No plans for Sunday night?
There are some jolly things in this - especially the Archers stuff.
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Who is this Eddie Mair person, Eric? Anyone we've heard of?
I'll be there!
You expect us all just to remember it? I woudld at least expect you to call us all to remind us, Eddie :p
It'll make a change from 'Go for It'!
I didn't know you were an Archers fan, Eddie? Or are you Eddie Grundy's Scottish cousin?
What?! No Barney Harwood?! Hmmmm....
I'll just have to listen to Eddie then, while I do the washing up. ;o)
I'm going out for a friend's birthday. I do hope it'll be Listenagainable?
I am not allowed to post comments?!
The nice thing about the Archers stuff in the programme is it works even if you never listen.
Oh boy, oh joy, the Archers. I nearly wet myself in anticipation.
I have been barred from the Blog. Am I allowed back in if I say sorry?
40 going on 97. 40? Is that all?
Funny - I was just going through the schedules and logged on to remind Froggers to listen to 4 at 40.
Are we enjoying Desert Island discs --
I think he did very well.
What have you got to do to be 'barred' from this blog?
And why hasn't worked for me?
Not a lot, Ace.
;o) , as they say (type?)
mac (13) Of course Stephen Fry can be challenged - but please challenge him for what he DOES and SAYS, not for what he IS. Of course his audience can leave the theatre, and we all have the choice of whether to go and see him or not in the first place.
I find these personal attacks of yours highly offensive. Substitute the name 'mac' for 'Stephen Fry' and you may see what I mean....
Mac, unless we bloggers act as Blog Censors, and ask to have your comments removed, we have to endure your ''mania''; we get depressed, but we refuse to leave the Blog and hide from you.
I'm sorry if this causes any discomfort to fellow Froggers, but I am increasingly concerned that this Blog is being used as a platform for thinly-disguised personal attacks.
Is this sufficient reason for me to ask for mac's comment 13 to be removed?
Well, I love R4, with some notable (and occasionally vitriolic) exceptions. So I'm settling back with a cuppa and I intend to indulge myself thoroughly.
Okay, Eddie, point taken - you never listen to the Archers. And why should you? No reason at all, and my other half certainly wishes I never listened to them.
Listening to the discussion now, I'm very struck that you are asking if the news plus the Archers are the heart of Radio 4. Now, I don't think that is the case, but I do think that they are both, in different ways, unvarying markers for Radio 4 listeners, and complement each other very well. Radio 4 listeners want to keep up with current affairs (news, PM, Today, etc) but also want some 'down' time, which is where programmes like the Archers come in.
Now I'm going to listen to the abridged Archers, courtesy of Ian Peacock.
Gillian, have you heard the Fry item?
What I say is not as rude as he frequently is.
Since what he is determines what he does he is clearly not open to any criticsm whatsoever.
I didn't realise he was all the things I was pretending he was.
I don't think your thinly disguised personal attacks should be removed, nor your obscenities on the Beach.
Do let me know if you succeed in having the post you object to removed.
It seems odd to me that you should want to make your own post, (14), acceptable by YOUR own standards, by having MY post removed.
Sid, if it IS removed does that mean that I didn't have the right to post it, whereas if Gillian hadn't complained I would have had the right?
I'm with Gillian (14) this. Please, mac, refrain and desist from personal attacks.
Wallowing in nostalgia! listening to Jack De Manio, and Alistair Cook in his heyday, not to mention the Reduced Archers Company. Lovely stuff. But also, as one would expect, intelligent discussion too. But 40 years - surely not.
Ace (11) - probably (13).
Why am I listening to Sing Something Simple? Such a sad b*gger these days, sniff.
I'm so gutted that Go For It isn't on.....it's the only thing that drives me to do the hoovering.
Is there a Corgi Registered plumber in the house? I forumite on another site has a problem if there is.....
;o)
Good programme, Eddie. I'm feeling mellow and comforted....it's like a tribute to a well beloved Great Auntie hosted by ....
Been listening and found most of it interesting and illuminating.
It reminded me a little of 'The Reunion' however. A lot of ex- Radio 4 people extolling the virtues of Radio 4. Mark Damazer - not the most dynamic of controllers - content to be the 'Guardian' of the netwok with his ' if it aint broke don't fix it' policy - althoug supposedly haven shaken the boat by ditching the 'UK Theme' that a handful of people listened to.
Apparently most people (in their mid-forties now) grew up huddled around the radio set in the evening? - Not in my household I'm happy to recount.
I do like the Network - certain aspects do need a kick up the backside. However, I got a little fed up with 'this' programmes bleating on about how good it is.
A lot of the shaping was done by having competition in London from LBC - in the eighties - which produced a very similar format to that of the current Radio 4 - albeit with more phone-in and a London slant. The breakfast show called 'AM' had more listeners than Radio 4 due to it's presenters and the lighter style of presentation.
I hope Radio 4 is prepared for the new competition from other speech stations in the future.
Eddie did a great job in hosting it though - and luckily PM is moving -as a programme- in the right direction -
A great shame that Eddie is not the controller of the Network.
Really, Eddie, (21:15 Sun night).
What kind of a programme was that, without a "Golden Joystick" moment...or even an intended moment...by the presenter/or is it host (or is it not? viz. the programme). Best behaviour in front of your bosses, was it? (I know *that* problem).
But I would have enjoyed a *last ever* edition of the Archers this evening...oh, I don't know, a sudden flood washing Borsetshire down the Severn out to sea? Or indeed a sudden flood washing it into the sea formerly known as Gloucestershire? You could have arranged that, surely?
Have just heard parts of it. They must have been the best parts, because you managed to slip in a bit of the PM theme tune.
(Later, on TIYL R4)
Sue Lawley back on DID...
Made a [man feeling old] (permutations) very happy....
Just how much did the ´óÏó´«Ã½ pay for TIYL, and other copyrighted material.....
Not allowed to post, eh?
Or again...
Channel 4 Theme again this evening....?
Just enjoying 4 at 40 by listening again. Radio 4 was certainly on a lot in our house (unlike yours, Jonnie!) when I was growing up, and it's still like a wonderful reliable old friend.
Of course not everything's great (some of the comedies, especially) but there's enough that is that I can leave it on all day & it's always the first station I turn on. 7 radios (3 digital) in the GM household and most tuned to R4!
hahaha just heard Jeremy Hardy, excellent. The Archers was quite good too especially the 1970's. Time for bed now!x
why can this be malicious!!!!!!!
Re: GM:- well apart from the typo's After re-reading my comment I may have been a bit harsh!
And before Radio Four - I still 'DO' remember ' listen with mother' at Gran's.
BUT
so much of the background as to the Name change (1-4) was brushed aside!
The basic resaons why - the ships! - lead to Radio 1's creation!
However there is no point in me posting negative opinions on a birthday celebration. We should generally be proud about about Radio 4's output.
However - the negative side should not be omitted - at least on a blog-.
Some of the drama's should never see the airwaves.
Some of the comedy should never see Ilford town hall.
Some of the early evening doc's are presented in a style - that me go to sleep as a 'very young' 47 year old!
Yes we all love our 'RAdio 4' - but lets not get too complacent about the future.
Simple things - like Eddie and the team have done -- for instance ' the sound of summer' - have won much acclaim!
Mark Damazer should have more courage and adopt bigger changes to the forrmat! -
What has really changed within Radio 4 in the last 10 years?
Ned Sherrin has an ilness!
The UK theme has gone?
Was
there even a word about John Peel? - err perhaps one - when Mark tried to explain why he axed the programme!
I'm afraid it was all a little self indugent about Radio 4 - which It should have been! - but as for my taste - not really about how, in general, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and other inputs have made UK radio what it is.
Now if Mark looked around at the talent available - the Steve Allen's' - the Clive Bulls' -- and the plethora from even the Scottish contingents-- he could peak on Radio 2's listening figures. - Ask Mark about Peter Deeley's whereabout's now for example! ... ...
I've no idea - and by the way - it was nice to hear Patrick Muirheads voice - another one who should be re-employed?
Just my view .. Gossipmistress ..
Oh and by the way - Hope you are coming to the Frogfest! - I have a Room reserved. Rupert is in need of eyedrops :-)
ahh - did appear - and the World service is sounding great!
Which sums up the next few hours: 0(
Andycroak (20):
NO, I *had* to listen to Sing Something Simple too. All those mid-70's memories of Sunday afternoons watching my dad doing DIY or building his wooden Cutty Sark model, with SSS drifting through from the living room...
*sigh*
What I caught of Eddie's programme was good - I hope it's on Listen Again - and the Stephen Fry programme that was on next was excellent; Barry Cryer as God in the Archers... inspired.
What? "You are not allowed to post comments"? What's that about?
I thoroughly enjoyed the 4 at 40 programme last night, and ''This is your Life'' afterwards. The latter even had my 15 year old son laughing - he happened to come in just as Matt Lucas was speaking. My son has also been known to laugh at ISIHAC, so there is hope for him yet!
Jonnie (29) I too used to listen to Listen with Mother at my Nan's, and a few years later, Woman's Hour when it was on in the afternoon. I can picture myself tucked up in and old armchair with the dog's blanket over me....
Am more of lurker than a poster these days but just wanted to jump in and say well said Gillian (14) - I totally agree with you.
Fiona
Re The Archers signature tune (Barwick Green by Arthur Wood) - Eddie, and everyone else, please, please, please can you remember that Barwick is pronounced 'barrick' not 'bar-wick'. I should know - I am the composer's granddaughter! Many thanks.
I loved Jeremy Hardy's contribution. I think he should be Deputy Prime Minister.
I laughed at the Martin Jarvis/ Stephen Fry reading duel at the end. And the Matt Lucas jingles. No doubt Jonnie thinks R4 should adopt those - liven the old place up a bit & update the image?
I did snigger at Eddies incredulity when Mark Damazer answered the question about how he got the job, trotting out those familiar phrases "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and whatever the other one was.
"And they bought that?"
I guess that's your salary capped for the next 5 years...
Didn't hear all of the 2 progs but will listen again, probably during the afternoon play.
I do like 'The Archers', partly for its inherent sillinesses. I adore ISIHAC and 'The News Quiz' and some other comedy programmes. Others, especially in the morning, are enough to send me screaming to clean the bathroom/do the hoovering. There seems to be an idea that if you put in a Northern English accent or two, it's funny (a bit condescending, methinks?) and if those studio audiences are fresh, not canned, why are they laughing? I'm not.
Many 'Afternoon Play's are dull, dull and IMNSHO not broadcast-worthy.
The News and Current Affairs content is a must.
Those are just my reactions; of course we all have our own views.
I like either my brain or my smile/laugh muscles to be stretched by R4.
Archivers must be wondering what (13) and (17) are about.
Well, in the first instance this:
Sorry, too busy catching all the Stephan Fry programmes.
Oh, he is wonderful. A polymath (= knows everything, understands nothing)
He will be commenting on the 'twee' last quessie on Any Questions!
And he knows twee! Pulling his nylon panties right up tight and throwing a tissy fit when on stage with Laurie and clearing off to somewhere secret.
The world dislikes us manic depressives 'cos it thinks the conditon is catching. Fry makes the point well. He gets manic and the audience get depressed that THEY can't leave the theatre and hide from HIM.
How much is he getting for that nonesense? He makes cruel fun out of listeners doing a programme an unpaid favour?
The last AQ I was at, I asked 10 serious questions, then had a couple of drnks and thought of a joke one (which was't funny and showed signs of 'wear and tear' (was 'tired and emotional')).
Eddie, for it was he, chose the joke one.
Fry is double trouble. Because he's so big and 'cos he's all mouth and nylon panties he can't be challenged physically or verbally.
I suggest two short planks (as he plainly thinks the rest of us to be) to the french fries or up the cul de sac.
That then was posted at the then (13) and criticised by the (now) )13) and (17).
I defended myself at 16 I think successfully. So why was the above removed?
Because I'm not allowed to make jokes about manic depression, his or mine?
Because I point out how some people cannot be stopped by reasonable criticism?
Because I can't quote the Kinks wrt to Stephan?
Lets put this whole thing the other way round Gillian and Anne P. If Fry had said those things about another (say, me as you have in effect Gillian, would you complain? I think not. ('I wouldn't say 'ACTUAL RUDE WORD' in front of you, Archbishop' is still to say the offensive word)
I complement Fry elsewhere on his treatment of Aids and the death of Ned Sherrin. But we are victims of his celebrity if he thinks he can be rude about lowly AQ questioners without them having the capacity to reply with equal scorn. Which is what Gillain and Anne P and apparently Gossip are trying to ensure.
And moderators if you are blocking this replacement I would like to know why. I don't find it offensive and wouldn't if it were about me. If the defence is what you don't like, that people do what they do because of what they are then say so please.
Hey, Sid, I think my right to get this posted depends on whether I get it printed.
PS This version of the post has an edit which may make the difference to you.
Archivers must be wondering what (13) and (17) are about.
Well, in the first instance this:
Sorry, too busy catching all the Stephan Fry programmes.
Oh, he is wonderful. A polymath (= knows everything, understands nothing)
He will be commenting on the 'twee' last quessie on Any Questions!
And he knows twee! Pulling his nylon panties right up tight and throwing a tissy fit when on stage with Laurie and clearing off to somewhere secret.
The world dislikes us manic depressives 'cos it thinks the conditon is catching. Fry makes the point well. He gets manic and the audience get depressed that THEY can't leave the theatre and hide from HIM.
How much is he getting for that nonesense? He makes cruel fun out of listeners doing a programme an unpaid favour?
The last AQ I was at, I asked 10 serious questions, then had a couple of drnks and thought of a joke one (which was't funny and showed signs of 'wear and tear' (was 'tired and emotional')).
Eddie, for it was he, chose the joke one.
Fry is double trouble. Because he's so big and 'cos he's all mouth and nylon panties he can't be challenged physically or verbally.
I suggest two short planks (as he plainly thinks the rest of us to be) to the french fries or up the cul de sac.
That then was posted at the then (13) and criticised by the (now) )13) and (17).
I defended myself at 16 I think successfully. So why was the above removed?
Because I'm not allowed to make jokes about manic depression, his or mine?
Because I point out how some people cannot be stopped by reasonable criticism?
Because I can't quote the Kinks wrt to Stephan?
Lets put this whole thing the other way round Gillian and Anne P. If Fry had said those things about another (say, me as you have in effect Gillian, would you complain? I think not. ('I wouldn't say 'ACTUAL RUDE WORD' in front of you, Archbishop' is still to say the offensive word)
I complement Fry elsewhere on his treatment of Aids and the death of Ned Sherrin. But we are victims of his celebrity if he thinks he can be rude about lowly AQ questioners without them having the capacity to reply with equal scorn. Which is what Gillain and Anne P and apparently Gossip are trying to ensure.
And moderators if you are blocking this replacement I would like to know why. I don't find it offensive and wouldn't if it were about me. If the defence is what you don't like, that people do what they do because of what they are then say so please.
Hey, Sid, I think my right to get this posted depends on whether I get it printed.
PS This version of the post has an edit which may make the difference to you.