The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
Caroline Wyatt explains Sir Richard Dannatt's criticism of the hardship faced by British soldiers.
Jim Naughtie reports from Washington on the difficulties Barack Obama will face in rebuilding the US's ailing infrastructure.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT union, discusses his fears over the future of the transport network.
Christian Fraser reports from Gaza on the devastation caused by the Israeli offensive.
Defence Secretary John Hutton debates whether the war in Afghanistan is worth the hardships faced by soldiers there.
Sir Peter Burt, former deputy chairman of HBOS, debates whether full nationalisation is the solution to the falling value of RBS.
Jim Naughtie reports from Washington as thousands of people make their way to the capital to witness Barack Obama's historic inauguration as US president.
Sir Alan Budd, a former chief economic advisor at the Treasury, gives his insight into the work going on behind the scenes at the Treasury to try and shore up the financial institutions.
Times columnist Ben Macintyre and novelist Justin Cartwright debate the historical accuracy of the film Valkyrie.
Biologist Sean B Carroll talks to science correspondent Tom Feilden about the evolution revolution.
Former England international Graeme Le Saux explains that footballers do not only care about money.
Ben Bradlee, former editor of The Washington Post, says nobody knows how Barack Obama is going to respond to the challenges of the presidency.
Fergal Keane talks to people who have taken risks and made sacrifices to stand up for what they believe in.
Catherine McCartney's brother Robert was allegedly killed by a group of IRA men following a disagreement in a bar in Belfast. When his family felt that they could not get justice for Robert's death in Northern Ireland, they took their campaign to the White House. They received death threats and were ostracised by the nationalist community in which they had grown up. Catherine talks to Fergal about why she feels that, although there is now peace in Northern Ireland, its communities are still as divided as ever.
Series in which Max Flint investigates the 15 billion pounds in unclaimed assets in the UK and asks if and how these funds are distributed to their rightful owners.
Max explores issues surrounding claims by former soldiers who had tax wrongly deducted from their service pensions. He meets the man who discovered the problem which resulted in millions of pounds in tax rebates being returned to ex-servicemen, and a 91-year-old retired major who is still fighting for his money.
Gemma Arterton reads Vesna Maric's account of coming to Britain as a 16-year-old asylum seeker, after fleeing the conflict in Bosnia in 1992.
Vesna and her sister try to forge a new life in the Lake District while their parents remain under fire in Bosnia.
Author Wendy Holden on Beautiful People, her satire about the excesses of Hollywood. Plus the potential dangers of internet dating, and the Brook Street Band on Handel.
Adam Lusekelo tells the story of the MV Ilala, a boat built 60 years ago by Yarrow and Company in Glasgow as a passenger and cargo ship destined for Lake Nyasa, modern-day Lake Malawi. In a remarkable feat of engineering, it was shipped out in pieces via Mozambique and transported overland to be reconstructed on the shores of the inland lake, which has no navigable outlet to the sea. Today, it is still sailing the lake, providing a vital lifeline to remote communities in Malawi and Mozambique.
Writer and broadcaster William Sitwell, the great nephew of poet Edith Sitwell, discovers more about his family's literary heritage. His great aunt Edith is possibly best known for her poem Facade, which William is asked to perform at the Royal Festival Hall, accompanied by the orchestra of St Paul's Cathedral. In preparing for the performance he travels from Australia to South Africa, via Scarborough, to try to get under the artistic skin of the Sitwells.
What difference are the government's initiatives to reduce the effects of the recession making to listeners' experiences of the economic downturn? Will the proposed measures work? Listeners give their views.
With guests Professor Philip Booth, Editorial and Programme Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs; Nigel Meager, director of the Institute for Employment Studies at Sussex University and Anatole Kaletsky, associate editor of The Times.
Richard Coles presents a discussion series looking at collaborations between two musicians.
Richard examines the musical and domestic partnership of singer Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and record producer Walter Legge. In conversation with the pianist Graham Johnson and broadcaster Richard Osborne, Richard assesses the extent to which producer Legge acted as a musical Svengali to his singer wife, deciding her repertoire choices and directing her interpretations of operatic roles. He also asks if Schwarzkopf was really as subservient to her husband as has been rumoured.
How will Johnny's wild cousins react to meeting his remarkable best friend Owen?
John ...... Henry Goodman
Owen Meany ...... Toby Jones
Tabitha ...... Charlotte Emmerson
Johnny ...... Max Baldry
Grandmother ...... Eleanor Bron
Dan Needham ...... Adam Godley
Hester ...... Sarah Goldberg
Simon ...... Andrew Hoffmeister
Noah ...... Henry Fay
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
The subject of one of Jesus's most famous and divisive miracles finds that resurrection is not all that it is cracked up to be. The first of Fraser Grace's three stories which re-tell biblical tales.
David Reynolds tells the story of the American Civil War which began 150 years ago this month. In ten episodes he explores the origins and legacy of the war. In this episode, we meet the men on both sides of the battle lines: Robert E Lee and Ulysses S Grant.
This was originallly broadcast as part of the 90 part series, America: Empire of Liberty
Clive Coleman discusses the idea that human rights might extend beyond humans, asking whether rights exist for animals, the environment and even robots.
He is joined by the writer Kenan Malik, philosopher Jo Woolf and lawyer Christopher Stone, who discuss propositions put forward by philosopher Peter Singer and environmental lawyer Cormac Cullinan.
Carolyn Quinn presents a special edition of the programme to mark the inauguration of Barack Obama. With contributions from James Naughtie in Washington. Plus Weather.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
David Quantick and company poke fun at the ridiculous in popular culture. Featuring a guest appearance from Gilbert and Sullivan and special correspondents Dan Maier, Richie Webb, Jane Lamacraft and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Mike shows Hayley and Roy round his new house. He shows them his kitchen plans, and Hayley gets jealous. They wonder if they could afford a new kitchen themselves. Roy says they can look at the finances, but they both know it would stretch them.
Shula goes to the Vicarage, for the hand bell session. Alan provides coffee afterwards in the sitting room, and Shula sees a bronze statue of Shiva in there. She can't disguise her shock, and Alan contrives to keep her back to discuss it. Shula says she can't help it. There's a statue of a Hindu god in the Vicarage! It feels so inappropriate. Alan tries to tell her that it's a work of art to him, something much more to Usha - it has a place in their lives and their home. Shula can't understand how all this doesn't weaken his faith; Alan thinks it strengthens it.
Shula leaves in some distress. She tries explaining her feelings to Alistair - almost cast out of the church because she can't accept the situation. She feels alone. Alistair finds it hard to understand. Maybe she should give it time and hope things will get better. Shula wishes she thought so. But she can't see that anything will change.
Political satirist and writer Alastair Beaton reviews Frost/Nixon, a film version starring Frank Langella and Michael Sheen of Peter Morgan's stage play about the series of televised interviews that former US President Richard Nixon gave David Frost in 1977.
Guitar virtuoso Richard Thompson was asked by Playboy magazine in 1999 to come up with a list of the top 10 songs of the Millennium. Inspired by this, he has created a concert which takes the audience from a 16th Century Italian dance to a Britney Spears chart-topper. Kirsty talks to him about his selection and he plays some of his choices live in the studio.
Designer Hussein Chalayan's work includes armchair covers which transform into dresses and chairs which become suitcases. As the first major British exhibition of his work opens, he talks to Kirsty about his approach to clothing-design, and his use of unlikely materials.
How far should actors or directors go to achieve authenticity in a stage performance? Actor and author Michael Simkins joins Kirsty to discuss his own experiences of preparing for roles.
Lady Slane rejects her children's plans for her old age and begins to make a new life and two eccentric new friends in Hampstead.
Lady Slane ...... Honor Blackman
Mr FitzGeorge ...... Alec McCowen
Herbert Holland ...... John Nicholas
Carrie ...... Phyllida Nash
Kay Holland ...... Patrick Romer
Mr Bucktrout ...... Paul Nicholson
Mr Gosheron ...... Peter Ellis
Genoux ...... Sonia Elliman
Police Inspector ...... Russell Boulter
Deborah Holland ...... Annabel Scholey
Julian O'Halloran examines Britain's insolvency laws and asks whether weaknesses in regulation and enforcement are being exploited by some company directors to unfairly dispose of debts.
Dr Mark Porter finds out about how to avoid and treat diseases caused by insects. Some insects only leave itchy bites on the skin but others transmit serious diseases. Ticks in the UK can cause Lyme disease, with symptoms such as tiredness and pains, mites are responsible for scabies, and tropical areas pose a threat with malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
On the day of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States, Robin Lustig presents a special edition from Birmingham, Alabama, where the civil rights movement began in the 1950s. He assesses what the inauguration of the first African-American president means for the United States.
Michael Maloney reads from the novel by Andrew Miller set in Tokyo during World War II.
While on night duty looking out for fires in his neighbourhood, an unexpected meeting changes the course of Yuji's life.
Musician Jah Wobble discovers the real Sid Vicious, 30 years after the Sex Pistols bassist's death. Jah formed his own opinion of his friend Sid as they grew up together, but has since met other people who knew him that held contrasting impressions of him. Talking to some of these people, Jah reflects on the boy he used to know and re-evaluates the man that he became.
WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2009
WED 00:00 Midnight News (b00gq62l)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b00h6y6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00gq664)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00gq68l)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00gq6bg)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b00gq6db)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00gqcx7)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Stephen Wigley.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b00gqdfr)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.
WED 06:00 Today (b00gqgt5)
Presented by Sarah Montague and Evan Davis.
Torin Douglas examines an Ofcom report into public service broadcasting.
Jonathan Beale discovers that closing Guantanamo down, as Barack Obama has pledged, will be easier said than done.
Alison Kentuck, Receiver of Wreck at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, explains what will happen to the hundreds of tonnes of timber that fell from a cargo ship in the English Channel once it washes ashore.
Tom Feilden explains why a dung beetle has turned carnivore.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson discusses if the constitution for the NHS will change the service.
Researcher David Savage explains why politeness may have led to more British than American casualties in the sinking of the Titanic.
James Naughtie examines Barack Obama's first day as US president.
Thought for the day with the Rt Rev Tom Butler.
Vince Cable and economist Tim Congdon discuss if RBS or Lloyds should be nationalised.
An Ofcom report into public service broadcasting says there will be a shortfall in funding of up to 235 million pounds a year by 2012. Chief exec Ed Richards discusses.
President Obama wants the military trials in Guantanamo Bay to be suspended. Human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith welcomes the news.
Alex Bushill reports on the row between wealthy outsiders and local residents in Cornwall.
Tim Franks reports on the situation in Gaza.
Donald Terrence James and lawyer Clive Hyer discuss compensation claims after suffering from nuclear tests.
Zbigniew Brzezinski discusses President Obama's foreign policy.
Matthew Hall explains why coroners have managed to remain independent.
TV executives David Elstein and Andy Duncan discuss the future of public service broadcasting.
WED 09:00 Midweek (b00grrzt)
Lively and diverse conversation with Libby Purves and guests.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b00h6y2z)
Bluebird
Independence
Gemma Arterton reads Vesna Maric's account of coming to Britain as a 16-year-old asylum seeker, after fleeing the conflict in Bosnia in 1992.
Vesna's sister returns to Bosnia and she is left alone in Penrith to cope with dodgy digs and an even dodgier flatmate.
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00grd8t)
Feminism Special
A special programme on the state of feminism in Britain today. With Angela McRobbie, Zoe Williams, Rosie Boycott, Vera Baird QC MP, Theresa May MP and Richard Reeves.
WED 11:00 On the Top Deck (b00grrzw)
Travel writer Ian Marchant travels London's buses, talking to drivers and passengers young and old, and to the people trying to keep order in the face of a massive increase in the numbers of teenagers using buses.
He hears the feelings of many older passengers that things have got out of control; that crime, overcrowding and anti-social behaviour have increased; and that some buses have been turned into mobile youth clubs.
Plus teenagers talk about the unwritten rules of the top deck - who may sit where, what you can get away with and the risks of being robbed.
WED 11:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00grrzy)
Series 4
Pub Quiz
Spoof reminiscences of a former variety star. Count Arthur Strong is an expert in everything from the world of entertainment to the origins of the species, all false starts and nervous fumbling, poorly concealed by a delicate sheen of bravado and self-assurance.
Promoting himself to team captain of the Three Musketeers, Arthur enters the Shoulder of Mutton pub quiz. Can he win the 50 pound rollover, or will it all end in tears?
With Steve Delaney, Mel Giedroyc, Dave Mounfield and Alastair Kerr.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b00gqptk)
Presented by Winifred Robinson.
An investigation reveals the lavish lifestyles of the people behind an estimated 80 million pound property investment scheme which was supposed to renovate and let homes in North East England.
What does Ofcom's review mean for the future of public service broadcasting? Discussing the issue are: BBC media correspondent Torin Douglas; Rod Liddle, former editor of the Today programme; and Julian Bellamy, head of programming at Channel 4.
Is the customer always right? Assessing the website that lets builders air their complaints against customers.
The U.S has tripled the import tax on Roquefort cheese. The French are up in arms about the impact this will have on the producers, but what impact will it have on the American consumer? Dick Roe, of Atlanta Foods International, gives his opinion.
Live discussion over a claim by the Association of Charity Shops estimating that 20-25% of councils in England are wrongly charging charities for waste disposal.
Seven animal rights activists are sentenced after a campaign of harassment against firms with links to Huntingdon Life Sciences.
The five major banks will have stopped selling single premium payment protection insurance policies against unsecured loans by the end of January 2009. Lucy Widenka,a personal finance campaigner at Which? explains more.
WED 12:57 Weather (b00gqxh1)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b00gqxjb)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
WED 13:30 The Media Show (b00grs00)
Steve Hewlett presents a topical programme about the fast-changing media world.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b00gqwtl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Drama (b00gvlyy)
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Episode 3
Adaptation of the John Irving novel, dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths.
Owen's roles as the Christ Child and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come cause a stir in Gravesend, especially when he claims to have had a vision.
John ...... Henry Goodman
Owen Meany ...... Toby Jones
Johnny ...... Max Baldry
Grandmother ...... Eleanor Bron
Dan Needham ...... Adam Godley
Rev Wiggin/Mr Meany ...... Jonathan Tafler
Mrs Meany ...... Jill Cardo
Barbara Wiggin ...... Lorelei King
Rev Merrill ...... Vincent Marzello
Mary Jane ...... Katie Hoffmeister
Harold Crosby ...... Ethan Brooke
Mr Morrison ...... Paul Rider
Vocal Coach for the voice of Owen Meany: Penny Dyer.
WED 15:00 Money Box Live (b00grs02)
Vincent Duggleby and guests answer calls on financial issues.
WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00grgvl)
Wrestling Angels
The Assassin's Mother-in-Law
A woman recalls one of the Old Testament's more extraordinary acts of seduction, and the friendship forged with the wise old woman who coached her. The second of Fraser Grace's biblical tales.
Read by Numa Dumezweni
Produced by Marilyn Imrie
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00gqxt4)
Forever Free
David Reynolds tells the story of the American Civil War which began 150 years ago this month. In ten episodes he explores the origins and legacy of the war. In this episode, Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves.
Episode 3: Forever Free
Previously broadcast on 21 January, 2009, as part of David Reynolds 90 part series, America, Empire of Liberty.
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b00grs04)
Hole in the Wall - Victorian Light
HOLE IN THE WALL
Vikras Swarup, the author of the novel which inspired the movie Slum Dog Millionaire, recently revealed he was inspired by the Hole in the Wall project in Delhi which installed a computer in a Delhi slum. The project leader behind that Hole in the Wall experiment, Sugata Mitra, who is currently Professor of Educational Technology at Newcastle University, reveals how children teach themselves how to use digital technology.
VICTORIAN LIGHT
Imagine the impact of gaslight on the once dark nights of Victorian Britain..“As I walk about the streets by night, endless and always suggestive intercommunings take place between me and the trusty, silent, ever watchful gas. Gas to teach me; gas to counsel me; gas to guide my footsteps, not over London flags, but through the crooked ways of unseen life and death”, that was George Augustus Sala in 1859.
Laurie Taylor is joined by Chris Otter, assistant professor of Modern European History at the Ohio State University, and Lynda Nead, Professor of History of Art at Birkbeck, University of London, to discuss the political history of gas, how did people react? What affect did its yellowy hue have on the ambitions of police and government?
WED 16:30 Case Notes (b00grqmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 17:00 PM (b00gqxwq)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00gqxxr)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
WED 18:30 Will Smith's Midlife Crisis Management (b00grsdt)
Episode 6
Comedy series in which comedian Will Smith seeks help and advice - primarily from his godfather Peter - on coping with the onset of middle age.
Will tackles his lack of success with women with the help of Ed, an American love guru.
Will ...... Will Smith
Peter ...... Roger Allam
Ed ...... Simon Greenall
Girlfriend ...... Jill Cardo
First date ...... Janice Acquah
Second date ...... Donnla Hughes
Third date ...... Dan Starkey
Waiter ...... Roger Drew.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b00gqwtn)
Nic has another go at driving manoeuvres with Will. She gets a bit better at reversing, but unfortunately wedges the exhaust against the kerb and damages it. She's mortified, but Will takes it to get it replaced. It had rusted through - Will reckons it was better this way than if it had happened when he was driving down a motorway.
Jill takes her oranges and preserving pan round to Brookfield to make her marmalade in traditional style. Ruth watches and learns, but adds the sugar a bit hastily, to Jill's consternation.
Meanwhile David drops in to Glebe Cottage with some crime statistics from the NFU, to find Phil making marmalade too - by his own scientific method, with thermometer and shredder. Unfortunately, the thermometer breaks and his marmalade is useless. Jill returns to find it all congealing in the bin. She is magnanimous - after all, she's learnt today that it doesn't much matter if you add the sugar all in one go. Phil is grumpy at first, but sees the funny side. David suggests he sticks to cakes in future.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b00gqy2d)
Presented by Mark Lawson.
Mark is joined by the Executive Editor of the London Evening Standard, Anne McElvoy, to discuss one-off TV drama A Short Stay In Switzerland, written by award-winning playwright Frank McGuinness.
Film director Bryan Singer's latest film, Valkyrie, depicts the plot to assassinate Hitler and stars Tom Cruise. Bryan discusses German accents, the German response to the film, and casting Hugh Laurie in the US TV series House.
Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand discuss their latest album, 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand'.
After years of material offered by George W Bush, how will satirists approach American president Barack Obama? Cartoonist Steve Bell and comedian Steve Punt talk to Mark.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00h44b0)
Vita Sackville-West - All Passion Spent
Episode 3
Adaptation of the 1931 novel by Vita Sackville-West.
Lady Slane's retirement in Hampstead is interrupted when she is visited by a figure from her past, whose memories force her to take stock of her own life.
Lady Slane ...... Honor Blackman
Mr FitzGeorge ...... Alec McCowen
Herbert Holland ...... John Nicholas
Carrie ...... Phyllida Nash
Kay Holland ...... Patrick Romer
Mr Bucktrout ...... Paul Nicholson
Mr Gosheron ...... Peter Ellis
Genoux ...... Sonia Elliman
Police Inspector ...... Russell Boulter
Deborah Holland ...... Annabel Scholey
Directed by Sara Davies.
WED 20:00 Unreliable Evidence (b00grsdw)
Family Courts
Clive Anderson presents the series analysing the legal issues of the day.
The family courts stand accused by some of operating in a conspiracy of silence and failing to deliver justice. Will the government's decision to open the courts to the media improve the situation or simply lead to the sensitive personal details in divorce and child custody cases being exposed in the tabloids?
WED 20:45 The Condensed History of George W Bush (b00grshj)
Adam Long, co-founder of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, joins two friends with a few guitars to take a wry look back at the two-term rollercoaster that was the presidency of George W Bush.
WED 21:00 State of Mind (b00grshl)
Community Care?
Claudia Hammond tells the story of mental health care in the UK from the 1950s to the present day and explores, with the help of listeners' testimonies, how treatment and understanding of mental illness has changed over the past 50 years.
When Enoch Powell launched his 1962 Hospital Plan he believed all the asylums would be closed by 1975. However, it was not until the 1980s that the closures really got under way, with thousands of former inmates beginning new lives in the community. For many this was a new beginning: with genuine care, life in the community was infinitely preferable to the total institutions from which they had emerged. But for those who lacked support and could not cope, homelessness and even prison were the alternative to what had been, for some, genuine asylum.
At the Surrey History Centre, where Woking Mind work with the archivists to examine the history of the local asylums, Claudia meets a former patient of Brookwood asylum for whom squatting in the derelict building was preferable to life in a community that didn't care. She also meets service users in Reigate who, frustrated by the lack of formal support, have set up their own, the Stepping Stones drop-in centre.
WED 21:30 Midweek (b00grrzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b00gqy3f)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b00gqy4h)
National and international news and analysis with Jane Hill. Including reports on Obama's first day in office, whether the EU should end the suspension of a deal with Israel and what it is like growing up in the White House.
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00gr72b)
One Morning Like A Bird
Episode 8
Michael Maloney reads from the novel by Andrew Miller set in Tokyo during World War II.
Having learned that Alissa is pregnant, Yuji must now face her father.
WED 23:00 Nick Mohammed in Quarters (b00grtmv)
Episode 1
Energetic sketch comedy by Nick Mohammed. With guests Anna Crilly and Colin Hoult.
WED 23:15 The Correspondent (b00h781m)
Series 2
Tom Feels Trapped
Series of bitterwsweet comic monologues, starring Tom Allen.
With a job appraisal on the horizon, Tom despairs of his domestic situation. But there is a welcome distraction with the discovery of a new mystery friend in the workplace.
WED 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00gqy5w)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.
THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 2009
THU 00:00 Midnight News (b00gq62n)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b00h6y2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00gq666)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00gq68n)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00gq6bj)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b00gq6dd)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00gqcx9)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Stephen Wigley.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b00gqdft)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.
THU 06:00 Today (b00gqgt9)
Presented by Edward Stourton and Sarah Montague.
Gillian Tett of the Financial Times discusses comments by the head of the FSA, Lord Turner, about banking regulations.
Professors David Webb and Peter Rubin discuss if medical students are taught too little about medicines.
James Munro reports on the strict restrictions on athletes to stop drug use in Belgium.
Average temperatures in the Antarctic have been rising for the last 50 years, scientists have discovered. Science correspondent Tom Feilden explains.
Criminologist Dr Marian FitzGerald and Chief Constable Ian Johnston discuss flaws in crime statistics.
Simon Schama discusses why Barack Obama took the presidential oath for a second time.
Thought for the day with the Rev Angela Tilby.
Lord Patten warns that if President Obama is as multilateral as promised, life could become less comfortable for Europe.
Head of the FSA Lord Turner discusses whether parts of the regulatory system are 'seriously deficient'.
Prince Charles reads a poem to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
James Reynolds joins Chinese migrants as they return for the Chinese New Year.
Rodney Bickerstaffe, formerly of public sector workers' union the NUPE, and Will Hutton, chief exec of the Work Foundation, remember the 'Winter of Discontent'.
Quentin Sommerville reports on death penalties given to those involved in China's milk scandal.
Lorna Gordon reports from the Highlands on a dramatic increase in the illegal harvesting of freshwater pearls.
Angus Stickler reports on accusations that millions of government records contain errors.
Scotland's wild red deer may be lost if they continue to breed with a foreign species, scientists warn. Helen Senn of the University of Edinburgh reports.
THU 09:00 In Our Time (b00gryrx)
History of History
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss how the writing of history has changed over time, from ancient epics to medieval hagiographies and modern deconstructions. In the 6th century AD, the bishop of Tours began his history of the world with a simple observation that “A great many things keep happening, some of them good, some of them bad”. For a phrase that captures the whole of history it’s among the best, but in writing about the past we are rarely so economical. From ancient epics – Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War - to medieval hagiographies and modern deconstructions, historians have endlessly chronicled, surveyed and analysed the great many things that keep happening, declaring some of them good and some of them bad. But the writing of history always illuminates two periods – the one history is written about and the one it is written in. And to look at how the writing of history has changed is to examine the way successive ages have understood their world. In short, there is a history to history.With Paul Cartledge, AG Leventis Professor of Greek Culture and Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge; John Burrow, Emeritus Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford and Miri Rubin, Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at Queen Mary, University of London.
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b00h6y31)
Bluebird
A Place by the Sea
Gemma Arterton reads Vesna Maric's account of coming to Britain as a 16-year-old asylum seeker, after fleeing the conflict in Bosnia in 1992.
Vesna makes plans to move to Hull. She knows it is by the sea, and so looks forward to sandy beaches, palm trees and promenades.
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00grd8w)
Phone-in: the relevence of feminism
With Jenni Murray. Listeners share their views on feminism, including those who have managed work and family and how it relates to young women today.
THU 11:00 From Our Own Correspondent (b00gryrz)
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.
THU 11:30 Five Meet to Make Up Myths (b00xchg6)
Gyles Brandreth explores the creative connections between five Victorian authors. Oscar Wilde, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, JM Barrie and Bram Stoker all knew each other and used to frequent many of the same venues in London in the 1880s and 90s. Gyles Brandreth enlists the help of Freudian psychotherapist Brett Kahr and others to find out why their fictional creations remain compelling to this day.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b00gqptm)
Presented by Winifred Robinson.
Doctors say they are sometimes having to pretend their existing rheumatoid arthritis patients are new sufferers when they need to get them seen by a specialist. Consultant rheumatologist Professor David Scott discusses.
Some employees are using social networking sites to complain about their customers. We speak to employment lawyer Clare Dawson and Matt Rhodes, who works for media consultancy Fresh Networks, to find out the legal implications this might have on a business.
With the downturn biting, will train operators be able to honour franchise deals struck in happier times? Tony Miles, of Modern Railways Magazine, and Ashwin Kumar, passenger director at Passenger Focus, give the inside story.
As part of an incentive scheme that covers all four and a half thousand Northern Rock workers, the majority of staff will get bonuses. Robert Peston, the BBC's business editor, explains why.
Melanie Abbott takes a look at a smaller version of the 'mosquito device', which gives off a high-pitched noise designed to put young people off hanging around where they are not wanted.
Phone Pay Plus has come up with some ideas for giving mobile phone customers a better service. Paul Whiteing, its chief executive, explains.
British Gas has announced it will cut the cost of its standard tariff by 10%. But given that gas prices rose by more than a third in July 2008, how good a deal is it, and what else is on offer? We ask Ed Mayo, head of consumer focus.
THU 12:57 Weather (b00gqxh3)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b00gqxjd)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
THU 13:30 Costing the Earth (b00grd2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Monday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b00gqwtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b00gvlz0)
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Episode 4
Adaptation of the John Irving novel, dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths.
Owen gets into serious trouble at Gravesend Academy when he challenges authority. Is it just teenage rebellion or is he driven by something more profound?
John ...... Henry Goodman
Owen Meany ...... Toby Jones
Johnny ...... Simon Lee Phillips
Dan Needham ...... Adam Godley
Dr Dolder/Randolph White ...... Kerry Shale
Rev Merrill ...... Vincent Marzello
Larry Lish ...... Robert Lonsdale
Mrs Lish ...... Janice Acquah
McSwiney ...... Vincent Marzello.
THU 15:00 Open Country (b00gntcj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b00gq4mm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00grgvn)
Wrestling Angels
The Jeweller's Wife
The pain of a woman's infertility is nothing compared to the trouble caused by her miraculous healing. The third of Fraser Grace's biblical tales.
Read by Deborah Findlay
Produced by Marilyn Imrie
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00gqxt6)
A New Nation
David Reynolds tells the story of the American Civil War which began 150 years ago this month. In ten episodes he explores the origins and legacy of the war. The Battle of Gettysburg.
Episode 4: A New Nation
Previously broadcast on 22 January, 2009, as part of David Reynolds 90 part series, America, Empire of Liberty.
THU 16:00 Open Book (b00gq530)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b00grz23)
Neutrons Probe Spider Silk Secrets - Concrete Canvas & Emergency Shelters
Neutrons Probe Spider Silk Secrets
Just outside Oxford there’s a state-of the-art particle accelerator. It’s not searching for the secrets of the cosmos but probing materials in greater detail than is possible with any microscope. It’s the ISIS neutron source and has just had a major upgrade.
The intense beams of neutrons it sends out are being used by more than 2,000 scientists ranging from chemists to geologists. They can reveal the chemicals of life in molecular detail and the structure of materials used in electronics and nanotechnology. The newly completed upgrade will provide a second experimental hall, primarily for biological sciences. Quentin Cooper hears about the latest applications for the vast instrument.
For example, ISIS is being used to identify the molecular recipe for spider silk. Spider-silk is five times the strength of steel and more flexible than the material used in bullet proof vests. That’s leading to many potential new applications.
Far from catching flies, silk is forming the basis of bio-compatible materials for surgical sutures, bone, cartilage and tendon replacements and even guide tubes to regenerate damaged nerves. But the scientists at the Oxford Silk Group don’t want to start a spider farm!
They hope to reproduce in lab and ultimately factory what spiders do in nature. And for that they need to understand how the silk molecules behave, dry out and strengthen as the spider draws them from its spinarette. And that means looking at them with pulses of neutrons.
Neutrons are also helping aerospace companies tackle the challenge of cosmic radiation and its damaging effect on microchips in airplanes. They can identify materials that can store hydrogen safely, efficiently and cost-effectively for hydrogen cars of the future. And, looking to the past, the technology is helping scientists discover the true origins of historical artefacts. These have included ornate pistols owned by a former US President and Japanese swords that date back over a thousand years.
Concrete Canvas and Emergency Shelters
Engineers find solutions, and there’s no greater need for such ingenuity than in the wake of a disaster. Whether it be earthquakes or war, there are people around the world in desperate need of shelter and basic infrastructure.
Arup engineer Jo da Silva joins Quentin Cooper to talk about her work co-ordinating the building of shelters after the 2004 tsunami. She also discusses the key engineering problems in disaster zones, and how a mixture of materials and local expertise can ensure the re-building lasts in the long-term. A post-disaster solution suggested by Peter Brewin and his colleague is concrete canvas. This flexible cloth is impregnated with concrete powder and only needs water and oxygen to set hard.
It’s so tough that the MoD is already using it to strengthen defences on the frontline in Afghanistan. Although it’s currently too expensive to be suitable for shelters, the material has potential for making secure buildings and emergency field hospitals when and where they’re needed.
THU 17:00 PM (b00gqxws)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00gqxxt)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
THU 18:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b00dz8ls)
Series 5
Anger Management
Comedy series by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds.
After a run-in with the Head of Stakeholder Communications Engagement at a local council meeting, Ed finds himself in anger management classes. Could he turn over a new leaf and become a gentler person?
Ed Reardon ...... Christopher Douglas
Sue Fishpool ...... Rachel Atkins
Olive ...... Stephanie Cole
Felix ...... John Fortune
Pearl ...... Rita May
Ping ...... Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Steve Williams ...... Tom Price
Stan ...... Geoffrey Whitehead.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b00gqwtq)
Shula's still feeling stressed. Alistair asks if she'd like him to look over the books with her. Shula admits that it's not just the business, and Alistair realises she's still worrying about the church. He finds it hard to understand, as he thought Shula had done something about that by agreeing to run some services in Loxley Barrett. But Shula is missing all her involvement in St Stephen's. She knows it sounds dull to Alistair, but it wasn't to her. Alistair is sorry for her and decides to skip Gamblers Anonymous tonight. He'll cook, and they can enjoy an evening together.
Things are tense at Grange Farm too, as Alistair goes over to assess the results of yet another TB test. Everyone tries to chat as the cows go through. Mike tells them that Roy and Hayley can't afford a new kitchen and are going to have to make do with a lick of paint and a new cooker. But everyone is really concentrating on the animals and Alistair's results.
No-one relaxes until the glorious moment when the last cow goes through and is clear. Oliver tells them all that he's going to celebrate with a party, and there is general relief and rejoicing.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b00gqy2g)
Presented by Mark Lawson.
Front Row looks at the Oscar nominations for 2009, including interviews with directors David Fincher and Stephen Daldry, writers Mike Leigh and David Hare, actresses Amy Adams, Kate Winslet and Angelina Jolie and the director of the documentary Man on Wire, James Marsh.
Critics Chris Tookey and Laruska Ivan-Zadeh join Mark to discuss the Academy's choices and to review the film Milk, starring Sean Penn as the US politician and gay activist Harvey Milk.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00h44sj)
Vita Sackville-West - All Passion Spent
Episode 4
Adaptation of the 1931 novel by Vita Sackville-West.
Lady Slane's new-found friendship with Mr FitzGeorge is ended when he dies suddenly, leaving a legacy that comes as a shock to her children.
Lady Slane ...... Honor Blackman
Mr FitzGeorge ...... Alec McCowen
Herbert Holland ...... John Nicholas
Carrie ...... Phyllida Nash
Kay Holland ...... Patrick Romer
Mr Bucktrout ...... Paul Nicholson
Mr Gosheron ...... Peter Ellis
Genoux ...... Sonia Elliman
Police Inspector ...... Russell Boulter
Deborah Holland ...... Annabel Scholey
Directed by Sara Davies.
THU 20:00 Investigation (b00gs0km)
Series 6
Episode 2
Simon Cox investigates how local authorities react when people ask to have their children taken away. While attention might normally focus on social services failing to protect children from abusive parents, he talks to some parents who, conversely, say that they cannot cope or do not want the responsibility.
THU 20:30 In Business (b00gs0kp)
Now That the Party's Over
As the dust begins to settle on the catastrophic business events of 2008, Peter Day looks at what has changed and finds out how to cope with the future.
THU 21:00 Leading Edge (b00gs0n4)
Darwin’s Sacred Cause
Darwin’s Sacred Cause
2009 is the bicentenary of the greatest biologist of all time, Charles Darwin. To celebrate, Jim Moore, professor of the history of science at the Open University, and Adrian Desmond of University College, London, have written a new book, Darwin’s Sacred Cause. It challenges the conventional view of the man, saying that the motivation for his theory of evolution was his strong anti-slavery beliefs.
Darwin's Sacred Cause is published on the 29th of January by Penguin
A Guide to Darwinalia
Science writer and broadcaster Adam Rutherford, is slightly bemused about the current glut of Darwinalia – but he also has some sound advice!
Mobile Diagnosis
That familiar cry of the mobile phone user - “I’m on the train!” - might one day be replaced by another: “I’ve got the sample”. Scientists in California are developing a phone to help with the diagnosis of disease. It would be faster and cheaper than sending a test tube off to a lab. Leading Edge reporter Jon Stewart went to the University of California to meet Professor Aydogan Ozcan.
Medicine at the Gallop
The University of Glasgow Equine Hospital is the first in the UK to look inside a horse as it gallops at full speed. Many horses suffer from breathing problems and a new diagnostic technique allows vets to see inside the horses as they are exercising, leading to better diagnosis and treatment.
THU 21:30 In Our Time (b00gryrx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b00gqy3h)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b00gqy4k)
With Jane Hill. Including reports on the announcement of President Obama's new Middle East envoy, and the gloomy prospects for the class of 2009.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00gr72d)
One Morning Like A Bird
Episode 9
Michael Maloney reads from the novel by Andrew Miller set in Tokyo during World War II.
Yuji, Alissa and their new baby son return to Tokyo. But the family life they cherish cannot go on indefinitely.
THU 23:00 Recorded for Training Purposes (b00gs0n6)
Series 3
Episode 3
Sketch show about modern communication and contemporary obsessions. With Ben Willbond and Rachel Atkins.
First heard on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
THU 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00gqy5y)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.
FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 2009
FRI 00:00 Midnight News (b00gq62q)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b00h6y31)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00gq668)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00gq68q)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00gq6bl)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b00gq6dg)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00gqcxc)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Stephen Wigley.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b00gqdfw)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.
FRI 06:00 Today (b00gqgv4)
Presented by Edward Stourton and Evan Davis.
Economics professor Nouriel Roubini discusses fears about the fate of the economy.
Could there be an end in sight to the civil war in Sri Lanka? Zubeida Malik reports.
Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of UK Music, says that the Met Police are abusing live event legislation.
Historian David Barlow reflects on first use of wireless technology in a sea rescue 100 years ago.
Sanchia Berg talks to three family members who were all made redundant on the same day in 1980.
Professor Richard Parish, of the Royal Society of Public Health, discusses if a financial incentive will provide the stimulation to give up smoking.
Thought for the day with the Right Reverend Lord Harries of Pentregarth.
UN official Sir John Holmes discusses the nature and extent of the destruction in Gaza.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown discusses what the government is doing to alleviate pressure on small businesses and families.
Mike Thomson reports on General Nkunda's detention in Rwanda.
Did Israel engage in the illegal use of munitions, including white phosphorus shells, against the civilian population in Gaza?
Evan Davis goes birdwatching at Brent Reservoir in North London.
Christopher Parish and Professor Richard Aldous discuss the 200th birthday of former Prime Minister William Gladstone.
FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b00gq4n2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b00h6y33)
Bluebird
Coming Home
Gemma Arterton reads Vesna Maric's account of coming to Britain as a 16-year-old asylum seeker, after fleeing the conflict in Bosnia in 1992.
Vesna receives a letter from the Home Office that will decide her fate.
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00grd8y)
Stressed midwives; The Belle Star Band
The emotional impact of childbirth on the midwife discussed. Plus the merits of northern parents, and one of Scotland's top all-women dance bands, The Belle Star Band, play live.
FRI 11:00 The Lake (b00gs3ks)
An evocative sound portrait of Britain's largest lake, Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. With a shoreline measuring over 70 miles long, this vast stretch of water is more like a sea than a lake. Recordings made above and below the waves reveal a moody, stormy, wild and even dangerous place where legends of a buried town, a horse god and three sisters emerge from the shallows, while smoke-like plumes and huge flocks of birds rise from the surface as the seasons unfold.
FRI 11:30 The Castle (b00gs3kv)
Series 2
Pool Party of Doom
Hie ye to "The Castle", a rollicking sitcom set way back then, starring James Fleet ("The Vicar Of Dibley", "Four Weddings & A Funeral") and Neil Dudgeon ("Life Of Riley")
In this episode, a heatwave and an archaeological excavation leads to an unexpected swimming pool...
Cast:
Sir John Woodstock ..... James Fleet
Sir William De Warenne ...... Neil Dudgeon
Lady Anne Woodstock ..... Montserrat Lombard
Cardinal Duncan ...... Jonathan Kydd
Lady Charlotte ....... Ingrid Oliver
Master Henry Woodstock ...... Steven Kynman
Merlin ...... Lewis Macleod
Written by Kim Fuller with additional material by Paul Alexander
Music by Guy Jackson
Produced and directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b00gqptp)
Presented by Peter White.
The Food Standards Agency is trying to persuade restaurants to include the calorie information of meals on its menus. Tim Smith, chief executive of the FSA, explains.
You and Yours reveals the identity of nine ticket websites which are being targeted by police over allegations of fraud and failing to provide tickets paid for by music fans. Shari Vahl reports.
Peter White and wheelchair user Flash travel from Heathrow to Stratford to find out how accommodating it is for the disabled.
A review is underway of the so-called 'Crown Jewel' events and those which must be shown on terrestrial television. We hear from the former FA executive director David Davies, who is heading up the independent review.
With EastEnders and Hollyoaks introducing new characters with physical disabilities, comedian Liz Carr ponders what lies in store for them.
Why Sean Connery is willing Scots around the world to return home in 2009.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b00gqxh5)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b00gqxjg)
National and international news with Brian Hanrahan.
FRI 13:30 More or Less (b00gs3kx)
Fertility Figures - Credit Crunch Maths - Statistical Significance - Recession
Fertility Figures
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has the world's largest database on artificial insemination. But how does the HFEA make all this information useful to anxious couples considering having IVF treatment?
To find out Tim Harford speaks to Lisa Jardine, chair of the HFEA and Helen Joyce the education correspondent for the Economist and mathematician, who has had IVF treatment herself.
Credit Crunch Maths
How did the derivatives market grow to the value of $150 trillion?
Continuing with our credit crunch series , Paul Wilmott returns to explain how the value of the global derivatives market could possibly be three times that of the world economy - a figure amounting to $150 trillion.
Statistical Significance
Professor Steve Ziliak, economist and co-author of 'The Cult of Statistical Significance' discusses the mathematical tool for separating random from real effects.
He explains to us why the misunderstanding of statistical significance has lead to bad government policy making and how one particularly famous brewery employed the technique to improve the pints we enjoy today.
Recession
How exactly is a recession defined?
Its official - the UK is in recession, defined by the second consecutive quarter of negative growth that was announced today.
But why do we define recession this way and how is negative growth calculated? To find out we speak to Martin Weale, director of the National Institute for Economic and Social Research.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b00gqwtq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b00gvlz2)
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Episode 5
Adaptation of the John Irving novel, dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths.
As the draft cards for the Vietnam War arrive, Johnny cannot understand why Owen is desperate to join the combat branch. But following his prophetic vision, Owen believes that there are higher forces at work.
John ...... Henry Goodman
Owen Meany ...... Toby Jones
Johnny ...... Max Baldry
Rev Merrill ...... Vincent Marzello
Hester ...... Sarah Goldberg
Major Rawls ...... William Hope
Mr Meany ...... Jonathan Tafler
Mrs Meany ...... Jill Cardo
Dick Jarvits ...... Harry Mcentire
Mother/Nun ...... Janice Acquah
Father ...... Jonathan Tafler
Girl ...... Donnla Hughes
Vocal coach for the voice of Owen Meany: Penny Dyer.
FRI 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00gs3kz)
Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum.
Bob Flowerdew, Bunny Guinness and Matthew Biggs answer the questions posed by gardeners in Norfolk.
Including the Gardeners' Question Time gardening weather forecast.
FRI 15:45 America, Empire of Liberty (b00gqxt8)
The War Behind the Battle Lines
David Reynolds tells the story of the American Civil War which began 150 years ago this month. In ten episodes he explores the origins and legacy of the war.
Episode 5: 'The War Behind the Battle Lines': The burning of Atlanta.
Previously broadcast on 23 January, 2009, as part of David Reynolds 90 part series America, Empire of Liberty.
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b00gs3x3)
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.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b00gs3x5)
Francine Stock talks to Gus Van Sant, the director of Milk, which stars Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official. Francine also talks to Peter Morgan, writer of The Deal, The Queen and Frost/Nixon.
FRI 17:00 PM (b00gqxwv)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00gqxxw)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
FRI 18:30 The News Quiz (b00gs3x7)
Series 67
Episode 3
Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz, with panellists Andy Hamilton, Jeremy Hardy, Danielle Ward and Fred MacAulay.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b00gqwts)
After some serious thinking, Shula calls Alan and tells him she can't do the services at Loxley Barrett after all. She just so busy now at the weekends. She wouldn't want to do the work of a reader badly. When Usha finds out she's uncompromising in her criticism of Shula. It's all got to be about her, she thinks. Alan is very sad.
Brian and Jennifer go round to Pat and Tony's to celebrate their successful purchase of Bridge Farm. Brian's not really keen to go and spends his time avoiding Pat's homemade food. But at least it gives him a chance to talk to Tom about the supermarket deal.
Tom is clear that he hasn't changed his mind - he wants nothing to do with it. A pity, says Brian, because I've told them we'll go ahead. They have a full scale row, with Brian giving Tom some hard facts and Tom standing up for himself and his business ethos. Brian is not going to win this one. He can go ahead and deal with the supermarket, but he'll be on his own. He'll get no support from Tom.
Episode written by Joanna Toye.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b00gqy2j)
Presented by Kirsty Lang.
Cape Town-born actor, director and writer Antony Sher talks to Kirsty about the resonance of The Tempest in his birthplace and how African ritual releases the magic of Shakespeare's last play.
Writer and former Time Out editor Laura Lee Davies joins Kirsty to discuss Bruce Springsteen's new album, Working On A Dream.
Novelist Andrew Martin and the director of the Warwick Prize, Prof David Morley, consider the merits of literary prizes and prize-giving.
Kirsty talks to author Lawrence Hill about his historical novel, The Book of Negroes, which won the 2008 Commonwealth Writers' Prize. They discuss the significance of the novel's title, which was changed for an American audience, and the research involved in writing a slave narrative.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00h45n1)
Vita Sackville-West - All Passion Spent
Episode 5
Adaptation of the 1931 novel by Vita Sackville-West.
Lady Slane's decision about what to do with the vast fortune left to her by her friend Mr FitzGeorge outrages her family, but a visit from her great-granddaughter brings hope for the future.
Lady Slane ...... Honor Blackman
Mr FitzGeorge ...... Alec McCowen
Herbert Holland ...... John Nicholas
Carrie ...... Phyllida Nash
Kay Holland ...... Patrick Romer
Mr Bucktrout ...... Paul Nicholson
Mr Gosheron ...... Peter Ellis
Genoux ...... Sonia Elliman
Police Inspector ...... Russell Boulter
Deborah Holland ...... Annabel Scholey
Directed by Sara Davies.
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b00gs3x9)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the topical debate in Chudleigh, Devon. The panel are the health minister Ben Bradshaw, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley, Liberal Democrat spokesman on culture, media and sport Don Foster and the chair of the Charity Commission, Dame Suzi Leather.
FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b00gs3xc)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Harold Evans.
FRI 21:00 America, Empire of Liberty Omnibus (b00gs3xf)
North and South
Omnibus edition of the series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds.
The years of Civil War: a fight for Southern independence and the end of slavery. The North won but the price paid in human lives was immense, and the political and cultural impact is still evident today.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b00gqy3k)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b00gqy4m)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig. With reports on the UK recession, the new US attitude to Hamid Karzai and prosecuting 'war cimes' in Gaza.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00gr72g)
One Morning Like A Bird
Episode 10
Michael Maloney reads from the novel by Andrew Miller set in Tokyo during World War II.
With Alissa and Emile on their way to Singapore and Ishihara's group drawing him closer to them, Yuji makes some life-changing decisions.
FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b00gs3xh)
Series 17
Alfred Russel Wallace
Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris. Travel writer Redmond O'Hanlon champions the life of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. Dr Sandy Knapp joins the discussion.
FRI 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00gqy60)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Mark D'Arcy.
LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)
15 Minute Drama
19:45 MON (b00gqpr3)
15 Minute Drama
19:45 TUE (b00h438m)
15 Minute Drama
19:45 WED (b00h44b0)
15 Minute Drama
19:45 THU (b00h44sj)
15 Minute Drama
19:45 FRI (b00h45n1)
A Point of View
08:50 SUN (b00gm685)
A Point of View
20:50 FRI (b00gs3xc)
A View Through a Lens
14:45 SUN (b00gq4nb)
A Voyage on Livingstone's Lake
11:00 TUE (b00grftd)
Afternoon Reading
15:30 TUE (b00grgnv)
Afternoon Reading
15:30 WED (b00grgvl)
Afternoon Reading
15:30 THU (b00grgvn)
America, Empire of Liberty Omnibus
21:00 FRI (b00gs3xf)
America, Empire of Liberty
15:45 MON (b00gqxr9)
America, Empire of Liberty
15:45 TUE (b00gqxt2)
America, Empire of Liberty
15:45 WED (b00gqxt4)
America, Empire of Liberty
15:45 THU (b00gqxt6)
America, Empire of Liberty
15:45 FRI (b00gqxt8)
Anthony Trollope - Orley Farm
21:00 SAT (b00ghrhb)
Any Answers?
14:00 SAT (b00gnvb0)
Any Questions?
13:10 SAT (b00gm683)
Any Questions?
20:00 FRI (b00gs3x9)
Archive on 4
20:00 SAT (b00gnvvh)
Archive on 4
15:00 MON (b00gnvvh)
Art Made in China
05:45 SAT (b008th9f)
Bells on Sunday
05:43 SUN (b00gnwdp)
Bells on Sunday
00:45 MON (b00gnwdp)
Beyond Belief
16:30 MON (b00grd27)
Book at Bedtime
22:45 MON (b00gr726)
Book at Bedtime
22:45 TUE (b00gr728)
Book at Bedtime
22:45 WED (b00gr72b)
Book at Bedtime
22:45 THU (b00gr72d)
Book at Bedtime
22:45 FRI (b00gr72g)
Book of the Week
00:30 SAT (b00h3m9c)
Book of the Week
09:45 MON (b00gqp3b)
Book of the Week
00:30 TUE (b00gqp3b)
Book of the Week
09:45 TUE (b00h6y6b)
Book of the Week
00:30 WED (b00h6y6b)
Book of the Week
09:45 WED (b00h6y2z)
Book of the Week
00:30 THU (b00h6y2z)
Book of the Week
09:45 THU (b00h6y31)
Book of the Week
00:30 FRI (b00h6y31)
Book of the Week
09:45 FRI (b00h6y33)
Brain of Britain
23:00 SAT (b00gl57m)
Brain of Britain
13:30 MON (b00gqzw3)
Broadcasting House
09:00 SUN (b00gq4mw)
Broken Arts
18:30 TUE (b00grqmj)
Case Notes
21:00 TUE (b00grqmq)
Case Notes
16:30 WED (b00grqmq)
Classic Serial
15:00 SUN (b00gq4nd)
Costing the Earth
21:00 MON (b00grd2f)
Costing the Earth
13:30 THU (b00grd2f)
Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!
11:30 WED (b00grrzy)
Crossing Continents
20:30 MON (b00fbjlx)
Desert Island Discs
11:15 SUN (b00gq4n2)
Desert Island Discs
09:00 FRI (b00gq4n2)
Discovering the Sitwells
11:30 TUE (b00grftg)
Drama
14:15 MON (b00gr1fp)
Drama
14:15 TUE (b00gvm09)
Drama
14:15 WED (b00gvlyy)
Drama
14:15 THU (b00gvlz0)
Drama
14:15 FRI (b00gvlz2)
Ed Reardon's Week
18:30 THU (b00dz8ls)
Excess Baggage
10:00 SAT (b00gntcw)
Farming Today This Week
06:30 SAT (b00gntcl)
Farming Today
05:45 MON (b00gqdfy)
Farming Today
05:45 TUE (b00gqdfp)
Farming Today
05:45 WED (b00gqdfr)
Farming Today
05:45 THU (b00gqdft)
Farming Today
05:45 FRI (b00gqdfw)
File on 4
20:00 TUE (b00grqml)
Five Meet to Make Up Myths
11:30 THU (b00xchg6)
From Our Own Correspondent
11:30 SAT (b00gnv9r)
From Our Own Correspondent
11:00 THU (b00gryrz)
Front Row
19:15 MON (b00gqy39)
Front Row
19:15 TUE (b00gqy2b)
Front Row
19:15 WED (b00gqy2d)
Front Row
19:15 THU (b00gqy2g)
Front Row
19:15 FRI (b00gqy2j)
Gardeners' Question Time
14:00 SUN (b00gm603)
Gardeners' Question Time
15:00 FRI (b00gs3kz)
Go4it
19:15 SUN (b00gq53g)
Great Lives
23:00 FRI (b00gs3xh)
Home Planet
15:00 TUE (b00grgkg)
Hot House Kids
11:00 MON (b00gqzvy)
In Business
21:30 SUN (b00gm3bh)
In Business
20:30 THU (b00gs0kp)
In Living Memory
23:00 SUN (b00cdsj6)
In Our Time
09:00 THU (b00gryrx)
In Our Time
21:30 THU (b00gryrx)
In Search of Sid
23:00 TUE (b00grqms)
In Touch
20:40 TUE (b00grqmn)
Investigation
20:00 THU (b00gs0km)
Just a Minute
12:00 SUN (b00gl57r)
Just a Minute
18:30 MON (b00grd29)
Last Word
20:30 SUN (b00gm62f)
Last Word
16:00 FRI (b00gs3x3)
Law in Action
16:00 TUE (b00h42rr)
Leading Edge
21:00 THU (b00gs0n4)
Loose Ends
18:15 SAT (b00gnvrf)
Material World
16:30 THU (b00grz23)
Midnight News
00:00 SAT (b00gm6qz)
Midnight News
00:00 SUN (b00gnwd1)
Midnight News
00:00 MON (b00gq660)
Midnight News
00:00 TUE (b00gq62j)
Midnight News
00:00 WED (b00gq62l)
Midnight News
00:00 THU (b00gq62n)
Midnight News
00:00 FRI (b00gq62q)
Midweek
09:00 WED (b00grrzt)
Midweek
21:30 WED (b00grrzt)
Money Box Live
15:00 WED (b00grs02)
Money Box
12:00 SAT (b00gnv9t)
Money Box
21:00 SUN (b00gnv9t)
More or Less
20:00 SUN (b00gm5zz)
More or Less
13:30 FRI (b00gs3kx)
Music Feature
13:30 SUN (b00fzc2y)
News Briefing
05:30 SAT (b00gm6r7)
News Briefing
05:30 SUN (b00gnwdc)
News Briefing
05:30 MON (b00gq6dl)
News Briefing
05:30 TUE (b00gq6d8)
News Briefing
05:30 WED (b00gq6db)
News Briefing
05:30 THU (b00gq6dd)
News Briefing
05:30 FRI (b00gq6dg)
News Headlines
06:00 SUN (b00gp10q)
News and Papers
06:00 SAT (b00gm6rc)
News and Papers
07:00 SUN (b00gq4mh)
News and Papers
08:00 SUN (b00gq4mr)
News and Weather
22:00 SAT (b00gnvvk)
News
13:00 SAT (b00gnv9y)
Nick Mohammed in Quarters
23:00 WED (b00grtmv)
On Your Farm
06:35 SUN (b00gq4mc)
On the Top Deck
11:00 WED (b00grrzw)
Online Damage: Porn in the 21st Century
17:00 SUN (b00glc5z)
Open Book
16:00 SUN (b00gq530)
Open Book
16:00 THU (b00gq530)
Open Country
06:07 SAT (b00gntcj)
Open Country
15:00 THU (b00gntcj)
Opening Lines
19:45 SUN (b007tdlr)
PM
17:00 SAT (b00gnvr3)
PM
17:00 MON (b00gqxxm)
PM
16:30 TUE (b00gqxwn)
PM
17:00 WED (b00gqxwq)
PM
17:00 THU (b00gqxws)
PM
17:00 FRI (b00gqxwv)
Pick of the Week
18:15 SUN (b00gq53b)
Poetry Please
23:30 SAT (b00ghrld)
Poetry Please
16:30 SUN (b00gq532)
Prayer for the Day
05:43 SAT (b00gm6r9)
Prayer for the Day
05:43 MON (b00gqdfm)
Prayer for the Day
05:43 TUE (b00gqcx5)
Prayer for the Day
05:43 WED (b00gqcx7)
Prayer for the Day
05:43 THU (b00gqcx9)
Prayer for the Day
05:43 FRI (b00gqcxc)
Profile
19:00 SAT (b00gnvvc)
Profile
05:45 SUN (b00gnvvc)
Profile
17:40 SUN (b00gnvvc)
Radio 4 Appeal
07:55 SUN (b00gq4mm)
Radio 4 Appeal
21:26 SUN (b00gq4mm)
Radio 4 Appeal
15:27 THU (b00gq4mm)
Recorded for Training Purposes
23:00 THU (b00gs0n6)
Saturday Drama
14:30 SAT (b00gswn8)
Saturday Live
09:00 SAT (b00gntct)
Saturday Review
19:15 SAT (b00gnvvf)
Says on the Tin
11:30 MON (b00gqzw0)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 SAT (b00gm6r3)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 SUN (b00gnwd7)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 MON (b00gq6bb)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 TUE (b00gq68j)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 WED (b00gq68l)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 THU (b00gq68n)
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes
01:00 FRI (b00gq68q)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 SAT (b00gm6r1)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 SAT (b00gm6r5)
Shipping Forecast
17:54 SAT (b00gnvr7)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 SUN (b00gnwd5)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 SUN (b00gnwd9)
Shipping Forecast
17:54 SUN (b00gq534)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 MON (b00gq68g)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 MON (b00gq6d6)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 TUE (b00gq662)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 TUE (b00gq6bd)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 WED (b00gq664)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 WED (b00gq6bg)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 THU (b00gq666)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 THU (b00gq6bj)
Shipping Forecast
00:48 FRI (b00gq668)
Shipping Forecast
05:20 FRI (b00gq6bl)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 SAT (b00gnvrc)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 SUN (b00gq538)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 MON (b00gqxxy)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 TUE (b00gqxxp)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 WED (b00gqxxr)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 THU (b00gqxxt)
Six O'Clock News
18:00 FRI (b00gqxxw)
Something Understood
06:05 SUN (b00gp10s)
Something Understood
23:30 SUN (b00gp10s)
Start the Week
09:00 MON (b00gqzvw)
Start the Week
21:30 MON (b00gqzvw)
State of Mind
21:00 WED (b00grshl)
Sunday Worship
08:10 SUN (b00gq4mt)
Sunday
07:10 SUN (b00gq4mk)
Take Two
13:30 TUE (b00grgkd)
Taking a Stand
09:00 TUE (b00grdby)
Taking a Stand
21:30 TUE (b00grdby)
The Archers Omnibus
10:00 SUN (b00gq4mz)
The Archers
19:00 SUN (b00gq53d)
The Archers
14:00 MON (b00gq53d)
The Archers
19:00 MON (b00gqwtv)
The Archers
14:00 TUE (b00gqwtv)
The Archers
19:00 TUE (b00gqwtl)
The Archers
14:00 WED (b00gqwtl)
The Archers
19:00 WED (b00gqwtn)
The Archers
14:00 THU (b00gqwtn)
The Archers
19:00 THU (b00gqwtq)
The Archers
14:00 FRI (b00gqwtq)
The Archers
19:00 FRI (b00gqwts)
The Bush Legacy
20:00 MON (b00grd2c)
The Castle
11:30 FRI (b00gs3kv)
The Condensed History of George W Bush
20:45 WED (b00grshj)
The Correspondent
23:15 WED (b00h781m)
The Film Programme
16:30 FRI (b00gs3x5)
The Food Programme
12:32 SUN (b00gq4n4)
The Food Programme
16:00 MON (b00gq4n4)
The Fortune Hunters
09:30 TUE (b00grdc0)
The Lake
11:00 FRI (b00gs3ks)
The Late Story
00:30 SUN (b007qzxx)
The Media Show
13:30 WED (b00grs00)
The News Quiz
12:30 SAT (b00gm62k)
The News Quiz
18:30 FRI (b00gs3x7)
The Week in Westminster
11:00 SAT (b00gnv9p)
The World This Weekend
13:00 SUN (b00gq4n8)
The World Tonight
22:00 MON (b00gqy5r)
The World Tonight
22:00 TUE (b00gqy4f)
The World Tonight
22:00 WED (b00gqy4h)
The World Tonight
22:00 THU (b00gqy4k)
The World Tonight
22:00 FRI (b00gqy4m)
Thinking Allowed
00:15 MON (b00glnb1)
Thinking Allowed
16:00 WED (b00grs04)
Today in Parliament
23:30 MON (b00gqy62)
Today in Parliament
23:30 TUE (b00gqy5t)
Today in Parliament
23:30 WED (b00gqy5w)
Today in Parliament
23:30 THU (b00gqy5y)
Today in Parliament
23:30 FRI (b00gqy60)
Today
07:00 SAT (b00gntcr)
Today
06:00 MON (b00gqgv2)
Today
06:00 TUE (b00gqgt3)
Today
06:00 WED (b00gqgt5)
Today
06:00 THU (b00gqgt9)
Today
06:00 FRI (b00gqgv4)
Unreliable Evidence
22:15 SAT (b00glndk)
Unreliable Evidence
20:00 WED (b00grsdw)
Weather
06:04 SAT (b00gntcg)
Weather
06:57 SAT (b00gntcp)
Weather
12:57 SAT (b00gnv9w)
Weather
17:57 SAT (b00gnvr9)
Weather
06:57 SUN (b00gq4mf)
Weather
07:58 SUN (b00gq4mp)
Weather
12:57 SUN (b00gq4n6)
Weather
17:57 SUN (b00gq536)
Weather
21:58 SUN (b00gq614)
Weather
05:57 MON (b00gqzvt)
Weather
12:57 MON (b00gqxj6)
Weather
21:58 MON (b00gqy4c)
Weather
12:57 TUE (b00gqxgz)
Weather
21:58 TUE (b00gqy3c)
Weather
12:57 WED (b00gqxh1)
Weather
21:58 WED (b00gqy3f)
Weather
12:57 THU (b00gqxh3)
Weather
21:58 THU (b00gqy3h)
Weather
12:57 FRI (b00gqxh5)
Weather
21:58 FRI (b00gqy3k)
Weekend Woman's Hour
16:00 SAT (b00gnvr1)
Westminster Hour
22:00 SUN (b00gq616)
Will Smith's Midlife Crisis Management
18:30 WED (b00grsdt)
Winnie the Who?
10:30 SAT (b00gntcy)
Woman's Hour
10:00 MON (b00gqpqs)
Woman's Hour
10:00 TUE (b00grd8r)
Woman's Hour
10:00 WED (b00grd8t)
Woman's Hour
10:00 THU (b00grd8w)
Woman's Hour
10:00 FRI (b00grd8y)
Word of Mouth
23:00 MON (b00glblw)
World at One
13:00 MON (b00gqxjz)
World at One
13:00 TUE (b00gqxj8)
World at One
13:00 WED (b00gqxjb)
World at One
13:00 THU (b00gqxjd)
World at One
13:00 FRI (b00gqxjg)
You and Yours
12:00 MON (b00gqptt)
You and Yours
12:00 TUE (b00gqpth)
You and Yours
12:00 WED (b00gqptk)
You and Yours
12:00 THU (b00gqptm)
You and Yours
12:00 FRI (b00gqptp)
iPM
17:30 SAT (b00gnvr5)