What would you choose?

OH and I frequently listen to the radio, sometimes local radio or Radio 2 but more often Radio 4.

Our favourite programmes include "The Archers" (an everyday story of countryfolk). I can almost hear some of you groaning but expect many will be familiar with the signature tune. When I was a little girl (55 + years ago) I used to listen to it with my parents but lost track of it when I left home. However when OH and I got together and I discovered that he was an avid follower I soon became hooked again myself.

Another must for us is the quiz game "I'm sorry I haven't a Clue". This was hosted by the late, great Humphrey Lyttelton and his comic timing was perfect. The shows are funny and laden with double entendres and we never tire of listening to repeats of the recordings.

One programme I try not to miss is "Desert Island Discs". This is broadcast on Sunday mornings at 11.15, immediately after the omnibus edition of "The Archers" and repeated on Friday mornings at 9.15. This week's "castaway" was Ruth Padel. I had not heard of her prior to the broadcast but she is an acclaimed poet and has said that wildness and wild animals lie at the heart of her work. She is also the great, great grand-daughter of Charles Darwin.

For those of you who may not know the programme it was created in 1942 by Roy Plomley and he hosted it for many years. He was followed by Michael Parkinson, then Sue Lawley and now it is the turn of Kirsty Young. I have heard the story that apparently Roy Plomley had the idea one night when he couldn't sleep, wrote it down on a piece of paper, went back to sleep and the rest, as they say, is history! The guests are many and varied and names such as George Clooney, Dame Judi Dench, Johnny Cash, Jack Vettriano, Michael Eavis and Princess Margaret are just a few of the very long list of celebrities that have been invited to take part and make their desert island choices. I always find the programme fascinating, whether or not I know the name of the castaway or have any knowledge of, or interest in, their particular field. I often find myself wondering which 8 discs I would want to have with me should I find myself in those particular circumstances and it is difficult to choose from the dozens, possibly hundreds of songs and melodies I have loved to listen to over the past 60 + years! Like most I imagine, my tastes have changed, so the choice would be different from year to year probably. Two though, that do stand out for me are Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra playing "The Sunny Side of the Street" as this has been a favourite for quite a while now (click here to listen) and the other long-time favourite is the Beatles' "In My Life".

The castaways are told they are given the Bible (or other religeous work), the complete works of Shakespeare and may choose one other book. Again there have been some interesting choices and my opinion on this also varies from time to time.

Finally a luxury is allowed, as long as it is not in the form of any kind of rescue craft or communication appliance, food, shelter etc. Now of course all sorts of things spring to mind and there have been some wonderful requests (that of John Major being The Oval Cricket Ground, which was agreed!) but having had quite a while to ponder this I have decided my luxury would be a piano and a "teach yourself to play it" book. Have often wished I could play the piano, so what better opportunity - plenty of time, something to do and, hopefully, improve at and no-one to irritate!

So, what would you take to your desert island, should you by unlucky/lucky enough to be all washed up?