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Woman's Hour

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Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

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Woman's Hour: 24/12/2010

24/12/2010

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, 24/12/2010

Presented by Jenni Murray. Sapphires versus diamonds.

Presented by Jenni Murray. Sapphires versus diamonds; The future of competitive sport in schools; Walking solo; and cornet player Laura Hirst.

Presented by Jenni Murray. 

Since the announcement that Prince William will marry his fiancée next year, there is already evidence of 'the Kate Middleton effect'. The New York based National Sapphire Company has been inundated with orders for replica engagement rings and competitors are also offering there own version. But, should you only say it with diamonds? The jewellery expert Joanna Hardy and Nicholas Wainright, the Managing Director of Boodles make a case for diamonds and sapphires. 

Earlier this week the Education Secretary Michael Gove partially backed down over his decision to scrap the 162 million pound Schools Sports Partnership in England. The Commonwealth Games medal winner Diane Modahl visits her old school in Moss Side, Manchester to identify young sporting talent. 

For many of us a Boxing Day walk is the best antidote to the excesses of the previous day and it's often a group affair with family or friends but, for the rest of the year how many women would ever consider setting off on a day's hike alone? Sheperdess Alison O'Neill, and walker Jean Margetts join Jenni to consider the pleasures of walking solo.

For nearly 130 years the Brighouse and Rastrick brass band has entertained audiences in Yorkshire and beyond, but there was one unwritten rule - all the band's full-time members were men. But, this Christmas they now have there first full time female member. The cornet player Laura Hirst joins the programme. 

Producer Helen Roberts.

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