Hello from BH,
It's time to own up.
BH is frequently gaining an extra minute from the Archers. The mystery of the missing minute has not been answered, but each Sunday morning at around 8 AM we get a phone call asking "Would BH like an extra minute?"
So if you have any ideas for how to fill it, perhaps with a new mini programme, do let me know.
In other news, I've been spoken to by Eddie Mair of PM with Eddie Mair. He's asked me if I want to contribute to his blog.
This is lovely of him, since I've long thought that BH does not really need its own blog, but that we do suffer from a lack of a public forum to send brickbats/ bouquets. For example, here are two emails from our inbox from last Sunday's programme:
Adam Turner: "How old was the young person who described the devastation of flooding in her grandfather's house this morning? Her style, fluency and use of language made superb radio - she outclassed many professional reporters - and you should sign her up immediately for regular work with BBC." (The answer is that she is 19, and we loved her too.)
And immediately underneath in the email inbox, John East complains about Simon Weston's remarks about Tony Blair in the press review. Here's an extract:
"The BBC is required by charter to provide balance and impartiality, two elements absent in this segment. The fact that Mr Weston overstepped the mark was apparent by your presenter's rather feeble attempt to steer the conversation to more neutral ground. As your website describes this programme as 'factual', can I therefore suggest that you vet the political opinions of your guests more carefully in future."
Anyway. It seems we can soon have a go at a BH entry on the PM blog on Sunday that will allow you – if you are kind enough to reply to this newsletter – to have your remarks seen by others if you choose. Please do continue to send replies to this newsletter, as they are guaranteed to be read by the team making Sunday's programme.
This week, we're looking at:
– Iraq: We are considering comparing voices from this week at the opening of the Iraq inquiry with those we heard at the time the decision was taken to go to war.
– Concentration camps: We have the remarkable stories of a man who smuggled himself into Auschwitz and another who escaped from Sobibor.
– Banks: We're thinking of an item on banks. Are they having a bumper Christmas gift package?
– Julie Andrews: Is to sing again. We wonder about celebrating the voice.
TRIVIA:
This is much longer than normal, to get in the news of the blog and the Archers' mystery minute. However, here are the views of some other newsletter subscribers on the question of "Lapsang Souchong: Is it wrong?"
Leslie Kossoff: This is not wrong at all. In fact, I would suggest that, among other purveyors, you try the Lapsang Souchong offered by H.R. Higgins, if you’ve not already done so. I would also suggest you take a look at the wonders of Mariage Frères. As an American living in Paris – who listens to British radio – I can recommend them highly. Particularly their blend, Haute Mer (again, a purist choice).
(Editor's notes: Other teas are available. PG, Twinings, Tetley, Yorkshire, add your own here and tell a friend about them.)
David Bowden: Not of itself, but you should either use bottled or filtered water or it'll taste quite horrid, and that is from someone who does not like to drink tea anyway.
Leslie Durling: Tea for hard water area (I'm talking tea bags here, and is subjective as based on my now 'aged' taste buds!!:) Rose Pouchong - for a lighter delicate tea that hard water doesn't completely kill. Lady Grey - for an any time cuppa, the citrus hint lifts the 'deadness' taste. Over the years in many hard water areas of the UK I found 'natural 'additives to the teas as above helps the taste. (Editor's note. Don't add anything naughty without telling us first.)
Nigel in Cornwall: Shhhh ... we thought our secret was safe ... Add one bag of LS to two bags of good fair-trade "regular" per pot. Serves 4. More than the water will soften, you'll see!
That's enough. If you've read this far, you are clearly devoting much too much time to your screen. Go and get a cup of something hot.
Here's to you,
From Paddy, with Steven editing and Jastinder and Bruce* (only his second BH) producing.
Bruce is an educated young man. He just admitted in the meeting that he hired a car and was forced to listen to a radio station he didn't really like because he couldn't work out how to use the radio. He then enjoyed the programme he was forcing himself to hear. What kind of a man is this???
If you'd like to respond to this newsletter, please email bh@bbc.co.uk.
© MMIX