BBC Radio 4 LW

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 26/12/2008

26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 26/12/2008Close 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: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 26/12/2008Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 26/12/2008

Daily prayer and reflection with Commissioner Betty Matear.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 26/12/2008

News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.

The Archive Hour

BBC Radio 4 Extra

A look back at programmes and recordings from the BBC archives

The Archive Hour: Not Like That, Like This

16/12/2006

Not Like That, Like This

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Archive Hour, Not Like That, Like This

Julian Worricker looks back at 60 years of BBC masterclasses featuring great musicians.

Julian Worricker looks back at 60 years of BBC masterclasses revealing how great musicians approach their craft.

Imagine being taught the piano by Daniel Barenboim, or the cello by Jacqueline Du Pre. Well for the last 60 years, the BBC has been producing masterclasses that have revealed how great musicians approach their craft.

Julian Worricker asks what is being taught in these lessons and what makes them such riveting broadcasting? With archive recordings of, among others, Georg Solti, Paul Tortelier and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf - and contributions from Steven Isserlis and Maxim Vengerov.

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: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 26/12/2008

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With James Naughtie and Sarah Montague. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he will not hesitate to use more force against Gaza if rocket attacks on Israel do not stop. Mark Regev, the Israeli government spokesman, explains.

Caroline Wyatt has been spending Christmas with British troops in Basra.

Some stores opened their doors in the early hours, to try to make the most of the post-Christmas sales. John Thorne reports from the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Michelle Robinson describes the scene on Oxford Street in London.

Head of NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Sir Mike Rawlins, says that many other countries see the body as a success story.

The government says that it has reached its target of removing 5,000 foreign national prisoners from the UK in 2008. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Herbert and Home Office minister Lord West discuss the news.

Tributes have been pouring in to Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter, following his death from cancer.

Tom Hodgkinson, from the Idler Magazine, explains the art of idling.

Thought for the day with Canon Dr Alan Billings.

British soldiers will be leaving Iraq by the end of July. As they leave, how will the withdrawal affect Britain's relationship with Iraq? Christopher Prentice, Britain's ambassador to Iraq, discusses the UK's standing with the Baghdad government.

Remembering the singer Eartha Kitt who died on Christmas Day aged 81.

The National Trust is warning that 180 miles of its coastline in south-west England is disappearing because of coastal erosion. One of the worst affected areas is Studland beach in Dorset. Alison Harper reports.

The BBC's Home Affairs Editor, Mark Easton, Political Editor Nick Robinson, and Business Editor Robert Peston discuss how the world has changed in the past year - and try to guess what lies ahead.

The Guardian's theatre critic Michael Billington remembers Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter.

Joe Bageant delivers a redneck message to president elect, Barack Obama.

Will job losses in the financial sector be a good thing for the worlds of science and engineering? Hugh Pym, reports.

Steve Adams from the Broken Family Band provides a musical look back to 2008.

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: James Nesbitt

21/12/2008

James Nesbitt

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, James Nesbitt

Kirsty Young's castaway is actor James Nesbitt.

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is James Nesbitt. He is one of our most popular and successful actors and his long list of credits includes Cold Feet, Bloody Sunday, Jekyll and Murphy's Law. In this warm and illuminating interview he recalls his childhood in County Antrim where he grew up in a close-knit, rural community. He was the only boy and the youngest of four children and, when he was told he was 'spoilt', says he always understood that it meant the same as 'loved'. 

His father was the headmaster of the local primary school and there was an expectation that his children would follow him to become teachers. But James was a keen actor and says it is only now, in his 40s, that he can look back clearly and see he always felt an affinity to being on the stage. The first role he was cast in was as the Artful Dodger in Oliver. It's a character, he jokes, that has stayed with him through many of the roles he has taken on since.

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

Favourite track: Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra
Book: Collected writings by James Lawton
Luxury: A bottle of chilled Sancerre for every night.

Act of Worship

Act of Worship: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Act of Worship, 26/12/2008

An act of worship and music, led by Leslie Griffiths.

An act of worship and music for Boxing Day, led by Leslie Griffiths.

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Older women in the press; Sulking; Child sponsorship

Older women in the press; Sulking; Child sponsorship

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Older women in the press; Sulking; Child sponsorship

Manju Ghosh and Christine Jackson on travelling across England on their bus passes.

Manju Ghosh and Christine Jackson on travelling across England on their bus passes. Plus, shaking people out of a sulk, and is child sponsorship really the best way of giving?

The Eureka Years

Series exploring spectacular years in the history of science

The Eureka Years: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Eureka Years, 26/12/2008

Adam Hart-Davis explores the history of the technology of Christmas.

Adam Hart-Davis explores the history of the technology of Christmas, with balloons, stars and a stockingful of toys.

Adam Hart-Davis explores the history of the technology of Christmas, with balloons, stars and a stockingful of toys. 

He travels to the town of Lauscha in Germany, where glass baubles are still blown by hand, a tradition that goes back to the mid-1830s. Adam finds a dizzying description of the first Christmas tree lit by electric light bulbs, looks at X-rays of teddy bear skeletons and pulls a cracker in the name of scientific investigation.

Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!

The life of Count Arthur Strong, one-time variety star and expert in absolutely everything

The muddled life of Count Arthur Strong, one-time variety star and expert in absolutely everything.

Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!: Count Arthur Strong's Christmas Special

26/12/2006

Count Arthur Strong's Christmas Special

BBC Radio 4 - Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!, Count Arthur Strong's Christmas Special

The bumbling theatre veteran prepares for a seasonal appearance at an old folk's home.

One-time variety star Count Arthur Strong prepares for a seasonal appearance at an old folk's home. What could possibly go wrong? Stars Steve Delaney. From December 2006.

Count Arthur Strong, one-time variety star, makes his preparations for Christmas. From his altercation with a carol singer and his improvised 'reading' of the Nativity, to his show for the elderly at Leafy Glade old people's home. What could possibly go wrong? Stars Steve Delaney. From December 2006.

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.

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast

News, weather and Shipping Forecast updates. 

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Headlines; Shipping Forecast, 26/12/2008

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: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 26/12/2008

Consumer news and issues with Peter White.

Presented by Peter White.

Cheap clothing is creating a mountain of unwanted textiles. Michael Jack MP, Chair of the Environment Select Committee and Alan Wheeler of the Textile Recycling Association discuss. 

A former call centre worker tells us what it is like to be on the receiving end of disgruntled customers. 

Why Boxing Day is Ian Macmillan’s favourite day.

Irena Bauman thinks the credit crunch might provide opportunities for architects to reconsider their approach to projects. 

Henrietta Harrison investigates whether the popularity of the live scene will continue during the economic downturn.

We look at the practicalities of self-publishing with guests Mindy Gibbins Klein, co-publisher and Michael Oke, self-publisher.

Weather

Weather: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 26/12/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 26/12/2008

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

More or Less

Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life

Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life

More or Less: Celebrity Quiz - Divorce at Christmas

Celebrity Quiz - Divorce at Christmas

BBC Radio 4 - More or Less, Celebrity Quiz - Divorce at Christmas

Tim Harford is joined by former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq and comedian Dave Gorman.

Tim Harford is joined by two guests who share his love of numbers, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq and comedian Dave Gorman.

Tim Harford  is joined by two guests who share his love of numbers, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq and comedian Dave Gorman. He gives his celebrity guests a second chance at numerical success with the More or Less Christmas numbers quiz. 


Divorce at Christmas 
Do more couples really divorce during the Christmas period? The prediction that up to 3.6 million people will consult a solicitor about divorce in the New Year has become a staple of the Christmas news stories. But there are fewer than 12 million married couples in the UK, so can this figure be correct? Chris Bowlby investigates.

The Archers

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

The Archers: 25/12/2008

25/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 25/12/2008

Jack's excited to learn that it's Christmas. Jack loves Christmas, and Peggy's touched when he tells her he loves her too. 

After a family meal at Grey Gables, Jennifer, Alice and Peggy chat together while Alice waits for Chris. Jack's in a world of his own and reminisces about Christmases past, believing he still owns Grey Gables. Jennifer remarks that Matt seems clingy with Lilian, in sharp contrast to how he was at Christine's drinks do earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Jack wanders off. They find him in Caroline's office - which he thinks is still his. 

Joe's pleased to receive a phone call from Mildred, and Eddie's also enjoying Christmas. Clarrie wishes Joe wasn't off to see Alf later but is looking forward to Edward and Emma arriving, and the whole family being there for tea. But Clarrie's disappointed. Edward turns up alone and wants to get straight off to take George to Susan and Neil's. Eddie doesn't want it to spoil the day. Once Will has taken Joe off to Gloucester, he thinks he and Clarrie should make the most of Christmas night.

Episode written by Keri Davies.

Sherlock Holmes

Tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective.

Tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective - resident of 221B Baker Street.

Afternoon Drama: The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes: The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Series 3: Episode 1: The Remarkable Performance of Mr Frederick Merridew

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Remarkable Performance of Mr Frederick Merridew

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Series 3

The Remarkable Performance of Mr Frederick Merridew

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Sherlock Holmes, The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Series 3, The Remarkable Performance of Mr Frederick Merridew

A night at the music hall ends in death, as Holmes is engaged by a most unexpected client.

4 Extra Debut. A night at the music hall ends in death, as Holmes is engaged by an unexpected client. Stars Clive Merrison and Andrew Sachs. From December 2008.

Series of four new tales of mystery and murder by Bert Coules, inspired by the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

A night at the music hall ends in death, a Wild West sharpshooter finds a new personality, a brick wall crumbles and Holmes is engaged by a most unexpected client.

Sherlock Holmes ...... Clive Merrison
Dr John Watson ...... Andrew Sachs
Merridew ...... Hugh Bonneville 
Stamford ...... Malcolm Tierney
Charlotte ...... Jill Cardo
Fragson ...... Jonathan Tafler
Flora	 ...... Donnla Hughes
George ...... Stephen Critchlow

Directed by Patrick Rayner.

Sherlock Holmes: The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Series 3

Tales of mystery and murder, inspired by the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Series of four new tales of mystery and murder by Bert Coules, inspired by the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Ramblings

Clare Balding joins notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside

Ramblings: Series 9

Ramblings: Series 9: Episode 2: Northumbria - Northumbrian Coast

Episode 2

Episode 2: Northumbria - Northumbrian Coast

Series 9

Northumbria - Northumbrian Coast

BBC Radio 4 - Ramblings, Series 9, Northumbria - Northumbrian Coast

Clare Balding walks the Northumbrian coast with walking magazine editor Jonathan Manning.

Clare Balding walks Northumbria's coast with Jonathan Manning. As editor of a walking magazine, Jonathan is evangelical about encouraging people to see our countryside on foot.

Clare Balding walks the Northumbrian coast with Jonathan Manning. As editor of a walking magazine, Jonathan is evangelical about encouraging people to experience our countryside on foot. He takes Clare on what he considers the perfect walk.

Series in which Clare Balding goes for countryside walks

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: The Tropical Health and Education Trust

The Tropical Health and Education Trust

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, The Tropical Health and Education TrustSearch BBC

Zeinab Badawi appeals on behalf of the Tropical Health and Education Trust.

Daphne Du Maurier

Tales from the award-winning novelist Dame Daphne du Maurier - Lady Browning.

Tales from the award-winning novelist Dame Daphne du Maurier -  Lady Browning.

Daphne Du Maurier: And His Letters Grew Colder

21/05/2007

And His Letters Grew Colder

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Daphne Du Maurier, And His Letters Grew Colder

A passionate affair gradually dies. An early story by Daphne du Maurier discovered in 2006

A passionate affair gradually dies. An early story by Daphne du Maurier that was only discovered in 2006. Read by Nigel Havers.

Songs Everlasting

Songs Everlasting: Series 2

Songs Everlasting: Series 2: Episode 4: Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Episode 4

Episode 4: Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Series 2

Fantasia on Christmas Carols

BBC Radio 4 - Songs Everlasting, Series 2, Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Bryn explores Ralph Vaughan Williams's 1912 work Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

Bryn Terfel explores classic Christmas songs. Bryn marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams by examining the composer's Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

Bryn Terfel explores classic Christmas songs and tries to find out what it is that makes some of them them so popular.

Bryn marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams by examining the composer's 1912 work Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

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

Bryn Terfel explores classic Christmas songs

Music Feature

Programmes exploring music and music-related subjects

Music Feature: Killer Bs

12/08/2008

Killer Bs

BBC Radio 4 - Music Feature, Killer Bs

A celebration of a virtually extinct aspect of the music industry, the B-side of a record.

Journalist Anthony Barnes celebrates a virtually extinct aspect of the music industry, the B-side of a record. Contributors include Tim Rice, Paul Gambaccini and Gloria Gaynor.

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: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 26/12/2008

Francine Stock discusses the best films of the year with director Asif Kapadia.

Francine Stock discusses the best films of the year with Asif Kapadia, director of Far North and The Warrior. Plus an interview with Steve McQueen about his debut film Hunger.

The latest movie news and reviews. Francine Stock discusses the best films of the year with Asif Kapadia, director of Far North and The Warrior. Plus an interview with Steve McQueen about his award-winning debut Hunger.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 26/12/2008

Coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn.

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 26/12/2008

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 26/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 26/12/2008

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

26/12/2008

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Formats

Brand

Weather

26/12/2008

Genres

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Shipping Forecast

26/12/2008

Genres

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Weather

26/12/2008

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With Great Pleasure

With Great Pleasure at Christmas

Genres

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Weather

26/12/2008

Genres

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Shipping Forecast

27/12/2008

Genres

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