The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
A favourite of punk and the Christmas garb of the Windsors, a textile of tradition and a radical rebellious symbol, from the Jacobites to the Bay City Rollers, Tartan has developed into an extraordinarily potent weave. Is it an invented tradition? How did it garner such seemingly contradictory associations?
Laurie Taylor is joined by Jonathan Faiers, Senior Lecturer at Central St Martins College of Art & Design and the author of a new book entitled Tartan; and Murray Pittock, A. C. Bradley Professor of Literature at the University of Glasgow to discuss the cultural and political history of tartan.
Social psychologist Sarah Knight co-author of a paper entitled In the Company of Wolves discusses the findings of her research on the physical, social and psychological benefits of dog ownership.
Hugh Pym and Wolfram Schrettl of the DIW Institute in Berlin discuss the impact of the global financial in Iceland and Germany.
Professor Lee Bridges says that the government has undermined the right of all suspects to consult a solicitor of their choice.
Cindy Butts of the Metropolitan Police Authority discusses the progression of black and ethnic minority candidates through the police ranks.
Chris Keates of NASUWT and Michelle Elliott of children's charity Kidscape discuss teachers' affairs with pupils.
Holly Woodlawn, one of Andy Warhol's film stars, discusses a major retrospective of his work.
Alfred John of the Met branch of the Black Police Association and Martin Tiplady, Director of Human Resources at the Met, discuss the career possibilities of black and ethnic minority candidates.
Treasury Secretary Yvette Cooper discusses whether we are currently experiencing 'boom and bust' economics.
Author Chuck Korr and Anthony Suez, a former prisoner on Robben Island, discuss how league football was played despite regular torture and beatings.
Author of the Stern Review, Lord Nicholas Stern, discusses 'a global deal for climate change'.
Raymond Buchanan reports on the words of Shakespeare put to the musical techniques of the Beatles.
Lord Digby Jones and Richard Portes of the London Business School discuss the role of the new National Economic Council.
Professor Mike Dunne, from the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, discusses nuclear fusion.
Lawrence Sherman, Professor of Criminology at Cambridge University, discusses whether policing in London is similar to that in New York.
Featuring Chris Patten talking about his new book What Next? How to Survive the 21st Century, the writer Xinran discusses the growing generation gap in China, and the historian Andrew Roberts and biographer Richard Holmes talk about their new books.
John Sessions reads from a new anthology of humorous writing by the late Alan Coren, edited by his children, Giles and Victoria
Comedienne Dawn French on her nomadic upbringing; what can be done to get more women interested in physics?; should overweight children be treated as victims of abuse?
Roger Bolton tells the story of the Codex Sinaiticus, the world's oldest bible, found in 1844 in a monastery in the Sinai Desert. It is soon to become one of the British Library's greatest treasures and accessible to a worldwide audience. Its history is contentious, and its contents controversial.
Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, attempts to survive in a world where the media seems to be run by idiots and lying charlatans.
Ed has rekindled his relationship with fellow author Mary Potter and they are in a record breaking second month of partnership 'bliss'. Elgar, however, is none too pleased
Ed Reardon ...... Christopher Douglas
Olive ...... Stephanie Cole
Felix ...... John Fortune
Mary Potter ...... Sally Grace
Ray ...... Simon Greenall
Jaz ...... Philip Jackson
Pearl ...... Rita May
Frank ...... Geoffrey McGivern
Ping ...... Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Stan ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Worshippers at the Bilal Jamia mosque in Leicester are getting used to the first-ever guide dog to be allowed into a mosque.
The pub restaurant chain Greene King has been fined more than fourteen thousand pounds for misleading customers in some of its menus. We ask how listeners would feel if their meal wasn't quite what the menu said it was going to be.
The German and Danish governments have followed the lead of Ireland and Greece and announced plans to guarantee 100 per cent of savers' deposits. We ask if the UK the government has any choice but to follow suit.
Examining the predicament of thousands of low-paid workers and benefit claimants, and their families, who may have to move miles from their jobs and schools to find more affordable accommodation because of changes to the way that housing benefit is calculated.
Discussing the fact that the global shipping industry accounts for far more CO2 emissions than the world's aeroplanes.
A report by the energy regulator Ofgem says that, on the whole, the recent increases in energy prices are down to global wholesale markets and not the energy companies acting together to exploit customers.
Robert Robinson introduces the perennial general knowledge quiz. The second heat features four contestants from the London area.
When a flight to Dubrovnik is delayed the passengers are forced to wait, first in the departure lounge and later in an airport hotel. Among them is Laura Clarke, a doctor stuck in the past.
Laura ...... Samantha Bond
Alex ...... Matthew Solon
Glynn ...... Robert Gwylim
Other parts played by Charlotte Melia, Hana Bachankova and Lois Tucker.
Paul Lewis takes listeners' questions on maternity, paternity and adoption rights. He is joined by experts Rachel Hadwen of Working Families and Sian Keall of Travers Smith.
A series of five essays and poems written and read by major writers on the theme 'made in England'.
Writer Andrew O'Hagan compares contemporary England to that described by George Orwell in an essay written in 1941.
Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
Simon Cox presents the topical magazine series covering the latest developments and issues in the world of IT.
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness, flanked by captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh with guests Lynne Truss and Mark Billingham. The author of the week and subject for pastiche is Raymond Chandler and the reader is Beth Chalmers.
Debbie arrived late last night, and catches up with Jennifer over breakfast. Jennifer jokingly suggests the only way she'll meet Marshall is if she goes to Hungary - Debbie thinks it's a great idea. Christopher's got a list of stuff that Alice wants. When Debbie offers to take it down later in the week, Christopher quickly points out that he'll be there at the weekend. Debbie assures him she won't intrude on his time. Jennifer wishes she could get to see Alice.
Back at Ambridge View, Christopher's measuring up Emma's room - he's determined to move in the moment she moves out.
Peggy's still uncomfortable with having a carer in to look after Jack but it's all arranged, so she anxiously awaits Maria's arrival. Maria instantly makes a good impression with Jack but Peggy won't leave her alone with him.
Jennifer's frustrated that Peggy didn't take advantage of the chance for a break, and insists that Peggy goes to Home Farm for lunch next time. Peggy refuses to be rushed into anything more than half an hour away. Jennifer reminds Peggy that she wasn't sure about the day centre at first, and that's now fine - so surely this can't be a bigger problem?
Comedian Frank Skinner talks to Mark about his return to stand-up, how he puts his act together and finding time for art and religion while on tour.
American writer and academic Diane Roberts reviews a novel inspired by certain events in the life of Laura Bush. American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld, is the story of a private, self-conscious girl who grows up to find herself thrust in to the public glare and forced to face her past.
In a break from routine, Michael Parkinson takes to the interviewee's chair to discuss why his father kidnapped his pregnant wife, his TV encounters with Mohammed Ali and why - only once - he didn't wear a suit when conducting an interview.
Dramatisation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, set in the Deep South in the interwar years.
Celie ...... Nadine Marshall
Nettie ...... Nikki Amuka-Bird
Mister ...... Eammon Walker
Corrinne ...... Lorraine Burroughs
Ma ...... Adjoa Andoh
Pa ...... Colin McFarlane
Some parents in America believe that God is using their children as evangelists to save souls. But who is driving the agenda and what are the potential long-term effects on the children? John McCarthy investigates.
Libby Purves presents a guide to the world of learning, with practical advice, features and listeners' views.
Tracey Logan reports on the regular spillages from London's sewage system into the River Thames and the government's proposed solution.
A super sewer has been commissioned, officially known as the Thames Tideway Tunnel. The deepest tunnel ever built under London, the project will cost two billion pounds and not be finished until 2020. At 35km long, it's the deepest tunnel ever built under London and will require engineering at the limits of current technology and with the hefty price-tag will come years of riverside engineering works. Once finished, will it really make the Thames a river fit for salmon, a fish whose numbers reflect the purity of the water, or is such a target unrealistic? Some are asking whether such an expensive sewer upgrade is really necessary.
News and analysis with Ritulah Shah. Alistair Darling's latest response to the financial crisis, including a historian who thinks there won't be a depression.
Alex Jennings begins reading from Flaubert's novel, set amid the turbulence and glamour of mid-nineteenth century Parisian high society.
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.
TUESDAY 07 OCTOBER 2008
TUE 00:00 Midnight News (b00dqjl3)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b00dqlq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Monday]
TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjl5)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00dqjl7)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjl9)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b00dqjlc)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00dqjlf)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Martyn Atkins.
TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b00dqjlh)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Anna Hill.
TUE 06:00 Today (b00dqlbf)
Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.
Former Europe Minister Dennis MacShane says that EU countries 'need coordination' to fix the economy.
Author Terry Pratchett discusses a campaign to improve public understanding of Alzheimer's.
David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, discusses greenhouse emissions with the new Energy and Climate Change minister, Ed Miliband.
Business Editor Robert Peston reports on Alistair Darling's meeting with the heads of UK banks.
Kevin Connolly reports from Cairo, Illinois, on how a small town could be an omen for the US presidential election.
Thought for the Day with Dr Injarit Singh, Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations.
Human evolution is over, according to leading geneticist Professor Steve Jones.
Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses and Timothy Melgund, chief executive of stationers Paperchase, discuss whether the UK economy is already in a recession.
Adam Shaw reports on the first few minutes of trading on the London Stock Exchange.
Sanchia Berg reports on the publication of the original Frankenstein text.
Jack Keane, one of the architects of the surge tactic in Iraq, and Colonel Tim Collins discuss whether a strategy similar to the one used in Iraq would work in Afghanistan.
Harry Shapiro of the charity Drugscope says that the internet has made it easier to find out about legal drugs.
Jon Manel speaks to a British man involved in the 51-day stand-off centred on the Branch Davidians in 1993.
Derek Scott, former economics adviser to Tony Blair, and Katinka Barysch, deputy director of the Centre for European Reform, discuss whether EU countries will continue to look out for their own economies first.
TUE 09:00 The Choice (b00drnxk)
Michael Buerk interviews people who have made life-altering decisions and talks them through the whole process, from the original dilemma to living with the consequences.
Iraqi translator Ahmed Ali talks about his choice to leave his home town of Baghdad.
TUE 09:30 Phill Jupitus' Strips (b00drnxm)
Episode 1
Phill Jupitus meets the creators of some of the comic strips that he has loved to read since childhood.
He visits Garry Trudeau, the reclusive creator of Doonesbury, one of the most successful newspaper comic strips in the world.
TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b00dqlr6)
Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks: The Essential Alan Coren
Episode 2
John Sessions reads from a new anthology of humorous writing by the late Alan Coren, edited by his children, Giles and Victoria.
1970s: Let Us Now Phone Famous Men.
TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00dqn6s)
The stigma of mental health problems
A special programme focusing on the stigma of mental health problems. With contributions from comedienne Ruby Wax, writer Clare Allan and psychiatrist Gillian Mezey.
TUE 11:00 World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations (b00drp1t)
Philippa Forrester and Brett Westwood present the series following the movement and migration of animals across the planet, from the European eel to the African white-eared kob antelope. A team of wildlife specialists are joined by zoologists and conservationists around the world to present regular reports.
TUE 11:30 Remembering Alan (b00drqnk)
A year on from Alan Coren's death, Christopher Matthew talks to his friends and relatives about their recollections of the comic writer and broadcaster who was always sharp but never vicious.
Including contributions from family, friends and fellow writers Libby Purves, Michael Bywater and Susan Jeffreys.
TUE 12:00 You and Yours (b00dqp0r)
Call You and Yours
Presented by Liz Barclay and Peter White.
Questioning whether Britain is failing its armed forces.
British servicemen and women are active in Iraq and Afghanistan, with others serving as peace-keeping forces around the world. But it is over 60 years since we fought a war on the Home Front and, since National Service ended at the beginning of the 1960s, few of us have any direct contact with service personnel.
As a nation we are spending the lowest proportion of national wealth on defence since 1930. Are we keeping the 'military covenant' with our armed forces or have we lost touch with what our servicemen and women are doing for us?
TUE 12:57 Weather (b00dqy1m)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 13:00 World at One (b00dqy1p)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
TUE 13:30 Soul Music (b00drrl5)
Series 7
Chopin's Ballade No 1 in G Minor
Chopin's Ballade clearly tells a story, and yet that story differs for each person who hears or plays it.
Pianist Peter Donohoe heads a cast of people whose lives have been shaped and changed by hearing and playing this technically demanding, emotionally turbulent piece of music.
Featuring:
Peter Donohoe
Pete Rosskamm
Edi Bilimoria
Richard Bielecki
Andrew Armstrong
Dr Jay B. Hess
Joshua Wright
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.
TUE 14:00 The Archers (b00dr82z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Monday]
TUE 14:15 Drama (b00drs6d)
Number 10 - Series 2
Episode 2
Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street.
The Prime Minister falls out with the Chancellor when he discovers that she has dropped some key tax reforms. It seems he may have no choice but to sack her, two days before she is due to deliver the Budget.
Adam ...... Antony Sher
Steve ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Monica ...... Sasha Behar
Polly ...... Deborah Findlay
Colin ...... Colin McFarlane
Brampton of SIS ...... Simon Chandler
Doyle, minister ...... Michael Eaves
Peter Chadwick ...... Clive Russell
Helen, Chancellor ...... Lucy Robinson
Miss Twining ...... Charlotte West Oram
Directed by Clive Brill.
TUE 15:00 Making History (b00drs6g)
St Augustine at Long Compton - The Plague Pits of London
St Augustine at Long Compton in Warwickshire
Mark Morris is a member of the Long Compton History Society and he approached Making History to clarify a local rumour. Did Saint Augustine of Canterbury visit the village in the sixth century and if so why?
Making History consulted the Reverend Professor Matthew Steenberg from Leeds Trinity and All Saints.
The Plague Pits of London
Making History listener Sally Browne recalls stories from her youth about shrubs marking the spot where plague victims were buried in the City of London. Is this true and what was the extent of the burial sites she asks?
Making History consulted Justin Champion Professor of the History of Early Modern Ideas at Royal Holloway College, University of London.
TUE 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00dr047)
Made in England
Episode 2
A series of five essays and poems written and read by major writers on the theme 'made in England'.
Novelist Maggie Gee makes a pilgrimage back to a childhood home.
TUE 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00dr0ml)
Remember the Ladies
Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
The role of women in building the new Republic.
TUE 16:00 Law in Action (b00drs6j)
Clive Coleman takes his weekly look at legal issues.
TUE 16:30 A Good Read (b00drsfn)
Ian Rankin and Sadie Jones
Sue MacGregor and her guests - Ian Rankin, creator of Inspector Rebus, and Sadie Jones, author of The Outcast - talk about their favourite books by Muriel Spark, Toni Morrison and JD Salinger.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Publisher: Penguin Modern Classics
Franny and Zooey by JD Salinger
Publisher: Penguin
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Publisher: Vintage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
TUE 17:00 PM (b00dr78n)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00dr7db)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
TUE 18:30 The Party Line (b00drslm)
Series 3
Episode 1
Topical sitcom by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
Hapless backbench MP Duncan Stonebridge dreams of a quiet weekend at home in his constituency, but there is a new, female, Tory leader of the council for him to contend with.
With James Fleet, Geoff McGivern, Simon Greenall, Geraldine McNulty.
TUE 19:00 The Archers (b00dr7z3)
Bridge Farm has been valued at 1.2 million pounds with vacant possession, but as it is a tenanted holding the valuer has priced it at 720,000. Borchester Land won't accept an offer that low, but Tony's determined to negotiate hard. He and Pat agree to go in at 750,000.
David, Ruth, Debbie and Adam know that Matt's attitude is 'never apologise, never explain' but if Borchester Land are backing the Loxley Norton digester instead of theirs, David is certainly hoping for an explanation. Matt is direct. It's his duty to seek the most viable business opportunity and that's the Loxley Norton scheme. While they stalled over bringing in food waste, Loxley Norton ran with the ball and scored themselves a supermarket deal. So Borchester Land are pulling out of Ambridge Heat and Power.
Now they need to decide what to do. They agree to ask if their consultant can see a solution, although it seems like Debbie's already given up. Adam thinks it's because she feels betrayed by Brian. He must have known about this and it just bears out her gut feeling that she can never really trust him. And now Adam's feeling the same way.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
TUE 19:15 Front Row (b00dr7z5)
Presented by Mark Lawson.
Sir Tom Jones talks about his new studio album, why he is now discouraging knickers being thrown on to the stage and how he nearly became an opera singer.
Roberto Saviano's controversial book Gomorrah, about modern-day warring crime families in a poor district outside Naples, has been turned into a film which won the Grand Prix at Cannes this year. Novelist David Hewson, whose own books deal with Italian crime, gives his verdict on the film.
Kenneth Grahame wrote his children's classic The Wind in the Willows while working at the Bank of England and a new permanent exhibition at the Bank of England Museum sheds light on the author's non-literary career. AN Wilson visits the museum to search for clues to the identity of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad.
Since the original five proposals for a two million-pound sculpture to mark the new Ebbsfleet International Station in Kent were reduced to three, Kent County Council has been supporting Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger's plans for a massive white horse. They would, however, prefer it to prance rather than stand. Mark discusses this with the deputy leader of the council, Alex King.
TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00f14gk)
The Color Purple
Episode 2
Dramatisation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, set in the Deep South in the interwar years.
Celie is at the mercy of Mister, her cruel husband. Harpo, Mister's son, meets and marries the
feisty and formidable Sofia
Celie ...... Nadine Marshall
Mister ...... Eammon Walker
Shug Avery ...... Nina Sosanya
Harpo ...... OT Fagbenle
Sofia ...... Petra Letang
Kate ...... Lorraine Burroughs
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Directed by Pauline Harris.
TUE 20:00 Is Al Qaeda Winning? (b00ds9gn)
Episode 2
Series that questions who is winning the global 'war on terror', seven years in.
This programme assesses Al Qaeda's military and financial capabilities. Including interviews with soldiers, spies and scholars on both sides, and rare access inside Pakistan's intelligence agency. Leading officials at the US Treasury and the UN Security Council's Al Qaeda and Taleban Monitoring Committee explain how Al Qaeda continues to raise, move and spend money with relative ease.
TUE 20:40 In Touch (b00drswl)
Peter White with news and information for the blind and partially sighted.
TUE 21:00 Am I Normal? (b00drswn)
Series 5
Miscarriage
Vivienne Parry continues her quest to find out what is normal.
50 percent of fertilised eggs are lost, but as home tests allow women to detect pregnancy six days before their period is due, will this increase the miscarriage rate and what are the psychological implications?
TUE 21:30 The Choice (b00drnxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 21:58 Weather (b00dr7z7)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b00dr7z9)
National and international news and analysis with Ritulah Shah. Including a debate on what's best to do with your money as the International Monetary Fund warns of a global economic slowdown. Shoppers in central London tell us if they are feeling stretched. Plus Sarah Palin and polar bears in Alaska, and a new car design for women in Iran.
TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00drt0l)
Sentimental Education
Episode 2
Alex Jennings reads from Flaubert's novel, set amid the turbulence and glamour of mid-nineteenth century Parisian high society.
Frederic gets his first taste of political unrest and succeeds in meeting Mme Arnoux again.
TUE 23:00 Edge Falls (b00drt1r)
Series 2
Episode 6
Innocent celebrations spark disaster at Edge Falls retail park. Stars Mark Benton and Frances Barber. From October 2008.
TUE 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00drt22)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with David Wilby.
WEDNESDAY 08 OCTOBER 2008
WED 00:00 Midnight News (b00dqjlk)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b00dqlr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjlm)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00dqjlp)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjlr)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b00dqjlt)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00dqjlw)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Martyn Atkins.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b00dqjly)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Anna Hill.
WED 06:00 Today (b00dqlbh)
Presented by Sarah Montague and John Humphrys.
Sir George Cox, former Senior Independent Director of Bradford and Bingley, discusses the government's 50 billion-pound rescue plan for British banks.
Professor Anthony Glees says that a 'tool kit for schools on preventing extremism' warps cultural values.
Dr David Dennis says that his company will give GM technology to the poorest farmers in Africa for free.
Business Editor Robert Peston looks at the scale of the banking bail-out plan.
Terry Smith, chief executive of money brokers Tullett Prebon, and Hugh Osmond, director of life insurance firm Pearl Group, discuss whether the bail-out plan will work.
Rebecca Jones talks to Linda Grant, author of The Clothes on Their Backs.
Thought for the Day with the Right Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool.
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne gives his opinion on the rescue plan and discusses whether Alistair Darling had any other option.
Chancellor Alistair Darling discusses what controls will be put in place to ensure that taxpayers' money will be as safe as possible.
Justin Webb reports from the 'spin room' behind the scenes at the US presidential debate.
Howard Davies, director of the London School of Economics, and Political Editor Nick Robinson discuss the bail-out plan.
Mark Doyle reports on the 10th anniversary of the International Criminal Court and ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo discusses the future of international justice.
Historian Christy Campbell discusses Len Smith's wartime sketches of the enemy with his nephew Dave Mason.
Former Chancellor Lord Lamont and Jon Moulton, Managing Partner of Alchemy Group, discuss the details of Alistair Darling's proposals.
WED 09:00 Midweek (b00drxgd)
Lively and diverse conversation with Libby Purves and guests.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b00dqlr8)
Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks: The Essential Alan Coren
Episode 3
John Sessions reads from a new anthology of humorous writing by the late Alan Coren, edited by his children, Giles and Victoria.
1980s: Tax Britannica; Eight Legs Worse.
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00dqn6v)
Phone In: The stigma of mental illness
Hearing listeners' views on the stigma of mental illness. How does this condition affect families and what is it like returning to regular life after a period of mental illness?
WED 11:00 Byzantium Unearthed (b00dxdcs)
Episode 1
Historian Bettany Hughes begins a series that uses the latest archaeological evidence to learn more about the empire of Byzantium and the people who ruled it.
Bettany learns how treasures found in the empire's capital, modern-day Istanbul, reveal much about the life and importance of a civilisation that, whilst being devoutly Christian and the inheritors of the Romans, was also exotic and eastern.
WED 11:30 Inspector Steine (b007748j)
That's the Way to Do It
When Vince the Ventriloquist moves his booth to a new pitch on the seafront, he receives threats from an unknown source. But Inspector Steine is more concerned with judging the knickerbocker glory competition.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b00dqp0t)
Presented by John Waite and Sheila McClennon.
What the government's financial rescue package means for consumers.
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England is to ask the government to clamp down on so-called 'goodwill' payments made by energy companies to local communities where they want to build wind farms.
A government shift towards vocational and skills-based training in recent years has moved funding away from 'informal' or recreational adult education. We speak to Nigel Pollitt, the founder of the Save Adult Education campaign, and Trisha Hartley, the chief executive of the Campaign for Learning.
How to spot an ethical fish.
The wind farms that ruin TV reception.
Who will get what from the Icelandic savings collapse? Money Box's Paul Lewis explains.
WED 12:57 Weather (b00dqy1r)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b00dqy1t)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
WED 13:30 The Media Show (b00drywl)
Steve Hewlett presents a new topical programme about the fast-changing media world.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b00dr7z3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Drama (b00drz1k)
HMS Surprise
Episode 1
1/3. Naval battles, political intrigue and
romantic rivalry are all to the fore in Patrick
O'Brian's novel, set in 1804-5 in England, India
and on the high seas. Captain Jack Aubrey
engages the Spanish at sea and the French on land
- but falls victim to enemies at home. Starring David Robb as
Aubrey.
WED 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00dqdl9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Sunday]
WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00dr049)
Made in England
Episode 3
A series of five essays and poems written and read by major writers on the theme 'made in England'.
Writer Patrick Wright explores Englishness though the changing face of Broadway Market in East London.
WED 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00dr0mn)
Jefferson's Western Empire
Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
The settlement of America's vast interior.
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b00ds8f0)
Durkheim and Financial Collapse - Obesity
DURKHEIM and FINANCIAL COLLAPSE
In his book Suicide, French sociologist Emile Durkheim discussed the nature and the consequences of economic crisis. Steven Lukes, Professor of Sociology at New York University, debates Durkheim’s contention that the prospects created by economic disaster, like the current financial crisis, leads to an increase in misery and suicide.
OBESITY
Nowadays obesity is spoken in terms of an epidemic, and according to some scientists in the United States, to stay thin one should eat sensibly, exercise, but also wash their hands. Like SARS, or bird flu or even bubonic plague, obesity is treated as a contagion and evidence is produced to support the assertion. But is this disease model of obesity, and talk of the ‘Global Obesity Epidemic’ just the latest in a long line of strategies for shifting responsibility for being over weight away from individuals? And is being fat always a bad thing anyway? Sander L. Gilman is the author of a new book about attitudes towards fat. He joins Laurie Taylor and social anthropologist Henrietta Moore to discuss the cultural history of obesity.
WED 16:30 Am I Normal? (b00drswn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 17:00 PM (b00dr788)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00dr7dd)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
WED 18:30 The Castle (b007yyq8)
Series 1
Episode 3
Sitcom by Kim Fuller, set in a medieval castle with some remarkably modern trappings.
De Warenne decides to woo Lady Anne with a swearing cook and a chocolate fountain. What Ho! magazine features a world exclusive.
Sir John Woodstock ...... James Fleet
Sir William De Warenne ...... Neil Dudgeon
Lady Anne Woodstock ...... Susan Earl
Cardinal Duncan ...... Jonathan Kydd
Lady Charlotte ...... Ingrid Oliver
Master Henry Woodstock ...... Steven Kynman
Sam Tree ...... Toby Ross-Bryant.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b00dr7zc)
Ed and Emma are moving into Rickyard Cottage and Emma couldn't be happier. Ed's got to get back to work but not before Emma insists they christen their new home. She's determined this is going to be the start of a wonderful future for her and Ed and tells him just how much she loves him.
Oliver and Jolene are both at the Country Fair. They enjoy the clay pigeon shooting together but the bad weather does nothing to improve Tom's mood. He's been up since five and is feeling grumpy, even though Tony's helped with milking to enable Tom to set up for the Gourmet Grills booking. On top of the weather, the organisers have taken a bigger percentage than last year, so his takings are really down.
Jolene hears about Ed and Emma. She knows Fallon's working hard with the band to take her mind off Ed, but meanwhile Tom's making a business decision. From now on they'll only do really profitable gigs. With the hours he's got to put in on two different farms, he's going to crack up otherwise.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b00dr7zf)
Presented by John Wilson.
Terence Davies, one of Britain's most idiosyncratic film directors, talks to John about his films, his home city and why Britain's current crop of comic stars fail to make him laugh.
Liverpool 2008 commissioned a new interactive piece of theatre which opens this week. The Shankly Show, described as 'a live television event in a theatre' focuses on the legendary Liverpool football manager Bill Shankly. Liverpool fan and poet Paul Farley reports.
New British films and dramas are Increasingly featuring Russian characters, the latest being the new indie film Bigga Than Ben: A Russian's Guide to Ripping Off London. The film's director Suzie Halewood explains how she cast one Russian actor who couldn't speak English, Guy Ritchie discusses the Russian characters in his recent movie RocknRolla and John Nicholson, co-creator of a new theatrical farce, explains the inspiration he took from the poisoning of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko.
A new television drama, The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall, focuses on the fatal shooting in April 2003 of the 21year old photography student by an Israeli Defence Forces sniper as he tried to rescue a group of Palestinian children he believed were coming under Israeli fire. Writer Simon Block talks to John about meeting both the sniper and Hurndall's family in researching his film.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00f14gm)
The Color Purple
Episode 3
Dramatisation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, set in the Deep South in the interwar years.
Celie falls in love with Mister's lover, the glamorous singer Shug Avery.
Celie ...... Nadine Marshall
Mister ...... Eammon Walker
Harpo ...... OT Fagbenle
Sofia ...... Petra Letang
Shug Avery ...... Nina Sosanya
Mister's Daddy ...... Geoffrey Burton
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Directed by Pauline Harris.
WED 20:00 Moral Maze (b00ds8kl)
Michael Buerk chairs a debate on the moral questions behind the week's news. Claire Fox, Kenan Malik, Matthew Taylor and Will Self cross-examine witnesses.
WED 20:45 When the Politician Meets the Architect (b00b09m5)
Political Buildings
Jonathan Glancey ponders what the landmark buildings of a country tell us about its political life. Have UK politicians always hidden away in the Palace of Westminster.
WED 21:00 World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations (b00drp1t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 21:30 Midweek (b00drxgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b00dr7zh)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b00dr7zk)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00dsh4r)
Sentimental Education
Episode 3
Alex Jennings reads from Flaubert's novel, set amid the turbulence and glamour of mid-nineteenth century Parisian high society.
Frederic fails his exams and fails to understand the subtleties of society, but his devotion to Mme Arnoux increases.
WED 23:00 Tina C Goes Down Under: The Aborogynal Monologues (b00dshmq)
Alice Springs
Country music icon and 2008 presidential hopeful Tina C looks at the Australian obsession with country music and the relationship with the indigenous owners of the land. Tina visits the little people of this vast continent which is damn big and kinda empty.
Written and performed by Christopher Green
Additional voices by Julia Morris
Music production by Duncan Walsh Atkins.
Director Claire Grove.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.
WED 23:15 The Exterminating Angels (b00776tx)
Episode 1
Sitcom by Martin Shea, Eamonn O'Neill and James O'Neill, set in a pest control agency where the pests answer back.
WED 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00dshn3)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.
THURSDAY 09 OCTOBER 2008
THU 00:00 Midnight News (b00dqjm0)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b00dqlr8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjm2)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00dqjm4)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjm6)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b00dqjm8)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00dqjmb)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Martyn Atkins.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b00dqjmd)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Charlotte Smith.
THU 06:00 Today (b00dqlbk)
Presented by John Humphrys and Evan Davis.
Tony Travers from the London School of Economics discusses the risks taken by local councils by investing in Icelandic banks.
Huw Williams investigates the impact of the financial turmoil on the value of pensions.
Dr Richard Vautrey, deputy chairman of the BMA GP Committee, says that GPs' income has actually fallen.
Roger Bowdler of English Heritage says that some of the country's graveyards are falling apart.
Quentin Sommerville investigates whether China can escape the economic misery being felt by the rest of the world.
Rebecca Jones talks to Philip Hensher, author of the Man Booker-nominated novel The Northern Clemency.
Thought for the Day with Rev Rosemary Lain-Priestley, Dean of Women's Ministry in central London.
Boris Johnson discusses the decision to 'turn the switch off' the Met chief Sir Ian Blair's tenure.
Jim O'Neill, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, and Neil Mackinnon, chief currency strategist at ECU Group, discuss the government's financial rescue plan.
Nick Chard, a cabinet member of Kent County Council, and John Ransford of the Local Government Association discuss local authorities' investment in Icelandic banks.
Novelist and poet AS Byatt and Sam Leith, literary editor of The Telegraph, discuss why the last US winner of the Nobel Prize was in 1993.
Economists Tim Congdon and Liam Halligan discuss whether the Bank of England has bowed to political pressure by cutting interest rates.
Mark Simpson reports on the problems facing pubs in Ireland.
The Clash guitarist Mick Jones discusses the lasting appeal of the band with Robert Peston.
Author and philosopher AC Grayling and journalist Kerry Gill discuss the lifestyles of the 'baby boomers'.
THU 09:00 In Our Time (b00dshx3)
Godel's Incompleteness Theorems
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss an iconic piece of 20th century maths - Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems. In 1900, in Paris, the International Congress of Mathematicians gathered in a mood of hope and fear. The edifice of maths was grand and ornate but its foundations, called axioms, had been shaken. They were deemed to be inconsistent and possibly paradoxical. At the conference, a young man called David Hilbert set out a plan to rebuild the foundations of maths – to make them consistent, all encompassing and without any hint of a paradox. Hilbert was one of the greatest mathematicians that ever lived, but his plan failed spectacularly because of Kurt Gödel. Gödel proved that there were some problems in maths that were impossible to solve, that the bright clear plain of mathematics was in fact a labyrinth filled with potential paradox. In doing so Gödel changed the way we understand what mathematics is and the implications of his work in physics and philosophy take us to the very edge of what we can know.With Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics at Wadham College, University of Oxford; John Barrow, Professor of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge and Gresham Professor of Geometry and Philip Welch, Professor of Mathematical Logic at the University of Bristol.
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b00dqlrb)
Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks: The Essential Alan Coren
Episode 4
John Sessions reads from a new anthology of humorous writing by the late Alan Coren, edited by his children, Giles and Victoria.
1990s: 10 pound 66 And All That; Time for a Quick One; Tuning Up.
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00dqn6x)
Martina Cole; Paying guests
Crime writer Martina Cole explains what motivates women to kill. Plus MP Malalai Joya on the plight of women in Afghanistan, and the pros and cons of taking in paying guests.
THU 11:00 From Our Own Correspondent (b00dshx5)
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.
THU 11:30 Blood, Sweat, Tears and Poetry (b00dsk23)
Patience Agbabi and some of her fellow poets explore the relationship between poetry and the workplace. 2008's National Poetry Day theme was 'Work', and Patience talks to poets and the people who welcomed them into the workplace to find out what the experience meant to both parties.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b00dqp0w)
Presented by Liz Barclay and John Waite.
Robert Orchar looks back at the history of nuclear power in Britain.
The buy-to-let hotel room operator GuestInvest has gone into administration. Stuart Law, of property investment advisers Assetz, and Justin Urquhart Stewart from Seven Investment Management discuss the implications for the buy to let hotel sector.
Examining the case of Sarah Rutter, who is 101 and has dementia, and has been the sole resident of Parkview Care Home in Stockton-on-Tees since July. Her family went to both the High Court and the Court of Appeal in an effort to keep her where she is, but yesterday they found out that they had been unsuccessful, and she will now have to move.
Guests Matt Sanger, editor What Car? magazine, and Nikki Rooke, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, discuss the reasons for falling car sales.
THU 12:57 Weather (b00dqy1w)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b00dqy1y)
National and international news with Brian Hanrahan.
THU 13:30 Open Country (b00dpw8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b00dr7zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b00dsk50)
HMS Surprise
Episode 2
Patrick O'Brian's novel, set in 1804-5 in
England, India and on the high seas,
dramatised by Roger Danes. Jack Aubrey is
ordered to convey a British ambassador to
the East Indies - but in Bombay Stephen
Maturin meets Diana Villiers, the one woman Jack
would avoid at any cost. Starring David Robb as Aubrey and
Richard Dillane as Maturin.
THU 15:00 Questions, Questions (b00dslfn)
Stewart Henderson answers those niggling questions from everyday life.
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b00dqbgr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00dr04c)
Made in England
Episode 4
A series of five essays and poems written and read by major writers on the theme 'made in England'.
Poets John Agard and Daljit Nagra and novelists Helen Dunmore and Catherine O'Flynn offer their own interpretations of Englishness.
THU 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00dr0mq)
Victims of Liberty
Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
Indian resistance and an increased demand for slave labour by the new territories in the west.
THU 16:00 Bookclub (b00dqdv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b00dslfq)
Speckled Bush Crickets
Quentin Cooper joins Dr David Robinson of the Open University as he hunts in the dark for the crickets at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire, and views the collection of crickets at the Natural History Museum.
THU 17:00 PM (b00dr78b)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00dr7dg)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
THU 18:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00dslfs)
Series 1
Eve Pollard
Marcus Brigstocke invites Eve Pollard to try new experiences.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b00dr7zm)
Maria has come round to help Peggy with Jack, but it's all a bit uncomfortable. Peggy is reluctant to leave and convinced she's the only one who knows what Jack really wants. But Maria puts on a CD of Miss Saigon and politely ushers Peggy out.
When she returns, Peggy finds a very distressed Jack, calling for her. Maria explains that he's just woken, but Peggy is angry. She should never have gone out. When Maria suggests medication, angry Peggy says she must go.
Following Ed and Emma's move to Rickyard Cottage at Brookfield, Eddie and Joe discuss the logistics of getting Joe's recliner chair up into Ed's old room.
Eddie's worried about Will finding out that Ed and Emma are cosy and happy in a cottage of their own. When he and Joe arrive in Gloucester with George they find Will in good spirits, which doesn't make it any easier to tell him. But when he does, Will is controlled. It's not going to set him off on one. Eddie is relieved.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b00dr7zp)
Presented by Kirsty Lang.
Anthropologist and adventurer Bruce Parry discusses the dilemmas he faces when filming in remote locations, how he made the transition from Royal Marine to TV presenter and why, after spending months filming in the Amazon, he is taking the winter off.
David Tennant follows up his RSC performance as Hamlet with the role of Berowne in Love's Labour's Lost, again directed by Gregory Doran. Jerry Brotton reviews the actor, also known as Doctor Who, in Shakespeare's comic exploration of love and reason.
Musician, producer and composer Nitin Sawhney talks to Kirsty about collaborating with Sir Paul McCartney, Anoushka Shankar and Antony Gormley on his new album London Undersound.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00f14gp)
The Color Purple
Episode 4
Dramatisation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, set in the Deep South in the interwar years.
Sofia is beaten by the police and thrown in jail.
Celie ...... Nadine Marshall
Mister ...... Eammon Walker
Harpo ...... OT Fagbenle
Sofia ...... Petra Letang
Shug Avery ...... Nina Sosanya
Millie ...... Barbara Barnes
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Directed by Pauline Harris.
THU 20:00 Soul and Skin: Religion and Race in the Battle for the White House (b00dslfv)
Republicans and Race
Two-part series exploring two of the most sensitive fault lines in American politics, religion and race, and what role they will play in the 2008 presidential elections.
Rob Watson visits Virginia to tackle the issue of race in the election. He considers whether it is really possible for Barack Obama to run as a candidate that transcends race, and asks how all sides will respond to the election of the first black US president should he win.
THU 20:30 In Business (b00dslfx)
The Credit Crunch
With the global financial system in crisis, Peter Day asks a panel of experts what might and should happen next and how the global economy can recover from its current plight.
THU 21:00 Leading Edge (b00dsllm)
Nobel Prizes for Science 2008
Nobel Prizes for Science 2008
The Nobel prizes for Medicine, Physics and Chemistry were all announced this week. Geoff reviews the winners and asks whether there were any losers.
Conservation of Jargon?
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress is taking place this week in Barcelona. Over 8000 delegates are attending. BBC environment correspondent Richard Black argues that their important message would be clearer if they used less jargon.
Quantum Cryptography
Perfect secrecy has come a step closer with the launch of the world’s first computer network protected by unbreakable quantum encryption. The network was demonstrated at a scientific conference in Vienna and connects six locations across the city and in the nearby town of St Polten. Roland Pease was there.
Conserving the Cutty Sark
In May 2007 a fire broke out in the Cutty Sark leading to fears that she could not be saved. Now nearly 18 months later Geoff goes to see how the conservation of the ship is progressing.
THU 21:30 In Our Time (b00dshx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b00dr7zr)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b00dr7zt)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00dsh6w)
Sentimental Education
Episode 4
Alex Jennings reads from Flaubert's novel, set amid the turbulence and glamour of mid-nineteenth century Parisian high society.
Despite his ambitions for love and career, Frederic finds it hard not to sink into the provincial comforts of his mother's home.
THU 23:00 Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul (b00dsllp)
Episode 2
Douglas Adams's comic fantasy, dramatised by Dirk Maggs and John Langdon.
Inspector Gilks makes a discovery and Dirk breaks a nose.
Dirk Gently ...... Harry Enfield
Kate ...... Laurel Lefkow
Simon Draycott ...... Peter Davison
Cynthia Draycott ...... Jan Ravens
Janice Pearce ...... Olivia Colman
Richard MacDuff ...... Billy Boyd
Thor ...... Rupert Degas
Toe Rag ...... Michael Roberts
Odin ...... Stephen Moore
Elena ...... Sally Grace
Inspector Gilks ...... Jim Carter
Constable Luke ...... Wayne Forrester
Bates ...... Jon Glover
Nurse Sally ...... Morwenna Banks
Announcer ...... John Marsh
Music by Philip Pope
Directed by Dirk Maggs.
THU 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00dshrj)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Robert Orchard.
FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2008
FRI 00:00 Midnight News (b00dqjmg)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b00dqlrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjmj)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00dqjml)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00dqjmn)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b00dqjmq)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00dqjms)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Martyn Atkins.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b00dqjmv)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Charlotte Smith.
FRI 06:00 Today (b00dqlbm)
With John Humphrys and Evan Davis. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day; Yesterday in Parliament.
FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b00dqctb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b00dqlrd)
Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks: The Essential Alan Coren
Episode 5
John Sessions reads from a new anthology of humorous writing by the late Alan Coren, edited by his children, Giles and Victoria.
2000s: Radio Fun; I Blame The Dealers; The Long Goodbye.
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00dqn6z)
Randy Crawford; Faith and religion
Singer-songwriter Randy Crawford on her 30-year career and how she developed her vocal talent. Plus psychologist Dorothy Rowe on what kind of belief helps good mental well-being.
FRI 11:00 Listed (b00dsr38)
Lucinda Lambton reports on the struggle of the Twentieth Century Society to preserve examples of twentieth century architecture which are now in danger of demolition.
She begins her investigation in Birmingham, where the city council wants to pull down the Central Library, and also looks at the Society's attempts to save a gasometer in Edinburgh, a block of council flats in London and the Civic Centre in Plymouth.
FRI 11:30 Psmith in the City by PG Wodehouse (b00dsr3b)
Psmith Arranges His Future
Psmith's powers of persuasion are put to the test when Mike is dismissed from the bank.
PG Wodehouse’s comic adventures of the extraordinary Psmith and his friend Mike in the world of Edwardian finance.
Dramatised by Marcy Kahan.
PG Wodehouse ..... Simon Williams
Psmith ..... Nick Caldecott
Mike Jackson ..... Inam Mirza
John Bickersdyke ..... Stephen Critchlow
Mr Gregory ..... Chris Pavlo
Jo Jackson ..... Dan Starkey
Producer: Abigail le Fleming
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b00dqp0y)
Presented by Liz Barclay and John Waite.
Fans of the heavy metal group Metallica have signed an online petition calling for their new album to be remixed or re-mastered. Joel Moors meets some of the disappointed fans, and we speak to mastering engineer Ian Shepherdson.
Awareness of Lyme disease in the UK remains limited and campaigners argue that more needs to be done to educate both the public and the medical profession about it.
Sarah Swadling reports on the future of British cider making.
Seasoned traveller and comedienne Liz Carr reflects on her visit to San Diego, the home of the disability rights movement. She considers what lessons can be leant by campaigners in the UK and whether direct action should still play a role.
Pawnbrokers are reporting brisk business and the record gold prices mean that some jewellers are now focusing more on buying second-hand goods for scrap than selling new jewellery.
Channel 4 has announced it is abandoning plans for national digital radio, meaning that three new stations due to launch next year are now highly unlikely to go ahead. We speak to Steve Hewlett, presenter of Radio 4's The Media Show.
Simon Calder, Travel Editor of the Independent, discusses the plans for the expansion of Stanstead Airport.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b00dqy20)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b00dqy22)
National and international news with Brian Hanrahan.
FRI 13:30 Feedback (b00dsrcg)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b00dr7zm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b00dst9g)
HMS Surprise
Episode 3
Final part of Patrick O'Brian's novel,
set in 1804-5 in England, India and on the high
seas, dramatised by Roger Danes. Tragedy halts
the ship's mission to the East Indies. In Calcutta
Stephen makes a proposal of marriage and takes
part in a duel.
FRI 15:00 Ramblings (b00dstf6)
The Lake District
Clare Balding presents the series exploring people's childhood walks.
Four Nottingham schoolmates from 1967 retrace an inspirational walk in the Lake District with their former teacher.
FRI 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00dr04f)
Made in England
Episode 5
A series of five essays and poems written and read by major writers on the theme 'made in England'.
Beryl Bainbridge is inspired by reminiscences of her Liverpool childhood.
FRI 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00dr0ms)
The Second War of Independence
Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
America declares war on Britain and Washington burns.
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b00dswdh)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died. The programme reflects on people of distinction and interest from many walks of life, some famous and some less well known.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b00dswdk)
In a Film Programme special from Stephen Frears' kitchen, Hanif Kureishi and the director discuss My Beautiful Laundrette, their ground-breaking collaboration of 1985.
FRI 17:00 PM (b00dr78d)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00dr7dj)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
FRI 18:30 The News Quiz (b00dswdm)
Series 66
Episode 3
Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. The panellists are Francis Wheen, Carrie Quinlan, Mark Steel and Jeremy Hardy.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b00dr7zw)
Susan is worrying about falling shop income, and pleased that they are doing up the flat - it'll help a bit. She is very positive about Alice and Christopher's relationship, but it's clear that Jennifer remains cool.
Later, when Clarrie pops in to wish her happy birthday, Susan is miffed. Lynda's picture of Susan looking half cut at the Vicar's wedding has been put in the Echo.
Pat and Tony are still waiting to find out if Borchester Land will accept their offer for Bridge Farm. Jennifer calls - there's a crisis at The Lodge. She and Lilian have found out that Peggy has sacked Maria. They're back where they started. They don't know what to do. Maria will have been snapped up by someone else straight away.
Pat asks Lilian if she has any news about their offer, and a cross Lilian goes back to Matt and tells him to get on with it. Matt says they've got to come up with a sensible offer. Let them sweat. Lilian is sick of him causing trouble in her family - she doesn't need it right now. In fact, none of them do.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b00dr7zy)
Presented by Mark Lawson.
Daytime television host, and one half of Richard and Judy, Richard Madeley talks to Mark about his troubled relationship with his father, making jokes about his sex life with Judy on air, and also challenges a rumour about Judy's drinking habits.
Novelist AS Byatt reviews Renaissance Faces: Van Eyck to Titian, a new exhibition at the National Galllery in London exploring the rise of portraiture in the Renaissance with works by Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, Van Eyck and Holbein.
Heat magazine's TV editor Boyd Hilton reviews Peter Kay's latest project. A satirical look at the current boom for glitzy TV talent shows, the programme's full title is Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00f14gr)
The Color Purple
Episode 5
Dramatisation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, set in the Deep South in the interwar years.
Shug and Celie discover a terrible secret: Mister has been hiding Nettie's letters.
Celie ...... Nadine Marshall
Nettie ...... Nikki Amuka-Bird
Mister ...... Eammon Walker
Shug Avery ...... Nina Sosanya
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Directed by Pauline Harris.
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b00dswdp)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a sixtieth anniversary edition of the topical debate with a return to Winchester, Hampshire, from where the programme was broadcast for the first time in 1948.
The panellists are deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Shirley Williams, Conservative Party policy review chairman Oliver Letwin and political historian Prof Peter Hennessy.
FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b00dswdr)
In the light of the current mortgage crisis, Lisa Jardine asks if we are too wedded to the idea of owning our own family home.
FRI 21:00 America, Empire of Liberty Omnibus (b00dswdt)
Liberty and Security
Omnibus edition of the series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
The impact of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars on America, and the settling of America's vast interior.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b00dr800)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b00dr802)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00dsh6y)
Sentimental Education
Episode 5
Alex Jennings reads from Flaubert's novel, set amid the turbulence and glamour of mid-nineteenth century Parisian high society.
Frederic gets his first taste of the Parisian 'demi monde' and meets the luscious Rose-Annette for the first time.
FRI 23:00 A Good Read (b00drsfn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00dshrl)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Mark D'Arcy.