BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 22/05/2008

22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 22/05/2008

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

News Briefing

News Briefing: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 22/05/2008

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 22/05/2008

Led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.

Daily prayer and reflection led by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 22/05/2008

News and issues in rural Britain, presented by Anna Hill.

Presented by Anna Hill. Producer Fran Barnes

Today

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including Thought for the Day

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including religious reflections from Thought for the Day at 0748

Today: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 22/05/2008

Including Yesterday in Parliament; Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

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.

With Evan Davis and James Naughtie. 
6.25,7.25,8.25 Sports News 
6.45 Yesterday in Parliament 
With Robert Orchard and David Wilby. 
7.48 Thought for the Day 
Presented by Dom Antony Sutch. 
8.31  Yesterday In Parliament

In Our Time

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.

In Our Time: The Black Death

The Black Death

BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, The Black Death

Melvyn Bragg and guests examine the Black Death and its effect on medieval society.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Black Death and the way medieval communities responded to it.

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

Melvyn Bragg and his guests Miri Rubin and Paul Binski discuss how the Black Death affected every aspect of medieval life.
Shortened repeat at 9.30pm

Book of the Week

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

Book of the Week: Speaking for Myself

Book of the Week: Speaking for Myself: Episode 4

Episode 4

Speaking for Myself

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Speaking for Myself, Episode 4

Leadership, an election and the morning after.

Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words. Leadership, an election and the morning after.

Cherie Blair tells her story in her own words

Daily Service

Led by Canon Noel Vincent. This Is My Body, Broken for You (Owens). 1 Corinthians 11, vv 23-26. Ave Verum Corpus (Byrd). Alleluya, Sing to Jesus (Hyfrydol).

Book of the Week: Speakingfor Myself

4/5. Cherie Blair continues to read from her memoirs. Leadership, an election and the morning after. For details see Monday Repeated at 12.30am

Woman's Hour

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

Woman's Hour: HRT risks; Ketamine misuse; Vaughan Williams's women

HRT risks; Ketamine misuse; Vaughan Williams's women

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, HRT risks; Ketamine misuse; Vaughan Williams's women

The health risks of taking HRT discussed. Plus, the increasingly popularity of ketamine.

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?

Presented by Jenni Murray. 
10.45 Sister Agnes Investigates 4/5 The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm

From Our Own Correspondent

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents and writers.

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories from around the world.

From Our Own Correspondent: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - From Our Own Correspondent, 22/05/2008

Kate Adie introduces BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the headlines.

BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.

3/9. Reports from the BBC's foreign correspondents, who offer colour and detail behind the headlines. Producer Tony Grant

Shelagh Delaney - A Taste of Honey

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Shelagh Delaney - A Taste of Honey

A pregnant teenage girl and her feckless mother trade insults in 1950s Salford.

A pregnant teenage girl and her feckless mother trade insults and repartee in 1950s Salford. Stars Siobhan Finneran.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

A Taste of Honey

Screenwriter Kay Mellor explores the legacy of Shelagh Delaney 's iconic play A Taste of Honey, 50 years after it first shocked and enthralled audiences in 1958. The programme reveals how, with its distinctive Northern voice, the play brought uncomfortable social taboos and working-class realities onto the London stage as never before. Through interviews with the original cast and archive material, it casts new light on the play's importance for British theatre and for society itself. Producer Gail Champion

You and Yours

You and Yours: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 22/05/2008

Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson and Liz Barclay.

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.

With Liz Barclay and Winifred Robinson. 
Veteran motor-racing commentator Murray Walker describes what effect 50 years at the side of the track has had on his hearing.

Weather

Weather: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 22/05/2008

World at One

Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment, with Sarah Montague.

World at One: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 22/05/2008

National and international news with Martha Kearney.

The World at One

Open Country

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

Open Country: 17/05/2008

17/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, 17/05/2008

Helen Mark reports on the battle to save peat bogs vital to the Peak District's ecosystem.

Countryside magazine. Helen Mark visits the Peak District to see the battle to save peat bogs vital to the area's ecosystem.

The Archers

An intense and gripping week of events unfolds in Ambridge. Listen to all the drama here.

The Archers: 21/05/2008

21/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 21/05/2008

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.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Drama

Drama on 4: An Unchoreographed World

An Unchoreographed World

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, An Unchoreographed World

By Frances Byrnes. In May 1940, the young dancer Margot Fonteyn is trapped in Holland.

Frances Byrnes's play explores a formative event in the life of the young dancer Margot Fonteyn, trapped in Holland during the German invasion of May 1940.

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.

Afternoon Play: An Unchoreographed World

Frances Byrnes's play explores a formative event in the life of the young Margot Fonteyn. In 1940 the dancer found herself trapped in Holland during the German invasion with her lover - the composer Constant Lambert - and the fledgeling Sadler's Wells Ballet.

Questions, Questions

Problem-solving programme addressing listeners' questions

Problem-solving programme which addresses the intriguing and seemingly imponderable questions posed by everday life

Questions, Questions: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Questions, Questions, 22/05/2008

Stewart Henderson answers those niggling questions from everyday life.

Stewart Henderson presents the problem-solving programme. Producer SarahCuddon 
PHONE: [number removed] (calls from landlines cost no more than 8p per minute): email: [address removed]

Radio 4 Appeal

Highlighting a charity and appealing for donations. The presenters donate their time.

A weekly programme highlighting the work of a charity and appealing for donations. The presenters give their time without payment.

Radio 4 Appeal: 18/05/2008

18/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, 18/05/2008Search BBC

Paul McGann appeals on behalf of Whizz-Kidz.

Paul McGann appeals on behalf of Whizz-Kidz. Donations: Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144.

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: Anger

Afternoon Reading: Anger: Episode 4: Seeing Red

Episode 4: Seeing Red

Anger

Seeing Red

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, Anger, Seeing RedSearch BBC

Charlie Falconer reads his tale offering an insight into how anger impacts upon politics.

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.

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.

Stories about rage and its different manifestations

4/5. Charlie Falconer - Seeing Red. Lord 
Falconer, the last Lord Chancellor, offers an insight into how anger impacts on politics - when it can be an effective tool and when it can prove to be disastrous. For details see Monday

Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs

Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs: Episode 4: Scunthorpe Co-Op Junior Choir

Episode 4: Scunthorpe Co-Op Junior Choir

Scunthorpe Co-Op Junior Choir

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Joan Armatrading's Favourite Choirs, Scunthorpe Co-Op Junior Choir

Joan meets the young members of a choir, as they prepare for the Choir of the Year contest

The singer meets the young members of a choir, aged three and upwards, as they prepare for the Choir of the Year contest. From May 2008.

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'.

Joan visits choral assemblies across the country

4/5. Scunthorpe Co-op Junior Choir 
Joan Armatrading meets the members of the Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir as they prepare for the Choir of the Year contest. With guest Howard Goodall. Producer Susan Marling

Open Book

Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books

Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books, talking to authors and publishers and unearthing lost classics

Open Book: Sebastian Barry, Book Serialisations, and Fictional Twins 

Sebastian Barry, Book Serialisations, and Fictional Twins 

BBC Radio 4 - Open Book, Sebastian Barry, Book Serialisations, and Fictional Twins

Mariella Frostrup meets Sebastian Barry, who talks about his new book The Secret Scripture

Mariella Frostrup meets playwright Sebastian Barry, who has also emerged as one of Ireland's leading novelists. He talks about his latest book The Secret Scripture.

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?

Material World

Science programme reporting on developments across the disciplines

Science programme reporting on developments across the disciplines. Each week, scientists describe their work, conveying the excitement they feel for their research projects

Material World: Predicting Natural Disasters - Forensic Engineering

Predicting Natural Disasters - Forensic Engineering

BBC Radio 4 - Material World, Predicting Natural Disasters - Forensic Engineering

Quentin Cooper reports on ingenious new techniques in the fight against crime.

Quentin Cooper finds out how a unique collaboration between scientists at Leicester University and Northamptonshire Police has come up with ingenious new crime-fighting techniques.

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.

Material World: Predicting Natural Disasters

The Material World

Conventional methods to detect fingerprints use techniques that pick up the residue from sebaceous fluids exuded from the finger tip. But strong heat can destroy that evidence.
Quentin Cooper finds out about an ingenious new technique that can detect "invisible" fingerprints. Producer Pamela Rutherford

1968: Day-by-Day

Violence erupts between Nationalists and Communistsin France. For details see Saturday

1968 Day by Day

A look back at the events making the news 40 years ago

1968: Day by Day

1968 Day by Day: 22nd May 1968

22nd May 1968

BBC Radio 4 - 1968 Day by Day, 22nd May 1968

French workers are on strike, with violence erupting between Nationalists and Communists.

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.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines

PM: 22/05/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 22/05/2008

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at 5.57pm.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

22/05/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

22/05/2008

Genres

Brand

1968: Day-by-Day

1968 Day by Day

22nd May 1968

Genres

Brand

Weather

22/05/2008

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

22/05/2008

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

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