Woman's Hour - 24/12/2010

Presented by Jenni Murray. 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 Modalh visits her old school in Moss Side, Manchester to identify young sporting talent. Since the announcement that Prince William will marry his fiancee 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 their own version. But, should you only say it with diamonds? The jewellery expert Joanna Hardy and Nicholas Wainwright, the Managing Director of Boodles, make a case for diamonds and sapphires. 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? Shepherdess 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.