I started to listen to Radio 4 in my childhood and established a life-long habit that brings me great pleasure.
Radio 4
At school, I would sit cross-legged on the floor with my classmates and listen to David Kossoff tell stories from the bible. He was a wonderful story teller and I would be enthralled listening to his voice and using my imagination as described the people and places of far away lands. Later, I discovered the joy of listening to the afternoon play when I got home from school.
My friend and companion
As an adult, at home looking after my 3 young children I was always grateful to Radio 4. I used to say that the only thing I couldn’t do with a baby on my hip, a toddler hanging on my skirt, stopping a 3-year old scribbling on the wall, was to butter bread (it’s a definite two- handed operation). However, listening to Radio 4 was something I could always do and it made up for the lack of adult conversation and it felt like a true friend and companion.
Betrayal
I’ve listened to Radio 4 for most of my life. Woman’s Hour is an absolute favourite (I have a secret wish to be on the programme and/or meet Jenni Murray who has been presenting it for more than 30 years!) and so is Desert Island Discs. There was a moment in time (the early 1980s?) when, for some reason still unknown to me, the Radio 4 schedule was radically changed. It caused me confusion, hurt and yes … betrayal! I wasn’t alone, many of us loved the
Audio Books
My lovely friend Deb has converted me to the idea of audio books. In a similar way to Radio 4, you can listen to audio books when you are doing other things BUT unlike the radio you can listen when you are on a train and anywhere where there is no radio. I have downloaded my first book ‘Believe Me’ (that’s the name of book not that I think this idea is so radical that you will doubt me`) by Eddie Izzard.
Please note: I am an early riser and frequently wake up with thoughts and questions on my mind. I write them down and record them in these short unedited, un-researched, unscientific bits of writing. They are written in a half asleep hypnopompic state and should not be regarded as anything more than what they are – random thoughts and musings. For sensible subjects and writing please visit Positive Psychology Learning website
