Woman's Hour - 01/05/2009

Presented by Jenni Murray. Carol Ann Duffy joins Jenni to give her first interview as Poet Laureate. Jenni is joined by Alan and Irene who talk about about their institutionalised childhood, their determination to find each other again and their concerns for today’s children in care. Alan and Irene Brogan talk about their institutionalised childhood, and their determination to find each other after 45 years apart. President Sarkozy stated publicly that he can’t see why the 17th century writer Madame de la Fayette is an important part of French cultural education. Jenni is joined by Professor David Looseley and lecturer Pollie Bromilow to discuss the furore. Caz Graham visits the Dilston Physic Garden in Northumberland, a contemporary physic garden inspired and created by Professor Elaine Perry, a neuroscientist at Newcastle University who directs research into plant medicines. Following the announcement that Carol Ann Duffy is the new Poet Laureate, We hear from Gillian Clarke, the National Poet for Wales and from Ruth Padel, writer and poet, in response to the news. Including drama: Lady Audley's Secret.