The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
Anne-Marie Duff reads from Robyn Scott's affectionate memoir of growing up in an eccentric family in Botswana.
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
Mark Cocker follows a colony of rooks over the course of a year. 3/4: Summer - Eating. As summer warmth dries out the earth, the young rooks have a hard time finding enough to eat.
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
Countryside magazine. Helen Mark visits the Peak District to see the battle to save peat bogs vital to the area's ecosystem.
With Evan Davis and John Humphrys. Including Yesterday in Parliament at
Real life stories in which listeners talk about the issues that matter to them. Presenter Fi Glover is joined by poet Murray Lachlan Young.
The author and journalist Shirley Conran first went on a mini cruise of the eastern Mediterranean hoping to stay on board for a bit of peace and quiet while her travelling companions went ashore to visit the ruins. But she soon found herself drawn to the remains of great cities of the classical world like Ephesus, Pergamum and Troy.
John McCarthy talks to Shirley Conran about her fascination for the vestiges of the ancient world and the pleasures of sailing round the Turkish coast and Greek islands exploring the sites of legend and history.
Travellers going to the tropics should be aware of the potential dangers of the diseases they could be exposed to. Malaria is endemic in more than a hundred countries and Britain has become one of the biggest importers of the disease amongst the industrialised nations.
Polly Patterson talks about her experience following a bite by a malaria carrying mosquito and Professor Larry Goodyer explains what can be done to prevent or treat malaria and other tropical diseases, which are often underestimated by travellers.
Steve Punt turns private investigator, examining little mysteries that perplex, amuse and beguile.
He explores the area around Dark Peak in the Peak District, which can claim to be Britain's own Bermuda Triangle. Over 50 aircraft crashed there in a space of 30 years.
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.
Paul Lewis with the latest news from the world of personal finance. Including reports on inflation and Mervyn King's warning and changes to personal tax allowances.
Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. Panellists include Jeremy Hardy, Sue Perkins and Kevin Day.
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the topical debate from Maidstone. Panellists include Tony McNulty, Jeremy Hunt, Lynne Featherstone and Claire Fox.
Listeners' calls and emails in response to this week's edition of Any Questions? Call 08700 100 444 [calls from land lines cost no more than 8p a minute].
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. When Andrei is kidnapped by his estranged son Victor, he is forced to reveal how he made his millions.
Don Letts tells the story of the Blues Dance or Jamaican private club in Britain. Crowds gathered to listen and dance to heavy bass lines of reggae, pumped out from huge speakers. The first wave of West Indian immigrants set up informal basement parties in West London, but the phenomenon would later gain prominence across the UK.
Contributors include Linton Kwesi Johnson, Vivien Goldman, Jazzie B, King Tubby, Trevor Sax, Daddy G, Ali Campbell, Caroline Coon, Lenny Henry and Tippa Irie.
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The clear-up begins after the Ronan Point disaster.
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news, plus the sports headlines. With Ritula Shah.
Eddie Mair presents the weekly interactive current affairs magazine featuring online conversation and debate.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
Peter Curran presents a mix of conversation, comedy and music. He is joined by Kris Marshall, Nigel Harman and Peter Howitt. Jo Bunting talks to Hattie Hayridge and Norman Lovitt.
Sean Buckley looks at the tragic consequences of crimes of violence perpetrated by young people. With Sally Hawkins, Josef Altin and Joe Prospero.
Former Daily Mail head of sport Bryan Cooney chronicles the souring of the love affair between sports stars and the media. When and why did it all go wrong?
A Dance to the Music of Time: Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's series of novels. 6/6: Last Dance. An unexpected meeting in Venice leads Nick to a new perspective.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
A debate in which scientists and theologians discuss embryology and the right to life. Chaired by Edward Stourton, with Prof Colin Blakemore and Archbishop Peter Smith.
Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz, covering the whole musical spectrum from the classics to jazz, stage and film music, rock and pop.
Three contestants battle it out – John Durbin from Cardiff, John Tattersall from Todmorden in West Yorkshire, and Peter Godfrey from Halifax.
... the Spotless Mind. John Sessions goes in search of his poetic hero Alexander Pope. Modern poets and satirists including Peter Porter and Ian Hislop discuss his influence.
SUNDAY 18 MAY 2008
SUN 00:00 News and Weather (b00bbdks)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
SUN 00:30 Original Shorts (b0076zfh)
Series 2
Eggs and Salt Water
New short stories created by well-known authors. 4/5: Eggs and Salt Water. Claire Rayner's moving account of a child who learns a surprising lesson in Jewish philosophy.
SUN 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00bbdkv)
The latest shipping forecast.
SUN 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00bbdkx)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world.
SUN 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00bbdkz)
The latest shipping forecast.
SUN 05:30 News Briefing (b00bbdl1)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
SUN 05:43 Bells on Sunday (b00bbdl3)
The sound of bells from Tonbridge Parish Church.
SUN 05:45 For whom the Division Bell Tolled (b00b7lrl)
Episode 1
Michael Portillo explores the history of one of Westminster's most curious institutions, the backbench MP. He looks at rebellions by MPs who have refused to toe the party line.
SUN 06:00 News Headlines (b00bbdl5)
The latest national and international news.
SUN 06:05 Something Understood (b00bbdl7)
The Animal Inside
The Animal Inside: Poet Christie Dickason reflects on that magical world where humans lived as equals with animals, asking whether we acknowledge our shared past.
SUN 06:35 On Your Farm (b00bbdl9)
Country magazine. Adam Henson joins a group of veterinary students as they go out onto the farm, taking their text book skills into the field.
SUN 06:57 Weather (b00bbdlc)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 07:00 News and Papers (b00bbdlf)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
SUN 07:10 Sunday (b00bbdlh)
Trevor Barnes and guests discuss the religious and ethical news of the week.
SUN 07:55 Radio 4 Appeal (b00bbdlk)
Paul McGann appeals on behalf of Whizz-Kidz. Donations: Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144.
SUN 07:58 Weather (b00bbdlm)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 08:00 News and Papers (b00bbdlp)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
SUN 08:10 Sunday Worship (b00bbdlr)
A service from Clyst St Mary Church in Devon. Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, explores the connections between faith, food and farming. Leader: Rev Jane Lucas.
SUN 08:50 A Point of View (b00b7zs2)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Lucy Kellaway.
SUN 09:00 Broadcasting House (b00bbdlt)
News and conversation about the big stories of the week with Clare Balding.
SUN 10:00 The Archers Omnibus (b00bbdlw)
The week's events in Ambridge.
SUN 11:15 Desert Island Discs (b00bbdly)
Diane Abbott
Kirsty Young's castaway this week is the MP Diane Abbott. She was the first black woman to become a Member of Parliament and, after her election in 1987, she said she would find herself sitting on the green benches of the House of Commons wondering whether she was really entitled to be there.
It was not the first British institution she'd cracked - she had already propelled herself through Cambridge and then into the Civil Service. But she has not always sat comfortably inside these great bastions of the establishment; she says Gordon Brown booted her off an influential committee because she asked too many questions; she was a vocal opponent of the war in Iraq and she attracted a good deal of controversy when she decided to send her son to private school.
After more than 20 years in the House of Commons, she is, she says, happy for people to judge her on what she has done and what she has stood up for.
[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]
Favourite track: Nkosi Sikelel 'Iafrika by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Book: Volumes of architectural and historical surveys of London
Luxury: A nice bed with comfortable mattress, sheets & mosquito net.
SUN 12:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b00b73ht)
Series 2
Episode 2
Michael McIntyre resorts to toilet humour and Lucy Porter tells tall stories of giraffes. David Mitchell chairs. From May 2008.
SUN 12:32 The Food Programme (b00bbdm0)
Street Food
The delicious diversity of street food is a vital part of the daily routine of billions of people. However, the culture appears to be under threat from city planners.
SUN 12:57 Weather (b00bbdm2)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 13:00 The World This Weekend (b00bbdm4)
A look at events around the world with Shaun Ley.
SUN 13:30 Amis, Amis and Bond (b007spqr)
Martin Amis explores his father's obsessive interest in James Bond and the writing of Ian Fleming, with fellow Bond enthusiast Charlie Higson.
SUN 14:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00bbdm6)
Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. John Cushnie, Bunny Guinness and Pippa Greenwood answer questions from gardeners in North Wales.
SUN 14:45 Key Matters (b00bbdm8)
Series 1
E Flat Major
Ivan Hewett explores how different musical keys seem to have distinct characteristics and create specific moods.
He looks at the key E flat major.
SUN 15:00 The Mayor of Casterbridge (b00bbdmb)
1. Burying the Past
Thomas Hardy's tragic story of a man who spends his life trying to atone for the terrible action that led to the loss of his wife and child. But his past refuses to be buried no matter how hard he tries to conceal it.
Dramatised in three parts by Helen Edmundson
MICHAEL HENCHARD........John Lynch
ELIZABETH-JANE..................Ruth Wilson
DONALD FARFRAE...............Paul Higgins
FURMITY WOMAN............Maggie Steed
SUSAN HENCHARD..... .......Olwen May
ABEL WHITTLE.................Burn Gorman
JOPP................................Conrad Nelson
NEWSON..........................Jonathan Keeble
SOLOMON LONGWAYS......Russell Dixon
CHRISTOPHER CONEY.......David Fielder
MOTHER CUXSOM.............Sue Ryding
MARTHA..........................Vashti Maclachlan
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SUN 16:00 Open Book (b00bbdmd)
Sebastian Barry, Book Serialisations, and Fictional Twins
Sebastian Barry
The Irish novelist made his name in the 1980s as an acclaimed playwright. He talks to Mariella about his latest book, which like much of his earlier work concentrates on a period when Ireland was still scarred by civil war. He explains how the story of a great-aunt, unjustly committed to a mental institution by her family, inspired this new novel.
Book Serialisations
Three books have grabbed headlines this month, even before they hit the shelves of our bookshops. Political memoirs by Lord Levy, John Prescott and Cherie Blair have been serialised in national newspapers. Even novels have been serialised in recent weeks. But does that help or hinder their sales? Liz Thomson, editor of Publishing News, joins Mariella to discuss the subject.
Fictional Twins
Mariella talks to two writers whose latest books both centre on twins. Matt Haig talks about his book The Possession of Mr Cave, about a father's attempt to maintain his relationship with his daughter after the death of her twin brother; and the Dutch writer Gerbrand Bakker tells Mariella about his debut novel The Twin, about a man who returns to run his father's farm after his twin is killed in an accident.
The Reading Clinic
Suzi Feay joins Mariella to give advice to a listener who finds classic fiction too slow-moving for enjoyment. Are there any novels from a hundred years ago with the pace of a contemporary thriller?
SUN 16:30 Poetry Please (b00bbf36)
Sonnet 130 by William Shakespeare
From: The Viking Portable Library - Shakespeare
Loving Unsuitable People by Gavin Ewart
From: Gavin Ewart – Selected Poems 1933-1993
Publ: Hutchinson
From: Lyrics from the Chinese translated by Helen Waddell
From: Chinese Lyrics
Publ: Constable
Down by the Salley Gardens by W.B. Yeats
From: Yeats, Poems
Publ: Everyman
In Memory of W.B. Yeats by W.H. Auden
From: W.H. Auden – Collected Poems
Publ: faber
Patterns by Amy Lowell (This poem is only featured in the Saturday night programme)
From: The Albatross Book of Living Verse
Publ: Houghton Mifflin Co
Memorabilia by Robert Browning (This poem is only featured in the Sunday afternoon programme)
From: The Poetical Works of Robert Browning Volume 1
Publ: John Murray
The Listeners by Walter de la Mare
From: The Collected Poems of Walter de la Mare
Publ: faber
Silver by Walter de la Mare
From: The Collected Poems of Walter de la Mare
Publ: faber
Musée des Beaux Arts by W.H. Auden
From: W.H. Auden – Collected Poems
Publ: faber
Dirge From Cymbeline by Shakespeare
The Viking Portable Library - Shakespeare
SUN 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00bbf38)
18th May 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Forged tickets cause havoc at the FA Cup Final.
SUN 17:00 Divided Britain (b00b7f7b)
Teaching Tolerance
Teaching Tolerance: Gerry Northam reports from a Lancashire Community College designed to improve performance and help to integrate the white and Asian population of the area.
SUN 17:40 From Fact to Fiction (b00bb2nf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Saturday]
SUN 17:54 Shipping Forecast (b00bbf3b)
The latest shipping forecast.
SUN 17:57 Weather (b00bbf3d)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00bbf3g)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
SUN 18:15 Pick of the Week (b00bbf3j)
Edward Stourton presents a selection of highlights from the past week on BBC radio.
SUN 19:00 The Archers (b00bbf3l)
At the Young Farmers show, Ruth's really proud when Pip gets second place in the stock judging competition. But Pip doesn't get through to the dance-off round of the disco competition, and to Pip's dismay Jonathan can't take his eyes of the winner - Izzy. Ruth assures her that obviously Jonathan's got a soft spot for Pip.
Alan's expecting quite a crowd at tonight's bird watchers' event but assures Usha that she doesn't need to help out. Usha refuses to hide away because of malicious gossip and poison pen letters. What bothers Usha most about Shula is that she threw back something Alan had told her in confidence. Alan's sure Shula already regrets letting herself down.
Lynda's busy organising everyone, especially Usha and Alan. She wonders whether anyone from the press will come. But realising how inappropriate this would be for Usha and Alan, she quickly changes the subject. David arrives with their display boards and Lynda notices Usha looking startled when the door opens. Expressing concern over recent events, Lynda is taken aback at Usha's announcement that Shula was the 'unnamed member of the pastoral team'. Usha just wishes more people realised how destructive Shula can be.
Episode written by Adrian Flynn.
SUN 19:15 Go4it (b00bbf3n)
Children's magazine, featuring a boy who found a real dinosaur fossil and visits a school allowed to borrow exhibits from the local museum for its own collection.
SUN 19:45 West End by the Sea (b00774tl)
Marlene and Me
Lynne Truss introduces a series of theatrical short stories, specially commissioned to celebrate the bicentenary of the Theatre Royal, Brighton.
4/5. Marlene and Me
By Eric Pringle, read by Struan Rodger.
A suicidal manservant's life is transformed when he sees Marlene Dietrich on stage in 1965.
SUN 20:00 Feedback (b00b7zrp)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.
SUN 20:30 Last Word (b00b7zrt)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.
SUN 21:00 Money Box (b00bb25y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 21:26 Radio 4 Appeal (b00bbdlk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 today]
SUN 21:30 In Business (b00b7wx3)
Survivors
Survivors: British manufacturers may be staring recession in the face. Peter Day hears how manufacturing companies plan to continue to survive against the odds.
SUN 21:58 Weather (b00bbf3q)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 22:00 Westminster Hour (b00bbf3s)
Reports from behind the scenes at Westminster. Including For Whom the Division Bell Tolled.
SUN 23:00 1968 Day by Day Omnibus (b00bbf3v)
Week ending 18th May 1968
Another chance to look back at the news 40 years ago with John Tusa. Press baron Cecil King attacks Harold Wilson. Students riot in Bonn. Noele Gordon quits Crossroads.
SUN 23:30 Something Understood (b00bbdl7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:05 today]
MONDAY 19 MAY 2008
MON 00:00 News and Weather (b00bbhp6)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
MON 00:15 Thinking Allowed (b00b7lrg)
Hikikomori - Women's Anti-Suffrage
HIKIKOMORI
Up to a million adolescents in Japan have been labelled ‘hikikomori’ because of their predilection for withdrawing from social life and cutting off relationship outside the family for periods in excess of six months. Professor Andy Furlong, Deputy Head of the Department of Management at the University of Glasgow, has been researching this phenomenon and wrote about his findings in a recent article entitled The Japanese Hikikomori phenomenon: acute social withdrawal among young people - published in the Sociological Review.
WOMEN’S ANTI-SUFFRAGE
Julia Bush, Senior Lecturer in history at the School of Social Sciences, University of Northampton, is the author of a new book Women Against the Vote; Female Anti Suffragism in Britain. Laurie Taylor is joined by Julia Bush and Joanna Bourke, Professor of History at Birkbeck College, to talk about the Anti Suffrage Movement. They discuss the lives and historical legacy of the women who actively campaigned against the extension of the franchise to females.
MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (b00bbdl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:43 on Sunday]
MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00bbhp8)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00bbhpb)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world.
MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00bbhpd)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 05:30 News Briefing (b00bbhpg)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00bbh8j)
Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
MON 05:45 Farming Today (b00bbh8l)
News and issues in rural Britain, presented by Mark Holdstock.
MON 05:57 Weather (b00bbhpj)
The latest weather forecast for farmers.
MON 06:00 Today (b00bbhpl)
With Sarah Montague and John Humphrys. Including Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
MON 09:00 Start the Week (b00bbhpn)
Andrew Marr sets the cultural agenda for the week. Guests include historian Anthony Pagden, author Susan Greenfield, director Jonathan Kent and journalist Elizabeth Pisani.
MON 09:45 Book of the Week (b00bvlg2)
Speaking for Myself
Episode 1
Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in Liverpool.
MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00bbhx8)
Martha Wainwright; Julia Neuberger; Family structure
Martha Wainwright talks about her music and performs live. Plus Julia Neuberger on old age, and what is the relationship between income and family structure?
MON 11:00 Planning for Destruction: The D-villages of County Durham (b00bbnxr)
Caroline Beck uncovers the hidden story of the Durham villages which were lost after the decline of the local coalfields during the 1950s and 60s. As the pits became worked out, the County Council categorised all villages and towns from A to D - A being those with a future and D being earmarked for decline and slow death. Almost 100,000 people were affected as over 120 communities fought to save themselves from the planned destruction.
MON 11:30 As Told To Craig Brown (b00bbnxt)
Episode 5
The Jane Austen industry and car user manuals.
Craig Brown introduces a mixture of satire, social observation and nonsense.
Narrated by Juliet Stevenson and Steve Wright
With John Humphrys, Ronni Ancona, Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Sally Grace, Ewan Bailey and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
MON 12:00 You and Yours (b00bbwnw)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson and Liz Barclay. Including What Disability Means to Me: With Strictly Come Dancing star and former rugby international Kenny Logan.
MON 12:57 Weather (b00bbwny)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 13:00 World at One (b00bbwp0)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
MON 13:30 Counterpoint (b00bbwp2)
Series 22
2008 Heat 9
Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz, covering the whole musical spectrum from the classics to jazz, stage and film music, rock and pop.
Three contestants battle it out: Stephen Banks from Bristol, Michael Barrell from Eastbourne, and William Cole from Winchester.
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
MON 14:00 The Archers (b00bbf3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Sunday]
MON 14:15 Drama (b00bbwp4)
Signs
Horizon
The first of two gripping stories about how technology might determine our lives in these interlocking plays by two of radio's most thought-provoking playwrights.
A horizon scanner foresees financial meltdown in Steve May's comic thriller, starring Paul Clayton (Peep Show, Drop the Dead Donkey), Mark Meadows and Devon Black.
Cassie is an horizon scanner for a global bank. When she discovers a black hole in the markets for June 6th which none of the other scanners has spotted, she must get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile Cassie's father Frank is busy trying to read the credit crunch as he decides what to do with his inherited nest egg, and Cassie's mother is busy buying nice things online with credit cards that Frank doesn't know about. And Cassie's colleague Reg is stealing her computer memory to develop his software programme. All of them are trying to plan for the future in their own little worlds.
Information is power, but there is a price.
Cassie...Devon Black
Frank...Paul Clayton
Mark...Mark Meadows
Reg...Carl Prekopp
Lesley...Marlene Sidaway
Bank Manager...Stephen Critchlow
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
MON 15:00 Money Box Live (b00bbwp6)
Vincent Duggleby and guests answer calls on financial issues.
MON 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00bbxp1)
Anger
Look Forward in Anger
Oliver James, author of Affluenza and The Selfish Capitalist, offers an overview of anger, describing and illuminating the nature of this emotion, and looking at how and why we are perhaps angrier now than we've ever been.
A series in which five writers from a range of backgrounds shed light on an aspect of anger in a mix of fiction, memoir and thought pieces.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 15:45 Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs (b00bbxp3)
Warrington Male Voice Choir
Joan Armatrading visits choral assemblies across the country.
She meets a long-established male voice choir that is devoted to promoting peace and reconciliation, a mission which assumed greater poignancy after the Warrington bombing in 1993.
MON 16:00 The Food Programme (b00bbdm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:32 on Sunday]
MON 16:30 More or Less (b00bbz97)
Do Doctors' Strikes Save Lives? - Epidemics - Nassim Nicholas Taleb - Eurovision Song Contest
Do Doctors' Strikes Save Lives?
Have you heard that, when doctors strike, the death rate goes down? More or Less investigated a doctors' strike in Israel, where it was reported that the death rate dropped by 39% over a three-month period.
We spoke to Judy Siegel-Itzkovich of the Jerusalem Post, who covered the strike, and tried to explain why the number of deaths dropped. Baroness Julia Neuberger suggested that non-essential surgery is postponed during any strike causing a short-term drop in death rates.
But Dr Richard Smith, the former editor of the British Medical Journal, believes we should not play down the risks of getting treatment and warns that visiting a hospital is more dangerous than bungee jumping!
Epidemics
Is the risk of epidemics after natural disasters being over-hyped? We spoke to Dr John Watson, a medical epidemiologist with the Disease Control in Humanitarian Emergencies Program at the World Health Organisation, who has researched what actually happens after natural disasters.
Totally Random
Nassim Nicholas Taleb is the best-selling author of books on the importance of randomness in our lives. He is a staunch critic of economics and wishes not even to breathe the same air as economists. Tim Harford took the risk and interviews him.
Eurovision Song Contest
Claims that Sir Cliff Richard was robbed of first place in the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest because of General Franco's scheming is just the latest story in a long history of grumbling about questionable voting practices. So much so that allegations of vote-rigging have become the subject of intensive academic inquiry.
Sociologists, engineers, mathematicians and even a molecular geneticist have all published papers on the issue. More or Less reporter Ruth Alexander spoke to Dr Derek Gatherer, a scientist who has built up a picture of complex voting blocks by generating thousands of random simulations of the contest results and comparing these to the real scoring in every contest since 1975.
And she interviewed Dr Michel Vellekoop, a mathematician from the Netherlands, who has explored possible innocent explanations for apparent vote-trading relationships by doing an extended statistical analysis of the voting behaviour of individual countries.
MON 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00bcm97)
19th May 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The Cannes Film Festival is abandoned due to protests.
MON 17:00 PM (b00bc0x5)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at
5.57pm.
MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00bc0x7)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
MON 18:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b00bc0x9)
Series 2
Episode 3
David Mitchell hosts the game show in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies. With Adam Buxton, Ed Byrne, Lee Mack and Tim Vine.
MON 19:00 The Archers (b00bc0zr)
Ed remarks that the cows see Alistair's TB tests as part of their routine now.
Tony understands what Oliver's going through, and agrees that mineral depletion in badgers could be at the root of the TB problem. Having read about someone who's escaped TB by giving supplements to his cattle and a mineral and molasses mix to the local badger sett, Tony agrees it's worth investigating.
The transition meeting goes well. The steering committee will be Caroline, Kathy, Nigel, Pat and probably Oliver, with Lynda as committee secretary. Tony's confident they'll get more volunteers as word gets around.
Jill's concerned that Shula felt too awkward to attend last night's talk. Shula insists she simply didn't have time.
A horse owner praises Shula for speaking out in the Echo because it raises important questions about faith. Shula's pleased that someone finally agrees with her, until Mrs Lane announces it's good to see someone take a stand against 'these people'. Shula realises the woman's a racist and clearly believes Shula is too. Shula's mortified - what if everyone thinks the same? Alistair assures her that no-one who really knows Shula would think that. But Shula fears that if Mrs Lane does, then others could too.
Episode written by Adrian Flynn.
MON 19:15 Front Row (b00bc12j)
Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson, including a report from one of the contenders for the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year.
MON 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00bc12l)
Sister Agnes Investigates
Episode 1
Murder mystery by Alison Joseph. Sister Agnes is taken from her work with runaways at the hostel to catalogue books at the order's library, with mousy Catherine for company.
MON 20:00 Power Failure at the Central Bank (b00bc12n)
Business editor Robert Peston examines the crisis in the international banking system.
MON 20:30 The Learning Curve (b00bc12q)
Libby Purves presents a guide to the world of learning, with practical advice, features and listeners' views.
MON 21:00 Frontiers (b00bc12s)
Antarctica
Gabrielle Walker joins scientists from the British Antarctic Survey on board HMS Endurance to look at the effects of climate change.
MON 21:30 Start the Week (b00bbhpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 21:58 Weather (b00bc1by)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 22:00 The World Tonight (b00bc1c0)
National and international news and analysis, including the latest from the House of Commons on the embryology bill, Asian aid in Burma and the ongoing rescue operation in China.
MON 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00bc1c2)
The Behaviour of Moths
Episode 6
The Behaviour of Moths: Stephanie Cole reads from Poppy Adams's powerful novel. 6/10: Vivien has returned home, bringing back memories of the past and an extraordinary request.
MON 23:00 Happy Mondays (b00bc1c4)
The Odd Half Hour
Episode 1
The Odd Half Hour: Sketch show starring Stephen K Amos, Jason Byrne, Justin Edwards and Katherine Parkinson looking at modern life's pains, large and small.
MON 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00bc1c6)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Susan Hulme.
TUESDAY 20 MAY 2008
TUE 00:00 News and Weather (b00bbh8n)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b00bvlg2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Monday]
TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00bbh8q)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00bbh8s)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world.
TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00bbh8v)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b00bbh8x)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00bbh8z)
Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b00bbh91)
News and issues in rural Britain, presented by Anna Hill.
TUE 06:00 Today (b00bbh93)
With Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at
6.45am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
TUE 09:00 On the Ropes (b00bc2qw)
Terry Pratchett
John Humphrys talks to best-selling author Terry Pratchett, who talks about being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and its effect on his life and work in this 2008 interview.
TUE 09:30 A Sunparched Country (b00bc2qy)
Changing Gardens
Caroline Holmes discovers how Australians are adapting to climate change. 4/5: Changing Gardens. How can gardeners cope with ten years of drought and freak torrential floods?
TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b00bvlff)
Speaking for Myself
Episode 2
Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words. Love, the law and a proposal.
TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00bbhwy)
Attitudes to fertility
A special programme on attitudes to fertility and the assumptions that underlie them. What impact does the failure to conceive have on a woman's life?
TUE 11:00 World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations (b00bc2r0)
Great Animal Migrations: Philippa Forrester and Brett Westwood present the series following the movement and migration of animals across the planet.
TUE 11:30 The Frost Collection (b00bc2r2)
Series 1
Religion and Morality
David Frost and guests look back at some of the most memorable interviews of his long career.
Interviewees include Billy Graham and convicted Nazi war criminal Baldur von Schirach. Guests include Max Hastings and Joan Bakewell.
TUE 12:00 Call You and Yours (b00bbp1p)
Consumer news and issues with John Waite and Peter White. Including What Disability Means to Me: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams describes being deaf in one ear.
TUE 12:57 Weather (b00bbp1r)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 13:00 World at One (b00bbp1t)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
TUE 13:30 Gershwin's Horns (b00bc2r4)
Rainer Hersch explores the musical significance of unusual instruments, including cannons, car horns, anvils, typewriters and salad bowls. All have featured in concert performances over the past 200 years, but who plays them?
With the help of two leading British percussion players, Mick Doran and Neil Percy, Rainer explores the soundscape that can conjured up by bowing a cymbal, rubbing a plastic cup on a gong or hitting a car suspension spring with a hammer.
TUE 14:00 The Archers (b00bc0zr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Monday]
TUE 14:15 Drama (b00bc3hy)
Signs
Perfect Day
The second of two gripping stories about the way technology determines our lives, in interlocking plays by two of radio's most thought-provoking playwrights.
Adam uses technology to find perfection, but there's a price, in this intense romantic drama by award-winning playwright Hattie Naylor.
Imagine the possibilities of harnessing powerful information-processing technology for the benefit of one super-rich individual. There is no bad luck if you know how to use the right technology with the right people: everything can be predicted, manipulated, avoided or sought-out.
Adam signs up to Perfect Day, a company which offers such specialised services, based on access to - and control over - information. The company promises to take away what is unpredictable, ugly or frustrating and ensure that a particular experience or life choice goes smoothly for their clients. No more traffic jams, no lost deals, no rained-off holidays, no bad food, no accidental encounters with difficult people. At first Adam uses the company to arrange evenings out, holidays, small life experiences. But his taste for perfection grows and soon he signs up to one of their most expensive and successful services: the location of a perfect life-partner.
Vicky....Joanne Froggatt
Adam....Paul Mundell
Evie....Jane Godber
Sarah....Lisa Coleman
Jim...David Hounslow
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
TUE 15:00 Making History (b00bc3j0)
Vikings on the Wirral - The Woking Invalid Prison
Vikings on the Wirral
Brendan and Cathleen Meehan live at Thingwall on the Wirral and they wanted Making History to confirm that the village takes its name from the Viking for a parliament ( a ‘thing’). Making History consulted the biologist Professor Stephen Harding at the University of Nottingham who has just finished a DNA project on the blood lines of old, established families on the Wirral and throughout North West England. He explained that parts of the Wirral were settled by Scandinavian Vikings who were expelled from Dublin in 902AD. He confirmed that Thingwall was indeed a place where elders met to discuss the issues of the day and even suggested where this might have been.
The Woking Invalid Prison
Janice Jelley in Billericay has discovered that two members of her family ended up in the Woking Invalid Prison in the 1870’s after being convicted of starving one of their wives to death. Janice wanted to know what an Invalid Prison was?
TUE 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00bf6mn)
Anger
Kinetic
Andy McNab's 'Kinetic' takes us on a personal journey from a turbulent childhood into the army and ultimately into battle, where geopolitical anger is reduced to man against man.
Read by the author.
Part of a series in which five writers from a range of backgrounds shed light on an aspect of anger in a mix of fiction, memoir and thought pieces.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:45 Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs (b00bbxp5)
WorldSong
Joan Armatrading visits choral assemblies across the country.
She attends a rehearsal of WorldSong, a mixed voice choir in Coventry which specialises in singing unaccompanied songs from across the globe and whose founding principle is that anyone can sing. Joan also talks to the scientist who believes that singing really is beneficial to our health.
TUE 16:00 Word of Mouth (b00bc41q)
Michael Rosen presents the series that takes a close look at the words we use, where they come from and how we play with them.
TUE 16:30 Great Lives (b00bc41s)
Series 15
Joyce Grenfell
Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris.
Arabella Weir nominates Joyce Grenfell, whose comic monologues she listened to and loved as a child. Joyce's biographer and family friend Janie Hampton offers inside information on one of the greatest entertainers of the last century.
TUE 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00bbzds)
20th May 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Strikes spread across France. No public transport is running and tourists are heading home.
TUE 17:00 PM (b00bbzdv)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.
TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00bbzdx)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
TUE 18:30 Clare in the Community (b00z60tb)
Series 3
Brenda's Birthday
Clare is coerced into helping Megan organise her one-year-old daughter's birthday party.
Clare Barker is a social worker with all the politically correct jargon but none of the practical solutions. Award-winning sitcom by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Starring Sally Phillips as Clare, Alex Lowe as Brian, Andrew Wincott as Simon, Richard Lumsden as Ray, Gemma Craven as Helen, Ellen Thomas as Irene, Nina Conti as Megan and Lewis MacLeod as Gordon.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
TUE 19:00 The Archers (b00bc0zt)
Clarrie's overheard Usha talking about Shula but Pat already knows, via Lynda, that she was the Echo's source.
Adam believes Pat's scheme is on too small a scale. Pat disagrees.
Lynda wants to clear up the misunderstanding with Will over the poisoning. Although responsibility still lies with the shoot, allowances should be made for Will's inexperience. Will tells her he doesn't need Lynda, or anyone, sticking their nose in.
Will doesn't care that George won't eat his proper meal. He's got George an enormous chocolate cake and just wants to have a good time with him.
Eddie asks Tony to oversee their risk assessment for Farm Sunday, assuring him it just means ticking a few boxes. Tony gives it the ok but, with all this hard work, Eddie thinks they ought to charge an entrance fee. Joe insists that's against the true spirit of the day - although a parking fee is a different matter altogether...
Pat opens a letter from the District Council. It's an application for planning permission to convert their packhouse across the yard into a dwelling. Beginning to panic, Pat and Tony think it through and realise there's only one explanation. This has to be a mistake.
Episode written by Adrian Flynn.
TUE 19:15 Front Row (b00bc0zw)
Arts news and reviews with Kirsty Lang.
TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00bc0zy)
Sister Agnes Investigates
Episode 2
Murder mystery by Alison Joseph. 2/5: Sister Agnes finds she has a lot in common with librarian Catherine. She cannot believe that she is capable of murder and sets out to prove it.
TUE 20:00 File on 4 (b00bc41v)
Major issues at home and abroad.
TUE 20:40 In Touch (b00bc41x)
Peter White with news and information for the blind and partially sighted.
TUE 21:00 Case Notes (b00bc41z)
Prostate Problems
Dr Mark Porter investigates health issues of the day. He looks at diagnosis and treatment of prostate problems and asks whether screening for prostate cancer is successful.
TUE 21:30 On the Ropes (b00bc2qw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 21:58 Weather (b00bc183)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b00bc185)
News and analysis with Ritula Shah. Including reports on the House of Commons vote on abortion, food prices and EU subsidies, and the orphaned victims of the earthquake in China.
TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00bc187)
The Behaviour of Moths
Episode 7
The Behaviour of Moths: Stephanie Cole reads from Poppy Adams's powerful novel. Forty years on, Ginny remembers the part she was asked to play in her sister Vivien's marriage.
TUE 23:00 Mouth Trap (b00bc421)
The Power of Women
Comedy show looking at the modern woman, offering a mixture of satire and silliness. Written by and starring Katy Brand and Katherine Parkinson.
TUE 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00bc189)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with David Wilby.
WEDNESDAY 21 MAY 2008
WED 00:00 News and Weather (b00bbh95)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b00bvlff)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00bbh97)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00bbh99)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00bbh9c)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b00bbh9f)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00bbh9h)
Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b00bbh9k)
News and issues in rural Britain, presented by Melanie Abbott.
WED 06:00 Today (b00bbh9m)
With James Naughtie, Evan Davis. Sports Desk
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament
6.45am,
8.31am; Weather
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am,
8.58am; Thought for the Day
7.48am.
WED 09:00 Midweek (b00bcccn)
Lively and diverse conversation.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b00bvlfh)
Speaking for Myself
Episode 3
Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words. The leadership challenge presents both personal and political dilemmas.
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00bbhx0)
Phone In: Infertility
Listener's views on infertility. Does society place too high a value on parenthood? Should infertility treatment be freely available on the NHS, or is it simply a lifestyle choice?
WED 11:00 Mind Changers (b00bcccq)
Case Study: The Man with a Hole in His Head
Claudia Hammond presents a series on case studies that have made a significant contribution to psychological research.
Phineas Gage was a railway worker in 19th-century Vermont who survived a bizarre accident. A metre-long iron rod shot through his head, changing him and the study of neuroscience forever.
Claudia visits Harvard Medical School Museum in Boston to see for herself what remains of The Man With The Hole In His Head. At the Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Ely, Cambridgeshire she meets clients with brain injuries similar to those suffered by Phineas Gage and discovers how far we've come in understanding and treatment since Gage suffered his appalling trauma on 13 September 1848.
WED 11:30 Hut 33 (b00vs38k)
Series 2
Royal Visit
It's panic stations at Hut 33.
A member of the royal family is paying a visit but the top brass suspect that he might be a Nazi sympathiser. The team has to delay him and make sure he doesn't see any of the codebreaking machines.
James Cary's sitcom set at Bletchley Park - the top-secret home of the Second World War codebreakers.
Archie …. Tom Goodman-Hill
Charles …. Robert Bathurst
Gordon …. Fergus Craig
Joshua … Alex McQueen
Minka …. Olivia Colman
Mrs Best …. Lill Roughley
Duke of Kent .... Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b00bbp1w)
Consumer news and issues with John Waite and Sheila McClennon. Including What Disability Means to Me: Gwyneth Lewis, Wales's first National Poet, describes living with depression.
WED 12:57 Weather (b00bbp1y)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b00bbp20)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
WED 13:30 Quote... Unquote (b00bg2kd)
Nigel Rees exchanges quotations and anecdotes with guests Pam Ayres, Trevor McDonald, Sue Limb and Gervase Phinn. The reader is Peter Jefferson.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b00bc0zt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Drama (b0076wrp)
To Serve them All my Days
Episode 5
Shaun McKenna's dramatisation of RF Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars. Davy is about to face his greatest challenge yet at Bamfylde School.
WED 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00bbdm6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Sunday]
WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00bf6ms)
Anger
So Many Things
Stories about rage and its different manifestations. Martina Cole reveals how her anger at injustice inspired her to take direct positive action.
WED 15:45 Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs (b00bbxp7)
London Bulgarian Choir
Joan Armatrading visits choral assemblies across the country.
Joan tunes into the musical traditions of Bulgaria with Dessislava Stefanova and the London Bulgarian Choir. She learns about the group's distinctive singing techniques and the difficulty the British have with learning to sing less politely.
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b00bcglh)
Population Control - Torture and Democracy
POPULATION CONTROL
Reduction of fertility is estimated to have contributed to about thirty percent of the huge improvement in living standards in the East Asian tiger economies and there are claims it has averted mass starvation in many developing countries. A new book Fatal Misconception by Professor Matthew Connelly debates the value of control projects and highlights the often extreme human rights violation they entail. Professor Connelly debates the issue with John Cleland, Professor of Medical Demography at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
TORTURE AND DEMOCRACY
Does the need for security justify the increasing use of ‘clean torture’, torture such as sleep deprivation, electro-torture and the infamous water-boarding? Despite a number of international condemnations of torture from bodies like the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Amnesty International, some argue in favour of torture as an efficient way of detecting plots that might otherwise lead to the deaths of a great number of innocent citizens. Professor Darius Rejali monumental new work Torture and Democracy documents the history of torture in modern democracy and debates its efficacy.
WED 16:30 Case Notes (b00bc41z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00bbzdz)
21st May 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Reporters witness bitter fighting as the Nigerian army captures the Biafran stronghold of Port Harcourt.
WED 17:00 PM (b00bbzf1)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at
5.57pm.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00bbzf3)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
WED 18:30 Double Science (b00bcglk)
Moving House
Comedy by Ben Willbond and Justin Edwards about two science teachers at a sixth form college that specialises in drama. The department is in turmoil.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b00bc100)
Unimpressed at the progress with grants for the digester. Matt's decided it's time he and Annabelle took control. Annabelle wants to try for a bigger unit and, with Adam weakening, Ruth and David's protests get them nowhere. They reluctantly agree to a few discreet enquiries but insist that Adam talks with Debbie. Ruth can't see how a different consultant can change things - he can't make the roads any wider! David's worried about what the village will think if they go back on their word now.
Pat wants an explanation from Rodways about the proposal to redevelop their packhouse. Graham Ryder suggests she'll find their tenancy agreement gives the landlord the right to seek planning permission for any part of the farm. Pat assures him they'll lodge an objection.
To Pat's surprise, Matt immediately offers an apology but only for not telling them the letter was on its way. He insists they mustn't worry - if planning permission is granted, he'll help them adjust. As family, Pat asks him to drop the whole stupid idea but Matt won't let personal loyalties cloud business decisions. Pat retorts that she and Tony will get the best professional advice available, and fight him all the way.
Episode written by Adrian Flynn.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b00bc102)
Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson, including a report from the opening night of Marguerite, a new musical from French composer Michel Legrand and the writers of Les Miserables.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00bc104)
Sister Agnes Investigates
Episode 3
Murder mystery by Alison Joseph. Sister Agnes finds out more about the man Catherine claims to have murdered and resolves to look more deeply into the case.
WED 20:00 Unreliable Evidence (b00bcglm)
Bail
Clive Anderson presents the series analysing the legal issues of the day. Many serious crimes are allegedly committed by suspects on bail. Is it granted too often?
WED 20:45 For whom the Division Bell Tolled (b00bcglp)
Episode 2
Michael Portillo explores the history of one of Westminster's most curious institutions, the backbench MP. He recalls the good and noble works of backbenchers from the past.
WED 21:00 World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations (b00bc2r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 21:30 Midweek (b00bcccn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b00bc18c)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b00bc18f)
National and international news and analysis with Carolyn Quinn. Including reports on Lebanon's new government and tomorrow's by-election in Crewe and Nantwich.
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00bc18h)
The Behaviour of Moths
Episode 8
The Behaviour of Moths: Stephanie Cole reads from Poppy Adams's powerful novel. Ginny recalls her mother's shocking death 40 years ago, the day on which Vivien left home.
WED 23:00 Hercule Poirot (b007wzgh)
Dead Man's Folly
Episode 4
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell. Poirot is convinced that yet another murder has been committed. Ariadne Oliver is about to startle him with fresh information.
WED 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00bc18k)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.
THURSDAY 22 MAY 2008
THU 00:00 News and Weather (b00bbh9q)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b00bvlfh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00bbh9s)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00bbh9v)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00bbh9x)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b00bbh9z)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00bbhb1)
Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b00bbhb3)
News and issues in rural Britain, presented by Anna Hill.
THU 06:00 Today (b00bbhb5)
With Evan Davis and James Naughtie. Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at
6.45am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
THU 09:00 In Our Time (b00bcqt8)
The Black Death
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss how the Black Death influenced the structure and ideas of Medieval Europe. In October 1347, a Genoese trading ship arrived at the busy port of Messina in Sicily and docked among many similar ships doing similar things. But this ship was special because this ship had rats and the rats had fleas and the fleas had plague. This was the Black Death and its terrible progress was captured by the Florentine writer Giovanni Boccaccio who declared “in those years a dead man was then of no more account than a dead goat”. In the long and unsanitary history of Europe there have been many plagues but only one Black Death. It killed over a third of Europe’s population in 4 years – young and old, rich and poor, in the town and in the country. When it stopped in 1351 it left a continent ravaged but transformed – the poor found their labour to be valuable, religion was both reinforced and undercut, medicine progressed, art changed and the continent awash with guilt and memorialisation. With Miri Rubin, Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at Queen Mary, University of London; Samuel Cohn, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Glasgow; Paul Binski, Professor of the History of Medieval Art at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b00bvlfk)
Speaking for Myself
Episode 4
Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words. Leadership, an election and the morning after.
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00bbhx2)
HRT risks; Ketamine misuse; Vaughan Williams's women
The health risks of taking HRT discussed. Plus the loves and life of Vaughan Williams, and why is ketamine increasingly popular with women and what are the risks?
THU 11:00 From Our Own Correspondent (b00bcqtb)
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.
THU 11:30 Shelagh Delaney - A Taste of Honey (b00bcqtd)
A pregnant teenage girl and her feckless mother trade insults and repartee in 1950s Salford. Stars Siobhan Finneran.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b00bbp22)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson and Liz Barclay. Including What Disability Means to Me: Murray Walker on how 50 years beside a race track has affected his hearing.
THU 12:57 Weather (b00bbp24)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b00bbp26)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
THU 13:30 Open Country (b00b9y33)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b00bc100)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b00bcqtg)
An Unchoreographed World
One of the truly great dancers of our time, 'An Unchoreographed World' explores a dramatic formative event in the life of the young Margot Fonteyn. It's May 10th 1940, and she is trapped in Holland during the German invasion with her older lover, the composer Constant Lambert, and the fledgling Sadler's Wells Ballet. Frances Byrnes' drama draws on contemporary accounts to evoke a time when, her life threatened, Fonteyn discovers who she really is, and what her destiny might cost her.
Margot FonteynSophie Jerrold
Constant LambertRichard McCabe
Ninette de ValoisKate Littlewood
Robert HelpmannOliver Millingham
ChorusAnne-Marie Piazza,
Maria Askew,
Ffion Jolly,
Ben Ashton and
Coen de Groot.
THU 15:00 Questions, Questions (b00bcqtj)
Stewart Henderson answers those niggling questions from everyday life.
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b00bbdlk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00bf6mv)
Anger
Seeing Red
Charlie Falconer, the former Lord Chief Justice, offers an insight into how anger impacts upon politics - how it can be effective, and when it is disastrous.
Part of a series in which writers from a range of backgrounds shed light on an aspect of anger in a mix of fiction, memoir and thought pieces.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:45 Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs (b00bbxp9)
Scunthorpe Co-Op Junior Choir
Joan Armatrading visits choral assemblies across the country.
Joan meets the young members of the Scunthorpe Co-Operative Junior Choir, aged three and upwards, as they prepare for the Choir of the Year contest. With Howard Goodall, the UK's 'Singing Tsar'.
THU 16:00 Open Book (b00bbdmd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b00bcv9c)
Predicting Natural Disasters - Forensic Engineering
Predicting Natural Disasters
On Sunday 11th May an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale devastated much of Sichuan province in China. A week before a fierce tropical cyclone hit Burma (Myanmar). Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost and many more are in peril from the after effects. Can science tell us if natural disasters like these are on the increase? Do they come in clusters? Quentin Cooper is joined by Julian Heming, UK Metrological Office, Exeter, Professor Bill McGuire, Hazard Research Centre, University College London, and Dr. Paul Burton, Geophysical Sciences, University of East Anglia.
Forensic Engineering
Quentin finds out how a unique collaboration between scientists at Leicester University and Northamptonshire Police has come up with ingenious new techniques in the fight against crime. These include the detecting of previously undetectable fingerprints, and the creation of a lead chemical database of lead samples from churches across the country. It could help tackle the increase in theft of lead from church roofs which costs millions of pounds year to ecclesial insurers. Quentin is joined by Dr. John Bond, Scientific Support Manager, Northamptonshire Police and Dr. Sarah Hainsworth, Materials Mechanics, University of Leicester.
THU 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00bbzf5)
22nd May 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Half of all French workers are on strike, with violence erupting between Nationalists and Communists.
THU 17:00 PM (b00bbzf7)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at
5.57pm.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00bbzf9)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
THU 18:30 Heresy (b00bcv9f)
Series 5
Episode 2
Victoria Coren hosts the show that thinks the unthinkable. With Sue Perkins, Euan Ferguson and Richard Herring. From May 2008.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b00bc106)
Alistair tells Phil and Jill that Shula's concerned at being branded a racist. They know she's put herself in an awkward position but feel this is taking it too far.
Jill receives a phone call from Diana, a lady they met in San Francisco. Diana has invited Jill to Sidmouth, but there's always so much to do that Jill knows she can't possibly leave Phil for a week. Phil's most put out at the suggestion he wouldn't cope, and insists that Jill goes.
While Ed and Oliver wait anxiously for Alistair, they discuss Joe's suggestion that TB could be caused by a lack of minerals in badgers' diet. When the first five cows test clear, Ed's full of hope. But three cows show positive lumps and it's depressing for all of them. Alistair tries to encourage Oliver but Oliver knows it's at least four more months of movement restriction and it's not good for the milk round. He mentions the mineral theory and Alistair agrees it's worth considering, even though there's no real evidence. Oliver can't see what he's got to lose. He's starting to give up hope. Sometimes all he wants to do is sell up and get the hell out.
Episode written by Adrian Flynn.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b00bc108)
Arts news and reviews with Kirsty Lang, including news of the winner of the Art Fund Prize for Museums and Galleries, and an interview with Australian novelist Tim Winton.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00bc10b)
Sister Agnes Investigates
Episode 4
Murder mystery by Alison Joseph. Sister Agnes's investigations take her to Derbyshire, where the murder was committed 11 years before.
THU 20:00 It's My Story (b00bcv9h)
The Man Whose Mind Exploded
Toby Amies meets Drako Oho Zarhazar, an extraordinary resident of a Brighton council estate. Drako has modelled for Salvador Dali, been filmed by Andy Warhol, spent some wild times with Keith Richards and danced at the London Palladium. He has also been in two comas, had two nervous breakdowns and made two suicide attempts. He now has almost no short term memory and has filled his flat with thousands of pieces of paper to remind him of who he is and what is happening in his life.
THU 20:30 In Business (b00bcv9k)
What's in Store?
Peter Day looks at the history of retail in this country and what new ideas about shopping are being designed to tempt the buying public.
THU 21:00 Costing the Earth (b00bcv9m)
The Great Green Gadget Makeover
New electronic technology accounts for a vast amount of our electricity usage each year. Tom Heap meets a self-confessed gadget addict.
THU 21:30 In Our Time (b00bcqt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b00bc18m)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b00bc18p)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00bc18r)
The Behaviour of Moths
Episode 9
Stephanie Cole reads from Poppy Adams's powerful novel about family secrets and loss. Vivien finally decides to confront Ginny with the painful truth about the past.
THU 23:00 Nebulous (b00bscyb)
Series 3
The Past Must Be Destroyed!
Comedy series by Graham Duff, set in the year 2099. Nebulous returns to his old university, where he discovers several lecturers have disappeared.
THU 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00bc18t)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Robert Orchard.
FRIDAY 23 MAY 2008
FRI 00:00 News and Weather (b00bbhb7)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b00bvlfk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00bbhb9)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00bbhbc)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service, with news, reports and analysis from around the world.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00bbhbf)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b00bbhbh)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00bbhbk)
Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b00bbhbm)
News and issues in rural Britain, presented by Charlotte Smith.
FRI 06:00 Today (b00bbhbp)
With John Humphrys and James Naughtie. Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at
6.45am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b00bbdly)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b00bvlfm)
Speaking for Myself
Episode 5
Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words. Presidents, a pregnancy and a farewell to the press.
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00bbhx4)
Alison Knowles; Boybands
Experimental American artist Alison Knowles on avant-garde performance. Plus women at the Carlton Club, and what is the enduring appeal of boybands? With Jane Garvey.
FRI 11:00 Walking a Stick Back Home (b00bcw1w)
Poet and historian James Crowden inherited a walking stick formerly belonging to 19th-century author Thomas De Quincey. He takes it home via Edinburgh to Wordsworth's Dove Cottage.
FRI 11:30 Paul Temple (b00bcw1y)
Paul Temple and the Madison Mystery
The Manilla
When warned not to interfere, our hero becomes even more determined to investigate. The body count mounts.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b00bbp28)
Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and John Waite. Including What Disability Means to Me: Comedian and wheelchair user Liz Carr reflects on what disability means to her.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b00bbp2b)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b00bbp2d)
National and international news with Shaun Ley.
FRI 13:30 Feedback (b00bcw20)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b00bc106)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b00773vw)
Imagining Them
Three New Yorkers imagine people whom they would have liked to know better. Written and performed by Wendy Spero, Meg Wolitzer and David Cale.
FRI 15:00 Costing the Earth (b00bcv9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Thursday]
FRI 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00bf6mx)
Anger
Where?
Joanna Briscoe's moving short story takes us into the life of a terminally ill boy, and the minutiae of personal, impotent anger.
Read by Robert Madge.
Concludes the series of programmes which shed light on an aspect of anger in a mix of fiction, memoir and thought pieces.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 15:45 Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs (b00bbxpd)
The Kingdom Choir
Joan Armatrading visits choral assemblies across the country.
Joan reunites with a choir very close to her heart, who performed with her in a tribute song to Nelson Mandela. She hears what distinguishes Gospel singing and how the message and the music come together in praise.
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b00bcw22)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b00bcw24)
Francine Stock talks to Michael Patrick King, writer and director of the film version of Sex and the City. He reveals the challenges of transforming a TV comedy series into a movie.
FRI 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00bbzfc)
23rd May 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. French student leader Daniel Cohn-Bendit is sent back to his native Germany.
FRI 17:00 PM (b00bbzff)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at
5.57pm.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00bbzfj)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
FRI 18:30 The News Quiz (b00bcw26)
Series 65
23/05/2008
Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. Panellists include Jeremy Hardy, Andy Hamilton, Francis Wheen and Carrie Quinlan.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b00bc10d)
Jennifer's delighted when Brian shows her that the future of Home Farm is now officially signed off. Jennifer suggests they celebrate this evening. It'll be good for Alice too - help get her over the disappointment of not getting the RAF sponsorship. Jennifer thinks Alice's friendship with Lajos is helping there too but Brian thinks Lajos is too good-looking - he's trouble!
Matt's had to cancel a round of golf and thinks it's good for Lilian and Jennifer to use it. Lilian's keen but Jennifer's not so impressed, especially when Matt walks round with them.
Pat's sent their tenancy agreement to the Tenant Farmers' Association to see if it comes under the 1986 Act or not. Tony's confronts Brian at Home Farm. Tony tells him he should be ashamed of himself for not letting them know about Borchester Land's plans for their packhouse. To Tony's surprise, Brian has no idea what he's talking about. When Tony explains, Brian agrees to talk to Matt at the first available opportunity. Tony urges him to do so. If Brian doesn't get Borchester Land to drop it, Pat and Tony will do everything in their power to make sure it never happens.
Episode written by Adrian Flynn.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b00bc10g)
Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson, including an interview with American novelist and essayist Gore Vidal.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00bdvjg)
Sister Agnes Investigates
Episode 5
Murder mystery by Alison Joseph. Sister Agnes's investigations into the death of Dougie McVie lead to the solving of two murders and a child-snatching.
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b00bcw28)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the topical debate from Chester. Panellists include Chris Grayling, Tony Wright, Sarah Teather and Johann Hari.
FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b00bcw2b)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Lucy Kellaway.
FRI 21:00 Chinese in Britain (b00bcw2d)
The last five episodes of the series in which Anna Chen explores the early history of the Chinese who came to Britain before the mass influx of the 1960s.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b00bc18w)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b00bc18y)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig. As Labour comes to terms with the loss of Crewe and Nantwich, we examine the economy.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00bc190)
The Behaviour of Moths
Episode 10
Stephanie Cole reads from Poppy Adams's powerful novel about family secrets and loss. After 40 years, Vivien confronts Ginny with a revelation that leads to a shocking decision.
FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b00bc41s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00bc192)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Mark D'Arcy.