BBC Radio 4 LW

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 20/04/2009

20/04/2009

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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: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 20/04/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 20/04/2009

Daily prayer and reflection, with Bishop George Stack.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 20/04/2009

Daffodils grown for a dementia drug could be the salvation of Welsh hill farmers.

News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith. Charlotte hears how daffodils grown for a dementia drug could be the salvation of Welsh hill farmers.

Charlotte Smith hears how daffodils grown for a dementia drug could be the salvation of Welsh hill farmers. The flowers are the first commercial crop for a Welsh company which will extract a natural compound from them to make a drug which relieves some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. As Charlotte Smith discovers, it doesn't work with any old daff, nor on any old hillside. You need the magic of the Black Mountains.

Weather

Weather: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 20/04/2009Close menu

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: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 20/04/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton.

Cult author JG Ballard has died aged 78. The writer Iain Sinclair, a friend and admirer, looks back at Ballard's career. 

ACPO president Sir Ken Jones discusses calls for a review of public order policing.

World Affairs Editor John Simpson goes on the trail of Zimbabwe's illegal diamonds.

MP Barry Sheerman and social worker Joanna Nicolas discuss warnings that the state fails to protect children in care.

Political Editor Nick Robinson looks back on an eventful fortnight for the government.

Thought for the day with John Bell, of the Iona community. 

Business Editor Robert Peston and the Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke discuss the former governor of the Bank of England Lord Eddie George's legacy.

MP David Davis and Chief Superintendent Derek Barnett discuss the calls for a review into policing.

Six members of the Great Britain handball team have found fame with the German team of Essen. Stephen Chittenden went to watch one of their games.

A group of MPs has called for a radical overhaul of the care system in England, in the aftermath of the Baby P case. Education Minister Lady Morgan discusses the suggestions. 

Transport Minister Lord Adonis discusses improvements for Britain's railways with Liberal Democrats transport spokesman Norman Baker. 

Intensive fostering might be a better alternative to locking up young offenders. Winifred Robinson visits Staffordshire to see one of the projects in action.

Security Correspondent Gordon Correra discusses new details that have been emerging about the use of waterboarding by CIA interrogators.

The unveiling of a statue of comic duo Laurel and Hardy in Laurel's hometown of Ulverston has caused great excitement. But should statues be reserved for soldiers or great political figures? Graham Vincent, from South Lakeland District Council, and military historian Peter Caddick discuss who deserves a statue.

Start the Week

Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday

Start the Week: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, 20/04/2009

Andrew Marr talks to Nandan Nilekani, Andrew Feinstein, Petina Gappah and Adam Gopnik.

Andrew Marr talks to entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani and former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein. Plus Petina Gappah on Zimbabwe and Adam Gopnik on the parallel lives of Darwin and Lincoln.

Andrew Marr sets the cultural agenda for the week.

Software entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani believes that India is at a critical point in its history. The country needs to harness the power of its wealth of young people and build up the infrastructure of its cities and welfare state, but this is all dependent on the outcome of the general election. Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century is published by Allen Lane.

Andrew Feinstein was elected as an ANC Member of Parliament in South Africa's first democratic elections, but later resigned in protest. He discusses how the post-apartheid democratic dream came under pressure and considers the prospects for the country as it goes to the polls to elect a new government. After the Party: Corruption, the ANC and South Africa's Uncertain Future is published by Verso.

Writer Petina Gappah is optimistic about Zimbabwe's future. In a collection of short stories she highlights the many sides of Zimbabwe which are not depicted in the news headlines, and shows their humour and resilience. An Elegy for Easterly is published by Faber and Faber.

Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were born on the same day in 1809. Author Adam Gopnik believes that this is more than an 'intriguing coincidence' and that the similarities between the two men tell us much about the mid-19th century. Angels and Ages: A Short Book about Darwin, Lincoln and Modern Life is published by Quercus.

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: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Daily Service, 20/04/2009

Christian worship and music led by Rev Peter Baker.

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Public speaking; Foetal alcohol syndrome; Girls' schools

Public speaking; Foetal alcohol syndrome; Girls' schools

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Public speaking; Foetal alcohol syndrome; Girls' schools

The art of public speaking. Plus, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder discussed.

The art of public speaking discussed. Plus, the issues surrounding foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; and Jill Berry on why she thinks girls thrive in a single-sex environment.

It's My Story

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Stories about the lives of everyday people

It's My Story: Switzerland for a Franc

16/03/2009

Switzerland for a Franc

BBC Radio 4 Extra - It's My Story, Switzerland for a Franc

What happened when a British businessman bought a ski resort for one Swiss franc.

Miles Warde follows what happened when British businessman Bruno Prior responded to a newspaper advert offering a ski resort for sale for one Swiss franc.

Miles Warde follows what happened when British businessman Bruno Prior responded to an advert in The Times advertising a ski resort for sale for one Swiss franc. 

The main lift breaks in Bruno's first season in charge at the resort, the falling pound hampers his ability to invest and two villagers refuse to sell land where he hopes to build a new hotel.

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

Hazelbeach

Jamie Foreman stars in Caroline and David Stafford's comedy drama.

Jamie Foreman stars in Caroline and David Stafford's comedy drama about the mysterious Ronnie Hazelbeach.

Hazelbeach: Series 1: Party

Party

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Hazelbeach, Series 1, Party

Ronnie organises a disastrous birthday party and Nick finally finds his father's will.

Ronnie organises a disastrous birthday party and Nick finally finds his father's will. Stars Jamie Foreman. From November 2007.

Ronnie organises a disastrous birthday party and Nick finally finds his father's will.

Starring Jamie Foreman.

Caroline and David Stafford's comedy drama about the mysterious Ronnie Hazelbeach.

Ronnie .... Jamie Foreman
Nick .... Paul Bazely
Mrs Barlow .... Tracy Wiles
James .... John Dougall
Andrea .... Liza Sadovy

Producer: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.

Hazelbeach: Series 1

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.

Comedy drama series by Caroline and David Stafford

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast

News, weather and Shipping Forecast updates. 

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Headlines; Shipping Forecast, 20/04/2009

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: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 20/04/2009

Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.

World at One

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

World at One: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 20/04/2009

National and international news with Martha Kearney.

National and international news with Martha Kearney. Higher education minister John Denham discusses potential measures to help the under-25s in the Budget.

National and international news with Martha Kearney.

How many young people will be unable to find jobs because of the recession? The government has hinted that there will be measures to help the under-25s in the Budget but will new money really be available given the state of the public finances? Higher education minister John Denham responds.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, has outlined a new plan to scrap tax for people earning less than ten thousand pounds. He said that the proposal was a tax switch and not a net tax cut, which would be funded by closing tax loopholes, but is it affordable?  

More than 2,000 protestors gather outside the Houses of Parliament to demand a ceasefire between Sri Lankan forces and Tamil Tiger separatists. The government has an ultimatum to the Tamil Tigers to surrender within 24 hours or else face military action. An aid worker in Sri Lanka comments on the situation.

As the IPCC continues their investigation into policing of the G20 protests, a former head of the Territorial Support Group and Scotland Yard Commander talks about calls for a fundamental review of policing.

Counterpoint

Paul Gambaccini presents radio's widest-ranging music quiz.

Counterpoint: Series 23: 2009 Heat 7

2009 Heat 7

Series 23

BBC Radio 4 - Counterpoint, Series 23, 2009 Heat 7

The general knowledge music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from London, Croydon and Kent. From 2009.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz. 

The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

Three contestants battle it out: 

David Dean from London
Gillian Hensley-Gray from Croydon
Peter Whitehead from Bromley, Kent

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.

Counterpoint: Series 23

The Archers

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

The Archers: 19/04/2009

19/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 19/04/2009

Tony's delighted at Tom's plans to bring his pigs back from Home Farm. However Pat's distracted - she can't get hold of Helen. Since she asked Annette about her plans on Thursday, Helen won't talk to her.

Lynda can't believe her B&B guests have eaten all the bread. She talks to Robert about the Antony Gormley plinth. Inspiration hasn't struck her yet, and everyone else's ideas aren't satisfactory. Robert says a new loaf will be ready soon, which sparks a thought in Lynda's mind. Why not ask Jill to make bread on the plinth? Robert, meanwhile, is retrieving an answerphone message, and isn't listening to Lynda. Coriander's called - Robert's going to be a grandfather!

Helen ignores another phone call. She asks what plans Annette has for next week. She should start looking for a job. Annette offers to help in Ambridge Organics. Helen's reluctant, but says she can until she finds something else. Tom pops round. Helen's convinced their parents have sent him, but he says he just didn't fancy going home. They all decide to go bowling and for some lunch together. As they rush out, the phone rings. It's Tony, who leaves a message. They just want to check Helen's ok.

Episode written by Tim Stimpson.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Waiting for Di

27/08/2007

Waiting for Di

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Waiting for Di

By Colin Bytheway. Two unlikely strangers meet on the eve of Princess Diana's funeral.

By Colin Bytheway. On the eve of Princess Diana's funeral, two unlikely strangers find themselves thrown together as they mourn the loss of someone they never knew.

Archive on 4

Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond.

Archive on 4: For One Night Illegally - The History of the Bootleg

18/04/2009

For One Night Illegally - The History of the Bootleg

BBC Radio 4 - Archive on 4, For One Night Illegally - The History of the Bootleg

Writer and broadcaster David Hepworth charts the story of bootleg recordings.

Writer and broadcaster David Hepworth charts the story of secret recordings, artist out-takes and demo tapes that make up the world of the bootleg.

Writer and broadcaster David Hepworth charts the story of secret recordings, artist out-takes and demo tapes that make up the world of bootleg recordings, from Bob Dylan's Great White Wonder in 1969 to the file sharing internet sites of the 21st century, via the Beatles, the Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Sex Pistols and Led Zeppelin. 

David also talks to contemporary artists including Ryan Adams who have come to embrace the bootleggers, and hears from bootleggers of the 1960s and 70s who pitted their wits against security guards, the Feds and the record companies to get their unofficial releases out to the public.

A Bite Yer Legs production for BBC Radio 4.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion: Episode 11: Cary Grant - The Influence of Hollywood

Episode 11

Episode 11: Cary Grant - The Influence of Hollywood

Cary Grant - The Influence of Hollywood

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion, Cary Grant - The Influence of Hollywood

Laurence celebrates the stars and the movies that have redefined mens' fashion.

The interior designer examines the impact of the silver screen on men's fashion, celebrating the stars that have redefined it.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen tells the story of dandyism and male peacockery through the ages

The Food Programme

Investigating every aspect of the food we eat

Food Programme

The Food Programme: Essex Co-op

Essex Co-op

BBC Radio 4 - The Food Programme, Essex Co-op

Sheila Dillon looks at the farmers' co-operative supplying organic produce from Essex.

From farm gate to the school plate and to the high-end restaurant menu, Sheila Dillon looks at the farmers' co-operative that is supplying quality organic produce from Essex.

Traveller's Tree

Travel programme consisting of tips and advice for travellers submitted by the public

In Africa and South America, people often pin tips and advice for travellers to trees. This programme brings the concept to radio, with a travel magazine consisting of items submitted by the public

Traveller's Tree: Series 5

Traveller's Tree: Series 5: Episode 1: Wilderness

Episode 1

Episode 1: Wilderness

Series 5

Wilderness

BBC Radio 4 - Traveller's Tree, Series 5, Wilderness

Katie Derham examines the increasing popularity of wilderness holiday destinations.

Katie Derham examines the increasing popularity of wilderness holidays and hears what is on offer for such travellers. Her guests include author Robert Macfarlane.

Katie Derham presents the programme which examines our holiday and travel trends. 

Places that were once considered dangerous and frighteningly isolated have become increasingly desirable holiday destinations. Katie examines this trend and hears what is on offer for the wilderness traveller. Her guests include author Robert Macfarlane.

A Just Radio/Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine with tips from listeners and travel experts

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine with insider tips from listeners and travel experts

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 20/04/2009

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.

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

The UK Ambassador to the UN in Geneva comments on Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadnejad's comments to the UN conference on racism. 

Featuring an interview with the Sri Lankan high commissioner to London on the Tamil protests in London and on the situation in Sri Lanka.

Plus The Grocer Magazine and Green and Black's chocolate manufacturers on the hundreds of thousands unsold Easter eggs.

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 20/04/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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

The Unbelievable Truth

Game show in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies.

Game show in which panellists compete to see how many nuggets of truth they are able to hide amongst their lies.

The Unbelievable Truth: Series 3

The Unbelievable Truth: Series 3: Episode 5

Episode 5

Series 3

BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 3, Episode 5

David Mitchell chairs. With Sean Lock, Arthur Smith, Sue Perkins and Miranda Hart.

David Mitchell gets Sean Lock, Arthur Smith, Sue Perkins and Miranda Hart to mix the lies with some truths. From April 2009.

David Mitchell hosts the game show in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies and compete to see how many items of truth they are able to smuggle past their opponents. 

With Sean Lock, Arthur Smith, Sue Perkins and Miranda Hart.

A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.

David Mitchell hosts the game show in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies

David Mitchell hosts the game show in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies and compete to see how many items of truth they are able to smuggle past their opponents

The Archers: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 20/04/2009

It's a bittersweet day at Keeper's Cottage.

Outside Keeper's Cottage Eddie agrees with Alan he'll start work on his patio next week. Will calls round. 

Inside, Joe and Ed look through Ed's business plan. Joe says Ed having a herd of his own is worth every penny. Eddie and Will come in for coffee. Will offers grudging congratulations about the tenancy as Ed goes off to milk. Will tells Joe and Eddie that Adam's finally put in the game crops. And Jake's now at Loxley Barratt school. Joe says everything's looking up for the Grundys. Then the phone rings. It's Mildred's son. 

At Grange Farm Oliver tells Ed he's happy with the business plan. He'll ask his solicitor to draw up an agreement. They should celebrate. 

Joe's telling Eddie that Mildred's died when Ed and Oliver arrive with champagne. Oliver makes a speech about how proud he is of Ed. Joe quietly goes outside. Ed follows him, and realises what's happened. Joe tells him to carry on. Hes off for a walk. Ed goes back inside, and they drink to seizing the day. 

Alan meets Joe in the churchyard. Joe tells Alan about a picnic he had there with Mildred. Alan says Joe must miss her, as she's so far away. Joe says he treasures his memories. 

Episode written by Tim Stimpson.

Front Row

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

Front Row: 20/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, 20/04/2009

Max Hastings reviews State of Play; The Sun's online radio station; Afghanistan on stage.

Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson. Max Hastings reviews State of Play; The Sun's online radio station; Afghanistan on stage and remembering JG Ballard.

Max Hastings, ex-editor of The Daily Telegraph, reviews the new thriller State of Play, based on the BBC TV series about journalists uncovering a deadly conspiracy.

As a festival about Afghanistan opens at the Tricycle Theatre in London, playwrights Abi Morgan, Amit Gupta and Stephen Jeffreys discuss the plays they have written for the season.

Stephen Armstrong reviews SunTalk, the Sun newspaper's new online radio station hosted by Jon Gaunt. 

After his death at the age of 78 was announced, we remember author JG Ballard with his last recorded interview for Front Row.

15 Minute Drama

Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

20/04/2009

Genres

Brand

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