I have listened to Radio 4 for years. It is the backdrop to my life – both hearing the programmes and knowing the schedule mean that I am informed, entertained and amused at the same time as having a feel for the hour just by hearing what’s on. It isn’t just me, the whole family has been listening to it whether they chose to or not. They have all taken an interest in the 6.30 comedy slot for instance: we have a regular date on Fridays to listen to The Now Show or The News Quiz (depending on the six week cycle), and often listen to the repeat on Saturday lunchtime for the jokes we missed laughing. We like Benedict Cumberbatch and cast in Cabin Pressure, The Infinite Monkey Cage, PM and Tim Harford’s More or Less. And while I’ll listen to it all day, everyday, I am a particular fan of Woman’s Hour, The Book of the Week, The Archers, the Afternoon Play, Bill Nighy as Charles Paris whenever he’s on, Desert Island Discs, and many more.
Husband thinks I should turn off the radio if I leave the kitchen. I rarely do: I dip in and out of what’s on if I’m pottering about doing chores around the house, or, if I’m enjoying something in particular, I either turn up the volume or find a kitchen chore to do. When the family are at home I might find another radio or take this one with me - but he’s at home all the time now! And there’s cricket on despite it not being summer! I’ve had to retreat to my computer desk and put the iPlayer on!
Good news: England have won so I can have Radio 4 back in the kitchen... I'd better go and do something useful!
7 comments:
we have a similar discussion if travelling by car. I'm not a five live fan - too shouty and it always sounds as if they're at the bottom of a bucket. I love 'the life scientific', woman's hour, front row and in our time.
My mom lost her sight 10 yrs ago and before that very rarely listened to the radio..now she finds it a real life line. The spoken word on radio is very comforting and I leave the radio on when I leave the house...for the cats or burglars or just to return to...crackers I know!
I grew up with R 4 but rarely seem to get time to listen to it these days...and you've made me realise how much I miss it.
for me everything stops for Ed Reardon when ever it's on 4!!
for me everything stops for Ed Reardon when ever it's on 4!!
I enjoy the Afternoon Play and the Classic Serial. Have you tried Radio 4 Xtra (on digital). It's like second helpings - everything one loves about Radio 4 and more so! I recommend a portable radio with headphones.
Sadly reception on my portable radio with earphones has never managed to tune into talk radio, but I am starting to carry my radio from room to room!
Ed Reardon is indeed unmissable.
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