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Raiders of the Lost Archive

In dusty attics and cupboards across the land, old radio programmes languish, lost to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ archive. Luckily, Keith Wickham and friends make it their business to track them down.

In dusty attics and cupboards across the land, old radio programmes languish on tapes and reels. Luckily, Keith Wickham and friends make it their business to find them and get them back where they belong - in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ archive.

Raiders of the Lost Archive tells the story of a collegiate network of audio archivists, sound engineers and hobbyists dedicated to repatriating these cultural treasures, outlining the complex work that is needed to ensure these programmes can be heard once again.

Swoon as we hear how the Radiophonic Workshop archive was saved.
Laugh as Ken Dodd tells jokes that were old even in 1957.
Thrill as the archivists locate lost episodes of Desert Island Discs, and hand them over to Lauren Laverne.

But that's not all. What is the astonishing audio holy grail that the Raiders archivists have turned up? A very special lost programme that has not been heard since 1955.

With special thanks to the Radio Circle, Richard Harrison, Roger Bickerton, Mark Ayres, Steve Arnold, Tom Hercock, Hannah Ratford and all at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Archives in Caversham.

Presented by Keith Wickham
Written and Edited by Keith Wickham and James Peak
Produced by James Peak

An Essential Radio production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 17 Oct 2022 16:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Broadcasts

  • Thu 13 Oct 2022 11:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Mon 17 Oct 2022 16:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Eight unexpected moments from the rescued Desert Island Discs episodes

Eight unexpected moments from the rescued Desert Island Discs episodes

Funny, moving and tender moments with James Stewart, Anita Roddick and David Hockney.