Main content

30/12/2011

Presented by Jenni Murray. Tackling truancy: Jenny hears about plans for a radical new approach and finds out why teenagers truant. Plus Whistle Down the Wind at 50.

Presented by Jenni Murray. Memories from the Lancashire film extras and from Hayley Mills, as the legendary film Whistle Down the Wind celebrates 50 years. Former teacher Tom Burkard claims a school staffed by ex- soldiers could solve truancy - Jenni hears from some teenagers about why they skip school. The holiday season can be a lonely time for the bereaved, but a widow in her 70s says there is life after loss- her book has some timely advice for "merry widows". And are we heading for communication meltdown? The good, the bad and the ugly of hi tech communication - with futurologist Nicola Millard and internet expert Aleks Krotoski.

Available now

45 minutes

Chapters

  • Truancy

    Almost half a million children missed a month of education last year. Jenni talks to Christine Blower; General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers and Tom Burkard; an education specialist.

    Duration: 14:11

  • Communication Overload

    What is the brave new world of technology doing to our family and work relationships? Jenni is joined by Aleks Krotoski; social psychologist and writer, and Dr Nicola Millard, Futurologist at BT.

    Duration: 09:12

  • Whistle Down the Wind

    It’s 50 years since the film ‘Whistle Down The Wind’ was released. Based on a novel by Mary Hayley Bell, it starred her 15 year old daughter Hayley Mills. Judy Merry meets some of the cast.

    Duration: 10:30

  • "Merry Widows"

    The holiday season can be a lonely time for the bereaved, but Mary Essinger, a widow in her 70s says there is life after loss. Her book has some timely advice for "merry widows"

    Duration: 08:24

Broadcast

  • Fri 30 Dec 2011 10:00

Follow us on Instagram

Get all the pictures, videos, behind the scenes and more from Woman’s Hour

Podcast