BBC Radio 4 LW

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 20/03/2008

20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 20/03/2008Close menu

BBC Radio 4

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: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 20/03/2008Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 20/03/2008

Daily prayer and reflection with Fr Eugene O'Neill.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 20/03/2008

News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.

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: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 20/03/2008

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

With James Naughtie and Carolyn Quinn. 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.

In Our Time

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

In Our Time: Kierkegaard

Kierkegaard

BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, Kierkegaard

Melvyn Bragg examines the rich and radical ideas of the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the rich and radical ideas of Soren Kierkegaard, often called the father of Existentialism.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the rich and radical ideas of Soren Kierkegaard, often called the father of Existentialism.In 1840 a young Danish girl called Regine Olsen got engaged to her sweetheart – a modish and clever young man called Søren Kierkegaard. The two were deeply in love but soon the husband to be began to have doubts. He worried that he couldn’t make Regine happy and stay true to himself and his dreams of philosophy. It was a terrible dilemma, but Kierkegaard broke off the engagement – a decision from which neither he nor his fiancée fully recovered. This unhappy episode has become emblematic of the life and thought of Søren Kierkegaard - a philosopher who confronted the painful choices in life and who understood the darker modes of human existence. Yet Kierkegaard is much more than the gloomy Dane of reputation. A thinker of wit and elegance, his ability to live with paradox and his desire to think about individuals as free have given him great purchase in the modern world and he is known as the father of Existentialism.With Jonathan Rée, Visiting Professor at Roehampton University and the Royal College of Art; Clare Carlisle, Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Liverpool; John Lippitt, Professor of Ethics and Philosophy of Religion at the University of Hertfordshire.

Daily Service

Spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.

A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.

Daily Service: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Daily Service, 20/03/2008

Christian worship and music led by the Rev Peter Whittaker.

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Kids in the Military; Sylvia Townsend Warner; Hannah Hauxwell

Kids in the Military; Sylvia Townsend Warner; Hannah Hauxwell

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Kids in the Military; Sylvia Townsend Warner; Hannah Hauxwell

How does it feel to have a son or daughter on active service?

How does it feel to have a son or daughter on active service? Plus, the life of popular 30s writer Sylvia Townsend Warner and Daleswoman and TV personality Hannah Hauxwell at 80.

Crossing Continents

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

Crossing Continents: Egypt

Egypt

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Egypt

Bill Law looks at the gender equality issue in the Arab world.

Egypt: A UN report in 2005 declared that the gender equality issue threatened the creation of viable civil societies in the Arab world. Bill Law asks what progress has been made.

How Robin Ince Got His Groove Back

BBC Radio 4 - How Robin Ince Got His Groove Back

Comedian Robin Ince asks if his was the last generation of truly obsessed pop fans.

Comedian Robin Ince asks if his was the last generation of truly obsessed pop fans. He is joined by guests including Stewart Lee and Andrew Collins.

Comedian Robin Ince asks if his was the last generation of truly obsessed pop fans. He is joined by guests including Stewart Lee and Andrew Collins. He also tries to reassemble his own precious record collection after it died in a freak sewage accident.

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

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast

News, weather and Shipping Forecast updates. 

News and Weather

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Headlines; Shipping Forecast, 20/03/2008

National and international news and the shipping forecast.

The latest national and international news headlines, followed by the shipping forecast.

You and Yours

You and Yours: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 20/03/2008

Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and Winifred Robinson.

Weather

Weather: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 20/03/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 20/03/2008

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

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: Little Switzerland

15/03/2008

Little Switzerland

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, Little Switzerland

Helen Mark visits the south Shropshire town of Church Stretton.

Countryside magazine. Helen Mark visits the south Shropshire town of Church Stretton nestling in the hills that earned it the nickname of Little Switzerland.

Countryside magazine.

Helen Mark visits the south Shropshire town of Church Stretton nestling in the hills that earned it the nickname of Little Switzerland. The town is currently divided over the issue of building affordable homes, which residents say will compromise the town's beauty and not help the local community.

The Archers

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

The Archers: 19/03/2008

19/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 19/03/2008

Brian's negotiating skills are put to the test.

Debbie and Adam admit to each other that they have very low expectations for their meeting with Brian, sadly saying they may jump ship if necessary.

At the meeting Adam tells Brian that by splitting the farm three ways he's bequeathing them a nightmare - Ruairi included. Brian then proposes an idea he's had that might help matters. They'll both be responsible for managing their areas - Debbie the arable and Adam the livestock and fruit - and will no longer be managed by Brian. In addition they'll be taking a substantial share of the profits. Wrong-footed, Debbie and Adam agree on a one third share each of the profits. However, Brian's still going to split the farm three ways in his will. Debbie and Adam agree that although this isn't ideal, they would at least have the chance to build up enough capital to buy Ruairi out. The deal's agreed.

Later Brian tells Jennifer that he made the offer because he'd do anything to keep them together. To celebrate, he suggests taking Jennifer out to dinner. Seeing the positive side Jennifer says it will mean they'll have more time together for holidays and travel - it's about time. Brian's thoughtful when he replies yes, yes it will.

Episode written by Keri Davies.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play: The City Speaks

Drama on 4: The City Speaks: Episode 2

Episode 2

The City Speaks

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The City Speaks, Episode 2

More short radio dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's specially commissioned short story.

The City Speaks: More short radio dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's specially commissioned short story in which the Virgin Mary makes an appearance in the City of London.

Drama on 4: The City Speaks

Dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's story in which the Virgin Mary appears in London

Dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's short story in which the Virgin Mary makes an appearance in the City of London

Check Up

Medical discussion phone-in programme with weekly guest experts

Medical discussion programme in which listeners phone-in and ask a weekly guest about their particular area of knowledge

Check Up: Posture

Posture

BBC Radio 4 - Check Up, Posture

Barbara Myers and guest answer questions on how to improve posture to avoid back pain.

Barbara Myers puts callers' questions about the best way to improve posture to avoid back pains to Dr Peter Skew.

Many of us suffer with back pain at some time in our lives. 

Sitting in front of a computer all day, driving for long periods, carrying heavy bags and slouching on the sofa can all contribute to bad posture.

Our posture often has a part to play in the state of our backs, and other parts of the body. 

But what is the best way to improve our posture? Are our parents and teachers correct to tell us to stand up straight? What exercises can help? 

If you suffer from back, neck or leg pain or sciatica, what is the best way to alleviate the pain?

On this edition of Check Up, Barbara Myers puts questions about posture to Dr Peter Skew, a GP who specialises in treating back pain.

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: 16/03/2008

16/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, 16/03/2008Search BBC

Helena Kennedy QC appeals on behalf of Prison Advice and Care Trust.

Helena Kennedy QC appeals on behalf of Prison Advice and Care Trust. 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: Pier Shorts

Afternoon Reading: Pier Shorts: Episode 4: Four Battenburgs

Episode 4

Episode 4: Four Battenburgs

Pier Shorts

Four Battenburgs

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, Pier Shorts, Four BattenburgsSearch BBC

By Michael Odell. Tommy turns a school model-making project into a life-or-death situation

By Michael Odell. All teachers want a bright class, but can a child be too clever by half? Little Tommy Spence turns a school model-making project into a life-or-death situation.

Stories by new writers, inspired by Brighton's Palace Pier.

By Michael Odell.

All teachers want a bright class, but can a child be too clever by half? Little Tommy Spence turns a school model-making project into a life-or-death situation.

Read By Stephen Tompkinson.

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Stories by new writers inspired by Brighton's Palace Pier

The People in the Playground Revisited

The People in the Playground Revisited: Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 - The People in the Playground Revisited, Episode 4Search BBC

Are the singing games and spoken lore of schoolchildren beginning to die out in the south?

Children's Laureate Michael Rosen explores life in the playground today. 4: He visits Chillingham Road Primary in Newcastle upon Tyne for his third audio snapshot.

Children's Laureate Michael Rosen explores life in the playground today

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: Manil Suri, Working in a bookshop, Independent Publishers, Books about Berlin 

Manil Suri, Working in a bookshop, Independent Publishers, Books about Berlin 

BBC Radio 4 - Open Book, Manil Suri, Working in a bookshop, Independent Publishers, Books about Berlin

Mariella Frostrup talks to Indian writer Manil Suri about his new novel The Age of Shiva.

Mariella Frostrup talks to the Indian writer and mathematician Manil Suri about his new novel The Age of Shiva. She also takes a look at the rarefied world of the bookshop.

The Age of Shiva by Manil Suri
Mariella Frostrup talks to Manil Suri about his new novel The Age of Shiva. Set in India in 1955 it takes the form of an extended love letter from the protagonist Meera to her son Ashvin tracing the fortunes of one family in the aftermath of Indian independence. Manil Suri was born in Bombay and is now a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. His first book Death of Vishu was on the Booker long list.

Booksellers: what its like to work in a bookshop
A number of writers have worked in bookshops from George Orwell to David Mitchell. Open Book decided to go behind the scenes and talk to three very different booksellers talk about their respective jobs. Best selling author of The Cutting Room Louise Welsh used to run a second hand bookshop in Glasgow in the early 90s. Guy Ramage is manager of Borders Superstore in London’s Oxford Circus. Robert Williams, winner of the 2007 National Book token Competition whose own book is being published by Faber, is a bookseller in Waterstones in Manchester.

The Rise of Independent Publishers
This week Templar children’s publishers won the Independent Publisher of the Year Award, in the face of stiff competition from the increasingly successful independent sector. Random House keen to cash in on their success are founding their own independent imprint Preface. Joel Rickets deputy editor of the Bookseller looks at the reasons behind the buoyancy of independent publishing including the impact of technological advances.

Reading Clinic
Anne McElvoy, former foreign correspondent on the Times answers listeners request for books about Berlin where she herself lived and worked.

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: 75th Anniversary of Polythene - Sound Perception

75th Anniversary of Polythene - Sound Perception

BBC Radio 4 - Material World, 75th Anniversary of Polythene - Sound Perception

Quentin Cooper investigates research into how the brain processes complex sounds.

Quentin Cooper investigates new research by neuroscientists who are attempting to further our understanding of how the brain processes complex sounds such as music and speech.

75th Anniversary of Polythene
In 1933 a remarkable series of coincidences led to the discovery of a material that would change our lives forever. In this week’s Material World, Quentin Cooper celebrates the 75th anniversary of the discovery of polythene. He is joined by Geoff Mitchell, Professor of Polymer Physics at the University of Reading and by Professor Dame Julia Higgins from Imperial College London to find out about polythene’s uses, abuses and why polymers and plastics are still at the front line of scientific research. 

Sound Perception
How does the brain process sound? How exactly can we distinguish between the clatter of cutlery or the beauty of singing. Sounds are pressure waves moving through the air, but our brains somehow manage to interpret this one-dimensional information and reconstruct the object that created it. Quentin is joined by Jan Schnupp, Neuroscientist from the University of Oxford and Sophie Scott from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience to find out how.

1968 Day by Day

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

1968: Day by Day

1968 Day by Day: 20th March 1968

20th March 1968

BBC Radio 4 - 1968 Day by Day, 20th March 1968

The Duke of Edinburgh allows himself to be interviewed live on television.

John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The Duke of Edinburgh becomes the first member of the royal family to allow himself to be interviewed live on TV.

John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago.

The Duke of Edinburgh becomes the first member of the Royal family to allow himself to be interviewed live on television. Retired US general David Shoup tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that a military victory cannot be won in South Vietnam alone.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 20/03/2008

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.

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 20/03/2008

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.

Radio 4, This Is Your Life

30/09/2007

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4, This Is Your LifeSearch BBC

Stephen Fry and Matt Lucas host an irreverent romp through Radio 4's broadcasting history.

Stephen Fry and Matt Lucas host an irreverent romp through Radio 4's history. Featured performers include Sue Perkins, Michael Fenton Stevens, Dave Lamb and Richie Webb.

The Archers: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 20/03/2008

Jennifer chats to Peggy about yesterday's meeting. Peggy's just glad that Jennifer stood up to Brian and that he realised she was serious. Jennifer agrees that must have been why he made such a big compromise.

Bert's down in the dumps, telling David that he's lost Freda to another man. After some prodding from David it turns out that Bert thinks Neville Booth is his silver-tongued rival, but without much evidence. All that Bert can come up with is that he caught Neville squeezing Freda's arm after the slimming club. David tells Bert he might be overreacting a little bit and suggests that he asks Freda directly what's going on.

Oliver has his herd routine tested for TB. Nigel tells Oliver about an idea he's had for the hunt; team chasing. Oliver thinks it's a good idea and suggests they make a date to discuss it.

Later, Oliver learns from Ed that Alistair's found three TB reactors who are being taken off for slaughter. The good thing is that they can still sell the milk because it's pasteurised, but Sterling Gold cheese is going to be badly affected. Despondent Oliver exclaims the whole thing is a disaster.

Episode written by Keri Davies.

Front Row

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

Front Row: 20/03/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, 20/03/2008

With Mark Lawson. Including an interview with dramatist Howard Brenton.

Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson. Including an interview with dramatist Howard Brenton, whose new play is based on the life of Harold Macmillan.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

20/03/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/03/2008

Genres

Brand

1968 Day by Day

20th March 1968

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

20/03/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/03/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/03/2008

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

21/03/2008

Genres

Brand

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