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Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 16/10/2009

16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 16/10/2009Close 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: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 16/10/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 16/10/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with the Right Rev Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 16/10/2009

Charlotte Smith hears why it's good news for English wine and organic farming.

Charlotte Smith toasts a good year for English wine. Plus a farmer who thinks it's also a good year for organic farming, and a cosmetics firm backs the Hunt Saboteurs Association.

2009 might be the best year for English wine - so good that they are hoping to export across the world. It is also a good year for organic farming, according to one of our listeners. A cosmetics company is supporting the Hunt Saboteurs Association with the proceeds from their soap, much to the opposition of the Countryside Alliance.

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: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 16/10/2009

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

With James Naughtie and Justin Webb. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day; Yesterday in Parliament.

Presented by James Naughtie and Justin Webb.

A secret document has added to the tensions surrounding the dispute between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union (CWU). The document suggests that Royal Mail has drawn up plans to no longer recognise the CWU, and wants to use the dispute to 'consider programme of reducing relationship with union'. General secretary of the CWU, Billy Hayes, discusses the report. 

An independent study by education academics at Cambridge University suggests children should not begin formal schooling until the age of six. The reports argues that children respond better to play-based learning at a young age, and that National Curriculum tests, SATS, should be scrapped. Correspondent Sarah Campbell went to one primary school which contributed to the study. 

The Commons Speaker, John Bercow, has defended the investigation into parliamentary expenses. Many MPs have criticised Sir Thomas Legg's inquiry and would like the Speaker to defy public opinion and find the retrospective rules on their claims unacceptable. Another MP, the Conservative David Wilshire, was forced to announce that he would stand down over allegations that he paid more than 100,000 pounds of office allowances to his own company. Mr Wilshire claims he did nothing wrong. Mike Warburton, tax director at accountants Grant Thornton, examines Mr Wilshire's case. 

The director general of MI5, Jonathan Evans, has defended the security service from accusations of collusion in torture. He was speaking at Bristol University last night. Security correspondent Gordon Corera, explains the allegations. 

Three weeks ago, 600 French gendarmes closed down 'the Jungle' illegal migrants camp in Calais. The closure was met with protests, as 300 refugees were rounded up by French police. The UN agency for refugees says the living conditions for migrants in Calais and elsewhere are now unacceptable. Reporter Andrew Hosken went to Calais to investigate the lives of the migrants after the closure. 

The husband of a woman who was brain damaged as the result of an undiagnosed haemorrhage has won nearly 4.5 million pounds in court. Cristina Malcolm has been left with a 'ten-minute memory' as a result of her experience, which her husband Sandy argued had come about because of the negligence of a GP. She requires round-the-clock care. Mr Malcolm discusses his family's ordeal. 

Thought for the Day with Lord Harries of Pentregarth, Gresham Professor of Divinity. 

Taliban attacks in Pakistan have killed at least 38 people, with three of the attacks aimed at security forces. The latest wave of violence has delayed a Pakistani army offensive on Taliban strongholds in South Waziristan. An expert on the Taliban, Ahmed Rashid, examines the current situation in the region. 

The biggest review of primary school teaching in England in 40 years says children should not begin formal learning until they reach the age of six. 'Children, their World, their Education' took three years to compile and concludes that pupils are taught too narrowly, with too much emphasis on the basics of Maths and English. Professor Robin Alexander, the lead author of the report, explains its findings. 

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva will vote on whether to accept the report on the Gaza offensive compiled by the former South African judge, Richard Goldstone. The report concludes that both Israel and Hamas may have been guilty of war crimes. The decision could have a profound effect on the attempts to revive peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The British government is expected to abstain in the vote. Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen comments on the implications for the peace process. 

A film of Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road will premiere at the London Film Festival tonight. The post-apocalyptic story tells the journey of a father and son through a landscape and society that has been devastated by some unknown catastrophe. The film's director, John Hillcoat, explains the making of the film. 

The Scottish National Party is starting its annual conference in Inverness. The SNP, who have been in power for two years, are still ahead of the polls. One of their main campaigns is to create an independent Scotland. SNP Deputy Leader and the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, discusses what the party envisage for the future, and the possibility of a referendum on independence. 

Ranchers in America's northern Midwest are facing tough times. The high price of feed and low prices for cattle is making their lives, and the future of the cowboys who manage the cattle, uncertain. Correspondent Kevin Connolly went to Medora North Dakota, an old frontier town turned tourist attraction, to see what the future holds. 

A six-year-old boy who set off a massive search and rescue operation in the United States has been found alive. Falcon Heene was feared to be inside a missing helium balloon belonging to his father, which ended up floating thousands o

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: Steve Coogan

11/10/2009

Steve Coogan

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Steve Coogan

Kirsty Young's castaway is comedian Steve Coogan.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the comedian and actor Steve Coogan. As a child he found he had a knack for impressions, a talent which led him to work on Spitting Image. Recently he has also found success in films, but is best known for the comic monster he created - Alan Partridge. The chatshow host in Pringle jumper and slacks made us cringe with his crass questions and witless interventions and has remained one of our most enduring comic anti-heroes.

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

Favourite track: We Have All the Time in the World by Louis Armstrong
Book: The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne
Luxury: Fully-restored Morris Minor Traveller with wooden detail.

Act of Worship

Act of Worship: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Act of Worship, 16/10/2009

An act of worship and music from Edinburgh, led by Rev John Armes.

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

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Margaret Beckett interviewed; Alison Moyet sings live

Margaret Beckett interviewed; Alison Moyet sings live

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Margaret Beckett interviewed; Alison Moyet sings live

Former Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett on her political career.

Former Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett on her political career. Plus, being the first in the family to go to university; and Alison Moyet sings live.

Terry Nutkins: In the Ring of Bright Water

Terry Nutkins: In the Ring of Bright Water: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Terry Nutkins: In the Ring of Bright Water, Episode 1

Wildlife expert Terry Nutkins recalls a childhood spent with author Gavin Maxwell.

4 Extra Debut. Wildlife expert Terry Nutkins recalls his unusual childhood spent with author Gavin Maxwell in the West Highlands. From October 2009.

Following the sad death of Terry Nutkins, we revisit two documentaries he made about his unusual childhood spent with the author, Gavin Maxwell, in the remote west highlands.

When Terry Nutkins was 13 he moved from London to the isolated west highlands to live with Maxwell, whose most famous book is 'Ring of Bright Water' . In 2009 - forty years after Maxwell's death - Terry told the remarkable story of his life with this mercurial man and his famous otters, Edal and Teko.

'Ring of Bright Water' is, arguably, the finest book ever written about a man's relationship with landscape and wildlife. Published in 1960, it tells the story of Maxwell's life in the now almost mythical setting of Camusfearna. His poetic observations of otter behaviour and the detailed sketches and photographs in the book helped to change - on a worldwide basis - the reputation of these animals which were widely persecuted at the time. 

Terry Nutkins had a boy's own adventure in a uniquely beautiful landscape. But he also found himself living a peculiar existence, in virtual isolation, with a man who was as charming as he was difficult, and whose depression led to severe mood swings. As Terry said, he had to grow up quickly.

Producer: Karen Gregor.

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.

Terry Nutkins tells of his childhood, spent with the mercurial author Gavin Maxwell

When Terry Nutkins was 13 he moved to the isolated West Highlands to live with the writer Gavin Maxwell. 40 years after Maxwell's death, Terry tells the story of that time

The Adventures of Inspector Steine

The Adventures of Inspector Steine: Episode 4: Variation on A Theme

Episode 4

Episode 4: Variation on A Theme

Variation on A Theme

BBC Radio 4 - The Adventures of Inspector Steine, Variation on A Theme

Brunswick rejoins his friends from the station, just in time for the annual cricket match.

Brunswick is back with his friends from the station, just in time for the annual cricket match between the villains and the police. But Steine's life continues to be under threat.

Comedy drama series by Lynne Truss set in 1950s Brighton. 

Brunswick is back with his dear friends from the station, just in time for the annual cricket match between the villains and the police. But Steine's life continues to be under threat. So if it's not Brunswick, who is responsible?

Inspector Steine ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Sergeant Brunswick ...... John Ramm
Constable Twitten ...... Matt Green
Mrs Groynes ...... Samantha Spiro
Unknown Villain ...... Adrian Bower
Albert ...... David Holt.

Comedy drama series by Lynne Truss set in 1950s Brighton

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast

News, weather and Shipping Forecast updates. 

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Headlines; Shipping Forecast, 16/10/2009

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: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 16/10/2009

Consumer news and issues with Peter White.

Weather

Weather: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 16/10/2009Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 16/10/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

Feedback

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

Feedback: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Feedback, 16/10/2009

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

The Archers

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

The Archers: 15/10/2009

15/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 15/10/2009

Pip comes home very stressed and goes straight up to her room. Concerned, Ruth goes to see how she is. Pip is clearly upset, but tells her mum she's just finding college really hard. They expect you to do much more work on your own. That's all it is, and Ruth shouldn't worry.

Fallon is bowled over by the brilliance of Rollo the guitarist, who seems to tick all the boxes that the Lies need. He could be a really good new member of the band. She goes out with Jazzer, celebrating. 

They're having a great evening until Jazzer spots someone who wants a confrontation. He tries to get out of his way. When Fallon presses for details, Jazzer admits to a dalliance with the guy's fiancée. A fight ensues during which Jazzer is hit on the head with a bottle. He ends up in Casualty waiting for stitches. 

Caring Fallon chats to him while they wait. How long is he going to go on like this? Surely it's time he changed his ways and found ... well, a really nice girl to go out with. Someone who is not just another notch on the bedpost. It's food for thought for Jazzer. 

Episode written by Tim Stimpson.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Drama

Drama on 4: Stephen Wakelam - A Dose of Fame

Stephen Wakelam - A Dose of Fame

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Stephen Wakelam - A Dose of Fame

EM Forster grapples with a mysterious death, his own sexuality and the seed of an idea.

4 Extra Debut. Nervous EM Forster grapples with a mysterious death, his own sexuality and the seed of an idea for his next novel, Maurice. Stars Stephen Campbell Moore.

By Stephen Wakelam

In the final stages of writing Howards End, and nervous of success, E.M. Forster grapples with a mysterious death, his own sexuality and the seed of an idea for his next novel Maurice.


Morgan....Stephen Campbell Moore
Lily.............Diana Quick
Masood.....Navin Chowdhry 
Malcolm.......Matt Addis
Ernest.....Benjamin Askew 
Unwin......Sam Dale 
Edward Arnold.Philip Fox 
Roger Fry...Malcolm Tierney 
Hilda........Caroline Guthrie 

Director: David Hunter.

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: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 16/10/2009

Peter Gibbs chairs. With Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew and Pippa Greenwood.

Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum. Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew and Pippa Greenwood meet the valley gardeners of Itchen Abbas, near Winchester.

Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum.

Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew and Pippa Greenwood meet the valley gardeners of Itchen Abbas, near Winchester. 

The country's top groundsman advises on autumn lawn maintenance and keeping the perfect lawn or sports field.

Including Gardening weather forecast.

Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life

Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life: Episode 15: Domestic Violence

Episode 15

Episode 15: Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life, Domestic Violence

Amanda Vickery reveals the dark side of private life, and how the home became a trap.

Continuing her hidden history, Amanda Vickery reveals the dark side of private life, and how the home became a trap.

Historian Amanda Vickery reveals the hidden history of home over 400 years

Historian Amanda Vickery presents a series which reveals the hidden history of home over 400 years, drawing on first-hand accounts from letters and diaries

Last Word

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

Last Word: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, 16/10/2009

John Wilson presents the obituary series.

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

John Wilson 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.

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: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 16/10/2009

Terry Gilliam on how he coped with the death of Heath Ledger, the star of his latest film.

Terry Gilliam tells Francine Stock how he managed to cope with the death of his star Heath Ledger half-way through the making of his latest film, The Imaginarium Of Dr Parnassus.

1989: Day by Day

1989: Day by Day: Episode 12: 16th October 1989

Episode 12

Episode 12: 16th October 1989

16th October 1989

BBC Radio 4 - 1989: Day by Day, 16th October 1989

120,000 East Germans gather in Leipzig for an anti-government demonstration.

The financial markets recover after Friday's Wall Street crash, averting another Black Monday; rehearsals begin for the first televised coverage of parliament.

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago. 

The financial markets recover after Friday's Wall Street crash, averting another Black Monday; rehearsals begin for the first televised coverage of parliament; 120,000 East Germans gather in Leipzig for the largest anti-government demonstration in the nation's history.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 16/10/2009

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: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 16/10/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The News Quiz

Topical panel quiz show, taking its questions from the week's news stories.

The News Quiz: Series 69

The News Quiz: Series 69: Episode 4

Series 69

BBC Radio 4 - The News Quiz, Series 69, Episode 4

Sandi Toksvig chairs. Panellists are Jeremy Hardy, Fred MacAulay, Simon Evans, Sue Perkins

Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. The panellists are Jeremy Hardy, Fred MacAulay, Simon Evans and Sue Perkins.

Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz

The Archers: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 16/10/2009

It's the day of Mike and Vicky's dinner party. Lynda and Robert enjoy dips and crudités in the new garden at Willow Cottage. Lynda tells Mike and Vicky about Brian's offer to give the village a piece of land. However, she is horrified by the non-environmentally friendly lighting and outside heating arrangements in the garden.

Annette has a hangover, so Susan lets her off work early. 

Later in the day Susan takes up her keys and finds Annette very low. It seems that Max has decided to end their relationship. He's got a new job, and is moving away - and he feels they haven't been going out long enough to keep up a commitment. Having heard from Vicky that her days at the shop might be numbered, Susan gets confirmation from Annette that Peggy is thinking about closing the shop. She is very upset. The shop means everything to her. If it closes, she doesn't know what she'll do. 

Episode written by Tim Stimpson.

Front Row

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

Front Row: 16/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, 16/10/2009

Kirsty Lang speaks to the director of a documentary exposing the Japanese dolphin trade.

Kirsty Lang speaks to the director of a documentary which exposes the Japanese dolphin trade; reviews of two new albums from Whitney Houston and Alexandra Burke.

A new cinema documentary The Cove attempts to penetrate a secret hidden cove in Japan where, for six months every year, thousands of dolphins are herded in and trapped before being slaughtered. The wildlife photographer and the film's director, Louie Psihoyos, discusses the risks he and his team took and the secrets they discovered.

In a grand building that was formerly the home of the Sierra Leonean Embassy, a multi-disciplinary group has created an exhibition which explores the fragility of democracy. The Embassy exhibition includes a genuine ballot box from Texas containing some of the infamous hanging-chads, a presidential palace made from mud and a specially-commissioned national anthem for a badly-run nation. Kirsty Lang speaks to curator Alex Dellal.

Jacqueline Springer reviews two new albums. Whitney Houston's first album for seven years, I Look to You, is released on the same day as last year's X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke's debut Overcome.

When film director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire decided to make a film about child soldiers in Africa, he flew to Liberia with his camera to cast real ex-child soldiers as his actors, whom he then lived with for over a year. The resulting film, Johnny Mad Dog, based on the novel by Emmanuel Dongola, is a graphic and violent depiction of loss of innocence. Sauvaire discusses the impact he hopes the film will have and how he turned his young cast from soldiers into actors.

15 Minute Drama

Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations

Woman's Hour Drama: Degrees Of Separation

15 Minute Drama: Degrees Of Separation: Episode 5: Ashes

Episode 5

Episode 5: Ashes

Degrees Of Separation

Ashes

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, Degrees Of Separation, Ashes

When Rishi's sister dies, his mother's grief causes a major family quarrel.

Series of linked stories by Katie Hims on the theme of separation. When Rishi's sister dies, his mother's grief causes a major family quarrel and a terrible misunderstanding.

Series of linked stories by Katie Hims on the theme of separation, based on experiences sent in by Woman's Hour listeners. 

Rishi is a doctor whose sister has unexpectedly died, leaving the family, and especially her mother, grief stricken. The old lady turns on Leela's husband Paolo, who is trying to cope with his own loss. 

Rishi Hussein ...... Saikat Ahamed
Vanhi ...... Taru Devani
Paolo ...... Andy Morton.

15 Minute Drama: Degrees Of Separation

Series of linked stories by Katie Hims on the theme of separation

Series of linked stories by Katie Hims on the theme of separation, based on experiences sent in by Woman's Hour listeners

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Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

16/10/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

16/10/2009

Genres

Brand

1989: Day by Day

Episode 12: 16th October 1989

Genres

Series

Shipping Forecast

16/10/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

16/10/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

16/10/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

16/10/2009

Genres

Brand

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