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: 31/07/2009

31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 31/07/2009Close menu

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: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 31/07/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 31/07/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Clair Jaquiss.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 31/07/2009

Holidaying at home is paying off for market towns and villages in Britian.

The British summer may have failed to materialise so far, but parts of the tourism industry in market towns and villages are reporting a 20 per cent increase in trade.

The British summer may have failed to materialise so far, but plenty of us are still holidaying in the UK, which is good news for rural areas. Some parts of the tourism industry are reporting increases of as much as 20 per cent. They are crediting the recession and the weakening pound for attracting more foreign visitors. 

Also, Charlotte Smith gets farmers' reaction to research which says that organic food is not nutritionally any better than conventionally-grown food and finds out why a major campaign is being launched to persuade 15 to 24-year-olds to drink more milk.

With Charlotte Smith. Producer Chris Impey

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: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 31/07/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With James Naughtie and Evan Davis. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by James Naughtie and Evan Davis.

England's Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson discusses whether swine flu is peaking.

Ander Chinchurreta reports on the aftermath of a bomb explosion in Majorca, which has been blamed on the Basque separatist group Eta.

Correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan talks to computer hacker Gary McKinnon's mother Janis Sharp about why she believes her son should not be extradited to the US.

Elisabeth Buggins, former Chair of the Organ Donation Taskforce, discusses a ban on private organ transplants.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy and her husband Omar Puente discuss the end of their long legal battle to clarify the law on assisted suicide.

Arts correspondent David Sillito reports on the two million pound restoration project at Dover Castle.

Thought for the Day with the writer Rhidian Brook.

Treasury Select Committee chair John McFall discusses what needs to be done to shore up the banking system.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is to clarify the law on assisted suicide. Professor David Jones and Liberal Democrat peer Lord Goodhart discuss the landmark judgement.

Author Victor Sebestyen and lecturer Mark Almond discuss whether the relatively hardline policies of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher should be given the credit for the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms discusses who is responsible for financial stability in the banking system.

Middle East correspondent Tim Franks reports on the haredim riots which stem from the Jerusalem mayor's plans to open a car park on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, and the arrest of an ultra-orthodox mother suspected of starving her toddler.

A GP who was struck off the medical register after he tried to help his friend to commit suicide is involved in a fresh right-to-die case, it has been revealed. Dr Michael Irwin discusses the possibility of facing a long prison sentence for 'aiding and abetting' a suicide.
 
Economics editor of the Telegraph Edmund Conway and Andrew Lilico, chief economist at the Policy Exchange think tank, debate whether the the so-called 'efficient markets hypothesis' remains intact.

With Evan Davis and James Naughtie. 
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News 
7.48 Thought for the Day With Rhidian Brook. Editor Ceri Thomas

Desert Island Discs

Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Desert Island Discs: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

26/07/2009

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Kirsty Young's castaway is the food writer and cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Kirsty Young's castaway is chef and writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the food writer and cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Famous for making paté out of placenta and dining on such delicacies as squirrel and rook in his TV programmes, he has made a name for himself as a cook on the wild side. So perhaps it is not surprising that his first ambition was not to spend his life inside a kitchen but in the great outdoors because, he says, he 'wanted to be David Attenborough'.

A stint in the renowned River Cafe in London, however, set him on his way to establishing his own waterside haven for food lovers, his River Cottage in Dorset. From there, he has followed his passion for the environment by campaigning for ethically-produced food, including championing a creature not normally given time on our small screens - the humble supermarket chicken.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Love Reign O'er Me by The Who
Book: Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Luxury: Full set of Scuba gear.

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: The Accidental Billionaires

Book of the Week: The Accidental Billionaires: Episode 5

Episode 5

The Accidental Billionaires

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, The Accidental Billionaires, Episode 5

Facebook's users begin to grow exponentially, and so do sums of money and egos.

As Facebook's users grow exponentially, sums of money being bandied around by prospective investors also rise. So do the egos and anxieties of those involved with the company.

Ben Mezrich's new book charts the much-contested history of the genesis of the social networking site Facebook.

As Facebook's users begin to grow exponentially, the sums of money being bandied around by prospective investors also grow. So do the egos and anxieties of those involved with the company.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Ben Mezrich's account of the history of Facebook

Ben Mezrich's account of the much-contested history of the genesis of the social networking site Facebook

Book of the Week:The Accidental Billionaires

5/5. As Facebook grew exponentially, so did the sums of money being bandied around by prospective investors, inflating the egos and anxieties of those involved with the company. By Ben Mezrich. For details see Monday Repeated at 12.30am

Act of Worship

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Health in Hartlepool; Shabby chic

Health in Hartlepool; Shabby chic

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Health in Hartlepool; Shabby chic

Women's health in Hartlepool discussed. Plus, living in families with a gender imbalance.

Women's health in Hartlepool discussed. Plus, living in families with a gender imbalance; and how to create the shabby chic look on a budget.

Woman's Hour  from 10.45

The Help

10/10
The Woman's hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm Editor Jill Burndge

Test Match SpecialEngland v Australia

Commentary on the second day of the Third Ashes Test at Edgbaston. 
For commentators see yesterday *approximate times Commentary also on 5 Live Sports Extra from 10.45am TV highlights of today's play are on Five at 7.15pm

Anatomy of a Car Crash

30/10/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Anatomy of a Car Crash

The story of a fatal car crash in Cornwall, told by those whose lives it changed.

The story of a fatal car crash in Cornwall involving a nursery nurse and a former policeman. The survivors of the accident recount its life-changing consequences.

The Sony Radio Academy Award-winning documentary about a fatal car crash in Cornwall involving a nursery nurse and a former policeman.

In their own words, the survivors explain the life-changing consequences of the sort of car crash which happens every day in the UK but which is often overlooked. Their story shows how a moment's inattention can trigger traumatic physical and psychological effects, exploring the chain of events set in motion from the moment of the collision to the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Critically acclaimed documentary about the consequences of a fatal car crash in Cornwall that involved a nursery nurse and a former policeman, where the witnesses tell of its life-changing effect on them in their own words. The programme explores the chain of events set in motion from the moment of collision to the conclusion of legal proceedings. Producer Laurence Grissell

Cabin Pressure

Sitcom about an airline for whom no job is too small but many, many jobs are too difficult

Cabin Pressure: Series 2: Ipswich

Ipswich

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Cabin Pressure, Series 2, Ipswich

A safety procedures course spells trouble for Douglas's inner dog and Martin's inner ear.

The crew's safety course sparks trouble for Douglas's inner dog and Martin's inner ear. Stars Stephanie Cole. From July 2009.

When the crew have to go on a refresher Safety and Emergency Procedures course, it spells trouble for Douglas's inner dog and Martin's inner ear. 

Plus, Arthur gets a chance to show off his exceptional eating skills.

Starring Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam.

John Finnemore's sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.

With special guests:

Phil Davis
Alex Macqueen

Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ...... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ...... Roger Allam
Capt. Martin Crieff ...... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ...... John Finnemore
Mr Sargent ...... Phil Davis
Dr Peter Duncan ...... Alex Macqueen

Director: David Tyler

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2009.

Cabin Pressure: Series 2

Cabin Pressure: Ipswich

3/6. Douglas has trouble with his inner dog, and Martin his inner ear when the crew of the tiny charter airline are sent for a refresher course in safety and emergency procedures. Comedy written by John Finnemore.

You and Yours

You and Yours: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 31/07/2009

Consumer news and issues with Peter White.

With Peter White. Series editor Andrew Smith

Weather

Weather: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 31/07/2009Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 31/07/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at one

Presented byShaun Ley. Editor Jamie Angus

Feedback

Radio 4's forum for comments, queries, criticisms and congratulations

Feedback: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Feedback, 31/07/2009

Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.

Sir Michael Lyons, chairman of the BBC Trust, faces a selected panel of listeners and addresses their concerns about topics including presenter salaries and Thought For The Day.

Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.

Sir Michael Lyons, chairman of the BBC Trust, faces a selected panel of Feedback listeners and addresses their concerns about topics including presenter salaries, Thought For The Day and the 2015 DAB switchover.

Roger Bolton takes listeners' comments, criticisms and praise for the week's BBC radio. Producer Brian McCluskey Repeated from Sunday at 8pm ADDRESS: Feedback, PO Box 2100, London W1A 10T PHONE: [number removed] EMAIL: feedback@bbc.co.uk

The Archers

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

The Archers: 30/07/2009

30/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 30/07/2009

Dropping Abbie off with Brenda, Roy asks about tomorrow's graduation. Brenda says she tried to get Vicky a ticket. But Roy says Brenda should forget about it and enjoy tomorrow.

Brenda phones Roy at work. She's just received another ticket, "at the request of Mr Tucker". She can't believe Mike's pestered the university for it. Roy says Mike's just trying to keep everyone happy. But Brenda thinks it's just Vicky he's trying to please.

Jennifer tells Tony her life's rather chaotic at the moment. Jennifer thinks Peggy's worried about her finances. She and Tony don't understand why, so they agree Jennifer should talk to her. Jennifer asks how Tony's managing with his bad back. Tony says Tom's been helping. Tony's sorry things are difficult for Jennifer and asks how long Lilian will be staying. Jennifer says Lilian's got nowhere else to go, has she?

Brenda's thrilled to be out with Helen. Brenda's looking forward to tomorrow, as long as Vicky keeps a low profile. Helen spots Jazzer with his arm round a girl. Furious that Jazzer was only with Annette yesterday, Helen storms over, demanding an explanation. Jazzer's not pleased and Brenda drags Helen away. Helen tells Jazzer to stay clear of Annette.

Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Telling the Bees

Telling the Bees

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Telling the Bees

By Rebecca Trick-Walker. Widowed May is offered solace from an unexpected quarter.

By Rebecca Trick-Walker. After the death of her husband, May struggles to come to terms with her grief. Solace is at hand, but from an unexpected quarter.

By Rebecca Trick-Walker.

After the death of her husband, May struggles to come to terms with her grief. Solace is at hand, but from an unexpected quarter - and only if May can summon the courage to face some long-held fears.

May ...... Kika Markham
Alex ...... Victoria John
Ed ...... Howell Evans
The Story of the Bees ...... Dorian Thomas

Music by Jane Watkins.

Directed by Sam Hoyle.

Afternoon Play: Tellingthe Bees

After the death of her husband, May struggles to come to terms with her grief. However, solace is at hand from an unexpected quarter and only available if May can summon the courage to face some long-held fears. By Rebecca Trick-Walker .  Producer/Director Sam Hoyie

Gardeners' Question Time

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

Gardeners' Question Time: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 31/07/2009

Eric Robson chairs. With Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood and Anne Swithinbank.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood and Anne Swithinbank answer questions from members of Letchworth District Gardeners Association.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. 

Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood and Anne Swithinbank answer questions posed by members of Letchworth District Gardeners Association.

Letchworth was the world's first garden city, founded in 1903 by social reformer Ebenezer Howard. Planners gave its citizens a generous space for each garden, and one of the founding principles was that the town should have the space to grow its own food. The panel find out whether Letchworth's history gives its gardeners an advantage today, given that the concept of self-sufficiency and the 'grow your own' movement are increasingly popular. 

Also, Anne Swithinbank unearths a local colony of rare - but temperamental - black squirrels and Pippa Greenwood explores ways of getting children interested in gardening during the summer holidays. 

Including Gardening weather forecast.

Gardeners' Question Time: Letchworth District Gardeners Association

Bob Flowerdew , Pippa Greenwood and Anne Swithinbank answer questions from members of Letchworth District Gardeners Association. Pest expert Pippa unearths a local colony of rare, but temperamental. black squirrels. Eric Robson is in the chair. At 3.40 Gardening Weather Forecast. Producer Lucy Dichmont Rptd on Sunday at 3pm

Joan Armatrading's Favourite Guitarists

Joan Armatrading's Favourite Guitarists: Episode 5: Bert Jansch

Episode 5: Bert Jansch

Bert Jansch

BBC Radio 4 - Joan Armatrading's Favourite Guitarists, Bert Jansch

Joan meets influential folk guitarist Bert Jansch.

Joan meets Bert Jansch, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential musicians of all time and who continues to be revered as the master guitarist of folk music.

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Joan Armatrading talks to leading guitarists about their music and guitar technique.

Joan meets Bert Jansch, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential musicians of all time. Since the mid-1960s, every generation has been held spellbound by his extraordinary fingerpicking and stringbending techniques. He continues to be revered as the master guitarist of folk music. 

A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.

Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading talks to leading guitarists about their music

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Joan Armatrading talks to leading guitarists about their music and guitar technique

Joan Armatrading'sFavourite Guitarists

5/5. Bert Jansch. The guitarist's guitarist, Bert Jansch is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential musicians of his time. Since the mid-1960s, every generation of players has been spellbound by the f ingerpicking and string-bending techniques that he employs in his mastery of folk music. producer Hannah Ratcliffe

Last Word

Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

Last Word: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, 31/07/2009

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.

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.

Last Word: 31 July

Obituary series with Matthew Bannister. Producer Neil George Repeated on Sunday at 8.30pm

The Film Programme

The latest releases, the hottest stars and the leading directors, plus news and insights

The latest releases, the hottest stars and the leading directors, plus news and insights from the film world

The Film Programme: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 31/07/2009

Vincent Cassell on France's Public Enemy Number 1. David Warner: Peckinpah saved my career

The star of La Haine, Vincent Cassell, discusses the life and death of Jacques Mesrine, France's Public Enemy Number One. David Warner reveals how Sam Peckinpah saved his career.

The star of La Haine, Vincent Cassell, discusses the life and death of Jacques Mesrine, France's Public Enemy Number One, the subject of his new movie. 

David Warner, the star of Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment, reveals how Sam Peckinpah saved his career. 

Mark Gatiss from The League Of Gentlemen continues his alternative guide to British cinema. 

Jane Graham offers tips for movie mobsters on how to dress for a heist.

The Film Programme: Vincent Cassel

Vincent Cassel discusses with Matthew Sweet his role in Mesrine, a biopic of the criminal who became France's public enemy number one in the 1970s. And David Warner looks back on a career that includes Morgan, a Suitable Case for Treatment, Straw Dogs, and The Omen. Producer Stephen Hughes Repeated on Sunday at 11pm

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 31/07/2009

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

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

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 31/07/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

Six O'Clock News: 31 July

The Now Show

Comedy sketches and satirical comments from Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and guests

The Now Show: Series 28

The Now Show: Series 28: Episode 6

Episode 6

Series 28

BBC Radio 4 - The Now Show, Series 28, Episode 6

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a satirical review of the week's news.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a satirical review of the week's news, with help from Jon Holmes, Laura Shavin, Mitch Benn and Marcus Brigstocke.

Comedy sketches and satirical comments from Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and the team

6/8. Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis take a satirical look through the week's news, with help from Marcus Brigstocke , Mitch Benn , Jon Holmes and Laura Shavin. Producer Ed Morrish Rptd tomorrow at 12.30pm  RT DIRECT: The Best of The Now Show on CD for E6.25 (RRP £8.80) inc p&p. Call [number removed] (BT landlines cost 5p per min; mobiles vary) quoting [number removed], or visit bbcshop.com and enter code [number removed] at the checkout

The Archers: 31/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 31/07/2009

Arriving to look after the pigs, Jazzer moans about Helen's outburst last night. Tom can see Helen's point. Jazzer has to tell Annette it's over.

Annette asks Helen if she had a good night. Helen doesn't elaborate! Annette clears her phone's inbox, to make sure new texts can get through. Annette is pleased when guilty Helen says they should have a night in together.

Brenda, Tom, Mike and Vicky arrive for the graduation ceremony. Vicky spots some empty seats and she and Mike make a dash for them. But there are only three. Tom offers Roy his seat but Roy has spotted one elsewhere.

Vicky takes pictures of everyone. Brenda asks Roy where he was sitting - she couldn't see him, and she really wanted her family together, so she could wave to them all.

At drinks later, Brenda stands with Tom. She tells him Vicky didn't correct the Dean when he assumed Vicky was her mother. Tom asks Vicky to show him and Roy what's what with the buffet. Mike hands Brenda a box. It's a watch. Mike tells Brenda this is one of the proudest days of his life. And her Mum would have been just as proud too.

Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.

Four's a crowd at Brenda's graduation.  
Writer Carole Simpson-Solazzo 
Director Julie Beckett ; Editor Vanessa Whitburn 
ARCHERS ADDICTS FAN CLUB: send an SAE to [address removed]
Messageboard: bbc.co.uk/dna/mbarchers

Front Row

Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music

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Shipping Forecast

31/07/2009

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You and Yours

31/07/2009

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You and Yours

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Weather

31/07/2009

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Weather

31/07/2009

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Shipping Forecast

31/07/2009

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