quite enjoyed being producers.”

At the end of the concert, Aled will join the audience in a group singing session. There is only one choice of number, of course – And did those feet, in ancient times...