Radio Oldie

Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan speak about their latest book Kings & Queens at The Oldie Literary Lunch on Nov 15th at The National Liberal Club

The Oldie Literary Lunch took place on 15th November at The National Liberal Club. LUCY LETHBRIDGE gave a fascinating talk about her latest book Tourists defining the way the English went abroad to find themselves.  Holidaying was a new phenomena of the past two centuries and one which initially applied to the working classes. As Evelyn Waugh once said “Every Englishman abroad, until it is proved to the contrary, likes to consider himself a traveller and not a tourist.” PETER SNOW spoke about his latest book Kings & Queens, The Real Lives of the English Monarchs, which he has co-written with Ann MacMillan. Kings & Queens explores the lives, loves, triumphs and disasters of a monarchy that is the envy of the world. Peter's book offers a unique insight into those born to rule, whether villains or heroes - from cruel King John and warrior-king Edward III, to our own Elizabeth II: dutiful, discreet and the longest-reigning queen in the world. A N WILSON delivered a startlingly honest and characteristically witty memoir of his youth entitled Confessions.   His first autobiography is populated by a rich cast of characters from royalty to Oxford dons to journalists, and his speech provided the guests at the lunch with much humour.

Harry Mount hosts the Oldie Gang Show with guests Andrew Lownie, David Starkey and Dame Eileen Atkins. Andrew Lownie reveals the true nature of the Duke of Windsor, the subject of his book, Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Historian and broadcaster, David Starkey, paints a dynamic portrayal of Henry VIII as the both pivotal to British history and the progenitor of Brexit. Henry VIII is also essential for understanding the role of the Prime Minister and Parliament today. Dame Eileen Atkins is in conversation with Oldie veteran contributor Valerie Grove. Atkin's memoir, Will She Do? is a frank and funny chronicle of Eileen's journey from a Tottenham council estate - entertaining in men's clubs as Baby Eileen - to dominating the English stage and screen as an actor and writer.  January 19, 2022 at the Reform Club

​In this latest edition of the Oldie Podcast, Harry Bucknall talks to that master of story telling himself, Jeffrey Archer, about his new novel, Over My Dead Body which is a story of murder, revenge and betrayal; the fourth in the William Warwick series and another case for investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s rising star, who made his first appearance in Jeffrey Archer’s Clifton Chronicles series.​ @Jeffrey_Archer @GameKeeperPR @OldieMagazine

Prompted by the sad death of Richard Rogers, Giles and Mary discuss modern architecture, foreign versus domestic holidays and their Christmas plans @gilesandmary1 @oldiemagazine #podcast 

In this edition of The Oldie Podcast, Harry Bucknall talks to The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, 158th Speaker of the House of Commons, whose role is delivering the daily business of politics. It is he who has to restore the reputation and  traditional values expected of those we elect to represent us and it is he who has to ensure that MPs can go about their daily business unhindered, safe in the knowledge that they do so without risk from the unwanted and unwarranted attention of those remote elements of society intent on spreading malice, causing harm and even death. @LindsayHoyle_MP @CommonsSpeaker @HouseofCommons @GamekeeperPR @HarryBucknall @OldieMagazine

In this week's discussion of the news headlines, Giles and Mary discuss lying, Patricia Highsmith's murder theory and the robin's territorial wars @gilesandmary1 @oldiemagazine #podcast 

​Mary Churchill’s War, the Wartime Diaries of Churchill’s Youngest Daughter, were published at the end of September.  In the diaries, the self effacing Mary Soames described herself as "a discontented served-up fat ATS officer who compared unfavourably with Hitler’s Rhine maidens" – anything could be further from the truth, as those fortunate to meet her will bear testament to her warmth, great sense of duty and ability to light up a room.  In this edition of The Oldie Podcast, Harry Bucknall is joined by Emma Soames, editor supreme, and Mary’s daughter, who took on the challenging task of preparing Mary Churchill’s War for publication. Mary Churchill’s War, published by TWO ROADS, is available on kindle, in audio and hardback, the latter price £20.00 @TwoRoadBooks @oldiemagazine @emmasoames @churchill

In this week's broadcast, Giles and Mary discuss Meghan Markle, snogging and the overuse of the word 'crisis' @maryandgiles1 @oldiemagazine #podcast