91热爆

Angela Merkel's new biographer Matthew Qvortrup reflects on how the German Chancellor's early life shaped her politics.

86-year-old Pam Butcher joins us. She is the table tennis world champion for her age category and was recently voted Table Tennis England's Player's Player of the Year.

And as part of a series about knife crime in conjunction with 91热爆 London reporter Ayshea Buksh, Jenni Murray speaks to three women whose sons and a grandson were killed in London in the last 14 months.

Elizabeth Duff from The National Childbirth Trust tells Jenni about the launch of a new 'Parent Friendly' certificate. Listener Drew White explains his worries about the new scheme - how will this help families?

Jools and Jamie Oliver's decision to have their two teenage daughters in at the birth of their fifth child was hotly discussed. We decided to find out how common it is for children to witness childbirth and what issues it raises. Mother-of-three Viviene Pettit whose 4 year-old daughter watched her brother's birth explains why she allowed her child to be present. Jacque Gerrard, director for England at the Royal College of Midwives explains why she would urge parents to consider this as an option.

Composer Charlotte Bray discussing her powerful new work, Falling in the Fire, which has its world premiere at the 91热爆 Proms and the poet Katharine Towers reads from her much acclaimed new collection The Remedies.

Highlights from the Woman's Hour week. Presented by Jane Garvey
Producer: Sophie Powling
Editor: Erin Riley.